Our first Disney Vacation Club stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort was unforgettable and served as our first‑hand review of one of Disney’s original DVC resorts.
We visited Walt Disney World from December 23 through December 27 and spent Christmas in a One‑Bedroom Villa at Old Key West. Between the generous villa size, the laid‑back Key West inspired atmosphere, and the strong value in DVC points, Old Key West quickly became a resort we know we will return to.
This trip was especially meaningful because it was our first time experiencing Disney Vacation Club as owners and we chose one of the busiest weeks of the year to do it. Even during Christmas week, Old Key West felt calm, spacious, and relaxed in a way that surprised us.
We only had one park day during this stay, yet we still felt like we missed out on much of what the resort itself has to offer. That alone says a lot about the strength of the Old Key West experience.
One‑Bedroom Villa at Old Key West: Location and First Impressions
We stayed in Room 6414, a first‑floor One‑Bedroom Villa located near the resort entrance. That location made getting in and out of the resort incredibly convenient, especially while traveling with a little one.
Because we were on the first floor, our villa had a walk‑out patio instead of a balcony. The view was excellent. Our patio overlooked the seventh hole of the Old Key West golf course along with the LBV water hazard.
One morning, we ate breakfast outside while watching golfers attempt to avoid the water. Our little one happily wished everyone passing by on the nearby golf cart path a Merry Christmas. That simple moment ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
Why Old Key West DVC Villas Feel Like Home
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is the size of the villas. Our One‑Bedroom DVC Villa felt far more like a full apartment than a hotel room.
It was larger than my first apartment.
The living area featured an open layout with a full kitchen. A large counter separated the kitchen from the living space and also doubled as the TV stand. That counter became the perfect spot for our small pink Christmas tree, which made the villa feel especially festive during the holiday stay.
The living room included:
- A sofa bed
- A chair that converted into a single sleeper
There was more than enough space to comfortably host a small group. We actually did just that and celebrated Christmas with family who live in Orlando. That would never have been possible in a standard Disney hotel room.
Both the living room and the bedroom had direct access to the patio, which made the entire villa feel open and connected to the outdoors.
Bedroom, Bathrooms, and In‑Room Laundry
The bedroom was spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed with plenty of storage. Old Key West does an excellent job with storage, and we never once felt cramped, even during a busy holiday week.
The bathroom layout was another standout feature and a great example of how Disney Vacation Club villas are designed for longer stays.
The villa included two separate bathroom areas.
The first bathroom area featured a large vanity, a jacuzzi tub, and an oversized walk‑in closet with generous hanging space.
The second bathroom area included another large vanity, a toilet, and a spacious walk‑in shower.
The second bathroom connected through both the main bathroom and the in‑room laundry room, which included a washer and dryer. A family of five could easily stay in this villa while still allowing parents some privacy. This is one of those details that clearly shows the value of a DVC villa compared to a standard hotel room.
Pools and Resort Amenities at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
On our final day, the weather finally warmed up enough to swim, so we visited one of Old Key West’s pools. The resort has multiple pools, and we chose the one with the sandcastle themed water slide. It was a huge hit with our little one.
Old Key West also offers a wide range of resort amenities, including:
- Bike rentals
- Tennis courts
- A playground
- Community Hall with daily activities
Even after several days at the resort, it felt like we barely scratched the surface of everything available.
Dining at Old Key West Resort: Olivia’s Café
We ate at Olivia’s Café twice during our stay, once for dinner and once for brunch. Both meals were excellent, and Olivia’s quickly earned a spot on our list of favorite Disney resort restaurants.
The atmosphere felt relaxed and welcoming, and the food exceeded our expectations both times. Olivia’s Café is one of those restaurants that feels worth returning to, even if you are not staying at Old Key West.
We will share a full review of Olivia’s Café in a future post, as it truly deserves one.
Boat Transportation to Disney Springs
One of our favorite perks of staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort was the boat transportation to Disney Springs. The ride was calm, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing, with beautiful views along the way.
It was a peaceful alternative to buses and a great way to slow down during an otherwise busy Disney trip.
Is Disney’s Old Key West Resort Worth It? Our DVC Review
Even with limited park time, Old Key West felt like a destination on its own. That is something not every Disney resort can claim.
Old Key West stands out as:
- The original Disney Vacation Club resort
- One of the lowest DVC point cost resorts
- Home to some of the largest villas on Disney property
For families learning how Disney Vacation Club works or weighing the decision between renting DVC points and becoming members, Old Key West offers a clear example of why many see DVC as a strong long‑term value.
If all this talk of points and other DVC terms is confusing, we have the following posts to help you:
We plan to publish more DVC articles and reviews. Joining DVC was a sizable investment in our family’s memories, so it is something we truly love and want to focus on, especially as I approach retirement age.
Is Disney’s Old Key West Resort worth it for DVC members?
Yes, especially for families who value large villas, lower DVC point costs, and a relaxed resort atmosphere. It doesn’t have the easy access to parks like the Monorail and Epcot resorts do, but it makes up for it in other ways.
Are One‑Bedroom Villas at Old Key West large?
Yes. Old Key West has some of the largest One‑Bedroom Villas on Disney property, with full kitchens, in‑room laundry, and multiple bathrooms. OKW also has two and three-bedroom villas!!!
How is transportation at Old Key West Resort?
Old Key West offers bus transportation to the parks and boat transportation to Disney Springs, which many guests find calm and convenient. Since we drove, we took our car on the one day we went to the park. This allowed us to arrive when we wanted, without having to wait. As of right now, if you are staying on Disney property, parking at a theme park is free. This is a huge perk!
Is Old Key West good for families with young children?
Yes. The resort has multiple pools, playgrounds, and spacious villas that work well for families traveling with kids.
Final Thoughts on Our First DVC Stay at Old Key West
This Disney’s Old Key West Resort review reflects our experience staying in a One‑Bedroom Villa during Christmas week as Disney Vacation Club owners.
Our first stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort was the ideal introduction to Disney Vacation Club life. From the spacious One‑Bedroom Villa and peaceful golf course views to celebrating Christmas with family and enjoying the resort amenities, this stay exceeded our expectations.
If you are considering renting DVC points or becoming a member and want large rooms, solid amenities, and lower point costs, Old Key West is an excellent choice.
We have been to the real Key West before. As our seven-year-old lamented, the only thing missing was the chickens.
After this trip, we already know one thing for sure.
We will be back.
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