I have been a Disney Vacation Club member since 2008, and as I continue to explore the resorts on trips to Walt Disney World, I keep coming back to Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Old Key West is the original DVC resort, which opened in 1991. It is decently sized with almost 800 rooms and the rooms vary in size from studios, one, two and even up to three bedroom two story grand villas. It isn’t the number or type of rooms that makes this my favorite resort.
I love the way I feel when I’m at this resort. I’ve stayed at 90% of the DVC resorts in the continental U.S., and I never feel so relaxed and comfortable at any other resort as I do when I’m at Old Key West. The excitement of a Disney vacation seems to disappear at this resort. It feels like I’m in a beach town, relaxing in my home away from home. The staff at OKW add to this atmosphere by treating guests like members of the family and welcoming us home. In some areas of the Hospitality House (where check in and the restaurant/gift shop are located), there are pictures of DVC members with their families enjoying their vacations at the WDW resort. Their Community Hall has been the most “homelike” to me, the cast members there are welcoming and have always been up for a good conversation. I enjoy this resort top to bottom.
That being said, I’d like to offer some tips for your stay at OKW:
Tip 1:
When booking on DVC points, I recommend choosing the “near Hospitality House” option. While you may not end up at the front of the resort, you will end up within a 5 minute walk of the hospitality house. I prefer to stay at Old Key West for runDisney race weekends and staying up front helps save your feet for the race and not for the trip to the race buses.
Tip 2:
There is a drink that you can only get at Old Key West that is delicious and one of my favorites: the Turtle Krawl. It reminds me of something I have had wandering Duval Street in Key West. This drink can be found inside Olivia’s and Gurgling Suitcase, the restaurant and bar located next to each other at the Hospitality House. I also believe Gurgling Suitcase is home to the best rum runner on property.
Tip 3:
Have a meal at Olivia’s! It’s a cozy and comforting atmosphere that reminds me of the family owned small restaurants in resort towns I’ve visited. Their menu has a decent range of food but there’s a secret menu item available daily for DVC members that is always comfort food. The most popular is the fried chicken, it’s known to sell out quickly! I would also recommend the pork chop.
Have you ever stayed at Old Key West? Have you ever done any of these tips? What tips of your own do you have for this resort?
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