Escape to Paradise: Disney's Old Key West Resort - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Disney's Old Key West Resort - Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (Or Will It?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real skinny on Disney's Old Key West Resort. Forget those perfectly filtered Instagram posts, I'm talking raw, unfiltered, "did-I-remember-to-pack-underpants?" kind of honesty. This ain't your grandma's travel review, this is a experience.
First, the Promise: "Escape to Paradise"… big words, Disney. Big, dreamy words. Were my expectations too high? Maybe. But hey, a girl can dream, right?
Accessibility: Not Too Shabby, BUT…
Okay, let's start with the important stuff. Old Key West claims to be accessible, and yeah, they make a decent effort. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, and I saw ramps everywhere. The elevator situation was good, which is a Godsend when you're lugging suitcases and a whiny kid. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is reassuring. But… and this is a big but… navigating the place can still be a bit of a hike for those with mobility issues. It's spread out. Like, seriously, you might need to plan your bathroom breaks.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: More like Accessible-ish
I'm not gonna lie - Finding accessible restaurants was sometimes a bit of a scavenger hunt. They say everything's accessible, but sometimes the actual layout feels like they just hoped for the best. Definitely check ahead and confirm details, especially if you’re relying heavily on accessibility.
The Amenities - Oh, So Many Amenities… (and Some Letdowns)
Alright, here's where things get interesting. Buckle in, this is gonna be long…
Relaxation Station?
Spa (and Spa/Sauna): Okay, the spa… le sigh. I didn't splurge on a full spa day, because, let's face it, those things cost a small fortune. But I did peep the service menu. They had the basics - Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage. Sounded swanky. They also have a Sauna and Steamroom… nice touch. But, did I actually use them? Nope. Too much other stuff to do! Priorities, people. Priorities.
Swimming Pool, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pools, though! That’s where the magic happens. There are multiple pools, including the main one with a Poolside bar – because who doesn’t want a margarita while you’re getting some vitamin D? The pools are definitely the highlight, and they have designated areas for kids, which is a sanity-saver.
Gym/fitness, Fitness center: Ha! Who has time for the gym? I mean, I intended to go, but the siren song of the pool, the Snack bar, and the general Disney chaos always won.
The Practical Stuff (Because Adulting is a Thing)
Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless: Okay, the Internet situation. It's Disney. You expect good internet, and you mostly get it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank heavens. But sometimes, in the sprawling resort, it felt like the signal got lost somewhere in between the villas. Still, compared to dial-up… progress!
Cleanliness and safety: This is where Disney shines. I'm talking Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They take cleanliness seriously, especially now. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Felt safe, which is HUGE. Room sanitization opt-out available - that's a nice touch.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay, the food. Let's get real. You're at Disney. You're paying a premium. The food is… decent. Not Michelin-star good, but perfectly acceptable. You have options. Restaurants, the Bar areas, Coffee shops, a Snack bar (for the kids and me!), and even Room service [24-hour] if you’re feeling lazy. I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant - kinda bland, but hey, points for effort. The Breakfast [buffet] was… overwhelming. So. Much. Food. But the Coffee/tea in restaurant was consistently good, and that's what mattered. They also have Vegetarian restaurant, which I love.
The Room - My Little Island of Calm (Mostly)
My room: sigh. Available in all rooms – Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wi-Fi [free]. It ticked all the boxes. But it wasn't perfect. The Carpeting felt a little… dated. The Blackout curtains were AMAZING, though. Crucial for battling jet lag and over-tired kids. I had a decent Window that opens. A few times, I wished for an upgrade. But overall, it was a comfortable sanctuary. The Extra long bed, was a bonus.
The "Things to Do" - The Disney Vortex
Let's be real. You're at Disney. There's a million "things to do," and you'll probably miss half of them because you're wandering around in a daze, trying to find the churro stand.
The Negatives
- The Distance: As I mentioned before, your legs are your only friend in Old Key West. You're going to walk. A lot.
- The Cost: Disney is pricey. No surprises there. Factor in food, park tickets, souvenirs… your wallet might cry.
- The Crowds: It's Disney. There will be crowds. Accept it.
The Emotional Journey
Okay, I'm going to get a little mushy now…
- The Good: I loved the feeling of escaping reality, for a little while. The kids adored it. The Family/child-friendly rating is accurate! The joy in their eyes when they saw Mickey… priceless. The Pool with view was a fantastic break from the hot sun.
- The Not-So-Good: Being stressed the entire time to enjoy the experience.
- The Moment of Pure Joy: The moment when my daughter finally got the magic. She hugged Mickey. She declared it "The best day ever!" And in that moment, all the walking, the expense, the minor annoyances… vanished. That’s what it’s all about, right?
Final Verdict:
Disney's Old Key West has its flaws, but it's also got a lot going for it. It's a comfortable, well-maintained resort with fantastic pools and a location that's accessible to the parks. It’s a great option and provides a wide range of services and conveniences. If you're looking for a relaxing Florida vacation, it's a strong contender.
But… here's my honest truth:
It's Disney. It's expensive. It's crowded. But… it's also magical. Just go in with your eyes open, manage your expectations, and prepare to laugh (and maybe cry a little) at the chaos.
The (Shameless) Offer:
Escape to Paradise (and Save Your Sanity!): Book Your Dream Vacation at Disney's Old Key West Resort Today! And Get These Exclusive Perks:
- Stress-Free Guarantee: Book directly through the official Disney website or a verified Disney travel partner and enjoy flexible cancellation policies, giving you peace of mind.
- Early Park Entry: Resort guests get early access to the theme parks, giving you a head start on those beloved rides.
- Complimentary Transportation: Skip the parking fees and enjoy free transportation throughout the Disney property, including bus, monorail, and boat.
- Exclusive Dining Deals: Get special offers on dining packages and restaurant reservations, helping you save money and enjoy delicious meals.
- Memory Maker Discount: Pre-purchase Memory Maker and save on capturing all those magical moments with professional photos throughout your trip.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories! Book your stay at Disney's Old Key West Resort now! (And maybe pack extra snacks… you'll thank me later.)
P.S. Remember those churros? They're worth it. Just sayin'.
Ibiza's Hidden Gem: OKU Ibiza — The Ultimate Guide
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-filtered Instagram travel post. This is the REAL DEAL. My trip to Old Key West? Hoo boy. Let's just say it started with a scream (that was me, realizing I'd forgotten my Minnie Mouse ears).
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Glorious Pool (Mostly) - The "Sweet, Sweet Relief" of Vacation
- 1:00 PM: Arrival! Orlando International Airport. Ugh, airports. The smell of stale pretzels and existential dread. Delayed flight? Naturally. Found the Magical Express… eventually. Okay, the Cast Members with their smiling faces are starting to work their magic. First hurdle: lugging two enormous suitcases and a crying toddler onto the bus. Success! (Mostly.)
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at Old Key West. Gorgeous lobby! I wanted to just plop down on one of those oversized chairs and never leave. But duty calls: unpacking. The first rummage through the suitcase always causes instant dread (did I REALLY pack that hideous sweater?).
- 2:30 PM: Room! It's… spacious. Like, you could practically rent it out as a studio apartment. The theming is charming, but my first thought? "WHERE ARE THE COFFEE PODS?!" Instant panic. Coffee is a necessity, not a luxury. Thank God for the kitchenette.
- 3:00 PM: Victory! Coffee is brewing. Ahhhhhhh. Then, the glorious pool! The main pool is HUGE. Grabbed a lounge chair (score!). Little Timmy immediately decided that the pool WAS HIS and splashed everyone relentlessly. Hey, I can't blame him. It is the best part of the whole resort. Spent most of the time dodging rogue water balloons and trying to perfect my "drowsy sunbather" pose.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Olivia's Cafe. Okay, honestly? It was… fine. The food was good, the service was great, but I kind of prefer a simple burger and fries after a day like that. Maybe I was just hangry. Or maybe I was just missing my own bed.
- 7:30 PM: Evening stroll around the resort. Tried to find a quiet moment on the beach, but the mosquitoes had other plans. Those things are vicious! Ended the night with a (slightly frantic) trip to the resort store for bug spray and a giant Mickey Mouse ice cream bar. Best purchase of the day, hands down.
Day 2: Park Day! (Magic Kingdom Mayhem & the Stroller Olympics)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up call (aka the toddler's internal clock). Coffee, again. (Thank. God.) The mad dash to get everyone ready for the parks begins. This is where the "organized chaos" truly starts.
- 8:00 AM: Board the bus to Magic Kingdom. I swear, half the challenge of Disney is simply getting to Disney. The stroller situation? The Stroller Olympics. There were some serious stroller-pushing pros out there.
- 9:00 AM: Magic Kingdom! The crowds. Oy vey. It's a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and the occasional toddler meltdown. But the awe factor? Immeasurable. Cinderella Castle is legit breathtaking. I may have teared up a little. Don't judge me.
- 9:30 AM: Peter Pan's Flight. The line was INSANE, but my little one begged for a ride! Worth it. That ride is pure magic. Then, grabbed a Mickey pretzel (again!).
- 11:00 PM: It's a Small World. Okay, I know it's a classic. But… it got stuck. For, like, five agonizing minutes. The music. The dolls. The sheer claustrophobia. I could feel my sanity slipping away. Finally got out and needed some serious air.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale. The food… forgettable. The crowd… overwhelming. I lost my kid for approximately three minutes in the sea of people. That was the longest three minutes of my life.
- 2:00 PM: Parade! This was AMAZING. The energy! The characters! The sheer joy! I forgot all about the cranky kids and sore feet.
- 4:00 PM: Back to Old Key West. The bus ride back was a blur of tired kids and relieved parents. My feet felt like they were going to fall off.
- 5:00 PM: POOL TIME! More splashing, more sun, more bliss.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Pizza delivered to the room. The perfect end to a perfect, exhausting day at the most magical place on Earth.
Day 3: Rest Day (ish) - Conch Flats, and a Whole Lotta Napping
- 9:00 AM: Slept in! (Sort of). The toddler woke up at 8. But hey, bonus hour of rest.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast in room. Toasted Bagels, fruit cups, and coffee.
- 10:00 AM: The little one wanted to swim, so to the pool we went.
- 11:00 AM: Got ready to explore the resort! Walked to Conch Flats, played mini golf at the resort.
- 2:00 PM: Naptime! A much-needed power nap for everyone. Bliss.
- 4:00 PM: Dinner at Olivia's. Delicious comfort food.
- 5:00 PM: Walked through Disney Springs.
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime!
Day 4: Departure Day (and the bittersweet goodbyes)
- 7:00 AM: Final cup of coffee, packing, and last-minute panic. Did I leave anything behind? Probably.
- 8:00 AM: One last stroll through the resort to soak it all in.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast and checkout.
- 10:00 AM: Losing a final Mickey Mouse ice cream bar to the floor(heartbreak).
- 11:00 AM: The Magical Express to the airport. Goodbye, Disney. Goodbye, sunshine. Goodbye, sanity… maybe not goodbye to Mickey ice cream.
- 1:00 PM: Delayed flight. Again. But, hey, at least I have memories.
Look, it wasn't perfect. There were meltdowns. There was exhaustion. There was the questionable food. But there was also laughter, joy, and those incredible moments of pure magic. Disney is intense, yes. But it's also… everything. And I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go book another trip… and this time, I'm buying all the Minnie ears.
Escape to Paradise: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah's Luxury Awaits
Okay, so Old Key West... Disney's version of the Keys? Is it really *that* chill?
Alright, listen. "Chill"? Yeah, mostly. But let me tell you, “Disney’s version” sometimes hits the sweet spot, sometimes… well, it’s Disney. Think breezy, Key West, but with extra Mickey Mouse sprinkles. I went once, right? First morning, I stroll out of my ridiculously spacious villa – seriously, the space is insane – and BAM! Sunshine, palm trees, the smell of… chlorinated water (because, pools). I was instantly relaxed. Totally. But then, I tried to get a coffee… and the line at Olivia's (yes, that's the main restaurant, the main lifeblood!) was longer than the Pirates ride at Magic Kingdom. So, chill? Yes. Always perfectly chill? Nope. It's *human* chill, with the occasional Disney-level logistical hiccup. Still, the villas are amazing and the theming is pretty much spot on. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just maybe... bring my own coffee. Or bribe someone.
Can I realistically afford this? Because Disney, you know...
Okay, look. This is the big one. Disney is EXPENSIVE, no bones about it. Old Key West *can* be relatively less painful than, say, staying at the Polynesian (dream on!). It's a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) resort, so if you're a member, SCORE! If not, you're renting points, or trying to bag one of the more budget-friendly rooms. That's where the true planning comes in. I remember my booking saga. It took weeks and, honestly, felt like applying for a mortgage. Prices fluctuate like crazy, so get prepared to spend hours comparing options, looking for deals, and mentally preparing yourself to shell out. I found some off-season rates and saved a bit, but be honest with your budget! If it’s going to cause stress before you get there, it might not be paradise. But hey, at least the villas have kitchens, which means you can do some grocery shopping and eat breakfast in your PJs, saving you some serious dough there. And if you can snag a good rate…it's worth it. It really is.
What’s the deal with the transportation? Do I need a car?
Ah, the transportation question! This can make or break your Disney experience, especially if you're used to your own car. Okay, here’s the gist: you’re primarily using Disney’s buses. They're *mostly* reliable, but sometimes... they just aren't. I remember waiting at the bus stop one evening after a long day at the parks, completely drained, and watching bus after bus *completely bypass* my stop. I swear, I felt like I was invisible! It was a small, insignificant thing, but I was *hangry* and it just felt like a personal affront. Seriously, make friends with the bus drivers. And download the My Disney Experience app to track them. *Highly* recommended. Rideshares (like Uber and Lyft) are an option, but they can get expensive, especially during peak times. Plus, you get to see all the other Disney hotels! Consider a park hopper ticket if you want to visit all the parks. I’ve not gone in a car, but I saw many, even in the parking lot, and it sure looked easier.
The villas... are they, like, *fancy*? What kind of room to I need?
Okay, *fancy* is relative. They're Disney-fancy, which is to say they're very comfortable and well-appointed, but not exactly Buckingham Palace. Think spacious. Seriously spacious. Like, you could hold a small dance party in the living room. (And I *may* have done so…) You've got studios, one-bedroom villas, and even massive grand villas. Studios are good couples or small families. One-bedrooms? PERFECT for a small family! Separate bedroom for the parents is GOLD. Grand villas...if you can afford it, DO IT. They come with a full kitchen, a washer/dryer (lifesaver!), and tons of space. The décor is Key West-y, with that laid-back, tropical vibe. The balconies are lovely, and some even have views of the water (which is pretty darn gorgeous at sunset). I would skip a room that is close to a pool. It's likely much louder, all the time.
What is there to DO at Old Key West besides sleep? (And is there a good pool?)
Okay, here's where Old Key West shines. Beyond the park hopping which occupies more than a day. The pools are great. There’s the main pool, with a waterslide, and several smaller, more quiet pools scattered around the resort. The main pool can get a bit crowded during the day, but it's perfect for the kids. But my personal favorite? The quiet pools. Peace, quiet, and the occasional sneaky nap. There were kids and they seemed to enjoy themselves. You can go for bike rentals! You can go fishing! There's even a playground for the kids, a community hall with activities, and a decent gift shop. Speaking of Olivia's, that is the best restaurant... hands down. It's *delicious*. Try the conch fritters. Seriously. You can go for a stroll along the canals at sunset. I almost went for a jog but I'ma be honest, I was on vacation and it felt like too much effort, lol. You can do that... and it's a great way to unwind. And if you're really feeling energetic, you can hop on a bus to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.
Food! Tell me all about food. Because, you know, vacation…
Food, glorious food! Okay, you’ve got Olivia’s, which I’ve already raved about. It's great for a sit-down meal and, yes, gets crowded at times, so make those reservations. Then there's the quick-service restaurant, Good's Food to Go. Perfectly fine for a quick bite by the pool. And! You can totally cook in your villa kitchens. I loved this because I didn't have to eat out for every meal. Stock up at a nearby grocery store, and save some serious cash! You can get groceries delivered too. I got a pizza one night after a long park day and had it in my PJs while watching TV – pure bliss! Don't forget! The gift shop has snacks and drinks, but the prices! Ouch!
Any hidden gems or things I should know that the glossy brochures *don't* tell you?
Oh, *absolutely*. The brochures are all sunshine and rainbows! First: the pools. As I said, the quiet pools are a game-changer! Second: the bus situation. Understand it. And make peace with it. Third: the laundry! The villas have in-unit washers and dryers! This is GENIUS! Pack light, do laundry mid-week. It is a *godsend*. Fourth: The theming is awesome, but take advantage of the walking pathsUrban Hotel Search
