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Disney's Old Key West
Resort
The first in the family of Disney Vacation Club resorts,
Old Key West captures the architecture and the atmosphere of
its namesake at the US's southernmost point in Florida. In
fact, I think this resort is almost as laid-back as the city!
The delightful bar, The Gurgling Suitcase, the resorts small
but popular lounge, not only has some specialty drinks to be
found at few other places on property, but it also features
some photo albums with photos, letters and postcards from OKW
guests and DVC members who enjoy vacationing here.
Furthermore, it's my opinion that the shop, Conch Flats
General Store, offers more discounted items that many of the
other resort shops.
Though within walking distance to Downtown Disney via an
asphalt path that begins at the rear of the resort property
(quite a walk in itself if your room is located at the front),
it's usually more convenient to take the Disney Transport bus.
And at night, because of the remoteness of the path, I don't
suggest a walk at all. The feature pool was recently
refurbished, with a bright new "sandcastle" that
doubles as a waterslide. The kids will love it!
Guests generally rave about the rooms--and I am one of
those. Rather than the long, horizontal studios that you find
in most of the other DVC resorts, Old Key West studios are
pentagonally-shaped--giving the illusion of a bigger room
(though in reality, the square footage is about the same as
its sister studios). The larger villas are spacious and airy,
with lots of windows--many of which overlook the golf course.
The only caution I must issue when reserving a room is to
ensure that your room--particularly if you're a light sleeper,
like me--isn't located on the cul-de-sac where the buses turn
around. Pleasure Island bus traffic lasts until almost 3:00
a.m., so unless you're a night owl, you may experience some
annoyance.
The
exterior of The Gurgling Suitcase is all decked out for Super
Bowl Sunday. The balloons aren't usually a part of the decor!
The water
slide arches through a large "sand castle" at the
feature pool.
Friend
Josh waits for the DVC Ferry to take him to Downtown Disney
for some shopping and a dining experience at Wolfgang Puck's.
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