5 Reasons Why You Should Not Choose Disney's Old Key West Resort as Your DVC Home Resort

Are you considering making Disney’s Old Key West Resort your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home resort?

While it might seem like a charming option at first glance, there are some significant reasons to think twice before committing. From outdated amenities to less convenient transportation options, Old Key West Resort might not meet your expectations for a magical Disney experience.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the key drawbacks and help you make an informed decision.

This post is all about why you shouldn’t choose Disney’s Old Key West Resort as your DVC Home Resort.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Understanding Disney Vacation Club (DVC)

Disney Vacation Club, or DVC, is Disney’s version of a timeshare.

By joining DVC, you purchase a real estate interest in a Disney property, which provides you with vacation points.

How Does DVC Work?

When you buy into DVC, you’re essentially purchasing a specific set of points that renew each year. These points can be used to book your stays at various DVC resorts, including Disney’s Old Key West Resort. The number of points required for a stay depends on the resort, room type, and time of year.

Key elements of the DVC system include:

Points: Your yearly allocation that you use to book rooms.
Home Resort: The resort where you buy your DVC ownership.
Booking Windows: You get priority booking at your home resort.

What is a Home Resort?

Your home resort is the first place you can book for your Disney vacations. You have the advantage of booking stays at your home resort up to 11 months in advance.

For other DVC resorts, you can book 7 months in advance. This priority booking can be a significant benefit during peak times, like holidays or school vacations, or for popular room/view types.

Why the Home Resort Matters

Choosing your home resort is a crucial decision. It’s not just about where you stay most often; it’s about maximizing your Disney experience.

Your home resort affects how easily you can book your preferred accommodations and can also influence your vacation enjoyment.

Consider these factors when choosing your home resort:

Booking Priority: Having those extra four months can be vital in scoring a room during busy seasons.
Resort Amenities: Different resorts offer unique features and themes. Make sure they align with your family’s interests.
Location: Proximity to parks and transportation options can make or break your vacation convenience.
Annual Dues: These are the yearly maintenance fees that vary from resort to resort.

Old Key West Resort as a DVC Home Resort

While Old Key West might seem inviting with its laid-back, Floridian charm, there are some key points to consider before making it your home resort.

In a previous post, we cover the advantages of choosing Old Key West as your DVC Home Resort (because there are plenty of awesome pros to owning here!).

But, like any DVC Home Resort, there are some cons to Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

Let’s talk all about them now!

1) Concerns with Resort Age and Maintenance

Choosing Disney’s Old Key West Resort as your home resort might come with its own set of challenges. From its age to the state of its amenities, there are several factors to consider.

MAINLY 2042 Expiration Date: Some contracts have 2057 expiration dates (direct & a small amount of resale)

One of the most significant concerns is the expiration date of the contracts. Many Old Key West contracts end in 2042, which means you’ll have a lot less time to enjoy your ownership compared to newer resorts.

This is because Old Key West is the oldest DVC resort (hence why plenty of the contracts expire in 2042).

Some contracts, especially those bought directly from Disney, have an expiration date extended to 2057. However, this is not standard and might not be available to all buyers. It’s crucial to check the specific details of any contract you’re considering.

If you don’t plan on vacationing at Disney after 2042 (if you’re looking at a resale contract), then this may be positive for you.

But if you hope to have many decades of Disney vacations, Old Key West probably isn’t the best resort for you.

Also, the upfront cost to buy here may be low compared to most DVC Resorts (especially in the Disney World area), but if there are less years on the contract, it can often be worse value for money.

2) Old Key West is a HUGE Resort!

Old Key West is a sprawling resort, making it sometimes overwhelming for visitors.

In this way, it feels more like a Moderate Resort.

This makes it one of the largest Disney Vacation Club resorts.

While this might sound like more opportunities to book a room, it also means that getting around the resort can be a hassle.

You can opt for Studios/Villas ‘near hospitality house’ for no additional points, but they can be challenging to book!

Is Old Key West a deluxe resort?

Despite being classified as a deluxe resort, Old Key West, as I just mentioned, doesn’t always feel like one.

The resort’s massive size and layout contribute to a less intimate experience.

The external hallways might remind you more of a motel than a luxury resort.

This can detract from the overall experience, especially when you consider the price point you’re paying for a deluxe resort.

When was Disney’s Old Key West Resort renovated?

The last significant renovation at Old Key West took place in 2019, with the lobby being renovated in 2021.

Although Old Key West is the oldest resort, these renovations make it seem newer than it really is.

Why the Location of Old Key West Resort is a Downside

When it comes to choosing a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home resort, location is a crucial factor. Unfortunately, Disney’s Old Key West Resort falls short in this department. Let’s break down why the location might be a major downside.

What is Old Key West Close To?

Old Key West Resort is nestled near Disney Springs. This is a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. While this proximity might seem attractive at first, it can become a drawback for guests who primarily want quick access to the Disney parks.

Transportation Challenges

If the distance isn’t enough to make you think twice, the transportation challenges at Old Key West will. The resort relies heavily on bus transportation, which isn’t always as seamless as you might hope.

Key Transportation Challenges:

Wait Times: Expect to wait for buses, especially during peak hours. This can be frustrating when you’re eager to start your day at the parks.
Multiple Stops: The buses often make several stops within the resort itself before heading to the parks. This can add precious minutes to your travel time.

Limited Options: Unlike some other resorts which offer multiple modes of transportation (like boats, monorails, and skyliners), Old Key West mainly depends on buses and a water taxi to Disney Springs.

For families with small children or those looking to maximize their time in the parks, these transportation issues can be a significant headache. It’s one more thing to juggle on an already busy vacation.

3) Limited Dining and Entertainment Options

Considering a Disney Vacation Club home resort is a big decision. One crucial factor is the dining and entertainment options available. Unfortunately, Disney’s Old Key West Resort may fall short in this area.

Dining Choices

When it comes to dining, Old Key West Resort has limited options compared to other Disney Vacation Club resorts. Here, you mainly have four choices: Olivia’s Café, Good’s Food to Go, Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks and the Gurgling Suitcase.

When you compare this to the dining options available at other DVC resorts, Old Key West comes up short.

Unless you want to venture out to Disney Springs to eat, dining in and around Old Key West isn’t the best.

That being said, if you’re staying in a Villa and planning to cook at least some of the time, this isn’t really a big deal.

4) Lower Resale Value

One of the significant factors you should consider when choosing a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home resort is its resale value. Unfortunately, Disney’s Old Key West Resort doesn’t fare well in this area. Let’s look at how it stacks up against other DVC resorts and the impact this lower resale value could have if you ever decide to sell your DVC membership.

Market Comparison

When it comes to resale value, not all DVC resorts are created equal. Sadly, Old Key West often lags behind other popular DVC resorts. Why does this matter? Well, if you ever decide to sell your membership, a lower resale value is hardly ideal.

Comparing Old Key West Resort to other DVC properties, you’ll notice a stark difference. Take, for example, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or the Polynesian Village Resort. These high-demand resorts often maintain or even increase their value over time. On the other hand, Old Key West tends to depreciate faster.

Why does this happen? A few reasons include:

Age of the Resort: Old Key West is one of the older DVC resorts. While it has its classic charm, newer resorts tend to attract more buyers.
Amenities and Updates: Modern resorts often have more updated amenities and luxurious facilities. This makes them more desirable on the resale market.
Location: Prime locations close to Disney parks or with unique transportation options often fetch higher resale prices (there’s a reason why the monorail resorts hold their value better than most!).

5) High Annual Dues

Until the opening of the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Old Key West had the highest annual dues of all the Disney World resorts.

In 2024, the annual dues are $9.8666 per point.

This may seem low compared to the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (which are $12.1542 per point!).

But, if you compare it to most other Annual Dues, it’s not great.

The price of annual dues at the other Disney World DVC Resorts range from $7.5740 to $9.0820 per point.

Potentially Better Alternatives for DVC Home Resorts

If you’re reconsidering Disney’s Old Key West Resort as your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home resort, exploring other options can make a big difference. There are excellent DVC resorts offering superior amenities and better locations, making your Disney experience more magical.

Resorts with Superior Amenities

When it comes to amenities, some DVC resorts clearly outshine. Here are a few worth considering:

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Slightly more luxurious feeling: These rooms cost a similar amount to Old Key West’s, but they feel more luxe!

Longer contract than most Old Key West contracts: 2054 expiration date.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

Unique Views: Experience the African savanna with exotic animals right outside your window.
Themed Pools: Two themed pools, including the Uzima Pool with a waterslide and the Samawati Springs Pool with a water playground.
Cultural Programs: Participate in cultural activities like drum circles and African storytelling.

These resorts provide excellent amenities that elevate your Disney vacation experience far beyond what Old Key West has to offer.

Resorts with Better Locations

Location is key when choosing a DVC home resort. Convenience can make your Disney visit more enjoyable and less stressful. Here are some resorts with prime locations:

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Proximity to Magic Kingdom: Just a short walk or monorail ride away.
Unique Views: Stunning vistas of either Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Transportation Options: Access to monorails, buses, and walking paths.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Walk to Epcot: Enter Epcot through the International Gateway in just a few minutes.
Near Hollywood Studios: Take a scenic boat ride or a swift walk along the path.
Stormalong Bay: Enjoy a 3-acre water wonderland with a lazy river, sand-bottom pool, and water slides.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Entertainment District: Located right on Disney’s BoardWalk, offering dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios: Walk or take a short boat ride to both parks.
Unique Atmosphere: Experience the charm of a seaside boardwalk with street performers and carnival games.

These resorts are strategically located near major attractions, making park access easier and more convenient. This can save you precious time and energy, making your Disney trip smoother and more enjoyable.

But most – if not all – these resorts are more expensive Home Resorts to initially buy at – and you may be able to book there at the 7-month mark anyway.

Ta Ta For Now

While Disney’s Old Key West Resort has its charm, it’s clear that it falls short in several key areas

So, after looking at the pros and cons of Disney’s Old Key West Resort, do you think it makes a good DVC Home Resort?!

This post was all about why you shouldn’t choose Disney’s Old Key West Resort as your DVC Home Resort.

5 Reasons Why You Should Not Choose Disney’s Old Key West Resort as Your DVC Home Resort