🌴 Our Stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Beautiful, But Not Built for Littles

If you’re planning a Disney vacation and considering a stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you might be drawn in by the lush tropical vibes, pastel buildings, and spacious rooms. And honestly, we were too! It was our first time staying at this resort, and while there were things we really appreciated, we quickly realized it might not be the most convenient option for families with younger kids.

Let’s dive into what we loved—and what made things a little trickier than expected.

🛏️ The Room: Spacious & Serene

First, the size of the room was incredible. The Deluxe Studio included a medium sized refrigerator, a sink, and a large coffee pot. The laid-back, Florida Keys-inspired decor gave everything a light and breezy feel. The balcony overlooked the golf course and felt so peaceful.

If you’re traveling with a bigger family or just want space to spread out, this part of Old Key West is a major win.

🏝️ Resort Amenities

Old Key West is technically a Disney Vacation Club resort, so the vibe is more residential and less “theme park hotel.” Amenities include:

Olivia’s Cafe – The resort’s sit-down restaurant serving Southern and coastal-inspired fare.
Good’s Food to Go – A poolside counter-service option for snacks and quick bites.
Gurgling Suitcase – A cozy little bar (great if you’re kid-free for a minute).
Sandcastle Pool – The resort’s main pool has a large sandcastle-themed water slide, sandy play area, and nearby kiddie pool.
Tennis courts, volleyball, bike rentals, and a fitness center if you’re feeling active.
Boat transportation to Disney Springs – which was a relaxing ride the kids actually loved.

👧🏼👦🏼 Things for Kids to Do

There are a few fun activities for little ones:

Sandcastle Pool (the highlight for our kids!)
Arcade room (though very tiny—more on that below)
Playground in one of the village areas
Community Hall play area, which includes a space inside for kids to color and play
Campfire activities and activities in the Community Hall (like family BINGO!)

While it’s not as immersive or interactive as some of the other resorts (like Art of Animation or Polynesian), there are things for kids to do if you’re planning a resort day.

🚫 Why It Wasn’t Ideal for Our Littles

Now for the honest part: While we appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, we wouldn’t personally recommend Old Key West for families with young kids—and here’s why:

Distance from Main Building: Our room was far—like drive-to-get-coffee far. There are internal buses, but with strollers and sleepy kids, hopping on a shuttle just to grab breakfast wasn’t ideal.
Too Many Bus Stops: The resort is huge and spread out. Each park-bound bus makes multiple stops inside the resort before even leaving, so travel time to Magic Kingdom felt extra long.
Arcade Room = Closet: The “arcade” near the main building was seriously the size of a walk-in closet with maybe 5–6 games. Not a big entertainment draw for little ones.
Outdated Playground: The playground equipment felt a bit worn and was tucked away with very little shade. Our kids didn’t last long out there in the Florida sun.
Limited Food Options for Kids: Besides Olivia’s (which is table service) and a small quick-service window, there weren’t many grab-and-go kid meals, snacks, or character-themed options. If your kids are picky eaters, prepare to bring your own stash.
Tiny Gift Shop: The store had basic snacks, a few souvenirs, and some resort gear—but nothing like the fun shopping you’ll find at larger resorts.

🏁 Final Thoughts

If you’re traveling with older kids or looking for a quiet, relaxing place to unwind after long park days, Old Key West might be your dream stay. But for us—with two younger kiddos in tow—it just wasn’t the most convenient choice.

We missed the walkability, fun kid zones, and quick food options we’ve found at other Disney resorts. Next time, we’ll likely choose something with a little more magic for the little ones.