The Pros and Cons of Disney’s Old Key West Disney Vacation Club

Old Key West Tervis tumblers

There are many DVC resorts to choose from. Whether you’re looking to buy a contract, add on points or just use your points to stay somewhere new, there’s a lot to consider. Disney’s Old Key West Resort has been around since the start of it all. We’re taking a broad approach to Disney Old Key West pros and cons. We’re considering the location, aesthetics and layout of the property and more along with what changes when you buy Old Key West resale.

The Pros and Cons of Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Pros of Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  It’s one of the older resorts at Disney World and the original Disney Vacation Club Resort.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort has a tropical theme.

It feels like you’re on vacation as soon as you pull up to Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Florida is a favorite vacation spot for many and Disney’s Old Key West Resort has the tropical charm. You’ll love the palm trees, the sandcastle playground and tropical menu items like key lime pie. 

Old Key West is a better buy for resale.

As one of the original 14 DVC resorts, Disney’s Old Key West Resort has fewer restrictions on resale. If you buy Old Key West DVC resale, you’re able to use your points to stay at any of the other original 14 properties. That includes:

Animal Kingdom Villas*

Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort*

Beach Club Villas*

BoardWalk Villas*

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge*

Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge*

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort*

Hilton Head Island Resort

Old Key West Resort*

Polynesian Villas & Bungalows*

Saratoga Springs Resort*

Vero Beach Resort

*Those located at Walt Disney World Resort. 

The rooms at Old Key West might be a little bigger.

Some of the Old Key West rooms might be a little roomier than other DVC villas. The standard rooms have since become a bit smaller.

The points go a long way.

When you take a look at the Old Key West point chart you may notice the points can get you more than you would get for the same amount at other resorts.

Cons of Disney’s Old Key West Resort

There will probably be some downside to any resort. Sometimes things are out of your control like if a renovation ends up feeling like a down grade.

The Old Key West contracts expire in 2042.

As the first DVC resort to debut, it’s one of the first properties to have contracts expire. There are technically two different deed expirations at Old Key West. Disney offered owners the optional opportunity to extend contracts at this resort. This is the only resort with two different deed expirations. Those contracts expire later in 2057 and the original expiration is 2042. 

It’s a resort you need to take a bus to get around.

Convenience is key at Disney World and some hotels are more convenient to get around than others. Disney’s Old Key West Resort is one of the more spread out properties that has its own bus system. While buses run constantly, you may not want to have to take a bus to get from your room to the lobby. You can always request a room close to the lobby. Some buildings are a quick walk away. This will always be based on availability so owners at this resort should be prepared to use the resort bus if necessary.

Old Key West doesn’t have a spa or salon.

Massages, facials or mani, pedis might be a must on your vacation. In this case, Old Key West might not be the best pick for you. Disney’s Old Key West Resort does not have a spa or salon or any opportunities for pampering of this kind.

Considering Disney’s Old Key West Resort As an Option

It’s nice that Disney’s Old Key West Resort has contracts that expire at two different times. If you’re interested in a shorter term, you can choose the one that expires first in less than twenty years. The other expiration is best for those looking to get the most time at Old Key West. If you don’t see a contract available in your desired details, join the DVC Resale Buyer Wish List to be notified when one becomes available.

Disney Old Key West Pros & Cons: DVC Resale Experts Can Help

Have any questions about the Disney’s Old Key West pros and cons? Discover the pros and cons of DVC resale in our many posts on the topic. If you have specific questions, you can count on an Expert to help you throughout the resale buying or selling process.

DVC Resale Experts is a licensed real estate broker with a team that specializes in resale DVC. Whether you’re adding on points, buying or selling Disney Vacation Club, the Experts can help you find the right price to place a bid with or list your contract for. Our independent, licensed real estate agents are former Disney Vacation Club Guides. They have decades of pixie dusted experience selling DVC and delight in providing excellent service to their clients. The Experts have seen it all and are happy to answer your questions throughout the process.

See our resale DVC listings listings for a look at real time availability and pricing.

Get in touch for a complimentary valuation of your specific contract to sell DVC.

Disney Blogger Nicole and Disney CEO Bob Iger

Sparkly Nicole

Nicole is a native Floridian who attended the University of Central Florida and decided to call the land of theme parks home. She’s been sharing magical tips, tricks and Orlando travel and tourism favorites online for over a decade.

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