Disney's Contemporary Resort vs Disney's Old Key West Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Photo: Disney's Contemporary Resort

Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Disney's Old Key West Resort

Photo: Disney's Old Key West Resort

Deluxe Disney Springs Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Contemporary

Deluxe

Old Key West

Deluxe

Area

Contemporary

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Old Key West

Disney Springs Resort Area

Transportation

Contemporary

Monorail, Walk, Boat, Bus

Old Key West

Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Contemporary

4 restaurants

Old Key West

1 restaurant

Quick-Service Dining

Contemporary

6 locations

Old Key West

4 locations

Pool Amenities

Contemporary

Pool, Quiet Pool

Old Key West

Pool, Quiet Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Contemporary

Yes

Old Key West

Yes

Top Highlight

Contemporary

Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom

Old Key West

Largest room sizes of any Disney Vacation Club resort

Overview

Disney's Contemporary Resort

A flagship monorail resort next to Magic Kingdom, recognized for its A-frame tower and quick walk to the park gates.

Disney's Old Key West Resort

Experience the romance of the Florida Keys at this tranquil community of Conch Flats—a sprawling island hamlet with shimmering waterways, swaying palm trees and manicured golf-course fairways. Delight in sun-soaked pools, casual dining and such amenities as fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes.

Amenities

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Playground
  • Quiet Pool
  • seven seas lagoon — enjoy fishing, boating and more
  • Marina
  • Children's water play area
  • Arcade
  • Running Trail
  • Tennis Courts
  • Volleyball

Wellness

  • Fitness Center

Rooms

  • rooms and suites with club-level service
  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities

Disney's Old Key West Resort

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Quiet Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Playground
  • Electric Eel Game Room
  • Jogging Trail
  • Marina
  • Fishing excursions

Wellness

  • discover a dry sauna at the base of a lighthouse
  • Fitness Center
  • R.E.S.T. Health Club

Other

  • Laundry Facilities

Transportation

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Walk

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Boat

    Magic Kingdom Park

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Disney's Old Key West Resort

  • Boat

    Disney Springs

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Monorail runs directly through the hotel to Magic Kingdom
  • Walking distance to Magic Kingdom, closest hotel to the park
  • Top-tier dining including California Grill atop the resort
  • Iconic A-frame architecture and clean modern design
  • Bay Lake Tower offers direct walkway connection

Disney's Old Key West Resort

  • Largest room sizes of any Disney Vacation Club resort
  • Relaxed, laid-back Key West atmosphere ideal for adults
  • Full kitchen in villa rooms great for longer stays
  • Quieter and less crowded than other Disney resorts
  • Close to Disney Springs with boat transportation available

Cons

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • One of the most expensive resorts at Walt Disney World
  • Modern design lacks the immersive theming of other Deluxe resorts
  • Standard rooms can feel dated compared to newer renovations
  • Far from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, bus ride required
  • Monorail loop congestion can cause delays during peak times

Disney's Old Key West Resort

  • Very spread-out resort, some villa clusters feel isolated
  • Primarily a DVC property, harder to book on cash reservations
  • Bus-only transportation to theme parks; boat only goes to Disney Springs
  • Limited table service dining compared to other Deluxe resorts
  • Lower-energy atmosphere may not feel as immersive for park-focused guests

On-Site Dining

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • California Grill

    Table Service

    American, Seafood, Sushi

    dinner

    View menu
  • Chef Mickey's

    Table Service

    American

    breakfast · dinner

    View menu
  • Contempo Café

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Contemporary Grounds

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    dinner

    View menu
  • Cove Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Outer Rim

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Steakhouse 71

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Steakhouse 71 Lounge

    Quick Service

    Steakhouse, American

    snack

    View menu
  • Steakhouse 71 To Go

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • The Sand Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

Disney's Old Key West Resort

  • Good's Food to Go

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast

    View menu
  • Gurgling Suitcase

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Olivia's Cafe

    Table Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Olivia's Cafe To Go

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch

    View menu

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