Disney's Old Key West Resort vs Walt Disney World Dolphin

Disney's Old Key West Resort

Photo: Disney's Old Key West Resort
Deluxe Disney Springs Resort Area
Walt Disney World Dolphin

Photo: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Old Key West

Deluxe

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Deluxe

Area

Old Key West

Disney Springs Resort Area

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Old Key West

Boat, Bus

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Old Key West

1 restaurant

Walt Disney World Dolphin

7 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Old Key West

4 locations

Walt Disney World Dolphin

3 locations

Pool Amenities

Old Key West

Pool, Quiet Pool

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Old Key West

Yes

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Yes

Top Highlight

Old Key West

Largest room sizes of any Disney Vacation Club resort

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios

Overview

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.

Walt Disney World Dolphin

A large Marriott-operated convention resort on Crescent Lake with Disney benefits and direct access to the Epcot-area walkway network.

Amenities

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Jogging Trail
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Camp Dolphin for children ages 4-12 from 5pm to midnight with themed activities, video games, arts and crafts
  • Swan paddleboat rentals on the white sand beach

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Rooms

  • Club Level

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Child Care
  • Business Center
  • Boat launch courtyard between Swan and Dolphin; Friendship launches to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
  • Gift Shop

Transportation

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Walking distance to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Can be booked with Marriott/SPG hotel points for potentially free nights
  • Crescent Lake location with boat service and BoardWalk access
  • Shula's Steakhouse and Il Mulino are top-tier dining options on property
  • Often cheaper than equivalent Disney-owned Deluxe resorts

Cons

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Not a Disney-owned resort, so no Early Entry or advance booking perks
  • Resort and parking fees are high in addition to the nightly rate
  • Dated exterior design with the iconic dolphin statues divides opinion
  • Rooms were historically smaller and less updated than Disney Deluxes
  • Bus service to non-walkable parks is less reliable than Disney buses

On-Site Dining

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

Walt Disney World Dolphin

  • Bourbon Steak - A Michael Mina Restaurant

    Table Service

    American, Steakhouse

    dinner

    View menu

  • Bourbon Steak Lounge

    Quick Service

    American, Steakhouse

    snack

    View menu

  • Cabana Bar and Beach Club

    Table Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Fuel

    Table Service

    American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Phins

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano

    Table Service

    Mexican

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Rosa Mexicano Lounge

    Quick Service

    Mexican

    snack

    View menu

  • The Fountain

    Table Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo

    Table Service

    Seafood

    dinner

    View menu

  • Todd English's bluezoo Lounge

    Quick Service

    Seafood

    snack

    View menu

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