The Resort That Started It All
Old Key West opened in December 1991 as the very first Disney Vacation Club resort. It set the template for what DVC would become, and more than 30 years later, it still holds a special place in the program. For prospective buyers, it offers something increasingly rare in DVC: large rooms at relatively low prices.
Let us take an honest look at what Old Key West offers today and whether it makes sense for your family.
Location and Getting Around
Old Key West sits along the Sassagoula River in the Disney Springs area. You are not walking to any theme park from here. Transportation options include:
- Bus service to all four theme parks (typically 15 to 20 minute rides)
- Boat service to Disney Springs along the river
- The resort is spread across a large footprint, so internal bus stops matter when choosing a building
If you need to be steps from a park gate, Old Key West is not your resort. But if you value a quiet, spacious retreat after long park days, the trade off makes perfect sense. Many owners tell us they love coming "home" to the calm after a busy day at Magic Kingdom.
The Biggest Rooms in DVC
This is Old Key West defining advantage. The villas here are significantly larger than any other DVC resort:
- Studios: 390 square feet (compared to 186 at Riviera or 300 at Saratoga Springs)
- One Bedrooms: 942 square feet (most other DVC resorts offer 600 to 750)
- Two Bedrooms: 1,395 square feet
- Grand Villas: 2,202 square feet with 3 bedrooms
That one bedroom villa is practically an apartment. You get a full kitchen, a king bed in the master, a living room with a queen sleeper sofa, a washer and dryer, and a private balcony or patio. For families with young kids who need space to spread out during nap time, this extra square footage is a game changer.
Contract Details and Pricing
Here are the numbers that matter for a purchase decision:
- Contract expiration: January 2042 (approximately 16 years remaining)
- 2025 annual dues: $10.14 per point
- Current resale prices: $90 to $110 per point (varies by contract specifics)
- Total villas: 761 units
The shorter remaining contract life is both a drawback and an opportunity. Resale prices at Old Key West are among the lowest in DVC precisely because of that 2042 expiration. For buyers who want 15 plus years of DVC vacations without spending $150+ per point, this is the sweet spot. You can run the numbers with our instant quote tool to see what financing would look like.
Point Charts and Value
Old Key West requires fewer points per night than most DVC resorts, especially for larger rooms. A one bedroom villa in Adventure season costs around 16 to 20 points per night. Compare that to 22 to 30+ points at monorail resorts for a smaller room.
This means a 150 point contract at Old Key West can book you a full week in a one bedroom during value season. That same 150 points might only get you 5 nights in a studio at Polynesian or Grand Floridian during peak season.
The Old Key West Vibe
The resort captures a Key West, Florida aesthetic with pastel colored buildings, white picket fences, palm trees, and a laid back tropical atmosphere. There is a lighthouse themed pool (with a waterslide), a sandy beach along the waterway, tennis courts, shuffleboard, bike rentals, and Olivia Cafe for quick service dining.
It is quieter and more spread out than the newer resorts. You will not find the themed intensity of Animal Kingdom Lodge or the glamour of Grand Floridian here. What you will find is peaceful, genuine relaxation.
The 2042 Expiration: Should You Worry?
Sixteen years is still a lot of vacations. If you plan to visit Disney every year or two, that is 8 to 16 trips. At current resale prices around $100 per point for a 150 point contract, your total purchase is roughly $15,000. Divide that by 16 years and you are paying about $940 per year for the right to book deluxe villa accommodations (plus annual dues).
Compare that to rack rates. A one bedroom villa at a deluxe Disney resort runs $600 to $900 per night. One week at those prices costs $4,200 to $6,300. Even factoring in annual dues of about $1,520 (for 150 points), DVC ownership at Old Key West saves you thousands per trip.
Read more about how contract expiration affects value across all DVC resorts.
Who Should Purchase Old Key West
Old Key West is ideal for:
- Families who prioritize room size and a full kitchen
- Buyers looking for the lowest entry price in DVC
- People who value a quiet, resort style vacation over park proximity
- Those comfortable with 15+ years of remaining contract life
It is probably not ideal for couples who want to walk to Epcot for dinner or families who need the newest, flashiest resort experience.
Financing Old Key West
Because contract prices are lower at Old Key West, your financing amount is typically smaller too. A 150 point contract at $100 per point with 10% down means financing about $13,500. At current DVC loan rates, that is roughly $250 to $350 per month depending on your term length. Visit our lenders page to compare options or apply directly.