Anyone that has been to Walt Disney World or done any kind of research has seen the letters, DVC, but what does that mean? You’re in luck, we are going to cover the OG of the DVC this week in our Disney Resort Spotlight, Old Key West. DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club, and is a “timeshare” program through Disney, where you buy points and use those points to stay at resort. The good news is, these rooms are completely different than regular hotel rooms. They can be booked for a cash price or without signing a contract and purchasing points. The original DVC resort was Old Key West, or as it was originally named Disney’s Vacation Club Resort.
What is a villa ?
Disney started the Vacation Club in the early 1990’s with Disney’s Vacation club opening in December of 1991, but was renamed to Old Key West (or lovingly called OKW) in 1996. This first resort still has the largest of rooms of any of the 15 DVC resorts and was renovated in 2010. But what is a villa? The villa rooms are set up different than regular hotels rooms, with different square footage, bedding and even a few perks that can’t be found in standard rooms. OKW is styled after, you guessed it, Key West, with that laid back feeling of the island life.
What makes these rooms so different ?
There are 3 – 4 categories of DVC rooms, depending on which resort you are staying at. OKW has 4 categories, starting with a studio and ending with 3 bedroom Grand Villa. So what makes these rooms worth more, cost wise, the amenities. There is also a little more space, especially in the 1 and 2 bedrooms, but even studio villa is 130 sq. ft more than a standard value room. So let’s break them down…
Deluxe Studio
Studios at Disney’s Old Key West Resort features 2 queen sized beds, a ceiling fan, a TV, a closet, a small patio/balcony, and a kitchenette. The kitchenette comes with a microwave, toaster, 12-cup coffee maker, a sink, and a mini-refrigerator. The patio/balcony features 2 chairs and a small table. The Studios are the only Disney Vacation Club studios that feature 2 beds rather than a bed and pull-out couch.
One Bedroom Villas
One Bedroom Villas feature a large great room with a couch, love seat, a large plush chair that opens into a twin bed, flat-panel TV, 4-person dining room table, and a fully equipped kitchen. The master bedroom features a king sized bed, a chair with ottoman, and a large closet. In the master bath, there is a two-person jacuzzi tub, 2 sinks, and a stand-up shower. Attached to the master bathroom is a laundry room, with a full-sized washer and dryer.
Two Bedroom Villas
A Two Bedroom Villa is the same as a One Bedroom, plus an additional bedroom off the living room, which is almost 100% comparable to a Studio. The only exception is that in some of the Two Bedroom Villas there is an additional walk-in closet in place of the studio entrance door and an additional sink in place of the kitchenette.
Three Bedroom Grand Villas
The Grand Villas sleep 12 people, and feature 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, 2 double beds, and 1 queen sleeper sofa. They have 4 bathrooms and a very large living room area with all of the amenities contained in the One and Two Bedroom Villas.
Where can we get a bite to eat ?
Olivia’s Cafe is the only sit-down restaurant to be found, but it is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. It’s known for comfort food with a few Key West touches. Don’t want to sit down, want to stroll through the resort, or take some food back to your room, stop by Good’s Food to Go. A counter service restaurant located on the Turtle Krawl, which is located at the Hospitality House (where you check in and has the resort store). Good’s is open for all 3 meals during the day, offering fresh fruit, pastries, and few hot items for breakfast. Lunch and dinner you will find typical hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and few others. There is also a simple dessert menu and children’s menus available.
Something a little lighter to eat?
Want to indulge in an adult beverage, need to unwind after being in the parks all day ? Stop by Gurgling Suitcase and raise a glass. They offer a variety of drinks and simple snacks, and normally great bartenders. If you’re hanging by the pool on Old Turtle Pond Road and don’t wanna leave for snack, pop over to Turtle Shack. Offering a smaller menu than Good’s and opened seasonal and depending on weather, still a great place to grab a snack in between dives in the pool.
How do I get around ?
Unlike the regular resorts, there are bus stops throughout the resorts to take you the parks. There are 5 bus stops and listed in order that the bus picks up guests. Peninsular Road (Buildings 23 – 29), South Point Road (Buildings 45 – 56), Old Turtle Pond Road (Buildings 30 – 44), Miller’s Road (Buildings 15 – 22 and 62 – 64), and North Cove Road/Hospitality House (Buildings 11 – 14). Buses at Disney’s Old Key West Resort have direct routes to all theme parks and Disney Springs. If you want to visit Disney Springs, there is also the option of the water taxi and has connecting service to Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Disney’s Port Orleans
Old Key West is calling…
If you think these villas sound perfect for your next adventure, contact your favorite Enchanted Adventures Agent and with small deposit your vacation can be booked. The only caveat to booking the villas, is most of them can not be booked until 7 months “out” or before the checkin in. Even if the other resorts are available, these are not available until the general public until then. Sometimes you can book OKW and Saratoga Springs at 11 months, but your EA agent will be able to guide you in the best possible scenario.
