Photo Tour: New Rooms at Old Key West
Walt Disney World is currently in the process of a 2-year refurbishment project at Old Key West that will modernize all of the guest rooms in this large DVC resort. We recently stayed in a refurbished villa, and thought we’d share new photos of these redesigned hotel rooms, our experience with the re-imagining, and other thoughts.
This project is a top to bottom hard goods refurbishment, updating kitchen appliances, replacing or reupholstering all furniture, altering wall and window coverings, replacing flooring, completely updating bathrooms, and more. Between the scope of the work and the number of guest rooms at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, it’s a longer project than the normal hotel refurbishment at Walt Disney World.
You might recall that Old Key West last received a major refurbishment in 2010 and 2011. We stayed at the resort both years, getting an old room once and a new room once, the photos of which you can still see (for now) in our soon-to-be-updated Disney’s Old Key West Resort Review. At the time, the modifications were the most extensive in the history of the then 20-year old property. Suffice to say, this is a significantly larger project…
During Old Key West’s last refurbishment, the flooring was updated, as were kitchen counters, upholstery, televisions, and some furniture. The fold-out sleeper chair was also added, but bathrooms were largely untouched and a lot of furniture was simply refinished.
If you compare before and after photos from the previous refurbishment, you’ll notice some similarities in the room design. While the look shifted from something reminiscent of decor in Golden Girls to a slightly more modern style, but still containing a laid-back beach vibe.
We liked that new look at the time, but in retrospect, it didn’t exactly age well. It’s unclear whether guest feedback to the results of that refurbishment is what accelerated the schedule for a hard goods refurbishment, or if it’s simply a matter of Disney Vacation Club transitioning to a different, more condensed refurbishment schedule–one that has resulted in dramatic transformations at a number of older resorts (with Saratoga Springs up next!) that led to this refurbishment.
We’ve been waiting to stay in the new Old Key West studios until the refurbishment was nearly complete, but our friends at DVC Rental Store, a sponsor of the site, invited us to a 2-bedroom unit instead. (Read our Tips for Renting Disney Vacation Club Points post, which offers great ways to save money on accommodations like Disney’s Old Key West Resort.)
This was probably for the best; not just so we didn’t have to use our own points, but so we could see a nicer room and get photos of, essentially, three different types of rooms. Including two that are actually quite nice.
Upon seeing photos of the Old Key West studios several months ago, we were not impressed. Some Walt Disney World fans have complained that Pop Century is sterile and feels like a hospital room, but at least that resort didn’t have much going for the rooms in the first place, and the new looks have splashes of color via pop art.
Old Key West, by contrast, went from having tropical rooms with a fair amount of personality, to ones with a lot of white and neutral colors. If comments we’ve read are any indication (and they aren’t necessarily–DVC members active in the online community are definitely more diehard than the average member, and likely care more about theme than others), the new studios are not a hit.
What’s really odd about this is that Disney Vacation Club didn’t have to reinvent the wheel.
The refurbishment of Vero Beach a couple of years ago was largely well done, and while it wasn’t universally lauded, our “straw poll” of members found people generally liking it. Recycling that with a few stylistic tweaks and color palette changes would’ve worked perfectly.
We’ve brought this up before with regard to other recent Walt Disney World room refurbishments, but this would be enhanced tremendously by a bed runner.
This is a hill I’m willing to die on. I don’t care if bed runners are (supposedly) less sanitary. I don’t care that they are only on the bed for 30 seconds before prompting being thrown into the corner. First impressions are important, and a tropical reef with some colorful tropical fish, or (better yet) a bunch of Hemingway’s polydactyl cats would’ve been nice.
The changes to the studio bathroom are fine. I don’t recall what’s in the photo over the toilets, but in these photos, it sure looks like donuts. I really hope that’s accurate.
Back to the important stuff–the bed runners. Vero Beach, Copper Creek, and the Polynesian Villas have them (just to name a few). I was really hopeful that Disney Vacation Club was resisting the anti-bed runner movement, but it appears hit or miss. I’m half tempted to attend the next Condominium Association Meeting and at the Q&A, be the crazy person who just goes on a 5 minute rant about bed runners. Don’t force my hand, DVC.
The good news is that things are significantly better in the 2-bedroom units and the 1-bedroom units, which have much more personality and color.
The rug really ties the room together. (No joke.)
There are also themed throw pillows, artwork, and fixtures. The furniture is less on theme, but it’s sufficiently neutral that it’s not really a pro or con.
The rug is really what punctuates the room and gives it a semblance of the tropics. While it’s arguably too modern for this quaint resort, it’s still a lovely design. I wouldn’t mind seeing it used elsewhere, perhaps in a bed runner?!
Some of the upholstery also feels appropriate, even if it’s not overtly themed. All in all, I think this main living room looks really nice, and is a big improvement over its predecessor.
The old rooms were definitely showing their age, and 1990s sensibility.
Old Key West’s rooms also benefit greatly from the indoor-outdoor living space.
The lush vegetation outside the rooms is more apparent at Old Key West than any other resort (at least, in our experience), and this provides a natural extension of the theme.
Thematically, the master bedroom is a snooze.
More should have been done to give this personality, as it just looks so generic.
The bathroom is likewise nice, but bland.
The exception there being the Minnie & Mickey beach art. I’m a sucker for that design.
Buildings 20-56 have been fully renovated. This includes a few buildings in the Hospitality House booking category, but the remaining Hospitality House buildings (11-14) are not yet refurbished, and are very likely to be the last finished.
Currently, buildings 16-19 are in progress. Buildings 15 and 62-64 are also not yet done–or started.
The Old Key West room overhaul has taken longer than originally expected thanks to various delays. The pace now appears to be moving faster, but we’re still expecting this to not be totally finished by May 2019. In the meantime, about 75% of the resort is finished, so your odds of receiving a new room are pretty great unless you’re in the Hospitality House booking category.
Overall, we view the new rooms at Old Key West as a mixed bag, which is the only consistency when it comes to recent Walt Disney World room changes. The sleeping spaces of the bedrooms are dull and look like they could be rooms found at any chained-brand hotel in the world. While it’s nice they’ve received new furniture and an aesthetic refresh, DVC owners at Old Key West (of all places) seem likely to be the most die-hard Walt Disney World fans, and most likely to appreciate good themed design. Bed runners would be an instant, easy-to-implement addition. From our perspective, the saving grace of the project is the living room room, which feels appropriately themed, fresher, and more modern. It’s not perfect, but at least that component is a win, and elevates the 1-bedroom and above rooms into “good overall” territory.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of these new rooms at Old Key West? Excited for the redesign, or do you think the new look is too bland and generic? Thoughts on the bedroom spaces versus the living room? Anything of your own to add? Have you stayed in one of the new rooms? Any questions about these rooms? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
Not related to the review in one bit, but I have a polydactyl cat. Previous to owning her, I didn’t know they were called Hemmingway cats. Apparently very common on the Eastern seaboard as they were considered good luck on ships.
Love the space of the OKW rooms, always have and always will. Lot bigger than other DVC resorts and they have two beds in the studios which is fantastic .The downfall of this resort is walking so far to get ice for the room. It is just not down the hall or around the corner. It is either by the pool or by the hospitality house. I definitely disliked that. Was this changed, because we heard it was. There should be one or two ice machines in each area so guests don’t have to walk down stairs and around the corner. The ice buckets are smaller too, so that is multi trips. No color, need runners or something back on beds. Other than that , looks great and roomy.
Each of the one bedroom or larger units have an ice maker in the refrigerator. So they don’t need as many ice machines. When there are only four or six studios in a building, the bus stop or pool is really more cost effective.
Thanks for letting me know. That is great. I just like my ice.
I totally agree on the bedrunners. We stayed last fall at POFQ, our favorite resort. VERY disappointed in the lack of color and personality. I get the all white bedding, at least from cost savings for laundry. But they’re Disney – they could have gone for custom fabric in the drapes and shower curtains, something themed specifically for the resort, maybe with a hidden Mickey or two thrown in. Our son used to love finding those on the old bedspreads. Very disappointed in the bland.
And like the others, I love the polydactyl cat idea!
After reading your article on renting DVC points, I looked at some of these resorts. I couldn’t justify spending so much. I thought Old Key West looked very dated. While I think the new rooms look a little better, I’m not impressed. We have stayed at Caribbean Beach twice & thought they were great. Looking forward to Pop Century in July.
Could not agree more. BRING. BACK. THE. BED. RUNNERS. Such a cheap and easy way to add a little theme. I don’t see how it’s any “grosser” than a throw pillow which also never get washed.
We are DVC members with three properties and we have never stayed at any of our own properties. Animal Kingdom, Grand Californian, Copper Creek Canyon and Cabins. We just got back from five nights at an Old Key West 2 bedroom just my husband and myself finally. I love the redo, the master bath has a huge back lighted mirror. I sat in the tub every night with just that light on and relaxed. I was in heaven. There is an amazing rain shower with beautiful glass doors in the master as well as amazing sparkly granite countertops in the bathrooms. I think the refurbishing was beautiful as we spent 90% of our time in our room. Im not like others as I feel more is less and less is more. I love the simple Furnishings, cool relaxing colors to rejuvenate after a long hot day in Florida. As former and retired military we have lived and slept all over the world in many different environments. I even slept on a cot for 9 months during the Gulf War. Having these resorts with all the amazing luxuries is priceless! Who cares about a bed Runner. You have six amazing pillows. We love it!!
I’d rather have two king sized pillows on a king sized bed than six small pillows on a king sized bed.
In my humble opinion, those bed runners and a little more theming with minor Disney touches here & there is what used to set Disney resorts apart and a step above other resorts. The new “minimalist” design is so sad. The rooms don’t feel warm and inviting anymore, and the stark white beds remind me of hospital beds. I used to smile with delight upon entering my Disney resort room. Now, I find myself frowning with disappointment, as it’s “just” a room like any other hotel I’ve stayed in. What is happening to the Disney I’ve come to love?
My family and I stayed in at Old Key West in a 2 bedroom suite this past September and we loved it so much that we booked our bounce back trip for OKW again. We really don’t give a mouse’s patootie about the theme, or lack of a bed runner (gross!) we just want to be comfortable and have enough room for our 3 teenage kids and 1 six year old to have enough room to spread out, rest, and have privacy for us parents.
We’ve stayed at most of the deluxe and deluxe villa resorts at Disney World and I think we’ll be going back to OKW for a while. You cannot beat the accommodations and amenities for the price at Disney.
Too bad they didn’t do as you suggested, and go with a more Vero Beach style redo. We were there last year in a 2 bed unit ( similar in layout to OKW) and they were able to work a lot more color and fun patterns into those villas, we really liked the look.
Totally agree with you on the bedrunners!
The studio photo doesn’t clarify for me the question of whether the TV can be viewed adequately from both beds. Can anyone answer this question? I believe this is the only DVC studio with two beds, a big consideration for us. TIA.
The studio room TV is on a swivel mount, and can be viewed fine from both beds if you angle it accordingly.
But … it appears they still offer only the small TV, and still only a small chest of drawers. This is my personal annoyance. I realize the wall space is small, but this could have been adjusted. Even the value resorts have big screens.
I like the rug – it DOES really tie the room together. (and I appreciate the Big Lebowski reference). However, I do echo Ash’s comment that it was hard to distinguish which pictures were before/after. And what’s with the TV in the backside of the kitchen island? Weird. Finally, I think you SHOULD go on a 5 minute runner-tirade. Those things also really tie the room together.
The flatscreen TV has been inside the kitchen island for a long time now. Looks like they’re upgrading the TVs with this refurb, but the layout (including the TV) is exactly the same.
You had me at polydactyl cats.
Me, too.
I AM 100% WITH YOU ON THE BEDRUNNERS! I feel so strongly about this issue that I had to yell that in all caps. The beds in ALL WDW resorts NEED bedrunners or fitted blankets or SOMETHING. The plain white beds look TERRIBLE with poorly-tucked-in sheets. It makes every room look cheap and messy. Can we start a grassroots campaign to lobby Disney about this issue?? Honestly!
Just as a point of clarification: the poorly-tucked-in sheets are my handiwork. I took these photos right before check-out, rather than check-in.
Ahhhh. . . my DVC home resort. I am actually pleased with the updates. I like a simple, clean room. After being out and about in a themed paradise all day, I enjoy retiring to a calm space.
And let’s be honest, the rooms at OKW are huge and that is the BEST, hands down.
I say, bravo.
When I saw the first photo before scrolling through I assumed that was a photo of the old living room (Old Key West being one hotel I haven’t stayed in) and I was looking forward to seeing the refurbished room. Ouch. Not a fan of that rug. I get the abstract reference to the reefs off the keys (I’m thinking that’s what it is) but it looks more like, well, let me just say it won’t age well other than the fact it’ll camouflage spills well. And I don’t get the bedroom carpet choice in the context of Key West. I love Key West, and do feel some vibes with the light aqua color, dark wood and shutter pattern of kitchen cabinets, but not much else that takes me there. Maybe it was a challenge finding the “neutral” balance somewhere between the Caribbean Beach and Beach Club resort themes?
I think the problem with an authentic Key West design is that it would be quaint in a way that many guests would think is dated from day one. The goal of these refurbishments is to balance ‘modern luxury’ with ‘theme’ and in the case of Old Key West, those two things are directly at odds with one another.
(I guess I’m the only one that likes that rug. Oh well.)
I like the rug – it DOES really tie the room together. (and I appreciate the Big Lebowski reference). However, I do echo Ash’s comment that it was hard to distinguish which pictures were before/after. And what’s with the TV in the backside of the kitchen island? Weird. Finally, I think you SHOULD go on a 5 minute runner-tirade. Those things also really tie the room together.
Disney resorts should stay themed!! I hate the sterile look!! Feels like a holiday inn… not Disney. Themed Bed runners or bedspreads are missed!! What’s happening to the magic of Disney? (
Adding to Steve’s obvious brilliance, may I humbly suggest a Polydactyl Cat series at the Wyland Gallery? Cats sitting on the sand at the beach. Top paws above the water in their polydactyl glory. Bottom paws below the water are actually mermaid tails.
It’ll be GOLD, Jerry. Gold.
Also, if Sarah didn’t get you a bed runner for Christmas, she’s doing it wrong.
Old Hampton Inn is more like it. And that rug in the living room is awful. It looks more like BLT or BCV than OKW. I loved the peach, yellow and greens of the old décor. And I really miss the Key West map and natural sketches of the shells. The new pictures on the wall are the wrong colors and just too much Mickey for me, I even miss the pink plaid couches and wooden blinds on the porch windows and doors. I hated it when they painted the table black on the previous renovation. Plus, I missed all the pickled wood in the bathroom and kitchen area. Don’t get me started on the ruination of the coffee table by putting that alligator finish on it. The designer of this project must have never been to Key West or even see photos of Key West. Wonder whose’ daughter or son was hired for this design?
Hemingway’s Polydactyl Cats cartoon series, t-shirts, dark ride, hand-drawn two-dimensional film of breathtaking quality in style of Renaissance Master Painters, and Souvenir Popcorn Buckets should already be on order.
This is the greatest idea I’ve heard today.
No joke: if there were a Kilimanjaro Safaris style ride with nothing but a bunch of cats doing cat things (so basically, sleeping in boxes and knocking stuff off counters), I’d ride that nonstop.
Ugh, why why why spend all this time and effort for a result that looks like a nursing home? We’ve been DVC members since 1995 and find this latest refurbishment a huge disappointment! We’ll be home in a few weeks and I’m hoping we get an older room because if this is the big reveal, it’s a bust. I agree with the bed runner argument, a pop of color adds personality. What about this screams Key West? I feel like they’ll be a cart coming around to give me tapioca pudding in the afternoon. When I saw mock up of rooms early on in the project I called and complained saying I thought it was horrible.
I agree — My first thought was that looks like a nursing home. I like the rug and AGREE on the bedrunners.