Old Key West Transportation: Buses, Boats & Getting to the Parks

Updated regularly based on current transportation patterns

Disney's Old Key West is the original Disney Vacation Club resort — and one of the most spread-out properties on Disney property. It has bus service to all parks and boat service to Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River. Your building location significantly affects how long it takes to get anywhere.

This guide covers what to expect and how to minimize transportation time.

Your Transportation Options

Old Key West has two transportation modes:

No monorail, Skyliner, or walking paths to parks. Boat service available to Disney Springs only.

The Sprawl Problem

Old Key West covers a large area along the Sassagoula River. The resort has 4 internal bus stops, and buses make all stops before leaving the property.

Internal Bus Stops

1. Hospitality House (main building) — lobby, Olivia's restaurant, main pool
2. Peninsular Road
3. South Point Road
4. Turtle Pond Road / Miller's Road

What this means:

• If you're at stop 4, the bus may already be partially full
• Total time from stop 1 to exiting the resort: 8-12 minutes
• Return trips drop you off in reverse order

Time Impact

If you're at stop 4, add 10-12 minutes to every outbound trip compared to stop 1.

Getting to Each Park

To Magic Kingdom

Option: Bus only

Disney resort buses go directly to the Magic Kingdom bus loop — no TTC transfer needed. See Getting to Magic Kingdom.

To EPCOT

Option: Bus only

Direct bus to main entrance.

To Hollywood Studios

Option: Bus only

Total time: 20-51 min

Direct bus.

To Animal Kingdom

Option: Bus only

Total time: 20-51 min

Direct bus.

To Disney Springs

Options: Bus or Boat

Old Key West is close to Disney Springs — the bus ride itself is short. The Sassagoula River boat is a pleasant alternative, especially in the evening, though it's slower than the bus.

Despite being geographically close to Disney Springs, there's no walking path. You'll need the bus or boat.

Boat Service to Disney Springs

Old Key West is one of four resorts on the Sassagoula River boat route, along with Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter.

Route: Disney Springs ↔ Saratoga Springs ↔ Old Key West ↔ Port Orleans Riverside ↔ Port Orleans French Quarter

Boat time to Disney Springs: 15-20 minutes

Best for: A relaxing evening trip. The boats are pleasant, especially at sunset.

Trade-off: Boats are slower than buses and run less frequently. If you have a dinner reservation, take the bus.

The boats don't run during lightning or heavy rain. Always have the bus as a backup plan.

Building Location Strategy

Where you stay at Old Key West dramatically affects transportation.

Near Hospitality House

Buildings: 11-14, 23-26

Advantages:

• First bus stop (board first, exit last on return)
• Walking distance to Olivia's Cafe, main pool, lobby
• Shortest overall transportation times

Request these buildings if transportation matters.

Near Turtle Pond / Miller's Road

Buildings: 62-64, Turtle Pond area

Disadvantages:

• Last bus stop (board last, exit first on return)
• 10-12 extra minutes on every outbound trip
• Furthest from main amenities

Trade-off: These buildings are quieter and often have water views.

Middle Locations

Buildings: 30s-50s

Compromise: Moderate walk to stop, middle of the bus route.

Rope Drop Strategies

For Any Park

Leave time: 70-95 minutes before park opening

Old Key West requires extra buffer because:

1. Internal bus stops add time
2. Building location varies significantly

If you're at a late bus stop (3 or 4): Add 10-15 minutes beyond standard timing.

First Bus Strategy

For rope drop, catch the first bus of the day. Arrive at your stop 10-15 minutes before the first scheduled bus to ensure you're on it.

Park Close Strategies

The Return Advantage

On return trips, buses drop off in reverse order. If your stop is last on outbound trips, it's first on return trips.

After a long day, being dropped off first is a small consolation.

From Magic Kingdom

Standard bus back to Old Key West. Buses depart from the MK bus loop.

From Other Parks

Standard bus experience. The internal stops mean you might be on the bus an extra 10 minutes before reaching your building.

For more strategies, see Transportation at Park Close.

Old Key West vs. Saratoga Springs

Both are DVC resorts near Disney Springs with sprawling layouts:

Saratoga Springs wins for Disney Springs access — Congress Park is walking distance.

Old Key West has no walking path to Disney Springs despite being geographically close, but does share the same Sassagoula River boat service.

Quick Reference

Wide ranges reflect the significant impact of building location.

Tips for Old Key West Guests

Request Hospitality House Area

Buildings 11-14 and 23-26 are closest to the first bus stop. This saves 10+ minutes on every trip.

Know Your Bus Stop

Before your trip, check which stop serves your building. The resort map shows all four stops.

Take the Boat to Disney Springs

The Sassagoula River boat is slower than the bus but far more enjoyable. If you're not in a rush, it's a great way to get to Disney Springs for an evening out.

The Key West Vibe Is the Point

Old Key West isn't about transportation efficiency. It's about the laid-back Key West theming, the spacious villas, and the quiet atmosphere. Accept longer transit times as part of the experience.

Olivia's Cafe

The on-site restaurant means you don't need transportation for at least some meals. The food is solid and the conch fritters are a guest favorite.

Consider Driving

If you have a car, driving to parks might be faster than the bus system, especially from distant buildings. Parking at theme parks costs extra, but you control your timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I walk to Disney Springs?

There's no pedestrian path, despite Old Key West being geographically close. The Sassagoula River and private property are between you and Disney Springs. Take the bus or boat instead.

Is Old Key West the most spread-out resort?

It's one of them, along with Saratoga Springs and Fort Wilderness. The 4 internal bus stops are a sign of how large it is.

Which buildings are best?

For transportation: 11-14, 23-26 (near Hospitality House). For quiet/views: Turtle Pond area (but worst for transportation).

Is the bus service reliable?

Yes, but the internal stops add time. Buses run every 20 minutes to each park.

Can I take a boat to the parks?

No. Boat service from Old Key West goes to Disney Springs only. All theme parks are bus-only.

The Bottom Line

Old Key West is a sprawling DVC resort with bus service to all parks and boat service to Disney Springs. Building location matters more here than at most resorts — the difference between stop 1 and stop 4 is 10+ minutes on every trip.

Request buildings near Hospitality House if transportation is a priority. Otherwise, accept that Old Key West is about the relaxed atmosphere, not quick park access.

For real-time help, see how the app handles Old Key West routing.

Related Guides

• Disney Buses Explained
• Disney Boats & Ferries
• Saratoga Springs Transportation
• Getting to Disney Springs
• Why Disney Transportation Takes So Long