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Credit: DisneyDisney’s Old Key West Resort is about to feel very different—and if you’ve stayed there before, the upcoming changes may genuinely catch you off guard.
For years, Old Key West has held a unique place at Walt Disney World. It was Disney Vacation Club’s very first resort, opening in the early 1990s, and it still carries a laid-back, residential vibe that feels worlds away from Disney’s newer, sleeker DVC properties.
Spacious villas, full kitchens, quieter walking paths, and boat transportation to Disney Springs have long been part of its charm—especially for families who prefer slow mornings and extended stays.
Now, Disney has confirmed that a major refurbishment is on the way, and it’s shaping up to be far more substantial than many long-time fans were expecting.
When Disney announces a resort refurbishment, guests often assume a standard refresh is coming. New carpets, updated curtains, fresh bedding—changes that make rooms feel cleaner and more modern without altering how they function. That’s what many Old Key West fans figured was next.
But that’s not the case here.
Disney is treating this project as more than a simple soft-goods update. In addition to replacing upholstery, bedding, curtains, and carpet, Disney plans to replace major room components throughout the villas. Kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms are all being targeted for changes. That alone places this refurbishment in a different category, signaling a deeper reset of how the rooms look and feel.
And that’s a big deal for a resort whose biggest selling point has always been comfort and space.
Old Key West villas are known for their generous layouts. Even by Disney standards, these rooms don’t feel cramped. Full kitchens, separate living areas, and bedrooms designed for long stays are part of what keeps guests coming back year after year. Reworking those spaces suggests Disney isn’t just refreshing the resort—it’s rethinking it.
While Disney hasn’t revealed concept art or exact design plans yet, replacing kitchens likely means new cabinetry, updated countertops, and modernized appliances. Living areas could see completely new furniture layouts, and bedrooms may get a more contemporary design that better matches newer DVC resorts.
One unanswered question looms especially large: Murphy beds.
Over the past several years, Disney has leaned heavily into Murphy beds during resort refurbishments. These pull-down beds allow rooms to function as living spaces during the day while still accommodating sleeping needs at night. They’ve become common at newer resorts and recently updated rooms elsewhere on property.
As of now, Disney hasn’t confirmed whether Murphy beds will be added to Old Key West.
That uncertainty matters because Murphy beds tend to divide guests. Some appreciate the added space and clean aesthetic. Others prefer traditional beds, especially at a resort designed for longer and more relaxed stays. Old Key West has never tried to be trendy—it’s always leaned into a comfortable, familiar style. Introducing Murphy beds would mark a noticeable shift in how those rooms are used.
Timing is another major question mark.
Disney has confirmed the refurbishment will begin in 2026, but that’s where specifics end. There’s no start date, no projected timeline, and no details about how the work will be phased. Considering the size of Old Key West, this project will almost certainly roll out in sections, with portions of the resort under construction while others remain open.
For guests planning trips in 2026 or 2027—especially Disney Vacation Club members—this is something to keep an eye on. Construction could impact room views, walkways, and overall ambience depending on when and where work is happening.
Transportation upgrades were also addressed during discussions about the resort’s future.
Some fans had quietly wondered whether Old Key West might eventually receive a Disney Skyliner connection, especially given its proximity to Caribbean Beach Resort, the system’s main hub. However, Disney was clear: a Skyliner stop is not planned for Old Key West at this time.
That means the resort will continue relying on buses and boats, a setup that many guests actually prefer. Speaking of boats, one transportation improvement has already been completed.
Water taxi service returned to Old Key West earlier this year following an extensive dock refurbishment. The dock received new decking and updated safety features, restoring one of the resort’s most peaceful amenities. Boat rides to Disney Springs remain a favorite for guests who enjoy a slower-paced alternative to buses.
Another interesting factor in Old Key West’s future is Disney’s recent activity surrounding Disney Vacation Club contracts.
Over the past year, Disney has been buying back Old Key West contracts using its Right of First Refusal. While that doesn’t directly affect the refurbishment itself, it’s a notable move. Major investments in room upgrades often point to Disney’s confidence in a resort’s long-term value and continued importance within the DVC portfolio.
For a resort with a unique contract timeline and a loyal owner base, this kind of reinvestment sends a strong message.
The biggest challenge for Disney now is balance.
Old Key West is beloved because it doesn’t feel like every other Disney resort. It’s quieter, more residential, and intentionally less flashy. Modernizing the rooms makes sense, especially as guest expectations evolve, but doing so without erasing the resort’s identity will be key.
If Disney can refresh the villas while preserving their roomy comfort and relaxed atmosphere, the refurbishment could strengthen Old Key West’s appeal for another generation of guests. If the changes lean too heavily toward uniformity, some of the resort’s charm could be lost.
For now, all eyes are on what comes next. Design reveals, phased timelines, and room details are likely to surface as 2026 approaches. What’s already clear is that Old Key West isn’t just getting a surface-level refresh.
Real change is coming—and for one of Disney’s most beloved resorts, that makes the next chapter especially important to watch.