They may not be brand new, but you are missing out if you’re overlooking Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort at Walt Disney World.
Both are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts with Old Key West being the first to open in 1991 and Saratoga Springs opening thirteen years later in 2004. They’re set on beautiful properties with tons of amenities and lots of dining options — so even though they’re older than most DVC Resorts, there are a lot of reasons to check them out!
Here’s why these old Disney World resorts are entirely underrated!
Budget-Friendly
Because these resorts are a bit older than most, you can get a great bang for your buck when you book a stay here! The price is on par with Disney’s Moderate Resorts, and the amount of DVC points per night is on the cheaper end.
If you’re planning to stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, it’ll cost the following point values:
- Deluxe Studio — starting from 9 points per night
- 1-Bedroom Villa — starting from 20 points per night
- 2-Bedroom Villa — starting from 27 points per night
- 3-Bedroom Grand Villa — starting from 46 points per night
Want a full tour of Old Key West? Check it out!
The points cost at Disney’s Saratoga Springs are just a little higher, with the following prices:
- Saratoga Springs Point Values
- Deluxe Studio — starting from 9-11 points per night
- 1-Bedroom Villa — starting from 21-24 points per night
- 2-Bedroom Villa — starting from 27-35 points per night
- Treehouse Villa — starting from 38 points per night
- 3-Bedroom Grand Villa — starting from 63-74 points per night
Compare these points to other DVC Resorts which can cost over 100 points per night for a 3-bedroom villa, and you’ll find that you’re scoring a pretty good deal, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group!
Bigger Rooms
You’ll also be getting a bang for your buck because the rooms at these two resorts tend to be larger than other DVC resorts.
This is particularly true for the 2-Bedroom Villas at Disney’s Old Key West Resort which have two full bedrooms with bathrooms, a big kitchen, laundry facilities in-room, and a large living room.
At Saratoga Springs you can find the Treehouse Villas, which sleep up to nine adults and have a great view of the Sassagoula River.
Why are these resorts home to larger spaces? Well, as time has passed, Disney has designed new DVC rooms to be smaller (even though the prices are higher), so because they were some of the first constructed you’ll find more space!
Where to Find the BIGGEST Resort Hotel Rooms at Walt Disney World
Location, Location, Location!
Another reason that you shouldn’t skip over these two resorts is the location! Both resorts make you feel like you’re far away on an island or at a golf resort, but they’re located close to the Disney World parks! Plus, Disney’s Saratoga Springs is just a short walk away from Disney Springs.
Both resorts also have complimentary Disney bus transportation to all of the parks and Disney Springs (with the exception of Saratoga Springs which has boat transportation and a walking path to Disney Springs).
You’ll be able to enjoy the larger rooms and cheaper prices but still have quick access to all the Disney parks!
Check Out What Transportation is Available at Every Disney World Hotel
Relaxing
Now, you may be close to the parks, but you won’t necessarily feel like you’re at Disney World when you’re staying at these hotels. DVC resorts are built with those who frequent Disney World often in mind, so you’ll find a much more relaxing atmosphere. The thought is that, if you come to Disney a lot, you’re probably not rushing to the parks as much and will spend a bit more time at the resorts.
At Disney’s Old Key West, you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical vacation — almost literally visiting the Florida Keys…
…and at Disney’s Saratoga Springs, you’ll find the relaxed, laid-back, atmosphere that you might find at a golf resort.
These resorts tend to be a bit quieter as well but still offer more activities than you’d find at a Disney World hotel. For example, there is a Community Hall, which has activities throughout the day; multiple pools; an arcade; dining locations…
…and even bike rentals and exercise classes!
Other DVC Resorts also offer many of these amenities, but you’ll be able to find a much more relaxed vibe at these resorts to pair.
Five Things You Need to Know Before You Stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort
These resorts may be older than other DVC Resorts at Disney World, but they could be a great option for your next Disney vacation if you’re looking for more space, a relaxed atmosphere, and close proximity to the parks all at a great cost!
Check Out a Complete Guide to Renting DVC Points at Walt Disney World
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Have you ever stayed at either of these Disney World resorts? Let us know in the comments!
We have stayed at Old Key West 5 of the 7 times we visited Disney. We usually get a two-room villa, as we have two daughters. Stayed at Saratoga Springs (our home resort) once, wasn’t thrilled with it. We stayed our last time at The Boardwalk. It was okay, easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but accommodations did seem a bit small. We have decided that we will go back to Old Key West. Plenty of room for our now adult daughters. And we LOVE Olivia’s restaurant!
Old Key West I can get behind: Low point chart, big rooms, nice restaurant/amenities, fairly close to the parks. But not Saratoga. We stayed there once years ago, and never again. Took too many points for what it is, waayyyy too spread out, bland theme, average amenities, and too far from all the other parks and resorts. It explains why people who own at Saratoga don’t even want to stay there. Disney needs to revamp the entire resort, or lower the point charts. Even at peak times there are available rooms there. Which, as an aside, makes me wonder why another DVC resort, Boardwalk, has such low points charts, for such a hot resort!