What are the different transportation options at Disney’s Old Key West Resort?
One issue that can be intimidating for many guests staying at Old Key West is figuring out how to travel from the resort to the theme parks, shopping areas, and other Orlando area activities.
I know when our family travels to Disney, knowing our transportation options BEFORE arriving at Old Key West is incredibly comforting.
In this post, you will learn about all the modes of transportation available at Old Key West, so you know EXACTLY how to get where you need to go.
6 Transportation Options at Disney’s Old Key West:
Option #1: Take the FREE Disney bus!
Did you know Disney World provides FREE bus transportation from Old Key West to all the parks?
Where can I go on a bus from Old Key West Resort?
You can get to any location in Disney World by bus. Although it can be a little confusing at first, once you get the hang of the schedule and transfers, it’s easy to find your way around.
The buses at Old Key West Resort provide direct service to:
- Magic Kingdom: The bus ride is 10-15 minutes. It is 6.2 miles (10 km) away.
- Epcot: It takes about 10 minutes to get to Epcot, and it’s 2.8 miles (4.5 km) away.
- Hollywood Studios: The ride takes 15 minutes on average. It is 5.2 miles (8.3 km) away.
- Animal Kingdom: The bus ride is typically between 10-15 minutes. It is 5.9 miles (9.4 km) away.
- Disney Springs: The bus ride will take 5-10 minutes. It is 2 miles (3.2 km) away.
In addition, you can get to these locations from Old Key West with ONE bus transfer.
- Blizzard Beach: Take the bus from Old Key West to Animal Kingdom. Then, get off the bus and find the shuttle going directly to Blizzard Beach.
- Typhoon Lagoon: Take the bus from Old Key West to Disney Springs. Then, get off the bus and find the bus going directly to Typhoon Lagoon.
- ANY of the other Disney World Resorts: Do you have dinner reservations at the Wilderness Lodge? Or do you want to check out the Beach Club for your next vacation? Luckily, it’s EASY to get to any of the other 20+ Disney hotels from Old Key West using the free Disney bus transportation. All you need to do is take the bus to Disney Springs or the closest theme park. Then get off the shuttle and find the bus that goes directly to the resort you want to visit!
- ESPN Wide World of Sports: Check with the front desk regarding bus transportation here. The schedule and operating hours change depending on what events are being held. If there are no direct buses, you must take a bus to one of the parks and transfer to ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Where are the bus stops at Old Key West Located?
Because this resort is so large, there are FIVE bus stops located throughout Old Key West. This means your room will have a convenient bus stop no matter where you’re staying at the resort. You can see the locations of each bus stop on the map below.
As you can imagine, since the buses do not cost anything extra, they’re the most popular way to travel. However, at certain times of the day, such as the park opening, you might experience a bit of a line to board the bus. So give yourself plenty of time to arrive for a reservation or show.
What is the bus schedule at Old Key West?
In general, you can catch a bus to any park from 45 minutes before it opens and back to your resort up to 45 minutes after it closes. There are also screens at the bus stop that outline which parks and destinations are open, as well as when the next bus will arrive.
Option #2. Take a ferry boat! (FREE)
A unique way to travel from Old Key West Resort is to take a ferry!
Where is the boat dock located at Old Key West?
The boat dock is easy to find and located directly behind Hospitality House, the resort’s main lobby.
While in the lobby, walk out the back and head towards the water. I promise you won’t miss it!
Where do the boats at Old Key West Resort go?
The boats that travel from Old Key West go to Disney Springs. Once the ferry leaves Old Key West, it’s roughly a 15-minute ride. It’s a relaxing trip, and you get some unique views as you travel through narrow channels, eventually passing Saratoga Springs Resort.
The ride ends at a boat dock near the Marketplace at Disney Springs. As you approach, you will see Disney Springs and all the shops and restaurants on your right. Once you disembark, the entrance to Disney Springs is just a short walk to your right!
What is the boat schedule at Old Key West?
The ferries are typically scheduled to operate from Old Key West to Disney Springs from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The last boat from Disney Springs to Old Key West leaves at 11:30 p.m. But make sure you check these times when you arrive, as they are subject to change.
You can typically expect a new boat to arrive every 15-20 minutes. And don’t worry if you have a stroller, as they are allowed on the boats, but you must fold them. The boats are also accessible for wheelchairs and motorized scooters.
Option #3: Take an Uber/Lyft from Old Key West
If you don’t want to wait for the bus, using a rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) from Old Key West Resort is easy.
How do I use a rideshare service at Old Key West?
Calling for an Uber or Lyft is simple. Just open the app and select your destination, and you will be matched with a driver within seconds.
Since Old Key West is such a big resort, it’s important that you mark your location CORRECTLY in the app to avoid any delays. No matter which building you are staying in, there will be a parking lot nearby, offering plenty of room for your driver to pick you up. There is also plenty of space outside the Old Key West front lobby for your driver to pick you up.
Between Uber and Lyft, there are a lot of drivers cruising around. Almost every time I’ve used a rideshare to the parks, I’ve had to wait less than 10 minutes to get picked up. 🙂
Where can I go with an Uber or Lyft from Old Key West?
One of the best things about using a rideshare service is it can take you anywhere, whether your destination is at Disney World or not!
If you want to reach your destination quickly, using a rideshare service is the way to go. This option can save a lot of time, especially if you just missed the bus. I would also advise using a rideshare if you have an early breakfast at another resort!
In addition, there are so many things to do outside of Disney World. An Uber or Lyft can get you to any of these places:
- Sea World
- Universal Theme Parks
- Downtown Orlando
- Restaurants, parks, etc. Honestly, you can go anywhere you want!
Finally, this option is surprisingly cost-effective (especially on the Disney scale!) The one-way fare from Old Key West averages under $15. If you have limited time to travel to your destination, I think it is money well spent!
Option #4: Take a TAXI
I know some people don’t like using Uber or Lyft because they don’t know about the person driving or don’t feel comfortable using the app. If this describes you, calling a traditional taxi company for a ride is easy.
Taking a taxi has many of the same benefits as rideshares, such as not waiting for a bus. But of course, you must pay for the taxi ride, where the Disney buses are free.
If you want to take a taxi from Old Key West, I recommend calling Mears Taxi, a well-known and trusted company in the Orlando area. You can even schedule and book your ride online.
Option #5: Ride in a MINNIE VAN from Old Key West
Lyft has partnered with Disney World to provide MINNIE VANS, which are Minnie Mouse-themed mini-vans! A big benefit of using a Minnie Van is that DISNEY CAST MEMBERS drive them. I know many people like this fact because the drivers are Disney employees, which provides additional peace of mind.
But in addition to a Disney Cast Member driving, there are a few additional benefits of a Minnie Van.
- They can fit up to SIX people.
- The fare includes two car seats, which your driver will install for you.
- These vans can fit scooters and wheelchairs, but please pre-arrange your ride if you need this service.
How do I get a Minnie Van to pick me up at Old Key West?
While using the Lyft app inside the resort, choose your destination. Then, order the Minnie Van to come and pick you up. Once you’ve ordered your ride, you can track where your driver is in the app so you know exactly when to meet them.
While this option is fun, as you can see above, it is more expensive than a regular Lyft vehicle. Although I wouldn’t use it as my primary way to get around Disney World, it is fun for a special treat or a way to get to your destination quickly!
Option #6: Drive yourself!
The driving distance around Walt Disney World is reasonable, and it’s easy to navigate with a little practice and a GPS.
Getting in your car (if you have one) and driving yourself is an often overlooked way to go from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to the parks. It’s probably the fastest way to travel since you don’t have to wait for someone to pick you up. 🙂
One nice thing about staying at Old Key West is that parking at the parks is FREE! Seriously, it’s rare for anything to be free at Disney World.
There are parking lots at each of the parks, and you don’t have to wait for an additional form of transportation when you’re ready to leave. Pay attention to where you park, as some of these lots are HUGE, and it can be hard to find your car again.
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Can I take a boat to any of the theme parks from Old Key West?
The short answer to this question is NO. There is no boat access to any of the four Disney theme parks from this resort. You will need to pick one of the other transportation options at Old Key West instead.
Can I take a boat from Old Key West to anywhere else?
YES. The Sasagoula Steamboats operate at Old Key West, and you can take them to Disney Springs. It’s a fun and relaxing way to get there!
Does the Disney Monorail operate at Old Key West?
No, the monorail has no boarding station at Old Key West. If you want monorail service from your hotel, you need to stay at The Contemporary, Polynesian Village, or The Grand Floridian Resort.
Can I walk to any parks from Old Key West?
No, there are no walking paths between the resort and the parks. Plus, the walking distance is too far.
Can I walk anywhere else from Old Key West?
Yes – you can walk to Disney Springs and another resort, Saratoga Springs. You will enter Disney Springs on the western end, near Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues. It’s peaceful and relaxing, but it can get very hot, depending on the weather.
The trail is about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) long, but that doesn’t include the distance you walked to get to the trail from your room.
Can I take the Disney Skyliner from Old Key West?
No, there is not a boarding station for the Skyliner at Old Key West. If you want a Skyliner Boarding Station at your hotel, you should stay at Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Pop Century, or Art of Animation.
What is your favorite way to travel from Old Key West?
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