So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you’ve narrowed it down between two of the most ICONIC Disney resorts in existence (you lucky, lucky person!).

But how do you choose between Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas and Disney’s Old Key West? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!

Choosing between the BoardWalk Inn and the Old Key West, is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for.

There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip.

We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:

• Common Ground
• Theme/Rooms
• Pools
• Food
• Transportation

We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip.

Common Ground

Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be pretty pricey and offer the same perks.

For the BoardWalk Inn, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $597 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $4,455 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

For Old Key West, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $457 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,081 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.

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Theme/Rooms

Both the BoardWalk Inn and the Old Key West are Deluxe resorts and offer the poshest of Disney’s accommodations and perks, but that doesn’t mean they look the same!

BoardWalk Inn

Welcome to the charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic boardwalk themed resort, aptly named BoardWalk Inn (so sometimes Disney creativity pales in comparison to a straightforward resort naming).

The BoardWalk brings in the vibrant colors of a carnival without feeling like you’re staying in a circus.

So, you won’t find oversized Disney character decors that you might find at the more festive Value Resorts, but this turn-of-the-century New England esplanade does have some vibrancy and fun that makes it a great retreat from the parks. In essence, the BoardWalk balances the fun of the theme with the luxury of a deluxe resort. The rooms last received a bit of a touch up and spruce back in 2016, and with the ongoing construction and other resort renovations may see some TLC, soon.

The BoardWalk Inn has been updating and renovating many of the common areas, like the dining options on the actual boardwalk, like the rebranding of the BoardWalk Deli (formerly the BoardWalk Bakery), and the soon-to-open Cake Bake Shop.  Inside the BoardWalk lobby, the fan-favorite Belle Vue Lounge reopened with new furnishings, that received some humdrum remarks from loyal guests for losing its charm and looking like it was furnished by Wayfair. And Carousel Coffee recently opened, serving up pastries, Joffrey’s Coffee, but a rather subdued vibe for a joint named after a bright and vivacious carnival attraction.

Old Key West

As a Deluxe Villa Resort, this hotel offers many unique perks. Villas can be booked by Disney Vacation Club members or cash-paying guests, and because of the immense size of Old Key West, rooms are often available!

Opened in October 1991, Old Key West features a relaxed, beach vibe (minus the ocean). Picture yourself vacationing at a Caribbean-style guest house in small neighborhood-type structures. Exteriors are painted in soft hues reminiscent of the Florida Keys. Guests return here year after year because of the laid-back atmosphere and large rooms.

Yes, this resort offers generous square footage in each studio or villa. Studios are furnished with two queen beds and a kitchenette. Take note of that balcony! Two-bedroom villas sleep up to nine people. The one-to-three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen, as well as washer and dryer. Rooms were last renovated in 2019.

Speaking of spacious accommodations, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas at various Disney Vacation Club properties can sleep up to 12 people! These rooms typically come with 3 bedrooms, 3 (or more) bathrooms, a (very large) full-sized kitchen, living area, dining area, and a balcony. These rooms are available first for DVC members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date).

Results

This could boil down to the size of the room that you need. Both have those laid back, just here on vacation kinda vibes. The BoardWalk has the brighter colors of a, well… boardwalk, and Old Key West has the softer pastels of the Caribbean, but both offer those stroll along the beach, find a nearby hammock kinda atmosphere. Old Key West wins this category because of that price point and the size of the room you get for it. If you’re traveling with a larger party, you’ll definitely appreciate that extra elbow room.

PHOTOS: Go Inside an Old Key West Deluxe Studio Hotel Room in Disney World

Pools

Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, vacation just doesn’t feel completed without spending some time by the pool. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn has three pool, the main pool is called Luna Park, and two “leisure” pools for folks that are looking for more chill than thrill for their watery adventure.

The Luna Park pool used to be the home of the nightmare-fuel clown water slide that lit up at night and may have caused an entire generation to need therapy. Luckily for you fine folks, you get to enjoy the renovated model of the Keister Coaster pool slide — where the trauma-inducing clown was replaced with a fun mural of Mickey, Minnie, and the gang enjoy a pool adventure with you on this 200-foot long slide.

This fun pool is 184,217 gallons (yep, we here at DFB painstakingly measured each ounce for full accuracy just for YOU — we care that much) and is just step away from the fun of the boardwalk where you can easily grab a quick ice cream or margarita and then jump right back in the pool.

Old Key West

Sandcastle is Old Key West’s feature pool near the Hospitality House. Here, a 125-ft. waterslide traverses through a large sandcastle. Guests will love the decorative dolphins that spout water into the large pool. There’s also a relaxing whirlpool spa as well as a dry sauna located inside the nearby lighthouse. Small children will enjoy the kiddie pool. Keeping with the Florida Keys atmosphere, there is also a sandy “beach”!

At this property, there are three leisure pools — Old Turtle Pond, South Point, and Miller’s Road.

Results

There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Old Key West pool as it offers some great amenities for the whole family.

We also love that the nearby Good’s Food to Go often has a fun flavor of DOLE Whip, which just raises the pool experience to a new level.

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Food

Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see who these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.

BoardWalk Inn

If you were impressed with the Polynesian’s 10 dining locations, look out, because the BoardWalk has 16!

AbracadaBar, according to the story, you can still feel the magic in the air at this former secret haunt of boardwalk magicians and entertainers… a group that mysteriously vanished over 70 years ago. Guests can experience their lingering magic in the sights, sounds, and even tastes (through the signature “Curious Cocktails”) in this enchanted lounge!

Atlantic Dance Hall is another bar on the BoardWalk. Looking for a place to get your groove on? Boogie down to music from the 80s through today at Atlantic Dance Hall! You can request your favorite music videos, and dance along as they play on the large screens above. Shake your groove thang, and get your dance on with a group of friends! Please note that Atlantic Dance Hall is limited to guests 21 and older and typically open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8PM to 1AM.

The Belle Vue Lounge is what many call a “rare find” at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Modeled after a 1930s sitting room, it has nice touches like board games and working radios playing shows from eras past. Tucked right off the main lobby, this lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink after a long day at the parks, or even to take a quick snooze in a comfy chair to recharge in late afternoon. Guests can also stop here for coffee or pastries in the morning.

Head to a real brewing factory at Big River Grille & Brewing Works! Here you can sample many different kinds of beers, along with great burgers, steaks, nachos, and more. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls in the Big River Grille & Brewing Works restaurant provide a glimpse into the beer-making process. Watch while an on-site brew master crafts the establishment’s beers. Or sit outside and enjoy the BoardWalk atmosphere and water views.

Step back in time to a seaside boardwalk village on Crescent Lake where turn-of-the-century charm meets savory eats and sweet treats at the BoardWalk Deli. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and guests enjoy items like house-baked bagels, an “overstuffed warm pastrami Reuben” or a hand-piped cannoli. In Disney’s words, the menu takes us on “a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore,” and you can check it out here. 

Craving a cool treat while strolling along the Disney World BoardWalk? Then stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream! This ice cream to-go store scoops up simple sundaes and cones made with Edy’s brand ice cream. The treats here are said to be inspired by the beloved Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at the nearby Beach Club Resort.

BoardWalk Joe’s is a stand on Disney World’s BoardWalk that is known for ONE thing: “Marvelous Margaritas!” For a relatively small kiosk, there is a surprising variety of flavorful margaritas available — and sometimes you’ll happen upon a seasonal concoction! A selection of snacks such as pretzels and roasted nuts is also available. Non-alcoholic smoothies (including one made with Dole Whip!) are also on offer.

Stop by the Pizza Window on Disney World’s BoardWalk for a piping hot pizza pie! One of those most relaxing and fun things to do at Disney World is stroll along the Disney BoardWalk, taking in all the sights and smells around Crescent Lake. With 9,000 square feet of entertainment, shops, and restaurants, there are several options for a quick bite to eat. Why not grab some fresh pizza from the BoardWalk Pizza Window? They serve up whole pizza pies and pizza by the slice (and Sangria to go with it, for of-age guests, along with fountain drinks). Grab one of the cafe tables outside or stroll while you eat.

If you happen to be walking down Disney World’s BoardWalk and you’re in the mood for a quick snack, be sure to stop at the BoardWalk To Go kiosk. At the kiosk you’ll find baskets of deep fried treats including fried mac and cheese bites and corn dogs. You can even grab a meal combo built around a hot dog, cheeseburger, or pulled pork sandwich.

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023! This new Table Service restaurant will serve items for brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring both sweet and savory menus. Afternoon tea service will be offered as well! Disney notes that the new eatery will present a “whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.” And guess what? Guest will also be able to pop in for a quick treat by grabbing something to-go from the bakery case!

You can find Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This spot is located right off the Resort’s lobby, making it a perfectly convenient spot for your pick-me-up cup! Coffee, tea, and pastries (including options by Joffrey’s Coffee) are on offer. Keep an eye out for seasonal drinks and unique options like a Dark Cherry Mocha Frozen Blended Coffee (which Disney shares is a flavor staple of “coffee shops, family-owned delis, and ice cream parlors along the shores” in keeping with the BoardWalk’s vintage seaside theme). As far as the eats, you can grab classic snacks such as the Vintage Mickey & Minnie Sugar Cookie, Banana Bread, Croissants, Muffins, NJ Crumb Cake, Bagels, and a Mickey Brownie up for grabs.

Flying Fish is a signature restaurant that serves gourmet seafood to guests on Disney World’s BoardWalk. Many tout both the sea and land dishes here. (The Char-Crusted New York Strip is a favorite among landlubbers.) The location — complete with a lovely glass school of fish “swimming” above the main dining room — has an emphasized focus on seasonal, sustainable fare.

You’ll find a truly classic carnival treat on Disney World’s BoardWalk: Funnel Cake! The Funnel Cake Stand also serves the rather unexpected offering of Fried Ice Cream. Enjoy your “Tasty Sensations” (as the sign says) while you stroll or pull up a bench on the BoardWalk while watching the people go by! PLEASE NOTE: The BoardWalk Funnel Cake is currently closed. We will keep you updated when a reopening is announced!

Do you love music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s? Do you love dueling piano improv? Then Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar is the place for you! The raucous bar on Disney’s BoardWalk brings you non-stop dueling pianos and a drink special each night (the “Jellyroll of the Day”). So be thinking of your favorite Billy Joel, Mariah Carey or Elton John song to request! A cover charge of $18.00 to enter Jellyrolls is typically open nightly from 7PM to 1:45AM. Doors open at 7PM, and entertainment starts at 8PM — it helps to be early to grab a seat!

Welcome to Leaping Horse Libations at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! Out at the Luna Park Pool, its given name) at this Deluxe Resort, you’ll find a poolside bar with all the basics you need for an afternoon in the sun — cold drinks, snacks, and even a few lunch items to get you through your Florida sun-and-pool afternoon! Look for fun carnival-themed drinks like the Tilt-A-Whirl, and The Roller Coaster Meltdown served along with the standard Disney pool bar menu.

You’ll find Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk. This eatery serves dinner daily and is an “original Italian restaurant.” The dinner menu features regional specialties with classic preparations. Many ingredients are crafted in-house, including hand-crafted mozzarella and handmade cavatelli. Trattoria al Forno also features seasonal risotto and serves only Italian wines.

So many amazing places to eat, how can you choose? Or you don’t have to, just systematically eat your way through the BoardWalk!

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Old Key West

Olivia’s Cafe is a relaxed and casual Table Service restaurant featuring flavors inspired by the Florida Keys. It is a beachy, breezy, casual restaurant in Disney’s Old Key West Resort — offers yummy dishes and a family atmosphere that anyone’s bound to love. This Table Service restaurant serves up classic American fare and items inspired by the Florida Keys including Shrimp Fritters, the Duval Street Burger, and a Key Lime Tart for dessert during lunch and dinner. This spot serves up a great breakfast, too, featuring Banana Bread French Toast among the offerings

And here’s some great news: Olivia’s Brunch is a DAILY offering, making Olivia’s one of the only spots in Disney World to offer Brunch every day!

Good’s Food To Go is Old Key West’s Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is unique with its outdoor setting made for more of a “to-go” style. However, Old Key West lacks a quick service food court with indoor seating!

The Conch Chowder is a guest favorite.

Gurgling Suitcase is a charming little bar where guests can also order full entrees from Olivia’s Cafe.

We love this little oasis.

Turtle Shack Snack Bar offers sandwiches, pizza, and salads to be enjoyed poolside.

Grab a bite and spend some time at the pool!

Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Old Key West Resort!

Results

It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! If you’re in the market for home-style comfort food, then you might just enjoy dining at Olivia’s throughout your stay (it’s definitely one of our favorites and a hidden gem).

The BoardWalk Inn gives you a lot more options, from sandwiches and pizza to classy Italian fare, a casual brewery, and a festive piano bar!

The edge for this one goes to the BoardWalk Inn, but remember that the Old Key West is just a boatride from all of the dining options of Disney Springs, so that’s nothing to discount too soon!

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Transportation

Do these deluxe resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!

BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk Inn is considered an “EPCOT-area” resort. It sits on Crescent Lake, across the lake from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.  This resort is situated in between TWO Disney parks, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Yep, that’s right, you can walk or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on a Friendship Cruise boat to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

If Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s buses to transport you over to these parks.

And as if walkways, boats, and buses weren’t enough options for you, BoardWalk guests are also within walking distance of the EPCOT Skyliner station. This means you have easy access to the other Skyliner resorts if you want to go exploring other resorts or just have a relaxing cruise through the sky.

Old Key West

If you are driving to Walt Disney World or renting a car once you get to Florida, Old Key West offers the convenience of parking right in front of your villa. And with all the walking that you’ll do on vacation, this might be the right choice for your weary feet. This is especially helpful when traveling with grandparents, young children, or anyone with mobility concerns.

To all theme parks, you’ll have to take a bus. But you can enjoy a leisurely boatride down to Disney Springs to spend a day or evening at this premium shopping and dining district, whether you’re looking for another vacation souvenir or a pre-dinner cocktail.

Results

It’s hard to make a comparison, here. BoardWalk Inn is within walking distance of TWO Disney parks, and offers buses, boats, and the Skyliner to explore all of the far reaches of Disney World.

Guests staying at Old Key West using Disney transportation will be relegated to just using the Disney bus system, unless you’ve brought your own car or are just happy using the boat service to Disney Springs.

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The Winner!

So, who is the ultimate winner in the BoardWalk Inn vs. Old Key West battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The BoardWalk Inn won the Food and Transportation categories. Old Key West won the Room and Pool categories.  So, if you plan on spending time at your resort and really enjoying it’s amenities, then Old Key West is your gal. If your vacation is focusing on the parks and the food, then BoardWalk Inn may be for you — but that price point reflects those perks.

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What do you think? Is BoardWalk Inn or Old Key West Resort better? Let us know in the comments!

The post Old Key West vs. BoardWalk Villas Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.