Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a hotel in Walt Disney World Resort that embodies the essence of the tranquil Florida Keys. It provides a serene, laid-back atmosphere for guests who desire a reprieve from the bustling theme parks. As a guest at Old Key West, you have access to various transportation options for commuting to Disney Springs, the premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination at Walt Disney World.
One of the primary modes of transport is the complimentary bus service. Board these buses at designated stops throughout the resort, and enjoy a direct route to Disney Springs. Buses typically run every 20 minutes, so you can plan your day without long waits. For a more scenic journey, you can opt for the water taxi. This relaxing boat ride takes you down the picturesque waterways to Disney Springs, allowing you to absorb the tranquil surroundings as you approach your destination.
Additionally, if you prefer to control your schedule or if you have plans beyond Disney Springs, car rentals are available. You can drive to Disney Springs, where parking is free, or explore other areas of Orlando at your leisure. Remember that parking lots may fill up during peak times, so plan accordingly to ensure a seamless experience.
Bus Transportation at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Old Key West Resort offers a convenient bus transportation system that connects guests to Disney Springs and other Disney destinations with ease.
Extensive Coverage and Frequency
Bus stops at Disney’s Old Key West Resort are strategically located throughout the property, ensuring that you are never too far from a pickup point. The bus service operates approximately every 20 minutes, allowing you to plan your trip to Disney Springs without long waits.
- Schedule your visit to the theme parks: Buses start running 45 minutes before park opening until one hour after closing.
- Visit Disney Springs: The Marketplace Bus Loop serves direct routes from Old Key West for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Access is streamlined with complimentary transportation; no additional fare is needed for bus travel within the Walt Disney World Resort.
- For those who have their own vehicles, be aware that the bus transportation also connects to a parking lot at Disney Springs, enabling fluid travel options whether you choose to drive or ride.
You can expect buses to adhere to a regular schedule, bringing you from the resort to Disney Springs and back, throughout the day and evening.
Water Transportation Options
Disney’s Old Key West Resort offers a delightful water transportation system to Disney Springs, providing guests with a scenic and relaxing journey. Water taxis are a memorable part of the Disney experience, combining convenience with the magic of the resort.
Availability for Resort Guests
You can board a water taxi from the boat dock located at the resort. These watercraft operate on a continuous loop, serving as an efficient mode of transportation to Disney Springs. The availability is typically tied to the operational hours of Disney Springs; however, it is always advisable to check the latest schedule during your stay.
- First, verify the water taxi schedule at the resort’s reception or the posted information near the dock.
- Next, proceed to Disney’s Old Key West Resort Marina, where you will find the watercraft waiting.
- Water transportation usually begins 30 minutes prior to Disney Springs opening time and ends at 11:00 PM, or when Disney Springs closes.
Park Proximity to Water
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is strategically positioned near the waterways that provide direct access to Disney Springs. The resort’s design includes beautiful water views, emphasizing its close proximity to the ferry boat service.
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort is conveniently located a short and picturesque boat ride away from the shopping, dining, and entertainment options at Disney Springs.
- Friendship boats, a type of ferry boat, are a common sight, connecting the resort to Disney Springs. The ride offers stunning views of the Disney property from a unique waterfront perspective.
- Unlike bus transportation, the water taxis from Disney’s Old Key West Resort offer a smooth and scenic route that takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Disney Springs.
Monorail Travel Connections
Disney’s Monorail is a public transit monorail system operating within the Walt Disney World Resort, including stops at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort.
Fast and Efficient Monorail Routes
Your travel from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs can be streamlined by transferring to Disney’s Monorail system. While there is no direct monorail service from Old Key West to Disney Springs, here is how you can connect via Monorail for a swift visit to Disney Springs:
- Transfer to a Disney bus at Old Key West Resort to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
- Upon arrival, board the Monorail at the respective station. The Magic Kingdom station offers services to the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, and a separate line to Epcot.
- Enjoy a quick and efficient ride on the Monorail, taking in views of the lagoon and the resort’s expansive grounds.
- Disembark at your desired Monorail-accessible resort.
- From the resort, utilize available transportation options to reach Disney Springs.
Remember, the Monorail can be a convenient alternative to complement your transportation options, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey around the resort.
Disney Skyliner Aerial Gondolas
The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola system providing transportation between Disney’s Old Key West Resort and various destinations within the Walt Disney World Resort, including EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Scenic Travel with the Skyliner
When you board the Skyliner at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you’re choosing a transportation mode that offers a unique aerial perspective of the Walt Disney World Resort. The gondolas travel high above the ground, giving you the opportunity to see Disney property from a whole new angle. The journey is not only efficient but also serene, allowing you to relax as you glide towards your destination.
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Firstly, locate the nearest Skyliner station to Disney’s Old Key West Resort. The closest station is at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, which is connected via a short Disney bus ride.
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Secondly, once you arrive at the Skyliner station, wait for a gondola to arrive. These gondolas are designed with comfort in mind and can accommodate up to 10 guests.
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Thirdly, enjoy the ride to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the trip, you will experience breathtaking views of the resorts, waterways, and landscape.
The Walt Disney World Resort ensures that the Disney Skyliner operates with efficiency, regularly maintaining the system for safety and convenience. This transportation option is included with your stay at a Disney resort, so there’s no additional cost to use the Skyliner.
Pedestrian Walkways Within Disney
Disney’s expansive resort offers a variety of pedestrian walkways allowing for a leisurely stroll or active walk from select resorts to Disney Springs and other destinations. These paths are not only convenient but also beautifully landscaped, providing a pleasant journey from one point to another.
Enjoyable Routes Via Walking Paths
The pedestrian walkway network includes a path connecting Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs. You will experience scenic views along the Sassagoula River. The walk typically takes about 15 minutes, offering a relaxing transition to the entertainment hub.
The Polynesian Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offer walkways that allow for a tranquil journey to the Magic Kingdom. The walking path from the Polynesian is approximately 20 minutes to the Grand Floridian, and then an additional 10-minute walk to the Magic Kingdom.
Adjacent to Epcot, the Beach Club Resort provides a walkway that gives you the option for a brief five-minute walk to the back entrance of Epcot, known as the International Gateway.
Your recreation choices expand with the promenade around the Boardwalk, connecting the Beach Club, Yacht Club, and the BoardWalk Inn. This area teems with evening entertainment and dining options, all within a casual walking distance.
Ride-Sharing Services Usage
When traveling between Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney Springs, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft provide a convenient and flexible transportation option.
Uber and Lyft for Flexible Transport
Uber: Uber is a popular ride-sharing app that allows you to book a ride directly from your smartphone. To use Uber from Disney’s Old Key West Resort:
- Open the Uber app on your device.
- Specify your pickup location within the resort.
- Set Disney Springs as your destination.
- Choose the ride option that suits your needs.
- Confirm your booking and wait for your driver at the designated pickup area.
Uber offers various ride options, ranging from economical to luxury, accommodating different group sizes and preferences. Upon arrival, your Uber driver will pick you up from the resort and drive you to Disney Springs without any unnecessary stops.
Lyft: Comparable to Uber, Lyft is another rideshare service offering flexible transport between the Old Key West Resort and Disney Springs. For Lyft usage:
- Launch the Lyft app.
- Enter your current location and Disney Springs as the desired destination.
- Select the type of service you prefer.
- Confirm your request and proceed to the pickup point as directed by the app.
Lyft shares a similar range of vehicle types with Uber, providing options like standard, Plus, and Premier services. Opting for Lyft allows you to travel on your own schedule, bypassing the wait times that may be associated with Disney’s own transportation systems.
Taxi Service Accessibility
When you stay at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you have the advantage of accessible taxi services that can transport you to various destinations, including Disney Springs.
Available Taxis Within Disney World
Mears Taxi: A prevalent taxi service you’ll find at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is Mears Taxi. These taxis are constantly available and can swiftly take you from Old Key West to Disney Springs or other parks like Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
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Contacting Mears Taxi: You initiate your ride by contacting the Mears Taxi service. Phones are conveniently located at the resort, or you can use your mobile device to call.
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Spacious Vehicles: Mears Taxi has a fleet that includes larger vehicles, allowing accommodation for your party and luggage if needed.
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Fixed Rates: The service operates with fixed rates within Disney World, which helps you budget your transportation expenses.
- Pick-Up Points: Taxis typically collect passengers from the main lobby or designated taxi stand at Old Key West Resort.
- Service Hours: Mears Taxi operates 24/7, ensuring that you can reach Disney Springs regardless of the time of day or night.
Personal Vehicle Considerations
When considering transportation options for your visit to Disney Springs from Disney’s Old Key West Resort, using a personal vehicle has specific factors to take into account.
Parking and Accessibility for Guests
Parking: Disney’s Old Key West Resort offers self-parking facilities that are complimentary for guests. When you park at the resort, you have easy access to your vehicle throughout your stay, which provides flexibility for your travel plans. The resort’s parking lot is situated close to accommodations, with clear signage to direct you.
Accessibility: Guests with disabilities will find designated parking areas that are conveniently located near the main entrance of the resort. These areas ensure easier access to resort facilities and transportation services. Display a valid disability parking permit to use these spaces.
As a guest at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you have the option to drive your personal vehicle to Disney Springs. The travel time is relatively short, typically taking around 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Disney Springs has multiple parking garages and surface lots available. The garages are well-signed and equipped with electronic signage indicating available spaces.
It’s important to note that parking at Disney Springs is free, and no overnight parking is allowed. You’ll encounter various garages such as the Orange and Lime Garages, which are main parking zones offering direct access to the marketplace. During peak vacation times, parking can become congested, so consider arriving early or visiting during non-peak hours.
Ensure your vacation remains uninterrupted by staying informed about the parking options at both your resort and Disney Springs. Proper planning will enhance your experience and provide a smooth transportation experience between the resort and Disney Springs.
Premium Minnie Van Service
The Minnie Van Service offers a direct, private transportation option from Disney’s Old Key West Resort to Disney Springs.
Minnie Van for Convenient Travel
When you’re staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you can utilize Minnie Van Service for a comfortable and efficient ride to Disney Springs. The Minnie Van Service provides door-to-door service within the Walt Disney World Resort, making your trip to Disney Springs both convenient and enjoyable.
Book the service via the Minnie Van Service section on the Lyft app to schedule your trip. Simply open the app and select the Minnie Van Service option. With a fleet of vehicles operated by knowledgeable and friendly Disney Cast Members, your travels to Disney Springs from Old Key West Resort are not just a ride, but also an enjoyable Disney experience.
The Minnie Van is distinct with its red with white polka dots design, inspired by the iconic Minnie Mouse. The vehicles are well-maintained, clean, and equipped with two car seats for younger travelers, catering to families with small children. They are also accessible, with some vehicles designed to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or ECVs.
Regarding cost, the Minnie Van Service operates with dynamic pricing. The total fare will be displayed in the app before you confirm your booking, providing full transparency on the transportation costs.
Enjoy the premium experience of Minnie Van Service, a convenient and reliable way to navigate the magic of Walt Disney World from Old Key West Resort to the vibrant offerings of Disney Springs.
Car Services for Luxurious Journeys
Car services are a category of transportation that includes vehicles for hire, providing a premium travel experience. When staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you have the option to enhance your vacation experience with high-end transportation options to Disney Springs.
Luxury Travel with Limousines and Town Cars
Limousines and town cars provide a sophisticated mode of transport, offering you privacy and comfort unparalleled by standard vehicles. When you select these services, expect timely pick-up from Old Key West Resort by a professional chauffeur.
- Book in Advance: Reserve your luxury car service early to guarantee availability for your desired travel dates.
- Choose Your Vehicle: Select from a variety of premium vehicles, such as stretch limousines or executive town cars, based on your preference and party size.
- Enjoy Onboard Amenities: Indulge in the plush seats, climate control, entertainment systems, and sometimes even a minibar, as per the car service offerings.
- Travel in Style: Arriving at Disney Springs, you’ll make an impressive entrance, reflecting the exclusive and relaxed nature of your vacation.
With limousines and town cars, your journeys between the resort and Disney Springs become not just travel, but a seamless part of your luxury vacation experience.