Old Key West vs. Saratoga Springs: Which Is Best For Your Next Trip?



Old Key West vs. Saratoga Springs

Are you looking for the perfect Deluxe resort for your next Disney World vacation? Look no further than Old Key West and Saratoga Springs! Both of these resorts offer a unique and luxurious experience that is sure to make your trip unforgettable. With spacious accommodations, incredible amenities, world-class dining, and a convenient location near Disney Springs, it could be hard to choose between these two top-notch locations.

Depending on what you’re looking for, one resort may be better suited for you and your family’s needs. So, let’s explore the similarities and differences between these two Deluxe resorts to see which one works best for you.

First, we’ll provide you with a quick-glance comparison chart that hits all the highlights of the differences between Old Key West and Saratoga Springs, then we’ll break down each of the most important criteria that could make all the difference to your next vacation. Let’s dive right in!

Quick Comparison Chart

We’ve added a comparison chart below that covers many of the main differences between these two DVC resorts, and provided some details for each comparison. Depending on the type of vacation you’re looking for, you may find these criteria make all the difference or no difference at all you. It’s completely up to you to decide how to value what each resort offers!

Quick Comparison Chart
Old Key West Saratoga Springs
Arcade
Beach
Bike Rentals
Community Hall
Date Opened 1991 2004
Dining (Character Dining)
Dining (Counter Service) Good’s Food To Go Paddock Grill
Dining (Table Service) Olivia’s Cafe The Turf Club
Fishing
Fitness Center
Jogging Path
Marina
Outdoor Movies
Playground 3 Playgrounds
Pools Conch Flat Pool High Rock Spring Pool & Paddock Pool
Pool Bar Turtle Shack Snack Bar + Gurgling Suitcase On the Rocks + Backstretch Pool Bar
Self-Parking In front of room Close to room
Room Cost A bit less A bit more
Room Type Spacious Average
Spa Services Senses Spa
Tennis
Transportation Boat, Bus Boat, Bus
Valet Parking
Views Golf course, Canals, Woods Golf course, Canals, Lakes
Volleyball Court
Watersports
Water Play Area

Dining

Brunch Items at Olivia's Cafe
Brunch Items at Olivia’s Cafe

Both Old Key West and Saratoga Springs offer a handful of dining locations to choose from. Saratoga Springs has more locations to choose from, which are spread more throughout the resort, but there really isn’t anything missing from Old Key West either. While each resort has their particular highlights (Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West is a must!), both resorts offer great cuisine.

Old Key West Dining Locations

Old Key West Dining Locations

Olivia’s Café

Brunch, Dinner
Seeking out home-style cooking? Come to this inviting eatery for comfort food as only Olivia can create.

Good’s Food To Go

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get lunch—along with items like snacks, desserts and drinks—ready-made and here for the taking.

Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks

Lunch
Belly up to this bar for munchies like pizza, sandwiches and salads—plus kid’s meals too!

Gurgling Suitcase Libations & Spirits

Brunch, Dinner, Late Night
Check your baggage—and concerns—upon arrival! This cozy little bar serves up spirits and smiles by the mile.

Saratoga Springs Dining Locations

Saratoga Springs Dining Locations

The Turf Club Bar and Grill

Dinner
Bet on succulent steaks and seasonal dishes in an intimate setting reminiscent of the horse-racing clubs of yesteryear.

The Artist’s Palette

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get creative with your choices—pick up market groceries, grab a to-go snack or sit down for a made-to-order meal.

The Paddock Grill

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Bar Service
Refuel with a satisfying selection of sandwiches, salads and burgers after a dip in Paddock Pool. Unwind with one of our many refreshing specialty alcohol drinks.

The Turf Club Lounge

Bar Service
Stop by for a signature cocktail or a frothy cold beer before dinner in the restaurant of the same name.

On the Rocks

Bar Service
In the mood for something refreshing? Order a cold drink at this aptly named pool bar near High Rock Spring Pool.

Backstretch Pool Bar

Counter Service
Race over for quick refreshment, including beers, cocktails and snacks.

Chip ‘n Dale’s Café

Snacks
Grab a quick bite after golfing. This sandwich stand offers all sorts of savory snacks. Light breakfasts available too.

Pools

water play area at the paddock pool - Saratoga Springs
Water play area at the paddock pool – Saratoga Springs

Old Key West

Sandcastle Pool
Glide down a 125-foot-long waterslide through a giant sandcastle, and sunbathe on a sand beach. Decorative dolphins spout water at this 149,600-gallon feature pool that recalls the carefree romantic attitude of the Florida Keys. After your swim, relax in the whirlpool spa and feel your cares melt away in a dry sauna inside the pool deck’s lighthouse.

Located near Hospitality House, the Sandcastle Pool even has a kiddie pool for little ones.

3 Leisure Pools
All-ages pools—each with a whirlpool spa—are located in the Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller’s Road sections. Offering a more relaxing respite, these pools are perfect for Guests looking to lounge the day away.

Saratoga Springs

High Rock Spring Pool

Soak up the sun at this pool with gushing waterfalls, zero-depth entry and a 128-foot-long slide built into the rocks. Then, unwind in one of 2 whirlpool spas.

Kids can frolic through bubbling jets at the Donald Duck play area and splash down the miniature waterslide.

Hungry? Grab a bite from On the Rocks Pool Bar.

The Paddock Pool

Glide down a 146-foot-long waterslide that flows from atop a water tower. And make your way out of the pool along a gently sloping, zero-depth entry point to ride it all over again. Afterward, relax in a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool spa.

Children can make a splash in the aquatic play area boasting 2 pint-sized waterslides—including a miniature curving slide.

Hungry? Grab a bite to eat from The Paddock Grill.

3 Leisure Pools

All-ages leisure pools—each with a whirlpool spa—are located at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park and The Grandstand. The latter 2 pools also feature children’s playgrounds and barbeque grilling areas.

Resort Maps

Old Key West Resort Map

Old-Key-West-Resort-Map-logo

View Old Key West Resort Map PDF

Saratoga Springs Resort Map

Saratoga-Springs-Resort-Map-logo

View Saratoga Springs Resort Map PDF

Room Types & Sizes

The rooms at Old Key West rank among the largest rooms of all DVC resorts. Booking at any of the room types offered at Old Key West can pretty much guarantee you are getting one of the most spacious villas that is available out of all DVC resorts.

Meanwhile, the rooms offered at Saratoga Springs rank on the smaller side of room sizes at DVC resorts. Overall, Old Key West will offer noticeably more spacious rooms.

Old Key West

Room Sizes:

  • Deluxe Studio
  • 1 Bedroom
  • 2 Bedroom
  • 2 Bedroom Lockoff
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa

Saratoga Springs

Room Sizes:

  • Resort Studio
  • Deluxe Studio
  • 1 Bedroom
  • 2 Bedroom
  • 2 Bedroom Lockoff
  • 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
Resort Room Type Villa Size (Square Feet) Sleeps Beds
Saratoga Springs Studio 355 4 1 Queen, 1 Double Sofa
Old Key West Studio 390 4 2 Queens
Saratoga Springs 1 Bedroom 714 5* 1 King, 1 Queen Sofa
Old Key West 1 Bedroom 942 5 1 King, 1 Queen Sofa, 1 Chair
Saratoga Springs 2 Bedroom 1070 8 1 King, 2 Queens, 1 Queen Sofa Or
1 King, 1 Queen, 1 Double Sofa, 1 Queen Sofa
Old Key West 2 Bedroom 1395 9 1 King, 2 Queens, 1 Queen Sofa, 1 Chair
Saratoga Springs 3 Bedroom 2113 12 1 King, 4 Queens, 1 Queen Sofa
Old Key West 3 Bedroom 2375 12 1 King, 2 Queens, 2 Doubles, 1 Queen Sofa

One bedroom villas with an asterisk next to their maximum occupancy allow parties of 5, but bedding, linens or towels are not provided for the 5th guest.

Transportation & Parking

Bus Transportation at Saratoga Springs
Bus Transportation at Saratoga Springs

Both resorts are in the Disney Springs Resort Area, and offer boat rides directly to Disney Springs. Saratoga Springs is closer to Disney Springs, while Old Key West is farther away, but it is possible to walk from either resort to Disney Springs.

Also, each resort offers bus transportation that can take you pretty much wherever you wish to go within Walt Disney World, either directly or with a connection.

Experience These Resorts For Yourself!

Regardless of which resort you decide to book, there’s no doubt that either Old Key West or Saratoga Springs offer an incredible vacation experience. Between the incredible dining, the impeccable service, and a little sprinkle of magic, you won’t ever need to second guess planning a trip to either of these Deluxe Disney resorts.

If you’d like to view confirmed reservations for rent at Old Key West or confirmed reservations for rent at Saratoga Springs, you can experience Disney’s Deluxe resorts for less, even without being a DVC member! If you’re interested in becoming a member, and joining the DVC family, you can save thousands by shopping from our current Old Key West resale listings or Saratoga Springs resale listings.

Are there any of your favorite parts of these resorts that we missed? What are some of your favorite things to do at these resorts? Let us know in the comments! As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney theme parks and all the information you could ever need about the Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Written by

Rachel Van Norman


Contributing Writer

Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.

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