The Resorts Gal Guide to Disney’s Old Key West Pools (2024)
For many of us, the resort’s pool is a significant consideration when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. We want to stay somewhere the adults can relax while the kids have fun.
For this article, we’ll examine the pools at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. We’ve spent a good deal of time there and think it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants a laid-back trip to Walt Disney World.
So grab a shovel and sand pail because we’re headed to Disney’s Old Key West to check out all its pools! Who knows what we might dig up along the way?
![The edge of the feature pool at Disney's Old Key West with sun shining.](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-disney-world.jpg)
The 4 Pools at Disney’s Old Key Resort
Old Key West Resort is a Disney Vacation Club Resort. The resort is within the Disney Springs Resort Area. It has four pools, including one feature pool and three leisure pools. They are as follows:
- The Sandcastle Pool
- Miller’s Road Pool
- Old Turtle Pond Pool
- South Point Pool
We’ll preview each pool further below.
![A quiet feature pool early in the morning before any guests have arrived.](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-pleasant-area.jpg)
Pool Details for Planning Your Vacation
During our staycation, the feature pool hours at Disney’s Old Key West were open between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. However, hours are subject to change. During the cooler months (after Labor Day), the feature pool hours are usually shortened until 10:00 p.m.
The pools at Disney’s Old Key West are heated to 82 degrees, so they usually remain open in cooler weather. However, if the outside temperature drops to 50ish degrees or lower, the pools will close until warmer temperatures return.
![posted pool hours at Disney's Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-hours.jpg)
Quiet pool hours were posted from 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. These pool hours are pretty consistent throughout the year. However, you’ll want to know that the quiet pools at Old Key West do not have lifeguards or other attendants.
![shows the pool hours for the quiet pools run from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-quiet-pools-hours.jpg)
Complimentary towels are provided at the pools at Disney’s Old Key West, so you can save the extra room in your suitcase for something else.
![complimentary towels](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-complimentary-towels.jpg)
You will also find complimentary lifejackets in varying sizes at each pool.
![complimentary lifejackets](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-complimentary-life-jackets.jpg)
Per Disney, pool lifts and other access options are available for guests with disabilities or limited mobility. Pool hours and lifeguard availability vary by pool and are subject to change.
![a mobility lift near a hot tub at Disney's Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pool-lift-disney-old-key-west.jpg)
The Sandcastle Pool (Photos)
The feature pool at Disney’s Old Key West is part of the Hospitality House area at the front of the resort. The Sandcastle Pool is pristine and features a giant sandcastle with a little something extra.
![The Sandcastle Pool at Disney's Old Key West.](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-feature-sandcastle-pool.jpg)
That extra thing is a hidden Mickey water slide exit at the base of the faux sandcastle!
![The Sandcastle slide at Disney's Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-sandcastle.jpg)
A few rules are posted outside the slide’s entrance. Only one rider can enter the slide at a time. The pool depth at the bottom of the slide is three feet (3′).
![posted slide rules for the Sandcastle Pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-slide-rules.jpg)
The slide’s entrance is at the base of the sandcastle. A spiral staircase leads up to the top deck.
![slide entrance](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-slide-entrance.jpg)
From the top, you can see the surrounding pool area.
![view from the top of the water slide at the Sandcastle Pool at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-view-from-slide.jpg)
There is a red and green light at the top of the slide. When the light turns green, it’s your turn to go.
![top of the slide where you enter to take the slide down](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-top-of-slide.jpg)
The Sandcastle Pool has a maximum depth of 4′ 6″ (4 feet, 6 inches).
![pool depth at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-pool-depth.jpg)
A lighthouse sits towards the back of Old Key West’s feature pool area.
![pool with red and white lighthouse in the background](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-lighthouse.jpg)
On our first visit, I never noticed the sign. But the lighthouse doubles as a sauna. This is one of the few resort pools at Disney World that has a sauna.
![the lighthouse that doubles as a sauna at Disney's Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-lighthouse-spa.jpg)
This same area is home to a hot tub.
![hot tub at the Sandcastle Pool at Old Key West Disney World](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-hot-tub.jpg)
Here is a view from the lighthouse area to the feature pool.
![](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-alternate-view.jpg)
Plenty of sitting areas and lounge chairs surround the pool.
![loungers surrounding the pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-loungers.jpg)
This fun water feature with dolphins sits behind the pool area.
![dolphin splash element at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-dolphins.jpg)
Kiddie Pool at Old Key West
An area with a kiddie pool sits on the far side of the swimming pool.
![kiddie pool at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/pools-old-key-west-06.jpg)
In addition, you’ll find a huge area with sand and a giant sand pail. This is one of the best areas for children.
![giant sand pail and sand play area at Disney's Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-sand-bucket.jpg)
After checking out the resort’s recreation area, your children probably won’t want to return to the parks. Remember to plan a full resort day or at least a few afternoons at the pool. Here is the playground.
![playground](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-playground.jpg)
Changing Areas at the Sandcastle Pool
A laundry room is near the pool area. Most guests at Old Key West have a washer and dryer in their units. However, if you’re staying in a deluxe studio, you’ll find complimentary laundry rooms near each pool.
A restroom with showers and changing areas sits adjacent to the laundry room near the Sandcastle Pool. Inside, you’ll find a shower stall equipped with soap, shampoo, and conditioner. An area between the shower and the exterior curtain provides a dry space to change, a bench, and a place to hang your items.
Related: The Laundry Facilities at Disney’s Old Key West
![pool shower at the Sandcastle pool at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pool-showers.jpg)
A hairdryer was also available on the vanity. These things come in handy if you have a late flight and would like to spend the day at the pool. You could easily use the pool bathhouse to shower and get ready before heading to the airport.
![hairdryer at the pool changing areas](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pool-hair-dryer.jpg)
Other Recreation
Disney’s Old Key West is one of the best resorts for recreational activities. Community Hall is near the Sandcastle Pool and offers daily scheduled activities, bike rentals, and tons of games.
![game tables near the pools at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-table-games.jpg)
Here is a shuffleboard court near the pool.
![shuffleboard](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-shuffleboard.jpg)
A basketball court sits next to it.
![basketball court at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-basketball-court-1200x800.jpg)
Or you might prefer a tennis match?
![tennis courts at Disney's Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-tennis-courtsjpg.jpg)
![tennis courts at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-tennis.jpg)
Here are a few more outdoor games like chess and checkers in the background.
![life-size chess set](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-games.jpg)
They even have a volleyball court.
![volleyball on a sand court near the pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-volleyball.jpg)
A fire pit sits near the pool. This is where cast members roast complimentary marshmallows with guests each evening.
![fire pit for roasting marshmallows in the evening at Old Key West Disney](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-fire-pit.jpg)
The resort’s R.E.S.T. fitness center is next door to Community Hall.
![the entrance to the resort fitness center at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-fitness-center.jpg)
Then there’s the arcade, next to the primary counter service, Good’s Food to Go, and bar, Gurgling Suitcase Libation and Spirits. These dining venues service the pool area since they are only a few steps away.
![](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pool-electric-eel-arcade.jpg)
Miller’s Road Pool
Next, we’ll examine the resort’s leisure or quiet pools. Our first stop is the Miller’s Road Pool. Most of the flats in this area are within a short distance of Hospitality House. The Miller’s Road Pool is toward the back of this resort area, across the street from the Miller’s Road bus stop.
![Miller's Road Pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pool-millers-road.jpg)
Here is an alternate view of the pool.
![view of the Miller's Road Pool at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pool-view-millers-road.jpg)
Old Turtle Pond Pool
Next, we make our way to Old Turtle Pond, home to the largest of the resort’s leisure pools. This leisure pool is probably a cross between a quiet pool and a feature pool because it has a few extras.
![Old Turtle Pond Pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pool-turtle-pond-.jpg)
Those extras include a whirlpool spa.
![](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pool-turtle-pond-hot-tub.jpg)
And a playground.
![playground at the Old Turtle Pond Pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-turtle-pond-pool-playground.jpg)
The Turtle Shack is a snack bar toward the back of the pool area. It sells snacks and has a beverage station for guests who purchase a rapid refill mug.
![alternate view of the Old Turtle Pond Pool at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-alternate-pool-view-turtle-pond.jpg)
A shuffleboard court sits behind the pool area. (This is a very Florida thing.)
![shuffle board pool at Disney's Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-shuffleboard-turtle-pond.jpg)
This pool has a small game room, the Flying Fish arcade, attached to the Snack Shack.
![the Flying Fish arcade at Old Turtle Pond Pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-flying-fish-arcade.jpg)
It only had a few games and a refillable beverage station.
![arcade games and pool refillable beverage station](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-games-turtle-pond-arcade.jpg)
This area has a few charcoal grills and picnic tables.
![picnic area with tables and benches](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-picnic-area.jpg)
South Point Pool
Lastly, we’ve made our way to the South Point Pool at the back of the resort. This is about as far back as it gets.
![South Point Pool at Old Key West](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-south-point-pool.jpg)
This was my favorite of the quiet pools because it was a bit more private. Additionally, the area at the back of the pool looks out to the waterway boats use to go back and forth to Disney Springs. This pool had a few extras, too, like this whirlpool spa.
![hot tub at the South Point Pool](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-hot-tub.jpg)
A lovely shaded playground area was also available.
![](https://www.resortsgal.com/wp-content/uploads/disney-old-key-west-pools-04.jpg)
The Resorts Gal Spin on the Pools at Old Key West
Overall, Disney’s Old Key West has a great variety of pools. You can use the pool closest to your room or even do a little pool-hopping around the rest of the resort. But the Sandcastle Pool is pretty hard to beat. It has something for everyone, either at the pool or nearby. When my son was a teenager, he didn’t always care to go swimming. So, the arcade and other recreation areas were perfect for him while we hung out at the pool. If you plan on enjoying the quiet pool, I would definitely consider bringing a small foldable cooler. That way, you can bring a few sodas or water to the pool. The resort has ice machines next to each bus stop, in case you need some!
For more information about Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you might enjoy one of the following:
More on Disney’s Old Key West
What Do You Think?
What do you think about the pools at Old Key West? Have you ever vacationed here? Do you enjoy the feature pool or prefer one of the quiet pools? In the comments, share your thoughts. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions based on our experience.
Hi. My mom, two kids, and I are staying at OKW. My sister and her kids will also be in Disney but at a different hotel. My niece doesn’t like big rides so she was going to stay back at the hotel one day with us while my sister takes her older kids to do the big rides at the park. Would she be able to come to the pool with us? Do they give our wristbands? Thanks!
Hi, they do not do wristbands for the pool at Old Key West. The only place we’ve seen them is at Stormalong Bay, and sometimes the Polynesian around major holidays.