Review for Old Key West Disney Resort: Has the Magic Faded?
For the past 10 years, my family and I have proudly called Disney’s Old Key West our second home. It was more than just a hotel—it was a magical retreat where every detail, from the friendly guard at the gate to the enchanting aroma in the lobby, created an unforgettable welcome. The simple words “Welcome Home” would fill our hearts with joy. But sadly, those days seem like a distant memory.
While the gatekeeper still greets us warmly, the magic fades the moment you step into the lobby. Gone is the signature aroma that once made you feel like you were entering a magical realm. Gone are the cheerful cast members ready to greet you with a genuine smile and a heartfelt Welcome Home. Instead, there’s a small bell to ring, and after waiting for several minutes, someone finally appears—wearing a forced smile that feels more robotic than magical. Even my daughters, now ten years older, noticed the drastic decline. One of them turned to me and said, “What happened to our magical place? It feels like a Days Inn now.”
But the disappointment didn’t stop there. When we finally arrived at our room, we were hit by a strong odor of damp, old carpet. It was clear the room hadn’t been updated in over a decade. This was not the fresh, welcoming space we remembered. Exhausted after a long day of travel filled with delays, we went looking for something as simple as water. In the past, there would be complimentary bottles of water waiting for us. But not anymore. My daughters tried calling housekeeping and the front desk, but after several attempts and a 15-minute wait, someone finally answered. The response? A blunt “We don’t provide bottled water. There’s a vending machine.” Then they hung up without even telling us where to find it.
So, I went searching. After some time, I found a vending machine near the bus stop. But even here, frustration followed. I swiped my card only to find that the machine was empty—despite displaying items as if they were available. It was one issue after another. And in that moment, I couldn’t help but wonder: Has Mickey lost his magic?
The Old Key West we fell in love with used to embody everything Walt Disney stood for: a place where families could escape reality and experience unparalleled service, attention to detail, and joy. But now, it seems those ideals have been replaced by corporate indifference.
Has anyone from Disney’s leadership team walked through this resort lately? Do they truly understand what guests experience? The state of Old Key West today is a far cry from Walt’s vision of a magical world where families could feel at home. It feels like the focus has shifted entirely to profits—how many Disney+ subscriptions can be sold, how much revenue can be squeezed from parks and resorts—while the magic that made Disney special has been left behind.
Even small details, once the hallmark of Disney’s excellence, have been neglected. From the lack of proper maintenance in the rooms to the impersonal and dismissive attitude of some staff, it’s clear that the priority is no longer creating magical experiences. My family, who once looked forward to this yearly trip with excitement, now feels disheartened. My daughters even asked if we should start looking elsewhere for our family vacations.
It breaks my heart to write this because Old Key West used to mean so much to us. It was our sanctuary, our escape, our home away from home. But today, it’s unrecognizable. I hope someone in Disney’s leadership reads this and decides to step out of their office, skip their meetings, and experience these resorts as a guest. See what we see. Feel what we feel. Ask yourself: Is this the magic Walt Disney dreamed of?
For the sake of families like mine, I hope someone takes action to restore the magic that has been lost. Because right now, it feels like our second home is just another ordinary hotel. And Disney should never...
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