Guests staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort should know that a familiar transportation option is still temporarily offline. The beloved water taxi service to Disney Springs—officially called the DVC Ferry—remains suspended as construction work continues on the resort’s boat dock.
This closure began back in early February 2025, and while Disney has provided an estimate that the refurbishment will wrap up in early April, no firm reopening date has been confirmed. The dock is getting much-needed attention as part of ongoing maintenance across Walt Disney World Resort, but in the meantime, guests will need to rely on alternate travel options.
If you’re visiting Old Key West in the coming weeks, you’ll spot several signs near the dock making it clear that the water taxi is not running. Two folding signs sit directly in front of the dock’s entrance to prevent guests from entering the area. In addition to those, a newly added wooden sign has been updated with the message “Not Operating at this time.” This sign has been painted to coordinate with the rest of the area, featuring a bright blue border and small wave designs that match the dock’s overall style.
Construction-wise, the changes may not be drastic, but they’re definitely visible. The wooden planks that form the dock’s walking surface have been replaced with lighter-colored boards, which are noticeably fresher than the darkened, aged wood that was previously there. The usual rope railings and handrails that frame the dock are currently missing, having been removed during the refurbishment process. A bundle of metal posts now sits off to one side of the dock, likely waiting to be installed as the next stage of work gets underway.
While many guests enjoy the peaceful boat ride to Disney Springs, there is still an alternative way to travel. At this time, buses are being used to transport Old Key West guests to the shopping and dining district. It’s not quite the scenic ride some may have been hoping for, but it does get the job done.
For those who still want to spend time on the water, there is a bit of good news. The Sassagoula River Cruise is still operating between Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and the Treehouse Villas. So, if you’re craving a relaxing boat ride, you’re not entirely out of luck.
Disney has updated the Old Key West Resort’s page with a notice about the dock refurbishment, and they recommend checking back for updates. While it’s never ideal to lose a transportation option during a vacation, Disney is clearly aiming to ensure that the dock is safe, updated, and ready for years of future use.
In the meantime, a little extra travel planning goes a long way. And who knows? When the ferry service returns, the improved dock might just make the ride even better.
