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If you are looking for a relaxing start to a day at Disney World, I highly recommend a visit to Olivia’s Cafe for brunch at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. To me, the only proper way to get to Olivia’s is by water taxi. This trip combines two of my favorite things at Disney – a delicious meal and water transportation.
Your journey begins here at the Marketplace Dock at Disney Springs. Heading to Olivia’s Cafe is so much more than just a meal, it is relaxing journey back to a simpler time.
Look for a boat with the green flag to head to Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Water taxis are available all day starting at 10:30 AM.
Climb aboard and begin your trip down the Sassagoula River bound for Old Key West.
Your outbound trip will pass by Disney Springs on the left and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort to the right.
Take in all of the tranquil scenery during your relaxing 15-minute excursion. Moreover, be on the lookout for a variety of floral and fauna in addition to wildlife.
Soon, Disney’s Old Key West Resort will come into view. Its lush landscape and pastel colors evoke the beauty of the Florida Keys. Consequently, you will see right away why this resort is renowned for being easygoing and tucked away from the hustle and bustle.
Upon arrival, Olivia’s Cafe is just beyond the dock when you disembark. The theming and atmosphere of Old Key West will immediately call to mind nostalgia from bygone days.
While waiting to be seated, do not miss the chance to look over the old family photographs adorning the entryway. What fantastic snapshots in time! Old Key West was the very first Disney Vacation Club resort, opening in 1991. I adore that Olivia’s has preserved these photos from the very first “Welcome Home” resort at Disney.
Truthfully, I could stand here for hours enjoying these pictures, true time capsules. Real people, real families, in both every day life and at Disney making memories together.
The cafe is so comfortable, a mix of breezy, casual and retro all in one. You feel like you are dining at a beachside town. Olivia’s touts itself as offering home cooking with a taste of the Florida Keys.
The decorative wall art sealed the deal for my teen that we had indeed come to the right place and the boat ride over was time well spent. He was hooked immediately (pun intended).
My daughter started out with a charming pot of tea, giving us time to look over the menu. There are quite a few offerings on the menu, so we took our time to decide.
When our entrees arrived, they looked amazing. My daughter went with the Shrimp and Grits. The shrimp was sauteed to perfection. The sauce has a depth of flavor achieved with the combination of roasted tomato and red peppers. Parmesan cheese permeated some of the most creamy grits I have ever had. The presentation of the dish was equally as stunning as the taste. This was a home run in every way.
Having heard so much about it, I ordered the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken. Simply put, it was divine. The boneless and juicy cut of chicken sat atop extra creamy mashed potatoes. The crunch of the chicken was not lost at all beneath the delicious gravy, appropriately peppered and spot on in taste and texture. The slight al dente of the green beans provided a pleasant accompaniment to the entree.
My son opted for a more traditional breakfast option and was very pleased with his choice He is a bit picky about his eggs and said these were cooked just right, with a pleasing velvety texture. He enjoyed the pancakes with a crispy outside yet light and airy on the inside.
After a wonderfully filling and leisurely meal, it was time to catch a ride back to Disney Springs.
As we said goodbye to Old Key West, without a doubt, all three of us agreed that we would return to Olivia’s on our next trip. There are so many more dishes I would like to try, including Crab Cake-Eggs Benedict, Papa’s Hash and Banana Bread French Toast. However, I’m confident that the incredible Buttermilk Chicken will be calling my name once again.
The return boat ride was just as lovely and relaxing as the trip there. It is nice to see such natural beauty nestled in the heart of Disney World.
Everyone on our water taxi took the opportunity to wave to the Vintage Amphicars as we passed by.
We are just about to return back to the Marketplace Docks at Disney Springs. After such a relaxing morning, we are energized and ready to decide what to do with our afternoon and evening. Shall we stay at Disney Springs and do some shopping, head to a park, or perhaps go back to the hotel for a swim?
Now we are back where we started. In summary, what a delightful morning! In my opinion, a water taxi ride and delicious meal at a resort is quintessential Disney at its best. Nowhere else can you find such a unique experience.
Have you been to brunch at Olivia’s Cafe?
