Hi Carly,
I am happy to hEAR you are considering a stay at the original
Disney Vacation Club Resort,
Disney's Old Key West Resort. There is certainly a lot to love about this Resort, from its pretty pastel hues, tropical palm trees and relaxed, laid-back vibe. It's a definite favorite for my family!
Carly, I wish I had a more definitive answer to provide, but unfortunately there is no specific time frame or guideline as to how far in advance guests can book cash reservations with Disney for Disney Vacation Club Resorts. While Disney holds a certain amount of inventory for cash reservations at all Disney Vacation Club properties, the inventory amounts are constantly shifting and the exact timelines as to when Disney decides to make such inventory available for cash bookings varies.
If you are looking to book accommodations for Disney's Old Key West for anytime this year, you can check online for current availability. However, if you are looking to book accommodations for 2018, you will need to call Disney Reservations at (407) 939-1936. I called myself to get a sense of how far into 2018 Old Key West is currently available for cash bookings and it appears that at least until February 2018 you may be able to secure a reservation at this time, depending upon your required dates and desired accommodation.
As far as Quick-Service dining options, Good's Food to Go is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and provides a good variety of hot and cold meal and snack options. There is no indoor seating but there are a number of outside tables. Inside seating is available at Olivia's Cafe, a casual table service restaurant.
Wishing you a little faith, trust and pixie dust, and hopefully you will be discovering all the joys of Disney's Old Key West Resort for yourself!
Trish