OKW or SSR?

[827287822]

I started a similar thread under trip planning, thought I may have more luck here. Sorry for the duplication.

Planning a 7 day trip in 2010, with a larger group than normal. This will be our first stay on a DVC property. Can't decide between 2 bed villa at Old Key west or Saratoga Springs. I also note that the new Tree House Villas are the same price. Any one have thoughts?

We are leaning toward OKW for the extras square footage as we aren't too concerned with it being a little older.

Any advice about bus transport? how does it compaire to the Magic Kingdom Deluxe resorts?

We will not have a car and I understand these resorts are a bit spread out. Any advice on what to request to ensure that we get a little closer to Hospitality, Pool and Bus?

Thanks All!

 

[SMRT-1Michael]

Both have their plusses and minuses. OKW and SSR both have the exterior hallways and separate buildings which I dont prefer. We always request a villa close to either the Hospitality House (OKW), or the Carriage House (SSR). They both have really beautiful central hubs, with the swimming pool , dining etc. They both have transportation to DTD.

My overall choice would have to be SSR. It's a lot newer than OKW. But both are very nice.

If you want to be close the Carriage House at SSR, request "the Springs".

In comparison to MK Resorts, they dont have as convenient of transportation to the parks. Or so I've heard since I usually have my own car.
All you can depend on is the buses which I heard are very slow at both resorts.

I hope you have an awesome trip!! Happy planning!

 

[worldfanatic]

Like DisneyMike, I followed you from trip planning.
If you can get into a Treehouse Villa, Go Saratoga. What a unique experience. But I understand it's difficult to book unless SS is your home resort. Even then, it's tough at this early stage.
Otherwise I prefer OKW. The Turtle Crawl area at the Hospitality House has a special feel that most WDW visitors will never experience.
Bus service was exceptional on our visit last September.
Plus I love that pool! Jimmy Buffett and reggae music piped in poolsside as DTD boats float by in tropical environs. Heaven!!
And Olivia's. It's the most laid back, mellow restaurant at Disney World. Love it!

 

[mikey531]

I have stayed at both and I prefer OKW. Just my 2 cents.

 

[disneyfan56]

There is so much more space at OKW in the rooms than SSR.

I also prefer the atmosphere at OKW compared to SSR. We have never had a problem with the busses or boat service at OKW. We never wait more than about 10 minutes for a bus.

If you choose OKW, request to be near a bus stop, preferably near the Hospitality House.

 

[heliumalias]

Personally I'd say neither. I've had problems with both properties bus transportation. Never had any with other DVC resorts. Every bus stops at about 4-5 stops within the resort so you're lucky if you get on the bus let alone if one turns up.
The buildings near OKW hospitality are about #14.
SS has a proper QS which OKW doesn't (it's more pool bar-esque). Of course if you go for the treehouses then you won't be anywhere near HH anyway.

 

[slappy magoo]

I really want to stay at the Treehouse Villas, but of course, the caveats are you're far away from the main building and the pool is not elaborately themed. But I believe there is shuttle bus access between the treehouse and the main unit.

 

[mouselvrmom]

We've stayed in the Springs at SSR last October. I thought that the room was not too lived in and nicely decorated. we liked the grounds of SSR.

We are staying at OKW for the first time in August. I'm thinking we'll like the tropical theming a bit more than SSRs. However, I realize that the rooms are older and may show more wear.

We have friends that just got back from the treehouses and they loved them. They said they were just beautiful and had lots of space. I would think they would be a great unique place to stay if you can get in.

 

[worldfanatic]

Every bus stops at about 4-5 stops within the resort so you're lucky if you get on the bus let alone if one turns up.

Sorry you had problems. But C'mon, this is an overstatement. :veryconfu

I've heard very few complaints about getting on buses at either resort.

Transportation (boats & buses) was outstanding on our visits.

 

[Disneykidder]

We are staying at SSR and BLT MK view next summer...can't wait!!!!

Does anyone know if there is free dining available can DVC member get in on that?

 

[slappy magoo]

We are staying at SSR and BLT MK view next summer...can't wait!!!!

Does anyone know if there is free dining available can DVC member get in on that?

Sure you can! All you have to do is book a regular non-DVC trip like anyone else! :wave:

OK, sorry for the snark, but that's the truth. The free dining promotions are always based on paying the full rack rate for the room. If you're staying at a DVC resort on DVC points, there's absolutely no incentive (or profit margin) for Disney to offer you free dining.

Depending on the size of your party and the type of accommodations you prefer, some DVCers might choose to take advantage of a free dining promotion, and then either bank their points to use the following year (my suggestion, if you do this, consider the upgrade of your park tickets to an annual pass) OR rent them out to someone who's not in DVC and/or can't take advantage of the free dining promotion. The third alternative is to split up a trip into two resorts, one of them, you take advantage of the free dining at a value or mod, then upgrade your tickets for the balance of your stay and move on over to a DVC resort.

 

[worldfanatic]

Full Rack Rate for free food.
No thank you................................ not with the room deals available now.

 

[slappy magoo]

Full Rack Rate for free food.
No thank you................................ not with the room deals available now.

The free dining works out better for some people/families/groups.

2 adults and 2 teenagers, staying at a moderate, pays 150 a night. The free dining works out to 160 a night for that same group. All they're out is a percentage of the room tax.

 

[heliumalias]

Sorry you had problems. But C'mon, this is an overstatement. :veryconfu

I've heard very few complaints about getting on buses at either resort.

Transportation (boats & buses) was outstanding on our visits.

Not an overstatement. It's been the case at OKW for most of the time we've been members there (since '95, got worse when they expanded the resort) and it was bad both times that I stayed at SSR (at different times of year). In fact the CMs knew how bad it was because they asked us how long we were having to wait on the day that we checked-out. I've never had a transportation problem with any resorts other than these 2. (It helps that most of the others only have one bus stop).

 

[worldfanatic]

Not an overstatement. It's been the case at OKW for most of the time we've been members there (since '95, got worse when they expanded the resort) and it was bad both times that I stayed at SSR (at different times of year). In fact the CMs knew how bad it was because they asked us how long we were having to wait on the day that we checked-out. I've never had a transportation problem with any resorts other than these 2. (It helps that most of the others only have one bus stop).

Perhaps OKW and SSR don't have as strong a bus system as other resorts. I haven't noticed that, but it's possible.
I do feel saying (as a previous poster did)
"you're lucky to get on a bus, if one even shows up"
is a HUGE overstatement.