OKW/SSR Advice

[BLLB]

We are thinking about a short trip in May. The only availability is OKW and SSR. I will be traveling with my two DS (8 and 6), DH will not be joining us this time. I am used to resorts that are walking distance to a park or two.

Any thoughts on whether these resorts will be easy to get around WDW with just me and the boys?

 

[spiceycat]

since they away from the parks - it might be easier. No last minute trips back to the parks.

both are nice - would go with OKW - because of the 2 queen beds in the studios - unless you are getting a 1-bedroom. then again - OKW because it is much bigger (room).

that say SSR is an easy walking distance to DD. with boys they would like Disney quest or Lego - plus there is a MacDonld's....

OKW you can walk to DD and it is actually closer to Westside (where DQ is) - but the path is not well marked.

okw has less people for the swimming pools. now if the boys only want the main pool with a slide - that won't help much. but if they will settle for a quiet pool near your room - this is a nice advantage.

use to love Olivia at OKW - but on my last trip - turf club at SSR was so much better!!!

not helping any.

well both have great points and not so great.

 

[BLLB]

Thank you for replying, I appreciate your opinions.

 

[sparkyboy]

SSR is close to DTD and is easy walk. Lots of fun activities including the Lego Store, great choices for eating, ice cream, candy, etc.

SSR pools are nice and lots of activities going on for all ages. Bus service to parks has been good the last two times we stayed-never long waits. SSR is quiet in the evenings. Doors to rooms open from outside rather than interior hallway. We often wondered if anyone else was staying in the same building with us.

Food is good at both places but love the Turf.

Happy planning and know that where ever you stay, you'll have a good time.

 

[BLLB]

Both SSR and OKW have exterior hallways?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Both SSR and OKW have exterior hallways?

Yes, both are set up like condominium communities with multiple buildings. All the entrances are on one side of the building. No interior hallway like the hotel style DVC resorts.

 

[BLLB]

It seems that OKW is a little more secluded that SSR, is that correct? I have driven by SSR and know that it is close-ish to a couple of main roads, is that the same for OKW?

I can't remember in looking at a WDW map.

 

[dvcfanatic]

OKW is on a corner of 2 main roads, but it is well hidden because of all the trees. But you can still hear the traffic.

 

[BLLB]

Since I will be traveling alone with the boys, I think I might like the relative seclusion of OKW. I would prefer a resort with interior hallways, but at this late date it isn't an option.

Thanks everyone for such quick responses.

 

[NEMO93]

OKW has bigger rooms for some piece and quiet at night time. Nice pools and easy to get to bus stops also. JP

 

[CandleontheWater]

OKW does not have guest elevators, so if you have a lot of stuff (or sleeping children you may be carrying) be sure to request a 1st floor room.

 

[kikiq]

OKW doors all are outside opening. Although technical SSR does not have true interior hallways, all the doors are covered and there are some "interior" hallways. SSR is more an "indoor condo" style. There is an elevator to the upper floors. I found this site very helpful in trying to visualize the resort buildings.

https://disneydoc.homestead.com/SSRFloor.html

Also please consider that SSR has playgrounds as well as quiet pools.

 

[4boys531]

OKW is also less points! We booked last minute for a trip and could only get in at SSR (I was grateful just to get a room) but it was a lot more points than OKW.

 

[abeyst]

If you're staying at the hotel a lot, I think SSR would be better. My DS loves the arcade and water slide at SSR. They have tons of activities at Community Hall, and the pool has movies at night. The counter service, Turf Club, at SSR is much better than the counter service at OKW.

I think SSR is very secluded - just as much as OKW.

 

[dianeschlicht]

OKW has 4 pools and each of them has a play area and sand lot. The main pool has that great sandcastle slide your kids would love, as well as a huge sand play area and kiddie pool.

 

[vbarry]

I have only stayed at SSR but if you can book OKW in the HH category I would take that for the closeness to the pool and front desk etc when traveling alone. I think this would make me feel a little more comfortable. Good luck in deciding since it would be guaranteed.

At SSR we stayed in the Springs section which I felt was great in proximity to the pool. It just was not my favorite resort but still is very nice.

 

[magicaldisney]

We have stayed at both and we prefer OKW. Here was our building at OKW:

 

[BLLB]

Wow! What great information. Thank you everyone. Lots of things to consider.

 

[mzzbuzzlightyear]

We just got back from BWV and OKW. If the choice is SSR or OKW, without a car, I would request OKW near the Hospitality House. We have owned OKW since the time of free Park passes, and this was the first time we got the Turtle Pond area.

We had a car, this time, but I found it inconvenient. With you going with 2 small children, I would definitely request Hospitality House area. The main pool, the boats for DTD, Olivia's, the store, the children's activities, etc. are all within walking distance. In some of the other areas, you need to take an internal bus to get to the HH area.

Good luck and have fun!
June

 

[MiaSRN62]

If you have a car, you can park practically right outside your door. Very convenient. I do feel the food options are better at SSR but also feel SSR is a much larger resort and I wonder how long it takes the busses to circle through SSR. It's about 10 min through OKW which has 5 stops within the resort. While both resorts are large, it just seems like SSR is larger and more spread out ? I have stayed at OKW many times, but honestly only driven around SSR. I am staying there for the first time next month. Decor wise, OKW and SSR are very different. OKW more tropical themed and laid back with pastel colors. SSR more formal/high end with traditional Thomasville furniture. OKW has 2 queen beds in studio vs a bed and a sofa bed at SSR.

Neither of these resorts are walking distance to any parks, but both are fairly close to DD. You can walk very easily from a few areas in SSR. Some parts of SSR are a good hike to DD though. OKW offers a boat ride to DD.