Old Key West or Saratoga?

[IHeartTink04]

Long story short, we are DVC members and our points went into holding because we had to cancel a trip within 30 days.

We are going in September and we won't be able to book until 60 days out because of the points in holding.

We usually stay at Bay Lake so staying in OKW or Saratoga will be different for us but they are likely going to be the only one that is available (maybe AKL), what would be your choice?

We have small kids and are looking for the most convenient of the two.

 

[abner1776]

Since neither one is near a park, it's a toss up as far as convenience is concerned, but for me the answer is clearly OKW.

SSR probably has more to offer to the kids simply because it is so BIG whcih is exactly why I prefer OKW. Larger rooms, more laid back, and it just seems to have more of the Disney feel. Our DD's did a trip this past spring (sans parents) and stayed at OKW and they both preferred OKW to any of the other DVC resorts they have stayed at which says a lot about OKW.

SSR does have easier access to DTD if that area is of interest to your family.

 

[OKW Lover]

For us the answer is clear - OKW. The rooms are bigger and the resort doesn't feel as congested as SSR does because of the way it is laid out.

 

[umichigan10]

Another for OKW. I really like the rooms there (some of the biggest DVC has to offer) and the atmosphere makes it my favorite only to BLT

 

[KPetty725]

We typically stay at OKW for the larger rooms and quieter atmosphere but our next trip we're staying at SSR because the main pool has a small slide that my DD3 can use. OKW only has the one big water slide and she can't go on it since she can't swim. If you have little ones, you might consider SSR for the pool.

 

[wiigirl]

For us the answer is clear - OKW. The rooms are bigger and the resort doesn't feel as congested as SSR does because of the way it is laid out.

OKW for the same reasons.

 

[IHeartTink04]

Thanks for the comments!

How would you compare the food offering at both?

 

[OKW Lover]

Olivia's at OKW is a nice sit-down restaurant that seldom has a wait to be seated. Counter service isn't very elaborate at OKW.

 

[bnk1120]

SSR has a nice quick service as well as sit down restaurant. I would pick SSR over OkW just for that reason since you are traveling with kids. If you have a car and will be staying in a villa with a kitchen, then maybe food options aren't as important.

Last summer I did a split stay- OKW, BLT and SSR. Although being on the monorail and close to MK was awesome, I actually preferred the other too. Love the pools at SSR and being able to walk to DTD.

 

[Fob]

We own at SSR and have stayed at OKW (working our way around staying at each resort - VWL coming up in Jan 14).

The rooms at OKW are a little larger than at any other resort, but not enough to make a big difference in the experience. As OKW lover stated, Olivia's is a nice sit down that you can usually get at anytime without an ADR, but the only counter service is the grill by the pool.

Now, here is why I would suggest SSR. There are two great pools for kids (5 total pools, but I'm focusing on the fact that you have small kids). The main pool is located at the Carriage House (Springs section) has both a large and small slide for the kids. Also the pool in the Paddock section has not only a large slide for bigger kids, but also a large enclosed splash pad for the smaller ones. Both of the pools have areas to refill mugs and get burgers, etc...

As for dinning, the Artist Palate (in the Carriage House) at SSR is the best counter service area we have found in any of the DVC resorts so far. There is also a table service restaraunt, the Turf Club, which my BIL and SIL love, but I haven't tried, yet.

As for convience to parks, both OKW and SSR are bus rides to all the parks. Fortunately, they run frequently and stop in front of each section in the resorts.

I hope this helps and have a GREAT trip.

 

[shelby101301]

As a mom of younger kids, I have to say SSR for two reasons. First, while bigger, OKW doesn't have the couch that opens to a bed, but rather two beds in the studio. I like to fold up the bed in the morning so the kids have a place to play, sit etc... Now if you're staying in a 1 bedroom or larger, obviously not an issue.

Other thing that bothered me is, kids get a real kick out of using refillable mugs station. But the one at OKW is outside and was always covered in bees.... Like a dozen or more. So not only could kids not use, nor could I as I am really allergic to bee stings, have to carry an epi pen. Btw, this is also the quick serve area, so quick serve was off limits too.

But otherwise, it is a lovey resort. I think you'd like both honestly. Good luck!

 

[pigletto]

You might have luck with AKL depending on the popularity of your dates and when you are going. I have rented points for an entire week for AKL studios twice at about 3 months out.
If that isn't available it would probably be SSR. We've stayed at OKW and while we really enjoy it, some of the room areas are very remote and I personally wouldn't want to be in them without a car. I want to try SSR for the pools and I like the fact that it has a quick service.

 

[Ratigan]

OKW is very quiet and romantic. If it is just you and an intimately significant other, OKW is the way to go. However, if it is more than two or romantic interludes get monotonous, I strongly suggest having a car and driving to the parks, as bus service was super slow when I stayed there. SSR is very nice but a little more in the mix. IF you get the chance, though, get a Treetop Villa at SSR. I thought I would hate them and only got one because not much else was available (had very short notice I was going to WDW). As it turns out, aside from concierge-level GF and CR, it is my favorite place to stay. To sum it all up...no bad choice can be made here!

 

[meggiebeth]

Honestly, the size of SSR is very large, but if you stay at the Springs section this is not noticeable. You are a two minute walk from the main pool, Carriage House check in and restaurants. It is a beautiful resort. The main pool is wonderful and very child friendly, and the new Paddock pool is a five minute walk from the Springs section and also superb. The grounds are lovely and the boat to Downtown Disney is only a short walk away- or you can walk there from the Springs in about 15 minutes. Also worth noting is the rooms have recently been refurbished and are beautiful. SSR is underrated, as it is a wonderful resort. We vastly prefer it to both AKL and the Polynesian. We plan to stay at SSR again this November!

For the record, I have never stayed at OKW, but it does not get spoken about much and I would assume it is also underrated. Both resorts seem to not have the popularity the other Deluxe Villa resorts have, probably due to location and more subtle theming. However the theming at SSR is very immersive, just not as loud as the other Disney resorts.

Meg~ Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Yellosno]

Ive never stayed at OKW, but I have stayed at SSR and really enjoyed it. I liked that I could walk to DTD (albeit I did get lost my first time). The pools where very nice. I stayed in Springs so the walk to QS to fill up my mug wasnt too bad, but if I was at one further away that might have been a problem for me (there is a second refill station at the new pool). My biggest complaint was that the gift shop didnt have a SSR pin which I found odd, but I found one at MK and I really think that Im one of maybe 3 people in the world that this would bother.

 

[darkwing818]

For us the answer is clear - OKW. The rooms are bigger and the resort doesn't feel as congested as SSR does because of the way it is laid out.

Absolutely OKW not even close IMHO....