First might I ask: You said it would be you and four children, but you listed the ages of only three children? Will there by five of you traveling together or four? This makes a difference because there are only certain resorts that will allow you to book five people in a 1 bd. Or are you looking for a 2 bd?
We have stayed at all three of those resorts. There really are pros and cons to each. My thoughts, for what they're worth :
OKW - By far the most space you'll get at any DVC resort. Enough that you really feel the difference compared to other resorts. It is a very relaxed, Jimmy Buffet type atmosphere. But it is very spread out, more like a huge condo complex. Multiple pools to choose from, but the only one with anything fun for kids is the main pool, and that can be a hike from some of the villas. OKW is rarely our first choice because of the pools, but if it's the only option we always enjoy our stay there.
SSR - Built very similarly to OKW - like a big condo complex. Lovely grounds. When you're there you really do feel the resort atmosphere. It is also right across the water from Downtown Disney, which may be an option if you're not going to the parks much. They have a movie theater, bowling alley, shops, etc. It is currently under construction, so things are a bit out of place, but still. We enjoy SSR's pools quite a bit, too. There are four pools - and all but one have fun stuff for kids. As a single parent, I would think you would also like these pools because it is much easier to keep track of all your kids at once. If you're in one spot, you can pretty much see the entire space. (I mention this because at Kidani this is not the case.)
AKV - This is the only resort (of your options) that has indoor access to rooms. It feels more like a hotel than a condo. In a 1 bd here you will get two bathrooms, which is nice! Also, the Community Hall is indoors here. If you get stuck inside due to the afternoon rains, this is a wonderful option to kill time. Your walk to the bus stop is also covered at AKV - again, nice if it's raining. The pool here is very nice - but there are different sections for kids to play and lots of landscaping that blocks your view of other sections.
All three resorts have benefits and you will have a great time no matter what! Enjoy! Let us know what you decide!
Oops! Now I see in your signature that you are indeed traveling with four children. But since the littlest one is only 1, I do think you are allowed to book a 1 bd. But I'm thinking that extra bathroom at AKV might be nice! Yep - if it were me, I'd think you'd like OKW for the space, AKV for the extra bath, or SSR for the pools. Good luck!
with managing all your children on the buses by yourself. Would it be possible to take another adult along with you? You'd need a one bedroom at least (with another adult), but it might be more manageable.
