AKL vs. OKW vs. SSR - Studio - 2 yound kids and no park visits

[ontdvc2015]

Hello fellow DVCers,

We are planning a family trip next February and can not decide which resort will be best for our family and circumstances. We have limited points so we are picking a studio at one of the 3 cheapest resorts. We are a family of 4 with 2 girls (5&2 at time of travel). We will not be doing any parks, its just going to be a fun, relaxing vacation. We have stayed at AKV (loved it!), and when I was a kid/teenager I stayed at OKW, but I don't remember much about it. Just looking for some advise as to where you have stayed in a similar circumstance and what are the advantages and disadvantages for our family.

 

[William Ades]

We have stayed at all 3. The OKW rooms are larger, but being the oldest property it has it's limitations (like not elevators). We love the kids pool area at both AKKV and SSR (Paddock Pool), and of course AK has the animals and some of the best dining locations on property. SSR always seems less busy and more quiet to us, and it is within walking distance of Disney Springs. They are all exceptional resorts (like all Disney properties), and mostly have the same amenities. So you really can't go wrong. My suggestion is to check out one that you haven't been to yet, that way you will know for sure which ones you like and don't like relatively to each other.

 

[ktate82]

We have stayed at AKL and OKW. I would pick either AKL or SSR. SSR has two big pools and is right by Disney Springs so you have more to do with a resort only stay. AKL also has two pools to choose from and a great play area for smaller kids plus the animals. OKW was not our favorite, but we did love the main pool. But the reason we loved the sandcastle pool was because it was deeper than other pools, so not the best situation with littles.

 

[BillPA]

With a no park trip I would go with SSR. They have some great pool/water play areas for young children and a short walk or boat ride to Disney Springs. Elevators will help with strollers and if a car you can park close to your unit. Having a unit with a sofa bed, as opposed to the 2 real beds at OKW, when folded up will give much needed floor space. Ak-K or Jambo would be my 2nd choice, Jambo has a nice fast food location, that is lacking at OKW and Kadani. We love OKW with the large 1, 2 and 3 BR units. We have been member there for 24+ years, but I do not like the studios. I like having a sofa to sit on, not the bed.

 

[Splashboat]

Love AKV. There are a lot of unique activities for kids too.
February schedule http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/AKLCalendar.pdf

 

[DisneyKeepsUsYoung]

I'd personally pick a standard studio at SSR and request near Paddock pool. My kids that age could play in that pool and splash area all day. They loved the slides. I love that the splash area doesn't allow big kids to come in and trample the little ones!! The slide at Kidani was too big for my 2 year old. I like AKL but a park free visit there would bore my young kids after a few days. Many of the activities were too old for my 2 year old when there. They were not into the animals near as much as I expected at that age. I love having DS with in walking distance at SSR. Kids love playing at the Lego store or watching the amphicars and I love the huge choice of restaurants especially since you'll be in a studio so no kitchen. The 1 counter service choice are AKL gets old fast for us.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'd say either AKV or SSR. SSR will give multiple pools with water play areas and DS within walking or boat distance. AKV has the animals and also some nice pools.

 

[WildernessMickey]

I would say SSR. There are 4 pools, two with slides, and you can visit all of them since you aren't going to the parks. It is also next to Disney Springs that has tons of restaurants and shops and a movie theater. With a no park stay SSR has plenty to keep you entertained. I love AKV too so that would be my second choice.

 

[ontdvc2015]

Thanks for all the advice! We were definitely leaning towards SSR or AKV, and since we have been to AKV in the past, SSR has jumped to the top of the list. Like Disneykeepsusyo said, with no kitchen, it is nice to have the short walk to DS for basically every type of food you could ever want. I love the idea of all the pools and 2 with water slides as well. I think you all have helped make up our mind!

 

[Brian Noble]

I'd probably go with SSR. Significantly more/more convenient dining options, nice pools, relaxing vibe.