DVC “Confessions”

[artesian]

I have never been to SSR (or OKW), but am curious about them. I feel like down the road once I’ve been to WDW a good amount of times I could see myself enjoying a little slower resort, but I think OKW seems more my style, anything in particular you like better about SSR?



Yep, this is exactly what I’m wondering too.

It’s going to be a while before I am “tired” of being within walking distance of the parks, but I can see it happening at some point.

SSR for us is the quiet relaxing gem. We've as a family always enjoyed the fact we can walk to DS and not worry about the boat, bus or parking. The vibe is low key and for us is exactly what we want in a vacation. Now compared to BWV and BCW the proximity EP and the area is hard to beat but there is an air of business all the time. I have a fav building I always request in SSR that has a view of one of the many ponds on the property and sitting around with a beer on the my personal deck is just calming for me. Lastly the recent refurb the 1 BDR sits me and the kids perfectly where no one shares a bed and still have all the amenities we want. Is it my #1 choice maybe no as BCV is because I can replace the walk to DS with a walk to EP but unfortunately at 7 months the chances are always slim there's any inventory left. Whereas in SSR I know I have an ok chance to get what I want in first try or know there's a fair chance my waitlist will come through even at 2-3 months.

 

[Genie+]

For me with teens they are the best as they take so long in the shower and to do their hair and make up we give them the separate shower one to spread out all their "products" and we claim the one with the toilet.

Yeah having the tub/shower and then also the more luxurious big rainfall shower is nice to have options and big advantage over other studios when everybody’s trying to get ready.

And even at night, so great to soak your tired bones after a park day. Meanwhile theres still a whole nother full bathroom for others to use.

Poly longhouse studios have 3 sinks. A family of 5 could all get their teeth brushed and faces washed to make ropedrop in under 7 minutes lol.

 

[TinkAgainU]

I can’t understand that, how can that be. lol


Mine is I don’t like (or care for) characters, character meals or parades. (I may be too new to DVC to have any real DVC confession yet)

I'm with you on the characters and character meals, it's fine if they are there but no biggie. Once in a while they do a good job on the parade music and it makes me smile, but usually I find a long wait on a hard curb to be more aggravating than magical. That said, I cried at the first parade after 2020, pretty sure I was not the only one.

 

[Dobermanns]

Did you find any information about hauntings???

I did back then. But just now I searched and think there was only one on OKW.

 

[TinkAgainU]

To the ssr people I was wondering how their feelings compare to okw. I’ve not staid at either yet but from outsider I view them as similar category. I’ve always had desire to try both but prioritize okw since rooms are bigger and lower point charts. What is it about ssr that edges okw in your minds?

SSR = Horse Theme. We love that aspect.

 

[gmi3804]

I hate the echo-y, exterior, concrete hallways at SSR, which remind me of staying in a public housing project.

 

[Dina]

To the ssr people I was wondering how their feelings compare to okw. I’ve not staid at either yet but from outsider I view them as similar category. I’ve always had desire to try both but prioritize okw since rooms are bigger and lower point charts. What is it about ssr that edges okw in your minds?

While I absolutely love Old Key West, we prefer SSR for a few reasons —first it’s our home resort …. And that’s just because that was what was being sold when we bought direct…. But now it feels like home. Second— I really prefer the pools at SSR (I love a great pool and great slide) Third — I do like artist Palette and the grills at the pool to anything OKW had. Most importantly we love being steps from Disney Springs (we do usually spend extra points on preferred location )… I love having the options of grabbing food and drinks at so many places so close by.

 

[Leight19]

SSR = Horse Theme. We love that aspect.

Haha I can get behind this. To me as someone whose never staid either, my impression is if ssr and okw cost the same I’d likely stay at ssr every time. However, my understanding is ssr standard matches akv standard and the preferred matches akv savanah view. With those point charts I end up staying akv 10/10 times over ssr haha.

 

[Dina]

I agree with uo

I hate the echo-y, exterior, concrete hallways at SSR, which remind me of staying in a public housing project.

I hate the echo-y, exterior, concrete hallways at SSR, which remind me of staying in a public housing project.

I agree with you there . I hate the concrete interior and really prefer OKW in that respect

 

[zackiedawg]

To the ssr people I was wondering how their feelings compare to okw. I’ve not staid at either yet but from outsider I view them as similar category. I’ve always had desire to try both but prioritize okw since rooms are bigger and lower point charts. What is it about ssr that edges okw in your minds?

I like both OKW and SSR - both are very laid back - OKW probably the most 'removed' from Disney - I feel like I'm just at a resort or vacation condo somewhere and love the large rooms and balconies, watching golfers, taking the boat to Disney Springs.

As others mentioned SSR edges out OKW for me firstly because of the ability to walk into Disney Springs. I also prefer the food options at SSR - the quick serve is good and the Turf Club a nice sit-down option. Plus with the ability to walk to Disney Springs, you essentially have 20-30 additional restaurants to pick from - and almost feels like part of the resort grounds.

When at SSR, I can use the Disney Springs bus stop to get to every other resort property as well as most theme parks. I do feel like I'm still in the Disney bubble - though still a much more laid-back resort property and grounds at SSR. OKW actually makes me feel like I'm not at Disney anymore - that's actually not a bad thing for me - when I stay there, I have busy park days and characters and busses and such, but then I get back to OKW and I leave it all behind - walking through Hospitality House, Jimmy Buffet or Reggae music playing, walking through the lovely green grounds to my outdoor staircase up to a little condo building - it's probably the most residential feeling of all the DVCs for me...and there are times that little break is wonderful to have.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Don't forget that Saratoga is one of the best Universal hotels on Disney property lol I do like staying at Cabana Bay too if I'm going to Universal but free parking at Disney is very nice.

 

[Chili327]

SSR = Horse Theme. We love that aspect.

Definitely a valid point!

 

[JackosinDIS]

Haha I can get behind this. To me as someone whose never staid either, my impression is if ssr and okw cost the same I’d likely stay at ssr every time. However, my understanding is ssr standard matches akv standard and the preferred matches akv savanah view. With those point charts I end up staying akv 10/10 times over ssr haha.

We did a 2 week split between SSR and AKL this year. SSR wins hands down for me! The rooms are so much nice and I much preferred the relaxed vibe and transport at SSR. Yeh, I like the animals at AK but once you’ve been there a couple of nights the initial excitement wears off!

 

[Chili327]

Yeh, I like the animals at AK but once you’ve been there a couple of nights the initial excitement wears off!

Agree it is one of the most amazing experiences and why I want to start my vacation there, but only needed for 2-3 nights max, maybe that will change when I’m doing more resort stays, but for now to full nights is enough, and may a 3rd night if I’m arriving really late.

 

[Mle8308]

I did back then. But just now I searched and think there was only one on OKW.

Ok, do spill the tea!

 

[Dobermanns]

Ok, do spill the tea!

LOL I found this one just now:

https://www.reddit.com/r/dvcmember/comments/19ddtpw/spooky_experience_at_disneys_old_key_west_resort

 

[kboo]

My granddaughter is going to be 6 so I do have some concern about long days and having to bus back to the resort.

The first time we did the Halloween party, we had a baby, a double stroller and a bigger little kid who fell asleep early. And we were staying at Boardwalk even though 2/3 of our resorts are MK area. (Halloween party fail!)

I have the same confession as you. And if I say "bank" or "holding", his eyes glaze over like I'm speaking some foreign language.

My husband as well. I think I better teach him how to use the DVC in case something happens to me. He doesn't even have his own log in.

Confessions:

I haven't been to Disney Springs since it was known as Downtown Disney around 10 years ago. (and we go to WDW multiple times a year).

I've used Marriott points to stay at Swan/Dolphin on short notice, instead of using DVC points for OKW or SSR.

 

[marmentrout85]

On our check-in day this past trip, my wife and I set up our daughter's pack 'n play in the VFG lobby so she could nap while we were waiting for our room to be ready. We have no shame apparently lol

 

[bookbabe626]

My confession…we bought direct VGF points ‘cause that was what was available when we bought, and I use them as SAP at OKW.

 

[atthebeachclub]

My confession…we bought direct VGF points ‘cause that was what was available when we bought, and I use them as SAP at OKW.

That is actually not that crazy if you wanted direct perks. They will go a lot further at OKW and the dues at VGF are lower.