Free upgrade to OKW or SSR, but no car??

[PrincessDana]

I just received an offer for a "free upgrade" to a studio room at OKW or SSR from All-Star Sports during my September stay.

I would love to stay at either resort, but am leery because we will not be renting a car.

Any advice? Has anyone every stayed at either resort with only disney transportation?

Thanks!!

 

[Kat73]

I just got the same offer! *dances* The busses go to both, but maybe share with another resort I dunno.



HELP!! Anyone ever stay in a studio at either of these? I have NO IDEA which one we'd like better

 

[opal24]

We stayed at SSR last June and only had the disney transportation. We were fine. The only drawback to SSR is that it has so many bus stops that it can take a while for you to get picked up or dropped off. The building we stayed in (can't remember the name but it was right across from the main area) was the last bus stop in SSR. We never had to wait long for a bus to go back from any of the parks though.
We also took the boat they had from SSR to Downtown Disney. They have a foot path that goes from HOB to SSR that was nice. We flew in so we just had magical express & the disney buses. hope that helps.

 

[ashleyrm]

Wow! How did you get this offer? Did you get an email?

 

[PrincessDana]

Yep, just got an e-mail today...a few minutes ago.

We're staying 09/15 to 09/19

 

[eecteacher82]

I got the same offer for our 9/26-9/29 stay at POP. I have the same questions too...Has anyone ever done this? Is it really "FREE", or are there catches?

 

[ryanshana]

I just got that email too...

but you can't get free dining w/ it can you?!?

TIA

 

[chalee94]

I just received an offer for a "free upgrade" to a studio room at OKW or SSR from All-Star Sports during my September stay.

I would love to stay at either resort, but am leery because we will not be renting a car.

Any advice? Has anyone every stayed at either resort with only disney transportation?

SSR is a little newer and more luxury-oriented in the furnishings. the studios have one queen bed and one pullout sofabed (double sized). some of the buildings at SSR are easy walking distance from DTD (using the bus hub at DTD makes it a lot easier if you have reservations at another resort for dinner.) SSR has elevators.

OKW has a more laidback beach cottage feel with more mature landscaping. the studios have 2 queen beds and are a little larger than the SSR studios. also important: the buildings are three floors tall and only a couple of bldgs have elevators and those are usually reserved for special situations.

definitely google them and use the "resorts" link above to look at pictures and get a feel for the differences.

i've stayed at both - parked my car out in front of my building and left it there all week. the buses can take a little while moving through the resorts as they are both fairly spread out. if you're patient, you should be fine...i doubt the bus service at either resort would be worse than at the all-stars (although SSR owners sometimes complain that some people will park at DTD and take the SSR buses to the parks - which can make them more crowded.)

 

[chalee94]

I got the same offer for our 9/26-9/29 stay at POP. I have the same questions too...Has anyone ever done this? Is it really "FREE", or are there catches?

disney did this last year also when they overbooked the value resorts. it's really free from what i understand.

(you don't have to attend a timeshare presentation. but...if you like the room and decide to investigate DVC and maybe buy in...maybe they would be willing to work something out... )

 

[sebzmom]

I can not believe it but, I got a pin to upgrade TOO!!!
Now the problem is (being the planner I am) which one?? Saratoga or Old Key West??? Any sugguestions?

 

[Reese'smom]

Yes, I got this email a few minutes ago too! How does this work with free dining? Is it one or the other? Can I use both?

 

[silverangel879]

Good to now I'm not the only one! I just got the pin and I'm trying to decide!
Thanks for the suggestions!!! My dates are 8/26-8/30 (My 30th Bday)

 

[HelenParr]

You don't need a car. Congrats on the upgrade, enjoy it!

Personally I like SSR better, but there are many loyal OKW folks.

In trying to decide, you might find a photo tour helpful (e.g., on Allears.net accomodations section), if you have not been there before. They each have a different feel -- but you cannot go wrong.

 

[Smile4Me]

We just got this same pin for our stay at Pop 8/25-8/31....any insight on either resort would be helpful!

 

[Tinkerbella001]

I got it too!! Yes, you keep the free dining. I went with SSR and got an additional free upgrade to a 1-bedroom villa with a jacuzzi tub! I'm soo excited!

 

[tmshpkns]

I got it, but I'm on hold and it says the wait is 30 minutes +

 

[Carolina Blair]

We just got one too. Please tell me this isn't too good to be true

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Several years ago on our very first trip we were booked at a value. Disney called and asked if we wanted an upgrade to a studio at OKW. I didn't have a clue what she was talking about and told her to hold while I spoke to DH. She waited a few minutes and then offered up a 1 br villa at OKW.

We finally said yes. IT was so nice we stayed a few days longer than planned!

Does Disney do profiling? I don't know but I ended up going to the Timeshare store and buy a contract at OKW. We love it and Disney now a bunch of my money for giving me an upgrade.

OKW is very laid back, full landscaping. It is not the newest but it has the largest rooms.

 

[SharonZ]

I've stayed at both and prefer SSR. I think OKW is a little dated and in need of refurbishment and SSR is much newer. Don't discount SSR because people say it is too spread out and large. I stayed at the Paddocks twice and it's one of the furthermost buildings and didn't find it was a long walk at all. The Springs is located closest to the main themed pool and food court, restaurant areas. But, it's the last pick-up for the theme parks and if you have small children and it is crowded, you may have to stand or wait for another bus. It is the first stop for the buses that go to DTD. The quiet pools are also quite nice. There is also a boat launch that goes to DTD that takes about 8 minutes.

 

[Mitzicat]

One quick question...because I am hoping and praying for a pin code to upgrade. It would be a great Bday present for my Dad.


Those who have received a code, have you completely paid for your trip?