Key West or Saratoga Springs

[michvin]

I need advice asap...we currently have dvc ressies at the boardwalk for 1/31 - 2/4. Needless to say this uses lots of points...we are bringing my inlaws plus me, dh, and our 3 kids so we need a 2 bedroom villa. Anyway, I can book us 1/19 to the 24th and save over 30 points (which is a lot of points) and give us an extra night and the kids still only miss two days of school.

So, there is availability at SSR and OKW for the longer stay with less points. We've never been to either. We were staying at the boardwalk for the convenience and compactness, BUT, if I can stay longer with less points I will.

Which do you recommend? We've been to ssr but not stayed there...really nice. Have never seen OKW. Any and all advice appreciated

I need to call them first thing in the am tomorrow so I will be making my decision tonight...thanks!

 

[JimC]

The largest villas and lowest points will be at OKW. We love Olivia's, the onsite restaurant. The condo style at OKW is an important feature in our view. Gives the resort a laid back relaxing feel to it.

SSR is newer and a bit larger resort than OKW. The villas are quite nice and the resort is very close to DD. You can walk to either side of DD from SSR.

 

[dwelty]

I own at SSR and love it. But I would go with OKW. THe villas are larger, take less points to rent, and the grounds are as beautifully maintained as any DVC property. The same ferry that SSR uses can take you to DTD for dinner/shopping. You can't go wrong with OKW.

 

[cncDisney4]

I can't really say anything about Key West since we've only stayed at SSR. I highly recommend SSR especially with it's close proximity to DTD. We have enjoyed all our trips to SSR and took advantage of the walk to DTD almost every night. We also love Rain Forest Cafe and Earl of Sandwich in DTD - not to mention all the stores.

I'm sure you'll enjoy either location. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[saratoga_socks]

we've been to both. OKW gets my vote.

 

[starbox]

We stayed at both resorts in August and my feeling is that you get what you pay for in terms of OKW and SSR. OKW is a good bit cheaper points-wise and the rooms are larger, but the resort does not have all the detailing and "extras" that SSR has. SSR is more points, but I felt like the extra points were evident in the increased details (like lots and lots of landscaped walking paths, CS with an elegant indoor-seating area, more of a fine-dining than casual-family style TS restaurant, indoor and outdoor bars, lots of fountains/courtyards, granite counters, views of DTD, carriage-rides, full-spa services, more theme in the pool area). OKW is a neat resort and we'd stay there again to conserve points - I just did feel like the point difference could be felt in what each resort had to offer.

OKW does feel very "tropical" - so that may be a big draw to your family if they are in the "mood" for a beachy-feel.

 

[michvin]

I'm going to scan some pics at allears.net and then make a final decision. I have seen ssr and think it is really, really pretty...but the points conservation is also a great highlight! I knew I could come to the boards and get some good advice.

Oh, and I love the pic at the bottom of your signature...I've seen before and its adorable!

We stayed at both resorts in August and my feeling is that you get what you pay for in terms of OKW and SSR. OKW is a good bit cheaper points-wise and the rooms are larger, but the resort does not have all the detailing and "extras" that SSR has. SSR is more points, but I felt like the extra points were evident in the increased details (like lots and lots of landscaped walking paths, CS with an elegant indoor-seating area, more of a fine-dining than casual-family style TS restaurant, indoor and outdoor bars, lots of fountains/courtyards, granite counters, views of DTD, carriage-rides, full-spa services, more theme in the pool area). OKW is a neat resort and we'd stay there again to conserve points - I just did feel like the point difference could be felt in what each resort had to offer.

OKW does feel very "tropical" - so that may be a big draw to your family if they are in the "mood" for a beachy-feel.

 

[ttfn3]

Considering the number of people in your group, I would go with OKW. The accomodations are larger and it will give you room to spread out.

 

[Granny]

I agree with ttfn3....with 7 people in a 2BR, I'd defnitely go for the extra space that OKW provides.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

As I think you can't go wrong with ANY DVC resort I would do OKW for the points saving and the extra room as well.

We love SSR but I just think OKW is what you have in mind for your plan.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I just did feel like the point difference could be felt in what each resort had to offer.

The villas are more spacious at OKW---and it's quite a noticeable difference from SSR (I toured SSR this past Aug). Also, you'll get a larger balcony/patio at OKW compared to SSR. It's nice with a large group because you can all sit out there together. The guide who took us on the tour of SSR knew we were OKW owners and even he said "you're probably used to a larger room". But since you've stayed at BWV, you're familiar with the room sizes there, so SSR might be fine for you. For us though, since we stay at OKW often, we really feel the difference in the villa sizes. I just feel a group of 7 would be more comfortable in a larger room. You can always take the boat over to SSR if you want to use the pool/restaurant/spa or take the boat to DD to enjoy the shopping and dining there. Olivia's at the OKW resort is a nice relaxed place to eat as well. Both resorts have nice pools with slides.
OKW interiors have a relaxed, laid back feel----tropical/pastel colors. SSR has a more upscale/formal feel with dark Thomasville furniture. So I feel EACH resort has something unique to offer. Neither is better than the other---just different.

I don't feel the point difference equates to what you get as someone stated. OKW was the original DVC. I think Disney realized real quick that they didn't charge enough to stay here ! And giving out those free Hoppers when DVC first got started----wow, what were they thinking !?
Once they set the point schedule back in '92, they couldn't change it. Once disney saw how well OKW and DVC took off with the public, all future point charts were increased.
OKW has a nice relaxed "neighborhood" feel. It is a spread out resort----but so is SSR.
Doc's site has some very good pics of all the DVC resorts :
http://disneydoc.homestead.com/dvc.html

 

[michvin]

I booked us at OKW...thought that the size of the room and the points just seemed like the best deal for 7 of us...and I've never been there so it will be something new! Looking forward to it...beats being in PA that time of year!

 

[JimMIA]

I think the real difference in your options is not so much the size of the accommodations, but the nature of the resorts.

BWV is a hotel-connected resort with amenities like valet parking and room service (I think). The location is its primary draw, since it's situated between Epcot and MGM. If you plan on spending much of your time at those two parks, BWV is very convenient. And finally, there is the boardwalk itself with it's shops, dining and entertainment.

OKW and SSR are completely different. They are condo-complex resorts -- spread out, quiet, and with parking at your front door. They have nice amenities on-site and DTD is easily accessible from both (within walking distance of SSR).

We prefer OKW for the relaxed feel, larger accommodations, and convenient parking, plus the fact that we can drive to any of the parks in less than 10 minutes. One negative about OKW is that there are elevators in only a few of the buildings, so if anyone has mobility issues, you'd probably want to get a ground floor unit. (DW carries a 279 lb suitcase , and she has a lot of difficulty hauling that monster up the stairs. )

All three of the resorts are great, and your best choice may revolve more around location than size and cost.

 

[MiaSRN62]

you'd probably want to get a ground floor unit. (DW carries a 279 lb suitcase , and she has a lot of difficulty hauling that monster up the stairs. )

Wow ! That's one heck of a suitcase....everything and the kitchen sink Jim
OKW does have Bell service.......so you need not carry a thing. When you check-in, leave all your luggage with the Bell staff and they will deliver it to your room. They can even store perishable food items for you and deliver them to your room when it becomes available. Upon departure, they will carry it down to your car as well. Just touch the bell service button on your phone.
I think those poor Bell staff CM's don't get much business. Someone posted this pic awhile back----he looks pretty "unbusy". http://www.pbase.com/image/30152469
The last couple times we were there, we were asked if need Bell assistance.

We were staying at the boardwalk for the convenience and compactness, BUT, if I can stay longer with less points I will.

I believe you understand you will not be within walking distance to any park and will need to drive or use the disney busses. As Jim said, BWV is a very different set-up and atmosphere from SSR/OKW because it's attached to a main hotel and walking distance to the parks, so there is alot more activity in that area of WDW.
Also, BWV has room service through the BW hotel. OKW has only pizza/wings/beer room service via : http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/men_sasp.htm

Also, we use a terrific offsite restaurant that delivers right to your villa door at OKW. They have pizza, pasta, sandwhiches, salads, soups, dessert. Here is their web site where you can check the menu/print it out if you wish:
http://www.giordanosflorida.com/default.htm
Use the "Lake Buena Vista" phone number. The Kissimmee location delivers to other disney resorts. The manager there told me the two location divide up the delivery to the hotels.

Enjoy and Happy trip !