Need Help from the DVC Pros !! Please....

[ro80]

Since I am new to this and my first trip home is in 2 1/2 weeks, I need a little advice. I am planning a trip at the end of April with 4-5 of my girlfriends (2 BR). I have really been hyping up this DVC thing. I am booked at SSR (my home resort) because I could get in at the 11 month window. Here's the thing.

1. Since this is all on my shoulders, I really want them to love it. I am debating whether to switch to OKW at the 7 month mark since we all love the caribbean feel but will we feel isolated?

2. I know we would visit DTD a few times. How much farther is the walk from OKW to DTD than from SSR to DTD? I read there was a path from OKW to DTD. Is this true?

3. How are the buses at end of April/early May from both resorts.

4. We have all traveled together a few times before and honestly together, we could have fun in a paper bag, but for some reason I want everything to be perfect since this was MY suggestion. What would you do?????

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think of OKW as a little slice of heaven away from the parks. That's what makes it so relaxing to stay there. Plus if you are getting studios or two bedrooms, you get real beds except for the living room sleeper. Rooms are large and spacious.

I've never walked from OKW to DTD; we've taken the bus and the boat, but I think it's not much longer than about 3/4 mile to the Westside.

Buses have always been great from both OKW and SSR.

 

[CherCrazy]

You'll have a little more room to spread out in OKW, but SSR is so upscale I think it would make for a fabulous trip. Our room in OKW last year could have used a good cleaning and the floor was all wet in front of the fridge. I like the impressiveness of SSR.

As far as the walk to DTD, I think it's probably something you would only do once. It's FAR from SSR. It looks close on the map, but walking in that heat after all the walking we all do in the parks is just too hard. We did it once and that was enough. I didn't know there was a path from OKW to DTD, but I bet that's a pretty good hike too.

 

[starbox]

As far as the walk to DTD, I think it's probably something you would only do once. It's FAR from SSR. It looks close on the map, but walking in that heat after all the walking we all do in the parks is just too hard. We did it once and that was enough. I didn't know there was a path from OKW to DTD, but I bet that's a pretty good hike too.

The walk is not that far at all from Congress Park. We specifically asked to be close to the walking path and we went back and forth about 4 times, with two kids (one in a huge cast) in mid-day August heat! It honestly was not bad.

For a GF retreat I'd pick SSR in a heart-beat. It has much better dining, the pool area has a closer bar and more comfortable chairs, and you could all have a spa afternoon. Also, with Congress Park, you could have a view of DTD nightlife.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Since I am new to this and my first trip home is in 2 1/2 weeks, I need a little advice. I am planning a trip at the end of April with 4-5 of my girlfriends (2 BR). I have really been hyping up this DVC thing. I am booked at SSR (my home resort) because I could get in at the 11 month window. Here's the thing.

1. Since this is all on my shoulders, I really want them to love it. I am debating whether to switch to OKW at the 7 month mark since we all love the caribbean feel but will we feel isolated?

2. I know we would visit DTD a few times. How much farther is the walk from OKW to DTD than from SSR to DTD? I read there was a path from OKW to DTD. Is this true?

3. How are the buses at end of April/early May from both resorts.

4. We have all traveled together a few times before and honestly together, we could have fun in a paper bag, but for some reason I want everything to be perfect since this was MY suggestion. What would you do?????

1. Not isolated at all, and nearly as close to DTD as SSR.
2. The walk to DTD from OKW is 15-20 minutes depending on the building you start from, but a bus or the water taxi are other options to consider. The bus to DTD runs continuously throughout the day, and the water taxi runs from about 11 AM on until midnight, I think.
3. Buses from OKW are terrific all year, I've only been to SSR in October, and they seemed fine then.
4. I can't answer that one, because you haven't said what is really the most important feature about the accommodations. If you want upscale apartment/'hotel like settings, then SSR is going to be best. If you like lots of space and a vacation home Florida setting, then OKW will be best. OKW will be best for outdoor stuff as well.

 

[starbox]

One other issue since you are traveling with girlfriends. While the rooms are larger at OKW, the closet at SSR is easily 2X as large as the OKW closet.

 

[dianeschlicht]

One other issue since you are traveling with girlfriends. While the rooms are larger at OKW, the closet at SSR is easily 2X as large as the OKW closet.

Not if you are in a dedicated 2 bedroom. That one has a HUGE walk in closet in the second bedroom in addition to the regular closet. The master closet is the same size though, and then there is that huge laundry room .

 

[Granny]

The extra room at OKW is very nice, especially as it sounds like there will be 5-6 of you in a 2BR. I know that a 2BR is rated to "sleep 8" but with no little ones the extra elbow space might be very welcome. And of course, it does have that Caribbean feel that you indicate you all like.

SSR would be an excellent choice from a logistical standpoint. If you're going to DTD a few times this trip then you might find it more convenient. And a good point was made about the dining options at SSR, especially if you throw in DTD restaurants.

You know yourself and your friends, so personally I'd lean towards whatever kind of ambience you think will set up a better trip for you. It sounds like you will have a great time no matter where you stay. That's a great attitude to be bringing with you to WDW!

 

[spiceycat]

1) OKW is based on Florida West, Fl - not the CB - now there is some in its style - but it says Florida to me rather than Carribean.
some people do feel isolated. Do you like to be in the middle of the action 24/7 days? if yes, then I think you might be better off with SSR or BWV.
if you like laid back, relaxed - like key west - then OKW might be a better fit.

2) yes the path starts at building 55 - it is probably around 12 minutes to Cirque de Soleil - part of the problem is you are at the parking lot about 3 to 4 minutes (BIG parking lot). however from Congress Park it took me less than 5 minutes to walk to DD marketplace (not the same area at all)
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/moreMagicLanding?id=DTDLandingPage

click on the map to see the differences.

SSR path went over close to the MP buses. close to the Art of Disney.

3) the only trouble I have with buses was to DD - and that is true of all the WDW resorts. easy wait over an hour for this bus. other buses were less than 20 minutes, generally less than 10 minutes, some even less than 5 minutes.

4) depending upon what you and your friends like.
remember that SSR is the newest and possible the best DVC resort. Disney spend money on it and it shows. everything is very tasteful. Which was my problem with it - I am downright messy....I feel uncomfortable because of its elegancy.

So it is up to you - are you and your friends 'New York' types - or country types - that doesn't particpate get upset if everything is not down right perfect.

4)

 

[pb4ugo]

if my gf's and i were going in order to enjoy margaritas and rum swizzles with capt morgan and jimmy buffett - i'd stay at old key west.

if the vacation was gonna be long island iced teas and cosmopolitans to the tunes of james taylor, carly simon and billy joel, i'd stay at saratoga springs.

 

[CharmedLife]

Never been to OKW, but I can tell you that last year we were in Congress Park at SSR, and we walked over to DTD almost every day. It was not more than a 5-minute walk to the Marketplace (which is where we want to be).

Also - the other moms and I LOVED the spa and workout room at SSR, very nice. The whole hotel is so beautiful and everything is "new".

Is your 7-month window BEFORE your upcoming trip? If not, I'd say wait until your trip in 2 1/2 weeks and then decide for yourself, you could even take a boat over to OKW and walk around that resort to see how you like it.

I don't know that it would be necessary to book right at the 7-month, especially for a 2-bedroom (not as popular). I think you should just wait until after your trip and then decide for yourself which one you like better!

 

[ro80]

We are definitely booked in a 2BR dedicated at SSR. I did that because I knew no one would want to sleep on a sofa (and hey, I am trying to let them see how great DVC is - don't want to be responsible for anyone's chiropractic bill!) and that would also free up the living room as not to invade on anyone's space. They are all exercise nuts too and I hear the gym at SSR is really nice. I, on the other hand, would rather work on my tan!!!! Nope, can't be bothered. Are the restaurants nicer at one or the other? Are there also water taxis from OKW to DTD. My gut instinct is telling me to stay put but.....................

 

[zalansky]

I say stay put. To be fair I have not stayed on OKW yet but I did stay in a dedicated 2 bedroom st SSR and it was awesome.

 

[starbox]

Are the restaurants nicer at one or the other? Are there also water taxis from OKW to DTD. My gut instinct is telling me to stay put but.....................

Here are the menus:
CS at OKW - (has no indoor/air-conditioned seating)
http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_gtg.htm
TS at OKW -
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=122

CS at SSR - (indoor with lots of seating)
http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_ssap.htm
TS at SSR
http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_turf.htm (lunch)
http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_turfdin.htm (dinner)

SSR also has a fancy indoor bar with a pool table in addition to the pool bar.

 

[DonnaL]

Yep .......as long as you have a dedicated 2 bdrm at SSR I would stay put.....make sure you try the Adventurers Club at PI with your friends......I think that place would be a blast with a bunch of girlfriends....

 

[bpmorley]

Since I am new to this and my first trip home is in 2 1/2 weeks, I need a little advice. I am planning a trip at the end of April with 4-5 of my girlfriends (2 BR). I have really been hyping up this DVC thing. I am booked at SSR (my home resort) because I could get in at the 11 month window. Here's the thing.

1. Since this is all on my shoulders, I really want them to love it. I am debating whether to switch to OKW at the 7 month mark since we all love the caribbean feel but will we feel isolated?

2. I know we would visit DTD a few times. How much farther is the walk from OKW to DTD than from SSR to DTD? I read there was a path from OKW to DTD. Is this true?

3. How are the buses at end of April/early May from both resorts.

4. We have all traveled together a few times before and honestly together, we could have fun in a paper bag, but for some reason I want everything to be perfect since this was MY suggestion. What would you do?????

If you like the caribbean feel then OKW is for you, plus the rooms a little bigger.
The walk to DTD is definitely farther depending on what part of OKW you are staying in. If you're up by Millers road or Hospitality House(checkin), it's a long walk(quicker to take the boat). If you're down in the South Point section it's not bad at all(maybe a mile). you would be walking into DTD's west side.
as far as the buses, we never had a problem that time of year.

 

[thelobstershanty]

We have stayed in both resorts and liked both resorts. We have stayed at OKW quite a few times and just recently stayed at SSR in June.
To us, these 2 resorts are very similiar in location, atmosphere etc. There are some that feel as though SSR is more upscale or fancy. We find that the atmosphere at both resorts is pleasantly laid back and low key. We do not find SSR to any more upscale or fancy than OKW, or really any other WDW resort, with the exception of GF.
Both resorts have the same transportaion options, are located the same distance from parks, DTD etc.
The dining options at both resorts are basically the same, with SSR having the slight edge with a food court. Personally we prefer the food at OKW. As much as we enjoyed our stay at SSR, we were disappointed with the food choices available at the resort. The Turf Club was not yet opened when we were there--it was due to open within weeks; but we did see the menu and other than burgers and bar food, the menu is not that extensive. Olivia's has a much, much more varied menu than Turf Club. Olivias is also open for all 3 meals whereas Turf Club does not open until around 2-3 in the afternoon. For lunch we also prefer Goods to Go over Artist Palette. We like to eat healthy, but after a few days of wraps and salads, we are ready for burgers, fries, hot dogs and onion rings. I know we are bad, but this is vacation!! LOL!
Both resorts are beautifully landscaped, though OKW is more lush because it is older. Both resorts are the only DVC resorts that have the mickey head cut outs in the balcony slats. However, I must admit I was disappointed to see how Disney really scrimped on the Mickey head cut outs at SSR. There are only certain, very small sections with the Mickey head cut outs, as opposed to OKW's icons on the front of all balconys.
We like both resorts and find them very much the same, with the exception of room size and pts required. And this is a biggie.
After our visit to SSR, we compared the 2 resorts and discussed when we would stay in each resort again. The general consensus, for us is: if we are staying in a studio, the choice would be SSR no contest. We like having the sofabed/queen bed setup when in a studio because it is always just 2 of us in a studio.
For anything 1 BR and above, it would be OKW all the way. Solely due to the fact that we can get an almost identical resort, with much larger villas and lower points at OKW as opposed to SSR. To us, it is a no brainer.
If the choice was between SSR or OKW and BCV, BWV or VWL then we might very well decide differently. We are big, big location and convenience, be in the middle of everything, folks. As much as we LOVE the size of an OKW 1 br, we will gladly trade off for the location of the villa vs the size of the villa.
Have a great trip. You can not go wrong with either OKW or SSR, both are very nice resorts. As are all Disney resorts.