OKW 1BR or SSR 1BR

[dahwolf]

Ok,
We are booking a 1br, and there is availability at both resorts. Me, DW, DD7, DD3, DS1. Which resort would you pick and why?

Thank you for all your help!

We have never stayed at either resort.

 

[66Tink]

We stayed at SSR two years ago in the Grandstand section and loved it...we thought the pools were great and the walk to DTD was nice too! We are staying at OKW for the first time in a few weeks and are looking forward to our stay there because of the size of the units. I think you would be fine at either resort, but if you want more inside space for your family, then I would opt for OKW. Happy planning

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think the main pool area at SSR would be better because it has the splash features and a small slide into the main pool. So if you're going in swimming weather that would be my pick! OKW only has elevators in 3 buildings and that may be a consideration for you.

OKW has the largest 1 bedrooms and that may sway you. Either way, I hope you have a great stay!

Bobbi

 

[DenLo]

If more space in a villa is better for your family, then go with OKW. Also the 1BR at OKW sleeps five, even the one year old could have a bed in the living room, because you can place side rails on the pull out chair.

If you don't mind that you have to use stairs to get to many of the villas choose OKW.

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If you want the choice of two feature pools go with SSR. The 1 BR only sleeps 4 at SSR. So the 1 yr. old will have to sleep in a pack 'n play or bed with two others, which probably means Mom and Dad.

If you want the advantage of always having an elevator in your building, choose SSR.

If you want more restaurant choices at the resort choose SSR.

 

[csharpwv]

As far as square footage, OKW has the largest Villas on property. there will be more room for the Pack and Play for your 1 y/o at OKW.

We stayed in a 1BR at OKW for the first time last year over labor day weekend and we were SHOCKED at how much larger the rooms are.

We have stayed at SSR, AKV, BLT, VWL, and BCV and OKW's rooms are by far the largest.

As far as the pools - Saratoga Springs has the new Paddock Pool opening up this summer - and the High Rock Springs Pool is a little more kid friendly than AKW.

The choice is tough - but at the end of the day when everyone needs some space to themselves - and a place to unwind - OKW is going to give you more square footage.

However OKW does not have a counter service restaurant with indoor seating - it has a couple counter service places near the pools - but not a dedicated place to sit down out of the sun, the heat, and potentially rain.

Saratoga Springs has a great counter service restaurant - but the walk from various parts of the resort can be long and hot.
At either resort you are either a walk or a boat ride away from Downtown Disney!

One last consideration is the bus transportation - SSR has had some pretty horrific bus wait times at different times of the year. On the other hand, there isn't a 'best' place to stay at OKW in terms of busing. If you stay in the Hospitality House area you have to ride the entire resort loop to get to your bus stop which is the last one.

If you are driving, you won't have a problem!

It's a tough call - but at the end of the day, you have to look at how much time you will be spending in the room, at the resort, by the pool, etc etc to determine which one fits your needs the best.

We loved OKW - and we loved SSR.

 

[DMKEDM]

We absolutely love both resorts...as previous posters have said, the OKW villas are so big and that's really nice...and we also like the "inside" counter service and quick, pretty walk to Downtown Disney that SSR offers...but when push comes to shove, it might come down to points...the point cost at OKW is a LOT less than at SSR...if all else is equal, go w/the lower point cost!

Good luck...

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Or you could do a split stay like us. . .We have 4 nights at OKW and 3 nights at SSR for our next vacation.

 

[OKWMom]

I don't know if your family takes park breaks and how the nap situation works for your children, but the laundry room at OKW is large enough to put the pack and play in during nap time. That would free up the rest of the villa for cooking, TV watching, etc.

 

[iluveeyore]

We love OKW - especially for the very large patios - full-size table that seats four around it and plenty of deck space around it to enjoy - we spend every morning having breakfast watching the ducks in the pond and every evening having a beverage and playing games on the deck. The room inside the OKW villa is huge, and the laundry room is separate instead of just a closet like at SSR. The main pool is awesome for the kids with the new sandcastle slide (even us grown-ups love it) or you can enjoy some quiet time at any of the quiet pools near your room. OKW has the DVC ferry to DTD or the buses, just like SSR, but we find it doesn't take as long as the SSR buses at OKW. We aren't concerned with the counter service or dining at OKW as we usually get groceries and enjoy our time in our villa when we're not at the parks.
So obviously my vote is for OKW - our friends would vote for it too, as they went with us three years ago, and have been every year since, and their 4 and 11 year olds refuse to try any other resort!

 

[Sammie]

Flip a coin they are both great in different ways, it is a win/win situation.

As to the bus situation at SSR I have to disgree, I have stayed there in May, early March, early Dec, October, June, July and August and never ever waited for a bus longer than 15 mins

 

[Disneypapa]

Size does matter, stay at OKW.

 

[Pakey]

My family likes OKW more than SSR. You just can't beat the size of those villas or the private feel to the place, especially while enjoying the balconies.

SSRs pool is nicer and I think the Turf Club is a better TS than Olivias. Other than that, OKW has SSR beat.