OKW or Sar. Springs

[farbster]

We are new owners of Wilderness Lodge. We couldn't get our reservation as we're within 7 months and it is all booked up.

Anyway, we can pick between OKW or Sar. Springs. Pools aren't a concern as we're going the weekend before Thanksgiving and will spend all our time in the parks.

Which is the better resort? I heard that Sar. Springs is extremely large and spread out. What gets you to Magic Kingdom the best? We have little kids and will spend more time there than the other parks.

Thanks!

lawrence

 

[gppnj]

Which is better is highly subjective. Both are large and spread out. I'd imagine that OKW will get you to Magic Kingdom a bit quicker, but I don't tihnk the time difference will be that big. OKW rooms are larger and cost fewer points, so those are bonuses. With little kids, you're probably not going to be spending that much time at Downtown Disney, which would have been an advantage to SSR. So I guess I'd go with OKW, though I don't think you'd enjoy SSR significantly less.

 

[snyderla]

We went through the same dilemna, but decided on OKW due to the larger rooms and the secluded pool areas. Also, Olivia's is a bonus at OKW! We've enjoyed breakfast there on several occassions.
BUT... I personally like the decor at SSR better. And another thing you might want to consider, if you are booking a studio OKW has 2 queen beds while SSR has a queen bed and a queen pull out sofa.
Lori

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I have stayed at both resorts and both are great. It is a win-win for you.

I would personally choose OKW because the rooms are substantially bigger.

 

[Cinderella]

Both are great, and both are spread out. OKW has bigger rooms, and bigger balconies, and I don't know if it's just me, but the baths seem bigger. Saratoga has a spa, which is a bonus, if you like spa's. I prefer the pool at Saratoga for kids.

Depending on when you're going - there is no sit down restaurant at Saratoga, but it is opening in July. Olivia's at Old Key West is very nice.

I don't think you'll be disappointed, whichever one you choose.

 

[jdvm]

Well, first of all, don't give up on Wilderness Lodge if that's what you really want. use the waitlist and periodically check with Member Services to check availability. Even if you can't make the complete reservation, take what nights you can and chances are you can slowly build your reservation. Having said that, it's great to try all of the resorts to see what you really like. We've tried them all over the years but keep coming back to Old Key West. We adore Wilderness Lodge but I certainly don't think it is very car friendly, for example. Good luck