OKW or Saratoga Springs?

[kevin harrison]

I am looking at staying at one or the other. The free dining seems a great offer, besides hating the idea of planning a holiday around ADR's

I just can't work out which to go for. SS looks good because it's just across the water to Downtown Disney and has more dinning options, but OKW seems to have bigger rooms..

Which is your favourite and why?

 

[luke]

Not stayed at either yet, but chose SSR for next month due to, as you said, it's proximity to DTD

 

[FloridaSam]

Did a split stay at both and whilst OKW did have the bigger rooms we just loved SSR for the location.

Sam

 

[catherine]

We've stayed at OKW several times in a studio, 2 bedroom and grand villas and we have never been disappointed. We love the laid back feel of the place and the large rooms. However SSR has never appealed to us so I can't compare the two.

 

[igk]

Only stayed at OKW of the two but like the laid back theming and DTD proximity isn't an issue for me. Would be reluctant to go to SSR in case I didn't like it as much - it seems more like a condo resort to me

 

[Neoshoegal]

If it's just a couple and going for a studio, then SSR, otherwise OKW so you'd have 2 proper beds.
I prefer the look of SSR, seems brighter

 

[wayneg]

Stayed at OKW last year, again this year and possibly again next year(after discussions this morning)
SSR only been for a look around and a meal at Turf Club Grill, didn't like the look or feel of the resort anywhere near as much as OKW.
Also prefer OKW for the bigger rooms & 2 beds in a studio, SSR only has 1 and a sofa bed.
Both resorts have their fans so I guess you won't know til you have tried both.

 

[iluvtot]

Hi,
We have stayed at both resorts, and would always choose OKW. The atmosphere is so cool! We found SS to be quite impersonal, and too big, though OKW is big too, it doesn't seem so.
The other plus for us is the room sizes. I don't mean to appear rude, but I seem to remember you posting that you had additional luggage for Daniel? There is loads of storage in the OKW villas! (I am assuming as there are 4 of you, you would go for the 1 bed?)

Jules x

 

[tinks_1989]

Love SSR stayed last year the location is brilliant and the beuatiful view of DTD sitting in the rocking chair and a warm morning just looking across the lake is just so perfect I can't wait to go back

 

[luke]

Love SSR stayed last year the location is brilliant and the beuatiful view of DTD sitting in the rocking chair and a warm morning just looking across the lake is just so perfect I can't wait to go back

Loving that pic!!! Can't wait til we're there, almost exactly a month from now

 

[dixonsontour]

Not stayed at either but chose okw for this year for the following reasons

1)visited resort last December and liked the look of it
2)Love real key West so the theme appeals, SSR doesn't appeal to me at all
3)2 real beds in a studio which we need

Don't think you can go wrong with either though.

ADR wise we planned quite a few breakfasts. I know they are not the best value but DD liked the characters and it was the best time of day for her. Then the rest of the day is free not tied to an adr. Also build in a few extra adr's in case you can't make some - you can easily cancel if you don't need them.

 

[kevin harrison]

Hi,
We have stayed at both resorts, and would always choose OKW. The atmosphere is so cool! We found SS to be quite impersonal, and too big, though OKW is big too, it doesn't seem so.
The other plus for us is the room sizes. I don't mean to appear rude, but I seem to remember you posting that you had additional luggage for Daniel? There is loads of storage in the OKW villas! (I am assuming as there are 4 of you, you would go for the 1 bed?)

Jules x

Not rude at all, very impressed you remembered my son's name and the fact we need additional luggage

Yes, It'll be the one bedroom.

 

[iluvtot]

Not rude at all, very impressed you remembered my son's name and the fact we need additional luggage

Yes, It'll be the one bedroom.

thankyou!

Another point in favour of OKW is the blocks are not as big as SS. When we stayed there, DH,DS and I were in one studio, and DSIL and DD'S in another in the same block, but they were about a 5 min walk apart!
In OKW there is easy access to all the rooms, and you can usually park right outside.
Hope this makes sense!

Jules x

 

[stephensmum]

We stayed at SSR last year & have chosen it again this year. We like The Grandstand for the pool area with kids splash area, spa & bar ( with refillable mug station). The staff were very friendly & helpful, it is important to us to have a food court, as we don't drive & the closeness to DD sealed it for us. We went to visit OKW & were impressed, staff were very friendly, the guy that showed us around even gave us a lift back to SSR.
I think we would have tried it this year had it had a food court.

 

[tinks_1989]

Loving that pic!!! Can't wait til we're there, almost exactly a month from now

Lucky you if you look to the far left you can see some of those rocking chairs we sat there for ages watching the ducklings and swans

 

[luke]

Lucky you if you look to the far left you can see some of those rocking chairs we sat there for ages watching the ducklings and swans

Sounds like a great way to relax of an evening
Thinking of requesting Congress Park, I assume that's where that photo was taken from?

 

[Louisebshp]

OKW fans here - we have a 7 year old so the large sandy area by the pool is very important!

Seriously though we find its the most chilled resort and great for some out time from the busyness of the parks.

Louise

 

[UKDEB]

We haven't stayed at OKW, only visited, so I can't give you a genuine comparison. I was impressed with the laid-back feel of OKW, but I'm a sucker for new accommodation. Obviously, though, with every year that goes by, SSR loses more of its newness. OKW, though, was the original DVC resort and, from what I've seen, the rooms need updating. Check out my November 2008 Trip Report for my full thoughts on OKW.

 

[dbriggsq]

I'm biased because we own at OKW and have stayed there more times but we love it there:

1. Very relaxed feel - tropical ambience and decor and lovely views from many units.
2. Larger rooms and prefer the entrance areas compared to SSR entrance corridors
3. Quiet pools at SSR have sting quartet piped music compared to 'Jimmy Buffet' holiday type music at OKW
4. Yes you can walk to DTD from some areas of SSR but it's also very easy to take the boat from OKW or even the bus.

 

[dbriggsq]

P.S.

Forgot to say that the balconies on the one bedroom units are huge!