OKW or SS

[kevingg]

I have never stayed at either resort and was offered an upgrade from our original ressie at POP for our Sept trip. I have stayed at the POP three times as I do have a 5 and 3 year old and this time will be bringing an eight week old as well. We enjoy the convenience of the food court and have always managed to get a room right in front of the kiddie pool which always works out well.

My question is has anyone stayed at OKW and/or SS and which would you recommend given the ages of my children? Like I said the, the convenience of the food court and having a kiddie pool that the kids can go in by themselves is also important.
Thanks

 

[novdisneydreams]

Sorry - I haven't stayed at either, but they both look lovely. I am just curious as to what dates your trip is ... are they offering upgrades into September now?

 

[AJKMOM]

Both are nice resorts, large with several quiet pools, many bus stops, and one large themed pool. You can check them out at the official Disney Vacation Club web site, or scroll down the list of forums here at the DIS to the DVC section.

Personally, I would consider a DVC resort an upgrade to POP. There are restaurants, but no food court.

 

[tasha99]

Are they sending out a new set of upgrade offers? What are your dates? I would make a decision and call ASAP because the rooms are limited.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Neither has a food court. Since they are DVC resorts, they either have a kitchenette (studios) or full kitchen (one bedroom or larger). Both have a small counter service area with limited choices.

SSR has a zero entry pool and Donald Duck splash area. OKW has a kiddie pool near the main themed pool.

 

[spiceycat]

you might too late - someone else say that all the upgrades to OKW or SSR were gone.

but definitely call anyway. Change is part of Disney.

for your kids I would say SSR - because of the zero entry pool. You will be spending alot of time at the pool.

 

[smjj]

There are MANY things I love about OKW. One of them is the feel that you are in a small residential community with the winding streets and number two the fact that you can park right outdide your door. No long walks to the parking lot here...smjj

 

[DarrinandCheryl]

We own at SSR but have stayed at OKW twice and have 2 daughters, 4 and 6

I would definitely request ground floor/Springs Section and you can walk right over to the High Springs Pool with zero entry and the kids slide. It's the best for your ages. Also, the Community Center is right there next to the pool and they have plenty of activities to do in there if you need a break from the heat with the kids..last time we were there the kids got to make ice cream for I think 2 or 3 dollars. OKW also has a Community Center but it is much smaller than SSR's. Another thing is the SSR's food court(Artists Palette) has lots of indoor seating..OKW's Goods to Go is pretty much eat outside and not near as many items to eat on the menu.

To us the big(and only real advantage) OKW has is the size of the villas..definitely a big difference. SSR is not bad for room size, just not as big.

 

[spiceycat]

also enjoy that OKW quiet pool aren't as crowded as SSR are.

the main pool is surpose to be crowded - that is where the slides are and zero entry (at SSR).

 

[beccasmom]

Both are very nice resorts. OKW has larger rooms and SSR is the newest DVC resort. On any rooms other than the studio rooms, you will have a washer/dryer and a Jacuzzi right in your room. The Jacuzzi is in the master suite and is a really nice perk and the washer/dryer is great, especially when you're traveling with kids. OKW is a very laid-back resort, residential in feeling and pretty quiet. There is no food court, but there is a sit-down restaurant - Olivia's. Both resorts have a general store where you can buy basics - pricey basics, but this is a resort! There is a very nice main pool area and each "neighborhood" has its own pool with hot tub.

SSR is a very large resort and still expanding. Bus service is a tad below that of OKW, IMHO, but I have written it off as "growing pains" for the most part. Congress Park and the Springs are the most convenient building areas because of easy walking access to DTD and the main pool and hospitality areas. With little ones, you may want to consider a car if you stay at SSR since the resort is so large. Both resorts are exceptionally "walkable", but SSR is so large, it can be a challenge for some folks.....and little ones with tiny feet! There are pools in each area and hot tubs for relaxing. Both resorts have bus service and share watercraft service to DTD.

Both resorts are very nice and you can't go wrong with either one.