OKW or SSR - any suggestions?

[benjyt]

Good afternoon!

My family has been fortunate to rent points for a stay this December, checking in on December 16th. Right now, we have a four night stay for a 1 BR at OKW. We've never stayed here, but have rented points before at VWL, BCV, and a short stay at SSR, as well as other resorts.

We've found out that we can add another two nights to our stay, but we also found out that we can only add one night at OKW. However, we could transfer our entire stay to SSR, or add the two nights at SSR.

I'd love to hear opinions about OKW and SSR. We have two kids, 14 years DS and 12 years DD. They both enjoy the parks and other great things at WDW. I really enjoy the theming at the resorts (WL is my favorite), and I'm a little concerned about the SSR theming. The kids aren't into many table service options, but we use CS all the time.

I know that we'll be happy either way, but thought many of you could provide some insight. Thanks!

 

[Dean]

Good afternoon!

My family has been fortunate to rent points for a stay this December, checking in on December 16th. Right now, we have a four night stay for a 1 BR at OKW. We've never stayed here, but have rented points before at VWL, BCV, and a short stay at SSR, as well as other resorts.

We've found out that we can add another two nights to our stay, but we also found out that we can only add one night at OKW. However, we could transfer our entire stay to SSR, or add the two nights at SSR.

I'd love to hear opinions about OKW and SSR. We have two kids, 14 years DS and 12 years DD. They both enjoy the parks and other great things at WDW. I really enjoy the theming at the resorts (WL is my favorite), and I'm a little concerned about the SSR theming. The kids aren't into many table service options, but we use CS all the time.

I know that we'll be happy either way, but thought many of you could provide some insight. Thanks!

I'd move to SSR for several reasons. First and most importantly, you wouldn't have to move. It would also give you the opportunity to give the teens some controlled freedom more than you could do at OKW. It gives you much better and easier QS options. Lastly, if you won't have a car, I see SSR as much better between the 2. However, that move does give you sleeping arrangement issues since OKW has the pull out sleeper chair and SSR does not.

 

[benjyt]

Thanks so much for your advice! We'll have a car - driving down from GA, about 5 hours, so we always drive to give ourselves maximum flexibility on transportation.

 

[iteachlit]

We have stayed at SSR in a studio and in the Treehouse Villas. We recently stayed in a 2BR at OKW. Here are my thoughts on the two resorts.

SSR

• newer facilties
• on-site spa
• multiple themed pools
• very close to Disney Springs
• slow internal transportation (if needed)
• more variety at the main quick service location
• additional quick service location at smaller feature pool

OKW

• HUGE rooms, the biggest DVC has to offer
• landscaping is beautiful and lush
• feels very removed from the craziness of Disney
• quick bus transportation to HS and Epcot
• 1BR and up has a nice balcony / patio with a fan and seating for four
• flexible sleeping arrangements in LR
• the laundry room is actually a room with a nice amount of storage for luggage
• the lounge is very small
• small quiet pools

I can't speak to the split stay aspect; we have yet to try that.

 

[Firepath]

We have stayed at both with our son and daughter when they were just a little older than your two. They both preferred OKW and especially having separate beds (pull outs) without one having to be on an air mattress. There is definitely more space to spread out and we really enjoyed having some of our meals on the patio which had table and chairs for four. I liked the full size appliances and the large laundry room with an actual door so you don't hear the washer and dryer running. DH didn't like having to climb stairs but I didn't mind. OKW is my son's overall favorite resort. For just DH and I we prefer SSR though for better dining options, golf, and Disney Springs.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

I have a DD 17; we own at SSR.We tried OKW 2 trips ago and she did not like OKW -- too far from the Community Hall and she felt isolated from Disney. I think with the advent of DS, the numerous pools, CS food, and walkability I would vote for SSR. Plus, not having to change resorts and having to be homeless for a day is a family benefit. Enjoy!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You'll only have a queen sized sleeper sofa in the living room at SSR. At OKW, you'll have a queen sleeper sofa and a twin sized sleeper chair. At SSR, either your kids will have to share the sleeper sofa, or mom will sleep with daughter in the bed, dad with son on the sleeper sofa (or vice versa) or someone has to sleep on an air bed that your provide to put on the floor (plus you bring your own linens).

 

[toolmanjan]

We love OKW! Large rooms. I use to think there were rooms that were too far from the main bldg. I really don't consider that anymore. They can give me a room anywhere in the resort I would be happy.

 

[benjyt]

Thanks to all for your advice! We found out that our chance to move the full stay to SSR is no longer available, so we've added two nights at SSR after our four night stay at OKW. We've asked our DVC host to monitor the availability at OKW for the possibility of moving the entire stay there - we'd rather not have to move! Regardless of the outcome, we know we'll have a great time! Thanks again!

 

[katmittens]

We have stayed at OKW many times and really love it. We will be there this Thanksgiving in a grand villa, and then we are changing to a 2 bedroom at SSR for our last two nights, this will be our first time at SSR, so I hope we like it. I don't like to change, but add and her boyfriend have work and have to leave late Sun nite so now I will save some points, but I already used them for a three nite stay in Jambo in February. DD just moved to St. Augustine so now I have even more reasons to visit.

 

[SL6827]

I don't think I would want to stay at OKW unless I was able to book a unit near the HHouse, but that is just me though.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks to all for your advice! We found out that our chance to move the full stay to SSR is no longer available, so we've added two nights at SSR after our four night stay at OKW. We've asked our DVC host to monitor the availability at OKW for the possibility of moving the entire stay there - we'd rather not have to move! Regardless of the outcome, we know we'll have a great time! Thanks again!

Well, then you will know which one you prefer for next time!

 

[Main Street Matilda]

Both resorts are wonderful and each has their strengths. I would focus on whether a split-stay works for you and your family. We often do a split-stay since we use our RV to travel to WDW and love Fort Wilderness - so we start our stay there for 2 or 3 days. But for the fact that staying at the Fort is its own experience, we probably wouldn't change resorts. The day you switch can be a bit stressful. Packing up and relocating, hoping your room is ready, etc., can make that day crazy.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Firepath said it best for us. Adults like SSR and kids like OKW. They are space hogs.