OKW or SSR for family of 5 w/3 young kids?

[JJ&JSMOM]

We have 3 kids ages will be 8,5&2 and we have ressies for a 1 bedroom villa at OKW in October - can't afford a 2 bedroom and for now we can fit in the 1 bedroom. I'm just wondering which would be better for our family as I have never experienced either. I have looked at pics and if I base my decision on that I do like the theme of OKW better.

I know the rooms are bigger at OKW and I know OKW is older. I am concerned w/the condition of the rooms...are they kept up well? I've read the bus transportation at OKW is good...how does that compare to SSR? How is the dining onsite? The pool area looks fun at both...the kids like the pics of OKW sandcastle. Which pool in your opinion is better? We will have a rental car - is their ample parking?

I know I have a lot of questions and I appreciate all your input. We just had to cancel our trip to WDW because DD4 was sick (now DD2 is sick!!!!) so I really want this next trip to be great! The hotel we stay in is a big part of any of our vacations...the kids love staying at hotels as most kids do.

Thanks in advance for your time and opinions!

 

[mndisfam]

I would def. pick OKW for the space, and also I think there play/sand area is great for little ones. Kind of a tot lot. THere is nothing wrong with SSR, but the rooms are smaller and they don't have as much space as the OKW play sand area...

 

[Chuck S]

There is plenty of parking at OKW near each unit, and I would assume the same is true of SSR. OKW does have limited parking near the main hospitality/check-in area, depending upon time of day, it can be difficult to find parking near Olivia's restaurant and the resort store. But you can always take any resort bus to that area, it is the last stop before leaving the resort.

Depending upon the rehab schedule for individual units, we have had some at OKW that looked like they were approaching a rehab cycle...but that will be true of any resort. Occasionaly we've gotten a lovely freshly rehabbed unit...usually we ave a uit wit a few "signs of use", some minor carpet pulls, maybe some minor smudges on the wall from being scaped with luggage, etc...liike most hotel rooms.

With three young children I would definately pick OKW for the additional floor space.

 

[Alysa]

I've never stayed at SSR, but we found OKW to be quite inconvenient in terms of transportation. We were at a resort quite far from both the Main Lobby and buses. For room theme, if you have ever seen the Golden Girls, you will know what I am talking about. Plus our room was a bit dark and musty and I am not a big fan of coloured porcelain. Great for golf! We did drive by SSR and it seemed a bit far away too. If you like to be nearby the parks I might do either BCV or VWL instead if you have the points, especially with a 2 year old if she still uses her stroller much.

 

[starbox]

I know the rooms are bigger at OKW and I know OKW is older. I am concerned w/the condition of the rooms...are they kept up well? I've read the bus transportation at OKW is good...how does that compare to SSR? How is the dining onsite? The pool area looks fun at both...the kids like the pics of OKW sandcastle. Which pool in your opinion is better? We will have a rental car - is their ample parking?

OKW has much larger rooms. We did not have any major room issues on our OKW stay. The theme is more "whimsical" at OKW.

Bus transportation is very similar - neither resorts share busses and both have internal bus stops. With SSR, you have the option to walk to DTD for connecting bus service to any resort. Both resorts have ferry boats to DTD.

Both resorts have community halls near the pools with activities/crafts. Both pools have great slides. The SSR pool has a zero-entry section, water play area and toddler slide which are nice for small children. OKW has a sand play area. SSR is showing Disney movies on a giant screen at the pool a few nights a week (Dive-in Movies).

Onsite dining: Both resorts have a TS and CS option. The CS at OKW is a take-out window and offers burger/fries types of options. There are a few picnic tables near the pool where you can eat, but no indoor seating. The TS at OKW is Olivias, which has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

The CS at SSR is Artist's Point - it's a brick oven-style restaurant with gourmet flatbreads and sandwiches. There is plentiful indoor seating and tables have artist easels and art supplies to occupy children. The TS is called Turf Club and it's a more upscale decor-type (dark wood and brass) steakhouse.

Parking is ample and close to the villas at both locations.

They are both great resorts!

 

[nbodyhome]

OKW is larger by about 300 extra square feet, I personally would choose it for the space! Not that 700 of so square feet is bad at other resorts, but 1000 is much more spacious (more like the size of a 2 bedroom elsewhere).

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Looks like OKW is the choice so far. I guess I shouldn't worry about the condition of the rooms as my DH is far from quiet which can be great at times but also not so great other times . He will speak up if he is not happy w/something or someone.

I really appreciate you all taking the time to answer my questions! Thank you!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

If you like to be nearby the parks I might do either BCV or VWL instead if you have the points, especially with a 2 year old if she still uses her stroller much.

BCV and VWL booked for our week. We did have ressies at VWL earlier this month but DD4 was sick so we had to cancel. We're not DVC so we book through our travel agent. Thoughts of Poly and CR are still in the back of my mind w/the stroller issue. Thanks!

 

[vbarry]

We stayed at Poly last year and then moved over to BWV. I enjoyed the one bedroom more than I did the monorail access to MK. After we returned home we decided to buy DVC and are staying at OKW June 28-July 5. I cannot wait.

I think I will enjoy the OKW theming but I know I will love the one bedroom! With kids it is great and beats a hotel room any day!

Have fun planning!

 

[Alysa]

BCV and VWL booked for our week. We did have ressies at VWL earlier this month but DD4 was sick so we had to cancel. We're not DVC so we book through our travel agent. Thoughts of Poly and CR are still in the back of my mind w/the stroller issue. Thanks!

Sorry! I'd say call DVC before you leave - there used to be some sort of deal you could do for your first stay as a member. Best purchase my family ever made. Plus aren't their free annual passes or something for purchasing members? If buying DVC is not in the cards I would say try SSR for the newer rooms. With young children, we find we spend a lot of time at the hotel and I found the OKW room to be a bit gloomy. Don't worry about which pool to pick. The OKW one was great but I am sure the SSR is nice too and kids will be happy swimming in a pond if you let them! What is most important is when Mum is happy!

Have a wonderful time - let us know which you decide!

PS - We went to the Animal Kingdom as memebers before it became a DVC resort and found that while extreamly beautiful, nothing could make up for not having a kitchen with a toddler. I think you save about 2000 per trip that way. One word - bottles! Don't forget to call Garden Grocer - great service! Plus if you become a member there are rumors of a CR DVC hotel in the works!

 

[littlestar]

OKW rooms are very large. But, most OKW buildings don't have elevators. So keep in mind you might have to climb stairs with 3 small children. I don't mind climbing stairs or walking, so OKW is a great choice for us because of the extra space.

SSR has elevators in all buildings and has a zero entry pool for the little ones.

We like both resorts.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We've decided to stay w/OKW instead of SSR. But - may switch to a MK resort as we get closer to our dates...I'm not sure the ease of the monorail w/a stroller and 3 young kids keeps calling to me. As does the proximity to MK since we'll spend most of our time there. But we'll see, as I've already mentioned we love the pics of OKW and the amenities are really perfect for a family. And the space alone is worth it!

Thanks again for all your advice.

 

[go cowboys]

I would whole heartedly book OKW, even with a stroller. We thought we would hate it because it is older, but the room size is so much better and I will tell you, we had more problems with our room at BWV than OKW.

I have never booked through a travel agent, but you mentioned that you couldn't afford a 2bdrm that way. Havew you looked into renting points from a member? The 2bdrm we are using in November is only 24 points a night on weekdays and most people charge 10.00 a point to rent. I don't know if you are getting the room for less than 240.00, but that is pretty good for 2 bed rooms, 2 bathrooms, washer and dryer, and a kitchen.

Check the rental board.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I would whole heartedly book OKW, even with a stroller. We thought we would hate it because it is older, but the room size is so much better and I will tell you, we had more problems with our room at BWV than OKW.

I have never booked through a travel agent, but you mentioned that you couldn't afford a 2bdrm that way. Havew you looked into renting points from a member? The 2bdrm we are using in November is only 24 points a night on weekdays and most people charge 10.00 a point to rent. I don't know if you are getting the room for less than 240.00, but that is pretty good for 2 bed rooms, 2 bathrooms, washer and dryer, and a kitchen.

Check the rental board.

Thanks for the info. We did look into renting points but I'm just not comfortable w/that type of arrangement...I know we could save $ but I'm just not comfortable w/it. We had to cancel our trip in May and was much easier w/the trip insurance to just reschedule through our TA anyway. Thanks again!

 

[Laurabearz]

As a mother of three little ones... 8,6,4 I whole heartly suggest OKW! HUGE rooms, great kitchen. And a nice calm resort, to calm the kids down after crazy sensory overload days.

Have your TA request first floor near any pool and ENJOY!!

 

[Disney_Daddy]

My family just stayed at SSR. We have three kids as well. Eight year old daughter, six year old son and a two year old daughter. We were very comfortable in a 1 bedroom. The two year old slept in a pack-n-play next to the tub in the bathroom. The older two slept on the pull out couch. We have not been to OKW, so I can't really comment on the size difference.

My wife would tell you to choose SSR strictly for the spa. It has become her favority attraction on Disney property!

Our family really liked the food and atmospere of Artists Palette. We did not eat at the Turf Club, so I can't comment on that one.

So I'm all for SSR. It is a great place to stay and fun for our entire family.

 

[go cowboys]

Thanks for the info. We did look into renting points but I'm just not comfortable w/that type of arrangement...I know we could save $ but I'm just not comfortable w/it. We had to cancel our trip in May and was much easier w/the trip insurance to just reschedule through our TA anyway. Thanks again!

i understand your concern, but I think that you would be fine. We have found a gentleman who does this as a hobby/job and have used him twice and had others use him too. Since the ressies are in your name and all the confirmations to your house, you are pretty safe. Maybe next time.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

My wife would tell you to choose SSR strictly for the spa. It has become her favority attraction on Disney property!

.

Good for her ! Never thought of a spa treatment at Disney...I could use that! Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

i understand your concern, but I think that you would be fine. We have found a gentleman who does this as a hobby/job and have used him twice and had others use him too. Since the ressies are in your name and all the confirmations to your house, you are pretty safe. Maybe next time.

Yeah - once DD2 reaches 3 we'll need a 2 bedroom so maybe we will. I will certainly keep it in mind. Thanks!