okw or ssr? help!

[emmababy]

We have a reservation for BWV for July 22-29, but my husband's work has changed, and now we need to go July 1-7. The problem is our home resort isn't available. So now, our options are OKW or SSR. I don't know much about these resorts. Can you all offer your opinion on which you prefer, where are they located in comparison to the parks, restaurants, pools. Thanks. We need to make up our mind asap!!!

 

[nzdisneymom]

Are you staying in a studio or 1-BR or more? Will you have kids with you?

Both SSR and OKW are near Downtown Disney. They are the two DVC resorts that we've stayed at the most in our almost-a-year as owners. There are things we like about each of them.

Both take about the same amount of time to get to the theme parks by bus. We had similar bus service from each in terms of wait times.

We liked that we could walk to DTD Marketplace from SSR in just a few minutes.

We liked community hall at OKW better and the kids like the pool better at OKW, although SSR has a good main pool, too.

We haven't eaten at the restaurants at either resort, but Goods to Go at OKW has more of the counter-service-type food that my family prefers over the not-as-common foods they have at SSR. FWIW, when we are at OKW and want counter-service, we usually end up going over to PO-FQ -- but now I'm off-topic

We have only stayed in studios, so my room comparison is between the two -- we like the larger balcony at SSR and we like that there are two queen beds in OKW.

I think that either place you'll be happy.

 

[emmababy]

Thanks! It will be me, DH, DD-12mos at time of trip, and our niece 13. Can you walk to DTD from OKW? How long does it take to get to the different parks? We will be on DDP and wanted to make sure we allow enough time for a break in the afternoon and could still make it to dinner without feeling rushed. We set most of our ADR's around 6, since DD goes to bed around 7:00. Is there a bar/lounge at OKW? When we originally were going to stay at BWV, we planned on our niece watching DD while we slipped out for a little bit. Now that we will be staying somewhere different, I didn't know if that was an option!
Thanks!

 

[nzdisneymom]

There is a bar at OKW - the Gurgling Suitcase (haven't been in it, so I can't tell you about it). I'm not sure if you can walkt to DTD, but there is both a bus and a boat that go - the boat departs every 20 minutes after 4 p.m., every 1/2 hr before that (according to the sign by the dock).

The bus takes about 15 minutes to make the rounds in OKW from the first stop to the last, and then from there it's 10 - 20 minutes to the theme parks. You should be fine with an afternoon break - alway allow about an hour to get from place to place if you're depending on Disney transportation to get you there -- if you end up arriving early, then enjoy where you are; if you're late, they won't turn you away - you may just have a little longer wait for a table.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

One thing to consider...SSR has a zero entry pool where the little one could play and splash with your help. Plus there is a little slide that she might be able to go down with you catching her at the bottom. There is also a sprinkler/fountain type where Donald Duck sprays water and she could walk/sit there and be entertained as well.

Another plus for SSR is the Turf Club bar....Certainly could walk over there for evening cocktails and refreshments. You could even walk over to DTD...if you had a cell phone you could be back to the room in 20 to 30 minutes.

Just my $.02.

 

[jdvm]

Bring or rent a car and stay at Old Key West
john

 

[nono]

If you are going to break the tie on the resorts by evaluating the bar, I'd go with SSR. Turf Club bar and pool bar, vs. just the Suitcase at OKW. I LOVE LOVE LOVE OKW and The Suitcase, but it's not like a destination bar for most folks. Also, drinks are stiffer at the Turf Club. I did a lot of research on my last trip.

 

[emmababy]

One last question. I noticed the OKW studio has two beds. Are they queen or double?

 

[Kathy C]

I think, too, it depends how many points you want to use. OKW is less points than SSR. We've stayed at both and like both. The 1 bedrooms are bigger at OKW, and we like the view from our balcony better at there too (golf course). We pool at SSR is nice because it's zero entry and the resort is newer so the rooms are really nice. I think it's really a personal decision but I think you'll be happy with either. Just my opinion of course!

 

[bobbiwoz]

One last question. I noticed the OKW studio has two beds. Are they queen or double?

Queens!

Remember that in OKW there are only 3 buildings with elevators.

Bobbi