OKW or SSR in studio for first time as DVC

[Tinks "SS"]

Ok. Just started my posting frenzy last night.

I called MS this am. BLT service was down but was able to get ressie for oct this year for my DS who will be turning 9 this short trip. DS wanted to stay AKW but all booked up for that weekend. Do yall think OKW or SSR in a studio will be better for our first time back down as DVC owners?? Which one do yall think DS will enjoy for his bday?

Thanks!!

 

[robert@dvcstore]

I personally think you would enjoy the studio at Old Key West. The room itself is much larger than Saratoga Springs, and it has 2 queen beds instead of a queen and couch pull out that you would find at Saratoga Springs.

Most views are of the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, so lots to see during the day from your balcony.

Enjoy,

Robert

 

[Hunclemarco]

I'll 2nd what Robert Said ... Go for OKW. SSR is nice, but as the above post said, OKW is much larger, and you also get the same amenities you would get at ssr...boat ride to DTD and all. Less point use too!

 

[RCharnay]

I'd do OKW, request South Point and have a quiet pool and easy walking distance to DTD. Big room-close to lots of fun. We had canal view last time we were there and loved watching the birds flying outside our patio (scouting for fish) and the boats going by on the water.

If you prefer the big pool, food options and the boat ride to DTD, request a room closer to the HH.

 

[spiceycat]

Oct is the food/wine festavial - so it is pretty busy with DVC members.

would also go for OKW.

a little bigger rooms, less points.

 

[hockeyprincess]

Yet another vote for OKW!! Can't go wrong with that resort. I don't think there's anything NOT to like?

 

[starbox]

Since you are staying in a studio and this is your first DVC trip - I'm going to vote SSR. SSR has the pull-out couch and bed combo, which makes it feel less like a regular hotel room. There's just something nice about being able to sit on the couch - feels like DVC to me.

I also like the CS and pools at SSR more than OKW.

 

[thelionqueen]

I would vote for OKW at first, but having just been there with my 11 & 7 year old, and how much they ADORED the kids activities @ SSR, I'm voting for SSR. While in general I would pick OKW over SSR due to size, parking and other reasons. I know OKW has a Community Hall too with kids activities, but SSR really excels in that area. Either choice I think you'll be happy!

 

[zackiedawg]

I love them both, and stay in both regularly. But I'd tend to side with the SSR folks on this one. The couch pullout sounds worse for the sleeping side - but it is surprisingly comfortable...and I agree that having the couch to sit on during the day makes it feel more 'homey' and less hotel-like. It's a bit less space, but with the studio, that isn't too big a deal IMHO.

They do both share the boat access to DTD, but SSR obviously has easier walking access to it. And there seems to be more going on as far as kid activities with the movie pool and the large main building.

That said, OKW has a nice pool, gorgeous big rooms, and arguably a less crowded and better bus service...and cost less points. I'd certainly never say a bad word about OKW - it's a favorite of minetoo!

 

[Liljam]

I haven't stayed and OKW and my vote goes to SSR because I think the pool and the resort would be cool for a 9 yo plus I love that it's in walking distance to DTD (well, I know OKW is too, but the SSR walk is so nice.) SSR does have some cool activities for kids too from what I've read!

 

[DVCAustralia]

There is no way I can see how SSR is worth more points than OKW, particular since saving even a few points a night will soon add up to a longer stay or even another stay.
You get less room and a smaller lower quality bed in much the same location and low rise spread out development.

 

[rentayenta]

We just stayed at OKW, before buying into DVC, with some friends in a Grand Villa which was amazing. The pool was super fun for the kids and they have a daily pool party. My oldest DD won an idog for the hoola hoop contest We ate at Olivia's for dinner and had a perfectly cooked steak and delicious Caesar salad. The cocktails at the The Gurgling Suitcase (?) were good and strong. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again but am hoping to stay at SSR next time as that is our home resort.

 

[Tinks "SS"]

When i got home yesterday, i pulled up the pages and pics of both resorts and my son liked OKW.

he really liked the mickey ears in the main pool at OKW. And that is what i booked for us. I am so excited to be going down there as our first time owners! Now just hav to ponder whether to get the discount tickets for MNSSHP and dining. I hope La Nouba will still have discount tickets for when we go.

 

[Disney Doll]

If he likes the look of the main pool, remember to request being in a building that's closer to the main pool. OKW is pretty big & spread out (winderful, but big and spread out) so if you get in the South Point or Turtle Pond area, you're going to be far from the main pool.

 

[hockeyprincess]

Definitely get tickets for MNSSHP and the dining can be worth it for sure if you plan your restaurants! Check out the list and see where you would eat. CS for 2 adults 2 kids for us can be close to $40-50 each visit and dinners were always over $100 (no signatures) for the 4 of us if we were to pay OOP for what we ate on the dining plan. Dinners covered the entire DP for the whole day all the time. So if you plan to eat out, and eat on Disney property, I suggest the DDP! We always got the basic and were fine with it.

 

[zackiedawg]

Sounds like you may want to be close to the Hospitality House area to be near the main pool. Don't forget that the 'Hospitality House' buildings are a reservation category - those are the buildings right across the street from the main bus stop and HH...so make sure you request those when you reserve! There are non-HH area buildings that are still close to that area, so if you don't get the HH category on your reservation, you can still request one of the buildings close by.