OKW or SSR Late August Trip

[MrToad1345]

Hello All. If this has already been put out there, I apologize. We are driving down from New England in late August for a 7 day stay with our new DVC Membership and wanted to put it out to the masses for advice. Our home resort is SSR, but we are looking at how much bigger the OKW 1-bdrm is and wanted some advice as to where to stay between the two. However, we do like the fact that SSR is walking distance to DTD. There will be for of us DH, DW, DS-12, DS-10. Any advice on any pros and cons would be very helpful and appreciated.

 

[Candace]

OKW also has a walking path to DTD, but it is considerably farther. They both have ferry rides to DTD as well. You are correct - OKW rooms are quite a bit larger. Just remember, there are very few buildings with elevators. I love both resorts, but the older I get, the more I appreciate the elevators at SSR. OKW has three floors in most buildings, and when you get a second floor room, it's not too bad, but those third floor rooms a killers when you have walked all day in a park. The eating options are a little better at SSR as well. I have been a member at OKW since 1994 (when it was the *only* DVC), but I own points at SSR too and love them both. You will enjoy wherever you stay. Have fun!

 

[MrToad1345]

That is what I know will happen. We will have fun no matter where we are. We're very excited about the trip, although the drive does seem a bit daunting, but an adventure none the less. I know that the main pool was just redone at SSR. How does it compare to the OKW pool?

 

[ldo]

you are allowed to pool hop, so you could go over to SSR pool, if you wanted. We like OKW better--plus, you have a sofa bed and a chair-bed, so kids each get their own beds. Look over on allears.net to see photos of SSR and OKW units.
Also, coming from NH, you might consider the autotrain in VA for the way down and then drive back up. For late Aug., they should have kids free. We book the lower level and it is very nice and quiet at night--upper level is NOT. We take the kids sleeping bags and let them sleep in the bulkhead area. If you have AAA, 4 lower level seats and a car/van is about $450 one way--includes dinner and cont. breakfast. Sleeping cars are $$$$.

 

[happyann79]

Both are quite nice but the food options at SSR are MUCH better.

 

[vandy]

We love both and LOVE the size of the OKW rooms, but they have a vinyl planked floor in the living and kitchen area instead of carpeting like SSR. SSR may have better quiet pools in the Grandstand and Paddock areas as they are themed and have a snack bar. We also believe that the rooms at SSR are quieter than those at OKW. It seems like you can hear normal conversations from the room above you at OKW, SSR not so much.

 

[buzz5985]

That is what I know will happen. We will have fun no matter where we are. We're very excited about the trip, although the drive does seem a bit daunting, but an adventure none the less. I know that the main pool was just redone at SSR. How does it compare to the OKW pool?

I am driving down (again) in early August - it's really not that bad. Last year we listened to The Hunger Game (Book 1 and 2) during the drive. It was on DS 14 summer reading list. My local library has a great digital library - you can actually download the book to your iPod, computer, kindle, etc or some you can burn to CD's, which we did.

This year, one of DS friends will be joining us. Hopefully we can find another book on their summer reading list to listen to.

you are allowed to pool hop, so you could go over to SSR pool, if you wanted. We like OKW better--plus, you have a sofa bed and a chair-bed, so kids each get their own beds. Look over on allears.net to see photos of SSR and OKW units.
Also, coming from NH, you might consider the autotrain in VA for the way down and then drive back up. For late Aug., they should have kids free. We book the lower level and it is very nice and quiet at night--upper level is NOT. We take the kids sleeping bags and let them sleep in the bulkhead area. If you have AAA, 4 lower level seats and a car/van is about $450 one way--includes dinner and cont. breakfast. Sleeping cars are $$$$.

I am taking the autotrain home. Can't wait. We are doing it more for the experience than a money saver. I did get 2 sleeping compartments - so the total for 4 was $700. But with gas prices being what they are - could be a bargain!!!!

Janis

 

[MrToad1345]

We're looking into the train now and for the ride home makes sense for us as the adrenalin rush may be over by then and it could make the trip. Back a little easier. Does anyone know if the 1 bedroom units at OKW are on a particular floor or are they mixed in the building? Thanks for the replies, helping to make our decisions more informative.