OKW or SSR?

[Sonnyeclipse]

Looking at buying resale in the near future are are targeting either Old Key West or Saratoga Springs. We have kids aged 11 and 7 and are looking for any pros and cons of one over the other.

I am familiar with both of the locations but not what the resorts have to offer nor the room size, etc.

Any advice on choosing one over the other?

 

[chalee94]

Any advice on choosing one over the other?

OKW - ends in 2042 (some contracts - probably fewer - end in 2057, so you have to pay attention)
SSR - ends in 2054

OKW - has 2 queen beds in the studios
SSR - like all other DVC resorts, has 1 queen bed and 1 sofabed in the studios

OKW - has a laid-back beach cottage theme
SSR - has a more luxury oriented theme
(you can get a pretty good idea of the feel of the rooms by looking at pics online)

OKW - has cheaper accomodations - fewer pts per studio through GV
SSR - costs a little more per night

OKW - has larger rooms as it was the 1st DVC
SSR - has access to the treehouse villas at the 11 month window

edited to add:
OKW - virtually no elevators, so...ummm...you get better exercise.
SSR - elevators in all the buildings

 

[Jason@dvcstore]

OKW - ends in 2042 (some contracts - probably fewer - end in 2057, so you have to pay attention)
SSR - ends in 2054

OKW - has 2 queen beds in the studios
SSR - like all other DVC resorts, has 1 queen bed and 1 sofabed in the studios

OKW - has a laid-back beach cottage theme
SSR - has a more luxury oriented theme
(you can get a pretty good idea of the feel of the rooms by looking at pics online)

OKW - has cheaper accomodations - fewer pts per studio through GV
SSR - costs a little more per night

OKW - has larger rooms as it was the 1st DVC
SSR - has access to the treehouse villas at the 11 month window

edited to add:
OKW - virtually no elevators, so...ummm...you get better exercise.
SSR - elevators in all the buildings

OKW contracts that end 2042 and are around 200 points typically sell between $65 to $72 per point

OKW contracts that end 2057 and are around 200 points typically sell between $70 to $74 per point

SSR contracts (which end 2054) and are around 200 points typically sell between $67 and $72 per point

 

[disneynutz]

Looking at buying resale in the near future are are targeting either Old Key West or Saratoga Springs. We have kids aged 11 and 7 and are looking for any pros and cons of one over the other.

I am familiar with both of the locations but not what the resorts have to offer nor the room size, etc.

Any advice on choosing one over the other?

Being familiar with a resort and actually staying there are two different things. Buying a DVC contract is an expensive and long term commitment. You really should take your time choosing and buy where you love to stay.

 

[debbiepump]

Own at BCV and last Feb. stayed at OKW. Read negatives about the resort, but must say, really liked it! It felt like we really weren't in WDW, but much more relaxed. Villas are huge and the decks are fantastic. Yes, I missed not being steps from Epcot at BCV, but when I want to go to WDW again and not have a park intensive stay, I'd choose OKW again.

 

[saintstickets]

I haven't stayed at SSR but I stayed at OKW last Thanksgiving. I LOVED it! You park your vehicle right outside your room...no need for elevators. Olivia's is the restaurant and it was very good. We only ate there the first night after driving in because we like the variety at EPCOT. The resort is very laid back and quiet. The access to the bus was less than 100 yards away and we rarely waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. There is a boat ride to DTD. The rooms are larger than the other resorts. SSR is probably equally nice but we really loved OKW and are looking to make it our home resort.
Bill B

 

[Mtnman44]

I would vote SSR. Newer, and more "stuff" to do, especially for older kids with DTD right there. Plus you have a home resort advantage for the treehouses, plus you'll be able to book OKW anytime you want at 7 months (for the most part).

However, OKW is a great resort, big rooms, low point requirements, and low dues. It can be had very cheap right now via reslae and you could always book at SSR at 7 months (for the most part) except for the treehouses. I'd expect those to be difficult to get simply because there are only 60 units.

 

[AFMom]

Here's another considerration:

OKw has low point Grand Villas, and SSR has Treehouses.... you'll need the 11 month window (most of the time) to get these. If you think you'd be more inclined to one or the other - buy there...

 

[Brian Noble]

Reasons to buy OKW:

* More relaxed, laid-back vibe: "Island Time".
* Very lush "I'm in Florida" surroundings.
* Larger units (table, washer/dryer, balcony/patio, space!)
* Always two queen beds in studio/2nd bedroom.
* Lower point costs for units (esp 3BRs)

Reasons to buy SSR:

* More active atmosphere in "main resort".
* More upscale furnishings.
* Super-easy access to DTD.
* Studios with queen/sofa (very functional for a couple).
* Treehouse villas ("I'm in Florida! In a treehouse!")