OKW or SSR

[wdw4rfam]

We wanted to book first week of March and our homes of AKL and POLY are gone. It’s OKW (notHH) or SSR standard. We’ve never stayed at either one and honestly not real excited for either. The high springs pool will be closed. HH at OKW rooms are gone so not sure which is better. OKW seems to book first so that’s telling me people like that one better but maybe I’m wrong. Any pluses or minuses to either that I should know about? I hate noise so the one thing I remember reading is that buses drive right past rooms at OKW. Is this true? I’m assuming buses stink at both since there’s so many stops. So which is better?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've never stayed at SSR, but I have stayed many times at OKW, and although the buses go by some rooms "all the time", some they don't go by at all. Look at a map of OKW. Last time we were in building 54, no buses there! Some areas are horseshoe shaped, and buses aren't close. But there are a few buildings where buses turn around right in front of the building. DH is a very light sleeper, yet he's never been bothered by bus noise. The time he complained about noise was from an after-hours party at Typhoon Lagoon. Unfortunately, I can't compare it to SSR, but I'm hoping to correct that by a stay there soon.

 

[DIsneydreamer#1]

We have stayed twice at Saratoga springs (congress park area) preferred. It’s so nice, so close to Disney Springs and rooms were just remodeled!…I have not stayed at OKW but looks so nice too. I can say that at congress park area there’s very little noise if any. I hope you enjoy your time at Disney!!!

 

[TheMouseKId]

We have stayed at both and prefer OKW. OKW is a tad bit smaller than SSR, but not by much. Both resorts have boats and (technically) you can walk to Disney Springs from OKW but it takes at least an hour and passes through SSR. Both resorts have issues with bus noises as buses pass by rooms at both resorts, so there is no difference. I would go for OKW and request either Miller's Road for proximity to HH or Old Turtle Pond Road for Seclusion/No Noise. Do note SSR resort has the murphy beds in all rooms instead of sofa beds, while some OKW rooms (1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas) have sofa beds.

Past this I would make a waitlist for one of your home resorts if you want to stay there, but only a suggestion. Have fun!

 

[DaniPoppins]

We have stayed at both and I prefer SSR. I love the new rooms and the proximity to DS is great. The Paddock pool is smaller, but it still has a fun waterslide and water play area for kids. We stayed there a few years ago and had a room on the first floor. We walked out of our room and about 10 steps to the pool!

 

[wdw4rfam]

We have stayed at both and I prefer SSR. I love the new rooms and the proximity to DS is great. The Paddock pool is smaller, but it still has a fun waterslide and water play area for kids. We stayed there a few years ago and had a room on the first floor. We walked out of our room and about 10 steps to the pool!

Thanks. We decided to go with SSR. High springs pool will be closed so paddock will be the pool open. We requested grandstand because we are rope droppers and want the first bus stop. For our needs I think SSR looks better

 

[SwanVT2]

Thanks. We decided to go with SSR. High springs pool will be closed so paddock will be the pool open. We requested grandstand because we are rope droppers and want the first bus stop. For our needs I think SSR looks better

Just an FYI with the High springs Pool closed the quiet pools will be much more busy, Paddock especially because it has a slide. This is why I booked OKW for our early March trip.

 

[TheMouseKId]

I had read the opposite that paddock will be closed? We booked OKW because of this as Paddock is DD’s favorite pool at SSR

I believe the Paddock is closing first and then the High Springs Pool closes next. Nevermind, Its the Congress Park and High Springs Pools

 

[MamaBelle4]

I know you've already decided but I wanted to throw in my two cents. I've not stayed at OKW yet (even though we are owners), but have stayed at both AKL and SSR and I prefer SSR. I think there's less noise at SSR than those long echoy hallways at AKL.

Don't get me wrong, I love the animals and very little beats sitting on the balcony while zebras and giraffes graze right in front of you.

But I just love SSR. I think (and hope!) you'll be pleasantly surprised by the resort.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Just an FYI with the High springs Pool closed the quiet pools will be much more busy, Paddock especially because it has a slide. This is why I booked OKW for our early March trip.

Right but OKW only has 1 feature pool to begin with that everyone shares Plus we got Jambo club level for 3 nights and that’s one of our favorite pools so we will do most of our swimming there.

 

[TheMouseKId]

Right but OKW only has 1 feature pool to begin with that everyone shares Plus we got Jambo club level for 3 nights and that’s one of our favorite pools so we will do most of our swimming there.

OKW has 4 pools. One feature and 3 smaller ones, including one with a snack bar.

 

[PalmettoPath]

We much prefer SSR due to its proximity to Disney Springs (we stay in Congress Park) plus the more widespread layout and generally more laid-back vibe.

 

[motherof5]

I like OKW better than SSR. OKW bigger rooms. SSR everything was so far away when we went and I even needed a car to get to the pool.

 

[motherof5]

We wanted to book first week of March and our homes of AKL and POLY are gone. It’s OKW (notHH) or SSR standard. We’ve never stayed at either one and honestly not real excited for either. The high springs pool will be closed. HH at OKW rooms are gone so not sure which is better. OKW seems to book first so that’s telling me people like that one better but maybe I’m wrong. Any pluses or minuses to either that I should know about? I hate noise so the one thing I remember reading is that buses drive right past rooms at OKW. Is this true? I’m assuming buses stink at both since there’s so many stops. So which is better?

OKW try to book hospitality house as that is closer to the gift shop, main pool and recreation center as well as it has a few bus stops right there.

 

[TheMouseKId]

OKW try to book hospitality house as that is closer to the gift shop, main pool and recreation center as well as it has a few bus stops right there.

It's probably not avaliable.

 

[Nabas]

An important (for some) difference is that OKW has 2 queen beds in its Studios.

 

[kes601]

An important (for some) difference is that OKW has 2 queen beds in its Studios.

Also important for some people....those 2 queen beds means no couch. SSR has a queen bed + a pulldown queen murphy bed w/a "real mattress". So you get the best of both worlds.

We'll never stay in an OKW studio due to this fact.

 

[heynowirv]

OKW try to book hospitality house as that is closer to the gift shop, main pool and recreation center as well as it has a few bus stops right there.

OP's first comment was that HH was not available.

 

[heynowirv]

We have owned at both OKW and SSR ,before there was a preferred or HH bookings. SSR is newer but we have always preferred the vibe at OKW. The boat to DS's is a nice fun ride .We have always loved staying at Old Turtle Road because the pool also has a snack bar and is a 2 minute walk from most villas there.The buses when we were there 2 weeks ago seemed to be non-stop to everywhere. Good luck on whatever your final decision is.

 

[motherof5]

It's probably not avaliable.

What are your dates? Are you DVC you can check the dates or post here sometimes people have confirmed reservations. It's worth looking at.