OKW/SSR comparisons please

[MissD]

Hey, we're on the same wavelength tonight, I just saw you over on the Restaurants board! (I am in a mood tonight, must be a full moon but glad somebody appreciates me)!

I guess sometimes we just can't help it...
I'm not sure if it's a full moon or the FL heat ..whichever, it works for me. Thanks for the smiles tonight...laughter is good for the soul

 

[MiaSRN62]

Mississippian says : I happen to think SSR is "subpar" in terms of the value received for the points required to rent a unit. It's not ridiculous, it's merely fact.

Merely fact ? You lost me on that. It's more like your personal opinion as you stated further down in your post. SSR obviously is not your preference.....it doesn't appeal to you personally, but it does to countless others. So SSR being subpar is "fact" ? Sorry, I disagree with that statement totally.

 

[bigsmooth]

Despite the opinions masquerading as facts, I can't wait to eventually try OKW someday. I went from originally thinking that I would not want to try it, to definitely wanting to try it after looking at the pictures posted and reading the opinions.

But, it does sound that Disney is listening. Check out this press release that crossed the wire:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27th, 2006--In response to strong guest demand and feedback, Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will expand its timeshare resort presence with its next location at the current location of the Spaceship Earth attraction within Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort, subject to obtaining all necessary approvals. The Spaceship Earth property, with its unique shape and a setting smack dab inside of one of the most popular vacation resorts in the world, made it an ideal place to expand the company's highly successful Disney Vacation Club business.

"The proposed ownership resort expansion will combine one of our highly successful offerings with an exciting complement of existing resort amenities," said Jim Lewis, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Disney Vacation Development, Inc., which manages and operates the Disney Vacation Club program. Guests staying in the Disney Vacation Club villas will have convenient access to everything that Epcot has to offer, plus it represents the extreme achievement of listening to customer demand in designing a vacation property. "We really nailed it this time," said Lewis, "Feedback has shown that people are most concerned with hallways at our Vacation Club resorts. They are either too long, or too close to elevators, or too loud, and in some cases people have droned on non stop about the scariness of certain hallways. We said to ourselves, people don't like hallways so the solution is to eliminate the hallways altogether." The Spaceship Earth Villas will be the first property of its kind to function without hallways at all. Leveraging the time honored Omnimover technology that Walt Disney himself innovated, guests will not walk through their room in hallways, they will ride to their room, all within the existing transportation system built into the Spaceship Earth attraction.

Yet it is the theme that will set Spaceship Earth Villas apart. Guests will stay in themed sections set to Earth's past, present and Future. "Where else can you stay in a Roman villa and have your neighbors on one side staying in a Cro-Magnon cave, and on the other side reading Egyptian hieroglyphics on their wall", commented Lewis. The Spaceship Earth Villas will leverage the sets built into the ride itself to offer a truly one of a kind themed guest experience.

The new, 100-unit development is slated to occupy the unique Spaceship Earth attraction building within Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. The surface of Spaceship Earth is well known by its unique circular shape, covered by 11,324 triangles and the structure is supported by three pairs of 15' steel legs. It is 165' in diameter, and weighs a whopping 16 million pounds.

The announcement heralds a time of exciting growth for Disney Vacation Club, which is celebrating its 15th year and now boasts a membership of more than 100,000 families from over 60 countries.

Development will begin this spring with a targeted opening of spring 2008.

 

[castleri]

Will definitely be saving my pennies to do an add on for this one. Want the 11 month window for the Roman villa

 

[Amy&Dan]

Oh Bigsmooth, you really got my day off to a good start ! I am definitely adding on just so that Jeremy Iron's sexy voice can lull me to sleep each night.

 

[bigsmooth]

Oh Bigsmooth, you really got my day off to a good start ! I am definitely adding on just so that Jeremy Iron's sexy voice can lull me to sleep each night.

Have to say that Jeremy Irons would not do much for lulling me to sleep But, I'd love that starry night view to gaze out at.

 

[Mississippian]

Merely fact ? You lost me on that. It's more like your personal opinion as you stated further down in your post. SSR obviously is not your preference.....it doesn't appeal to you personally, but it does to countless others. So SSR being subpar is "fact" ? Sorry, I disagree with that statement totally.

MiaSRN62,
You are right, it is merely "fact" in my opinion. I'm stating more or less from the standpoint of putting the strengths and weaknesses of each resort on paper.

From a detached standpoint, SSR offers little more than OKW. The location is a bit better in terms of Downtown Disney, but it's not a great location. Meanwhile, OKW has really gigantic rooms at pretty low prices. SSR is nice and new, but it won't be new forever.

So, to me, this is fact. In the anecdotal realm, I just read a post from someone who had stayed at SSR and liked it. But she was upset that she couldn't get a room at BCV or BWV because she really wanted easy access to the parks for her upcoming trip (apparently park access IS important!). She then stated that if she couldn't have that, she wanted OKW for its low room rates. Bottom line is that SSR is, for her upcoming trip, her very last choice even though she likes the resort. She apparently finds it a poor value, and I do, too.

So when I say "fact," I should be more precise and explain that this fact is backed by a tremendous amount of evidence, but still subject to a difference of opinion.

 

[saratoga_socks]

MiaSRN62,
You are right, it is merely "fact" in my opinion. I'm stating more or less from the standpoint of putting the strengths and weaknesses of each resort on paper.

From a detached standpoint, SSR offers little more than OKW. The location is a bit better in terms of Downtown Disney, but it's not a great location. Meanwhile, OKW has really gigantic rooms at pretty low prices. SSR is nice and new, but it won't be new forever.

So, to me, this is fact. In the anecdotal realm, I just read a post from someone who had stayed at SSR and liked it. But she was upset that she couldn't get a room at BCV or BWV because she really wanted easy access to the parks for her upcoming trip (apparently park access IS important!). She then stated that if she couldn't have that, she wanted OKW for its low room rates. Bottom line is that SSR is, for her upcoming trip, her very last choice even though she likes the resort. She apparently finds it a poor value, and I do, too.

So when I say "fact," I should be more precise and explain that this fact is backed by a tremendous amount of evidence, but still subject to a difference of opinion.

Your opinion is just as valid as anybody else. No one is wrong

 

[Sarnia]

MiaSRN62,
You are right, it is merely "fact" in my opinion. I'm stating more or less from the standpoint of putting the strengths and weaknesses of each resort on paper.

From a detached standpoint, SSR offers little more than OKW. The location is a bit better in terms of Downtown Disney, but it's not a great location. Meanwhile, OKW has really gigantic rooms at pretty low prices. SSR is nice and new, but it won't be new forever.

So, to me, this is fact. In the anecdotal realm, I just read a post from someone who had stayed at SSR and liked it. But she was upset that she couldn't get a room at BCV or BWV because she really wanted easy access to the parks for her upcoming trip (apparently park access IS important!). She then stated that if she couldn't have that, she wanted OKW for its low room rates. Bottom line is that SSR is, for her upcoming trip, her very last choice even though she likes the resort. She apparently finds it a poor value, and I do, too.

So when I say "fact," I should be more precise and explain that this fact is backed by a tremendous amount of evidence, but still subject to a difference of opinion.

Like I said in my previous post though, there isn't much evidence, as SSR is cheaper points-wise than most of the other resorts.

And to say it's not a great location is just your personal opinion, to us it's in a fantastic location, a short walk to DTD, the best nightime entertainment area onsite, and also has a golf course with the pro shop and first tee at the resort. To us it's in the best location of any DVC, but of course that's just our own opinion because it suits our lifestyle and interests.

 

[MiaSRN62]

You are right, it is merely "fact" in my opinion. I'm stating more or less from the standpoint of putting the strengths and weaknesses of each resort on paper.

Respectfully Mississippian,
This is your opinion on what is fact. It is also your opinion on what are each resort's strengths and weaknesses. Don't know how you can speak for others opinions of how they feel about each respective resort.

She then stated that if she couldn't have that, she wanted OKW for its low room rates. Bottom line is that SSR is, for her upcoming trip, her very last choice even though she likes the resort. She apparently finds it a poor value, and I do, too.

I don't think anything is apparent in this regard ???? Just because she wants OKW for lower points means nothing. I've heard NUMEROUS accounts of BWV/BCV/VWL owners say the exact same thing. Maybe she doesn't have alot of points to begin with.....or maybe she already used alot of points this year and can't afford any more ? Maybe she just wants to experience another resort and at the same time save some points ? in the OP's very first post, she states she is trying to decide between OKW and SSR ? This doesn't make SSR her very last choice as you stated ?
I'm sorry, but I disagree with your opinion of what you consider the weak and strong resorts. To each his own..........

that this fact is backed by a tremendous amount of evidence,

"Tremendous" amount of "evidence"....again you don't have me in agreement here ? What we all read here on the DIS or on the internet period, is hardly a basis for how 90,000+ Members feel about their ownership and their respective resorts. I've read numerous accounts of people saying they bought in at BCV or BWV just so they could stay at OKW ? Again....just a sampling of how owners feel......not a tremendous amount of evidence as you stated. I'm just not seeing eye to eye with you here.

 

[starbox]

I just read a post from someone who had stayed at SSR and liked it. But she was upset that she couldn't get a room at BCV or BWV because she really wanted easy access to the parks for her upcoming trip (apparently park access IS important!).

For us park access is everything. This is why I was very unhappy staying at the Swan and did not like the Epcot resorts. On our last vacation, we split between POR and the Swan. I was really excited about the Swan and actually reserved a second trip for the end of the summer at the Swan when I made the initial reservations. When we got home, I cancelled the Swan trip and bought SSR. We'll be doing a split OKW/VB/SSR stay instead.

I do think BWV and BCV are beautiful resorts. We walked around them at night and the theming and etc. is so clever and cute. However, I hated the transport system. We do not drive on vacation - it's part of what makes it nice for us. Using Disney transport - I could either 1) wait 10-20 minutes for a slow-as-molasses boat that took me into the back entrance of Epcot where I had to walk halfway around the countries to get to the future world(where my kids want to be). This was "ok" in the morning, but after a long day at EPCOT it seemed like it took forever just to make it to the walkway to the resorts. 2) I could just walk the whole way. (Quicker - but even more walking!) To take a bus to a park I have to get on a bus that stops at THREE other resorts. Slow and crowded.

OKW/SSR are set up more like POR/CSR. There is ONE bus for the resort, it stops at multiple pick-up points within the resort, it drops you off at the main park entrance when you go to EPCOT (a 5 minute walk rather than a 15 minute walk to Soarin'/Test Track and Mission Space)

Also, to get to DTD at night (a place our family goes at least 3-4 times each vacation) from OKW and SSR, you don't have to take a bus that also stops at three other resorts and then stops at a water park first. The bus ride to DTD is a huge pain from any resort.

The point is simply to say that I often hear that the Epcot resorts are the ones that have park access and location - and for us, honestly, it was the other way around. I think the Epcot resorts are beautiful and have wonderful amenities - I just like the bus system better elsewhere.

 

[WolfpackFan]

A quick question that may not prove to be too controversial in this thread. Do all the studios at OKW have 2 beds with no sofa? DW and I are planning on staying at OKW next year. We are looking for a lot more relaxing environment than BWV where we just got back from. We will probably be spending more time off property than usual - specifically going to Seaworld. Also, I want to get in a round of golf one day. So park access is not a biggy for us this trip. I can see us spending alot more time around the resort and in our room also. I would much rather have a sofa to relax on some since it will be only two of us, but this won't keep me from staying there if only two beds are available.

Also, not to hyjack this thread - but how are the crowds as well as the weather (other than the possible hurricane) the third week of September? We're hoping to go at a time with low crowds and it not being quite so hot. This last week was a scorcher and the crowds were huge.

 

[LIFERBABE]

A quick question that may not prove to be too controversial in this thread. Do all the studios at OKW have 2 beds with no sofa? DW and I are planning on staying at OKW next year. We are looking for a lot more relaxing environment than BWV where we just got back from. We will probably be spending more time off property than usual - specifically going to Seaworld. Also, I want to get in a round of golf one day. So park access is not a biggy for us this trip. I can see us spending alot more time around the resort and in our room also. I would much rather have a sofa to relax on some since it will be only two of us, but this won't keep me from staying there if only two beds are available.

Also, not to hyjack this thread - but how are the crowds as well as the weather (other than the possible hurricane) the third week of September? We're hoping to go at a time with low crowds and it not being quite so hot. This last week was a scorcher and the crowds were huge.

All the studios at OKW have the 2 beds. The crowds are not too bad that time of year. School is in so during the week it is quieter. The weekends will be more crowded. We were there last year around that time and it was quite warm still the evenings were cooler though.

HTH!

Right now, the way we vacation, SSR and OKW have the most to offer. I also like the direct transportation these 2 resorts offer to the parks. We dont visit the parks every day, so we dont need to be within walking distance or plan our trip around that ability. We do visit DTD often, so the ability to walk to it, is a plus. We also like the waterparks. TL is our favorite, because we like the wave pool better. Both SSR and OKW are close to these attractions.
We prefer the sofa bed setup of the studios at SSR so we have not stayed at OKW yet. We are planning a trip there probably in December.

It's so great to have a choice of where we stay and we discuss it as a family and decide.

 

[starbox]

Also, not to hyjack this thread - but how are the crowds as well as the weather (other than the possible hurricane) the third week of September? We're hoping to go at a time with low crowds and it not being quite so hot. This last week was a scorcher and the crowds were huge.

To be honest, in Central Florida, you are not going to see much of a cooling off until October at the earliest. Even then. "cooling off" is relative and here it means "perhaps you could comfortably wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt at night" rather than "you could comfortably wear a sweatshirt".

If school schedules are not an issue, I suggest travel in October or November - IMHO, the very best two months of the year crowd and weather-wise. It's till not going to be sweatshirt weather, but you're much more likely to hit "cool enough to not be sweating" mornings and evenings.

 

[saratoga_socks]

A quick question that may not prove to be too controversial in this thread. Do all the studios at OKW have 2 beds with no sofa? DW and I are planning on staying at OKW next year. We are looking for a lot more relaxing environment than BWV where we just got back from. We will probably be spending more time off property than usual - specifically going to Seaworld. Also, I want to get in a round of golf one day. So park access is not a biggy for us this trip. I can see us spending alot more time around the resort and in our room also. I would much rather have a sofa to relax on some since it will be only two of us, but this won't keep me from staying there if only two beds are available.

Also, not to hyjack this thread - but how are the crowds as well as the weather (other than the possible hurricane) the third week of September? We're hoping to go at a time with low crowds and it not being quite so hot. This last week was a scorcher and the crowds were huge.

OKW has a more "at home" relaxing environment compared to SSR.
You will still be close to Downtown Disney via a short drive or by boat.

 

[Mississippian]

For us park access is everything. This is why I was very unhappy staying at the Swan and did not like the Epcot resorts. On our last vacation, we split between POR and the Swan. I was really excited about the Swan and actually reserved a second trip for the end of the summer at the Swan when I made the initial reservations. When we got home, I cancelled the Swan trip and bought SSR. We'll be doing a split OKW/VB/SSR stay instead.

I do think BWV and BCV are beautiful resorts. We walked around them at night and the theming and etc. is so clever and cute. However, I hated the transport system. We do not drive on vacation - it's part of what makes it nice for us. Using Disney transport - I could either 1) wait 10-20 minutes for a slow-as-molasses boat that took me into the back entrance of Epcot where I had to walk halfway around the countries to get to the future world(where my kids want to be). This was "ok" in the morning, but after a long day at EPCOT it seemed like it took forever just to make it to the walkway to the resorts. 2) I could just walk the whole way. (Quicker - but even more walking!) To take a bus to a park I have to get on a bus that stops at THREE other resorts. Slow and crowded.

OKW/SSR are set up more like POR/CSR. There is ONE bus for the resort, it stops at multiple pick-up points within the resort, it drops you off at the main park entrance when you go to EPCOT (a 5 minute walk rather than a 15 minute walk to Soarin'/Test Track and Mission Space)

Also, to get to DTD at night (a place our family goes at least 3-4 times each vacation) from OKW and SSR, you don't have to take a bus that also stops at three other resorts and then stops at a water park first. The bus ride to DTD is a huge pain from any resort.

The point is simply to say that I often hear that the Epcot resorts are the ones that have park access and location - and for us, honestly, it was the other way around. I think the Epcot resorts are beautiful and have wonderful amenities - I just like the bus system better elsewhere.

Let me say if you want to take a boat or bus to the parks, BWV and BCV are awful. Both resorts are practically located inside the parks, so if you decide to take a bus or boat to EPCOT or MGM it will be a long and unrewarding trip. It's best to simply walk into the park entrance.

If you really want t bus or boat to take you a few hundred yards, then there is no benefit to BWV and BCV, and in fact these resorts may be poor choices.

If you have trouble walking and plan to take the bus, then really any resort will do, and SSR is a better choice. OKW is even a better choice, IMHO.

I've found that except for the monorail, Disney transportation rarely gets one anywhere in fewer than 20 minutes, not counting wait time. I usually have to wait an average of 15 minutes for a bus, although it is highly variable. I've waited almost an hour for a bus and finally taken a car instead. Bottom line is Disney transportation rarely gets anyone anywhere in fewer than 30 minutes. Walking, it takes 15 minutes from BWV and 10 minutes from BCV to be inside EPCOT. It takes only an additional 15 minutes to be on the monorail to the MK. And you never have to ride on a hot, crowded, uncomfortable bus.

 

[Sammie]

The walk from the Beach Club to the International Gateway is not that bad, but to the front of Epcot is more than a few hundred yards and the walk to MGM is over a mile.

I think the point is BCV and BWV have a great location offer some wonderful amenties such as pools and dining, but they are not literally at the gate to the parks.

On a hot day in August I will gladly ride a very cold bus to SSR or OKW over the hot walk to either of the Epcot resorts.

I like both of them but their location is not a huge advantage to many people.

 

[Mississippian]

The walk from the Beach Club to the International Gateway is not that bad, but to the front of Epcot is more than a few hundred yards and the walk to MGM is over a mile.

I agree it's much quicker to get to EPCOT than it is to walk across it. But we usually stop and look at something on the way, or perhaps enjoy an attraction. I was unaware that it was more than a mile to MGM. We don't spend much time there, but last trip we walked there and took a boat back. Both ways I feel we got there and back more quickly than if we had been staying elsewhere.

I do think that perhaps one big difference between the fans of BCV and BWV versus other resorts is that those of us who love the EPCOT resorts like to walk. I'd much rather enjoy a 40-minute walk than endure a 20-minute wait folowed by a 20-minute bus ride.

In order of preference, I love the monorail, like to walk, endure the boats and hate the buses. I'd guess I'm not alone on this.