OKW vs. SSR ~1 week stay in fall

[Cbtexan04]

Hey guys,

We have our first trip as DVC members coming up this fall. We'll be going for 8 nights, and we're wondering which resort you all prefer? We like that SSR is close to DS, but also like that OWK requires 17 less points. Thanks in advance!

 

[MinniesFav]

Hey guys,

We have our first trip as DVC members coming up this fall. We'll be going for 8 nights, and we're wondering which resort you all prefer? We like that SSR is close to DS, but also like that OWK requires 17 less points. Thanks in advance!

OKW all the way. Short bus rides to the parks. Boat ride to DS - just like SSR. Rooms are much bigger. Pools are about equal. Restaurants are about the same but again, DS is just a boat ride away from a plethora of places to eat.

 

[Cbtexan04]

OKW all the way. Short bus rides to the parks. Boat ride to DS - just like SSR. Rooms are much bigger. Pools are about equal. Restaurants are about the same but again, DS is just a boat ride away from a plethora of places to eat.

You just blew my mind! Had no clue that there were boats to DS (I actually don't quite know where OKW is geographically. I'll have to check that out). Thanks!!

 

[Donna M]

I like them both, they have a different feel. Since we're from NH, it's nice at OKW because it feels so much more tropical. The rooms are so much bigger if you need space, but SSR is fine too. You can walk to DS from SSR. We walked from SSR to OKW. They are adjacent to each other with the Tree houses between the main buildings.

 

[theyoungs07]

If you were in a room that wasn't on the 1st floor, would you want an elevator? OKW does not generally have elevators.

 

[DenLo]

I would pick SSR because of the elevators, we drive so having an elevator makes it much easier to get our luggage and other stuff up to the room without calling and waiting for Bell services, or just the kids in strollers. At OKW very few buildings have rooms. Also OKW is going to be undergoing a 2 year complete remodel in starting later this year, so some of the rooms a little worn.

However, the studio at OKW is the only one that has 2 queen beds. All other studios have a queen bed and a pull out couch. Some have also have a single murphy bed under the TV--BCV, BWV, VWL, VGF and PVB are the resorts that I can think of with the murphy bed in the studio.

 

[rcchello]

OKW has
bigger rooms
nicer more mature landscaping
only has elevators in some buildings

SSR
Closer to the Springs (can be easily walked depending on section)
Has elevators in all buildings
If you get a room near the Springs you can use their buses to get to other resorts quickly
Both
Must use bus to get within resort depending on your location
Have boat service to the springs
Have parking near rooms - no long walks to the room

 

[bobbiwoz]

For the elevators, I think the 17 points are worth the price. Also, I very much like the counter service food availability at SSR better than the offerings at Goods to Go. We spent 5 nights at OKW recently and it was fine. I asked for and received a first floor villa.

So I have a preference for SSR, but would take OKW if I knew I could have first floor or elevator building, and we know that's not a guarantee.

 

[Dean]

Hey guys,

We have our first trip as DVC members coming up this fall. We'll be going for 8 nights, and we're wondering which resort you all prefer? We like that SSR is close to DS, but also like that OWK requires 17 less points. Thanks in advance!

There are variables we don't have. My short answer is with car OKW, no car SSR. That assumes you don't have points to burn, that stairs without elevators don't pose a problem and that having the extra sleeper in the LR for a 1 or 2 BR are not major plusses for you. Other factors would include park and dining plans.

 

[a742246]

To me the biggest differences is the studios, OKW has two queens size beds, SSR has 1 queen with a sofa bed as a second bed. If you need 2 comfortable beds then OKW is your best bet.

 

[MinniesFav]

You just blew my mind! Had no clue that there were boats to DS (I actually don't quite know where OKW is geographically. I'll have to check that out). Thanks!!

Boats are right next to the main pool. Near the Front desk/restaurant area.

 

[Main Street Matilda]

I've stayed in both and loved both and so I don't think you'll be disappointed either way. As many have said, each has a different feel. I found SSR to be more tranquil and OKW to be a little more lively. Dining options were solid at both, too, but I think SSR had much better counter service. If proximity to Disney Springs is important, SSR does nudge out OKW even though the boat launch from OKW was convenient. From SSR, you have the option of walking to DS or taking the boat launch.

 

[jennib5426]

Doesn't OkW start a major refurb this year? I was thinking of staying at OKW this fall but read some place it was starting refurb this year.

 

[toolmanjan]

OKW would be my first choice. Bigger rooms, More of a resort feel. I wouldn't hesitate staying there even without a car. You are never farther than a ten min. walk to the HH. Olivia's is great. The counter service is just OK.

SSR Nice place to stay. The Artist Pallet has a much larger menu than Goods to go. Bus service at SSR is spotty at times. I don't see the ability to walk to DS an advantage. I always prefer taking the boat because it drops you in the middle of DS not the northern (village)end.

 

[Anal Annie]

The 2 beds are the only thing we like about OKW. As studio users we prefer the split bath layout that SSR has and that there are ice machines in each building (vs only at the bus stops at OKW). Not sure why folks say the landscaping is better at OKW. I think the landscaping at SSR is gorgeous and quite "mature" enough. (I think anyone who thinks it's not hasn't been there lately.) I also prefer the dinng choices at SSR over OKW and the buses run better at SSR. OKW is ok in a pinch for last minute availability or if you're really trying to scrimp on points.

 

[Cbtexan04]

OKW would be my first choice. Bigger rooms, More of a resort feel. I wouldn't hesitate staying there even without a car. You are never farther than a ten min. walk to the HH. Olivia's is great. The counter service is just OK.

SSR Nice place to stay. The Artist Pallet has a much larger menu than Goods to go. Bus service at SSR is spotty at times. I don't see the ability to walk to DS an advantage. I always prefer taking the boat because it drops you in the middle of DS not the northern (village)end.

If I'm not mistaken, SSR also has ferry boat access too.

 

[Anal Annie]

If I'm not mistaken, SSR also has ferry boat access too.

Yes, SSR also uses a water taxi to Disney Springs.

 

[toolmanjan]

If I'm not mistaken, SSR also has ferry boat access too.

yes they do
What I meant to say is the ability to walk to DS in no way adds to my desire to stay at SSR. If you are staying in the Congress Park area it's not a bad walk. From anywhere else at SSR you are better off taking the boat.