OKW vs. SSR...help!

[heathers4um]

ok all...I am having a serious informational discussion with a real live DVC guide as we speak....

I need help and your opinions...OKW or SSR?

I love the idea of OKW's relaxing and leisurely atmosphere and the larger accomodations but my concerns are: is it too old? What about the dining options...there doesnt seem to be as many? How is the pool and boat rentals and such?

I love the idea of SSR because its new and modern and hello spa but....is it as nice as OKW? I mean I really like the tropical setting - would I be disappointed? Are the rooms that much smaller? Is it really that much closer to DTD?

Tell me what you know!

 

[disney ny]

Wish I could give you advice! I am having a horrible time right now deciding on a home resort. I change my mind all the time between OKW, SSR and VWL. I haven't been to OKW or SSR so I have the same questions as you!ZA

 

[heathers4um]

well arent we a pair....

Wish I could give you advice! I am having a horrible time right now deciding on a home resort. I change my mind all the time between OKW, SSR and VWL. I haven't been to OKW or SSR so I have the same questions as you!ZA

 

[kikiq]

We own SSR, love it because it's close to DTD (If you're in Congress Park buildings, it's just right there) and the grounds (my DH loves the lake and walking on the paths early morning)

OKW rooms are bigger. Compare the size of the villas. The only difference is that SSR studio has a bed/couch and OKW studio has 2 beds.

OKW grounds are tropical and a little overgrown, but beautiful.

SSR has Turf Club restaurant and CS - Artist Palette.
OKW has Olivia's restaurant and CS - Good's To Go (I think has limited choices)

BUT I have found that at 7 months, there are usually villas available at both. I don't think you will go wrong with either. Have you seen them in person?

 

[dmoore22]

Both resorts are nice. OKW is our home resort so our opinion is biased. We have stayed at SSR also. We enjoyed our stay there. Both, as all DVC properties, have their own unique attributes. We like OKW for its feel of "Old Florida", mature foliage, and larger rooms/balconies. We like the retro feel of the this resort, the 1920's Key West of Ernest Hemingway. We feel like we are away from it all after a day in the parks. The privacy. We always enjoy the food at Olivia's Cafe, libations at the Gurgling Suitcase, or the quick service at Good's Food to Go (which is the same kitchen as Olivia's) plus the Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks. You can take a boat, or the walking path, to DTD for more choices.

As to the issue of the age of OKW, SSR isn't getting any younger either. Each DVC property undergoes rehab on a cyclical basis. Currently OKW is in that cycle. No matter which resort you choose I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[heathers4um]

I havent seen either in person...but have been to WDW a few thousabnd times and always stay on property. I cant imagine not liking any of the resorts but its just so hard to choose. OKW is the oldest property and I am concerned it shows a bit as well as the dining options not being as much as SSR...where SSR I am concerned wouldnt have as much ambience.

We own SSR, love it because it's close to DTD (If you're in Congress Park buildings, it's just right there) and the grounds (my DH loves the lake and walking on the paths early morning)

OKW rooms are bigger. Compare the size of the villas. The only difference is that SSR studio has a bed/couch and OKW studio has 2 beds.

OKW grounds are tropical and a little overgrown, but beautiful.

SSR has Turf Club restaurant and CS - Artist Palette.
OKW has Olivia's restaurant and CS - Good's To Go (I think has limited choices)

BUT I have found that at 7 months, there are usually villas available at both. I don't think you will go wrong with either. Have you seen them in person?

 

[dmoore22]

I havent seen either in person...but have been to WDW a few thousabnd times and always stay on property. I cant imagine not liking any of the resorts but its just so hard to choose. OKW is the oldest property and I am concerned it shows a bit

We generally stay twice a year. We have not had any issues with it showing its age. We impressed with how well OKW, like all DVC properties, is well maintained. It's always good to see what your MFs are being used for.

as well as the dining options not being as much as SSR

I kind of shrug my shoulders on that one. We love Olivia's. As I mentioned in a previous post the Quick Service at Good's Food to Go is basically Olivia's lite with the addition of burger/fry choices. It does have nice breakfast choices also. The Turtle Shack is mainly for convenience but good for a quick meal after swimming at the Turtle Pond quiet pool.

...where SSR I am concerned wouldnt have as much ambience.

That was exactly our feeling when we stayed there.

 

[heathers4um]

This is so great - thank you for all the things to think about...I just remembered that the THV are @ SSR, and they are buiding a new pool next year too. ARRRRGGGGG!

 

[dmoore22]

THV were originally a part of the Disney Institute catering to business professionals visiting for in-service and what not. They could be rented way back when. Find an old old Birnbaum's to get a description of the original Tree House units. The property which houses SSR was originally a part of the Disney Institute campus with the Tree House units. Speaking of old . . .but refurbished for a new use and clientele.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Both resorts are nice. OKW is our home resort so our opinion is biased. We have stayed at SSR also. We enjoyed our stay there. Both, as all DVC properties, have their own unique attributes. We like OKW for its feel of "Old Florida", mature foliage, and larger rooms/balconies. We like the retro feel of the this resort, the 1920's Key West of Ernest Hemingway. We feel like we are away from it all after a day in the parks. The privacy. We always enjoy the food at Olivia's Cafe, libations at the Gurgling Suitcase, or the quick service at Good's Food to Go (which is the same kitchen as Olivia's) plus the Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks. You can take a boat, or the walking path, to DTD for more choices.

As to the issue of the age of OKW, SSR isn't getting any younger either. Each DVC property undergoes rehab on a cyclical basis. Currently OKW is in that cycle. No matter which resort you choose I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Agree 100%

I've got only two issues regarding SSR, 1. Don't let them put you in the Carousel Area, it's no man's land, no theming, far away from bus/pool/restaurants. We had the guard gate/street view, it's a waste of a perfectly good balcony. I would not stay there just on the possibility of getting Carousel. 2. SSR still has that sterile hotel/covention center from which it originated. It's a little cold.

Otherwise, the Turf Club is really good, so is the Artist's Palette, and the rooms are lovely. I have to say the housekeeping was top notch!

All in all I would stay at OKW, the lush tropical feel of it does it for me.

 

[ppppiglett]

SSR is our home resort, but we stayed there last Oct. and felt that it lacked that special Disney feeling. It is very convenient to DDD if you stay in Congress Park though. Just a little walk around the corner! It was nice, we just didn' feel that Disney fantasy feeling there.

We are staying at OKW for the first time in July. Looking forward to it!

 

[Chuck S]

SSR is our home resort, but we stayed there last Oct. and felt that it lacked that special Disney feeling. It is very convenient to DDD if you stay in Congress Park though. Just a little walk around the corner! It was nice, we just didn' feel that Disney fantasy feeling there.

We are staying at OKW for the first time in July. Looking forward to it!

If you're talking about the Disney Feeling as being a lot of Mickey/Minnie super theming, you won't find that at OKW, either. There are a lot of little "Disney" details like Mickey head cut-outs on the stairs and railings of some buildings, but it is not "over the top" Disney. It is more like a turn of the century Key West community, that was the original theme, calling the town Conch Flats.

 

[ccigliano]

If you've narrowed it down this far (OKW, SSR) then I think the choice is obvious. SSR and here is why - THV. Whenever I call last minute, OKW is always available so you don't need an 11 month window to get a reservation there. The only exception would be if you were planning to book the GV often - those are not available last minute. So for me since I don't plan on booking the GV and do want to stay at the THV every once in a while - I'd buy SSR. So there's my 2¢. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[Deesknee]

We own SSR, but often stay OKW.

SSR if you love dtd. Walking there is usually a very pleasant walk. Decor IMO, is very nice.

OKW parking is usually at your villa. SSR can be a walk to your villa from parking.

OKW is a bit larger, although that isn't usually noticable to us, with 1 exception. The laundry. We are a family of 6 and generate alot of laundry. OKW has a seperate laundry room with full size side by side washer/dryer. That, believe it or not, is one very important aspect to us. SSR is a laundry closet with stack washer/dryer.

I don't think you will be disappointed either way. We generally go off season, but have never had a problem booking either resort, unless as a previous post stated are booking THV or GV.

Good luck.

 

[Sammie]

I love both OKW and SSR and you can not go wrong with either one.

They are just very different. OKW has that more natural, laid back, Jimmy Buffet, Key West theme going on.

Definitely the living room/dining/kitchen/laundry rooms are much larger at OKW but I don't think the bedrooms or baths are.

OKW is under going a major rehab so I would not be concerned at all about one being newer.

SSR to me has the more manicured, Spa, racing look which is what the theme is.

As Chuck stated, neither are really over the top with a Disney look but then I don't feel any of the DVC resorts are.

OKW definitely has the nicest balconies of any WDW DVC resort, only HHI are better.

I feel both are extremely well themed its just that Key West is more recognized than Saratoga Springs, NY.

Proximity to Downtown Disney, handsdown SSR is the winner, walking distance and yes the Spa is fabulous and I love being able to just walk over for treatments.