OKW vs SSR: which do you prefer and why?

[Deb & Bill]

I would buy SSR. But I would be most likely to stay at OKW most of the time. I like the "island time" vibe, the lush landscaping, the large and well-equipped rooms, and the balconies are large enough that I want to spend time on them. And that's not to mention the Turtle Krawls at Gurgling Suitcase.

But, OKW is generally available at 7 months most of the year, so you don't really need to own there unless, as Dean mentions, you want Grand Villas in the Hospitality House area.

Caveat: I only stay in 1BR (for one or two people) or 2BR (with the kids) units. If I were thinking studios, I'm not sure I'd be as passionate.

We've done OKW studio a few time (conserving points) and with two beds, each of us get one, it saves our marriage. If we had to share a queen bed for more than one night, it would not be pretty. And neither of us have to sleep on the sleeper sofa which is never very good.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Now that there will be lower points for certain areas in SSR, I am even more in favor of SSR. I prefer buildings with elevators, at OKW I always ask for "first floor or building with elevator." In SSR I am always in a building with an elevator. I also prefer the counter service at SSR, and we even get a TIW discount there.

I own at SSR, not OKW, but I do not think I have ever used the 11 Month owner priority to stay there.

 

[toolmanjan]

We have stayed at both SSR and OKW. Both resorts are great. I don't consider SSR's being close to DS an advantage unless you are staying in the Congress Park Area. It's a long walk from anywhere else in the resort. The only downside to SSR as stated earlier is the Bus service does suck.

We love OKW the rooms are huge. Down side to OKW is the counter service resturant leaves a lot to be desired.

Both SSR and OKW have great table service restaurants. Olivia's and the Turf Club.

I would say its a toss up.

 

[DenLo]

We just stayed at SSR and the bus service was great. There is no difference between it and OKW IMO. SSR has added an internal bus that travels to each bus stop within SSR and THVs as well. There appeared to be multiple buses doing that loop as well. So you don't have to walk to Congress Park, just take the internal bus there and then walk over to Disney Springs, or you can still take the ferries at the two docks one at the Carriage House and other near Congress Park. Plus the pedestrian bridge just west of the Carriage House still exists and it connects to the Westside of DS.