OKW vs SSR? Which is better for small kids?

[ABE4DISNEY]

Hi! We're getting ready to purchase 250 pts. via resale for the first time. OKW and SSR are really the ones we are considering due to the great value for the points. Could you please give some feedback regarding how kid friendly these 2 resorts are and which would be your preference for 2 small children under 7? Although we are totally "value oriented," we still want our young ones to be excited at our home resort.
Thanks!
amy

 

[hellerjw]

Does the OKW contract expire in 2042 or 2057? They offered an extension a while back to OKW owners so the contract expiration may be an issue to consider. SSR expires in 2054. If you plan to keep the contract for the long term then the extra years may be important to you.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

2042-Which would be fine for us. I will be in my 70's.

 

[dianeschlicht]

OKW has a GREAT sand castle slide that is a big hit with the kids, and each of the 4 pools has a sand play area as well as swings. SSR has a rock slide at the zero entry pool and a Donald Duck play fountain area. OKW also has a lot of kids activities at the community center, but I have no idea what SSR has for that.

 

[littlestar]

I woud pick SSR because you have a zero entry pool with slide, plus a Donald Duck pop jet water play area. Grandstand pool also has a water play area for small children. Old Key West doesn't have a zero entry pool.

Also, you get 12 extra years with a SSR contract - that's going to make a difference on value in the next few years over the non-extended OKW contracts.

 

[chepic]

I woud pick SSR because you have a zero entry pool with slide, plus a Donald Duck pop jet water play area. Grandstand pool also has a water play area for small children. Old Key West doesn't have a zero entry pool.

Also, you get 12 extra years with a SSR contract - that's going to make a difference on value in the next few years over the non-extended OKW contracts.

We are at OKW, prefer the larger space in the rooms than any of the other resorts (yes, we have stayed in all of them ). The great thing about staying at OKW is that it is quiet and you can relax from the craziness of the parks. I do have to say that the pool and the food court at SSR is nice, however, you can always pool hop for the day.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Thanks so much for your replies! The zero entry pool sounds like a great bargaining chip! I've also enjoyed a lot of the pictures posted for OKW and SSR. It really looks like both are winning resorts. Thanks!
amy

 

[vandy]

We enjoy both resorts as each has their own special features we like. Both are similair in style and both have nice community centers. I think SSR's might be just a tiny bit better though. OKW has huge rooms but no elevators so if you don't get a ground floor unit and are with little kids, be prepared to climb some steps. SSR has elevators in each building. I think SSR has a slight edge in the pools because of the Grandstand pool water play area and the zero entry main pool.

It is pretty easy to get into both resorts at the seven month booking window so whichever one you own at, if you book right at that seven month mark you can still get in at the other resort. We own at SSR but in our hearts OKW is just as much home to us.

 

[monami7]

We prefer OKW. We actually own as SSR but we feel much more magic at OKW!

 

[Sabor]

Young Kids, Old Kids, No Kids, Grown ups who act like Kids .... etc.

OKW is alwayds better than SSR

 

[chepic]

We prefer OKW. We actually own as SSR but we feel much more magic at OKW!

Are you staying at OKW for this upcoming vacation? We will be there at the same time!!

 

[squirrlygirl]

My younger kids (7, 6, and 2) prefer SSR by a landslide.

Reasons: elevators. zero-entry pool, Donald spray area and the waterfall. Rooms seem more relaxing. The ping-pong table at community hall is a big hit, and for some reason it just doesn't seem as humid

 

[btrim]

has its own pluses and minuses. We own at SSR but have stayed at both resorts. We love the pools at SSR and the resort is very quiet. We love being close enough to DTD to walk and enjoy the restaurants there. We prefer Turf Club over Olivia's. We didn't have a good experience at Olivia's but I would give it another chance because I know you can get back service and food anywhere at some point. There are lots of activities at the community hall at SSR, movies around the pool in the summer, etc. The rooms at OKW have lots of room, but I prefer the decor at SSR. I think you can't go wrong no matter what choice you make. We do enjoy the elevators at SSR because as we get older, the stairs can be a pain.

Just enjoy your membership no matter where you buy. We love trying each resort, but we never mind coming back to our home as it is very relaxing. We bought an add-on at AKV and can't wait to try that in May for the first time. We stayed at AKL once and I absolutely loved it, so my DH bought an add-on because he knows I love the giraffes.

You will get alot of opinions on this board, but I feel you can't go wrong no matter which resort you go with. Good Luck!

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

I just love this board!! Thanks to all who replied! You have made our decision much easier with all of your information and expertise. We can't wait to join the DVC.
Thanks!
amy