OKW vs. SSR

[cel_disney]

If you feel you cannot afford an epcot resort and need to settle for OKW or SSR because of costs, I would suggest taking into account the following:

- Will you ever need/want to book a treehouse?
- Will you ever need/want to book a grand villa?

If treehouse is yes/more frequent - go with SSR, if Grand Villa is yes/more frequent - go with OKW.

Otherwise - its really a toss-up and I'd go with the longer contract length if they are different...

 

[TALB]

How is the bus transportation from OKW? One of the factors of BWV that I prefer is that I don't need a car. Last time we stayed at SSR we felt we needed a car because the bus service was hit or miss. Any thoughts? Thanks for all of the feedback, it has been really useful.

 

[hardhead]

I bought at SSR. Main reason was longer contract then OKW and being able to get a loaded contact for 60. I have yet to use my points at SSR however. Stayed a week at BWV last oct. Just got back from a week at AKV. And got a sept trip to BLT for a week. I have always been able to get someplace different and I love that aspect of DVC. I dont see the point in paying higher fees and a higher price per point

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If you feel you cannot afford an epcot resort and need to settle for OKW or SSR because of costs,

Wow...

MG

 

[TALB]

Cost is a real factor in making this decision so not at all offended by the post. I really appreciate everyones input. This is our first purchase and plan to buy between 150-225 points at first to see what we think of it. Can anyone tell me how the bus service is from OKW. I think my biggest concern is having the need to rent a car.

 

[dianeschlicht]

How is the bus transportation from OKW? One of the factors of BWV that I prefer is that I don't need a car. Last time we stayed at SSR we felt we needed a car because the bus service was hit or miss. Any thoughts? Thanks for all of the feedback, it has been really useful.

Bus transportation from OKW is fantastic! Frankly, I'd rather ride than walk to the parks. At BWV and BCV, you either have to spend 15-20 minutes on a boat to get there, or you have to spend 15-20 minutes walking. I don't see that part of the location as that much of a plus except for BCV and Epcot. Even then, if you want to go to Future World for opening, you have to walk through WS first.

At OKW, you are usually within 10-15 minutes of a park by bus. That can be longer if you are the first stop than the last one, obviously. We usually allow 30 minutes from the time we leave our room to the time we want to be at a park. The exception to that is AK. That bus stops at Blizzard Beach, so it takes a bit longer.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Never stayed at BWV or SSR. SSR just does not apeal to us. We love OKW. That being said I would go with whatever one you think you want to stay at the most. If getting the most bang for your buck is a major factor and you are okay with maybe not getting what you want sometimes then go with the one you are most comfortable with. We have never had to wait more than 10 tops for a bus at OKW. If you do need the car you can park it practically outside your door at OKW. Parking at BWV can be a bit of a walk to the parking lot where all cars are parked. I have no idea about the parking situation at SSR.

 

[cel_disney]

Cost is a real factor in making this decision so not at all offended by the post. I really appreciate everyones input. This is our first purchase and plan to buy between 150-225 points at first to see what we think of it. Can anyone tell me how the bus service is from OKW. I think my biggest concern is having the need to rent a car.

Phew! I wasnt trying to be offending but from your previous posts, that seemed to be what was driving your issues away from your pref resort area!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Candy Orlando]

I love both OKW and SSR. When I'm in New England my home is decorated with a horse theme. When I'm in Florida my home is decorated with a palm tree theme. You have to decide which resort feels like home.

 

[5forDiz]

If expiration is a consideration :

SSR 2054 OKW 2042 or 2057 Extended


Weigh MFs ( in long run this is most $ spent ) : SSR is slightly less than OKW


If most triips you'll want a particular unit, GV at OKW or THV at SSR then you
might want to pick according to that.

Although both resorts share lots of similarities, OKW buildings are lower rise and foliage is denser & more tropical. It's our home so we are somewhat partial love OKW for size of villas & balconies & beautiful views most offer (many golf views too) Hospitality House area has an atmosphere that is very unique, really makes you feel like you have been transported to old Key West & miles away from hustle & bustle of the real world.

You can't go wrong with either. You mention you are looking at purchasing 200 or more so maybe consider split of 100 / 100 so you can have the best of both. But probably best advice would be to rent points and try out any DVC resort you are considering before purchasing, including BWV, as you seem to be drawn to it as well.

Best wishes on your planning & hope to welcome you home soon

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Own both, love both.

If I had to choose again, I'd have to flip a coin. Some things to consider:
* Contract length - For my personal contracts, one expires 2054 and the other in 2042. I do wish the OKW contract expired later, even though at the time, I got a great deal. This would be a consideration for me in purchasing.
* Buses - You asked about buses. We never rent a car, and we've stayed at all of the DVC resorts on property, with the exception of BLT. What I have found, is that they are all about the same for times of year we travel. Multiple stops (whether within the resort or other resorts), and depending on the time of day, may or may not come quickly. One exception was AKV. We stayed there right before Kidani opened, and the buses ran all the time. Downside of Kidani...you had a longer bus ride to MK, Epcot and HS. So again, it probably all equals out in the end.
* Both resorts feel "big." These are not condo-style resorts, so they feel spread out. That appeals to me, but I know doesn't to some.
* Do you want to reserve at the THVs often? If so, definitely buy SSR.
* Do you think you'll want to reserve a grand villa on occasion? OKW villas are huge, and the cost to stay is very reasonable. It's difficult to get them if you don't own there, though.
* Is resale value a consideration? If so, at some point, the 2042 contracts will probably be worth less.

One thing you may want to consider is getting points at both resorts. If you purchase 2 contracts with the same use year, you can pool all of your points at the 7 month mark to make a reservation (just like it is one contract). FWIW, we enjoy hopping. We've had great luck getting reservations at the 7 month mark, so I've been very happy with our purchases. Best of luck with your research and purchase!

 

[TALB]

Thank you everyone for all of your helpful information. We just bought a resale contract at OKW. We decided to go for points rather than location. However, I really feel that any resort at WDW will be just fine!! Lets hope we make it through ROFR without any problems. I'm hoping it will be finalized by mid August. Will that give me enough time to be able to book a trip for October? Thanks everyone!!

 

[nukker7]

Thank you everyone for all of your helpful information. We just bought a resale contract at OKW. We decided to go for points rather than location. However, I really feel that any resort at WDW will be just fine!! Lets hope we make it through ROFR without any problems. I'm hoping it will be finalized by mid August. Will that give me enough time to be able to book a trip for October? Thanks everyone!!

That is so exciting!!!! Good Luck!

 

[Pootle]

...... We just bought a resale contract at OKW. We decided to go for points rather than location. However, I really feel that any resort at WDW will be just fine!! ......

Congratulations! After 14 years of membership, I've just bought another contract at OKW for my son's family - we all loved the space when we were in a wonderful 2 bedroom villa recently. Will sell my BWV small contract at some stage. Just love OKW (and VB) and don't care to stay anywhere else. I hope you enjoy it too

 

[Belle & Ariel]

We keep going back and forth on where to buy. Our favorite resort is BWV, but we can get more points if we buy a resale at SSR or OKW. Any thoughts which would help us make this decision would be greatly appreciated. Currently we like to vacation in October when our kids have Fall Break and I am concerned that it will always be impossible to get into BWV at that time if we don't buy there. We don't know if we should make our decision based on points or location. Please help!!

We bought resale 2 years ago. I was interested in OKW and BWV. The lower price and tropical feel of OKW was good, but I loved the location and atmosphere of BWV. **** at ********** told me that if I bought BWV I could always get OKW at 7 months, but owning at OKW I would not always be able to get BWV at 7 months. It was wonderful advice.
We bought BWV. In January I called to book BWV 11 months from that day at 11 a.m. and got the last standard view available. Another time I called about 9 the first day and only 3 were left. I booked one for us and 1 for in-laws leaving only 1 at 9 a.m.
We stayed at OKW this month and really, really loved it. I am still glad that we spent more to get BW since we don't have to worry about getting in if we book when the 11 month window opens.