OKW vs SSR

[RoseGold]

Would you stay OKW or SSR?

I own a lot of SSR, but have never been there, or OKW. I'm planning a couple point-efficient nights with no Disney parks, maybe take an Uber somewhere non-Disney, maybe Disney Springs, maybe just chill by the pool.

We need wheelchair accessibility and a decent pool, preferably not a crazy BC pool with two pre-schoolers. It looks like accessible rooms are available for my dates at both resorts.

 

[peabody58]

SSR has elevators. Plus great access to DS.

 

[JETSDAD]

I enjoy both resorts but would probably vote for SSR right now with the fresh refurb. The rooms are quite nice plus you're close to DS if you want to head over there.

 

[brazzledazzler]

We did a resort-only stay at SSR for a weekend (DH, myself, three year old and infant) and had a wonderful time. We enjoyed walking to DS, playing on the playground, and relaxing at the pool. We also used the Community Center and did activities with my toddler. While I have only stayed at a few of the DVC resorts so far (BWV, SSR, BLT), SSR has been the best for pools! I really enjoy that they have 2 feature pools on property and 3 splash areas for kids.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW only has three buildings with elevators. You'd need to book an accessible villa or request ground floor. Everything is an easy walk at OKW. Plus villas are bigger.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm planning a couple point-efficient nights with no Disney parks, maybe take an Uber somewhere non-Disney, maybe Disney Springs, maybe just chill by the pool.

Here's what I think the differences are.

OKW is more relaxing and more casual---it whispers island time at every turn. If you are looking at a villa, the units are large and well-appointed for a resort-focused stay, particularly thanks to the spacious verandah/patio that has a large table and four chairs vs. the typical DVC postage stamp balcony. The studios have two beds rather than a bed plus the murphy. Olivia's is a gem, and the boat service to Disney Springs is a lovely way to get there and back if the weather is even halfway decent, particularly if you are not in a hurry.

SSR is a little more active, and has a quitely sophisticated vibe. The pools at OKW always struck me as a bit of an afterthought, whereas the two feature pools at SSR are quite a bit nicer. SSR has a good counter service option. You are walking distance to Disney Springs. The grounds at SSR are a little more walker-friendly in that the buildings are between the paths and the resort roads, and generally sheild the paths from some of the road noise.

So, I guess it comes down to what you mean by "resort-focused stay". If you mean "Relaxing in and around the room" OKW would be my choice. If you mean "Take advantage of the resort/area amenities" then SSR might be a better fit.

 

[RoseGold]

the boat service to Disney Springs is a lovely way to get there and back if the weather is even halfway decent, particularly if you are not in a hurry.

Would these boats work in a wheelchair? We take the TTC ferry, but can't get on the regular Poly boat. There's a walking path also, I think? That looks a lot closer from SSR.

Looking at some photos of the pools, it looks like SSR is a lot nicer, which is a priority for our pre-schoolers.

 

[Brian Noble]

Would these boats work in a wheelchair?

Maybe? They are smaller than FriendShips in Epcot, but larger than a regular pontoon boat. I honestly can't remember if they'd be chair accessible or not.

 

[Brian Noble]

Addendum: It looks like they might be accessible.
https://diz-abled.com/using-disney-world-boats-ecv-wheelchair/

 

[CarolynFH]

Would these boats work in a wheelchair? We take the TTC ferry, but can't get on the regular Poly boat. There's a walking path also, I think? That looks a lot closer from SSR.

Looking at some photos of the pools, it looks like SSR is a lot nicer, which is a priority for our pre-schoolers.

It's been a while since we rode the boats, but I'm pretty sure they're wheelchair accessible - I seem to remember an area that's reserved for WC parties.

 

[RoseGold]

Addendum: It looks like they might be accessible.
https://diz-abled.com/using-disney-world-boats-ecv-wheelchair/

Thanks! Looks like they are. Looks like SSR is the resort for us. Maybe I'll finally actually go to my home resort haha.

 

[sharadoc]

We've stayed at both. Don't have toddlers though. We like the Paddock section at SSR - great pool and hot tub, plus food and drink. If you drive at SSR you can have access to some great toddler play areas in the different sections.

OKW we've done South Pointe which is nice and quiet, at the end of the resort so just a pool and hot tub, no food. Turtle Pond is fantastic, pool and hot tub plus shuffleboard (which we love to play) and food.

Same style of boat from each and yes, accessible for a wheelchair.

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, the OKW to Springs boats are accessible, you will need to find the HA path to the dock in the main pool area, to the right as you enter the pool area. Many people do not know it is there and assume they are not accessible because you really only see the stairway entrance.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Accessible villas adjacent to Miller's Road quiet pool! We were just in Villa 2012 2 BR Roll In Shower. Love it!

 

[The Jackal]

SSR also has zero entry pool. So no steps to get in from one side. The main pool
is this way and I think the Paddock pool is zero entry too. OKW pools have steps.

 

[SueM in MN]

Would these boats work in a wheelchair? We take the TTC ferry, but can't get on the regular Poly boat. There's a walking path also, I think? That looks a lot closer from SSR.

Looking at some photos of the pools, it looks like SSR is a lot nicer, which is a priority for our pre-schoolers.

The boats from OKW or SSR are wheelchair and ECV accessible. They have seats that fold up to make a wheelchair spot. The boat captain will put down a ramp for rolling on and off.
We use them at least several times on each OKW trip and have also used the SSR boats. They are identical except for trim.

SSR also has zero entry pool. So no steps to get in from one side. The main pool
is this way and I think the Paddock pool is zero entry too. OKW pools have steps.

OKW pools have steps, but each pool and hot tub also has a pool lift. The pools are nice, but only the main pool at Hospitality House has a slide. The Turtle Pond pool is 3-4 feet deep except for a small area of 5 feet. It also has a snack bar that has limited hours during the day.