Old Key West or Saratoga Springs Resort

[iloveokw]

The only Disney DVC we would have bought is OKW.....we love it....been members since 1996. We have stayed at all the Disney onsite DVC resorts since then would not have purchased any of the other onsite DVC resorts. We have added on at Vero and Hilton Head.

 

[WildernessMickey]

One thing not mentioned - OKW has larger balconies.
I love both, but SSR has the THVs and 3 themed pools (soon) which wins me over.

 

[csharpwv]

For us - we like resorts that take us somewhere else - a place that transports us to a place that isn't central Florida with all the hustle and bustle of the parks.
That's why we like Wilderness Lodge - Animal Kingdom - Old Key West.

I know Old Key West seems very 'FLORIDA' however - it feels more like the Bahamas or the Caribbean than it does Key West.

Like other posters have said - Saratoga feels like really.... any other condo community. It's a little short on what Disney specializes in - Magic.
However- what I do like about Saratoga is the counter service restaurant.

However- Old Key West has Olivia's - we ate at Olivia's before we ever stayed at OKW! It's pretty great!

We stayed at OKW this past Labor Day weekend and had a GREAT time.

The potential exists to be a long distance from Hospitality House though - OKW and SSR are both very large resorts - so it's not like Wilderness Lodge where you aren't very far from the lobby - dining - transportation etc etc.

However - being that this is your first contract, I would definitely suggest Old Key West, with an extended contract. The lower point costs for accommodations definitely would be the major attraction there. OKW's rooms are very large - and I feel like they are a little more relaxed.

OKW definitely has a 'vibe' - I don't think SSR does.

 

[dvcbrad]

Lot's of thoughts, but for us SSR seems lonely and and desolate compared to the relaxed, tropical, homey feeling of OKW. I didn't see it in here, either, but wanted to make sure you knew that the short boat ride over to Downtown Disney from OKW is almost as easy as walking over from SSR. In fact, it's part of the charm of being at OKW ... taking the water taxi through the canals of OKW and LBV golf course over to DD. SSR would be a great choice as a golf resort, though, since they offer club storage, etc., as well as walk-over convenience to play there. I imagine the view of DD would be nice, too, if one was fortunate enough to get one of those, but I would imagine those are probably fairly rare to obtain. Like just about anything ... advantages & disadvantges to both. Good luck.

 

[Amy5000]

I own at both and have stayed at both. So many people love OKW that I feel like it's blasphemy when I say I like SSR more. That said, I'm considering purchasing resale right now and when I do it will be on price alone. I'm fine at either resort. (When I say price...I will take into account that OKW has a short expiration and that it's dues are approximately 50 cents higher than SSR.)

Good luck. Amy

 

[phelps]

We own at OKW and just love the ocean feel. Rooms are much biggger and the main pool is great.

 

[sweetdana]

I haven't tried OKW. BUT I love SSR.
Artists Pallet is my fav place to have morning coffee/breakfast of all resorts I have stayed at. (BC, AK, POR, FQ, BWV, ASM, POP)

Being able to drink your coffee, while your kid is entertained (coloring) and having an atmosphere you never grow tired of seeing is fantastic. The art is everywhere, and I believe you would have a hard time every seeing it all.

Also the THV for the same points as a 2 bedroom is a freebee bonus. I believe one day (when fully sold out) it will cost more for those, but for now that is an added bonus. No other resort has anything like this. Taking a second family and allowing the kids to all have their own room.

For the price diff, you get extra years for nearly the same $$. Last checked resale they were about 5-10$ difference.

THE pools at SSR are second only to the BC, and I cannot wait to see the new pad pool/splash area. Walking to dinner at DTD after resting for a few after a park day is the ending to a perfect day.
I have tried booking OKW 2 times to save on a few points, both times I immediate called and went back to SSR. I think I am just in love.

 

[soxyes]

We prefer SSR over OKW. While OKW is nice, both my DH and I felt that the foliage was a bit much. It's nice to look at, but it almost felt overgrown and the spiders/bugs just loved it. We stayed in a studio last summer and every morning I had to wave my arms around as I left our room to get rid of the spider webs that had generated overnight. We've stayed at OKW, BWV and SSR and hadn't noticed that many bugs or webs anywhere else.

This seems silly to mention, but it turned us off to OKW. I guess we're not really too appreciative of the lush landscaping and what comes with it.

While we still want to try out the rest of the DVC resorts, we own at SSR and really like it there. Good luck on your decision!

 

[okworbust]

We own at OKW and BWV - I am very biased with OKW as I have had 2 family reunions there and have wonderful memories. I have never had any issue booking a room whenever I wanted too and this morning I used my OKW points to book a THV at SSR so don't let the 7month vs. 11month worry you too much.

I live in New York so SSR doesn't appeal to me - I love the away from it all resort feeling/vibe you get at OKW.

Either way - enjoy every minute you get to spend with your DVC membership!

 

[IL5]

I've stayed at both OKW and SSR. Our points are SSR, but my sister's are OKW.

We like Saratoga's closeness to downtown as others have mentioned. My in-laws, though, love Olivia's and will walk to OKW just for breakfast. OKW also has the water rentals on-site.

Definitely a hard decision. Good luck!

 

[CAMPI1]

SSR is great, all new and the rooms are big. Love being so close to downtown disney

 

[Fundytrail]

Thanks everyone for your comments and assistance, we are listing to all your comments and can’t wait until April when we can visit both resorts and compare for ourselves.

 

[phelps]

I own at OKW and love the tropical feel.. It is so relaxing!! Also, the rooms are so much bigger, which is a real plus. You need to look at both and decide which one you feel the best at. The beach or the city!!

 

[Fundytrail]

"The beach or the city!!"

First time I've heard that analogy.

 

[cally533]

We own at OKW but have stayed at SSR the past few times we've been down. Just like the "feel" better and the walk over to Downtown Disney is just an added perk. We always ask for a room with a view of DTD though, so that makes it easier. If you're staying on the other side of SSR, you might as well be at OKW considering how long a walk it would be.

 

[Famvaca]

It is easier to get around at SS.

 

[mandi5379]

We like the feel of OKW better than SSR, but quick service dining is far better at SSR as is the main pool. The zero-entry and kiddie slide at SSR is great for the little ones. The kiddie pool at OKW leaves much to be desired. That said, the size of the rooms and balconies at OKW are amazing! Also love the seperate laundry room in the OKW 1BR!

Honestly, I would pick SSR if there is a chance you'd ever want to book THV and I would choose OKW if you think you would ever want to book a Grand Villa (huge, low points 3BR).

 

[nyck]

I love the decor at OKW, but the THV at SSR are hands down the best SSR has to offer (to me anyway). I tend to like smaller resorts (BCV is my fav), so SSR and OKw seem too big. But the reason I own SSR is for the 11 month window for the THV and I love the GV's there too. If you can, go look at the model for the THV in the DVC center (or if they actually have 1 to show go see it).

 

[Jilian]

Bumping to see if you've visited and have feedback on the two. We're researching and trying to make the choice too!

 

[Candace]

Only 3 buildings at OKW have elevators.

I was going to post this until I saw that it was already posted. This was not a big deal when I bought in 17 years ago at OKW, but it is more important now, especially when my husband comes with me. As we age, those elevators are important! LOL! That said, I own at both resorts and love them both. Good luck with your decision!