Old Key West or Saratoga Springs???

[gkalas]

I have never stayed at either place, but booked a 2 bedroom suite for August at Old Key West. The reservations agent was, it seemed, trying to coax me into staying in Saratoga because it was newer. Anybody stay at both or have any feedback about why I should switch? Comments about OKW (good/bad). We are 7 people with 2 adults and 5 kids aged 14 thru 4.

 

[deide71]

It depends on you.

Both resorts are lovely. Saratoga Springs is newer, the decor in the rooms is a bit more upscale. They have a zero entry pool and very nice counter service and table service restaurants.

Old Key West has a more laid back feel. The landscaping is filled in and tropical. The rooms are not as nice as Saratoga, but still very pleasant and much larger. With 7 people I think that would be a benefit. Old Key West villas have much larger and more private balconies than Saratoga as well. The counter service at Old Key West is functional, but I prefer Artist's Pallatte at Saratoga. Olivia's, the table service restaurant at Old Key West is very relaxing and friendly with good food.

I think it depends on what your priorities in a resort are, but I don't think you could go wrong with either.

HTH

 

[tammyandtommy]

Just wanted to throw my hat in the ring. I am all for Saratoga Springs! We love artist pallette, the kids loved the pool, maybe Im partial, but WE all love it there! OKW is also nice but we felt far from everything.

 

[AJKMOM]

We stayed at both, liked both. If the price was lower, I'd go there. I actually thought there were a lot of similarities; both were a lot of buildings spread out, both had a relaxed atmosphere, both had bus stops spread over the property which you needed to go to the main buildings if you didn't have a car.

SSR is newer, but the room sizes are smaller.

 

[Connears]

We love OKW because it is our home resort. The atmosphere is very comfortable and laid back. You can walk to main pool and activities from almost all areas , but you can take a bus from the farther areas. we actually like the walk, even from the farthest areas. There are also nice quiet pools and the community hall has dvd rentals, boat rentals, kids/adult activities. We have been members @ OKW since 1994 and love the size of the units..they are huge, even the studios are spacious. The full kitchen in the 1,2,3 bedrooms is great as are the washer and dryer, although each of the quiet pool areas have free washer and dryers for those in studios. Have not stayed at SSR, but like the set-up of the samll low rise-units (3 stories) at OKW rather than the large multi-level buildings. You have a really nice patio outside and only a few neighbors rather than long corridors.

Connears

 

[jobie61]

I'm in the same boat. I've got a 40% code I want to use for the end of August, but I just can't decide between OKW and Satatoga Springs. I talked to my sister, she said you can't go wromg with either, but she really liked Saratoga Springs.

She mentioned SS was a newer resort, but the rooms were smaller. Turf Club was nice. But Old Key west is like being in Key west.

I can't make up my mind.

For those Dis'ers that have stayed at both....which resort would you pick again.

 

[gkalas]

Thanks for the input. I've stayed at some of the other resorts in the past where the walk from the bus stops was far. For those of you have that done that with multiple kids know, it can get kind of stressful at night after the parks close, with the kids tired and all the bags, strollers etc... Are there any issues with this at either place?

Also, I wonder how to get a code. I keep checking my email, US mail and nothing. 40% off would be awesome!

 

[Connears]

The bus stops are multiple and never have had to walk far. The only issue I have encountered is having to wait because of a full bus at Hospitality House stop (if you stay at 11-14) because its a final stop as you exit. This has only happened on one visit and not every time or every bus, but we don't usually stay in these units. Love Turtle Pond area and the pool there is the best quiet pool with a nice play area, 2nd choice is Miller's Rd for similar reasons and a quick walk to Hospitality House and main pool.

Connears

 

[G8r4evr]

While both resorts look beautiful, I think the location of SSR would win out for me.

 

[mickey mouse lover]

I love them both, but keep in mind that not every building in Old Key West has an elevator.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are only three building at OKW that have elevators. That leaves a whole bunch without elevators. Many of the buildings are three stories tall.

Even so, I would pick an OKW two bedroom villa over a SSR two bedroom villa. OKW is way larger. You will always have two queen beds in the second bedroom at OKW, but you might get a lock off two bedroom at SSR that has one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa in the second bedroom.

OKW has an enormous porch with a table plus four chairs. The balcony at SSR will have two chairs and a smaller side table. You may get two of them.

The washer and dryer at SSR is a smaller stackable unit. At OKW you'll get a full sized washer and dryer. You get a full dining room table with four chairs at OKW and an oval table with a cushioned bench and two side chairs at SSR.

SSR has a themed pool with zero entry. OKW has no zero entry.

 

[tjl1388]

Saratoga is incredible but look at my sig below...I am a bit bias. Artist Pointe is an awesome restaraunt.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[dopey67]

I own at the boradwalk But have stayed at both OKW and Saratoga and I would never stay at Saratoga again. One reason very rude lady at the desk, I didn't like that you could not grab a bruger or sandwich while at the pool area. Went to watch a sporting event in the lounge only 2 tables were clean and nobody was in there. For the room I like the idea of two beds so OKW over both Boardwalk and Saratoga. And like mentioned some where else the rooms are much bigger weather it be a studio or two Bedroom which I like the best at OKW.

 

[shellbelle1971]

I didn't like that you could not grab a bruger or sandwich while at the pool area.

I have no problem with walking from the main pool into Artist's Palette (sp??)-- it's only a few yards and the food there is my favorite cs anywhere at WDW.

 

[JMD]

Even so, I would pick an OKW two bedroom villa over a SSR two bedroom villa. OKW is way larger. You will always have two queen beds in the second bedroom at OKW, but you might get a lock off two bedroom at SSR that has one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa in the second bedroom.

OKW has an enormous porch with a table plus four chairs. The balcony at SSR will have two chairs and a smaller side table. You may get two of them.

This deserves mentioning again. The rooms at OKW are much larger than SSR.

While SSR is newer, and a bit more upscale, the room size alone is reason for me to stay at OKW. Also, Olivia's at OKW is very good and often over-looked.

 

[DVCHokie]

Old Key West is a true home away from home, the rooms are much larger and the atmosphere is so relaxing, i'm going to be staying at SSR for the first time in March but will definitely be missing Old Key West

 

[Deb & Bill]

I own at the boradwalk But have stayed at both OKW and Saratoga and I would never stay at Saratoga again. One reason very rude lady at the desk, I didn't like that you could not grab a bruger or sandwich while at the pool area. Went to watch a sporting event in the lounge only 2 tables were clean and nobody was in there. For the room I like the idea of two beds so OKW over both Boardwalk and Saratoga. And like mentioned some where else the rooms are much bigger weather it be a studio or two Bedroom which I like the best at OKW.

It's true that you can't get a hamburger or cheeseburger at Artist's Palette. You can get different sandwiches, but no burgers there.

But you can get a burger at the Turf Club.

 

[gmickeyfan]

I have to say that I have never stayed at OKW but I have had family that has and yes the rooms are larger, but I have to say That SSR is fabulous. My kids continue to ask to stay at Saratoga because they had such a great time. Pool is great. SPA is WONDERFUL! Definitely worth it. Artist Palette is very close to the pool- We continue to return.

 

[warriorboy648]

I had a CM tell me that OKW was closer and quicker to the parks. Is this true?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I had a CM tell me that OKW was closer and quicker to the parks. Is this true?

Might be slightly closer from OKW to the theme parks, but not that much.