Old Key West, Saratoga Springs or Boardwalk?

[MickeyMickey]

Tell me the pros and cons of each, and how you decide


Pools
transportation
villas
etc?

 

[wrwrwrwreee1971]

I can tell you about SSR. Pool is unbelievable with a kiddie play area and a nice slide. It is a zero entry pool. The atmosphere is great. The quiet pool is also a nice pool without any frills. There are plenty of spas to sit in and relax also. I stayed in a 2 br villa and it was nice. We had a view of Fulton's Crab House. Buses were very regular. Never waited for a bus for over 10 minutes. Artist Pallete was a great place to eat.

 

[utahkennedys]

We just bought an OKW resale and now I am probably going to do an add on at BWV. Here is why:

1. Bought OKW because when I checked it out in April I loved it. I loved the atmosphere, tropical style, laid-back feeling, the pool, the palm trees, the quiet. Plus, my husband lived in Jamaica for a few years and I knew he would like the entire theming (he isn't quite sold on DVC yet, so I had to do everything possible!). Plus, the rooms are big and the points are cheap, so it seemed like a home run.

2. Considering BWV now because I know as our family grows and dd who is 3 now gets older, we may want that option for the location and activities. Also, it has relatively cheap points for Standard View which I understand are hard to get if you aren't in the 11 month window. So, I would do an add on to stay there every other year or so, figuring I could always just use the points at OKW.

I have to say also that I did the tour of Saratoga Springs in April and just didn't like it. Maybe it is because I grew up in New England, but I want the resort to look and feel like Florida/somewhat tropical. It just seemed "sparse" there to me. I understand that landscaping takes time to mature, but it still isn't my style. Plus, the points are more there which frankly I do not understand...

I do know one thing though, and that is that Disney does SO much right that I am sure they put a lot of planning into SSR and someday maybe people will be lining up to stay there, we just aren't one of those families.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Are you deciding on a PURCHASE or a VISIT?

If you want to feel like you're in a park with heavy theming and lots of DISNEY everywhere the whole time you're there, then BWV for sure.

If you like a mixture of the above plus quiet relaxation with more subtle Disney flavoring, then OKW.

Haven't stayed at SSR yet so can't comment there.

 

[spiceycat]

the pools about equal. all the main pools have slides. OKW has the most pools (at this time).

transportation to the parks at OKW and SSR it is bus only. There is a boat that goes to DD.

BWV - you can easily walk or boat to Epcot and Studios.

villas - the biggest space is OKW by far. It definitely has the biggest 1, 2 bedroom. the studios have 2 queen beds.

ssr and BWV - the 1 and 2 bedrooms are much smaller than OKW. there studios have 1 queen bed and a double sleeper sofa. BWV has no dedicated 2-bedroom only lock out ( a 1-bedroom and studio combination). It does have dedicated 1 bedroom and studios (OKW doesn't a dedicated studio)

the 3-bedroom at BWV on one floor might be bigger than the GV at OKW.

the best pool is at BCV - you get access to the main pool at BC/YC - SALB.

 

[conciergekelly]

I've never been to OKW (trying it in October ) but have been to BWV and SSR. Between those two, SSR is my favorite. I had a great stay at Boardwalk and really liked it. I guess I would say if you want hustle and bustle, to be in the thick of things ,BWV. If you want quiet and serene, SSR. Both have great pools. I like SSR's better. For us it was less crowded. It has zero entry, a kiddie play area, a great pool bar, fun slide and the rock work is amazing! I also like the quiet pool. It has a beautiful view of DTD. They are very different resorts. Either way you should enjoy yourself. Good Luck.

 

[dianeschlicht]

If you like large units, vacation home feel, lower point values and great bus access, and parking outside your door, OKW is for you. If you like the DTD area, and don't mind outdoor hallways as long as it gives you access to a self parking area close by, then SSR would be your choice. We found bus service very good there too. If you like hustle and bustle and don't mind walking 15-20 minutes to get to a park or waiting and spending 30 minutes getting to those parks by boat, and like to be in the heart of a busy nightlife area, and don't mind long hotel hallways, and like valet parking, then BWV would be your choice.

 

[CharlesTD]

BWV close to 2 parks great pool and slide great nightlife and minigolf near by.

OKW large rooms quiet if you like that cons there are retirement home/village feeling resort.

SSR new close to DTD splash pad for kids if you have any fairly low point value for stay and beautifully decorated.

 

[JimMIA]

In addition to the points that others have made, there is a difference in the character of the various DVC resorts. Everybody loves their own resort - that's why they bought there, but there are important differences.

OKW and SSR are similar to a condo complex, except that they are much more spread out than you would see in a residential condo. There is ample parking right at your door, and a lot of open space. They are designed to be quiet and restful. Some people (like me) like that, others don't.

For example, I always drive up from Miami and I prefer to drive to and from the theme parks, so I like the convenient parking. However, if you fly in, ME to the resort, and then find yourself with a long walk to the bus stops, you may not find the decentralized, ample parking aspect quite so attractive.

BCV, VWL, BWV are integrated into hotel complexes, which is quite different. You have all of the features of resort hotels, both good and not so good. Some people like the hotel amenities, others don't like the crowds and congestion. With BWV, in particular, you are right in the middle of the Epcot/MGM/Boardwalk action, which many people love. BCV and VWL are quieter, but BCV is very convenient to Epcot/MGM and VWL is very convenient to MK.

There's plenty to like in each resort...and there's always a nit to pick.

 

[stacy6552]

The Boardwalk is right in the middle of the action. There's alot to do close by, so its especially good with teens.

OKW is the most spacious in terms of rooms and areage. Very quiet and spread out. Also the oldest of the 3.

SSR is the newest. Its proximity to DTD makes getting to other resorts easy by walking to DTD and grabbing the resort bus of choice.

 

[MiaSRN62]

and then find yourself with a long walk to the bus stops, you may not find the decentralized, ample parking aspect quite so attractive.

The closest walk I've had at OKW was about 20-30 seconds to the bus stop. The longest walk anywhere on the resort is estimated at about a 5 min walk to the closest bus stop. I wouldn't consider that "long" though ? Bus service is good at OKW from our past experiences.
The walk to Epcot is about 10-15 min, and the walk to MGM is about 20 min from BWV. And most people don't even consider that long.

 

[SoCalKDG]

The boat to Epcot from BWV's to Epcot is less than 10 minutes(goes directly there), someone mentioned 30 minutes(MGM is closer to 30, but the walk is less than 15 minutes from many spots of BW). Additionally the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk is specifically on the boardwalk, so if you want relaxation there are other places to go for BWV's. Additionally you can watch Illuminations nightly from either your room, the boardwalk, or even from Epcot.

I bought at BWV for the Epcot resort area and a chance for either a great view or cheaper points. Now I'll be adding on at BCV for the pool every third year.

The only advantage I see SSR having over OKW is being closer to DTD. OKW has larger rooms, better onsite restuarant, cheaper rooms, etc. I liked OKW alot and would stay there if room is a big issue.

 

[smjj]

OKW has the bus stops located so you have to walk just a little to get to any of them. They also have by far the largest rooms of the DVC homes and the lowest fees. I really like the fact that you can park right outside your door. It looks big but you can walk to HH from the South Point area in about 7 to 10 minutes. I don't consider that a long walk at all and you pass two bus stop to get there..smjj.

 

[eileenkeeney]

The closest walk I've had at OKW was about 20-30 seconds to the bus stop. The longest walk anywhere on the resort is estimated at about a 5 min walk to the closest bus stop. I wouldn't consider that "long" though ? Bus service is good at OKW from our past experiences.
The walk to Epcot is about 10-15 min, and the walk to MGM is about 20 min from BWV. And most people don't even consider that long.

I don't consider 10-15 minutes a long walk to get from a resort to a park, however, I consider it a very long walk to get from my room to a bus stop.

I have stayed at 5 resorts (3 of them DVC resorts). The longest walk to the bus stop was from my room at BWV. The farthest I have ever had to carry my luggage was at BWV.
(I prefer to not use bell services).
I enjoyed walking to the parks.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Eileenkeeney says : I don't consider 10-15 minutes a long walk to get from a resort to a park, however, I consider it a very long walk to get from my room to a bus stop.

Eileen,
With all due respect, reread my post. I stated the furthest walk from any one OKW building to the closest bus stop is only about 5 min. And this would only include some of the buildings at the resort. Most walks to a bus stop at OKW are seconds to a couple of minutes. I stayed at POP in Feb and had a longer walk to the bus stop than I've ever had at any wdw resort.
Also, I never said a 10-15 min walk to a park was long ? I stated " and most people don't consider that long" if you reread my post

 

[mickey's bud]

I can only speak to the research I've done and on my visit to BWV...but to me there is nothing better than having very nice choices for eating and entertainment. Everything from chicken fingers and fries on the boardwalk to a very nice meal at Flying Fish. Start with pastries in the morning and finish with ice cream in the evening. Not to mention night clubs, atmosphere, fireworks, and proximity to Epcot and MGM.
And BWV has room service, which is an added bonus. From what I understand, SSR and OKW have very limited dining options nearby.
They all have ups/downs I suppose....it's just identifying what you're looking for and what will make you happy....peace and quiet (and commutes) or lively vacation with a great location.

 

[GGOOFY1]

Wow what a tough decision you have to make. When we purchased there was only OKW. Since then we have stayed at OKW and BWV. We are planning a trip this July and I originally booked at BCV. (We stayed there the first time we ever stayed on property) I thought my DD18 and DS15 would like to go where it is so convenient to Epcot and MGM. I was wrong...boy did I get grief from them. I finally switched my ressie to OKW. They are going "Home"

 

[thelobstershanty]

If you like large units, vacation home feel, lower point values and great bus access, and parking outside your door, OKW is for you. If you like the DTD area, and don't mind outdoor hallways as long as it gives you access to a self parking area close by, then SSR would be your choice. We found bus service very good there too. If you like hustle and bustle and don't mind walking 15-20 minutes to get to a park or waiting and spending 30 minutes getting to those parks by boat, and like to be in the heart of a busy nightlife area, and don't mind long hotel hallways, and like valet parking, then BWV would be your choice.

We feel the vacation home feel at all the DVC resorts. We certainly do not feel as though we are staying in a hotel room when we stay in a villa at VWL, BCV or BWV. I have never understood this comment. Another comment I have never understood is OKW is like condos but yet a villa at VWL, BCV & BWV is considered what? Not a hotel room that is for sure, maybe a vacation apt? So then we have DVC condos and DVC apts I guess.
I also do not understand why SSR is always criticized for having outdoor hallways. Not every villa at OKW is right at the top of the steps. To get to the other villas you walk down, what I would consider a outdoor hallway, to your villa.
We have found the bus service to be equally the same among all WDW resorts. They all have their bad and good days. All the buses are hectic at park closings with the value and moderate resorts being the worst. At one resort you have mutliple stops in the same resort, at another resort you have mutiple stops but they are at various resorts. We like riding the WDW resort's buses but not all the time and we do want to drive all the time. The resorts that offer an alternative form of transportation to the parks is a big plus for us. We like riding the buses during the uncrowded times of the day but at park closings after Wishes, Illuminations and Fantasmic the bus lines at any resort bus stop are busy. Again the value and moderate resorts are the worst. The lines for the monorail or a boat (excluding the boat from MK to TTC) can be crowded at park closings; but not like the hike and wait for the bus. The boat and monorail rides are very different from a bus ride. We enjoy the monorail and boat rides a lot. The buses are fine but the boat and monorail rides are moe enjoyable to us. The walk from Epcot or MGM to the Epcot Resorts is a very nice alternative. The walk from MK to the Poly or GF is also very nice. It is a scenic and pleasant walk especially at park closings.
Believe or not the BWV's are very removed from the bw hustle and bustle of the bw that ends by 10-11 PM. with the bars closing at 2 AM. All the BWV's are quiet even the bw view vilas when the balcony doors are closed. The standard view villas are very quiet and far removed from any activity. I know it's hard for some to believe but VWL, BWV & BCV feel very much like vacation homes/condos/apts to many DVC members.
These resorts are close to the parks but none are located in the middle of the parks. We wish. If we were able to stay in a DVC villa in the middle of a park it would be the ultimate for us. But I can not see where this would be possible.
Alll WDW's resorts are great. All are different and all offer an unique experience to their guests.

 

[evaready51]

We bought at SSR from Disney...loved the property...liked that it was new...the 50 year contract and that Disney paid the closing cost.

Just returned from first trip home on 6/14. It was awesome. We are going back in Dec 2005.