OLD KEY WEST v SARATOGA SPRINGS

[Elliott22]

Hi

We're members at Saratoga Springs and will be taking the extended family to WDW in May 08. We're very lucky to have booked a Grand Villa at Saratoga Springs for the last 2 nights of the vacation. We could though afford an extra night in a Grand Villa at Old Key West. We'd like to know from Forum members:

A. Do you prefer Old Key West or Saratoga Springs?
B. We know that the Grand Villa accommodation at both resorts will be spectacular but is there any preference for the Grand Villas at either resort?
C. Can anyone recommend a particular Grand Villa suite at either resort.

We know these are simplistic questions but your opinions will help us to decide this autumn about whether to enquire about a Grand Villa at Old Key West. We're looking forward to a truly special and memorable vacation.

Enjoy the magic,

 

[Hilary]

Congratulations on getting your GV reservation!

We have stayed in a GV at OKW, but not at SSR, so can't compare the two GVs, but the resorts themselves are both appealing to us. Have you visited either / both resorts?

We think OKW is more intimate (although still large by DVC standards) with lots of mature vegetation, and with the added appeal of the golf course running through the resort.

We find SSR has a much more open (even slightly bleak) feel to it, but it's proximity to Downtown Disney more than makes up for any lack of mature landscaping. We quite often split our DVC time between OKW and SSR (even though we own at VWL) as we enjoy them both for different reasons. Only you know what your particular party will enjoy most!

 

[Elliott22]

Hi Hilary

Thanks for the advice. We've visited but never stayed at OKW, which we think feels more like a small community because although large the resort feels close and compact. OKW has a strong family atmosphere and we especially like Olivia's Cafe.

SSR is very relaxing but more sprawling and has the atmosphere of a gentlemens country club. We agree that the proximity to Downtown Disney is brilliant and if flying with Virgin Atlantic then the Downtown check-in is excellent. The SSR Bell Services took us there promptly for 0800 hrs last year.

We have points at Boardwalk, SSR and AKV. DVC has been a great investment for us and we feel spoilt for resort choice. Next year will be the first time that we have taken the family and the grandkids.

We're counting the days

 

[Pootle]

Hi Hilary

We have points at Boardwalk, SSR and AKV. DVC has been a great investment for us and we feel spoilt for resort choice. Next year will be the first time that we have taken the family and the grandkids.

We're counting the days

Sounds like you know your DVC then

I'm biased towards OKW because it was my first home and I just love it there, but as you know SSR has plenty of fans too and each time I visit and the landscaping has matured, it grows on me. Of course you have more dining options at SSR as well as the closer proximity to DD.

The only point you might need to consider is that the Grand Villas at OKW are often not easy to get at the 7-month window - you only need to take a look at the points difference to see that the OKW GVs must represent one of the best DVC bargains around. So, even if you do decide to go for OKW - and I would think that in May your chances would be better than at many other times, I'd still have SSR booked as a back-up.

Looks like a great vacation in the planning

 

[mikki.young]

The grand villas at OKW are like a larger version of the one/two beds and extremely nice. The GV at SSR have a different layout with a very impressive dining room and table that seats about 12. It's by far the nicest style of room at SSR. I admit to being an OKW person through and through but even I was impressed by SSR GV