Old Key West vs Saratoga Springs?

[jaskemr]

Can anyone answer this question?

I stayed at Old Key West in 2005, looking for a 2007 Trip, is Saratoga Springs Better, the same, or what? They look similar, but want to try a new place without being disapointed...

Thanks!

 

[Sammie]

Since both are DVC resorts, if you post this to the DVC planning forums you will get more response.

 

[Miss Jessr!ca]

ive stayed at both
and i liked both alot

but if youve stayed at key west already
why not try something new?

 

[MinnieGirl33]

We stay at both.

We love both for different reasons

Why not give SSR a try if only for the sake of doing something different!

 

[chalee94]

Can anyone answer this question?

I stayed at Old Key West in 2005, looking for a 2007 Trip, is Saratoga Springs Better, the same, or what? They look similar, but want to try a new place without being disapointed...

Thanks!

if you need 2 double beds - OKW. (although the pullout was fine at SSR, 2 real beds might work better for your situation.)

SSR costs more in points - and the rooms look a lot more premium/deluxe/whatever IMO. (i loved the bed at SSR - YMMV.) i liked being near downtown disney at SSR, as we could easily eat there or hop buses from there to get to other resorts. if you play golf, the pro shop for the LBV course is at SSR.

SSR and OKW are fairly similar in most ways, though. if one bed is all you need and you don't mind spending a little more for a nicer room...i suspect you'll love SSR as much as i did.

 

[beccasmom]

OKW is my home resort, so I'm biased. But we've stayed at SSR 3 times.

OKW has larger units if that is important to you. As you probably know, the atmosphere is very laid back. It is a large resort, but SSR is much larger. Bus transport is generally reliable and fairly quick. Olivia's is a great restaurant with friendly service. Boat transport to DTD is a nice option.

SSR is a very large resort. It is quite lovely, with GREAT access to DTD - walk or take a quick boat ride. Bus transport is reliable. Location of your unit is important here, IMHO, as the resort is so large. I think a car comes in handy here if a member of your party does not appreciate walking. Eating options here are somewhat lacking, but the proximity to DTD makes up for that. There is a very nice spa for special pampering.

Both resorts have "neighborhood" pools with hot tubs. Both have designated bus stops for the different sections. Both have very nice main pools, with an edge to the newer area at SSR.

 

[pb4ugo]

Can anyone answer this question?

I stayed at Old Key West in 2005, looking for a 2007 Trip, is Saratoga Springs Better, the same, or what? They look similar, but want to try a new place without being disapointed...

Thanks!

what would cause you to be disappointed?

 

[jdvm]

We're dyed in the wool Old Key West fans but have tried all of the other resorts. They all have advantages and disadvantages so my advice would be to give it a try. Old Key West will still be there for the next time!!
John

 

[jaskemr]

When I stayed at Old Key West in 2005, I stayed in a 2 Bedroom Unit.
I'm not a DVC member, just bought my way (ie paid $$$$$)

Seemed like our bus always stopped at Saratoga Springs, and it looked equally nice.

I really liked Old Key West, and we had a great location, near the check in area, shop, Olivia's etc..

I have no reason not to return to Old Key West other than
1) Try a new resort - I might like it as much or better
2) While Olivia's is fine, we did end up eating there several times as there weren't much other options there. I had a 6 year old at the time and she would get a bit worn out, so we often times would leave the park by 4 or 5, come back, and then go to Dinner at Olivias.

Also it is myself, wife, and 4 girls, will be ages 8 to 16, and 6 people total.

So I guess to be a bit more specific in my question.
1) Is Saratoga Springs (2 Bedroom Units) equally as nice as Old Key West?
2) Any advantage in Bus Transportation (ie closer to parks). Some mentioned it is closer to DTD already.
3) Dining at Saratoga Springs - What kind of options? Similar to Olivia's?
Any more dining options at Saratoga Springs?
4) What location at Saratoga Springs would be desirable to get a 2 Bedroom unit?
5) anything else???

Thanks so much for the responses!

 

[starbox]

When I stayed at Old Key West in 2005, I stayed in a 2 Bedroom Unit.
I'm not a DVC member, just bought my way (ie paid $$$$$)

So I guess to be a bit more specific in my question.
1) Is Saratoga Springs (2 Bedroom Units) equally as nice as Old Key West?
2) Any advantage in Bus Transportation (ie closer to parks). Some mentioned it is closer to DTD already.
3) Dining at Saratoga Springs - What kind of options? Similar to Olivia's?
Any more dining options at Saratoga Springs?
4) What location at Saratoga Springs would be desirable to get a 2 Bedroom unit?
5) anything else???

Thanks so much for the responses!

1) SSR units are smaller than OKW units, but they are also brand new with upscale furniture (more "country club/estate" than "beach cottage" decor/theme). OKW has 2 queen beds in a studio. SSR has the new tempurpedic mattress and fold-out. OKW has more "nature views". With SSR you can request a view of DTD.

2) The bus system at SSR is the most efficient one on property. You can walk (easy 5 min walk), boat, or bus to DTD to catch connecting busses if you want to.

3) SSR has an excellent CS restaurant called "Artists Palatee" with plentiful indoor seating and the option to take-out your food. Food tends to be more "gourmet spa" fare - flatbreads, gourmet sandwiches, and homemdade potato chips). Ther is an excllent assortment of desserts to choose from.

SSR also has a TS restaurant that has a limited menu, but excellent steak (one of the best steaks on property, IMHO). The atmosphere is a little more "fancy" than Olivias.

4) We love Congress Park because of the view of DTD, proximity to the walking paths, and the best quiet pool in any WDW resort. The Springs gives you closer access to the main pool and dining.

5) The pool at SSR has more features than the OKW pool. There is a slide, second toddler slide, zero-depth section, and interactive water play area that features Donald Duck.

 

[JMLBrats]

check out www.allearsnet.com for the menus at both places. We just got back a couple of weeks ago from a trip where we did 4 nights in each place and I must say we liked both for different reasons. In my opinion, I'm not crazy about either of the eating establishments-I just think they could do so much better. I'm sure a lot of people would disagree w/that or say that since DTD is so accessable is really doesn't matter which I guess is true of SSR, but it's a little more of a hike from OKW. The hot tubs at SSR are awesome and my kids had a ball on the slide-again and again and again and again.....WheW! But the sandy play area at OKW is amazing too. As far as theming goes, although SSR is newer and very attractive, we are more prone to like OKW because we're from up North and have relatives that live in Saratogo NY so it's not very exciting for us. All that said, I think SSR is definetly worth checking out, it is a very nice resort.

 

[chalee94]

So I guess to be a bit more specific in my question.
1) Is Saratoga Springs (2 Bedroom Units) equally as nice as Old Key West?
2) Any advantage in Bus Transportation (ie closer to parks). Some mentioned it is closer to DTD already.
3) Dining at Saratoga Springs - What kind of options? Similar to Olivia's?
Any more dining options at Saratoga Springs?
4) What location at Saratoga Springs would be desirable to get a 2 Bedroom unit?
5) anything else???

Thanks so much for the responses!

sorry if some of my previous advice related more to studio rooms than 2BRs.

everything new i would have suggested has already been covered by starbox...i don't think you can go wrong either way.

 

[tor]

I say try them all and go back to the ones you really like.

 

[tubtruck]

Furniture at SSR is much nicer than at OKW, it is very similar style as Grand Floridian which was where I was staying when we bought in and was what swung it for me. The ambiance of the place come across as more refined than OKW and is certainly more what a delux should be like than OKW which for quality is more like the moderate resorts. In defense of OKW the studio rooms are larger with two queen beds but it is more a case of quantity against quality. take a look on the disney website 360 degree tour of SSR on the Vacation club pages and I am sure you will be impressed with the rooms.

 

[jaskemr]

3) SSR has an excellent CS restaurant called "Artists Palatee" with plentiful indoor seating and the option to take-out your food. Food tends to be more "gourmet spa" fare - flatbreads, gourmet sandwiches, and homemdade potato chips). Ther is an excllent assortment of desserts to choose from.

SSR also has a TS restaurant that has a limited menu, but excellent steak (one of the best steaks on property, IMHO). The atmosphere is a little more "fancy" than Olivias.

WHAT Resturant is the TS restaurant at SSR? I can't find one listed anywhere. Is it new???

Last time we bought the dining plan, which worked out well for us. So we would probably be looking for a close by TS resturant as well for days when the kids are tuckered out. We used our Counter Service primarily in the Park for Lunch, and then depending on how tired people were, we would either find a TS there, or go back to OKW and hit Olivias. Although not bad, after 3 times or so in 8 days, I was starting to wish for another option.

If SSR is real close to DTD, then perhaps that might work???

 

[jaskemr]

Ok I found on another post Saratoga Springs now has the "Turf Club Bar & Grill" but can't find if it is going to be listed on the Disney Dining Plan. Can't seem to see Disney having it listed anywhere.

That would be perfect it it was.

 

[starbox]

Ok I found on another post Saratoga Springs now has the "Turf Club Bar & Grill" but can't find if it is going to be listed on the Disney Dining Plan. Can't seem to see Disney having it listed anywhere.

That would be perfect it it was.

Turf Club is on the dining plan.
Here's a review with links to the menu:
http://www.allearsnet.com/ae/issue370.htm

DTD is very close as well. Earl of Sandwich is a great place for breakfast.

 

[jaskemr]

Wow Thanks so Much Starbox!

This board is the best I've found for Disney.

Dang, quick and informative answers...

MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

I think this made it pretty much a done deal now.

I'm thinking I'll give Saratoga Springs a try.


QUESTION

Looking at the Layout, I would request "The Springs" first, and "Congress Park" second. Reason being I'll have an 8 year old that gets tired after a long day at disney, and just looking for short distances to dinner and short distances to the bus stops. Plus DTD seems to be closer, so perhaps we can try more resturants? I'll probably be on the Disney Dining Plan and View is less important to me than location.

Given that, Where in Saratoga Springs Should I stay?

 

[starbox]

QUESTION

Looking at the Layout, I would request "The Springs" first, and "Congress Park" second. Reason being I'll have an 8 year old that gets tired after a long day at disney, and just looking for short distances to dinner and short distances to the bus stops. Plus DTD seems to be closer, so perhaps we can try more resturants? I'll probably be on the Disney Dining Plan and View is less important to me than location.

Given that, Where in Saratoga Springs Should I stay?

Assuming that the Grandstand section bus does not change the direction of the route, Congress Park is the last bus stop before the Springs. On our "tired" or rain days, we just hopped on the first bus we saw and rode to the Springs.

I'd personally choose Congress Park for proximity to the DTD path and DTD dining. My kids (8 & 10) loved that path. If you ask for the building closest to the DTD path, it's also very close to the bus stop.

SSR is also great if you make DDP reservations at another resort because you can walk to DTD and easily catch a bus to any resort.

 

[MiaSRN62]

starbox says : 2) The bus system at SSR is the most efficient one on property.

I'm curious what this is based upon ? We usually stay at OKW and the bus system is VERY effecient there ? How is SSR the "most" efficient on property ? TIA

tubtruck says : The ambiance of the place come across as more refined than OKW and is certainly more what a delux should be like than OKW which for quality is more like the moderate resorts. In defense of OKW the studio rooms are larger with two queen beds but it is more a case of quantity against quality.

SSR is definitely more formal and new. But to say OKW is more like a moderate and to downplay the quality one gets here is way off imho. Not everyone likes "Ethan Allen" formal while on vacation. While it is a nice alternative to those who do like it, we much prefer the laid-back, relaxed style of OKW. Has nothing to do with "quality". Rather it's just a different ambience. OKW has the largest bathrooms of all DVC studios. A moderate doesn't give u a kitchenette or balcony or a large bathroom. I don't think I agree with the analogy. And if you stay in a room larger than a studio, the larger balconies can't be beat. OKW has huge balconies and we can actually fit our entire family of 5 out there for meals or board games etc (used to fit 6 when my mil was still with us). This is a huge "plus" for us.

Yes, OKW decor is much less fancy than SSR, but that is in keeping with the themeing of the resort. That's what "Key West" is all about. I wouldn't expect to see dark formal furniture there. Disney themes appropriately. I happen to be one who prefers the light and airy colors/decor of OKW. This and a very laid-back atmosphere is what I look for on vacation. But to say I'm giving up "quality for quantity" is way off.
Yes SSR is nice.......but it's not "better" than OKW or any other DVC......just "different". So I think each of these DVC resorts has something unique to offer guests who stay there. It's just a preference.