POFQ or Saratoga

[Cmbar]

Decisions! OK we are a party of 8 going in Mid November (12-17th) Unfortunately, everything is booked at DVC except Saratoga Springs for those days. And I can only get a 1 bedroom for OKW. We are very dissappointed that we can't get anything for WL, BCV,BWV. I am so surprised that this one week is so full for DVC. I hope that is not indiciative of the Disney properties that week and crowd levels! I thought we were planning a less crowded time!

Anyways, we have reservations using the codes for POFQ. We love this resort, but this is my sister's family first trip. She has 4 DD (8, 7,5 & 3). So Saratoga doesn't really seem to be appealing to the little kids. Any suggestions? Should we just stick with the French Quarter or is there something about SSR that I am missing since I have never been here. Is there a food court that will make it easy to use the dining plan and how far apart are the buildings? Any opinions are appreciated!

 

[thelobstershanty]

I am a little confused. Which size unit do you want? Do you want a studio or 1 br? If you can get both at SSR or just a 1 br at OKW, I do not understand the problem. Both of these resorts are heads and heads above POR. Don't get me wrong, we like POR very much but it can not even begin to compare to any DVC resort. Comparing a moderate resort to a DVC resort is not comparing apples to apples. All 3 resorts are in approx the same location and have the same transportation options, but that begins and ends the comparison between these 3 resorts. DVC resorts are on par with WDW deluxe resorts, a definite big step above the moderate resorts.
I also do not understand what POR has that would appeal more to kids then either SSR or OKW has. All the resorts have playgrounds, waterslides and bike rentals. Actually SSR and OKW have more for kids because they have some very nice activites available at the Community Halls and they also have regularly scheduled pool activites and games.

 

[Cmbar]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. We want two studios or just one 2 bedroom. We are not interested in the extra room of 1 bedroom with little kids that can fit on a couch. Don't need the kitchen so don't really want to spend the extra money.

That is exactly what I wanted to hear. When you say the DVC resorts are more like Deluxes, I can't really understand what is different about them. I understand BWV, WL and BCV because we stayed there and the location is worth the extra money. Also you can see they are roomier and have the extra kitchen stuff. But OKW and SSR we have never been to and that is what we wanted to know. Does it have a food court or only sit down restaurants. With four little kids we don't want to sit down for breakfast. The OKW and SSR look like they are outside entrances like the moderates. Am I wrong about that? Please forgive me if I sound like I am ignorant, I just look at the pictures and see Florida Condiminiums, spread out. I am from South Florida and I guess I want the resorts to look more like Hotels than Condos. They look beautiful on the inside, but I am thinking they are more laid back - home away from home feeling. That is what I meant about the kids. Eventhough it is Disney I get the impression these resorts are more laid back for guests staying and hanging around the resort. The SPA theme makes me think of "older and ritzier". Kinda where me and hubby would stay when we aren't with the kids. Do you think think either of these are kid friendly in convenience (easy walk to buses, quick food, short walk to pool). Thanks for your input. I really do appreciate it.

 

[mamatojon]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. We want two studios or just one 2 bedroom. We are not interested in the extra room of 1 bedroom with little kids that can fit on a couch. Don't need the kitchen so don't really want to spend the extra money.

That is exactly what I wanted to hear. When you say the DVC resorts are more like Deluxes, I can't really understand what is different about them. I understand BWV, WL and BCV because we stayed there and the location is worth the extra money. Also you can see they are roomier and have the extra kitchen stuff. But OKW and SSR we have never been to and that is what we wanted to know. Does it have a food court or only sit down restaurants. With four little kids we don't want to sit down for breakfast. The OKW and SSR look like they are outside entrances like the moderates. Am I wrong about that? Please forgive me if I sound like I am ignorant, I just look at the pictures and see Florida Condiminiums, spread out. I am from South Florida and I guess I want the resorts to look more like Hotels than Condos. They look beautiful on the inside, but I am thinking they are more laid back - home away from home feeling. That is what I meant about the kids. Eventhough it is Disney I get the impression these resorts are more laid back for guests staying and hanging around the resort. The SPA theme makes me think of "older and ritzier". Kinda where me and hubby would stay when we aren't with the kids. Do you think think either of these are kid friendly in convenience (easy walk to buses, quick food, short walk to pool). Thanks for your input. I really do appreciate it.

I love SSR, really I do. My kids love it too. But I think you are correct in you perception, it is much like an apartment/condominium rather than a hotel feel. If that isn't what you want, if you want a real defined immersive theme, then PO is better in that regard. The rooms at SSR are about the same size and layout as at VWL/BCV/BWV and the amenities are on par with a deluxe with the exception of room service. There is a food court at SSR, I don't know about OKW. The SSR main pool rocks, my kids had a blast there. Downtown Disney is very close by (can walk there) so that adds something too.

Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[Sammie]

SSR and OKW have outside entrances similar to most all condos. They are not hotels. They are spread out in the same way that Riverside and Carribbean Beach are. With buildings that have parking lots near by and bus stops and a central area for check in and eating.

SSR does have a very nice quick service with indoor seating. OKW has a quick service but no inside seating.

 

[Cmbar]

Thank you all. That is just what I needed to hear. I think with the little ones we should just stick to FQ since it is so small. I really would love to try these other resorts next time though! Thanks again!

 

[thelobstershanty]

I am still not really clear as to what type of unit you want, nor if you are using/renting pts for a DVC villa vs paying cash for POR vs paying cash for both a DVC villa/POR room.

All DVC units have at least a kitchenette (studios); to a full kitchen (1 br+). So if you get either 2 studios or a 2 br--you are going to get some type of a kitchen.
If you do not need nor want any type of kitchenette/kitchen and if paying cash for the additional price for a DVC villa vs a POR room is a factor---then maybe you are better off at POR.

Yes, BCV, BWV and VWL all have very easy access to at least one major park.

Actually the largest WDW DVC villas are at OKW. All the rest of the WDW DVC resort villas are approx the same size--which is substanially smaller for villas 1 br+, than OKW villas are.

Yes, both OKW & SSR have outside hallways. OKW's hallways are completly outdoors while SSR's hallways are a combo of 90% outside and 10% sort of inside. We prefer OKW's hallways, SSR is like neither inside nor outside. It is definitly different.

If you prefer a hotel atmosphere for your resort, then I can tell you right now, OKW and SSR are not what you are looking for. Both resorts are very laid back and low key. You are correct when you compare them to a very nice condo resort, because they are very similiar to that.

All WDW resorts are great to just hang out and enjoy. You will find a larger % of guests at DVC resorts that hang out at the resort vs park commando. This is simply due to DVC members tend to go to WDW a lot more per year than the guest doing a "once in a lifetime" trip.

We find all WDW resorts to be very, very guest friendly. No matter if the guest group is made up of 1 or 21 guests, or parties of adults & kids or parties of all adults.

Have a great trip!

 

[starbox]

We spent a week at POFQ in late May (kids are 7 and 9), and then time at OKW and SSR in late July. I've stayed at other WDW mod resorts (I actually love Coronado Springs) but I'll never go back to POFQ. While the theme-aspect was cute, it was way too crowded and the bus transportation was horrible. Every single bus was standing room only and the lines at night to leave the parks stretched way, way, way past the roped areas (largely because POFQ shares busses with Riverside). With the two resorts combined - they are the largest resort at Disney in terms of occupancy. The food court at POFQ seemed understaffed and too small for a resort so crowded. There is no TS option at POFQ - you have to use Riverside (and if you figure in the use of Riverside, SSR is not any more stretched out). Even then, Boatwrights was very under-impressive for a resort-level CS. The playground was totally un-themed and boring. The pool was cool, but difficult to watch two active swimmers in because of the shape.

Both OKW and SSR (despite the "condo" design) felt much more relaxing and not overly-crowded. SSR has an adorable playground, with a great view. Dining at both resorts far surpasses POFQ and Riverside combined, with SSR coming out ahead because it has a wonderful indoor food court called The Artist's Palate that has art easels and art supplies out on the tables for the kids. The pool is prettier than POFQ, the slide is much more exciting. There is also a small slide for little kids. There is also a water squirt/fountain area for smaller kids. They offer in-pool games throughout the day (lead by a CM). We played BINGO in the pool. There is a community Hall with daily activities (like crafts and etc). If you want to rent bikes or take a carriage ride, those are options. (AT POFQ, you'd have to go to Riverside for recreation).

 

[Cmbar]

I am still not really clear as to what type of unit you want, nor if you are using/renting pts for a DVC villa vs paying cash for POR vs paying cash for both a DVC villa/POR room.




If you prefer a hotel atmosphere for your resort, then I can tell you right now, OKW and SSR are not what you are looking for. Both resorts are very laid back and low key. You are correct when you compare them to a very nice condo resort, because they are very similiar to that.

All WDW resorts are great to just hang out and enjoy. You will find a larger % of guests at DVC resorts that hang out at the resort vs park commando. This is simply due to DVC members tend to go to WDW a lot more per year than the guest doing a "once in a lifetime" trip.

We find all WDW resorts to be very, very guest friendly. No matter if the guest group is made up of 1 or 21 guests, or parties of adults & kids or parties of all adults.

Have a great trip!

We are paying Cash for FQ or Paying Cash to a friend who is a DVC owner. She is very generous with her points to us, but I don't want to "use" her points for a resort we won't be happy with. I love DVC and wish I could be an owner, but I think for this trip I am trying to make it special for my four neices. It will be their one and only trip for some time so I wanted to make it magical for them. So I may be stressing about which resort is "perfect" for this trip. Thanks for the information I think I understand how they are laid out better.



TO STARBOX

Thanks for the input. I am concerned that FQ will be too crowded. We are going the first week of MVMCP but I am told that this full week right before Thanksgiving won't be too crowded. But like I said all the DVC resorts are booked. I mean OKW is almost completely booked as are the other three. SSR is the only one available with all room types for our days. So now I am a little nervous we are going at a crowded time which might make FQ more busy. I can see how it would be an annoying resort if it is crowded.

Thanks for all your input!

 

[conciergekelly]

I have been to all three, while I love them all, I would definitely go with the DVC resorts. Either one, OKW and SSR ,are a giant step above POL. OKW and SSR have balconies,community hall, a full kitchenette w/ microwave and toaster , utensils etc, ( which is great for kids in the morning for toast, poptarts, drinks etc), great pools with games, SSR has a food court and a sit down and OKW has a take out and a sit down, Except for the way you enter the building and room service, they are pretty much the same as any other DVC and deluxe resorts. OKW and SSR also don't have the "motel feeling", like having the radiator in the room, no balcony. Don't get me wrong, I think POL is a wonderful resort but not in the same category as the other two. JMHO. Whatever you decide you will have a blast! Good luck!

 

[Squidrific]

I have been to all three as well and to be honest, once you go to a DVC, you really have a hard time going back. POFQ is cute and quaint, but it isn't as small as you think. The bus service is awful! The food court is too small and not very good.

The first time we stayed on property we stayed at POFQ and it was pretty and quiet, but the food court and bus service were such a hassle that I said I would never go back. In fact, I prefer POP over POFQ!

Now that I own DVC I will stay at DVC properties - maybe I am a DVC snob, but I would much rather rent points if I run out to stay at a DVC than pay to stay at POFQ. I really think that for the money you are going to be much better off with a two bedroom at a DVC than 2 rooms at POFQ. Plus if you have the kitchen, you don't have to worry about the food court.

Also, if you are worried about where the kids are going to have more fun, SSR and OKW beat POFQ hands down. There is so much going on and so many activities for kids that POFQ does not have.

 

[mamatojon]

Thanks for the input. I am concerned that FQ will be too crowded. We are going the first week of MVMCP but I am told that this full week right before Thanksgiving won't be too crowded. But like I said all the DVC resorts are booked. I mean OKW is almost completely booked as are the other three. SSR is the only one available with all room types for our days. So now I am a little nervous we are going at a crowded time which might make FQ more busy. I can see how it would be an annoying resort if it is crowded.

Thanks for all your input!

DVC availability and park crowds don't go together hand-in-hand. The time when you are going is one of the lower point seasons and so it is harder to get a DVC room without a lot of planning. For park crowd levels I would trust the unofficial guide for the crowd predictions, if it predicts low crowds I wouldn't be worried.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You have four kids and how many adults? Are you planning on splitting the kids up among the studios because you have too many people for a studio. You'd need a two bedroom for six - two adults and four kids. The three yr old counts towards room occupancy and needs a room ID. Studios do not connect and you couldn't put all four kids in a studio by themselves.

How many people are actually going?

A studio holds four, one bedroom holds four (but they will allow five - you provide the extra bedding and linens) and a one bedroom holds eight.

A room at POFQ also only holds four with two double beds.

 

[Cmbar]

You have four kids and how many adults? Are you planning on splitting the kids up among the studios because you have too many people for a studio. You'd need a two bedroom for six - two adults and four kids. The three yr old counts towards room occupancy and needs a room ID. Studios do not connect and you couldn't put all four kids in a studio by themselves.

How many people are actually going?

A studio holds four, one bedroom holds four (but they will allow five - you provide the extra bedding and linens) and a one bedroom holds eight.

A room at POFQ also only holds four with two double beds.

We are a party of 8. 4 adults and 4 children, so we can fit in two studios or in a 2 bedroom.

Thanks for the information!

 

[Sammie]

We are a party of 8. 4 adults and 4 children, so we can fit in two studios or in a 2 bedroom.

Thanks for the information!

Just for your planning, if you get the 2 studios, very possibly they will not be near each other. None connect. They might get you in the same building and possibly same floor. Will that be ok, since 2 of the kids will have to stay with you and not their Mom.

 

[I Love DVC]

A two-bedroom at SSR is $590 a night. However, your DVC friend will get a 25% discount, so (unless she charges you full price), it will only cost you $442.50 a night. You would pay $310 total for two standard rooms at POFQ. If you want a king bed and/or water view room, you pay $350. (Tax is not included in any of these prices.) So, you are probably looking at a difference of about $120 dollars a night.

If it were me, I WOULD DEFINATELY STAY AT SSR. Keep in mind that you would have a kitchen, which would be very good for cooking meals/snacks for children. It would also save money on food. Also, SSR always has its own bus service; sometimes POFQ shares with PORR. All of the resorts are "kid friendly" in some way. SSR has three pools, playgrounds, etc. SSR would be my #1 choice.

 

[Deb & Bill]

A two-bedroom at SSR is $590 a night. However, your DVC friend will get a 25% discount, so (unless she charges you full price), it will only cost you $442.50 a night. You would pay $310 total for two standard rooms at POFQ. If you want a king bed and/or water view room, you pay $350. (Tax is not included in any of these prices.) So, you are probably looking at a difference of about $120 dollars a night...

The member discount is only available to the member and they must be staying in the room. A non-member is not entitled to any member cash discount. A non-member might be able to get an AP rate on a DVC room, though. You will have to prove that you are the member to get the member cash rate.

The king bed room at POFQ only sleeps two persons, plus one child under the age of three. The two double bed room at POFQ sleeps four plus one child under the age of three.

 

[Cmbar]

I am kinda confused about the pricing of the DVC resort that was listed above. We are renting not booking through Disney

I am renting points from my friend at 10 a point. So the two bedroom in November (non weekend) is 290.00 a night. My room at FQ is about 132 a night x 2 so we are paying about $30 a night more to stay at SSR. Seems worth it!

Can anyone tell me if there is dedicated two bedrooms at SSR. Would love to have beds for everyone (except the living area of course). Are the sleep sofas nice there?

Thanks again for all your replies!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Not all dedicated have two beds in the second bedroom. Some still have the double sleeper sofa and a queen sized bed.

At SSR, all of the sleeper sofas are the memory foam type.