My husband and I will be down for a four night trip in early March. We usually stay at POR, but for the same price can rent DVC points at SSR (studio). We are considering SSR for a change of pace. Any experiences from folks who have recently stayed at both?
Your title said OKW but your post said SSR. I have stayed at POR multiple times, SSR multiple times, and will be making my first stay at OKW this summer. Here are my thoughts: 1) Renting is a great deal. It gets you a deluxe accommodation at a highly reduced price. 2) It also has major headache potential since everything has to be done through the DVC member. You can't make changes to your reservation without their help. 3) if comparing an SSR studio to a room at POR, I would actually give the edge to POR. The grounds are much nicer in my opinion. To me, SSR has a condo feel to it, while POR has a better overall feel to it --- nicer to look at, nicer to walk around. I would choose several other DVC resorts over POR, but probably not SSR.
I'm a DVC member and I love SSR. It's got a lot of great pools to choose from and the layout is really nice. I'm also a big fan of POR. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I actually think its great to try new places, so I say go for it. But be careful - after I rented points there the first time, I ended up buying.
I think SSR is a great choice for a couple. A studio gets you a spacious room and an outdoor space. The quiet pool at Congress Park is a nice getaway. The restaurant, Turf Club, is a hidden gem. And you've got a nice stroll to DTD.
POR is a very nice resort. It has attractive grounds, a well themed feature pool, and one of the best food courts on property. However, I think SSR for a couple is a great choice. You would have one queen bed and a couch, a balcony, and a kitchenette. I find the pools to be nicer. The resort is home to probably the nicest gym on property and also has a day spa (POR doesn't have either of these amenities). The walkway to Downtown Disney is quite pretty. I've had several good meals at the Turf club. I also find the grounds to be beautiful and very pleasant to walk around.
I have stayed at both; we did SSR on the 4/3 deal one year. It has all the amentities that I love about POR, but so much extra. I think the Turf Club was one of the best kept secrets on property. The spa is wonderful; I had been to Mandarin at the Dolphin, but I prefer the one at SSR. For two people, the studio is ideal. Definitely go for it!
Out of the two I have stayed at SSR 2x. They have many great pools (5+) and two with slides, they have a good QS and TS places to eat, the gift shop is cute, there is a boat to DTD. I really like SSR also bc the themeing is very calm and peaceful. Have a great trip! -FantasiaMagic
