Saratoga or Old Key West

[moose1283]

We are staying in WDW August 3-7. We can stay at Old Key West or Saratoga. I have 3 boys (11,8,4). Looking for opinions regarding the 2 resorts. Which is better suited for my family. Also how will the crowds be??? Thanks.

 

[Time Traveler]

I'd definitely go for Saratoga. Its a much newer resort (the newest at WDW) and it has great pools for your boys. We just stayed there for a week in early May and loved it. Be sure to request either the Grandstand or The Springs sections. The Springs is the main section and is closest to the main pool (with the water slide) and the Carriage House (Check-In/Out, Restaurants, etc.) but because of that it may be a bit more noisy than other sections depending on your room's location. The Grandstand is the newest section and is very close to the main area as well and has its own smaller pool which has an area with water cannons. Its generally more quiet than the Springs and the rooms are a few years newer (though all the rooms at Saratoga are in amazing condition due to it being a newer resort).

The resort has a nice relaxing theme and isn't nearly as "fancy" as some people may think at first glance. Its one of the more family-friendly resorts in my opinion. Plus the Spa is rated the best on WDW Property, much better than the Grand Floridian's.

When you'll be going will still have the normal summer crowds which are generally pretty high but it tends to be a bit less crowded in August than in June/July. It'll be very hot so make sure to be prepared.

 

[DIS-NH]

The rooms at OKW are MUCH larger. Not that we go to WDW to stay in the room, but it is nice to have a little extra space.

We've stayed at both resorts, and prefer OKW. There are 3 quiet pools with at least one within walking distance to your room, as well as the large pool at the main building.

Bus service is good at both. The food offereings may be better at Saratoga.

 

[dizneyluv]

We LOVED Saratoga so much. The 2 bdrm was much bigger than I thought it would be. We weren't there alot so didn't need anything larger.

The pool was so great, one of the nicest pool areas of all our vacations anywhere. The added bonus was all the games the castmembers played with the kids and adults. First one down the slide, hula hoop, bingo, etc. It's a big big pool area at High Rock Springs and even at peak times there were chairs available and did not seem crowded. We never made it to the Grandstand pool area because my boys loved the slide at the High Rock Springs pool.

At night I could always be found in the hot tub on either side of the pool! I ordered a fruit smoothie from the pool bar and relaxed my weary bones.

The grounds and accomodations were top notch, so clean that I never saw trash, dirt, etc anywhere. Our 2bdrm was cleaned thoroughly, no dust, dirt or hair. Every day we came back it was so nice and clean and fresh. Rosalinda was the best housekeeper of the two we had. She did extra things like towel animals and leaving youngest ds' toys in fun poses like all holding hands watching t.v.

We absolutely loved the food courts, we were there at off peak hours except twice and both those times did not encounter any line problems or checkout problems. Artist's Palette is a great place to eat for counter service.

We drove down and we were in the Springs section which makes a difference to some, it's all personal preference. I walked the whole resort most mornings and found it to be quite beautiful and relaxing.

The castmembers were very friendly and helpful. Bell services delivered our ECV and put away our groceries in a very timely manner after we checked in. (within the hour)

The SSR castmembers all traded pins with my son and one in particular was very funny. He was from Brazil but I can't remember his name. All of them asked how we were doing on our trip.

Hope this helps from a SSR perspective. We've never been to Old Key West but from what I've heard either of these places would be great! We went with SSR after looking at all the indoor/outdoor pictures available of several resorts.
Take Care!

 

[Lisa P.]

We love the mature landscaping and general ambiance at OKW. But I agree with others who've posted that the pool areas at SSR would be especially nice for kids the ages of yours. For a summer trip, that may matter a lot!