Saratoga Springs/OKW

[Tigger7570]

We usually book well in advance for our DVC vacations and usually go in Oct and May and as long time members stay at our home of OKW which we love. However, this year we were not planning on going in Oct. However, we are now thinking of going in Sept. Have never done a last minute trip. I called and OKW doesn't have availability. However SSR does. Just looking for some insight to SSR. We toured it when it was first opened, but I just wanted to hear from members about it. Maybe some members who have stayed at both resorts. Thank you for any input.

 

[bobbiwoz]

5 weeks ago we booked a last minute trip that we took 3 weeks ago and SSR was the only resort with availability. We had a wonderful time. When we arrived for check in, it was 10 something, and our studio was ready! We had asked for Congress park, but got Paddock right by Congress Park, and it was a very short walk to the CP's pool and that's in particular what I cared about. I like that quiet pool, it has a beautiful view of DTD and it's 5 ft deep around one of the edges, and I like that to hold on and do exercises. The pool was never crowded, and we took the bus only to the MK and it was fine, going and then coming back.

Jill is a greeter, meeting you as you come in to register. We hadn't known about the lockers to use for our check out day, we had questions about the bus service, and about other things about the resort. She was so very helpful and friendly. On our check out day, she found us a villa to change in when the spa area lockers had a pipe mishap.

I am so glad we stayed at SSR, and I was so glad it had last minute availability. The 2 night stay was what we needed after not so smooth summer.

Bobbi

 

[Pakey]

We have stayed at both and I think there are pros/cons to each.

OKW has more space and the balconies are so much better. Not only the balcony size, but I love how the vegetation is grown/mature at OKW so the balconies always feel private to me. Also, I love the quiet pool at Turtle Pond. The Congress Park quiet pool is nice but I like Turtle Pond's better.

SSR has a nicer main pool. The furnishings are newer in the rooms (although they are starting to show wear too). It's nice to have the option to walk to DTD. The sidewalks to walk around the resort are nicer (not as much walking in the street as required at OKW).

I think the food options and transportation are equal.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We actually took the boat that goes to OKW from Pleasure Island. I enjoy the ride and imagine that those OKW villas that are along the canal have a gorgeous view. It takes 2 boats each way, but it was our check out day, and a very relaxing way to spend the day.

Bobbi

 

[Candy Orlando]

Saratoga Springs landscaping has matured into a very elegant, country club style, resort and spa. You'll love it! Request the Grandstand if you like a golf course view.

 

[kikiq]

We're SSR owners and usually stay in the Congress Park section. Close to DTD and has a nice quiet pool. If you want to be closer to the CS and community hall, ask for the Springs. The Grandstand area has a really nice pool and is the first bus stop.

In May, we stayed in OKW. The rooms are bigger as are the balconies for 1 and 2 bdrms. Personally I didn't like walking in the streets in some areas, but not a deal breaker for me. Dare I say this...my DH liked OKW better than BWV. But he's not a fan of the hotel type DVC.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

I always prefer OKW. To similar to home. We live in NH. Also I grew up in NY. Benn to the area alot.

 

[Tigger7570]

Thanks everyone for the replies. We've been member since 1993 and OKW has become so much like home, that it's hard to imagine staying anywhere else. However, after reading all the replies, I'm sure we'll enjoy SSR. We love taking the boat from OKW and so I'm happy we'll be able to enjoy it from SSR. Until recently the OKW boat used to stop at SSR but I think so many people are enjoying the boat rides now that that's why they put more boats on. We love the Turtle Pond pool so thank you for the advise about the quiet pool at SSR. Since this trip is just DH and I, we're looking forward to just relaxing.
Thank you again.

 

[tdsangell]

We usually book well in advance for our DVC vacations and usually go in Oct and May and as long time members stay at our home of OKW which we love. However, this year we were not planning on going in Oct. However, we are now thinking of going in Sept. Have never done a last minute trip. I called and OKW doesn't have availability. However SSR does. Just looking for some insight to SSR. We toured it when it was first opened, but I just wanted to hear from members about it. Maybe some members who have stayed at both resorts. Thank you for any input.

SSR is our home resort!! We love it! Request to be close to the main pool other wise you may be out a ways. It is very close to Market place and the quick service there is pretty good. We love the pool. We are very happy with it. I hope you have a wonderful time!
tdsangell

 

[Sammie]

Love the Congress Park area, close to Downtown Disney, bus stop, and great pool there that overlooks Downtown Disney.

 

[speicher46]

I have two home resorts...SSR and OKW. They are both very nice but also very different. Old Key West is very laid back while SSR is a little more upbeat. The amenities at both are really top notch. I think you would enjoy SSR and it will give you a chance to sample more of the great things DVC has to offer.

 

[dspade19]

Make sure you try the cheeseburger flatbread at the SSR counter service. It was so good; we even tried to duplicate it at home.

 

[Tigger7570]

Well, after reading all the replies, I'm excited about staying at SSR. Thank you so much for the positive feedback.

 

[Coach81]

We love both OKW and our home resort of SSR!!! The rooms at OKW are very roomy.. but SSR's theme and atmosphere is terrific!!! You will be very pleasantly surprised!

 

[bluedoggy]

We too are OKW DVC owners and are making a trip down to WDW in November. We tried to get all 8 nights at OKW, but a studio was not available. So we are staying at SSR for 3 nights and then moving to OKW. I know my DH is nervous about not staying at OKW the whole trip (as he is reluctant to move mid-trip) but I think this is a good way to try a new resort. Plus we can always take the boat over to Olivia's for a meal... (love that place!) looking forward to "going home"

 

[eporter66]

We own at SSR, and have stayed at both OKW & SSR.

I am different in many here on the forum, I dont find much wrong with any of the resorts, and as much as I love Disney, I am not a Disney Homer. I have paid for DVC and want to make sure I feel like it is worth my while.

OKW has bigger rooms, the layout of both resorts is fairly large, so depending on where you stay, you may be far from the main areas (food places, big pools).

Personally - I like SSR better. I like the theme and look of the resort better than OKW. I like walking to DTD in the evening. The boat ride from OKW seems to take a little too long for my liking, although it is nice to do. I love the area of both resorts, you are away from everything, but so close to DTD if you want a little more night life.

We rent a car, so I cant speak to the bus operation. My wife was down a few years ago with some friends and they did the buses and were not complaining about the waits.

I dont see how you can go wrong staying at SSR -