SARATOGA SPRINGS OR OLD KEY WEST AS AN ADD ON CONTRACT?!

[Jenna Caron]

I currently own 200 points at the Riviera and love it. My wife and I love staying in the tower studios when it's just us.

We would like to add on at Saratoga or Old Key West for when we bring family members and we need a bigger room for less points. Can we discuss the pros and cons of both resorts?! I would purchase resale since I own direct at Riviera.

 

[eticketplease]

We would like to add on at Saratoga or Old Key West for when we bring family members and we need a bigger room for less points.

I don't know how much larger of accommodations that you need but you can't beat the OKW Grand Villa Point Charts!!

I think the finishing touches at SSR are nicer but the rooms are larger at OKW.

I would go with Saratoga based on dues down the road but if you are only adding 50-100 points it won't matter that much.

 

[SG131]

The expiration date of OKW Extended is better than Saratoga which is better than a non-extended OKW contract. The biggest issue with OKW is that most of the buildings do NOT have an elevator. So it depends what family members you plan to take. If it's grandparents that could need a scooter in the future, that could be a bit of a problem. Or if you have young kids and double strollers. That's also a hassle. I happen to have both! But OKW has the biggest rooms if you aren't concerned with the elevator. Both resorts are very spread out with internal bus systems. I kind of like the overall layout of Saratoga better. The main building is more centrally located and it is also possible to walk to Disney Springs.

 

[Moneypenny]

I currently own 200 points at the Riviera and love it. My wife and I love staying in the tower studios when it's just us.

We would like to add on at Saratoga or Old Key West for when we bring family members and we need a bigger room for less points. Can we discuss the pros and cons of both resorts?! I would purchase resale since I own direct at Riviera.

We own at SSR and have stayed a few times, and just had our first stay at OKW a few weeks ago.

OKW rooms are giant, which is nice. although the bathroom layout in the one bedroom is a little weird. I liked almost nothing else about the resort (which isn't to say I disliked it, exactly, but it just didn't really work for us). It's so large that, while it would be physically possible to walk to the main building from any room, it could take forever. We took the busses, but on our last day we needed to get to the hospitality house with our luggage and Bell Services was slammed and running late. You can't take luggage on the other busses and it would have been a very very long walk. At SSR while you may have a long walk, it would be more doable in probably 15 minutes or so.

The quick service at OKW leaves a lot to be desired. There are one or two pool bars with food, I think (we didn't get to experience much because of an early hurricane departure), but the main quick service is an outdoor stand with a few picnic tables outside. If you want to eat that indoors, you have to take a bus to the main building, get your food, and then wait for another bus to get back to your room. You may then have to walk several minutes from the bus to your room. At SSR there is seating at the quick service.

If you like to visit Disney Springs, it's quicker from SSR. Depending on your room location, you can even walk. At OKW it's a bus or boat only, which is near the Hospitality House, so if your room is far from the boat launch, you then need to add the busses in to get to the boat launch.

We decided that if we had no need or desire to do anything but stay in our room or "village", or take a bus to the parks or Disney Springs, OKW would be just fine. But, if you like to do things at the main building or have quicker access to Disney Springs, SSR definitely wins out, unless you can be positive that you get an OKW room near the Hospitality House (which is its own booking category).

 

[lexxus379]

I stayed at OKW for first time back in July. It was studio near HH. The parking was horrendous. There were no spots any where near our building and people were just parking along the curb. Very congested. Not sure if it’s like that all the time but it was a huge turn off for me. I like SSR better as far as layout of resort in general.

 

[eticketplease]

I stayed at OKW for first time back in July. It was studio near HH. The parking was horrendous. There were no spots any where near our building and people were just parking along the curb. Very congested. Not sure if it’s like that all the time but it was a huge turn off for me. I like SSR better as far as layout of resort in general.

That is how it has been for us which is why we do not book near HH as we rent a car.

 

[Jenna Caron]

I don't know how much larger of accommodations that you need but you can't beat the OKW Grand Villa Point Charts!!

I think the finishing touches at SSR are nicer but the rooms are larger at OKW.

I would go with Saratoga based on dues down the road but if you are only adding 50-100 points it won't matter that much.

Thanks so much! We don't need HUGE rooms - basically just to sleep more people. I am curious to know what people's thoughts are on the vibes of each resort!

 

[Jenna Caron]

I stayed at OKW for first time back in July. It was studio near HH. The parking was horrendous. There were no spots any where near our building and people were just parking along the curb. Very congested. Not sure if it’s like that all the time but it was a huge turn off for me. I like SSR better as far as layout of resort in general.

Thanks so much for this insight! It's important for us because we always rent a car.

 

[Jenna Caron]

We own at SSR and have stayed a few times, and just had our first stay at OKW a few weeks ago.

OKW rooms are giant, which is nice. although the bathroom layout in the one bedroom is a little weird. I liked almost nothing else about the resort (which isn't to say I disliked it, exactly, but it just didn't really work for us). It's so large that, while it would be physically possible to walk to the main building from any room, it could take forever. We took the busses, but on our last day we needed to get to the hospitality house with our luggage and Bell Services was slammed and running late. You can't take luggage on the other busses and it would have been a very very long walk. At SSR while you may have a long walk, it would be more doable in probably 15 minutes or so.

The quick service at OKW leaves a lot to be desired. There are one or two pool bars with food, I think (we didn't get to experience much because of an early hurricane departure), but the main quick service is an outdoor stand with a few picnic tables outside. If you want to eat that indoors, you have to take a bus to the main building, get your food, and then wait for another bus to get back to your room. You may then have to walk several minutes from the bus to your room. At SSR there is seating at the quick service.

If you like to visit Disney Springs, it's quicker from SSR. Depending on your room location, you can even walk. At OKW it's a bus or boat only, which is near the Hospitality House, so if your room is far from the boat launch, you then need to add the busses in to get to the boat launch.

We decided that if we had no need or desire to do anything but stay in our room or "village", or take a bus to the parks or Disney Springs, OKW would be just fine. But, if you like to do things at the main building or have quicker access to Disney Springs, SSR definitely wins out, unless you can be positive that you get an OKW room near the Hospitality House (which is its own booking category).

Thank you so much for this detailed response! I am leaning towards SSR with it's proximity to DS and the finishes. OKW has a nostalgic charm that I love - but it seems like the parking situation can also be terrible there.

 

[RoseGold]

SSR no brainer. OKW is overpriced in resale because Disney likes to ROFR it because they can extend the deed. Pool your points and book somewhere like AKL.

Exception would be if you want the OKW grand villa.

 

[Sandisw]

The lack of elevators is a big reason we didn’t go with OKW and have never stayed there.

We went with SSR because of the ease to DS if we ever do stay there.

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

We own at SSR and have stayed a few times, and just had our first stay at OKW a few weeks ago.

OKW rooms are giant, which is nice. although the bathroom layout in the one bedroom is a little weird. I liked almost nothing else about the resort (which isn't to say I disliked it, exactly, but it just didn't really work for us). It's so large that, while it would be physically possible to walk to the main building from any room, it could take forever. We took the busses, but on our last day we needed to get to the hospitality house with our luggage and Bell Services was slammed and running late. You can't take luggage on the other busses and it would have been a very very long walk. At SSR while you may have a long walk, it would be more doable in probably 15 minutes or so.

The quick service at OKW leaves a lot to be desired. There are one or two pool bars with food, I think (we didn't get to experience much because of an early hurricane departure), but the main quick service is an outdoor stand with a few picnic tables outside. If you want to eat that indoors, you have to take a bus to the main building, get your food, and then wait for another bus to get back to your room. You may then have to walk several minutes from the bus to your room. At SSR there is seating at the quick service.

If you like to visit Disney Springs, it's quicker from SSR. Depending on your room location, you can even walk. At OKW it's a bus or boat only, which is near the Hospitality House, so if your room is far from the boat launch, you then need to add the busses in to get to the boat launch.

We decided that if we had no need or desire to do anything but stay in our room or "village", or take a bus to the parks or Disney Springs, OKW would be just fine. But, if you like to do things at the main building or have quicker access to Disney Springs, SSR definitely wins out, unless you can be positive that you get an OKW room near the Hospitality House (which is its own booking category).

Generally it is quicker to walk to DS from most locations in SRR vs. OKW. However, if your villa is in the South Point section of OKW, the walk to Town Center in DS is about the same or maybe slightly longer as the walk from SRR's Carousel or Grandstand sections to Town Center.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We are OKW lovers since 1996. We own SSR but use it for SAP's as we aren't crazy about it. Parking at OKW is a nightmare for the HH villas as guests dining at Olivia's or picking something up at Conch Flats take up parking. Turtle Pond area is the best IMO as there is a gorgeous quiet pool, snack bar, grills and plenty of parking. Our son and DIL (30 something professionals) love OKW as well.

2057 OKWE prices are dropping. We paid $127 for a 50 point, loaded contract that closed a few weeks ago. I just saw another out there for $130.

Good luck whatever you do!

 

[D-Trick]

I stayed at OKW for first time back in July. It was studio near HH. The parking was horrendous. There were no spots any where near our building and people were just parking along the curb. Very congested. Not sure if it’s like that all the time but it was a huge turn off for me. I like SSR better as far as layout of resort in general.

This happens everyday in the morning and early afternoon. The lot at HH is small, so it's all the people showing up before check-in without a room assigned overflowing into the villa spaces.

By 4-5pm, it all clears up. Annoying, yes. But manageable if you expect it.

Returning to your HH villa in the evening spots are wide open.

 

[D-Trick]

Thank you so much for this detailed response! I am leaning towards SSR with it's proximity to DS and the finishes. OKW has a nostalgic charm that I love - but it seems like the parking situation can also be terrible there.

Parking is not as bad as it sounds. Only HH during certain hours of the day and primarily the lot for bldgs 11-14, followed by 62-63.

I own both SSR and OKW and OKW is by far the resort of choice when bringing friends and family. Obviously for the space, which as a result has more sofa seating for everyone.

 

[Unclelude]

We just stayed at both OKW and SSR last month for the first time. I posted in trip report forum for more details....

We liked the 'vibe' of OKW a bit more than SSR. Had a great time at both.

We own at SSR, pretty much SAP. Both are big resorts, but SSR is bigger... I think you have less dues 'risk' at SSR.

11 month probably isn't much of an advantage at either sans a few aforementioned scenarios... OKW slight edge...

Would not buy 2042 OKW... If you could find an OKW-e for same price as SSR, I'd buy the OKW-E. There are crap tons of SSR contracts out there so generally cheaper.

Good Luck!

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

We stayed SS 2-bedroom for four adults and three kids who are almost adult sizes (8, 9, and 10, all tall for their ages.). I hated the layout, cramped kitchen and foyer, and wasted weird space for the bathroom. However, the 3-bed grand villa there looks amazing! We're staying OKW next July at the Hospitality House (rented points from an owner to try it out, have an adult in a scooter,) so I can't speak to OKW yet, but while the rooms are large at OKW, I don't know that I love their footprint either, but their point chart is wonderful.

Would you consider more Riviera resale? Lowball since DVC isn't ROFR and see what happens? We stayed Riviera 2-bedroom and LOVED it. One person uses a scooter, totally wide enough to park it in the room and navigating around the resort and Skyliner. Strollers are no biggie, either. I think it's great for senior citizens AND young families since it's so compact and has great sightlines for keeping an eye on kids from the hot tub.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I currently own 200 points at the Riviera and love it. My wife and I love staying in the tower studios when it's just us.

We would like to add on at Saratoga or Old Key West for when we bring family members and we need a bigger room for less points. Can we discuss the pros and cons of both resorts?! I would purchase resale since I own direct at Riviera.

I haven't stayed at Old Key West, but I have stayed at Saratoga Springs. I dislike how sprawling it is, but I did like the proximity of my Congress Park room to Earl of Sandwich. I do like how relaxing the grounds are.

You're likely already aware of this, but keep in mind that since you own Riviera that any resale points you buy will not "play nicely" with your Riviera points. You'll be able to use your direct points at any resort, but your resale points will not be able to be used at Riviera unless you buy Riviera resale. However, Riviera resale points can only be used at Riviera. You could even get more Riviera direct so all your points work well together, and then switch out at 7 months to Old Key West or Saratoga, which are often (but not always) available. This strategy may not work if Grand Villas are your goal.

Whatever you do, good luck with your decision!

 

[eticketplease]

I did like the proximity of my Congress Park room to Earl of Sandwich.

Priorities!!!

 

[eticketplease]

You're likely already aware of this, but keep in mind that since you own Riviera that any resale points you buy will not "play nicely" with your Riviera points. You'll be able to use your direct points at any resort, but your resale points will not be able to be used at Riviera unless you buy Riviera resale. However, Riviera resale points can only be used at Riviera. You could even get more Riviera direct so all your points work well together, and then switch out at 7 months to Old Key West or Saratoga, which are often (but not always) available. This strategy may not work if Grand Villas are your goal.

Whatever you do, good luck with your decision!

Thanks for pointing that out as it is a big decision to factor in on adding more direct vs resale cons.

And yes good luck @Jenna Caron with you decision!!