Saratoga Springs or Old Key West?

[IDoDis]

We received a postcard in the mail today for rooms at either SS or OKW for $159 per night through 9/29. Is this a good deal that I should take seriously or can this rate be had from time to time (for a studio)? Which one is better? There would be 2 adults & 2 kids and we'd be flying so we wouldn't have groceries.

Also, if I book either of these, what happens if we need to cancel? Would we get a refund?

 

[dfarner]

First of all, I love both of these resorts! Yes, I think that $159/night for a studio is worth considering. Deals can be had from time to time, but that is a good rate to take advantage of now. SS has a totally different feel than OKW, so to me its like comparing apples to oranges. SS is newer, very large (OKW is large as well), has a horse and racetrack theme, a zero entry pool, quickservice food available. OKW is definitely an older resort with a laid back, Florida-golf-resort kind of feel. The pool is not zero entry and the quickservice food available is very limited and only at the pool bar area (there are limited groceries available in both resorts). DTD is boat accessible from both resorts. I think it depends on what kind of vacation you like to have. If you like a laid back, Florida kind of atmosphere then I would recommend OKW.
As far as cancelation is concerned, I can say that I have put a deposit down on a vacation with Disney Travel and had no problem when I had to cancel- got the refund back on my card in no time.

 

[MissMet]

Being that it's 4 of you I would suggest OKW. OKW studios have two queen beds, SSR has 1 queen & 1 pull-out couch. Also, IMO, OKW has WAY better themeing. IMO, SSR feel like an apartment complex we have here in NY. Maybe that's why, it's supposed to be Saratoga Springs, NY. Also, SSR has a boat to downtown but it takes FOREVER to come & has an odd schedule, the resort is huge so if you're not in the buildings near DTD it's not convenient at all to walk, that's why they still run a bus to DTD from SSR. My pick is OKW & I'm a DVC member who owns in SSR.

And YES, a studio is definitely worth it. I never use the kitchens in the DVC villas, but it is nice to have a refrigerator & microwave for the rare times I bring back leftovers. Plus, the DVC gift shops sell a lot of food items.

 

[spiceycat]

how old are your children?

with little kids - SSR - the pool has zero entry.

with older ones - OKW - the slide is a castle and it is fast.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The regular rate for those studios is $279 a night, so that's a 40% discount - not bad.
While the SSR boat may seem to be on an odd schedule, the two resorts share that boat. It goes from OKW to SSR to DTD to SSR to OKW to SSR to... so, yeah, I can see where it would seem odd. SSR Guests wouldn't know for sure which direction the boat is going.

Anyway, another vote for OKW. In addition to the two beds vs. bed-and-sofabed, the units are larger - and SSR is just a boat ride away, if you wanted to eat there.

Also, you could have groceries delivered by gardengrocer.com, wegoshop.com, or goodings.com.

 

[kjs1976]

okw All The Way!!!!!

 

[NYCDVClover2000]

We received a postcard in the mail today for rooms at either SS or OKW for $159 per night through 9/29. Is this a good deal that I should take seriously or can this rate be had from time to time (for a studio)? Which one is better? There would be 2 adults & 2 kids and we'd be flying so we wouldn't have groceries.

Also, if I book either of these, what happens if we need to cancel? Would we get a refund?

Old Key West.................the rooms themselves are bigger then SS

 

[beccasmom]

OKW would be my (okay, biased! ) choice because of the extra space. And I think it's a great deal $$$-wise. DH was at WDW last week with the kids (mom had to work! ) and stayed at OKW and SSR. He said he really noticed the difference in space for the first time - he has never stayed in a SSR studio before. He liked SSR, but much prefers OKW. He did not think there was enough storage space.

 

[IDoDis]

Thanks for all of the help! The info will be VERY useful. Our kids are ages 8 and 11. Both are great swimmers and would love the slide at OKW.

One more question: Do the buses run to the parks or would we have to take the boat to DTD and then get on a shuttle from there? This would be a 4 day weekend excursion if we go since the kids will be back in school.

 

[MissMet]

Nope, the buses will run right from OKW to wherever you're going. No need to go to DTD first.

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

MissMet is correct.

Additionally, there are no buses that go directly from Downtown Disney to the parks.

 

[tacomaranch]

There is a very nice boat ride to DTD from OKW that runs from mid morning until around 10 pm. It is just a nice way to relax after a busy day.

 

[momof2minnies]

OKW all the way!

 

[amgine27]

take the deal and go to ssr

 

[alldiz]

Take the deal.....it is good....

SSR is great if you have a lot of dinners planned at other
resorts.....
you can walk to dtd and hop a bus to any resort....

I thought the slide at SSR was long and fun.......
Best one I've seen so far...I haven't been to OKW yet though....
Lots of organized activities at community hall....and pool side

Artist Palette....counter service.....probably the best deluxe
resort counter service.....everything made fresh to order...

Probably comes down to the beds....
OKW....2 queen beds....
SSR.....1 queen bed....pull out double sofa bed...
Either way....Have a great trip
Kerri

 

[byoung]

There is a very nice boat ride to DTD from OKW that runs from mid morning until around 10 pm. It is just a nice way to relax after a busy day.

I agree.

 

[die2yourways]

are there any real downsides to SSR. i just got moved there from the AKL construction and i got a heck of a deal. and i'm just curious

 

[MissMet]

are there any real downsides to SSR. i just got moved there from the AKL construction and i got a heck of a deal. and i'm just curious

No real "downsides". IMO, if you're a DVC member & have stayed at the other DVC resorts some find that SSR doesn't compare. It's a gorgeous resort & very nice proximity to DTD, just it's not the BWV or AKV. But on the other hand there are quite a few DVC members who love SSR. It's really all about taste & how you vacation. You'll enjoy SSR, it's beautiful.