Saratoga Springs or Old Key West

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi,

We may be switching our holiday dates tomorrow to fit in with a wedding, if we do I'm going to upgrade our hotel as we will be going when free dining is on. Saratoga Springs and Old Key West still seem to be heavily discounted and are barely any more expensive than a moderate, so I was looking at them . .. I'm veering towards SSR as it is in walking distance to DTD, which I like the thought of - has anyone stayed at either, and has any opinions?

 

[cantwait!!!!!!!!!!!!]

If you do a search there are loads of threads about this-I know as I read them all before I booked !

Some like one, some like another, we went for SSR in the end because OKW seemed to have limited dining options. I heard the rooms there are bigger though....

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Never stayed at either but have had a full tour around SSR.
To be honest neither really appeal that much based purely on the fact they are so spread out, just not suitable for us, but are excellent value for money.

I would favour SSR on 2 counts, it's newer and it is better located.

 

[mikki.young]

Are there two of you or four of you? Ae you going for a studio or a 1 bed?

If 2 and a studio then go for SSR.

If 2 or 4 and a 1 bed then go for OKW because the rooms are awesome with a jacuzzi big enough for 2. The studios have 2 beds which is better if 4 of you.

Both resorts are easy to get to downtown but SSR is closer. OKW has bus or boat but SSR has an all hours walkway.

 

[Neoshoegal]

We chose SSR. Preferred the look, it's newer and as there are only 2 of us the double bed and sofa seemed a better choice than 2 beds.
We were very happy at SSR, going again this year!

If there's more than 2 of you though, I'd choose OKW.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Thanks everyone! There's two of us so that's settled my mind to SSR if we do swap!!

 

[igk]

We went back to OKW last year. Had been there before so knew what to expect, and the rooms are the biggest, if older. Also like the 'tropical' feel. We booked again for this year.
Haven't seen SSR except to drive past so haven't got anything against that, though!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

For those that have stayed there, do the usual free Disney buses run all day, as they do at the other hotels? Thanks!

 

[Neoshoegal]

yes, the busses run all day at SSR

 

[disney_princess_85]

Looks like you've made your mind up already but, for what it's worth, I chose SSR over OKW because it's newer, it's close to DD and the pools look great. I've since found out that OKW doesn't have lifts in the accommodation blocks, which puts me off ever staying there to be honest- it would be a nightmare getting suitcases up/down stairs!

 

[jtlover]

We have booked SSR for this September. We have booked a 2 bed villa as there are 4 of us, even though it can accommodate 8

We just liked the idea of trying it as it gave us 2 bedrooms. Daughter is taking her boyfriend this year so dont fancy being in the same room. The price was discounted and free dining so it was a no brainy for us.

Hope it works out for you.

 

[mikki.young]

Looks like you've made your mind up already but, for what it's worth, I chose SSR over OKW because it's newer, it's close to DD and the pools look great. I've since found out that OKW doesn't have lifts in the accommodation blocks, which puts me off ever staying there to be honest- it would be a nightmare getting suitcases up/down stairs!

Bell services are very good at getting cases up and down the stairs!

I have to admit that I much prefer OKW but I have owned there since 1992. I think SSR looks like a motel with the concrete corridors but then I am biased!

 

[Cinderella]

I like both. Saratoga is probably my favourite resort but I think we're going to stay at Old Key West this year.

Both resorts are spread out and have a relaxing feel -it's hard to tell just driving through. When we first pulled up at Saratoga, I thought I was going to hate it.

Saratoga probably has the better main pool and slide for little ones and it's nice to stay in the buildings closest to there - think it's the Springs section. Old Key West has the water mouse boat rentals etc, if you think you might use those.

Both have boat ride to Downtown Disney. From some buildings in Saratoga, it's a short walk to Downtown Disney. The spa and gym in Saratoga is the best on Disney property. At OKW you have a golf course in the resort.

For size of rooms, OKW is the hands down winner. If you're getting a two bedroom for four, that may not be an issue. But if you're getting a one bedroom, or studio, OKW will give you much more space.

Both are great - you can't make a bad choice and the discount on the UK Disney site is excellent, especially if you're going during free dining.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

We booked SSR!! Yey!! Thanks everyone!

 

[brightspark]

I've stayed at both and think you've made a great choice for 2 of you

The pool at SSR is lovely, the lights over the 'lakes' are really pretty at night, and because it's so spread out it always feels lovely and quiet!

Being able to walk or take the bus, or the boat to Downtown is nice too. Buses run regularly to all the parks, and the food court is bigger than OKW.

Enjoy

 

[kylie]

We booked SSR!! Yey!! Thanks everyone!

If the DTD view is inportant to you be sure to request it. I think only about 20% of the rooms have it. Also SS is as a previous poster mentioned, large. There are rooms which it will not be practicle to walk to DTD. Of course you could get one of the internal buses to the nearest area then walk.

 

[disney_princess_85]

If the DTD view is inportant to you be sure to request it.

I'm staying at SSR too and would like to request one of these rooms. Do I just fax them my request a week beforehand (I did this for CSR last year)?

 

[kylie]

There are many treads which sugest this. I always request it at booking. We have been success*** 1/4. I would say that this is probally the most requested request