Saratoga Springs or Old Key West

[Abigail Broughton]

Family of 3 with 10 year old daughter doing a resort only stay in November. We are in the bubble with no car. Please helo me decide Saratoga Springs or OKW deluxe studio please.

 

[UA DVC Member]

We own at SSR and really like staying there, especially when we do a resort only vacation. The pools are great, there is a lot to do and it’s so close to Disney Springs. I think it’s a much better choice than OKW for what you are looking for.

 

[Abigail Broughton]

Thank you!! Perfect, just what I wanted to hear.

 

[nursejackie]

I've stayed in both, but we had a car which makes it easier in those big, sprawling resorts. OKW has my heart after many stays over Christmas period, but the food options are limited compared to SSR. The proximity to DS is a definite plus for SSR but as we go in December I didn't feel comfortable taking the path to DS in the dark (maybe that's just us), and feel more comfortable on the boat from OKW.

The choice of building in each resort (if you don't have a car) can be a deal breaker also. At SSR if you're near DS you are quite a way from the resort's main building/dining options so there is a trade-off. Also, we are 'early to bed early to rise' people so were worried at SSR about noise from DS late at night.

Overall OKW wins out for us, but it's not always possible to put your finger on why your heart chooses one resort over another.

 

[PumpkinSpice]

They're both beautiful resorts, but with a 10 year old I think SSR has a slight edge over OKW mainly because there are three feature pools at SSR, and if you're doing standard view, you can request the Paddock section next to the Paddock pool, which also has a quick service spot, and the bus stop is right there. The bridge to the Carriage House, Artist's Palette, and the store is also right near the Paddock pool, and it's a short 5-10 minute walk depending on how fast you're walking. You also have the option of walking to DS. From what I understand, the boat taxis are not operating from either resort to DS right now, but I could be wrong. That's just what I've read. I also read you could walk to DS from OKW, but it's a much longer walk from there, and it's not really a designated walking path to DS. The studios are bigger at OKW, but have two queens, whereas the studios at SSR have the traditional DVC layout of a queen bed, and a queen sleeper sofa. I prefer having a sitting area during the day rather than sitting on the bed.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Only three buildings in OKW have an elevator.

I prefer SSR over OKW also because of the layout of the studio.

 

[Abigail Broughton]

Thank you! Saratoga Springs it is!

 

[jimmytammy]

You made a good choice! I love OKW but not a big fan of the studios there. More like a really nice hotel room IMO. SSR proximity to DS by boat or walking is a plus, and since you aren't going into parks, this will afford you a bit o the Disney Magic, without the parks. Lots of good places to eat at DS, cool shopping. Also, SSR IMO has the best resort QS on property at Artists Pallete.

 

[Abigail Broughton]

Thank you for all the wonderful responses. We have stayed at many different Disney Resorts Boulder Rigde and Pop Century actually being our favorite. We love Disney Springs and after having our first resort only stay in August we are excited to have that relaxed vacation again. Saratoga Spring's looks beautiful and I look forward to all the pool hopping within the resort. The Paddock area looks really nice.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you for all the wonderful responses. We have stayed at many different Disney Resorts Boulder Rigde and Pop Century actually being our favorite. We love Disney Springs and after having our first resort only stay in August we are excited to have that relaxed vacation again. Saratoga Spring's looks beautiful and I look forward to all the pool hopping within the resort. The Paddock area looks really nice.

Enjoy a relaxing vacation!

 

[justadreamaway77]

THere is a walkway from SSR to OKW if you want to still partake in some of OKW's activities that SSR may not have like shuffleboard or Olivia's (who knows when Turf Club will open!)

 

[Deb & Bill]

THere is a walkway from SSR to OKW if you want to still partake in some of OKW's activities that SSR may not have like shuffleboard or Olivia's (who knows when Turf Club will open!)

That path closes at dusk and reopens at sunrise since it isn't lit at night. It's about a mile from South Point to Cirque.

 

[lizdis1]

We booked a studio at SSR for a long resort-only stay in Dec. We just added on a second contract there last winter. I think it looks great for a resort-only stay! The pools alone will entertain my daughter.

 

[dvc lover 1970]

Thank you! Saratoga Springs it is!

Good choice with a 10 year old you cant beat the proximity to disney springs. The advantage of OKW is the two queen beds but I prefer SSR.