SSR or OKW?

[leebee]

I can't decide! I've stayed at OKW before and felt like I was staying at any of the offsite villa communities in which we've stayed before, but the studios are larger. SSR has just been through a refurb and is within walking distance of Disney Springs, but doesn't seem to get "high" reviews. Which would you choose, and why? (It's just DH and me, only 1 or 2 park days planned- and we'll probably have a car.)

 

[Elephantay]

We were pleasantly surprised with how much we loved SSR! We had a beautiful view of DS and loved the excitement and vibe. We enjoyed the main pool, too. Its very spread out, but so is OKW...I think it may matter where you are there, but if you could be close to the DS area, I highly recommend!

 

[quandrea]

I’m happy at either one. For you though, I’d say SSR. The refurb is spectacular, the pools (5 of them!) are fantastic and you can’t beat walking to Disney Springs. The grounds are also beautiful and highly walkable if that’s you’re thing. Cast members have always been kind in my experience. Artist’s Palette is delicious. It’s now my first choice of resort, followed by AK and OKW (which are probably tied). Can’t beat the price/point charts at any of these three.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I’ve stayed at both numerous times. I’d choose OKW over SSR, unless you’re staying in a treehouse, they’re awesome. I think the ambiance at OKW is better, rooms are bigger and Olivia’s is awesome.

 

[disneyeverlasting]

If you’ve already stayed at OKW, I’d say give SSR a try. With the refurbished rooms and proximity to Disney Springs, it is really nice now!

 

[BillPA]

For 2 in a studio, SSR. Having a sofa to sit on will make all the difference.

 

[jamaka66]

I love OKW because the rooms are bigger however I would say SSR. With the boats to DS not running SSR is an easy walk to Disney Springs. With limited restaurants at both places you have an easy walk to tons of food options. Also the refurbished rooms at SSR are beautiful, clean and fresh. Congress Park pool is just perfect, you can see downtown but it's usually pretty quiet there. The CM at SSR were so kind and helpful. We were there in November and we are in our sixties and we walked to DS all the time we also walked from Congress Park to Paddock pool and to the food at the main bldg. If you do stay at SSR don't forget the restaurant at Paddock we got a great sandwich and a drink there.

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

For Studios, OKW is my least favorite resort. Most of the things I love at OKW (so much that we recently purchased an OKW contract) are negated in a Studio--huge rooms, full-size W/D, the veranda! But a Studio in OKW is a glorified motel room. Another vote for SSR for this trip.

 

[Micca]

We have contracts at both of these resorts and enjoy staying at either. Really, with a car I don't know that there's a huge difference. I should note that because we travel with DD and DGDs we always have either a 1 or 2 bedroom.

 

[Brian Noble]

Which would you choose, and why?

I think it depends on what you want. I like both very much, and while I happen to have a slight favorite, that's based on my own preferences.

Resort "vibe": OKW seems to whisper "island time" to me every time I turn around, with very lush landscaping. SSR has a sense of understated elegance, and has finally grown into its landscaping after early years when the buildings seemed out of scale relative to the treeline.

Both are peaceful respites from the parks, though OKW is a little more so by virtue of not being next to Disney Springs. The golf course winds through the buildings at OKW more than in SSR, which may or may not be a good thing. I'm not sure if it's really true, but SSR feels a little more densely populated than OKW does; that may be due to the building design.

Dining options: At OKW, Olivia's is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere in WDW, though I suspect some of that is nostalgia. On the other hand, Goods is probably my least favorite counter/window service location. Anything else requires a drive, bus, or (when it is running) boat. At SSR, I still haven't managed to eat at Turf Club, and I miss having a table service restaurant for breakfast/lunch. But Artists' is one of the better counter service spots, and Disney Springs has tons of options in SSR's backyard.

The pools at OKW--even the feature pool--feel like an afterthought, and the walking paths are almost all along roads, which makes them a lot less pleasant. SSR has two very good feature pools, and for the most part the walking paths are separated from the roads by the buildings.

I tend to stay in the villas rather than studios, so this difference might matter less, but I really like the OKW 1BR layout. The rooms are more spacious, feel more comfortable, and OKW is one of the few resorts at which the patios/balconies are big enough to really relax. However, if I were looking at studios, the bed + sofabed at SSR is more functional than OKW's two beds for a couple.

Finally: if you'd asked me four or so years ago, I would say OKW without hesitation. But, two of my last three visits were to SSR, and I've found it has really grown on me. Since you haven't tried SSR yet, why not give it a shot?

 

[Karl66]

DW and I have stayed at both resorts on trips with just us. We enjoyed both. OKW is our home resort. If easy access to DS is important, go with SSR. If a larger studio room is to your advantage, OKW is the choice. Personally, for a adults only trip, I'd go with a 1BR at SSR. The proximity to DS night life, bars etc, would be wonderful. No need to bus or risk driving impaired. A short 15 minute walk and you are home.

 

[ckb_nc]

Own at SSR and stayed at both multiple times. OKW is a slight win for us (we have a car most times so that is a big question). OKW is more laid back, and bigger rooms. We slept 6 in a 2 bedroom SSR no problem. I would say one thing SSR has over OKW is food - the quick service at SSR is a plus to me. We would send my DS over to grab breakfast for us. When we bought, Disney Springs was not what it is today frankly - I would stay at either. Adults only park light trip - SSR

 

[pkrieger2287]

I'd choose OKW... Especially since you have a car. As much as I love Disney and the parks, OKW has always felt like it is a bit of an escape and I've loved that. Iknow you'll have a wonderful time no matter what you choose!

 

[DVCsloth]

Never stayed at either one yet, but OKW looks really nice to me! Saratoga looks good as well and if I were in a studio the couch in Saratoga might make the difference. 1 bedroom I would probably choose OKW. 2 adults and 1 child.

 

[Ensusieasm]

I can't decide! I've stayed at OKW before and felt like I was staying at any of the offsite villa communities in which we've stayed before, but the studios are larger. SSR has just been through a refurb and is within walking distance of Disney Springs, but doesn't seem to get "high" reviews. Which would you choose, and why? (It's just DH and me, only 1 or 2 park days planned- and we'll probably have a car.)

I would suggest SSR. Book “preferred”, then call to request Congress park, because the short walk to Disney Springs is great. The room refurb is spectacular. The quiet pool overlooking Disney Springs is lovely.
I have stayed at both OKW & SSR many times and SSR is my first choice.

 

[bakerworld]

We've stayed in OKW and SSR multiple times over the years. SSR is smaller but the the layout of the room is better, walking distance to the Springs a plus and four different pool areas to choose. I really like the updated rooms.

My husband agrees that OKW studios are larger but I think the furniture layout diminishes the size. The door practically opens into a bed. The room has two CRUNCH areas - one going out to the patio/veranda and the other at the kitchenette/closet/bathroom entrance. I find this really annoying along with the fact that there seems to be this big unused open area between the beds and the table due to the triangle size of the room. I think OKW is a good option for people who need two beds and/or have small children who need play room. The veranda is very small and the entrance doors are awkward.

 

[The Jackal]

I own at both SSR and OKW and enjoy both resorts. If you enjoy your room to be quiet, choose SSR. Most buildings at OKW the bus routes drive by all day for the parks and you can hear them drive by along with golf carts used by maintenance cast members. SSR bus routes are further away from the buildings and rooms are quieter. Our last trip we stayed in building 22 at OKW it is off the bus route and it was nice and quiet, but far from the Hospitality House. We are staying at OKW next month and SSR in the fall. OKW has has some of the largest rooms in DVC. I have had great meals at Olivia’s and The Turf Club. But the Turf Club is closed right now.

 

[cpep42]

Always OKW for me. Besides the room size, the cast members are family.

 

[bakerworld]

Always OKW for me. Besides the room size, the cast members are family.

Do you stay in a studio or 1 Bedroom?

 

[leebee]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. We decided to go with SSR, as proximity to the Springs is appealing. We took a Christmas 2019 trip and stayed at the Hilton at Lake Buena Vista (NOT the Palace) and loved being able to walk over to DS for a meal or a beverage. We are only doing one park day (Taste of Epcot Flower and Garden Fest, here we come!) and are hoping for a lot of pool time and leisurely evenings eating good food and enjoying the atmosphere at the Springs and at SSR. SO excited to finally be going! This trip was scheduled for Dec 2020 and Jan 2021 and was postponed both times... so it's about time, and I'm just counting the days!