SSR v. OKW - opinions for a weekend stay?

[Disney52303]

Hello! I am booked at SSR for 1/30-12/2 (but wait listed for BC/Boardwalk and daily checking for BLT and WL). Just booked this trip thanks to a fab deal on flights and these two studios are all that's available. We've stayed at SSR 3x and never at OKW. Can anyone offer opinions on benefits/downside to either resort? I'm really hoping to switch to someplace closer to a park (only since it's a weekend whirlwind, otherwise I wouldn't mind).

OKW will cost us 4 less points (and we're planning two 2013 trips) which is a benefit. The main pool/slide look really fun too. Plus we'd eventually like to try each of the resorts. DH is worried OKW may be 'older' though I think they've undergone renovations? I'm guessing bus transportation will be similar? If I switch to OKW, is there a building section I should recommend to be close to the main pool/last bus stop, etc? We usually request Grandstand (I think) at SSR...

Thanks in advance for any opinions!

 

[BabsBunny]

The benefit to SSR is that you are walking distance to DD. From Grandstand you are closer to the West Side. Well, you already know that.

The benefit of OKW is a larger room. If you want to be close to the pool, etc., request a room near the Hospitality House. We did that last summer, and I'm glad we did.

Both are big resorts. OKW has a nice laid back feel. They did recently go through renovations. SSR is nice too (even though the decor feels like home). We like being close to DD for a weekend stay.

 

[mybabesuz]

I think everyone should try every resort at least once.
And everyone has their own opinions.

We just returned from a stay at OKW and we didn't like it at all.
The buses seemed to take forever to drive through the resort. It drove us crazy.
The room seemed dreary and old even though it had be redone.
The room just wasn't bright and clean. The windows were very dirty.
The bed was rock hard. It took me 5 minutes just to find a comfortable way to lay in it.
My kids didn't like the bed because it was very high and hard.
They said they would rather have the pullout sofa bed.
We had noisy neighbors next to us and upstairs.
Our room was close to the bus stop but far away from everything else.
We stayed in the Turtle pond section. I had to walk half a mile to do laundry.
The Turtle shack was only opened 11-5 and closed when the pool closed for bad weather.
The only place to fill our mugs or get a snack at night was at the main building.
It was easy to get there but took forever to get back to our room.
We didn't really know our way around the resort so we didn't walk much.
We just felt very isolated.
The main pool was nice.
I'm glad we tried it but we would never stay in a studio there again or without a car.

We liked SSR much better.
The rooms are brighter and it was much easier to get around.

 

[hakepb]

OKW studios have 2 real queen beds and no couch. Depending on the use of the 2nd bed that is either an advantage or a disadvantage (no comfortable seating)

I do not think any DVC is guaranteed close to an evening snack or drink refill station. The Paddock area gives SSR a second option that helps a little.

 

[Soarin' Rocks]

I love, love, love OKW!! I really like the theme and the room decor. The rooms are HUGE!! I've stayed in all sections of OKW at one time or another and although it is more convenient to stay near the Hospitality House, staying further out was fine too. The main pool/slide is nice, but so are the quiet pools. There is an internal bus that runs just around OKW so if you don't feel like walking to HH you can catch one of those buses. OKW has a quiet, laid back feeling that I just love.

 

[Disney52303]

thanks for the advice! I did end up switching to OKW! It was 27 instead of 31 points for the two nights in a studio. There was no availability near the hospitality house but I requested buildings 27-29 if available, I asked about 62-64 but was told they are generally reserved for those with mobility issues since they have elevators. That's fine, we can walk. And I'm still wait-listed for the other resorts.

The two queen beds is a HUGE positive for us. My kiddos are 7 and 4 and don't sleep that well if we make them share. DH or I usually end up on a pull-out with one of the kids which makes for for us. I'm okay with not being able to walk to DD since it's just two nights. Same with laundry, I probably won't wash our things before going home like I generally do. For those factors, this seems like a perfect opportunity to try out OKW.

So unless we switch, we have a few extra points to play with. Our 7 month mark comes up in October for our next trip, so I will see what we can get then!

 

[dgagnon519]

We have done both. They are very different from eachother I think. I would do either of them again, but my kids preferred OKW.

 

[darkwing818]

I don't think you will be disappointed with OKW, we were just there before (studio) and after (1 bedroom) our May Disney cruise, had a great time. Enjoy your trip.

 

[bobbiwoz]

OKW only has 3 buildings with elevators. I prefer studios at SSR, but we have had a lovely stay in a studio at OKW in one of the elevator buildings.

We prefer studios with a queen and a sofa bed.

 

[Disneypapa]

OKW for me. I love the theme, decor, huge rooms and lower points for accommodations. Parking near the front door to your room is a plus too!

SSR is to much like the apartment/condo complex I can rent anywhere.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I love OKW above all other resorts for the tropical ambiance, the lush landscaping & the grounds, Olivia's, The Guirgling suitcase, the quiet pools and the huge living space.

I also love SSR for the beautiful greens, the Turf, Congress Park (DTD view) and the upscale decor of the villas.

We book 2 br's always, but if I had to choose a studio I might wsay towards SSR, the OKW studio's are on the corners of the buildings and at times tend to be mired by too much of that lush landscaping.

I think since you've picked OKW, then I would request a 3 floor studio!

Good luck, & in the end I've never had a bad experience at any resort, so enjoy your stay!

 

[dianeschlicht]

thanks for the advice! I did end up switching to OKW! It was 27 instead of 31 points for the two nights in a studio. There was no availability near the hospitality house but I requested buildings 27-29 if available, I asked about 62-64 but was told they are generally reserved for those with mobility issues since they have elevators. That's fine, we can walk. And I'm still wait-listed for the other resorts.

The two queen beds is a HUGE positive for us. My kiddos are 7 and 4 and don't sleep that well if we make them share. DH or I usually end up on a pull-out with one of the kids which makes for for us. I'm okay with not being able to walk to DD since it's just two nights. Same with laundry, I probably won't wash our things before going home like I generally do. For those factors, this seems like a perfect opportunity to try out OKW.

So unless we switch, we have a few extra points to play with. Our 7 month mark comes up in October for our next trip, so I will see what we can get then!

Hope you enjoy it. First of all, I wouldn't put that many in a studio, and secondly, buildings 27-29 are my least favorite in all of OKW. That is especially true if you get the end studio nearest the road in 29.

 

[Disney52303]

Hope you enjoy it. First of all, I wouldn't put that many in a studio, and secondly, buildings 27-29 are my least favorite in all of OKW. That is especially true if you get the end studio nearest the road in 29.

4 in a studio, is that what you mean? That's what we often book and have always been comfortable.

I was wondering about 27-29 if it will be a longer walk than I imagined to the pool, it's hard to tell on a map. If my waitlist doesn't come through I can modify or remove my building request. We are pretty laid back no matter what we end up with