Stay at which resort (OKW, SS, FW Cabin) for off-site Orlando area wedding?

[HHISand]

We may use DVC points to stay at WDW while attending an Orlando area wedding in mid-December. There is a party for guests in central Orlando on Friday night and the actual wedding is Saturday night in Mount Dora, FL. If we stay at WDW, I know our choices will be limited because of the time of year. Assuming they are available, would you choose a studio at Saratoga Springs or Old Key West or a one-bedroom cabin at Fort Wilderness? We may go to a water park but otherwise won't be visiting any park. Would appreciate people's suggestions and why. Or should we just book something closer to the actual wedding venue? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sandisw]

My vote would be SSR simply because it’s so close to Disney Springs.

 

[leebee]

I guess it would depend on how you want to use your DVC points. Will it cut into your being able to stay onsite, at a resort you prefer, for your next vacation? We often stay onsite when we are having a non-park trip, but we eat at favorite restaurants at the Disney resorts or Disney Springs, visit favorite lounges, etc. If I'm not doing "Disney things" I'd probably stay someplace closer to the wedding and save my points for the next Disney vacation.

 

[CarolynFH]

I’d probably pick the FW cabin, mostly because we don’t like studios and also because I want to stay in one of the new cabins. I’ve stayed at SSR and OKW already. It would also depend on points cost. Good luck in booking what you want - it’s a tough time of year!

 

[cruisehopeful]

I'd map out the driving and consider drive time and parking. As much as I love the idea of the Fort Wilderness cabin, I don't think I'd stay there because of the layout. My husband needs to pee during the night and the bathroom is on the opposite side. Also, I don't understand the TV being on the wall next to the couch instead of across from the couch.

 

[HHISand]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Note to CarolynFH, we have a good amount of points and did four week long two-bedroom stays in one year ending in January 2025 (took different family members or friends each time). Probably not going again to the parks in 2025 so thought this might be a good use of a few points (but limiting it to studio or cabin to reduce the points). Good idea, Cruisehopeful, to map out the driving. I like the idea of being close to Disney Springs, Sandisw, but my husband is not convinced.

 

[kilik64]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Note to CarolynFH, we have a good amount of points and did four week long two-bedroom stays in one year ending in January 2025 (took different family members or friends each time). Probably not going again to the parks in 2025 so thought this might be a good use of a few points (but limiting it to studio or cabin to reduce the points). Good idea, Cruisehopeful, to map out the driving. I like the idea of being close to Disney Springs, Sandisw, but my husband is not convinced.

What about is he not convinced on? If you have not been to SSR lately, the rooms are great, one of the better refurbs of the last few years compared to what it was before.

 

[Ronaldo17]

I would go for SSR, the rooms are nice and it's an easy walk to DS since you are not going to the parks.

 

[tidefan]

I don’t know if you have looked at CFW availability at seven months, but it is really hard to get in at seven months. Your best bet is probably SSR, and as a previous poster stated the renovation did it wonders. The rooms are way nicer than they used to be…

 

[jtopp]

Mt. Dora is only about 45 minutes from WDW, close enough that staying on site is not an inconvenience

 

[s.r.disney nut]

T

I'd map out the driving and consider drive time and parking. As much as I love the idea of the Fort Wilderness cabin, I don't think I'd stay there because of the layout. My husband needs to pee during the night and the bathroom is on the opposite side. Also, I don't understand the TV being on the wall next to the couch instead of across from the couch.

That TV location is beyond ridiculous!

 

[HHISand]

Thanks again, everyone, for your feedback. I do realize that the cabin is unlikely to be available at the 7 month mark. In fact, I would not be surprised if no studio is available at the 7 month mark but was seeking opinions in case they were available. I assume that the best chance is for SS or OKW but even those are not necessarily available in mid-December. Only willing to use enough points for a studio since we would be going primarily for a wedding. Thanks to jtopp for letting me know the wedding venue is only about 45 minutes away. All three are currently available but of course it is not yet within the 7 month booking period.

 

[Judique]

I'd book something closer to the wedding venue, especially as it's a Saturday night wedding.

 

[zavandor]

If you don't plan to go to the parks and you have a car, SSR seems a very good option.
You wrote you have enough points, but if you want to save them, have a look at the II getaways. Mid December Sheraton Vistana and a couple Marriot resorts have availability and they're very cheap.

 

[Judique]

If you don't plan to go to the parks and you have a car, SSR seems a very good option.
You wrote you have enough points, but if you want to save them, have a look at the II getaways. Mid December Sheraton Vistana and a couple Marriot resorts have availability and they're very cheap.

Just an FYI, the $25 parking fee is not included in the 'all taxes and fees included'. The prepaid rate was $136 including tax, so still pretty reasonable for a 1 king bed with kitchenette and living room with sofa bed to sleep 4. I will be looking at this again to possibly add a couple of days to my early December trip.

I priced out Dec 15.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

I recommend Old Key West for its larger studio layout and two dedicated queen beds. If you are attending a formal wedding, the extra space can be especially helpful for getting ready.