Stick with SSR or try and change to AK or OKW?

[Mjkre]

Hello. This is my first thread, so I hope I am doing it right. We are currently booked for Thanksgiving week at SSR in a 2 bedroom. Our points allow us to either stay where we are, change to 2br AK standard or value (if available) or OKW. We have stayed at both OKW (loved, loved, loved it) and SSR (loved it too although not as much as OKW). Should we try and switch at the 7 month mark to AK? Part of me and part of the family wants to try something new....part of me is nervous and just wants to go back to OKW (if available) or stay put at SSR.

Any advice or thoughts are always welcome. I am curious to see if there is anyone out there who loves both OKW and AK.....

 

[utahkennedys]

We adore OKW and this time did a split stay at OKW and AKV Kidani...so we can't say yet. I do think part of what we liked about DVC was the ability to stay at other resorts so I would like to try a few more (have only tried OKW, BCV, and GCV so far). Good luck!

 

[dapod423]

I have stayed at both SS and AKV. My personal opinion would be to try for AKV. While SS is a beautiful resort, there is just something so special about the AKV. It's literally like walking in to a whole different world. The theming, environment, cast members....everything is just so perfect. I can get lost there for days and notice something new at every turn.
Son't get me wrong, SS has it's own charm. But that is all it is, charm. AKV has the "WOW factor".

Good luck with your planning!! Have a great trip!

 

[Sammie]

As to loving OKW and AKV, no not me, mainly because one is light and one is dark. One is beautiful blooming flowers, quiet walkways, and the other is an African savannah and due to the animals limited walkways.

We did it once, and that was enough. I can appreciate the wow factor and I can definitely say it is a beautiful resort as far as attention to detail, it just does not appeal to me visually.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

I love them all (OKW and SSR being my favorites), but I would highly encourage you to try AKV. You'll never know what you like/don't like until you hop. We decided to give each resort a try, and we've stayed at them all with the exception of BLT.

Each resort has a different feel and gives us a different vacation experience. Hopping keeps Disney fresh, even though OKW feels like a second home. I could move into a grand villa tomorrow and be content until my dying days! I'm so glad we hopped early on in our membership, and as long as Disney allows us that luxury and there's availability at the 7 month window, we'll continue to hop. The only thing I would probably not do again is a split stay. I have found that I like to settle in and unpack. Changing resorts (no matter how long the stay) just hangs over my head.

One thing's for sure...you'll have a wonderful time no matter where you stay! Have a great trip!

 

[TisBit]

I agree with the PP, try different resorts and find what you like. We have stayed at quite a few and have found some of the more popular resorts we have not liked very much and some of the less popular we have enjoyed a ton. It is all about YOUR personality, I personally don't get pleasure being part of the "in" crowd just because a resort is popular, I would rather go somewhere that I am comfortable and suits my family/vacation style.

 

[DenLo]

It's only a wait list and if you are willing to try another resort, go ahead. For safety you have a reservation at SSR so if the WL doesn't come through you'll be staying at a resort you like. It sounds like a win win situation to me.

 

[Yardbird]

SSR is my home resort, and a top favorite. I never really cared to stay at AKV, it just didn't appeal to me. A friend loves it, so I gave it a try and I am so glad that I did. I now love AKL/AKV. Keep your SSR reservation and waitlist for AKL/AKV.

 

[Lexxiefern]

I would try out AKV since you have not yet. And yes I love both OKW and AKV! Jambo is wonderful and we are trying out Kidani next month. We too are trying to figure out if we should switch for Thanksgiving at the 7 month window. We are booked at BCV now. We have tried all resorts (well we will be trying BLT in October) and really enjoy them all. We stayed at OKW last thanksgiving and it was wonderful and peaceful so no matter where you choose it will be lovely!

 

[Mjkre]

Thanks for the imput-- you all just confirmed what I knew, that we should try another resort, specifically AK. I guess I was just trying to figure out if I would still like AK given that OKW is so much our style--laid back and relaxing but with plenty to do. To me it is very tropical and quite different from our home here in the Northeast, where I am currently wondering if Spring will ever arrive! On the other hand, we also really have not felt the need to go back to AK the park. Having been there twice our entire family would rather spend our time at other parks. But I have to agree we did buy DVC with the hope that we would be able to trade and try other resorts.

BTW: Lexxifern: we were at OKW last Thanksgiving also!

Does anyone know if both buildings at AK have Community Halls? My kids really loved going in and out of that at OKW and SSR.

Thanks.

 

[rice00]

We love OKW also. One of the best features about OKW is it has the largest, roomy, 2-bedroom of the all the DVC resorts.

 

[Bribrittmom]

Only Kidani Village has a community hall.