Studio at OKW or SSR

[Mich Mouse]

Hi All,

We are going to book a trip (paying cash, out of points!) and are wondering if we should book OKW or SSR.

Does one property offer a better studio situation than the other? I think I remember reading something about this....We like both resorts from the outside.

Hoping for a good AP rate at either resort since the DVC discount is lousy! Anyone know if discounts are more likely to be offered at OKW or SSR?

Any information/suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[bobbiwoz]

OKW's studios have 2 Q beds, while SSR's has 1 Q bed and a double sofa bed. OKW doesn't have elevators except in 3 buildings and SSR does have them in all buildings.

Bobbi

 

[Mich Mouse]

Thanks so much.......Good to know.

Are the OKW units bigger? We willl have a baby with us and need to set up a pack and play. I think the bigger room wins.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've not used a PnP in a studio, but with the floor space taken up by 2 Q's in OKW, I think that SSR would be the better one. I prefer the layout of SSR's studios due to the location of the kitchenette and the bathroom door in OKW.
Bobbi

 

[Mich Mouse]

The bathroom door is in a weird spot at OKW? Does anyone have a sketch of the room layout at OKW?

 

[Chuck S]

I wouldn't say it is in a weird spot, just maybe different from the other resorts. To access the bathroom in an OKW studio you go through the kitchenette. The kitchenette and a closet form a sort of short hallway to the bathroom from the sleeping area.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Is there a balcony in the OKW studio? I found a room layout in my Unofficial Guide to WDW book, but there is no balcony shown....All the other resorts show the balcony except OKW.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Both studios will have a small balcony. While the OKW one bedrooms are much bigger than SSR one bedrooms, the studios are about the same. The SSR bathroom has the sink outside, at OKW the studio bathroom is an all in one set up. The SSR studio has more drawer space and a larger, nicer t.v.

For couples and families with a pack n play kid, I think SSR studios are better. If you have older kids the OKW studio works better. If you have kids that can't sleep in the same bed and you bring an airbed as I do, the OKW is much better! But I am telling you once its just me and my husband, the SSR studio will be my hands down choice.

They are both fabulous resorts with so much to offer!

 

[Mich Mouse]

Thank you so much for your help!

In my Unofficial Guide to WDW it says "To enhance the view all multiroom villas and some studios have a large balcony furnished with a table and chairs."

This seems to indicate that not all studios have a balcony...Is this an error?

Also, Does anyone know which buildings have an elevator? It would be nice to not have to fold up the stroller and remove baby each time we return to the room.

Are rooms near the main pool more costly? I remember reading they were of a different point value....Are they able to be rented?

And, (I think) my last question...Is the pool zero entry?

My DH really likes the idea of staying at OKW, I just want what is more convenient for our needs because both resorts are beautiful.

Thanks Again!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

There's only one DVC studio that doesn't have a balcony, and that's at VWL. So, no worries there, you will have a balcony or a patio at either OKW or SSR.
Some people say that some studios at OKW do not have views because of the overgrown shrubs.

The OKW buildings that have an elevators are in the 60's. OKW's pool is not zero entry. The pools near the Hospitality House are closer to the main pool, and it's a designation, not more points.

Bobbi

 

[Amy&Dan]

The balconies at OKW and SSR studios have two chairs and a very small little table. Perfect for placing a drink or book. SSR balconies do tend to have better views, simply because as a previous poster said, OKW has very dense foilage. But I find the views at OKW very nice too, the whole resort feels secluded and tropical. SSR is newer, not as densely landscaped so you can see from more of a distance. Its lovely in a whole different way from OKW.

I recently asked on this board how many buildings at OKW don't have elevators. Somone nicely posted a link that told me that odds are in your favor to get a firrst floor or elevator building. Definitely request a first floor or elevator building room when you make the reservation.

I do think that the pool at SSR is better for little kids. It has zero entry, a Donald Duck splash area and a small slide for toddlers. The OKW pool slide is too big for little kids and there is no lap sitting allowed. Also, the Grandstand section has a second feature pool that has spray cannons and jets kids of all ages love. And its own pool bar. So while I absolutely love OKW and love their pool, it I had little kids, SSR's pool would be more to my liking I think.

I am not certain that the Hospitality House section at OKW (the section nearest the main area/pool) is bookable if you are paying cash. If you are renting points, than the DVC member making the reservation needs to request it at the time of booking. YOu will know then if its available or not. Its no extra on the points but is based on availablity. I have been able to get it for all three of my OKW stays (all at the seven month window since I don't own there).

 

[Deb & Bill]

Only three buildings at OKW have elevators - Bldg 62, 63 and 64. These were added after the resort was built when they tore down the old sales office (Commodore House). These buildings are usually reserved for guests with medical needs.

I think the bathroom and kitchenette is in a better location at OKW than SSR. SSR is set up like the other resorts where you pass through the bathroom and kitchenette area when you enter or leave the studio. At OKW, you don't walk through the kitchenette or bathroom area to leave the room. So you don't have to worry about someone coming out of the bathroom in a towel at the same time someone else is opening the door to the villa.

The balcony at OKW is nice, but nothing like the balconies in the one bedroom or larger OR the balconies at the other DVC resorts. The OKW one is more square rather than long and narrow. The ones for the larger units at OKW are immense. You could have a party on the porch at OKW. The ones for the studios could hold two people comfortably.