Switching from VWL to SSR @ Christmas? Am I crazy?

[disneyfan2kids]

Went to VWL last year in December... "perfect" Christmas time atmosphere. Going same week again this year... and have SSR with a waitlist for VWL and OKW. Our VWL waitlist came through last year at same time...so I have reason to believe it may come through again.

Anyhoo - as much as we loved VWL and especially during the Holiday season...I'm now reconsidering my waitlist. I've realized over the past several stays that SSR's close proximity to DTD is a HUGE draw for us. We really love going there every night and walking around. Our past 2 stays (BWV and VWL) were both great... but we really only did DTD once during both of those trips because it's just not as appealling to visit DTD if you have to take a bus both ways to get there. We especially hate the bus BACK to resorts (late night) from DTD...it seems to always be the absolute longest buswait of our whole trip. So - we just haven't done DTD that much and I will say we really miss it considering how often we go there at night when we're at SSR.

So - I'm thinking of eliminating my waitlist for VWL for the holiday...and sticking to just SSR (or maybe keep OKW since it is just a boatride away.)

Would you remove a resort that has near 'perfect' theming for December/Holiday - just to get back that "DTD every night" convenience? We've been so often, that we aren't crazy parks people...so although the boat to MK (from VWL) is nice... the boat and/or walking to DTD just wins out to us.

Also - I've been to SSR and OKW several times... and I love both... BUT can anyone tell me what they're like during the holidays? Will they still be "christmasy" to some extent?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Nope, not crazy.

We did a split trip in mid-Dec that was 3 nights OKW and 3 nights BCV. All the resorts are decorated for Christmas, just with different themes.

At OKW it was an island/fishing theme but you still could tell it was Christmas and I'd be happy there again.

 

[dvcterry]

second that, not crazy. all the resorts have themes & you will also be close to DTD, which also if I remember was nicely done, so no worries!!!

 

[abdgeek]

I say do whatever makes you happy. I stayed at OKW between Xmas and New Year's two years ago and had a great time. It was the only reservation I could get 7 months out and I could see the NYE fireworks from HS from my balcony(bonus I hadn't counted on). I really didn't spend much time at the resort because I was resort hopping looking at all of the decorations. I'll be at SSR this year for Xmas and couldn't be happier. I actually think it will be better to be a little removed from all the people who will be there for the holidays. I can't do anything about them being in the park, but I can try to stay in a resort where I don't notice that they are there. You'll probably think I'm crazy, but I jsut gave up my BLT waitlist for Xmas so that I could use those points to spend more days at WDW this summer. Go figure!

 

[DizBub]

Not crazy at all!! We stayed at SSR late Nov/early Dec last year and loved it. We "rediscovered" DTD and actually love staying at SSR for that very reason. Christmas decorations are nice at SSR and DTD.

My daughter had me change a reservation during opening weekend of F&W from BLT to SSR because she wanted to be near DTD.

 

[DMKEDM]

About the resorts' theming:

By all accounts, Wilderness Lodge's holiday decorations are the best (or at least among the best)...I've been to see them, and agree they're wonderful...but the other resorts are lovely, too...

I like SSR's holiday decorations as much--maybe even better--than Wilderness Lodge's -- BUT, they seem "skimpy" to me...beautiful trees, and beautiful swags and wall hangings, but lots more is NOT decorated than is--Wilderness Lodge would "win" on decorating "completely" (assuming they haven't cut back...haven't been over there at holiday time in 5 years and the biggest of the holiday decorating cut-backs have occurred in the last 2-3 years)--but for actual prettiness of the decorations, SSR is right up there...

OKW's decorations are lovely, and certainly "christmas-y" in a Key West sort of way--but not Christmas'y from the viewpoint of this traditional midwest native...they use a lot of peach and turquoise and shells and "fishy" items...I prefer red & green and more traditional "icons" for the holiday...but it IS beautiful at OKW...at least at Hospitality House...

Neither SSR nor OKW decorate along the far-flung villa routes (altho lots of "residents" decorate their balconies, especially at OKW)...

Anyway, like you I'd really value the proximity to DTD, especially at Christmas--it's one of the best-dressed-for-the-holidays areas in all of WDW!

Have a great time wherever you wind up!

 

[disneynutz]

DVC doesn't spend much money when it comes to Christmas decorations, the deluxe resorts all have more/better decorations.

As far as where to stay, you did VWL already, do SSR and spend all the time you want at DTD.

It's not like you won't be back to try all of the DVC resorts.

Bill

 

[Sammie]

I found the decorations at SSR to be very nice. There are trees, garland, wreaths, and poinsettias in several locations.

Lobby Tree

Swags at Entrance and Poinsettias
http://www.laughingplace.com/Showpi...=Holiday+decor+at+the+Saratoga+Springs+Resort

 

[ErinC]

I think if you spend a lot of time at the resort than either one will be fine. We did OKW at Thanksgiving last year and enjoyed seeing the decorations at the hospitality house as we walked to and from the bus stop there. But.. that's the only time we saw the decor. If you are just coming and going than you will see more of VWL decor each day since it's more of the "hotel" feel if you will. Either one will be fine. If DD was important to me, than I would want to be at SSR for sure. Of course my motto is " I would sleep in a closet at WDW" you can't go wrong either way.