Where would you stay--OKW or SSR

[stampinshauna]

DH and I and baby, Mom, and my sister her DH DD-5 and DS-7 are going for a pre-cruise stay Oct 29-Nov 1. We'll be getting a 2bdr and a studio. We are doing MNSSHP and a water park but no other parks. Where would you suggest staying and why? We have not stayed at either before and the points aren't significantly different. We plan to hang around the resort and relax (swim, shop at DD, etc).

 

[jjj623]

DH and I and baby, Mom, and my sister her DH DD-5 and DS-7 are going for a pre-cruise stay Oct 29-Nov 1. We'll be getting a 2bdr and a studio. We are doing MNSSHP and a water park but no other parks. Where would you suggest staying and why? We have not stayed at either before and the points aren't significantly different. We plan to hang around the resort and relax (swim, shop at DD, etc).

Between the two, I'd vote for OKW based on space... OKW 2-bedrooms are significantly larger, giving the 8 of you space to stretch - especially pre-cruise.

 

[OKW Lover]

Between the two, I'd vote for OKW based on space... OKW 2-bedrooms are significantly larger, giving the 8 of you space to stretch - especially pre-cruise.

Good advice. You'll be amazed at the difference in size.

 

[starbox]

Personally, I think the pools and dining at SSR are more baby-friendly - but OKW is bigger and I like the OKW theme with a cruise.

 

[La2kw]

You can't go wrong with either resort, IMO. However, I also suggest OKW due to the size of the rooms. Since you have such a large party, you would have a lot more space. It's also a great resort for non-park trips. You really feel a world away (in a good way).

 

[LIFERBABE]

Keep in mind that not all OKW buildings have elevators. With little ones in the group, that is something to consider.

OKW will definitely give you more room but you are going on a cruise and either space will be luxurious to a cabin.

SSR also has 2 baby splash areas and a tot slide.

For 2 days, either will give you a great stay and you'll get a feel for the resort you pick.

I'd probably toss a coin and call MS for a 2 night stay.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Keep in mind that not all OKW buildings have elevators. With little ones in the group, that is something to consider.

They are very good about giving ground floors if they can't get u an elevator building. Just make this your primary request. We requested ground or elevator for 3 stays and OKW obliged us each time. Of course, there are no guarantees, but I think they would aim to please if you explained you had an infant. So I think your chances are very good for getting a ground unit.

While I prefer the more casual/tropical themeing of OKW (and bigger units), the SSR pool and kiddie area is really nice for little ones. I give them high marks for their main pool area for younger kids. Here's a cute play area at SSR (their main pool is also zero depth entry making it easier for young and old to enter and exit the pool) :
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/ss71.jpg (SSR kiddie play area)

OKW kiddie pool area :
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/okw44.jpg
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/okw45.jpg (OKW sandy area for kids)

Both resorts are large and spread out......SSR might be larger overall but not 100% on that.

 

[btrim]

is closer to Downtown Disney and I think they have great areas for the kids. Since you are getting a 2BR and a Studio, space is not going to be the issue. Also SSR has great things going on in the community hall for the kids. There are elevators in all buildings so you don't have to worry if you can get on the ground floor. We have stayed at both resorts, and yes the rooms are very big at OKW, but we like SSR for the closeness to DTD and all the other emenities. Either place would be great, so just enjoy yourself and have a great cruise.

 

[stampinshauna]

Thanks for the info. DH just called and booked OKW. I figured we couldn't go wrong with either. SSR is our home resort, so I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to stay there. Also, I guess we could pool hop if we want to try the SSR pool areas. We really wanted a grand villa at OKW, but they were booked, so we are waitlisted.

 

[La2kw]

Thanks for the info. DH just called and booked OKW. I figured we couldn't go wrong with either. SSR is our home resort, so I'm sure we'll have plenty of opportunities to stay there. Also, I guess we could pool hop if we want to try the SSR pool areas. We really wanted a grand villa at OKW, but they were booked, so we are waitlisted.

You can take the ferry to SSR to use the pool. You can also take the walking path. SSR has some great GV's also, did you check there?

 

[stampinshauna]

You can take the ferry to SSR to use the pool. You can also take the walking path. SSR has some great GV's also, did you check there?

They do have some GVs available, but they cost over 70 points more. We toured one last year and it was gorgeous, but we just don't want to splurge quite that much.

 

[swhall]

We recently did a split stay at SSR and OKW. We really liked both. The kids ages 11 and 16 enjoyed OKW more so than SSR. The really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. We rented a pontoon boat and a little sea racer for the kids. They have activities for the kids as well. Game rentals/pool table, foos ball, basketball court, ping pong, shuffle board.
We stayed in a 2BR at both locations, the OKW 2 BR was larger...
I don't think you will be disappointed. You will have to post after your trip and let us know.

 

[eporter66]

DH and I and baby, Mom, and my sister her DH DD-5 and DS-7 are going for a pre-cruise stay Oct 29-Nov 1. We'll be getting a 2bdr and a studio. We are doing MNSSHP and a water park but no other parks. Where would you suggest staying and why? We have not stayed at either before and the points aren't significantly different. We plan to hang around the resort and relax (swim, shop at DD, etc).

If you are not renting a car - OKW as the bus service is much better than SSR (dedicated bus service to OKW). OKW also has the point saving factor, and larger rooms. You are correct that pts are not a significant factor, but we just booked OKW 2 BR for October (176 pts) vs. SSR (200 pts). Not a bad savings in my book.

I do like SSR better style and feel (personal opinion). But, for the points savings, and when you stay in a DVC (especially a 2 BR) you have the best accomodations on the property.

 

[SaratogaShan]

If you are not renting a car - OKW as the bus service is much better than SSR (dedicated bus service to OKW). .

Doesn't SSR also have dedicated bus service? We have several trips under our belt, and I don't recall ever sharing a bus with another resort.

 

[Gizmo1951]

I would choose OKW for the extra space

 

[La2kw]

Doesn't SSR also have dedicated bus service? We have several trips under our belt, and I don't recall ever sharing a bus with another resort.

Yes, both resorts have their own bus service. They do share the DVC Ferry service.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

We live in southern NH. I love the feel of Ustate NY. I simply adore the Lake George area. Probably because it is very similar to the White Mountains and Lake regions here in NH. But when I go to Florida I am looking for palm trees and a tropical feel, so it would definatly be OKW for me. So if size isn't an issue it depends on the mood you are looking for.