Which DVC resort would you choose?

[mom2meiko]

We just had our 1st problem with booking a DVC for WDW. We wanted V@WL or BLT but both are booked during our stay. We have been told that availability is limited to:

Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Animal Kingdom Kidani Village (STANDARD VIEW)

We will be getting a 2 bedroom unit for 2 families to share - 4 adults, 4 kids (6.5 months, 2 yrs, 4 yrs, 9 yrs).

The only park we don't plan to do during our stay is Animal Kingdom of course.

We need to make a decision ASAP as availability at each of these is also very limited per DVC members services. Which would you choose?

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

We are also a 2 family trip this year....4 adults 4 kids...we are staying in a 2-bedroom at OKW. Look at the room sizes, OKW will give you more space than the other two. Total different layout also. Good luck choosing!

 

[AirGoofy]

We stayed at SSR this summer and really enjoyed it. DDs (7,5) had so much fun in main pool. We also had a lot of fun at private pool at Paddock. Great view, grounds are beautiful, no transportation issues. We are going to OKW this fall to try it. Both have boat transports to Downtown Disney.

 

[kellyf2626]

I voted Old Key West as it offers the largest room layout and will give you the most space!

That being said, here are some other things to ponder...

*Are you renting/bringing a car? OKW and SSR are set-up more like "condos" and are much more convienient (IMO) if you have a car. You can pull right-up in front of many of the rooms, which is great with small children and lots of "stuff". If you don't have a car, these are both large resorts with a large bus route. When taking the bus, you will be stopping at many stops within the actual resort before leaving for your destination. Not a big deal to many people...but again...something to think about.

*AKL offers more of a "hotel" experience rather than a "condo" experience. It is also the newest and will have the more "newer" ammenities. Also, a 2-bedroom at AKL will have THREE full bathrooms (as opposed to the 2 full baths OKW and SSR resort will have). This is a great feature!!!

*SSR and OKW are much closer to DTD and will provide boat transportation. AKL will offer bus service everywhere, and is obviously only close to AK. (Kinda off topic, not sure why you aren't visiting this park but it is AWESOME and the kids would love it!!!)

Hope that helps!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW only has three buildings with elevators, mostly reserved for medical necessity. If you have strollers and the like you are going to be carrying them up the stairs.

But I'd never do any DVC villa except OKW for a group of 8. The others are just too small to fit that many people in the villa comfortably.

 

[mom2meiko]

thanks all. we're frantically researching but it looks lik dh really wants akl - despite my reservations. we're still working with member services though so anything may happen.

 

[eyor44]

We stayed at SSR in June in a 3bed with 12 people. We really liked it.

 

[Doc CW]

The Old Key West rooms are huge and not to mention if your going to skip AK why stay at KV? The bus trasnportation times are longer because of how far out it is. SS is nice but personally I liked OKW much better

 

[cogero]

I would probably go with OKW

 

[LynnTH]

We rented DVC points the last two times at Disney. The first time was the Boardwalk and this time was AKV. We loved both of them. My DS10 just commented yesterday that when we go back to Disny he wants to stay at AKV again. Both kids just loved it (as did we). Loved the pool area and they had craft things for the kids to do. We had a pool view and were very close to Mara's, which was handy for refilling our mugs and a snack or meal.

I also think the bus service here was great. We never waited long at AKV or a the Parks to get back. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here. Loved it all around..

 

[MissyDVC]

I chose SSR because it is our "home" resort and we absolutely LOVE it. We stayed at OKW on our last trip and really disliked it and went back to visit SSR many times because we missed it so much. Enjoy your trip no matter what you choose!

 

[*WeLuvDisney*]

I voted for OKW. The room size is awesome there. It is the oldest DVC resort so some units are need of some TLC, but we LOVE it there. We have never had any transortation issues and the majority of the buildings are far enough away from the hub-bub to make you feel away from it all, but not too far that you pass out walking to the hospitality house.

We stayed at Saratoga for part of our last trip and did not like it one bit. My kids even commented on not liking it, so we will not be heading back there.

Good luck with you reservations!

 

[mom2meiko]

thanks all! i've been out voted and we are staying at animal kingdom - kidani village. apparently we booked just in time and got the very last dedicated 2 bedroom unit available!

 

[kellyf2626]

thanks all! i've been out voted and we are staying at animal kingdom - kidani village. apparently we booked just in time and got the very last dedicated 2 bedroom unit available!

I think you will be SUPER happy you are staying here! The extra bathroom will be great...and the resort is supposed to be gorgeous! Have a great time!!

 

[ckquan]

I have stayed at both Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. Both are nice. However since you have 2 families of 4 with kids varying in age, I would vote for Saratoga Springs. SS has 2 pool areas. The main pool area has a water slide for the older kids and children's themed interactive wet play area with pop-jet fountains for the younger ones. In the main building, there's also a nice community hall with foosball table, various board games. SS is also walking distance to Downtown Disney.