Which Villa? Wilderness Lodge vs Saratoga Springs vs Old Key West?

[jodymr]

Please help! Your expert advice is needed.

I'm planning on staying at one of the 2-bedroom Villas on my next trip to Disney later this year. I'm looking at either the Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West, or Saratoga Springs.

I really like the location of the VWL, but I would get a pretty substantial discount (compared to VWL) if I stay at either OKW or SSR.

Here is basically what I'm getting from reading some of the threads:

VWL: Great location for MK, nice and fairly new Villas
OKW: Huge 2-bedroom Villa, Quiet & laid back
SSR: Newer, nice and upscale feel, close to DTD for more food options

It will cost me $8,500 to stay at VWL compared to $6,700 to stay at OKW or SSR (all include Deluxe Dining Plan and 7-day park hopper).

Any info you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Every resort has fans. I am so glad that I don't have to make the monetary decision each time I pick VWL over the other two mentioned!

OKW is truly like an apartment. There's a full dining room table, unlike the others. The jacuzzi is much larger there than in the others.

My DSis just spent one night at SSR in a studio last week and she loved that resort, and her spa experience was great.

$1800 is a lot of extra money, but, it would be worth it to me. I am happiest at VWL.

Bobbi

 

[jodymr]

Every resort has fans. I am so glad that I don't have to make the monetary decision each time I pick VWL over the other two mentioned!

OKW is truly like an apartment. There's a full dining room table, unlike the others. The jacuzzi is much larger there than in the others.

My DSis just spent one night at SSR in a studio last week and she loved that resort, and her spa experience was great.

$1800 is a lot of extra money, but, it would be worth it to me. I am happiest at VWL.

Bobbi

Thank you Bobbi! How is the transportation to the other areas of Disney from VWL?

 

[bellazachmom]

A few questions that might help you decide once answered ...

Are you driving? If so, being able to park right outside your villa at OKW is wonderful. Also, these villas are HUGE!

Which parks do you plan to visit most? VWL has about a 5 min bus ride to MK or you can take a boat. Little kids love it. You have to take a bus everywhere else, but we never waited more than about 10 minutes for one last August.

Both places are really quiet and seem secluded. They are our families 2 favorite resorts. We currently have a 4, 2 and 4 month old.

We have not stayed at SSR but have heard great things about it, especially if you aren't doing much at the parks but plan more "adult" recreation like spa, golf, shopping, etc.

Hope this helps some - Jennie

 

[jodymr]

A few questions that might help you decide once answered ...

Are you driving? If so, being able to park right outside your villa at OKW is wonderful. Also, these villas are HUGE!

Which parks do you plan to visit most? VWL has about a 5 min bus ride to MK or you can take a boat. Little kids love it. You have to take a bus everywhere else, but we never waited more than about 10 minutes for one last August.

Both places are really quiet and seem secluded. They are our families 2 favorite resorts. We currently have a 4, 2 and 4 month old.

We have not stayed at SSR but have heard great things about it, especially if you aren't doing much at the parks but plan more "adult" recreation like spa, golf, shopping, etc.

Hope this helps some - Jennie

Thanks Jennie. We are not driving, so we'll have to stick with Disney transportation. We have a 6 year old that loves MK (and so do I ). I think I'm going to stick with VWL even though it would be a good savings. I'm taking my father/mother-in-law and I think the added walking just to get around the OKW complex would be too much when you consider all of the walking we are going to be doing at the parks, etc. I don't know. There's also a Wilderness Lodge photo thread in the Disney Resorts forum that is making me lean towards VWL.

 

[eporter66]

It is a big difference in $$$ between the resorts. So, ask yourself how much time you plan to spend at the resort. That extra $$$ could go a long way in the parks, or for dinner etc...

VWL - Probably my favorite of the three as far as atmosphere. I love the theme. Great resort if you will be heading to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, as it is close to the Travel and Transportation Center

SSR - The newest resort. This is my home resort and I love it. It has an elegant feel, yet very relaxed setting. Rooms are beautiful. You have Downtown Disney just a walk or boatride away. If you will be spending evenings at DTD, this is a great place to be.

OKW - We just stayed here in February. We had a 1 Bedroom, and it is a really nice size. Resort was quiet, the whole theme just relaxes you. Lacks the elegance of the other DVC's, but based on the theme it is intentional in my opinion.

For me, if I had that money, I would probably go with SSR or OKW to save a little $$$ to use for the vacation.

E

 

[Deb & Bill]

Please help! Your expert advice is needed.

I'm planning on staying at one of the 2-bedroom Villas on my next trip to Disney later this year. I'm looking at either the Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West, or Saratoga Springs....

When later this year? If anytime from Oct through early Jan, you might only have OKW and SSR to choose from. VWL is always booked up quickly as fall/winter booking starts. And even OKW and SSR could be hard to get depending on when you want to go.

I hope you have your home resort booked already.

 

[dianeschlicht]

When later this year? If anytime from Oct through early Jan, you might only have OKW and SSR to choose from. VWL is always booked up quickly as fall/winter booking starts. And even OKW and SSR could be hard to get depending on when you want to go.

I hope you have your home resort booked already.

Deb, they are buying a ressie through CRO. I doubt availability will be an issue through CRO.

A couple of things to think about are that VWL is one of the smallest DVC resorts. For that reason, it books up quickly, especially at certain times of the year like Holiday time.

As for the convenience of staying at VWL, OKW, or SSR....I personally think it's all a wash unless you plan to visit only one park. Transportation at Disney is very efficient, and all three resorts have good transportation to the parks. At VWL, you will be closest to MK, and your transportation to that will be by boat with bus to everything else.

If it was me, I'd want the largest room for the money, and that would be OKW. You don't say how many people are staying, but if it's more than 5, I would definitely go with OKW over the others. My reasons for that is that VWLL and SSR will have only 2 real beds in a two bedroom villa, but OKW will have 3.

 

[SaratogaShan]

You can get 3 beds in a two bedroom at SSR. Just ask for a "dedicated" two bedroom. I have found that they always assign dedicated 2 bedrooms by default anyway....unless they are "out" of this category or unless you specifically request a lockoff.

I find the pool areas at SSR to be very child friendly.

You will have a great stay at any of these resorts

 

[bobbiwoz]

Have you made your decision? I find the bus transportation from VWL to be adequate. Usually we are with the DGC or friends and use the time to talk, so I am not one to complain about length of the ride or the wait time.

VWL does have dedicated 2 bedrooms as well. That is there 2 Q's in the second bedroom.

I hope you get what you want!

Bobbi

 

[mpitzen]

Sorry if this has been mentioned... but have you considered renting points instead of using CRO? It would save you a lot of $$$

You could still get the dining plan too.

 

[buzz5985]

<<<Sorry if this has been mentioned... but have you considered renting points instead of using CRO? It would save you a lot of $$$

You could still get the dining plan too>>>>

I was thinking they could buy a resale for that money. There was a 100 point contract for VWL 100 points available, 100 coming 10/08 for $8500. Sale pending.