Which would impress?

[jollymon2]

Hi all,

We've only stayed in studios thus far, but this year we're taking my wifes parents with us (neither of them have been to Disney before). We were originally going to get two studios somewhere, but decided to do a whole lot of borrowing and get a two bedroom. We only have enough points for a two bedroom at OKW or SSR. Which would people recommend for a two bedroom first timer, as well as which would be more impressive for someone who has never been to Disney before? Thanks for any and all comments.

 

[castleri]

Either resort should impress a first timer - I would go for OKW because of the size of the 2 BRs and the balcony which can easily sit 4 or more at a nice table for early morning coffee, breakfast, late night chats and relaxing etc. Good luck with your decison and have a wonderful trip.

 

[I Love DVC]

Well, IMHO, I think that SSR would impress more. DTD is right across the river, the rooms have more elegant furnishings, and the rooms are newer. However, if you are going for space, OKW is larger.

Either way, you can't go wrong. And if they've NEVER been to WDW before, even a value resort is impresssive (well, I take that back - a value is ok - but a moderate is impressive!!!!!!!)

 

[HUFF590]

Well, IMHO, I think that SSR would impress more. DTD is right across the river, the rooms have more elegant furnishings, and the rooms are newer. However, if you are going for space, OKW is larger

I agree, and if you pick SSR reserve her parents a carriage ride! They will love it. My dw and I did this it was beautifull.

 

[seabright1]

OKW has larger rooms. They paid more attention to details when they designed the place. Take a look at the walkways at OKW and you will notice the sea shells embedded at the concrete walk. It has a more relaxed "feeling"..sort of a "retreat" after a hectic day at the park or downtown disney.
See what your guest,s likes (and taste/preferences) and maybe you can make a better choice between the 2.
In my experience OKW is a clear winner vs. Saratoga Springs.

 

[Caskbill]

How long are you staying? You could also consider splitting it up and staying at each resort for 1/2 of the time.

 

[Granny]

I don't think the larger room size at OKW is much of a consideration since the in-laws won't have any basis for comparison.

Either location with a 2BR is sure to impress. I'd probably consider SSR since I feel the furnishings and decor are more "elegant". And your mother-in-law might really enjoy a little trip to the spa. Either way, you'll have plenty of room.

You can't go wrong, and I think the decision on a 2BR is a great one vs the two studios. Good luck!

 

[tweck]

Four adults, I would definitely choose OKW. The rooms are larger. I agree about the veranda for morning coffee. It's wonderful to sit out and enjoy the morning . OKW is the only resort I would feel comfortable fitting 4 people out there. You can actually enjoy meals out there, the table is large enough.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I think either would work well. We do prefer the large balcony at OKW and ambience overall, but that's just us.
Decor considered, OKW has a more relaxed, laid-back feel.....while SSR is more formal/elegant. SSR has elevators, whereas OKW only has a few bldgs with elevators. You know your parents/in-laws best and what they would like. I hope you all have a great vacation wherever you choose.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

I agree with Maria. It all depends on your in-laws and what they consider a vacation. The furnishings at SSR are definitely more upscale where OKW is more laid back and tropical.

Will they be staying in the Master Bedroom or the second bedroom? OKW has two beds in the studios/second bedrooms where SSR has a bed and pull-out couch. You might want to factor that into the decision.

Personally I know my mother would prefer SSR, but I prefer OKW.

 

[thelobstershanty]

If you were still going with 2 studios, I would pick SSR; but since you have changed to a 2 br (very good decision, btw) I would definitly go with OKW. One of OKW's greatest assests is the size of the 1 br and larger. The 2 br is huge and so is the balcony. I agree that the furniture at SSR is more upscale but the furniture at OKW is not too shabby either.
Have a great trip.

 

[starbox]

Why not send your parents to the Disney site and have them do the virtual tour of both resorts?

 

[I Love DVC]

Why not send your parents to the Disney site and have them do the virtual tour of both resorts?

Oooooh....great idea. Send them to dvcresorts.com. Of course, then the resorts will not be a surprise. I think it would be better for you to pick one yourself (you can't really go wrong either way) so you can have the "WOW!!!" factor when they first open the door......

 

[WOW]

We are an OKW family!!!! Our favorite....never stayed at SSR, but I am sure that it is a beautiful resort, saw the Model and it was beautiful...You really can't go wrong with either one.

 

[dianeschlicht]

A 2 bedroom at either will work well and also impress well. A few things to consider about what the inlaws might react positively to.

* OKW room size....Yes it is VERY impressive.
*SSR upscale furnishings (while they look great, I felt the sofa was a tad uncomfortable compared to OKW)
*SSR elevators (while these buildings have elevators, they can be pretty long walks from the entrances)
* OKW balcony...Perhaps the best feature of ANY DVC resort.
* OKW building sizes. The smaller buildings have more of a Homey feel to them than the larger hotel type buildings at SSR.
*OKW Olivia's restaurant. This place is kind of one of those easy paced "down home" type places that make OKW special.
*SSR's proximaty to DTD, if you think that will be a plus for them.
*OKW views. I just love the serene golf course, water and woods views here, and since I am likely close to your in-law's age, they might as well.

Frankly, we were a bit bored at SSR. OKW, while serene and laid back, just seems more interesting to us. At SSR, I felt "hemmed in" by buildings and DTD. It just didn't feel as comfortable to me.

 

[BillPA]

Don't rule out BWV. You can try for a standard view unit, the points are very close to OKW and lower than SSR.

I still recall the "WOW" factor when we first walked into our OKW 2 BR unit back in '93. We have been to all the DVC resorts, and while are are GREAT, the rest just don't have a "WOW" when you walk in like OKW.

You WILL impress them and youselves with any DVC 2 BR unit.
Good luck deciding and have a great trip.

 

[dvc at last !]

go for OKW -

The size of the rooms. seating in livingroom, table and chairs in the eating area, balcony, the views - you will not be disappointed !

 

[Simba's Mom]

What about a BWV Boardwalk view? That view is very impressive! Also, I took Mom to BCV and she was impressed there. I think one thing that she found most impressive was how close we were to Epcot. I'm thinking that the Epcot resorts might impress them the most.