which would you choose?

[melmar136]

We have reservations in August (20-25th) at POR, but will be switching to a DVC because I am buying my step-father out of his share of a contract that I am on, but have never used. (long story!) Anyways, pretty soon the DVC will be in my name only!
So, I called today to see what was available for the dates I will need. I knew there wouldn't be much, with only 4 months left.
My options for a studio are OKW, SSR, and AKV-Kidani with a standard view.
I have never stayed at OKW or SSR, and this time we won't be going to AK, so not sure if it would be worth it to stay there.
Which of these 3 is your favorite, and why?
Thanks!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

How many of you will there be?

For my solo or couple trips of the three I would go with SSR. If a Savannah View was an option I would pick AKL, but without the view I don't bother. If it's 3 people then OKW is nice because it has two REAL beds. By myself I perfer the couch setup in SSR.

 

[Pakey]

If it's going to be more than 2 people, I'd book OKW. Those studios have 2 beds in them; the others have one bed and a pull out.

If it's only 2 adults, I'd probably pick AKV. It's my favorite DVC resort.

 

[DeeCee735]

This is just MHO, but I'd prefer NOT to have two beds in a studio, we love the "living room" space. That being said, and based on the fact that you aren't going to AK this trip, I'd go with SSR. We stayed in a studio there, and it was a very nice stay and a very place, with easy access to DTD.

Again, JMHO, have fun planning!

 

[melmar136]

Thanks for the opinions so far. Keep them coming please!
It will just be my daughter (12) and I.

 

[supersuperwendy]

I would pick SSR or OKW. OKW just had a great refurb and is roomy and SSR is so nice. Most of Kidani's standard views are of the parking lot..yuck. If you don't mind the view then go there because your daughter will LOVE the pool!

 

[mkarizona]

We just returned from Kidani with a standard view studio. There are plenty of places to view the animals. Yes it is fun to watch them from your room at 2 am but IMO the view is only a deal breaker if you are planning to sit on the balcony. The bus transportation from Kidani is excellent. I think a twelve year old would love the animals and the theming. Just seeing giraffes out the windows on the way to the parks is thrilling. There is also the opportunity for your daughter to meet and interact with CMs from Africa.

 

[dahwolf]

Just the fact that you have 3 options for August is great! I can't wait for our trip in mid-September.

I just think the whole resort theme at AKV is amazing. While Saratoga Springs and OKW are nice and relaxing, the theme is just amazing at AKV. If you haven't been to AKV yet, you really should try it.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, but my vote is AKV.

Good luck with your choice, and enjoy!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

My first recommendation would be Kidani - beautiful resort, lots of animal viewing and nice pool too. It has direct busses to all the parks and really doesn't have any longer travel time than OKW or SSR (depending on what section you're in). I would have loved it as a 12 yo just like I do now.

Second choice would be OKW. 2 beds and also a beautiful resort.

I think you posted about the DVC ownership before if I'm recalling correctly? If so - congrats on getting the situation worked out.

 

[melmar136]

My first recommendation would be Kidani - beautiful resort, lots of animal viewing and nice pool too. It has direct busses to all the parks and really doesn't have any longer travel time than OKW or SSR (depending on what section you're in). I would have loved it as a 12 yo just like I do now.

Second choice would be OKW. 2 beds and also a beautiful resort.

I think you posted about the DVC ownership before if I'm recalling correctly? If so - congrats on getting the situation worked out.

Thanks, I did post before about the DVC ownership, and I am very glad I got it worked out too! Very happy it will be just for me and my daughter now! Can't wait to be able to enjoy it, and be a full-fledged DVC member!!! Thank you all so far for the opinions!

 

[mrsswat]

I would go with SSR. I LOVE OKW, but with 2 queen beds there really is NO living space. The pull out couch gives more room and a feeling of not just being in a hotel room. We always go in August, and find that it usually rains for a bit every afternoon and the extra space is nice for "hanging out".

 

[DMKEDM]

Any of the three will be a great place for you & your 12-year-old to be...but here are some things to consider regarding each one:

1. SSR: It's SO nice to be able to stroll on over to Downtown Disney! It expands both your quick-serve and your table serve dining options--not only because of the restaurants "downtown," but also because it's the "hub" where you can pick up a bus to any of the other resorts, w/all their restaurants (and other entertainment) options! Also, the pools at SSR are really great...not that the ones at Kidani and OKW aren't, but I prefer the SSR pools...of course, if you golf (doesn't seem likely from your original post), SSR golf check-in/course is "right there"...

2. OKW: There's just something about OKW--we absolutely love it there, but besides the extra big villas (altho the bigger studio isn't as awe-inspiring as the extra big one-bedroom!), I can't quite put my finger on why...you can walk to Downtown Disney from OKW, but it's not the straightforward quick "hop" that it is from SSR...both resorts have boat rides to Downtown (and other resorts, too)...we've always had great bus experience here (and also at SSR and Kidani, for that matter)...I guess if you find the Florida Keys theming appealing, that would be a big reason to choose OKW, too...it's a more "impactful" theme than the SSR "horse-y" theme...and of course the big bonus of OKW is that the "points cost" is so much less...

3. Kidani: Great theming, fun to see the animals--eating at Sanaa is super special...the pool and water play areas are great ... but AKV is a "remote" location...you do need to take a bus anywhere you want to go "off-site"...I always feel just a tad bit "trapped" at AKV (much as I love it) because you cannot walk out of the resort (safely)...

I think if it were me, and if any of the above factors didn't tip my decision-making, I might just put a blindfold over my eyes and play "pin the tail on the resort" and see what "blind luck" brings me!

Whatever you decide, have a great time!