Saratoga Springs has four pools, two pool bars, a good quick service and recently refurbished. If you drive you can park outside of your building and bring the kids right into your room. In addition you can walk to Disney Springs for dinner. Currently you can watch the drone show at night. I’ll take Saratoga Springs.
A Team, I would like to see a 3 way head to head to head. Grand Floridian vs Bay lake vs poly. All “monorail” DVC resorts. Being on the loop used to mean something.
We have direct 500pts at Saratoga... we bought back in the pre-construction days (like $77/point). My wife and I bought while we were still engaged (married a year later). Saratoga remains my favorite... it's not perfect and can always be improved, but the sentimental value for me always wins! Thanks for the great DVC content!
So enjoy these Resort vs. Resort shows! Please do more. Have stayed at both and each has +/- amenities. Old Key West wins because when they say "Welcome Home," it feels like they mean it! Note to Amy, 100% with you on Earl of Sandwich proximity to Saratoga!!!
Not DVC members but paid cash for Saratoga over the Summer and we adored it. Took a little bit to get our bearings but the Cast was awesome and once we figured out the bus system/layout it’s great.
We own OKW since 95. We don’t usually stay there but when we do we always wonder why we don’t stay there more often. It has such a relaxing, laid back feel. The villa sizes are amazing.
Our vote if Saratoga Springs. We have owned there since 2005 and love it. We may not stay there every trip but we always need to go back when we don't. We stayed at Old Key West once and found it to be so-so. There was absolutely nothing that impressed me about it except for maybe the low points. And thank you Amy! for pointing out all that is good about SSR. All you ever hear is how bad it is and it was great to hear someone positive about it besides me! lol
Since she was 8 years old, my granddaughter's birthday gift has been waking up in Disney World and going to sleep in Disney. She just turned 19 this summer and every year her choice of resorts has been OKW. The laid back feel and ease to get to the Springs makes it her favorite (and our family's).
We've owned at OKW since '93. (If Amy is old, I'm ancient!). We love the resort but you are so right about the dated elements. There are no USBs in the upstairs in the Grand Villas! The old wooden blinds are bowed out of shape and are dust traps. I sent feedback about this to Member services after our last stay. We've tried several of the other resorts and although they have their great points, overall we still prefer Old Key West 😃
We just rented points for the first time at OKW. We loved it!!! We will definitely rent DVC points through your company again. Super impressed with the entire process. ❤
Like OKW a lot, the biggest drawback is all the noise from buses and golf carts used by cast members zooming up and down the roads. Lots of noise in most rooms from this. SSR rooms are probably the quietest on property.
I own a small okw contract.okw has a beautiful atmosphere and love the big rooms. Okw gift shop is pretty cool. Saratoga had a beautiful layout in the room and quietest room. Okw wins in my book.
I love Old Key West, bought it in 1997 but I did sell it last year as I had too many points for just me. Love the large rooms there and you don’t feel like you’re at Disney. I still own at Saratoga for the Tree House Villas when I take my friends. So convenient for all of us. Love this series!!
This debate between Saratoga and OKW is a real and present thing. It’s always relevant and never dies down. I personally prefer OKW and made it my home resort because it feels more alive and more homey to me. I don’t mind that it’s a Florida themed resort in Florida. That is what I love about it, actually. Because we travel from the west coast specifically to enjoy Florida. This makes our time there the most immersive when we stay in OKW. Just saying.
One of the best things I have ever done at the entire Walt Disney World Resort is the boat ride back & forth between Disney Springs and Old Key West. One day I hope to be a DVC owner but in the meantime that boat ride is everything✨💫
I enjoy both of these resorts, and especially love that when nothing else is available, I can usually book at one of these resorts. One of my homes is SSR so I picked that one.
I love Saratoga! First their cast members are stellar, the ease of going to Disney Springs, the pools, the views. And I’ve known their cast members for over 15 years. Also, not all of Old Key West Buildings have elevators. And their rooms cannot compare to the Saratoga’s in my opinion. I did not love the room upgrades at OKW, what they have is a larger room. Old Key West does have better dining, but I do think The Turf Club is fine, and I do like the Artists Palette. Being that close to Disney Springs gives lots of dining options. While a boat ride is great, walking back to your room in 10 minutes is even better for me! Love you guys!
Great show - always love the discussion! SSR owner here (that's what was offered when we joined in 2008...) but have stayed once at OKW and did appreciate the larger spaces. It would be a tough call for me to choose... I also own now at VGC (stayed many times there) and VDH (will be there for the first time in June 2025 - when will you be there Amy and Paul???) so would enjoy a head-to-head on those two! I've also stayed 2 or 3 times at Vero and really liked it but haven't been to HH yet but watched your recent review video; that would also be a great comparison. Have a great week!
The more I go to Disney and the less pressure to hit the parks non-stop has me appreciating the SSR’s and OKW’s. Now we can do a couple trips a year and spend more time at the resorts. They help to make your points go farther and I’m getting to the point I’d rather more trips than having to stay at the poly every time. We still Love poly the most but we appreciate the catalog of DVC.
We bought into Saratoga years ago. It has walkable proximity to Disney Springs and it’s always a nice stay. We generally book a Studio as that’s all we need. OKW we stayed at once. Really no complaints and the Studio rooms were huge. We prefer DVC resorts serviced by the Monorail when we can book one.
I would love HH vs. Vero. We have two contracts at HH and absolutely love it there. Would like to go to Vero. We live in PA so we can drive to HH in a day. Much cheaper than flying to Vero. Keep up the great content! Love you guys! So jealous of your location and being able to go to Disney for date nights.
Amy we like Saratoga 👍🏻 I remember chilling on the sofa watching football at OKW.😊 In my opinion it's hard too choose, sorry to many memories in both resorts.😏 Thanks for sharing 🤗♥️
It would also be fun to see some resort battles that are not the norm. Perhaps have a battle of the monorail resorts and have all three face off against each other. May be a battle of the buses resorts. Maybe Animal Kingdom versus Riviera? Just to mix it up
My girls and I LOVE Saratoga Springs Resort! We're on a journey to visit all Disney Vacation Club resorts, but are falling behind due to the fact that we keep going back to Saratoga Springs! Old Key West is ok, but I choose Riviera & Animal Kingdom lodge over OKW any day!
I'm with you Amy! Love Saratoga Springs. We are staying at OKW next month (only because Saratoga was booked) but I can't image I will ever change my mind. SSR is HOME for us!
We adore OKW. We started DVC by renting points & got OKW and fell in love with it. So imagine how surprised & disappointed we were to find that the other properties had tiny rooms. We have 2 contracts now, and just bought a 3rd at OKW. I low balled the offer and was very surprised it passed ROFR.
OKW owner since 1997. Each resort has it’s own charm. For me it depends who is going and what our plans are. ie. theme/water park, RunDisney race, resort hopping, shopping, dining, etc. I do know… Studio: Saratoga Spr. 1B : OKW
We went to chip and Dale's last February for a bfast burrito and bloody Mary's. Then again in march for a sandwich. I want to try the grilled cheese next!
Recently upgraded home resorts from Vero Beach to Old Key West. Will be staying there for the first time for the Nov 12th Very Merry Christmas Party. Stayed at Saratoga back in January. The room.was nice, but the bed squeaked any time someone moved. The resort itself was too sprawling for us which is ironic now that I own at Old Key West.
Great episode! OKW and SSR are two of my favorites and I hold them pretty much neck in neck. Are they the very best all around? Maybe not, but I am indeed a point miser and sometimes a last minute booker, so they work out really well for me. I do not understand why the points are so much lower here and would love to hear the "real" reason - I heard what Derek said about 20% less points, but I still don't quite understand the difference in total number of points. Does it mean they sold 20% less memberships to max it out? OKW has a great coffee shop, extensive gift shop, an "ok" outdoor bar and a counter service that could be better. The main pool is nicely themed and the quiet pools feel very secluded and excusive. The layout is beautiful, and the room size cannot be beat. That one bedroom, although it's odd to use the restroom if you're sleeping in the living room, is like the perfect model home I'd want to be built on private property. A HUGE loss, imo, was the fact that the watercraft rentals were discontinued after COVID. SSR also has lovely aesthetics, a nice recent remodel, and great proximity to Disney Springs. I adore the Treehouses as well. I'm not thrilled with the dining & shopping options, but the pools are great and IF the spa ever reopens, it'll be that much better. Given the remodels of both properties took place within almost the same time, it IS indeed a bit odd that OKW's still feels a bit dated. Maybe next time in 7-ish more years.
I own BCV, AU, and OKW. Oddly enough, my least favorite is BCV (high points, needing an 11-month booking, small rooms, no staff for the DVC side, the resort is a zoo, always bustling with loads of people in the main area). It is my contract with the benefits, so I will keep it. But my DVC Resale AU and OKW are my favorite resorts! OKW staff are the best on property. The CM is proud of OKW, and you can feel it. Lower points, easy to book, and HUGE ROOMS with beautiful views! I will be adding points here, too!!
The Murphy Bed at Vero Beach was horribly uncomfortable when we stayed there a few weeks ago. The Murphy bed at Riviera was very comfortable when we stayed there a year ago.
My home resort is Saratoga. Last 2 trips we stayed at a 2 bedroom at OKW and loved it. Looking forward to our 2025 trip. Booking Saratoga, 2 bedroom and can’t wait. I’m a golfer so, Saratoga gets my vote. Any word on the spa reopening or is that gone bye-bye?
I can't get past the remodel at OKW. if it had a more modern remodel I would change back to OKW but until then SSR will be my choice when deciding between the two.
I'm with amy! one of my favorite things is walking right to earl of sandwich, and now with Eeat there and the marg stand close, saratoga is way better.
I do like the show, but sometimes the comments seem a bit too contrived in order to support an argument. Today’s case in point: general disapproval of the SSR gift shop being attached to Artists’ Palette, as if it’s some sort of oddity unique to OKW. Next time you’re in Beach Club or Yacht Club, take a look at where the gift shops and quick services are.
Okw dvc member since 1993. I truly loved the resort over the years but it has not modernized to keep with times. Yes it has the key west vibes but still needs to modernize.🙂
I think there’s a stay versus buy component to this. While 2042 OKW contracts might be slightly cheaper upfront, OKW’s maintenance fees are over $1.50 higher than SSR. If you love OKW, buy at SSR and book OKW at 7 months.
This is. A no brainer. Not hating on toga cause we have points there also…but OKW is way Better Food, atmosphere, rooms size, swag at store. And who can forget the boats!!! I just ride those around for snacks some days. It’s one of our favorites. Saratoga had amy when you added a sandwich
OKW easily over Saratoga for the atmosphere. However, both come with a huge asterisk for me. You almost NEED a car unless you’re cool spending a lot of time on buses at peak times. Theres the internal bus to the main buses to the parks. So typically I get a preferred room but by then the points are near the same as other resorts like AKV.
Negative for OKW: there is limited rooms that are ADA compliant. My daughter has mobility issues and needs a scooter. While Disney is usually helpful in getting a compliant unit for my family there have been times I have had to remind them of ADA.
I have to say, unless the recent refurbishment took care of the HVAC cleanliness, OKW wins. The rooms are huge (a two bedroom villa has 100 more square feet than my house), it does feel more like a community than a resort, and Olivia’s is good for a sit down meal. There are things that I do like about Saratoga. The architecture is amazing, the proximity to Disney Springs offers more transportation options, you can take a boat to Disney Springs if you’re tired (or older), and the views are pretty good too. Both resorts suffer from “in the sticks” proximity to the theme parks. Getting transportation on property can be a long wait at times. When staying at OKW, we always walked to the Hospitality House to get the bus. Most of the time at Saratoga, we would walk to Disney Springs and get the bus there or just take our own vehicle. This is also an issue at Wilderness Lodge, we only used Disney transportation once. The rest of the time it was our own vehicle. So it’s OKW for me too. Again, if the HVAC system was cleaned with the last update at Saratoga, I’ll give it one more try.
OKW not only looks and feels like a moderate, it messages like the weakest moderate. I'd much rather enjoy the beauty and detail of Port Orleans or the Skyliner access of Caribbean Beach. OKW rooms are indeed very large, which is a plus, but it doesn't maximize the space well. I much prefer SSR. Yes, there are bland elements, but overall it's upscale and beautiful. Great rooms and access to dining at DS.
Hey everyone! I've seen a very odd thing in the DVC bookings today. Every single resort and every room type is currently full for July 30, 2025. What in the world is going on with that? How can that happen already?
Stayed at OKW once 2-3 years ago and our room was gross and dated. Saratoga I’ve stayed at twice and it’s been sooo much nicer. OKW made me feel like I was breathing in black mold.
OKW is the best - spacious & beautiful. Been a DVC member at OKW since 1992. Stayed at OKW 50 times. Stayed at Saratoga Springs once & it can't hold a candle next to OKW. One bedroom was cramped & lacked sufficient storage space for luggage & clothes. Never stay there again.
Old Key West buildings need elevators. I own at least both SSR and OKW and I can’t say enough of not having to climb stairs with my bad knees. OKW does not always have ground floor rooms available and the blocks with elevators are extremely hard to book.
I have to disagree with the Murphy bed comment. Those mattresses are great, and they are a real bed mattress (not a sofa bed mattress or a cot mattress), and they are fairly deep. I need a good mattress and I had zero problems with the Murphy bed mattresses.
I think old Key West is great and nostalgic, but the renovation was just not impressive. I think for people that are used to the new rooms. It is just not the same level of experience that were used to at newer refurbished rooms. I was even disappointed when I stayed at Boardwalk and didn’t have a smart TV.
Saratoga Springs has four pools, two pool bars, a good quick service and recently refurbished. If you drive you can park outside of your building and bring the kids right into your room. In addition you can walk to Disney Springs for dinner. Currently you can watch the drone show at night. I’ll take Saratoga Springs.
The drone show has been done since at least sept 15th.
This has become my very favorite Disney-related Blogcast/Podcast!!
A Team, I would like to see a 3 way head to head to head. Grand Floridian vs Bay lake vs poly. All “monorail” DVC resorts. Being on the loop used to mean something.
Me tooooooooooooooo
We have direct 500pts at Saratoga... we bought back in the pre-construction days (like $77/point). My wife and I bought while we were still engaged (married a year later). Saratoga remains my favorite... it's not perfect and can always be improved, but the sentimental value for me always wins! Thanks for the great DVC content!
So enjoy these Resort vs. Resort shows! Please do more. Have stayed at both and each has +/- amenities. Old Key West wins because when they say "Welcome Home," it feels like they mean it! Note to Amy, 100% with you on Earl of Sandwich proximity to Saratoga!!!
Not DVC members but paid cash for Saratoga over the Summer and we adored it.
Took a little bit to get our bearings but the Cast was awesome and once we figured out the bus system/layout it’s great.
We own OKW since 95. We don’t usually stay there but when we do we always wonder why we don’t stay there more often. It has such a relaxing, laid back feel. The villa sizes are amazing.
Just love the friendship that shines in these vlogs!
Our vote if Saratoga Springs. We have owned there since 2005 and love it. We may not stay there every trip but we always need to go back when we don't. We stayed at Old Key West once and found it to be so-so. There was absolutely nothing that impressed me about it except for maybe the low points. And thank you Amy! for pointing out all that is good about SSR. All you ever hear is how bad it is and it was great to hear someone positive about it besides me! lol
Since she was 8 years old, my granddaughter's birthday gift has been waking up in Disney World and going to sleep in Disney. She just turned 19 this summer and every year her choice of resorts has been OKW. The laid back feel and ease to get to the Springs makes it her favorite (and our family's).
I just bought a dvc contract at saratoga because of this podcast and honestly all the resorts are great.
We've owned at OKW since '93. (If Amy is old, I'm ancient!). We love the resort but you are so right about the dated elements. There are no USBs in the upstairs in the Grand Villas! The old wooden blinds are bowed out of shape and are dust traps. I sent feedback about this to Member services after our last stay. We've tried several of the other resorts and although they have their great points, overall we still prefer Old Key West 😃
I hate Saratoga Springs I would rather not go than stay there too sprawling difficult to maneuver
We just rented points for the first time at OKW. We loved it!!! We will definitely rent DVC points through your company again. Super impressed with the entire process. ❤
Like OKW a lot, the biggest drawback is all the noise from buses and golf carts used by cast members zooming up and down the roads. Lots of noise in most rooms from this. SSR rooms are probably the quietest on property.
I own a small okw contract.okw has a beautiful atmosphere and love the big rooms. Okw gift shop is pretty cool. Saratoga had a beautiful layout in the room and quietest room. Okw wins in my book.
I love Old Key West, bought it in 1997 but I did sell it last year as I had too many points for just me. Love the large rooms there and you don’t feel like you’re at Disney.
I still own at Saratoga for the Tree House Villas when I take my friends. So convenient for all of us.
Love this series!!
OKW has a lower point chart but Saratoga does have single digit studios during Travel Period 1, too.
Amy's perfect day at Disney...
Folding laundry in a 1-bed villa while a Red Baron Mexican pizza bakes in the oven.
This debate between Saratoga and OKW is a real and present thing. It’s always relevant and never dies down. I personally prefer OKW and made it my home resort because it feels more alive and more homey to me. I don’t mind that it’s a Florida themed resort in Florida. That is what I love about it, actually. Because we travel from the west coast specifically to enjoy Florida. This makes our time there the most immersive when we stay in OKW. Just saying.
One of the best things I have ever done at the entire Walt Disney World Resort is the boat ride back & forth between Disney Springs and Old Key West. One day I hope to be a DVC owner but in the meantime that boat ride is everything✨💫
We love to take the boat over to Disney Springs from OKW for a holiday turkey sandwich from Earl's then over to Port Orleans for the beignets
Saratoga also has 9 point per night rooms in September for the standard studio, but overall the OKW the points chart is lower overall.
Great show as always…I may even add on points at OKW!!
I enjoy both of these resorts, and especially love that when nothing else is available, I can usually book at one of these resorts. One of my homes is SSR so I picked that one.
I love Saratoga! First their cast members are stellar, the ease of going to Disney Springs, the pools, the views. And I’ve known their cast members for over 15 years. Also, not all of Old Key West Buildings have elevators. And their rooms cannot compare to the Saratoga’s in my opinion. I did not love the room upgrades at OKW, what they have is a larger room. Old Key West does have better dining, but I do think The Turf Club is fine, and I do like the Artists Palette. Being that close to Disney Springs gives lots of dining options. While a boat ride is great, walking back to your room in 10 minutes is even better for me! Love you guys!
Great show - always love the discussion! SSR owner here (that's what was offered when we joined in 2008...) but have stayed once at OKW and did appreciate the larger spaces. It would be a tough call for me to choose... I also own now at VGC (stayed many times there) and VDH (will be there for the first time in June 2025 - when will you be there Amy and Paul???) so would enjoy a head-to-head on those two! I've also stayed 2 or 3 times at Vero and really liked it but haven't been to HH yet but watched your recent review video; that would also be a great comparison. Have a great week!
Definitely should keep doing these resort matchups!
Old Key West is in the middle of everything, but you feel like you're hundreds of miles away.
I’ll definitely watch Hilton vs. Vero. Very interested in both and never been to either one.
The more I go to Disney and the less pressure to hit the parks non-stop has me appreciating the SSR’s and OKW’s. Now we can do a couple trips a year and spend more time at the resorts. They help to make your points go farther and I’m getting to the point I’d rather more trips than having to stay at the poly every time. We still
Love poly the most but we appreciate the catalog of DVC.
We bought into Saratoga years ago. It has walkable proximity to Disney Springs and it’s always a nice stay. We generally book a Studio as that’s all we need. OKW we stayed at once. Really no complaints and the Studio rooms were huge. We prefer DVC resorts serviced by the Monorail when we can book one.
I would love HH vs. Vero. We have two contracts at HH and absolutely love it there. Would like to go to Vero. We live in PA so we can drive to HH in a day. Much cheaper than flying to Vero. Keep up the great content! Love you guys! So jealous of your location and being able to go to Disney for date nights.
Sold SSR and bought OKW. We’ve stayed at every room type at SSR (studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR & THV), and had issues at each one. Love, love, love OKW!
Amy we like Saratoga 👍🏻 I remember chilling on the sofa watching football at OKW.😊 In my opinion it's hard too choose, sorry to many memories in both resorts.😏 Thanks for sharing 🤗♥️
I agree w Jeff. Huge rooms. If I lived on property it would be Old Key West! 😊
Paul. Question?
Grand Californian vs. Disneyland Hotel OR Villas at Disneyland Hotel?
Chip and Dale cafe is open at the golf course. Really good and inexpensive quick serve
It would also be fun to see some resort battles that are not the norm. Perhaps have a battle of the monorail resorts and have all three face off against each other. May be a battle of the buses resorts. Maybe Animal Kingdom versus Riviera? Just to mix it up
My girls and I LOVE Saratoga Springs Resort! We're on a journey to visit all Disney Vacation Club resorts, but are falling behind due to the fact that we keep going back to Saratoga Springs! Old Key West is ok, but I choose Riviera & Animal Kingdom lodge over OKW any day!
I'm with you Amy! Love Saratoga Springs. We are staying at OKW next month (only because Saratoga was booked) but I can't image I will ever change my mind. SSR is HOME for us!
We adore OKW. We started DVC by renting points & got OKW and fell in love with it. So imagine how surprised & disappointed
we were to find that the other properties had tiny rooms. We have 2 contracts now, and just bought a 3rd at OKW. I low balled the offer and was very surprised it passed ROFR.
Plus, those Old Key West rooms are in MAJOR need of an upgrade/refurb! And we went in 2021! So, I can't imagine what they're like now!
We just had this debate and we ended up picking Saratoga because we love the. Refurbished rooms and the walk to Disney Springs.
😆 Amy. You just think you're old!! 😊 I'm 73. Beat that!! 💓
OKW owner since 1997.
Each resort has it’s own charm.
For me it depends who is going and what our plans are. ie. theme/water park, RunDisney race, resort hopping, shopping, dining, etc.
I do know…
Studio: Saratoga Spr.
1B : OKW
Staying at both in two weeks and can't wait!
Did I miss mention of the Treehouses at Saratoga? We bought at OKW in 1997, but we really enjoy those Treehouses at SSR for a real change of pace!
I would totally watch Hilton Head and Vero Beach!
Chip n Dales Cafe is open! Went there on my trip in July. Always have to get their chicken salad sandwich it's the best!
We own and love SSR but we own three other resorts. The one bedrooms are great at both but I like the elevator in each building at SSR.
We went to chip and Dale's last February for a bfast burrito and bloody Mary's. Then again in march for a sandwich. I want to try the grilled cheese next!
Recently upgraded home resorts from Vero Beach to Old Key West. Will be staying there for the first time for the Nov 12th Very Merry Christmas Party.
Stayed at Saratoga back in January. The room.was nice, but the bed squeaked any time someone moved. The resort itself was too sprawling for us which is ironic now that I own at Old Key West.
SSR offers more convenience and the quick service option is more desirable. Staying at Congress Park gives you a convenient walk to Disney Springs.
Great episode! OKW and SSR are two of my favorites and I hold them pretty much neck in neck. Are they the very best all around? Maybe not, but I am indeed a point miser and sometimes a last minute booker, so they work out really well for me. I do not understand why the points are so much lower here and would love to hear the "real" reason - I heard what Derek said about 20% less points, but I still don't quite understand the difference in total number of points. Does it mean they sold 20% less memberships to max it out?
OKW has a great coffee shop, extensive gift shop, an "ok" outdoor bar and a counter service that could be better. The main pool is nicely themed and the quiet pools feel very secluded and excusive. The layout is beautiful, and the room size cannot be beat. That one bedroom, although it's odd to use the restroom if you're sleeping in the living room, is like the perfect model home I'd want to be built on private property. A HUGE loss, imo, was the fact that the watercraft rentals were discontinued after COVID.
SSR also has lovely aesthetics, a nice recent remodel, and great proximity to Disney Springs. I adore the Treehouses as well. I'm not thrilled with the dining & shopping options, but the pools are great and IF the spa ever reopens, it'll be that much better. Given the remodels of both properties took place within almost the same time, it IS indeed a bit odd that OKW's still feels a bit dated. Maybe next time in 7-ish more years.
My family and I have eaten at the Turf Club many times over the years and NEVER had a bad meal.
I love SS! I enjoyed OKW as well but felt that the rooms were not as quiet as SS.
And the treehouse villas are cool at Saratoga Springs!
The SS renovations are beautiful! OKW- the rooms still look like they are from 1990
I own BCV, AU, and OKW. Oddly enough, my least favorite is BCV (high points, needing an 11-month booking, small rooms, no staff for the DVC side, the resort is a zoo, always bustling with loads of people in the main area). It is my contract with the benefits, so I will keep it. But my DVC Resale AU and OKW are my favorite resorts! OKW staff are the best on property. The CM is proud of OKW, and you can feel it. Lower points, easy to book, and HUGE ROOMS with beautiful views! I will be adding points here, too!!
The Murphy Bed at Vero Beach was horribly uncomfortable when we stayed there a few weeks ago. The Murphy bed at Riviera was very comfortable when we stayed there a year ago.
Saratoga is nice. But okw is my absolute fave. Its like old disney
I would totally buy an old key Jeff shirt but I would need to get that autographed 😂
Two must do restaurants when you come to Disneyland, Din tai fung and Portos.
My home resort is Saratoga. Last 2 trips we stayed at a 2 bedroom at OKW and loved it. Looking forward to our 2025 trip. Booking Saratoga, 2 bedroom and can’t wait. I’m a golfer so, Saratoga gets my vote. Any word on the spa reopening or is that gone bye-bye?
Out of all of the lobbies, OKW has the best! I have nonide what the scent is but I can sit in the lobby all day just to smell it!
Surprised the annual fees weren’t brought up. Always wondered why okw has such high fees.
I can't get past the remodel at OKW. if it had a more modern remodel I would change back to OKW but until then SSR will be my choice when deciding between the two.
I'm with amy! one of my favorite things is walking right to earl of sandwich, and now with Eeat there and the marg stand close, saratoga is way better.
OKW for Olivia’s breakfast…Congress Park for EASY walk to Springs, elevators and the best pool!
I do like the show, but sometimes the comments seem a bit too contrived in order to support an argument. Today’s case in point: general disapproval of the SSR gift shop being attached to Artists’ Palette, as if it’s some sort of oddity unique to OKW.
Next time you’re in Beach Club or Yacht Club, take a look at where the gift shops and quick services are.
I’ve never stayed at OKW; we always choose SSR when given the choice.
Love it!! ❤😊 🏰
Don't forget about the Treehouse Villas at SSR. A unique vacation option that OKW doesn't offer. I love both resorts but own at SSR.
I love SSR , I do like OKW but I feel so calm & relaxed at SSR. The food at OKW is lacking
I was at Olivia’s for dinner in August. Food was awful. Cast members were amazing. I only went to the Turf Club years ago and it was phenomenal.
Why not show a couple of available contracts during these shows?
Jeff is a Parrothead?! Woohoo!
Okw dvc member since 1993. I truly loved the resort over the years but it has not modernized to keep with times. Yes it has the key west vibes but still needs to modernize.🙂
Key West sales pitch by Derek😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.
He can sell anything! I swear!
Elevators at SSR for the win!
I think there’s a stay versus buy component to this. While 2042 OKW contracts might be slightly cheaper upfront, OKW’s maintenance fees are over $1.50 higher than SSR. If you love OKW, buy at SSR and book OKW at 7 months.
This is. A no brainer. Not hating on toga cause we have points there also…but OKW is way
Better Food, atmosphere, rooms size, swag at store. And who can forget the boats!!! I just ride those around for snacks some days. It’s one of our favorites. Saratoga had amy when you added a sandwich
OKW easily over Saratoga for the atmosphere. However, both come with a huge asterisk for me. You almost NEED a car unless you’re cool spending a lot of time on buses at peak times. Theres the internal bus to the main buses to the parks. So typically I get a preferred room but by then the points are near the same as other resorts like AKV.
Negative for OKW: there is limited rooms that are ADA compliant. My daughter has mobility issues and needs a scooter. While Disney is usually helpful in getting a compliant unit for my family there have been times I have had to remind them of ADA.
I have to say, unless the recent refurbishment took care of the HVAC cleanliness, OKW wins. The rooms are huge (a two bedroom villa has 100 more square feet than my house), it does feel more like a community than a resort, and Olivia’s is good for a sit down meal.
There are things that I do like about Saratoga. The architecture is amazing, the proximity to Disney Springs offers more transportation options, you can take a boat to Disney Springs if you’re tired (or older), and the views are pretty good too.
Both resorts suffer from “in the sticks” proximity to the theme parks. Getting transportation on property can be a long wait at times. When staying at OKW, we always walked to the Hospitality House to get the bus. Most of the time at Saratoga, we would walk to Disney Springs and get the bus there or just take our own vehicle. This is also an issue at Wilderness Lodge, we only used Disney transportation once. The rest of the time it was our own vehicle.
So it’s OKW for me too. Again, if the HVAC system was cleaned with the last update at Saratoga, I’ll give it one more try.
OKW not only looks and feels like a moderate, it messages like the weakest moderate. I'd much rather enjoy the beauty and detail of Port Orleans or the Skyliner access of Caribbean Beach. OKW rooms are indeed very large, which is a plus, but it doesn't maximize the space well. I much prefer SSR. Yes, there are bland elements, but overall it's upscale and beautiful. Great rooms and access to dining at DS.
Hey everyone! I've seen a very odd thing in the DVC bookings today. Every single resort and every room type is currently full for July 30, 2025. What in the world is going on with that? How can that happen already?
We eat at Chip n Dale's at least once a trip when at SSR.
Any DVC resort vs Aulani
This may be a stupid question, but I recently bought a 2042 resale contract to OKW. Could I go to Disney and try to extend it through direct?
Disney does not offer the ability to extend a 2042 contract purchased via resale anymore, unfortunately.
And the Poly point chart did come out before this aired
Stayed at OKW once 2-3 years ago and our room was gross and dated. Saratoga I’ve stayed at twice and it’s been sooo much nicer. OKW made me feel like I was breathing in black mold.
OKW is the best - spacious & beautiful. Been a DVC member at OKW since 1992. Stayed at OKW 50 times. Stayed at Saratoga Springs once & it can't hold a candle next to OKW. One bedroom was cramped & lacked sufficient storage space for luggage & clothes. Never stay there again.
Yes Chip and Dale is open.
do poly vs VGF or BLT vs wilderness lodge
BR vs AK would be a show im interested in.
Old Key West buildings need elevators. I own at least both SSR and OKW and I can’t say enough of not having to climb stairs with my bad knees. OKW does not always have ground floor rooms available and the blocks with elevators are extremely hard to book.
Chip N Dale’s is most definitely open and has been for quite some time.
I have to disagree with the Murphy bed comment. Those mattresses are great, and they are a real bed mattress (not a sofa bed mattress or a cot mattress), and they are fairly deep. I need a good mattress and I had zero problems with the Murphy bed mattresses.
I think old Key West is great and nostalgic, but the renovation was just not impressive. I think for people that are used to the new rooms. It is just not the same level of experience that were used to at newer refurbished rooms. I was even disappointed when I stayed at Boardwalk and didn’t have a smart TV.
Saratoga gets my vote