[jk8]

OK, we are using some of our new points to send my mom and her best friend for a week in Sept right after free dining. Anyway I can get them in a studio at SSR or OKW.

They can't really do stairs. I understand only a few buildings at OKW have elevators. Of course like everyone else they also don't want to be too far from things as they are not used to walking long distances. OKW is also good because it has the 2 beds and neither would have to use the pull out couch.

Before I thought this all through I booked them at SSR (just today) because it is newer, but I was concerned about the distance.

They will be doing some parks but a lot of relaxing and DTD. Would you all say that OKW would be better? Do you think if I tell them they can't walk far and have bad knees they will get a good building? I would hate to have them get there an have trouble.

I did not realize member services had only day hours. Bummer. I can't wait until you make reservations online.

[2nd Star]

I make my reservations online...I only call when I need to change something.
Did you go to mydvc.com? Wait did you get your club id#?
Also you can request a room on the first level.

[jk8]

Originally Posted by 2nd Star

I make my reservations online...I only call when I need to change something.
Did you go to mydvc.com? Wait did you get your club id#?
Also you can request a room on the first level.

I guess I see where it says make a "reservation request". My rep said soon you will be able to see real time availability for all the resorts during your proposed stay and book it.

Have you stayed at OKW? What do you think of it?

[2nd Star]

No, I have never stayed there..sorry

[Daisee]

Originally Posted by jk8

Have you stayed at OKW? What do you think of it?

Stayed at OKW this past June. We had a ground floor room. But if you are not lucky to get one.. there are stairs. OKW is a very large resort. A lot of walking is required, should you not get a close to the "main" area room. However, they do have a boat launch, which means it is so easy to get to DTD, since that is where they plan to spend a lot of time. Of course the buses are just as easy to get to the parks as well.. only a couple stops and you are out of there, and on your way. OKW has Olivia's. It is a nice place to eat any time of the day. They also have a very nice gift shop, little grocer area, pools, pool bar, golf, etc. Overall it is a nice place to stay. I cannot compare it to SSR.. I have never stayed there.. only toured it for DVC.

[DVC Mike]

Both OKW and SSR are very large, spead-out resorts (distance of rooms from dining and services). They are the only two "standalone" DVC resorts (i.e., they aren't attached to a deluxe hotel). They have more of a condo/townhome feel than a hotel feel.

A studio at OKW is 390 sq ft and has 2 Queen beds, whereas a studio at SSR is 355 sq ft and has 1 Queen bed and 1 double size sleeper sofa.

OKW (the oldest DVC resort) offers a quiet, relaxed, lushly landscaped setting, has very convenient self parking directly in front of units, and offers boat service to DTD. Most rooms have pretty good views: golf course, water/canal, woods. There are four swimming pools. There is very limited onsite dining (Olivia’s café) and most buildings lack an elevator.

SSR is newer and has an elegant and sophisticated décor, an onsite Spa (rated best at WDW), is close to Downtown Disney (walk or take a boat to DTD for restaurants and nightlife). It also has limited onsite dining (Artists Palette and The Turf Club) but you can eat at DTD.

[MickeyMcFizzle]

I personally think that since the resorts are so similar in size, and close in location, that either would do. You could always request a first floor room at either.

I think it comes down to style preference. I like the look of OKW better, and the theming, but peopler ave about the pool and grounds of SSR too.

Tough choice!

[MissDisney]

jk8 -- May I pry about why those two resorts are the ones you are considering? It is due to availability? Because I am sure BWV, BCV and AKV have elevators, which might be nice for them.

[gemdisney]

I have stayed at SSR and they will have the pull out couch to deal with but I'm sure someone will be able to assist them with that. Plus they do have elevators. You can always request a ground floor and close building.
I clean an elderly couples home and they went recently and found a scooter place outside of Disney that had them waiting there at the resort for them. The cost was only $3 a day. That may be a great option for your Mom and her best friend. I'll try to get ahold of them and get the name of the company. I know they found them online though. And the buses assisted them with getting it all on and off the bus!

[jk8]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

jk8 -- May I pry about why those two resorts are the ones you are considering? It is due to availability? Because I am sure BWV, BCV and AKV have elevators, which might be nice for them.

Yes, that is all that is available. They actually picked OKW out of the book as their first choice. OKW will really suit them as it is so lush and pretty looking. I went ahead and switched it to to OKW in the preferred buildings of the Hospitality house. They know 1st floor is not a guarantee, but we will see what happens. Mom "can" do stairs but it is just not something she does often.

Gemdisney, thanks for offering to check out the scooter. She does not need that - she really just needs to get in better shape and build up her stamina - and she said this morning she was excited to try and get a walking program going.

[MissDisney]

Originally Posted by jk8

she really just needs to get in better shape and build up her stamina - and she said this morning she was excited to try and get a walking program going.

No place better for that than WDW!!! For some reason, walking at WDW is different than anywhere else -- the sidwalks, the scenery, the flowers, the animals... wonderful!