Based on pools… Saratoga Springs easily takes the win! They have 2 “big” pools with slides, a kiddie pool and slide area, couple splash pads. With kids who love swimming and who want a more laid back stay, Saratoga. However, the resort is HUGE! If you fly and don’t rent a vehicle you will be taking buses to get to and from different places around the resort.
I haven't stayed at either, but I've been to both and I'm in the process of closing on a small SSR contract. It's definitely SSR for the win for me. I think it's much more upscale and manicured than OKW (certainly not on the level of Grand Floridian or Riviera, but it's neat and well appointed in a way that OKW is not.) The adjacency to DS is another of SSR's attributes. The pool area at OKW is very unappealing to me, while SSR's pools are celebrated. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the zealotry some people have for OKW, but it definitely wins for room size, and I agree that I'd probably consider it over SSR for a large family trip. Esthetically, though, SSR's rooms have more in common with Riviera's. Overall, I like my Disney to be luxe, and SSR offers this feel.
What we really love about DVC is there is a resort theme for everyone. At first we weren’t crazy about SSR when we bought but after we stayed there once we started staying there every year. It really is a beautiful resort. Congratulations and Welcome Home 🎉🎉
Have you stayed in Aulani with your SSR points? We are looking to buy resale so we can stay in Aulani. We are worried about the high dues for Aulani, but also not getting a reservation in a 7-month period if that is not our home resort.
Great questions. We have not stayed at Aulani, although we could use our point at that resort. You are correct the dues are very high so that's one reason we personally would not buy there. Seeing that there are high and low seasons at all the resorts I'm sure a 7 month window would not be that hard during their off season. What we do is just play around with the DVC planner to see what is available to get an idea of how to plan for a future stay at any resort that is not our home resort. I hope this is helpful and as always thanks for watching.
There is a lot to consider. What resort, how many points, what size contracts, direct or resale. Make sure to do your research. Join Facebook pages and watch RU-vid videos. Thanks for watching and commenting.
