What can you tell me about the Disney resorts that are available from Interval International?

[andre10056]

Having watched II during the past year plus, I've become aware that II most frequently shows availability at Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. But there have been times when II shows availability at Boardwalk Villas and Animal Kingdom Kidani.

Is there anything wrong with both Old Key West and Saratoga Springs and is that the reason they so frequently appear?

I've done searches to answer that question and other questions about the other resorts but, alas, all I've gotten is "years ago" information that may discuss "renovated units" or "units that need to be renovated" which may not accurately reflect today's reality.

So, bottom line, are there dogs I (and others) should avoid? Should we hold out for Boardwalk Villas and Animal Kingdom in that they're light years better than Old Key West and Saratoga Springs?

 

[dioxide45]

Saratoga Springs is the largest DVC resort by number of rooms. It alays seems to be close to last on the list for many DVC owners. Old Key West is the oldest and has no elevators except for a couple exceptions. These two resorts certainly aren't dogs and get all the same onsite benefits as if you were staying at any other Deluxe resort.

 

[ljmiii]

The only thing wrong with OKW and SSR (and AKV for that matter) is that they aren't adjacent to a park. Which of the three is 'best' is a matter of preference - OKW has large villas, SSR is next to Disney Springs, and AKV has animals.

Boardwalk is a different story entirely as it is adjacent to both EPCOT and HS and is one of the most difficult DVCs to exchange into using DVC points at 7 months. I'm somewhat surprised that you're finding II availability on par with AKV.

 

[Dean]

Having watched II during the past year plus, I've become aware that II most frequently shows availability at Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. But there have been times when II shows availability at Boardwalk Villas and Animal Kingdom Kidani.

Is there anything wrong with both Old Key West and Saratoga Springs and is that the reason they so frequently appear?

I've done searches to answer that question and other questions about the other resorts but, alas, all I've gotten is "years ago" information that may discuss "renovated units" or "units that need to be renovated" which may not accurately reflect today's reality.

So, bottom line, are there dogs I (and others) should avoid? Should we hold out for Boardwalk Villas and Animal Kingdom in that they're light years better than Old Key West and Saratoga Springs?

All are great. Of the 4 I'd consider OKW the lowest due to location and lack of elevators for almost all the buildings. SSR is next to Disney Springs, just walk over. OKW does have a boat and bus that goes to DS. As noted, it has the largest units by far and has 2 queens in the second as well as 2 queens in a studio if applicable. AKV Kidani has the second bath in the 1 BR but not Jambo. Both BWV and AKV have LONG hallways. If you're setting up an ongoing search there's no reason to avoid listing all resorts but as with any OGS, don't list anything you don't want to get. I would put in an OGS if there's a specific week you want. You can always search manually online and match to the same deposit. Don't forget the additional resort fee plus the exchange fee, still a great value compared to paying Disney prices but more than staying at an MVC resorts nearby.

The only thing wrong with OKW and SSR (and AKV for that matter) is that they aren't adjacent to a park. Which of the three is 'best' is a matter of preference - OKW has large villas, SSR is next to Disney Springs, and AKV has animals.

Boardwalk is a different story entirely as it is adjacent to both EPCOT and HS and is one of the most difficult DVCs to exchange into using DVC points at 7 months. I'm somewhat surprised that you're finding II availability on par with AKV.

I've seen BWV a few times lately, about as often as I've seen AKV. SSR & OKW are by far the most common deposits, maybe SSR slightly more than OKW. All were 1 BR units as expected.

 

[andre10056]

The reason I'm asking is that I'd like to reserve something for one of my relatives from Europe. Two kids, two boys, one nine, one seven.

So I'm thinking the lack of elevators at Old Key West would not be a problem. Unless, of course, we're talking six floors. Apparently has large villas. But "oldest resort" could mean "shabby" but, if not, that might be an option.

Not sure about the sleeping arrangements at Old Key West. Is it two queens in the bedroom of a 1 bedroom?

The above information from TUGgers indicates a concern about "location" of Old Key West. Not "next to" Disney Springs. I've just done a search of what Disney Springs is. Used to be called Downtown Disney with numerous restaurants and shops and a Cirque du Soleil. But you can apparently access it via boat or bus from Old Key West.

Are either of the latter transportation options a long wait and/or huge inconvenience?

Saratoga Springs is apparently modeled after that city in New York. To me, that might be authentic but I'm not too fond of that look (sorry Saratoga Springs natives). But you can just walk over to Disney Springs. which is apparently a big plus.

I guess the big concern about Old Key West and Saratoga Springs is that they weren't all scooped up immediately after the "drop". Some weeks were taken, but other weeks have lingered for days. The concern: what's wrong with them?

Animal Kingdom Kidani I just saw once on II. I assume you also can't just walk over to Disney Springs. It has animals in which the kids would, of course, have an interest. I've seen pictures of both the Jambo House and Kidani lobbies, and they're worthy of a visit even if you don't stay there.

Again, according to the above, one reason Boardwalk Villas may be preferable to all of the above is that you can easily get to Epcot and HS (which I've learned is Hollywood Studios). But is it all that hard to get to the parks from the other resorts?

Finally, how about pools? I imagine the kids will be eager to hit the pools. And particularly eager to socialize with a good number of American kids as they practice their English. What can you tell me about pools at the four resorts?

 

[rickandcindy23]

Has anyone gotten an ongoing search match for Disney?

Rick's favorite is OKW. My favorite is rarely available, and that's DWL. My second favorite is OKW.

Nothing is wrong with any of the resorts. Just like there is nothing wrong with any Marriott in Orlando, but everyone has a favorite they like. Saratoga Springs is a beautful resort as well. It's been more recently updated than OKW. OKW's design is so quaint and Old Key West themed, the furnishings just never seem to need replacing. They may have replaced the kitchen cabinets at some point, however, because I noticed they weren't as beat up but they are the same design.

EDITED TO ADD: If you are worried about "shabby," don't take OKW because it's shabby/chic and made that way to give the impression of Old Key West. I have a friend who said, "I cannot believe you bought at OKW because the distance to the parks is horrible, such a long bus ride, and it looks old." Okay, don't ever ask me to get you a few nights again. They needed 3 nights for a cheerleading competition her granddaughter was in. Disney updates resorts far more than most management companies do.

People in wheelchairs/scooters that are in the bottom floors are doing some damage to the luxury vinyl plank flooring. I see a lot of long dents when I stay on the bottom floor. But the original build in 1991, many owners are older now and are using those wheelchairs and scooters. I request bottom floor, Rick says to stop requesting because he doesn't mind carrying luggage up the stairs, so okay, I will stop asking because those units do get more wear.

If only it wasn't so hot in May and June, I would just go to Orlando every year at that time via exchange, but I cannot take that humidity and heat. It was 100 degrees some days this last May. I have to go during the cooler seasons.

 

[andre10056]

Has anyone gotten an ongoing search match for Disney?

Rick's favorite is OKW. My favorite is rarely available, and that's DWL. My second favorite is OKW.

Nothing is wrong with any of the resorts. Just like there is nothing wrong with any Marriott in Orlando, but everyone has a favorite they like. Saratoga Springs is a beautful resort as well. It's been more recently updated than OKW. OKW's design is so quaint and Old Key West themed, the furnishings just never seem to need replacing. They may have replaced the kitchen cabinets at some point, however, because I noticed they weren't as beat up but they are the same design.

EDITED TO ADD: If you are worried about "shabby," don't take OKW because it's shabby/chic and made that way to give the impression of Old Key West. I have a friend who said, "I cannot believe you bought at OKW because the distance to the parks is horrible, such a long bus ride, and it looks old." Okay, don't ever ask me to get you a few nights again. They needed 3 nights for a cheerleading competition her granddaughter was in. Disney updates resorts far more than most management companies do.

People in wheelchairs/scooters that are in the bottom floors are doing some damage to the luxury vinyl plank flooring. I see a lot of long dents when I stay on the bottom floor. But the original build in 1991, many owners are older now and are using those wheelchairs and scooters. I request bottom floor, Rick says to stop requesting because he doesn't mind carrying luggage up the stairs, so okay, I will stop asking because those units do get more wear.

If only it wasn't so hot in May and June, I would just go to Orlando every year at that time via exchange, but I cannot take that humidity and heat. It was 100 degrees some days this last May. I have to go during the cooler seasons.

Apparently, your last and my most recent post crossed in the mail. But I gleaned a ton of information from your post for which I thank you (as I thank everyone).

You can be sure that my relatives would be more concerned about "dirty shabby" and/or "broken shabby" but not concerned about chic shabby as per the theme of the resort. So that sounds fine.

But if it's a largely senior citizen resort, that might be less optimal for the kids who would no doubt prefer a lively pool filled with kids (or, at the very least, has some kids their age).

And they would be coming June or early July in that it's school vacation time but I think they can handle it.

Is the "distance to the parks" of non-Boardwalk Villas resorts really that horrible as your guests contend?

 

[rickandcindy23]

It's not a senior citizen resort. It's a family resort. It's Disney. Boardwalk Villas could be considered the same because it is old, as is Beach Club, and of course Saratoga Springs is getting old too. But they are updated and Disney attracts families.

Your friends and family should be grateful for ANY Disney resort they get via exchange because staying onsite is so special (to me). If you love the Disney bubble, it's a great bubble to float about in.

 

[Huskerpaul]

OKW and SSR are the least in demand DVC resorts at WDW. These resorts usually have availability when others don't. Unlike most timeshare systems, with DVC studios have the greatest demand by owners due to the lower points costs. This is why you see one-bedroom units available in Interval. From both OKW and SSR you will need to take buses to any of the parks. Buses are the least popular of the free transportation options at WDW. Of course, you can always drive or take a rideshare. Summer is becoming less and less popular. It isn't so much the heat as it is the high humidity and frequent afternoon rain showers. It seems families are more willing to take their children out of school for a trip to WDW than was the case in the past. I think your family will enjoy either resort.

 

[dioxide45]

One thing to keep in mind is that 2BR units will mostly likely only come up in II for Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. You likely won't find them at Animal Kingdom Villas, Boulder Ridge or Boardwalk. 1BR units may also work give the age of the children as they may have a Murphy bed where the sofa is and another small Murphy bed under the TV. I know Saratoga Springs is like this but I don't think the 1BR at Old Key West does. Animal Kingdom has a pullout sofa and a pullout chair in the living room. For Animal Kingdom I am only referring to Kidani as Jambo isn't available through II, at least not that I've ever seen.

 

[BrownThunder]

Has anyone gotten an ongoing search match for Disney?

Rick's favorite is OKW. My favorite is rarely available, and that's DWL. My second favorite is OKW.

Nothing is wrong with any of the resorts. Just like there is nothing wrong with any Marriott in Orlando, but everyone has a favorite they like. Saratoga Springs is a beautful resort as well. It's been more recently updated than OKW. OKW's design is so quaint and Old Key West themed, the furnishings just never seem to need replacing. They may have replaced the kitchen cabinets at some point, however, because I noticed they weren't as beat up but they are the same design.

EDITED TO ADD: If you are worried about "shabby," don't take OKW because it's shabby/chic and made that way to give the impression of Old Key West. I have a friend who said, "I cannot believe you bought at OKW because the distance to the parks is horrible, such a long bus ride, and it looks old." Okay, don't ever ask me to get you a few nights again. They needed 3 nights for a cheerleading competition her granddaughter was in. Disney updates resorts far more than most management companies do.

People in wheelchairs/scooters that are in the bottom floors are doing some damage to the luxury vinyl plank flooring. I see a lot of long dents when I stay on the bottom floor. But the original build in 1991, many owners are older now and are using those wheelchairs and scooters. I request bottom floor, Rick says to stop requesting because he doesn't mind carrying luggage up the stairs, so okay, I will stop asking because those units do get more wear.

If only it wasn't so hot in May and June, I would just go to Orlando every year at that time via exchange, but I cannot take that humidity and heat. It was 100 degrees some days this last May. I have to go during the cooler seasons.

What an ungrateful friend!

 

[BrownThunder]

To add on to previous posts, my biggest complaint has to do with the fact that dining options are extremely limited. Although, you can get around that pretty easily by just taking the boat to Disney Springs.

By the way, a major pro of OKW is the size of the rooms as they're the biggest by far. I don't recall seeing anybody mention that in previous posts.

 

[chunkygal]

WHILE WE own at Boardwalk, we love love OkW. It has in our humble opinion it is larger units, better layout and quieter. Good restaurants and good access to Disney Springs. Saratoga Springs is my least favorite. Large, many units, uncomfortable furniture, poor on-site restaurant choices. staying at OKW now. Was concerned cause broken foot, but even without elevators and staying on 2nd story has been OK.
But Boardwalk is great also and we love staying there. It's also a great property to rent or for a couple. Convenient to great restaurants.

 

[chunkygal]

One thing to keep in mind is that 2BR units will mostly likely only come up in II for Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. You likely won't find them at Animal Kingdom Villas, Boulder Ridge or Boardwalk. 1BR units may also work give the age of the children as they may have a Murphy bed where the sofa is and another small Murphy bed under the TV. I know Saratoga Springs is like this but I don't think the 1BR at Old Key West does. Animal Kingdom has a pullout sofa and a pullout chair in the living room. For Animal Kingdom I am only referring to Kidani as Jambo isn't available through II, at least not that I've ever seen.

The 1 bdrm at OKW does have a pull out sofa and chair. Chair single, sofa double.

 

[rickandcindy23]

The 1 bdrm at OKW does have a pull out sofa and chair. Chair single, sofa double.

I wish there was enough room in the living area for the nice murphy bed but windows get in the way. Rick said they could block one window with the murphy bed closed and open it to a window with a shade to cover it. I don't know why Rick and I have conversations like this while we are staying there our many weeks each year, but the murphy bed at DSS is far more comfortable than the sofa bed.

 

[andre10056]

It seems that there are more votes for Old Key West than for Saratoga Springs.

But I'm puzzled as above posts regarding OKW on one hand claim that "dining options are extremely limited" and then, on the other hand, claim that OKW has "Good restaurants".

Some posts suggest that there is poor access to Disney Springs and others claim there is "good access to Disney Springs" (which I assume means that you can access good restaurants at Disney Springs).

So what restaurants may be at OKW and what might the means be to get to both Disney Springs and the theme parks?

As to Murphy bed, no Murphy bed, I'm assuming that either would work for kids.

And what is the highest floor at OKW?

 

[andre10056]

The 1 bdrm at OKW does have a pull out sofa and chair. Chair single, sofa double.

I was wondering why the 1 BR at Old Key West sleeps five but I guess that's the reason.

 

[dioxide45]

It seems that there are more votes for Old Key West than for Saratoga Springs.

But I'm puzzled as above posts regarding OKW on one hand claim that "dining options are extremely limited" and then, on the other hand, claim that OKW has "Good restaurants".

Some posts suggest that there is poor access to Disney Springs and others claim there is "good access to Disney Springs" (which I assume means that you can access good restaurants at Disney Springs).

So what restaurants may be at OKW and what might the means be to get to both Disney Springs and the theme parks?

As to Murphy bed, no Murphy bed, I'm assuming that either would work for kids.

I wouldn't say that any Disney resort restaurant is good, they are all pretty average, at least for the price. Some are better than others, but the better ones might cost more. Disney Springs has a plethora of restaurants to choose from and, by comparison, they tend to be better. At least from my experience.

Disney Springs is accessible from any resort, either by bus or boat. The time to get there will vary. Many like Saratoga Springs because you can walk to Disney Springs. It can be a long walk depending on what section you are in. OKW only has one sit down restaurant (Olivia's) and a walk up window.

 

[BrownThunder]

It seems that there are more votes for Old Key West than for Saratoga Springs.

But I'm puzzled as above posts regarding OKW on one hand claim that "dining options are extremely limited" and then, on the other hand, claim that OKW has "Good restaurants".

Some posts suggest that there is poor access to Disney Springs and others claim there is "good access to Disney Springs" (which I assume means that you can access good restaurants at Disney Springs).

So what restaurants may be at OKW and what might the means be to get to both Disney Springs and the theme parks?

As to Murphy bed, no Murphy bed, I'm assuming that either would work for kids.

And what is the highest floor at OKW?

And hence the problem with getting opinions from different people. I stated that it had extremely limited dining options because it only has Olivia's as a sit down restaurant. You also have The Gurgling Suitcase as a quick dining option but that's it if I remember correctly. But Olivia's is a very good restaurant, in my opinion.

I'm not sure why someone would state that OKW has poor access to Disney Springs considering it's one of only two Disney resorts where you can take the boat to get there.

The highest floor at OKW is the third floor if I remember correctly.

I really don't think you'll be disappointed with either choice unless you're EXTREMELY picky as there's no feeling like the Disney bubble.

 

[Dean]

One thing to note about OKW 2 BR is that about 1/4 to 1/3 of the 2 BR units don't have a separate access to the bathroom and you have to go through the BR.

 

[TheHolleys87]

So I'm thinking the lack of elevators at Old Key West would not be a problem. Unless, of course, we're talking six floors.

No, three floors is all.

One thing to note about OKW 2 BR is that about 1/4 to 1/3 of the 2 BR units don't have a separate access to the bathroom and you have to go through the BR.

I think it may be more than that, and it’s actually an issue in the 1BR. In the oldest buildings (the majority, I believe), access to the one and only bathroom is through the bedroom (which in a 2br is the primary bedroom). In the newer buildings, there’s a cut through from the living room through the laundry room into the bathroom. In the 2BR, there’s an en-suite secondary bathroom. The secondary bedroom has two queen beds, by the way, so if you could book a 2BR for your friends the kids could have their own beds and not be sleeping in the living room.

 

[TheHolleys87]

As alluded to above, OKW, SSR and AKV-Kidani are the largest DVC resorts, and they tend to have the most availability for exchanging into, whether internally as a DVC owner or externally via II.

OKW was last refurbished just prior to Covid whereas SSR was refurbished during and just after the Covid closure. The more recent refurbishment as well as the fact that SSR has elevators in all its buildings and easy access via walkway, boat or bus to DS is what accounts for it being preferred by some over OKW. The refurbishment was very well done, and some SSR owners who bought there with the intention of using their points only at other DVC resorts now stay there regularly and like it.

BTW - SSR has four swimming pools, two of which are considered “feature pools” with slides, and OKW has 5 pools but only one is a feature pool with a slide. Guests are welcome to use any pool at their resort and can access them via bus or walkway. If I had kids ages 7 and 9, I think I’d prefer SSR for the pools alone.

 

[littlestar]

We own points at Saratoga and like the refurbished rooms so well that we stay there at least once a year. Plus our kids and grand kids like the easy access to Disney Springs. When the new Lakeshore Lodge starts selling I think it is supposed to have around 900 rooms so it should pass Saratoga on size.

 

[TEK224]

I own at Saratoga Springs and love it. I think the kids would have a great time. The main pool is large and has the water slide. They also have staff conduct games for the kids at the pool. The other pools in the complex also have either a water slide or splash play areas. The Congress Park section is the only area that just has a pool (IIRC). A few years ago I took my adult nieces and nephews, and their kids, and we all had a fantastic time. There were 28 of us in total. Kids loved the murphy beds. Being able to walk of take the boat to Disney Springs is so convenient. DS has entertainment in the evening as well.

 

[heitmullerj02]

Do any of the Disney resorts come up as Getaways on II? Can you put in an on going search for a Getaway?