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

[littlestar]

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

I have never seen DVC as a Getaway on Interval. I have seen DVC with an AC during the month of August, though.

 

[Swans5]

Re the kids practicing English at the pools: OKW main pool by check-in and restaurant typically has the largest number of school age kids. The other pools (3 of them) are sometimes referred to as "quiet" pools. They don't have organized activities for kids and families (Disney trivia, pool games, and pop music). The "quiet" pools tend to have more pre-school age kids as these ages don't always know about or demand the slide and activities of the main themed pool.

For Saratoga and AKV, the distribution of school-age kids is a little more even, although the one pool from which you can view Disney Springs tends to hardly ever have anyone in it. Hope that helps, and feel free to ask followup questions.

 

[liacee]

I've stayed at Saratoga before (renting points) and it is a big resort, very spread out. It was okay for a few nights in a studio but in my honest opinion, I prefer staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek to Saratoga, just for amenities. I've never stayed at Old Key West though and I'd love to try it, I've gone over to eat at Olivia's and I really love the theme there (just my preference as a Floridian). I am NOT a Disney Springs person so the location of those two hotels isn't the best for me. We are about to do a Spring Break stay at Boulder Ridge, our first Interval DVC exchange ever, and I'm excited to try it out as we've never stayed there before. I think it is going to be such a fun experience for the kids, they are going to love the lobby and all the little details around that resort.

 

[elaine]

I own at AKV and have swapped into OKW/SSR many times. For a 1st visit from Europe, I'd pick OKW, as it has Key West theming/vibe that they would not see in Europe. But, both are very solid choices. My thoughts:
SSRs interiors after renovation are very nice. OKW has also been renovated and does not look "shabby" by any means. OKW pool/little boardwalk has a fun KW vibe, good layout of chairs/shade and a great community hall (activities, art, games) right outside of the pool gate. Perfect for kids' ages. SSR also has a CH-near, but not right at the pool. I like OKW's CH better-smaller and has a more welcoming feeling. Both resorts have evening movies near the pool. My kids spent A LOT of time at the CH doing fun stuff at 6-11 years old.
The negative of OKW is if it's raining and you're in 2/3 floor, walking upstairs in the rain. OKW has a larger living room layout, but SSR would be fine for a family of 4 with their ages. SSR is designed after SS in upstate NY. It's more subdued, somewhat generic, and like a (nice) condo complex. SSR is an easy walk to Disney Springs. OKW is a 20 minute walk on a (nice) trail along the canal/golf course to DS. Both have a fun boat ride to DS (not running during wind/lightning) as well as Disney buses.

 

[bluline]

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.

We were able to trade into Boardwalk by putting in a very broad request (March to November) and are very flexible with check-in day of the week. We have a 1 bedroom starting May 29, using a Polo Towers Studio as our trade.

 

[colamedia]

Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Riviera are all standalone DVC resorts, 100% 'Deluxe Villas'. All the other ones currently are Deluxe Resorts adjacent, some in the same building, some a separate wing, some a separate building. The Deluxe Resorts have fancier amenities (Riviera is trying to be a Deluxe Resort, but it's still falls a bit short), like 'signature dining', more exotic pools, concierge for hotel guests that villa guests can use, most thing are just that little bit more luxurious.

Dining at Saratoga Springs and Old Key West is much of a muchness if you take Disney Springs out of the equation, a quick service take away (SS is larger quick service) and a table service restaurant. Add Disney Springs and parts of SS are much easier to get to Disney Springs, but at the opposite end of Saratoga Springs you're not much closer to Disney Springs than Old Key West, you need to get a bus or a boat to Disney Springs (or a doable walk through the golf course to the West Side of Disney Springs, the OKW walking path joins up with the SS golf course walk). The Old Key West and Saratoga Springs boats both went to the Eastern dock, near Rainforest Cafe, and this is also the end of SS closest to Disney Springs. If you want to go to somewhere at the Western end, walking through the golf course can be much more pleasant than trying to get from one end to the other end of Disney Springs on the weekend.

Another difference with OKW and SS, compared to other DVC resorts, is a bus route runs through the resort. If you are going to the parks for rope drop (park opening), you want to be near an earlier bus stop, otherwise you have quite a lot of full buses going past. If you're not worried about park opening it doesn't matter much which end of OKW or SS you stay (unless you have an ECV scooter, then you always try to stay at an early bus stop). Early bus stops in Saratoga Springs are not near the end close to Disney Springs (but they are close to the boat to DS or the golf course walk to DS). Note the golf course walk TO DS is longer than the golf course walk FROM DS, because you have to go quite a long way to get to security to get into DS, you can leave DS along the waterfront.

 

[rickandcindy23]

We were able to trade into Boardwalk by putting in a very broad request (March to November) and are very flexible with check-in day of the week. We have a 1 bedroom starting May 29, using a Polo Towers Studio as our trade.

You had an ongoing search match request that actually worked? I have been very flexible with resorts and didn't get a thing, not even a one bedroom at DSS.
I am so jealous that ongoing searches are working but are not working for me.

 

[montygz]

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?

My advice is that if you can get a Disney resort via Interval that works for your plans, don't hesitate, jump on it.

People who frequent DVC resorts all have their favorites, but in my opinion, they are all good, and I have stayed at several of them.

 

[dianeschlicht]

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 t.ll hey 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?

Saratoga and Old Key West are the largest DVC resorts and also the ones that have been around the longest. That means a lot of owners are wanting to go elsewhere more as they age and their interests change. Of the ones you mentioned, my favorites are Old Key West and Animal Kingdom Lodge. OKW has huge accommodations. The 1 bedroom units sleep 5 with a king in the master, a pull out queen in the living room as well as either a pull out single or a pull down twin under the TV, depending on which room. Th 2 bedroom units have a king, 2 queens in the second bedroom and the same living room beds as the 1 bedroom, so can sleep 8-9. The 3 bedroom units have a second floor that adds 4 additional beds adding space for 4 more people. (12) The size is the draw here, and I like the function of all size units at OKW. It is a bit farther from some of the parks, but we have always found bus service to be good there. I consider it to be close to Disney Springs as well because there is a boat that takes you there and back. Lots of pools too and has a lower point requirement because of it's age, so a good value. While Saratoga is close to the Springs, I am not fond of the layout there, and find it tighter for large groups. Transportation is good there too, and you have the boat for some trips. Less real beds at Saratoga compared to OKW, because they have a fold out double instead of a second real bed in the 2nd bedroom. Animal Kingdom Lodge has the animals and some really great restaurants, but feels like a hotel versus the condo/townhome feel of the other two. AKL also is convenient to Animal Kingdom, but is a long ride away from the other parks. Both AKL resorts have great pools though.

 

[BrownThunder]

My advice is that if you can get a Disney resort via Interval that works for your plans, don't hesitate, jump on it.

People who frequent DVC resorts all have their favorites, but in my opinion, they are all good, and I have stayed at several of them.

As others on the forums have said, there are no bad Disney resorts. Some are more "magical" than others for sure, but they're all great in my opinion.

 

[nomoretslt]

@andre10056 all four of your mentioned resorts are great ones. Are your relatives focused on visiting the parks or is dining, shopping and swimming more important? OKW and SSR, as mentioned, are easier to get since they are so large. And many owners will switch over to other resorts at the 7 month mark. A while back SSR points were “fire sale cheap” and many purchased to use as “sleep around points (SAP’s). Not sure it this was mentioned, haven’t read all responses. You already know that BWV is walkable to two parks. If staying at the other three, I would take advantage of the Minnie Van service for early entry into the parks…that extra 30 minutes can really make a difference. Waiting for the bus to get there early can be problematic.
Are they aware of the cost of tickets to the parks? You should make it clear that this is room only, nothing else is included.
You can’t go wrong with any of your choices. BWV is my favorite as you can also walk to Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin for different places to eat. Although BWV 1 bedrooms sleep four….2 in master bedroom and two in the pull down murphy bed…..which means bed sharing. You can bring your own blow up mattress and ask housekeeping for sheets and pillows. The studios sleep 5…..makes no sense to me….still can’t believe they could not have figured out something for the one bedrooms to sleep 5 when they did their major renovations a couple years back.
Good luck. You’re a very kind relative.

 

[andre10056]

@andre10056 all four of your mentioned resorts are great ones. Are your relatives focused on visiting the parks or is dining, shopping and swimming more important? OKW and SSR, as mentioned, are easier to get since they are so large. And many owners will switch over to other resorts at the 7 month mark. A while back SSR points were “fire sale cheap” and many purchased to use as “sleep around points (SAP’s). Not sure it this was mentioned, haven’t read all responses. You already know that BWV is walkable to two parks. If staying at the other three, I would take advantage of the Minnie Van service for early entry into the parks…that extra 30 minutes can really make a difference. Waiting for the bus to get there early can be problematic.
Are they aware of the cost of tickets to the parks? You should make it clear that this is room only, nothing else is included.
You can’t go wrong with any of your choices. BWV is my favorite as you can also walk to Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin for different places to eat. Although BWV 1 bedrooms sleep four….2 in master bedroom and two in the pull down murphy bed…..which means bed sharing. You can bring your own blow up mattress and ask housekeeping for sheets and pillows. The studios sleep 5…..makes no sense to me….still can’t believe they could not have figured out something for the one bedrooms to sleep 5 when they did their major renovations a couple years back.
Good luck. You’re a very kind relative.

I think their interests may be ranked as follows: (1) parks, (2) swimming, (3) dining. and (4) shopping.

As to the parks, they've never been to Florida before. Hence, they've never been to DisneyWorld. So the kids would definitely be prioritizing the parks that they've heard so much about.

Also, the kids would be, not surpisingly, interested in meeting other kids. Hence, the pool would be of great interest, particularly during times when a large number of kids might be at the pool.

I've told them to not expect great European dining options. Don't expect even a shadow of "real" French or German cuisine. Maybe Italian but maybe not. So their full kitchen will be put to constant use. And I'll be using my Walmart Plus account to order grocery delivery for them (for which they'll reimburse me). But perhaps they'll get a bite to eat on occasion, especially if they're at the park. Although Olivia's sounds good and I'll let them know that...IF they end up at OKW. And I'll let them know about your suggestions if they end up at BWV.

Shopping for souvenirs, etc. Maybe a tiny bit for the kids to show off to their friends as they tell their Disney World stories. But, otherwise, they haven't told me about any particular shopping objective, despite the Euro's exchange rate having risen spectacularly.

I've suggested to them that they think about NOT going to the parks every day and, instead, head for the Florida coast. I think that watching a Cape Canaveral launch might be of particular interest but, obviously, the dates of their week would have to happen during a launch. But, in any case, it might be fun to enjoy a New Smyrna Beach or Cocoa Beach beach day. Not to mention the money savings.

I've often disliked sleeping on a fold out couch. I find that the frame is quite uncomfortable. When the need arose for me to sleep on such a bed due to our group's configuration, I would take the mattress off the frame and plop it on the floor. And have a very restful sleep. But, over time, I'm finding that it's become a bit difficult for me to get up if the mattress were somewhere in the middle of an empty floor. So I make sure that there's something I can grab onto to more easily get up.

But for the kids and their parents, no such problems. As long as there are sleeping spots for four, the kids would be happy.

As for my being a good relative, I admit that I'll enjoy living vicariously through their enjoyment. But it's more than that. I'm really not too crazy about traveling that much any more. I like where I live. I like my restaurants. I like my live music venues. I like taking free college courses. I like free lectures. I like my friends. So it's time to start letting my three remaining timeshares go.

 

[TheHolleys87]

I've often disliked sleeping on a fold out couch.

Regarding this point, you’re not alone! The good news is that almost all the DVC resorts at WDW have swapped out the sofa beds for Murphy beds, which are essentially platform beds with real mattresses that come down over the couch, in the studios and 1BR that previously had sofa beds. The exception is 1BR at OKW, where location of windows in the living room didn’t allow for installation of a Murphy bed. The OKW studios do have two “real” queen beds, while the other studios have a queen bed, a queen or double Murphy, and a single Murphy.

However, as you say, given the ages of the kids they probably won’t mind a sofa bed if they end up at OKW.