Port Orleans Resort or Saratoga Springs Resort?

[fiona1188]

Hi Guys,

Not been on in a while, but I need your help. I am going to be booking our 25th Wedding Anniversary trip to sunny Flo next week for September 2013.

There are good deals on for UK residents and I am stuck between two resorts.

POR - which I love and we have been to before.
SSR - which we have never been to before.

SSR is coming in around 600 cheaper per person!! So that is why I am considering it. This is for 21 days with free Disney Dining Plan, of course with POR UK residents are given Quick Service Dining Plan so you pay an upgrade to Dining Plan.

My question really is, if I book SSR will I be disappointed and wish I had went to POR?

Fiona.

[GusMan]

That is a big cost difference between the two. Too big to ignore.
Ive been to both resorts and I think its a tough call. SSR is more spread out but it never been an issue for us. Also, the location near DTD is wonderful.

I think that POR is more charming, but the rooms are smaller. I personally like the DVC layout and features better, especially if you were going to be there for a longer stay.

Both have feature and quiet pools. SSR has a new, second feature pool that looks like a lot of fun.

I would take the cost savings and stay at SSR - I think you would love it for the longer stay.

[Drince88]

And with SSR, you'd be in a Studio, I believe -- so it should feel more spacious, plus free laundry (I think, even if you're not staying on points, right GusMan) and your room will have a microwave and small refrigerator in it. Not that you'd need it with the dining plan, but might be nice to heat up leftovers.

For cheaper, I'd totally stay at SSR over POR. Especially since you don't need two 'real' beds. (I'm pretty sure SSR studios have a fold out and a real bed - so if you did need two real beds, the price savings might not be worth it.)

[scoobydooby]

Fiona. I'm assuming the big cost saving is derived from getting the free regular dining plan at SSR but the quick service at POR and accounting for paying to upgrade to the regular plan? For just 2 people I would take the savings and do SSR, but I appreciate your dilemma, I like POR a lot. If you're not that bothered about the cash, for 21 days you might get a 1 bed at SSR for about the same as POR. I had a similar dilemma for our next trip. With great deals at SSR and OKW I could have got a 1 bed villa for a bit less than a deluxe room at the Beach Club. Went for BC in the end but only because of the pool and our children's love of swimming. Good luck deciding!

[stan2u]

we've stayed in both, and IF all other things were equal, would go with POR. The pros of POR: more activities at night, really nice boat ride to DTD, the "charm" of the resort, and the dining hall, which we really like. We found SSR to be more spread out, quieter, and within walking distance of DTD. We just found POR to be more fun! But given the cost difference I'd chose SSR.

PS - we've stayed at SSR once and POR twice. Our real choice is either BCV or BWV.

[Barberella]

I'd pick SSR for the $$ savings; the extra space*; an extra little sink; and the likelihood of being able to enjoy a balcony or patio at some point in the vacation.

*POR is about 315 sq. feet & SSR is about 350 sq. feet

[Drince88]

*POR is about 315 sq. feet & SSR is about 350 sq. feet

I think it's a little more than that, though, too -- with the second bed folded up when not in use. I think that's what I really liked about the studio I stayed in once (not at SSR, though).

[Barberella]

^ I checked 2 reliable sources (well, I consider them reliable) and that's what they both said for square footage (not sure what that translates into for square metres for the UK OP).

In any event, as you point out, with the sofa bed folded, there is definitely more floor space to move around.

[Drince88]

Oh, I think those numbers sound about right - but the psychological (as well as physical) of the second bed being a couch needed to be included.

(And about 29.2 m^2 vs 32.5 m^2 for the SI unit preferring readers.)

[Barberella]

Actually I think the patio or balcony adds more to SSR than a couple of square feet in front of the sofa. It would be so nice - weather permitting, of course - to sit out there and relax.

[Bubstress]

It depends on how many people in your travel party. If there is just 2 of you or you have 1 or 2 little ones I would definately stay at SSR. VERY comfortable and roomy in a studio. If you have older children I would go with POR with the 2 queen beds. We have stayed in both and you can't go wrong either way. The savings would be tempting. If you decide on SSR and like DTD request the Congress Park area as it's a quick walk to lots of dining options and shopping. If you want to be near the main pool and food court ask for the Springs area. We have found that the bus service is quite good at SSR despite what I've heard.

Please come back and let us know what you decide.

[fiona1188]

Thanks everyone.

Yes Scoobydooby the Free Dining Plan at SSR is the big cost saving.

Although there is now another blip that I had not accounted for. There will be 3 adults in the room our 18yr old daughter is coming along, and I did not realise that the studio apartment had a queen bed and a sofa bed!! Rebecca will hate a sofa bed for 21 nights. I take it that SSR does not have any studios with 2 queen beds?

Och I am so disappointed as I really was leaning towards Saratoga Springs.

Decisions, decisions, decisions!!!

Fiona

[Barberella]

It looks like SSR might be out then, but as you already know, POR is very nice. Are POR and SSR your only choices?

[Bubstress]

Too bad about SSR, you would have liked it. OKW is the only villa that has 2 queen beds in their studios. Is this a possibility for you? It's a beautiful resort and the boat ride to DTD is really nice.

[fiona1188]

I never gave OKW a thought, so I went to have a look and I am saving 300 per person compared to POR. I have had a wee look on youtube at OKW studio rooms and they look lovely, the resort looks nice too.

I hate making decisions, I just thought it would be nice to go to a deluxe resort for a change, although I suppose they would be classed superior moderate!

Where exactly is OKW beside? Is it near POR in the downtown disney area?

I have decided that if Thomson (UK based travel agent) can beat Travel City Direct (another UK based travel agent) on Thursday 26 April, my appointment is 7.00pm then I will be going with them. I think I will base it on cost, so it looks like it may be OKW. (I hope this is a good decision)......

Thanks again you are all wonderful.

Fiona

[Drince88]

OKW is in the same basic DTD area as SSR, POR and POFQ. In general.
I think OKW is even slightly bigger than SSR (not talking huge numbers, though).
If you're still saving money, I would soooooo go with OKW. I think the rooms have been recently refurbished, too.

[Bubstress]

OKW is so nice, I'm sure you will love it. We were there last Feb, in a studio in the Turtle Pond area right by the bus stop. Bus service was really good. BTW, we were amazed at just how many people from the UK were there at that time. Apparently there was a Virgin tour, at least that's what a nice gentleman told DH. Good luck on your decision!! Please come back and let us know!!

[scoobydooby]

Fiona before you do a package, just check the WDW website for accommodation/tickets/dining offers. TA do not generally have different free dining than the UK Disney website. Then price your flights via the airlines. This might come in cheaper.

[scoobydooby]

Ps. The last couple of years the great UK deals at SS have been mirrored with a matching OKW offer. About 30 per cent off with free regular dining at certain times. These are the only DVC resorts we have had this offer on but I am betting you will find those resorts have identical deals.

[fiona1188]

Thanks scoobydooby, I will check it all out, I quickly priced WDW of course they can't do flights until 11mths out, so it leaves around 500/600 for a flight per person! They are offering $200 plus other little things like preferred fireworks, money off vouchers for a couple of restaurants etc. I will of course do my homework, want to be able to buy hubby something a little special over there seeing as it will be our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

I will let you all know next week how I get on and what resort I decide upon.

Thanks Cathy and Bubstress OKW does sound nice.

Fiona.

[mkraemer]

OKW is in the same basic DTD area as SSR, POR and POFQ. In general.
I think OKW is even slightly bigger than SSR (not talking huge numbers, though).
If you're still saving money, I would soooooo go with OKW. I think the rooms have been recently refurbished, too.

I was at OKW in March, and yes, the rooms have been refurbished. They are lovely!!

[Silvercat]

Yeah, we did OKW last November and it was really, really, lovely. We had a bit of time on the balcony one day (waiting for replacement hire car - don't ask!), sitting and reading and just relaxing, it was fab. Our room was beautiful, and really roomy too. Plus we really appreciated the fridge and microwave - reheated Denny's pancakes for breakfast - yum! The free dining plan saved us masses of money, we loved it - so much so that when they offered us the same deal for this year, we took them up on it and are going to SSR in October this year!

So anyway, go for OKW if you can - it is gorgeous. We were near a quiet pool (and it was quiet too - the only time we got chance to use it there was no-one else in there the entire time we were there!) and a (free) laundry room, which was useful. Olivia's restaurant is wonderful, and Goods to Go (the counter service place) is also great, if a little limited on choice.

I love the offers they keep making to us in the UK, although as they have just released similar offers for next year as well, I can see us having to keep going back until they stop this madness!!

[fiona1188]

Hi Guys,

Well I have booked my holiday to Flo! Going 8 September until 29 September 2013. Big change though, my other daughter (I have 2) has now decided to come along with her partner and our beloved grandson (he is only 3months just now will be 19months when we go), so we have booked a 2 bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs Resort with 21 Day WDW Tickets and Dining Plan.

I am so happy - i know its a long way off but its booked and we can now work on paying for it lol! Plus all my family will be with my hubby and I to celebrate 25yrs together. I am just hoping that the wee one will be okay I have never taken a child as young abroad before so fingers crossed it goes well.

I will have to do a countdown now.

Fiona

[Drince88]

That's so wonderful that your whole family will be there! And your grandson, too!

[fiona1188]

Thanks Cathy, I can't wait to see his wee face light up when he sees the parades and fireworks.