On
May 1, 2012
Lydia from Tadworth
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
“
Hi, booking Oct 2013 trip quickly so as not to miss out on free DDP! Absolutely torn between Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. Am booking for my parents 25th wedding annv. Family of 4, which one do we choose?! Never been in Oct so really excited! Thanks!”
Oooh, Lydia, I can see why you're torn between Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa versus Disney's Old Key West Resort. They are both beautiful!
Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club resort: because of this, there are a few advantages of this property over others. First, the landscaping has matured beautifully; the resort truly has the romantic feel of the Florida Keys. The Hospitality House, where you'll find a shop, both a Quick-Service and a Table-Service restaurant, fitness center, pool and other amenities, is somehow really cozy and is always bright with flowers and Cast Members who are as fond of the property as they are of WDW. The rooms here are a bit bigger, too, since these were Disney's first foray into building such studios and villas, and have been recently refurbished. The one and two-bedroom villas here are much more spacious than those at SSR & S.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is also lovely, and has an upscale, upstate New York lakeside retreat feel to it. This resort is newer, which some Guests prefer. Everything you'll need can be found near the check-in area, The Carriage House, including your Quick-Service and Table-Service restaurants, shop, etc. This area, however, is much larger than the one at OKW, and, of course, has the added benefit of a spa. Finally, some portions of SSR & S (Congress Park buildings, for example) are close enough to to Downtown Disney that you could walk there in 10-15 minutes.
It's a tough call, so I suggest that you consider the benefits of each and take the plunge; you're sure to find features that you love at either resort! Send more questions as you think of them! I'd love to help!