Old Key West vs. Saratoga Springs Resort
Old Key West and Saratoga Springs are two of Walt Disney World’s largest resorts. Both are considered Deluxe Villas, with sprawling footprints and ardent fan-followings among the many DVC members who own at both resorts. In this, we’ll compare and contrast the accommodations, crowning a champion in categories including theme, rooms, dining, transportation, pools & cost. (Updated March 24, 2024.)
If you’re a long-time Disney Vacation Club Member, you’ve probably been faced with this dilemma at some point–whether to book Old Key West (OKW) or Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (SSR). Both are on the low end of the demand and point chart spectrum, which makes them great for last minute reservations or saving money by renting DVC points.
We know there are bound to be fans of each of these resorts; fans who call each of these resorts “home” or their favorites. That’s totally fine. We love a lot of things at Walt Disney World that are unpopular (Country Bear Jamboree, Carousel of Progress, and Impressions de France, just to name a few…). That does not change the fact that a lot of (most?) people debating between these resorts are doing so due to a lack of other options.
Aside from Old Key West and Saratoga Springs having low demand in common, there are a few other commonalities between them. Both are massive resorts. They’re both located in the same general area, adjacent to Disney Springs. Both have similar slates of amenities. Both they also built with the main purpose of being prototypical timeshare resorts, as opposed to hotels with a DVC presence tacked-on.
(Note that although they’re DVC resorts, you can book both directly via Walt Disney World, pay cash rates, and not be subjected to any slimy timeshare sales pitches. That’s not really Disney Vacation Club’s “thing” anyway. DVC pretty much sells itself–no nefarious tactics necessary.)
As with our other comparison, we use 6 elements of these two Walt Disney World villa hotels to determine which is “the best.” With that preface, it’s time to compare and contrast…
Theme: Old Key West – Despite the two being very similar in style, this is no contest. Old Key West captures the feeling of a bygone-era community in the Florida Keys that Disney has dubbed “Conch Flats,” with a mix of Victorian and Gingerbread architecture. The lush grounds and other thematic details go the extra mile in reinforcing the sense of community.
The way it is romanticized sufficiently distinguishes it from the (nearby-ish) real thing, and the overall ambiance has a relaxed, Jimmy Buffett-esque vibe that works really well for vacationing. If anything, Old Key West is underrated on the thematic front.
I’d argue that Saratoga Springs is the worst-themed resort at Walt Disney World. I know there’s bound to be some backlash to that, particularly from upstate New Yorkers who contend that it’s “just like how actual Saratoga Springs looks!” The threshold question, for me, is whether a theme is interesting, not whether it’s authentic. This is the same trap people fall into with Dino-Rama. Sure, it’s authentic as a tacky roadside carnival sorta thing.
Likewise, Saratoga Springs is authentic as a cookie-cutter condo development in a slightly upscale area of New York. That doesn’t make either interesting concepts that Walt Disney World should have replicated. In its defense, SSR has received several plussings over the years that have actually improved its themed design. But it’s still not on par with Old Key West or, honestly, any other resort at Walt Disney World.
Thematically, I’d take any one of the All-Stars over Saratoga Springs. No joke. I couldn’t drive 5 minutes and see an oversized Mighty Ducks helmet; I could see about 5 condo developments. Maybe not this nice, but the point still stands. (If we’re speaking strictly about atmosphere, it’s fair to say Saratoga Springs has a good vibe. But it’s not an exemplar of themed design.)
Rooms: Push – This is incredibly tricky. Saratoga Springs does a decent job with theme inside of the guest rooms, while also maintaining a certain level of quality. It still feels like a high-end condo unit, but not so much a cookie-cutter one. This is especially true after the most recent reimagining–see Splendid New Rooms at Saratoga Springs Resort.
Sure, they’re not my favorite resort rooms at Walt Disney World, but they nicely balance style with substance and are a big improvement over the old rooms at Saratoga Springs from a usability perspective. Lots of really nice ‘quality of life’ features that will improve your stay and make better use of the space.
Then there’s Old Key West. This resort also completed a room refurbishment not too long ago, but it happened about one year before SSR, which was prior to the “cut off” for good redesigns at Walt Disney World. The end result of that was toning down the “grandma’s cottage” look significantly, but without the same functional improvements and more scattershot themed design. Ironically, the new rooms are exactly like your grandma’s cottage in Florida would look if she bought sometime in the last decade–the old rooms had a Golden Girls look to them that was quite nice, and is going to come back into style (if it hasn’t already).
However, the rooms at Old Key West are much more spacious, even if they don’t utilize the floor plans as well. That’s really what makes this a push. If you want larger rooms, go with OKW. If you want newer and nicer ones, pick SSR. I can’t say I feel all too strongly about the rooms in either resort, and Saratoga winning on quality and Old Key West winning on size is enough for me to consider this a push.
Dining: Saratoga Springs – If you did a survey of Disney fans and asked them to name a restaurant at either of these resorts from memory, we’re guessing many would come up empty. Of those who could name one, it’d probably be Olivia’s. It’s about the only option between the two that has any sort of following.
Despite this, our pick goes to Saratoga Springs for having a more well-rounded slate of options. On more than one occasion, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the menu depth of The Artist’s Palette at SSR, and Good’s Food to Go at OKW is weak by comparison. Gurgling Suitcase at OKW is arguably underrated as a bar, though.
Saratoga Springs also has a second quick service restaurant (Paddock Grill) offering added convenience. We feel quality of quick options when you’re on the run is the ultimate criterion here, as those wanting an excellent table service meal are better-suited heading over to Disney Springs.
With that said, it is difficult to pick a winner on the basis of table service restaurants. Again, Olivia’s has a following. It’s basically the DVC family kitchen (we love all the member photos). The fried chicken is amazing, and several breakfast options are likewise delicious. However, we think that Turf Club Bar & Grill is criminally underrated, and arguably deserves the same fan following as Olivia’s.
Transportation/Location: Saratoga Springs – Both of these resorts have the same kind of multi-stop bus transportation. Whether you view this as more or less convenient is a matter of personal preference. Anecdotal experiences to the contrary aside, neither is better or worse. (We’d recommend these as good places to have a car.)
Both also have boat service to Disney Springs, which is convenient. The reason Saratoga Springs wins here is because its walking path (and they both have them) to Disney Springs is more convenient, and makes it quite easy to drop into Disney Springs for a quick meal.
Pools: Saratoga Springs – Neither of these has a single pool that is going to blow anyone’s mind. However, Saratoga Springs offers a more formidable slate of pool options, and its secondary/quiet pools generally bring more to the table.
I prefer the theme and atmosphere of the Sandcastle Pool at Old Key West, which I would consider the single-best pool at either of these two resorts. Still, it’s not that special, and certainly not enough to overcome the supporting cast of pools at SSR, each of which brings something unique to the table.
Cost: Old Key West – Room rates are identical almost every night of the year and discounts are going to be comparable at each (both offer some of the deepest discounts at Walt Disney World). In our estimation, these two resorts are tied for dead-last in terms of value for money if you’re paying out of pocket.
Still, Old Key West claims a decisive victory here for one, simple reason: DVC point charts. We are guessing (and hoping) most people trying to decide between these two resorts are not paying out of pocket, but instead are scrambling to find last-minute DVC availability and are left with these two choices–and these two choices only.
Whether you’re a non-member looking to rent or an owner trying to book on “too little” notice, both OKW and SSR can be excellent options. In fact, that’s why this comparison exists in the first place–because these are both great options for those wanting value for money when booking relatively last-minute!
Regardless, the bottom line is that the point charts at Old Key West are typically more favorable, and it wins as a result.
Verdict: Old Key West – Theme ultimately carries the day here, as Old Key West brings much more to the table in that regard. It’s difficult to articulate, but OKW also has a certain x-factor (actually, let’s call it the “Buffett-Factor”) that just makes it so much more pleasant of a place. If we’re looking past that at amenities and convenience, it’s hard not to give a victory to SSR. So…like almost all of these comparisons…it’s going to come down to how you weigh each variable, along with individual preference.
Personally, I like Old Key West a lot more. Sarah prefers Saratoga Springs. With that said, neither of us would consider either resort our favorite, or in our top 5…or even in our top 10. In fact, they’re both towards the bottom of our Rankings of ALL Walt Disney World Hotels from Worst to Best.
We would never consider paying out of pocket for either as the prices are astronomical for what you get. In fact, even when we book one of them with DVC points, we always make a waitlist for something else. While we don’t mind staying at either, and can find the silver linings in each, there is always a better use of those points. As you can probably see, we’re not all that passionate about this showdown.
(There is one exception to that, which isn’t covered here at all since they’re basically their own thing: the Treehouse Villas at SSR. I am incredibly passionate about these accommodations, but they’re more like an extension of Wilderness Lodge that just happens to be located near SSR. See our Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort Review for why they’re so special.)
With all of that said, we’re guessing some of you are passionate about SSR or OKW! As the original Disney Vacation Club resort, a lot of long-time members and Disney fans harbor nostalgia for it. On the other hand, Saratoga Springs is undoubtedly the home resort for a lot of newer fans, and its ‘freshness’ will score it points with many. Both of them are large, which means more members own here than, say, Beach Club or Grand Floridian. In addition to reading the comments before making your own decision, we suggest supplementing this with our full review of Disney’s Old Key West Resort and our Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Review.
If you’re thinking about joining DVC, be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Disney Vacation Club. This covers the pros & cons, resale v. direct, how much money you’ll save, and other important things to know before taking the plunge. If you still can’t decide whether membership is right for you, “try before you buy” with the recommendations in How to Save BIG on Deluxe Disney Accommodations Renting DVC Points.
Your Thoughts
Which do you prefer, OKW or SSR? Is money or points the deciding factor for you? What about the room size or quality, dining, or anything else about Saratoga Springs or Old Key West? Is there another variable you can think of to make one or the other the better pick? Are we missing a key variable that could, potentially tilt the scales in the Saratoga’s favor? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
SSR wins out for us as we are a family with 3 little ones that all rely on strollers. OKW elevator situation (as mentioned) is a serious problem when you have a double stroller and an infant stroller in tow after a long day at the park. SSR have moved up significantly on our list after we had kids due to the fact that you can rent DVC points to stay at a 1BR suite at SSR for about the same as you pay to stay in a 1BR regular room at any of the moderates. As parents, it’s SO nice to have our own space after the kids go to bed. Just some thoughts from a parents perspective! It’s not our favorite overall (WL is our personal #1) but it has significantly moved up in the rankings with kiddos.
I’m a DVC owner with Boardwalk being my home resort since 1998. Have stayed at both resorts you’ve reviewed and agree with all your pros/cons. I just wanted to say if it matters to any with back issues…OKW studios and 2 bedroom rentals have 2 queen beds in those rooms. New pull down mattresses are thinner making beds less comfortable than value pull downs but still better than old pull out couches! As always Tom thanks for your excellent reviews!
Saratoga wins for me, hands down. I’ve stayed at each resort twice and really tried to like OKW, but I really hate those studios. Everyone keeps telling me they’re larger, but we felt nothing but cramped. The Murphy beds were a real game changer for my family.
We are SSR DVC owners. We chose logically with cost in mind and don’t necessarily subscribe to the “buy where you want to stay” mentality. SSR suits us just fine as a default and if we have to stay there each year for availability, so be it. My thoughts:
Theme: OKW. Even though some of it seems a bit dated, it is a nice respite from the parks. Feels like a relaxing vacation resort. SSR looks like every condo community in South Orange County, CA. Not that it’s bad, it is just more sterile and pedestrian for a vacation destination, I guess.
Rooms: OKW. Size matters…to our family at least. Even though the OKW rooms did not get the same update quality that SSR did, it feels like there is so much more room. When we stayed last year at SSR in a two bedroom, we were bothered with the setup of the main bedroom/bathroom/closet situation, having more than one “Laverne and Shirley” door opening issue that we would have liked. Love the murphy bed situation though! Made the couch not as comfy, but so convenient to drop down and throw back up.
Dining: OKW. We love Olivia’s. It is always our first meal when we get to WDW. The fried chicken breast meal is just comfort food from top to bottom. Also love the “welcome home” vibe. Turf Club did not have the same feel that we look for with a WDW vacation. SSR does get kudos for offering more quick options for sure. The Paddock Pool had a surprisingly good menu. As for the bar situation, OKW Gurgling Suitcase is small but mighty.
Transportation/Location: OKW. Admittedly, the result is of confirmation bias. We were at The Springs building at SSR and every time the buses got to us they were full. Like people waiting an hour full without getting on a bus. This was not a one off situation. We ended up walking to the bus stop at The Paddock each morning to ensure we got on the bus. And we passed The Springs each time with a full bus and tons of people at The Springs stop watching another full bus go by. In no way does this imply OKW has a good system. It is lengthy. We stayed in the Hospitality House area and the first day a full bus passed us, as our building area was the last pick-up stop. We decided to bite the bullet and get on at the first stop and just sit in the bus for the whole OKW loop. It was hot, the bus had air condition, and we were guaranteed a spot, so we just adjusted start times accordingly. If we did not go in the thick of summer and/or stayed at Congress Park, the walk to DS would not have been so rough and would count for something more.
Pools: SSR hands down. It was fun to have an easy pool hop from The Springs one day to a nice walk on the bridge to The Paddock another day. We liked both pools for different reasons. The OKW pool seemed like it had crammed seating and was a small area for the resort size (with the other pool being far across the large resort). I would rather them take away the sand and add more seating. The idea of the OWK pool with the sandcastle and lighthouse is better than the reality. Even though food and drinks were close to OKW pool, it does not have the same feel as the SSR pools with the bar and some food within the gates. And SSR has more pools overall for the expansive side.
So I guess OKW wins for me. OKW seems less hotel-y. Also, the patio of OKW wins by a landslide. We had some great evenings sitting on the patio with the ceiling fan on and watching the golfers or water features. I do not know if I would have the same affinity if staying at a building further away from the Hospitality House at OKW though. Having said all that, we have no regrets buying aftermarket with SSR. The price was right, end contract is longer, and we are pretty much guaranteed availability when we travel (school aged son so generally summer).
I will argue that post upgrade SSR’s rooms beat OKW’s hands down and it is not even close. We stayed in a 1BR at OKW this past January and it was clear the rooms there while upgraded over time and are in serious need of the sort of the sort of across the board hard goods refurbishment SSR’s rooms got. The ceiling fan on our balcony was so old and rusty I am fairly certain it was the original fan that was installed in 1991.
One huge advantage to both OKW and SSR that Tom always neglects to mention (and other reviewers as well) is the private walk up entrance. If you have a car and you use that car during your stay, being able to walk right out of your room and have your car right there is tremendous benefit. The private walk up entrance has also has the added bonus of making the room feel like a vacation home and not a hotel room.
One other great thing about OKW – the big balcony. No other DVC resorts have that and one of my favorite parts of staying at OKW is relaxing on that balcony.
The style and substance of SSR win hands down, totally agree. But the refurbs didn’t change the size of either. For some people, that matters a lot.
Good point about the parking at each building. We seldom drive, so you are correct that we often overlook this. SSR and OKW (and other multi-building hotels, for that matter) tend to skew more towards those with vehicles than those relying on WDW transportation.
I skimmed because we always stay at Saratoga Springs. This was originally due in large part to convenience (close to Disney Springs and easy to book). But in recent years’ that has morphed. Old Key West has very few elevators in its buildings. I just did a speedy search to confirm, and another website says only three buildings have elevators. That could matter to anyone who has to move luggage and strollers up and down the stairs, but it would especially matter to those with mobility issues, which I have now become due to cancer treatment. Saratoga Springs has elevators in every building, making it completely accessible.
My wife and I totally agree on the lack of elevators at OKW is a major issue. Lots of luggage or strollers make it too much hassle.
We usually book at SSR because I plan about 6 weeks out not 6 months.
This article has been around for a few years so the line about SSR being the worst themed resort on property has to be out of date. Surely the Riviera has taken that first place Dundee Award away from SSR.
The article was basically rewritten with the latest update; despite its boxy exterior, I don’t think Riviera is thematically worse than SSR.
If we’re talking about squandered potential, absolutely. Riviera could’ve been so much more, whereas SSR comes close to maxing out its concept. I still think Riviera wins in a head-to-head, even if the corners they cut annoy me to no end.
We have a two bedroom reserved for November of this year. Now I am doubting my choice. There’s no elevator, so we will have to get a room on the ground floor as my mother requires a scooter. I am sensitive to sound and always request the top floor. Will we have issues with hearing the people above us?
Thank you
We like Saratoga because it was really the only option for our needs – needs that included one senior and two older kids plus parents – a party of five – with in-room laundry and kitchenette. No, bus transit to and from SS isn’t the best, but it’s manageable, and given that we drive, having our car available can mitigate transit issues.
Though I like both the rooms are quieter at SSR, it has the gym, I feel you can get to the main building better at SSR no matter where you are, the fountain is nice, the smaller pools are better, and there’s more room at the main building, which on a bad weather day is a plus.
One very important detail that was left out in this comparison is that Old Key West doesn’t have elevators and Saratoga Springs does. We can’t stay at OKW unless guaranteed a ground floor room because of this. Very disappointing in this day and age.
That is really good to know!
I prefer Saratoga Springs over OKW when I have to pick one. My home resort is Boardwalk and parents is Beach Club so we really prefer an Epcot resort. The reason I like Saratoga better is they have an amazing gym! I also like the rooms and the proximity to Disney Springs.
We really enjoyed Okd Key West for the spacious villa, charming appointments and quiet views. We celebrated a birthday there and it was such fun. The downside is waiting for the bus to make the stops before finally heading out to a park.
OLivia’s is a favorite for the last breakfast before we leave. So charming and nice to sit outside. The menu is a good one for breakfast. Bechamel made with key lime is definitely a nice twist.