Outdated Key West and Saratoga Springs are two of Walt Disney International’s biggest motels. Each are regarded as Deluxe Villas, with sprawling footprints and ardent fan-followings a number of the many DVC individuals who personal at each motels. On this, we’ll examine and distinction the lodging, crowning a champion in classes together with theme, rooms, eating, transportation, swimming pools & value.
Should you’re a long-time Disney Holiday Membership Member, you’ve almost certainly been confronted with this predicament one day–whether or not to guide Outdated Key West (OKW) or Saratoga Springs Lodge & Spa (SSR). Each are at the low finish of the call for and level chart spectrum, which makes them nice for final minute reservations or saving cash through renting DVC issues.
We all know there are certain to be fanatics of every of those motels; fanatics who name every of those motels “house” or their favorites. That’s utterly positive. We like numerous issues at Walt Disney International which can be unpopular (Nation Undergo Musical Jamboree, Carousel of Growth, and Impressions de France, simply to call a couple of). That doesn’t alternate the truth that numerous (maximum?) folks debating between those motels are doing so because of a loss of different choices.
Sooner than we get began, it’s value acknowledging the refurbishments at each Saratoga Springs and Outdated West West between now and 2028, as the ones may have an effect on and affect the place you need to stick.
The massive one is the rooms on the respective motels. Outdated Key West was once the overall room refurbishment finished as a part of the final period of tasks at Walt Disney International in 2019, and it didn’t have the pull-down sofa combo Murphy beds added all through its final demanding items refurbishment. The culmination of that moderately flat, so far as demanding items tasks move.
Accordingly, DVC is treating the 2026 cushy items refurbishment of Outdated Key West as a ‘semi-hard items’ refurbishment. It’s unclear what, precisely, this implies, however a number of different motels won the pull-down sleepers all through identical tasks. The wildcard with OKW is the form of the rooms, which will not be conducive to the pull-down sleepers. Both approach, it’ll be an extended and extra concerned venture, most likely lasting into 2027.
Even though it’s unconfirmed at this level, Saratoga Springs Lodge must additionally obtain a cushy items refurbishment in 2026 according to the standard timelines. Since this hasn’t been formally introduced through DVC, our expectation is this begins in past due 2026 on the earliest, most likely as soon as the Treehouse Villas venture is entire.
The Saratoga Springs Lodge refurbishment may slip to 2027. Both approach, it’s a standard cushy items refurbishment that are meant to be much less considerable in nature.
Talking of which, DVC has showed that the Treehouse Villas “at” Saratoga Springs are being refurbished in levels thru mid-September 2026. It is a demanding items refurbishment, and it wouldn’t wonder us if that venture is prolonged through a few months. That units the desk for development crews to transport over to the common aspect of SSR, as famous above, in past due 2026 or 2027.
Past the room refurbishments, there’s a phased eating room replace at Olivia’s Cafe thru mid-2026 and the similar for Turf Membership at Saratoga Springs from early April thru September 2026. The fabric portion of the Turf Membership refurbishment is most effective mid-August to mid-September 2026, when the primary eating room will shut.
Another way, there are phased tasks involving the quiet swimming pools and tennis courts at each motels, however not anything specifically consequential. We wouldn’t be overly thinking about any of those.
The room refurbishments are extra consequential, however that development can also be have shyed away from with a room request, which is beautiful simple (and prone to be accommodated) since each motels are so huge and sprawling. However, if you need a newly-refreshed room, you must stay the above timelines in thoughts when reserving. The primary redone rooms at Outdated Key West must get started opening in mid-to-late 2026, with Saratoga Springs most likely following a couple of complete 12 months later. The present SSR rooms nonetheless really feel moderately recent, even though.
Excluding Outdated Key West and Saratoga Springs having low call for in not unusual, there are a couple of different commonalities between them. Each are large motels. They’re each positioned in the similar common space, adjoining to Disney Springs. Each have identical slates of facilities. Each additionally they constructed with the primary objective of being prototypical timeshare motels, versus inns with a DVC presence tacked-on.
(Be aware that even if they’re DVC motels, you’ll be able to guide each at once by means of Walt Disney International, pay money charges, and no longer be subjected to any slimy timeshare gross sales pitches. That’s no longer in point of fact Disney Holiday Membership’s “factor” anyway. DVC just about sells itself–no nefarious ways important.)
As with our different comparability, we use 6 components of those two Walt Disney International villa inns to decide which is “the most productive.” With that preface, it’s time to match and distinction…
Theme: Outdated Key West – Regardless of the 2 being very identical in taste, that is no contest. Outdated Key West captures the sensation of a bygone-era group within the Florida Keys that Disney has dubbed “Conch Residences,” with a mixture of Victorian and Gingerbread structure. The plush grounds and different thematic main points move the additional mile in reinforcing the sense of group.
The way in which it’s romanticized sufficiently distinguishes it from the (nearby-ish) actual factor, and the total atmosphere has a at ease, Jimmy Buffett-esque vibe that works in point of fact nicely for vacationing. If anything else, Outdated Key West is underrated at the thematic entrance.
I’d argue that Saratoga Springs is the worst-themed lodge at Walt Disney International. I do know there’s certain to be some backlash to that, specifically from upstate New Yorkers who contend that it’s “identical to how exact Saratoga Springs appears to be like!” The brink query, for me, is whether or not a theme is attention-grabbing, no longer whether or not it’s unique.
In its protection, SSR has won a number of plussings through the years that experience if truth be told progressed its themed design. But it surely’s nonetheless no longer on par with Outdated Key West or maximum different motels at Walt Disney International. But it surely has gotten significantly better because it first opened. Admittedly, we even have numerous nostalgia for it, for the reason that SSR is our house lodge. If we’re talking strictly about environment, it’s additionally truthful to mention Saratoga Springs has a excellent vibe. But it surely’s no longer an exemplar of themed design.
Rooms: Push – That is extremely tough. Saratoga Springs does a tight activity with theme inside the visitor rooms, whilst additionally keeping up a undeniable degree of high quality. It nonetheless looks like a high-end condominium unit, however no longer such a lot a cookie-cutter one. That is very true after the newest reimagining–see Ideally suited New Rooms at Saratoga Springs Lodge.
Positive, they’re no longer my favourite lodge rooms at Walt Disney International, however they effectively steadiness taste with substance and are a large development over the outdated rooms at Saratoga Springs from a usability viewpoint. A number of in point of fact great ‘high quality of lifestyles’ options that may support your keep and make larger use of the distance.
Even over 5 years after their final refurbishment, the rooms at Saratoga Springs nonetheless really feel recent. In addition they make the most of the distance in point of fact nicely, which is helping make up for his or her smaller measurement as in comparison to OKW. If compelled to make a choice from the 2, we’d select SSR, however each have compelling promoting issues.
Outdated Key West finished a room refurbishment again in 2019, however it came about about 12 months prior to SSR, which was once previous to the “bring to a halt” for excellent redesigns at Walt Disney International. The outcome of that was once firming down the “grandma’s cottage” glance considerably, however with out the similar purposeful enhancements and extra scattershot themed design.
Paradoxically, the brand new rooms are precisely like your grandma’s cottage in Florida would glance if she purchased someday within the final decade–the outdated rooms had a Golden Ladies glance to them that was once moderately great, and goes to come back again into taste (if it hasn’t already).
Alternatively, the rooms at Outdated Key West are a lot more spacious, although they don’t make the most of the ground plans as nicely. That’s in point of fact what makes this a push. If you need higher rooms, move with OKW. If you need more moderen and nicer ones, select SSR. Saratoga successful on high quality and Outdated Key West successful on measurement is sufficient for me to believe this a push, although I’d for my part take SSR till the newly-refurbished OKW rooms get started opening in the second one part of 2026.
Eating: Saratoga Springs – Should you did a survey of Disney fanatics and requested them to call a cafe at both of those motels from reminiscence, we’re guessing many would arise empty. Of those that may title one, it’d almost certainly be Olivia’s. It’s about your best option between the 2 that has any type of following.
Regardless of this, our select is going to Saratoga Springs for having a extra well-rounded slate of choices. On a couple of instance, we’ve been pleasantly stunned through the menu intensity of The Artist’s Palette at SSR, and Excellent’s Meals to Pass at OKW is vulnerable through comparability. Gurgling Suitcase at OKW is arguably underrated as a bar, even though.
Saratoga Springs additionally has a 2d fast provider eating place (Paddock Grill) providing added comfort. We really feel high quality of fast choices whilst you’re at the run is without equal criterion right here, as the ones short of a very good desk provider meal are better-suited heading over to Disney Springs.
With that stated, it’s tough to select a winner at the foundation of desk provider eating places. Once more, Olivia’s has a following. It’s principally the DVC circle of relatives kitchen (we like all of the member pictures). The fried rooster is astounding, and several other breakfast choices are likewise scrumptious. Alternatively, we expect that Turf Membership Bar & Grill is criminally underrated, and arguably merits the similar fan following as Olivia’s.
Transportation/Location: Saratoga Springs – Either one of those motels have the similar roughly multi-stop bus transportation. Whether or not you view this as roughly handy is an issue of private desire. Anecdotal stories on the contrary apart, nor is larger or worse. (We’d suggest those as excellent puts to have a automobile.)
Each even have boat provider to Disney Springs, which is handy. The explanation Saratoga Springs wins here’s as a result of its strolling trail (and so they each have them) to Disney Springs is extra handy, and makes it moderately simple to drop into Disney Springs for a fast meal.
Swimming pools: Saratoga Springs – Neither of those has a unmarried pool this is going to blow someone’s thoughts. Alternatively, Saratoga Springs gives a extra bold slate of pool choices, and its secondary/quiet swimming pools in most cases deliver extra to the desk.
I choose the theme and environment of the Sandcastle Pool at Outdated Key West, which I might believe the single-best pool at both of those two motels. Nonetheless, it’s no longer that particular, and not at all sufficient to conquer the supporting forged of swimming pools at SSR, every of which brings one thing distinctive to the desk.
Price: Outdated Key West – Room charges are similar nearly each and every night time of the 12 months and reductions are going to be similar at every (each be offering one of the inner most reductions at Walt Disney International). In our estimation, those two motels are tied for dead-last relating to worth for cash should you’re paying out of pocket.
Nonetheless, Outdated Key West claims a decisive victory right here for one, easy reason why: DVC level charts. We’re guessing (and hoping) the general public looking to come to a decision between those two motels aren’t paying out of pocket, however as a substitute are scrambling to seek out last-minute DVC availability and are left with those two alternatives–and those two alternatives most effective.
Whether or not you’re a non-member having a look to hire or an proprietor looking to guide on “too little” realize, each OKW and SSR can also be superb choices. Actually, that’s why this comparability exists within the first position–as a result of those are each nice choices for the ones short of worth for cash when reserving moderately last-minute!
Regardless, the key is that the purpose charts at Outdated Key West are most often extra favorable, and it wins because of this.
Verdict: Outdated Key West – Theme in the long run carries the day right here, as Outdated Key West brings a lot more to the desk in that regard. It’s tough to articulate, however OKW additionally has a undeniable x-factor (if truth be told, let’s name it the “Buffett-Issue”) that simply makes it so a lot more delightful of a spot. If we’re having a look previous that at facilities and comfort, it’s demanding to not give a victory to SSR. So…like nearly all of those comparisons…it’s going to come back right down to the way you weigh every variable, in conjunction with particular person desire.
Individually, I really like Outdated Key West much more. Sarah prefers Saratoga Springs. With that stated, neither people would believe both lodge our favourite, or in our best 5…and even in our best 10. Actually, they’re each in opposition to the backside of our Scores of ALL Walt Disney International Accommodations from Worst to Highest.
We’d by no means believe paying out of pocket for both as the costs are astronomical for what you get. Actually, even if we guide one in all them with DVC issues, we at all times make a waitlist for one thing else. Whilst we don’t thoughts staying at both, and will to find the silver linings in every, there may be at all times a greater use of the ones issues. As you’ll be able to almost certainly see, we’re no longer all that captivated with this showdown.
(There’s one exception to that, which isn’t coated right here in any respect since they’re principally their very own factor: the Treehouse Villas at SSR. I’m extremely captivated with those lodging, however they’re extra like an extension of Barren region Hotel that simply occurs to be positioned close to SSR. See our Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Lodge Overview for why they’re so particular.)
With all of that stated, we’re guessing a few of you’re captivated with SSR or OKW! As the unique Disney Holiday Membership lodge, numerous long-time individuals and Disney fanatics harbor nostalgia for it. However, Saratoga Springs is no doubt the house lodge for numerous more moderen fanatics, and its ‘freshness’ will ranking it issues with many.
Either one of them are huge, because of this extra individuals personal right here than, say, Seaside Membership or Grand Floridian. Along with studying the feedback prior to making your personal determination, we propose supplementing this with our complete evaluate of Disney’s Outdated Key West Lodge and our Disney’s Saratoga Springs Lodge & Spa Overview.
Should you’re eager about becoming a member of DVC, you should definitely learn our Final Information to Disney Holiday Membership. This covers the professionals & cons, resale v. direct, how much cash you’ll save, and different necessary issues to understand prior to taking the plunge. Should you nonetheless can’t come to a decision whether or not club is best for you, “check out before you purchase” with the suggestions in The right way to Save BIG on Deluxe Disney Lodging Renting DVC Issues.
Your Ideas
Which do you favor, OKW or SSR? Is cash or issues the deciding aspect for you? What in regards to the room measurement or high quality, eating, or anything about Saratoga Springs or Outdated Key West? Is there every other variable you’ll be able to call to mind to make one or the opposite the simpler select? Are we lacking a key variable that might, probably tilt the scales within the Saratoga’s choose? Do you compromise or disagree with our selections? Any questions we will be able to let you solution? Listening to your comments–even whilst you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas beneath within the feedback!
