We have stayed at SSR several times and OKW once. We prefer SSR but still are obviously still happy to stay at OKW.
We have never had a problem getting a bus at SSR although we were at Grandstand (first stop) in October. Haven't ever had a problem at The Paddock or Congress Park either although we didn't always get a seat.
OKW we were at the last stop and the bus was often full when it came. Just got back from OKW on Friday and were located on Millers Road. Always got a seat, even if we caught the bus at the Hospitality House.
Rooms at OKW are very big and many are now really fresh having been refurbed
SSR rooms are starting to look a little dated although any we've stayed in have been lovely. DD had to ask to be moved from one at Congress Park that wasn't up to scratch once.
SSR location. Easy walk to DS if you're at Congress Park.
OKW doesn't really have anywhere near that's an easy walk. You can walk to Disney Springs during daylight hours from OKW. So that means you can also walk to SSR from OKW.
Both have boat access to DS. SSR is a very short ride and is much quicker than the bus.
SSR food options. Turf Club Bar and Grill has been lovely every time we've eaten there. Artist's Palette is a good counter service with freshly prepared option.
OKW food options not so good in our opinion. Olivia's was good but the QS option is literally a hatch beside the pool with a very limited menu. Goods to Go is a smaller counter service and it does have a limited menu. But since you have either a full kitchen or kitchenette, you can prepare anything you like.
Better choice of pools at SSR. Why do you stay that? The main pool at the Hospitality House is really nice and even has a sauna there. And the three other pools are nice, plus the Turtle Pond pool has a small counter service that is open seasonally.
CMs at both resorts have been lovely.
While SSR is larger the walkways are so well laid out everywhere is a short walk away. We found that depending on where you were it could be a long walk to get about at OKW. At most, it's ten minutes from anywhere at OKW to the Hospitality House. But you can hop any bus to get to the HH. And hop either an internal bus or cross the bridge to Peninsular Road to take a bus back to your area. At SSR you can hop a bus to the Springs to get to Artist Palette, but you'll have to walk back.
As already mentioned the lack of lifts at OKW could be a problem. Three buildings at OKW do have elevators, but they are usually reserved for medical needs. But most of the buildings are only two stories tall, so one short flight of stairs isn't difficult, even for us oldies.
Having said that we prefer SSR we are booked to stay at OKW at the end of the month for 9 days. SSR wasn't available and we had no hesitation in going for OKW. We have also stayed at Pop, AK, BC, POFQ and will stay at AoA for a couple of nights before checking in to OKW. In the past if budget was not a consideration we'd choose BC. Not so sure at the moment though with all the building in that area.
Mrs TT