Saratoga Springs

[crazyfortinkandcindy]

Has anyone been there lately? Want to share your opinion or reviews. :goodvibes

[2giddy4wdw]

I don't know what you consider recently, but we were there in Nov 2004. I love the place. We bought into there and was very excited when we saw it. It is very large and spread out. There was only one section opened when we were there, but everything is nice and beautiful. I can't wait to go back and see it again soon. We come from upstate NY and knowing that it's based on Saratoga Springs here in NY really made it interesting to us. I know that in the future things will be much better there as everything is new. Things have even changed since we were there because now they are putting in a table service resturant, which they didn't have before. I don't know exactly if this is the kind of information that you were looking for, but I hope it helps!! pixiedust:

[rigsby25]

We were there in January. We really liked it. Our home resort is OKW but we had a Studio and we were just fine. There was only my husband and I, and I thought the room fit us perfectly with the couch and the bed. The couch seems to have nicer fabric than the couch in the 1 br at OKW. I loved the pillows. The pool was very nice. At first I had to ask the Lifeguard if the water was okay to swim in because it looked green. She said the bottom of the pool is painted green. We visited the work out room and that was nice. We had a margarita at the Turf Club overlooking the lake and Down Town disney and that was very nice. (The specialty margaritas at the pool are made with currant liquor and they don't taste like margaritas at all. We didn't like them.) The bus service was pretty good. We shopped at artist pallette and I found a few really nice DVC items. Water bottle, cooler, carry all bag. We had a pretty good time there.

[mommym]

We were there for the tour in January and decided to join DVC. We are a family that usually stayed in moderates and have never been in a deluxe so I don't know how SSR compares to those. That being said, I found SSR just beautiful. I see so much potential as it "ages" gracefully. I wish the landscaping was more mature because it does feel a little stark but that will come in time. The villas are just beautiful. Relaxed elegance is how I would describe it. I actually wish we had roamed around the common areas more because I am learning more about the resort here on the boards and realize there is lots we didn't see. The Community Hall sounds great as well as the Arcade. If you are one to work out on vacation, the work out area is top-notch and huge. The spa looks very nice although they didn't let us in because there were therapies in session. I've heard the spa is top notch. Now truthfully I initially was wishing its location was OTHER than near DTD, but then we went over and spent some time there and just had a ball. The kids played at Lego Land, we had ice cream at Ghiradelli and then just window shopped. The weather was just gorgeous and my husband and I just looked at each other and I know we were both thinking "This is going to be great..." Let me tell you though that when I am at WDW I am in relaxed mode. I don't mind if I don't get into the parks the exact minute they open. Even when we've had to wait for buses to parks I've don't recall being perturbed that they were not there immediately. Yes, I would like a bus there in a reasonable time when we are leaving because we are usually tired and you can't really sit down to wait but we manage. So, the buses would have to be REALLY bad for me to be upset. To each his own, but I am really excited about the many years to come and the future of SSR. Plus, at 7 months you can always try for the others if you'd like. Good Luck!

[bdb7607]

We were there first week of February. 2 bedroom for the 5 of us, have no complaints were very pleased with every aspect of SSR. Cast Members were great. Concerns going forward: Main pool size, I would imagine that would be awfully crowded during the busy times - our kids loved the slide & pool. No sit down restaurant (yet), but Artist's Palette was quite good, had a "different" menu that was quite tasty.

We read up on SSR to figure out what we'd be hitting - was quite concerned about the bus wait - no need to worry about that, I don't think you can be "lucky" for 19 out of 20 bus rides! Very little wait time, longest wait 25 minutes, most (18) were 1-10 minutes. It was great.

We stayed in The Springs, close walk to the bus stop, main pool & Artists Palette

[jpmom97]

I was there in December and loved it!!! We had a 2 bedroom and I can't say enough good things about it. Even my husband was in awe of how great it was. We loved everything and my husband even said he wouldn't want to stay anywhere else. If you have anymore questions I would be happy to answer.

[shantay1008]

We were at SSR the second week in Feb. and had a great time. Check-in went smoothly...I still smile when I think of walking into the lobby for the first time, to the strains of "The Four Seasons." It felt terrific. :) I thought our room was wonderful (dedicated two-bedroom), and we had a very nice view of a little garden and fountain. We liked being in The Springs because it was so close to the main pool. The buses were great...never waited long at all. Although, we were happy being in the sunshine and watching the birds, so we probably wouldn't have cared even if there had been a wait!

One night, we took the boat over to OKW and had dinner at Olivia's, which was fun. We spent quite a lot of time at Downtown Disney. I was actually surprised because I didn't think that would be such a big draw for our family yet, but our oldest (DS7) fell in love with the design-your-own-rollercoaster thing at DisneyQuest. So he and Grandpa kept bopping over there all week. We'll have four teenagers before you know it, and I have a feeling they'll want to hang out a lot at DTD.

I had an hour all to myself at the Spa...nice treat. DS3 refused (loudly) to get out of the hot tub, he loved it so much. DD5 loved the "Artist of the Day" board at the Artist's Palette and happily drew pictures to display there. We thought the food was good...they feature a variety of flatbreads, which is a nice change from the usual food court offerings. All the staff that we encountered were very polite and helpful. We needed a crib and it was delivered immediately; our coffeepot kept overflowing (we tried it twice), but another one was brought as soon as we called about it.

I hope they bring back the fireworks over DTD...SSR needs to have its own little party at night, too.

[Tinkaroo]

Not to hijack the thread, but DH and I will be going home for the first time in just a little over a week! We haven't even "officially" closed yet! :rotfl:

Would you recommend making a section request, or just go with the luck of the draw? We'll be there 5 nights, will have a rental car, and are 2 able-bodied adults with no kids. Barring the weather is nice, we hope to try the pool, I'd like to do a spa treatment, and we know we'll spend at least one night over at DTD to see La Nouba. Any recommendations for us? TIA! :goodvibes

[Cinderella]

We stayed in December - really wanted VWL and didn't know what to expect at Saratoga. We ended up loving it so much that we added on. It is so beautiful, it has a community feel and the best spa in WDW. We stayed in the Springs section, which is v close to the main pool and main building.

[HGLightlyj]

I stayed at SSR Jan. 23-26 in a studio - my first time at SSR. I am an OKW owner. I was in the Springs section - a short walk to Artist Palette. Check in was very smooth - very nice CM's - room was ready. I felt signage could be better - the little sidewalk from check-in that runs by the pool to get to Springs is not marked - it would be helpful to have a sign giving some direction as I walked right past it - as did others at the same time. I like SSR much better than I thought I would. The room was very nice. I enjoyed walking to DTD via the west side entrance. I did not like the breakfast at Artist Palette - eggs were "runny" but I suppose that is just my taste. I would definitely stay there again. :)

[PinotFan]

Not to hijack the thread, but DH and I will be going home for the first time in just a little over a week! We haven't even "officially" closed yet! :rotfl:

Would you recommend making a section request, or just go with the luck of the draw? We'll be there 5 nights, will have a rental car, and are 2 able-bodied adults with no kids. Barring the weather is nice, we hope to try the pool, I'd like to do a spa treatment, and we know we'll spend at least one night over at DTD to see La Nouba. Any recommendations for us? TIA! :goodvibes

I requested a DTD view on my first visit home in October and got one (just barely--it was technically listed as a water view, but we could see Cirque du Soleil from the window and patio).

I decided that from now on, however, I'll just take the luck of the draw. What the heck, I hope to have 25 to 30 years to go there and get all kinds of different views. If you don't mind walking (it IS a large resort, after all), you'll do fine in any section.

The High Rock Spring theme pool and slide are terrific as are the leisure pools. It is truly an elegant resort. Parking is right outside your villa and DTD is within easy walking distance.

[Tinkaroo]

I requested a DTD view on my first visit home in October and got one (just barely--it was technically listed as a water view, but we could see Cirque du Soleil from the window and patio).

I decided that from now on, however, I'll just take the luck of the draw. What the heck, I hope to have 25 to 30 years to go there and get all kinds of different views. If you don't mind walking (it IS a large resort, after all), you'll do fine in any section.

The High Rock Spring theme pool and slide are terrific as are the leisure pools. It is truly an elegant resort. Parking is right outside your villa and DTD is within easy walking distance.

Thanks for your comments! That's kind of what I'm leaning towards doing, but still a bit uncertain.

I know Congress Park has the DTD views, the Springs is close to AP and the pool...so, what's the benefit of being in the Paddock, other than maybe a bit less activity?

We would like to be around more of the "mature" landscaping - which section would that be? Thanks for your help!

[cobbler]

LOVE IT!! I am on a quest to try every resort but hubby wants to stay there all the time. We went Nov 05 in a 1bdrm and had a wonderful time.

I love it.

[PinotFan]

I know Congress Park has the DTD views, the Springs is close to AP and the pool...so, what's the benefit of being in the Paddock, other than maybe a bit less activity?

Other than being at a Disney Resort?? The Paddock has some nice water views with fountains and a foot bridge across one of the lakes. Most buildings are closer to the theme pool than Congress Park's buildings are. Some Paddock buildings are just as close to DTD as Congress Park (but others are much farther).


We would like to be around more of the "mature" landscaping - which section would that be?

I don't think any of it is "mature" yet, but Congress Park is the "oldest" section so it probably has a one-year headstart on the Springs and the Paddock.

[tjhsr]

The landscaping at CP is starting to fill in pretty good now.We have stayed in Cp 4 times and could have just 2wks ago.But when we were checking in they offered a 1st floor rm at CP.We were sure the view would be block by the landscaping and we were right.So we took a rm in the Springs that was ready.4th floor in the building across from the main pool.We were very happy with our choice.Also when the section on the golf course is done it will have more than a quiet pool.So that should help out with the main pool when everything is open.

[KLEONARD]

The landscaping at CP is starting to fill in pretty good now.We have stayed in Cp 4 times and could have just 2wks ago.But when we were checking in they offered a 1st floor rm at CP.We were sure the view would be block by the landscaping and we were right.So we took a rm in the Springs that was ready.4th floor in the building across from the main pool.We were very happy with our choice.Also when the section on the golf course is done it will have more than a quiet pool.So that should help out with the main pool when everything is open.
Can you explain the "more than a quiet pool"? Are you saying the pool will be larger than the other quiet pools?

[tjhsr]

During the weekly members meeting in oct. they said they had plans for a special pool for last section. Somebody also said that during another meeting they said it would be larger than a quiet pool.

[KLEONARD]

During the weekly members meeting in oct. they said they had plans for a special pool for last section. Somebody also said that during another meeting they said it would be larger than a quiet pool.
Thanks tjhsr. I remember reading a post awhile ago about the possibilty of a second larger pool. I believe it was DR. Tomorrow that posted the rumor. Also something about a second outdoor food venue, if I remember correctly. I hope the new pool has a slide, or at least some themeing.

[tjhsr]

I might have to force myself to play golf during our may trip to get a closer look at whats going on :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[lts862]

We have been there several times (most recently in Nov/Dec 2005). It is a beautiful resort!! Have a great time!
Lynn

[Jen D]

Hey all! I had a report I started to post a week and a half ago and never finished, so I'll put it here. It isn't a proper SSR report although we did end up staying one night but here it is:

We just bought a few weeks ago; we don't even close for a few weeks. We just came back from a trip that was planned long before DVC-- we stayed at a vacation house offsite with family and friends (All Star Vacation Homes) after two nights at All Star Music. We were supposed to fly back to NYC Sunday but a little thing called the biggest blizzard in city history got in our way and our flight was cancelled. We couldn't get a flight back until Tuesday morning. Sunday night was no problem, the family had the vacation house until Monday, but we had to figure out Monday. It was a no-brainer-- we were dying to use our points, and since we're starting with a point surplus we could spare the points for a night in a studio.

A call to MS Monday morning brought a choice of OKW, SSR, or BCV. Of course, I want to try them all, and had it been swimming weather instead of 45 degrees we might have done BCV. OKW was the lowest points, but we chose our home resort, SSR, since Dh would be seeing a movie at PI that day for work.

Now I'll backtrack to give my impressions, since we actually had a long visit to SSR earlier in the week (we'd never toured before buying.)

We visited the resort and toured the units earlier in the week. We were pretty knocked out by it... the common areas, the pool-- we ate at Artists Palatte and loved it. I've never met a resort food court I liked until now. We really enjoyed our sandwiches and the kids LOVED the easels. So much better than the lame puzzles they'd been getting with kids meals all week! We visited the units and were knocked out. I was especially excited to visit with Dh as he had never really been into the DVC thing-- it was sort of an, if you say so honey, but he loved the units and said, when he saw the master bedroom, "staying in a place like this will make me much more enthusiastic about taking vacations." pixiedust: Music to my ears! Anyway, it was a great visit as I felt now he was really onboard with the DVC commitment.

Anyway, back to the last Monday of our vacation, when we had a surprise first night Home. Check in smooth and friendly with welcome homes all around. Obviously I didn't try to make requests but we ended up in the Paddocks, I think the room was 5633. Studio was in excellent condition. DD (8) complained of the smell. I noticed it but just thought it smelled new, not unlike a new car smell. DD didn't disagree, she also hated the smell of our rental car, which just smelled like car to me. Dh thought it could be the smell of trying to cover up someone smoking in a non-smoking room. Anyway, while it was noticable, I can't say it was a bad smell (like I said, similar to a new car smell) and we certainly wouldn't change rooms over it. Wouldn't even mention it but DD had a couple minutes of drama over it (Kids :rolleyes1 )

View was not much, it was of a parking lot and across the way, construction. It was really cold so we didn't spend time on the balcony anway. I don't think it got to 50 degrees that day.

It being an extra day we would have loved to just lay by the pool or wander the resort but it was cold and none of us had proper coats.

We did use bus service to MK and it was fine. Slightly longer wait at MK than was comfortable.. buses came and went from other resort stops a couple times before we got a bus... but no worries. We're public transportation kid so the occasional blips here and there don't really phase us.

Room was in excellent shape, sofa bed comfortable-- looked like it wouldn't be but I tested it and it was.

That's about all. I was really glad to have a surprise trip HOME and was not disappointed by SSR.

Now if Disney would only get Comedy Central. I can't go to sleep without Jon Stewart.

[shantay1008]

Thanks for the report! We really enjoyed our first stay at SSR earlier this month, too. I admire your positive approach to having your plans changed thanks to the blizzard. My DS7 notices smells, too. Perhaps it's the age? Some sort of nose development going on? (P.S., did you know that Stewart is hosting the Oscars? should be fun...)

[smsnorthup]

Not to hijack the thread, but DH and I will be going home for the first time in just a little over a week! We haven't even "officially" closed yet! :rotfl:

Would you recommend making a section request, or just go with the luck of the draw? We'll be there 5 nights, will have a rental car, and are 2 able-bodied adults with no kids. Barring the weather is nice, we hope to try the pool, I'd like to do a spa treatment, and we know we'll spend at least one night over at DTD to see La Nouba. Any recommendations for us? TIA! :goodvibes


We are going home to SSR for the first time in April and we decided to request Congress Park section because of the convenience to the DD Marketplace walkway. Also, we just saw La Nouba in Jan and it is incredible!! Have a great time!! :goodvibes

[Jen D]

Thanks for the report! We really enjoyed our first stay at SSR earlier this month, too. I admire your positive approach to having your plans changed thanks to the blizzard.

Well, in truth, this is the second trip in a row this has happened. Our previous trip was in September 2004, Orlando had already been slammed by Charley and.. Frances? I'm blanking. Anyway, Jeanne hit while we were there. We were scheduled to fly out the night before and the flight was cancelled and stayed two extra nights. It was a lot more stressful that time somehow. This time when we found out our flight was cancelled and we couldn't get out for two days... it was kind of a shrug. Luckily accomodations weren't a concern. And upgrading MYW passes is so cheap-- $12 bucks to upgrade 3 passes for 2 more days in the parks. Of course, bosses at home were a little incredulous this was happening again. The first time we went to WDW was right after 9/11, we almost cancelled. When dd and I went in 2003 the whole country was on Orange Alert because the war was about to start. Now everyone jokes that if we are visiting WDW there must be some calamity or natural disaster on the way.


My DS7 notices smells, too. Perhaps it's the age? Some sort of nose development going on?

Probably! She certainly is a drama queen about it. Anytime we go anywhere that smells like... ANYTHING she has to pull her shirt over her face.

(P.S., did you know that Stewart is hosting the Oscars? should be fun...)

Can't wait!

[DrTomorrow]

Thanks tjhsr. I remember reading a post awhile ago about the possibilty of a second larger pool. I believe it was DR. Tomorrow that posted the rumor. Also something about a second outdoor food venue, if I remember correctly. I hope the new pool has a slide, or at least some themeing. Yep, 'twas I.

The underlying premise behind all this is that Disney knows that they are expanding SSR beyond the anticipated levels that some of the community areas (pool, dining, etc) were designed for, and are taking steps to address this with enhanced common areas in the newest section.

[goofeydec]

I really liked it, one thing i did not like was the offsite pool hoppers comming from DTD on boat to use main pool. :mad:

[Brer_Mike]

:thumbsup2 i love it myself, as a manner of fact i will be there in 20 days!!!!! :cool1: :thumbsup2