Back from Saratoga - Grandstand Section

[littlestar]

Just got back today (barely got back- Southwest had to route another plane from Texas to take us home as the Philly flight from the northeast snow storm was probably not going to make it). We were extremely:yay: glad they found another plane to get us home.

We checked into Saratoga's new Grandstand section on Saturday March 10th. We stayed in a studio. The room was perfect (of course - brand new). Some of the cast members told us that Disney had Saratoga employees stay in the rooms last week to test that everything was working correctly. Our room was great. I loved the color scheme.

We really enjoyed the Grandstand pool. It reminded us of the Boardwalk quiet pool (but a lot bigger). The pool has a bar and a self serve refillable mug station - very convenient. The splash pop jet play area for the kids looked really fun.

[littlestar]

Forgot to add, we were so pleasantly surprised with the Grandstand section that we decided to do a small add-on at SSR for the later ending date for our grown kids. So besides our BWV and VWL, we now own a small contract at SSR. :cool1:

[aprince&princess]

Thanks for the info and congratulations on the add on!

[ACDSNY]

They were still building the Grandstand area on our last trip and I can't remember if any of the buildings look out towards DTD. What's the view like over there? Normally we stay in Congress Park, but I think I'm ready for a change of pace for our Apr/May trip.

[BroganMc]

They were still building the Grandstand area on our last trip and I can't remember if any of the buildings look out towards DTD. What's the view like over there? Normally we stay in Congress Park, but I think I'm ready for a change of pace for our Apr/May trip.

Grandstand views should be of the golf course, pool and canal, but it's further west of DTD than Congress Park. You won't see DTD from there. Only CP has that honor.

[littlestar]

They were still building the Grandstand area on our last trip and I can't remember if any of the buildings look out towards DTD. What's the view like over there? Normally we stay in Congress Park, but I think I'm ready for a change of pace for our Apr/May trip.

It's too far down to have views of downtown Disney. It looked like to me that 3 of the buildings will have golf course/canal views. The furthest buildings can even see the tree house villas. The building we stayed in had partial pool views and partial golf course views. If you get a room overlooking the Grandstand pool, at Boardwalk it would be considered a premium view room. Talk about overlooking the pool - it definitely had the view. :) The building across from the Grandstand pool (which looked like they were very close to opening as they were moving in furniture, etc.) has views of the golf course and canal, but when you open your front door to your room, you're looking at the Grandstand pool.

The new Grandstand section is what sold us on some points at Saratoga. Very nice. I would probably prefer the golf course view because I like quiet, but I wouldn't turn down one of those balcony pool views rooms - ;) The colors and decor really reminded me of the Boardwalk. Even the landscaping and trees reminded me of the Boardwalk Villas.

[starbox]

The new Grandstand section is what sold us on some points at Saratoga. Very nice. I would probably prefer the golf course view because I like quiet, but I wouldn't turn down one of those balcony pool views rooms - ;) The colors and decor really reminded me of the Boardwalk. Even the landscaping and trees reminded me of the Boardwalk Villas.

True story - on our last trip, we were on a bus and DH must have gotten turned around and when we started to approach the side-view of BWV, DH commented about it being SSR. With the frequent SSR-bashing, I just started laughing and told him he had no idea how horrified some people would be by his mistake.

But you are right. To an objective eye - the architecture, color, and resort buildings do look an awful lot alike - especially the new grandstand pool area. Minus the clown of course.

[tomandrobin]

Glad you had a great trip! When we go in May, we are going to request the Grandstand section. Hopefully we'll be in the first building. Hop, skip and a long jump to the hot tub and bar!! :banana:

[littlestar]

But you are right. To an objective eye - the architecture, color, and resort buildings do look an awful lot alike - especially the new grandstand pool area. Minus the clown of course.

Yes, the Boardwalk clown is missing at the Grandstand pool - ;) Thank goodness. We affectionately call him Crusty.

[mamaprincess]

Congratulations on your add-on and great trip! Our family loves SSR. Hopefully, we will be able to squeeze in a summer trip so we can try out the new Grandstand Section.

[littlestar]

I forgot to mention that Saratoga set up a large movie screen at the main pool three nights of our trip and showed Cars, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story. I told my husband it felt like the old days when we used to go to the drive-in. Except instead of sitting in a car, we were sitting in lounge chairs watching the movie. Of course, most of the kids were swimming and watching the movie.

[mamaprincess]

I forgot to mention that Saratoga set up a large movie screen at the main pool three nights of our trip and showed Cars, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story. I told my husband it felt like the old days when we used to go to the drive-in. Except instead of sitting in a car, we were sitting in lounge chairs watching the movie. Of course, most of the kids were swimming and watching the movie.

We've been to SSR 4 times and never knew about that. I wonder if this is new or are we just to pooped at the end of the day to care.:goodvibes

[tomandrobin]

I forgot to mention that Saratoga set up a large movie screen at the main pool three nights of our trip and showed Cars, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story. I told my husband it felt like the old days when we used to go to the drive-in. Except instead of sitting in a car, we were sitting in lounge chairs watching the movie. Of course, most of the kids were swimming and watching the movie.

Excellent...I hope they keep that as an on-going event!

[MinnieGirl33]

I forgot to mention that Saratoga set up a large movie screen at the main pool three nights of our trip and showed Cars, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story. I told my husband it felt like the old days when we used to go to the drive-in. Except instead of sitting in a car, we were sitting in lounge chairs watching the movie. Of course, most of the kids were swimming and watching the movie.

I'm guessing this is somehing new???

I love this idea! Hope they continue it. :thumbsup2

[WDWorld2003]

Sounds like you had a great time! We're heading to the Boardwalk in less than 2 weeks but last year spent 5 nights at Saratoga and loved it. I'm really going to miss it this trip and plan on staying there again.

I wish the Boardwalk would add a refillable station - it sure would make sense in the pool area.

[bobbiwoz]

Congratulations on your add on! I'm happy to hear about the movies at the pool!!!!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[Lexxiefern]

I love the movie at the pool! Do they do this at any other resorts? Glad you enjoyed your trip and congrats on your add on!

[Sammie]

Is the Grandstand pool large enough for adults without kids to enjoy it, or is the water feature going to be so popular that this pool will pretty much be a large kiddie pool. Which is fine, just trying to get a feel for the size of the pool.

I know at the main pool, the kids area is removed enough so that there is space for adults and kids both.

Just have no sense of how large this area is? Sounds really nice and when we take the nieces and nephews I am sure we will spend a lot of time there, but on an adults only trip would you recommend another pool?

Thanks for any insight from someone that has actually seen it.

[littlestar]

Is the Grandstand pool large enough for adults without kids to enjoy it, or is the water feature going to be so popular that this pool will pretty much be a large kiddie pool. Which is fine, just trying to get a feel for the size of the pool.

I know at the main pool, the kids area is removed enough so that there is space for adults and kids both.

Just have no sense of how large this area is? Sounds really nice and when we take the nieces and nephews I am sure we will spend a lot of time there, but on an adults only trip would you recommend another pool?

Thanks for any insight from someone that has actually seen it.

Sammie,

The water splash area was on the opposite end of the swimming pool. So I think they separated them pretty good. The pool was rather large looking we thought. Of course, only one building was open so it will be interesting to see how the area handles all four buildings.

[ACDSNY]

I love SSR, I enjoy the peace and quiet after a day in the parks. Normally we've stayed in SSR since our young adult kids like to hit DTD in the evenings, but our next trip in with our 6 yr old niece so the Grandstands is sounding better all the time.

[ebenmax]

The movies at the pool sound so fun!! Do you remember the days of the week they were offered? I know that is no guarantee for future times, but I was just curious.

TIA

[lisaviolet]

I love SSR, I enjoy the peace and quiet after a day in the parks. Normally we've stayed in SSR since our young adult kids like to hit DTD in the evenings, but our next trip in with our 6 yr old niece so the Grandstands is sounding better all the time.

You might know this already but don't forget that the Grandstand area is actually very close to the other DD walkway (Westside). You simply cut across behind the main building, cross the bridge by the boat launch and you are on the DD Westside walkway which ends up at Cirque du Soleil.

[ACDSNY]

You might know this already but don't forget that the Grandstand area is actually very close to the other DD walkway (Westside). You simply cut across behind the main building, cross the bridge by the boat launch and you are on the DD Westside walkway which ends up at Cirque du Soleil.

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check in out on our next trip. Do you know how early does the boat launch start?

[littlestar]

The movies at the pool sound so fun!! Do you remember the days of the week they were offered? I know that is no guarantee for future times, but I was just curious.

TIA

The movies last week at the pool were on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. :)

[tjhsr]

Is the Grandstand pool large enough for adults without kids to enjoy it, or is the water feature going to be so popular that this pool will pretty much be a large kiddie pool. Which is fine, just trying to get a feel for the size of the pool.

I know at the main pool, the kids area is removed enough so that there is space for adults and kids both.

Just have no sense of how large this area is? Sounds really nice and when we take the nieces and nephews I am sure we will spend a lot of time there, but on an adults only trip would you recommend another pool?

Thanks for any insight from someone that has actually seen it.

These pictures might help you.I think this pool will be quite busy.I would still prefer CP for adults only trips.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/tjhsr/th_000_0064.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/tjhsr/000_0064.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/tjhsr/th_000_0060.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/tjhsr/000_0060.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/tjhsr/th_000_0057.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/tjhsr/000_0057.jpg)

[Luckymommyx2]

I can't wait to try out the Grandstand. I've been eyeing the golf course view since construction started! I hope they continue the movies by the pool too! Congrats on the add-on and welcome back!! :wave2:

[ErinC]

Littlestar, does Grandstand have it's own bus stop? If so in what order does it run by there? We'll be there in 4 weeks and I've requested this area.

[Treacle44]

I forgot to mention that Saratoga set up a large movie screen at the main pool three nights of our trip and showed Cars, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story. I told my husband it felt like the old days when we used to go to the drive-in. Except instead of sitting in a car, we were sitting in lounge chairs watching the movie. Of course, most of the kids were swimming and watching the movie.


Oh wow that's sounds like great fun, my kids would love that!

[Sammie]

I think SSR did an excellent job with it's pools except the Paddocks. I have no idea why they made it so small when you have 5 buildings there and Carousel too, that is the only disappointment to me. I wish it was more like the CP pool.

[polyhm83]

We were there at the same time as littlestar and stayed at Congress Park.
The bus stopped first at the Grandstand, then carasoul, then paddocks, then Congress Park and then last at the Springs.

[2giddy4wdw]

Wow it sounds like they did a great job!!! We are going back in October, maybe we will be staying there!!!! Glad you had a great time and congratulations on the add on!!

[JerJan]

We are "GOING HOME" in August and we have also requested the Grandstand. So far we have stayed in Congress Park, The Springs and The Paddocks! My DD 7 is really looking forward to that pool!

[BroganMc]

I forgot to mention that Saratoga set up a large movie screen at the main pool three nights of our trip and showed Cars, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story. I told my husband it felt like the old days when we used to go to the drive-in. Except instead of sitting in a car, we were sitting in lounge chairs watching the movie. Of course, most of the kids were swimming and watching the movie.

Hey now that's an improvement we never thought of in that thread a few weeks back. I'm admiring SSR staff more and more. They kept saying they had lots of ideas to implement over the next year. A poolside movie is a great one. I wonder what else they'll come up with.

[disneymom8589]

I'm getting more and more excited about our 1st upcoming trip to SSR in July!!! How neat that they now are showing movies by the pool. Would love to see them add something like a little ice cream parlour! :)

[corinnak]

I take back that wish for a movie theater - cause a movie pool is even cooler in all reality!

I want to stay at the Grandstand....nnnnnnoooowwwwwwww!

[Carneymom]

The Movie by the pool idea is great. We stayed in a Holiday Inn in Virginia Beach that did this. They called it "Dive Inn Movie" The Kids loved it. And so did The parents. What a great way to relax at the end of a busy day. I hope they continue this when we are there in August.

[littlestar]

The movies were shown at the main pool. But for some reason the flyer said Grand Stand pool.

[MarylandMommy]

Thanks for all the great information about the Grandstand section! We are planning a trip in October and settled on OKW (few points, bigger rooms, twisty slide), but you guys are making me second guess my decision! We are going to have 5 kids and it sounds like you can get to DTD Disney Quest with a short walk. Correct?

Also, it looks like, from the great pictures, the pool doesn't have a slide or anything like that. Is that correct? I've read about a "splash area". Does anyone have a description or picture of that section?

Thanks!!

[polyhm83]

The grandstand section does not have a slide, but a nice water play area.
The main pool is a very short walk from the Grandstand and has a very nice slide. From the Grandstand or the springs the walkway to Disney westside
where DQ is a nice little walk, If you stay at Congress Park it is a very short walk to DTD marketplace. Depending on the ages of your children, mine are all teenagers and they loved to be able to go to Goofy's candy store and Earl of Sandwich when ever they wanted. The boat ride is very nice too.:)

[polyhm83]

My kids did go to OKW pool one day and they loved that slide too. You can walk to DTD from OKW but it is a bit of a hike, although very pretty.

[dsneygirl]

Love the idea of movies by the pool. I hope it keeps up.

[Sammie]

If you like the movies at the pool, be sure and let someone know about it, so they keep them.

I am sure many complain about things they don't like, how many write and say, "I heard about the pool movies, Great Idea and please continue". :thumbsup2

[littlestar]

Littlestar, does Grandstand have it's own bus stop? If so in what order does it run by there? We'll be there in 4 weeks and I've requested this area.

Yes, it has its own bus stop. Also, behind the bus stop just a little ways are (2) horse shoe pits to play horse shoes.

We were first on the bus to go to Downtown Disney. We didn't go to any parks this trip. Just relaxed and went out to eat. We started to go to Epcot one day, but when we looked at the mob of people at the entrance decided to wait until our May trip (one of the benefits of DVC, you know you're coming back soon).

[eporter66]

Forgot to add, we were so pleasantly surprised with the Grandstand section that we decided to do a small add-on at SSR for the later ending date for our grown kids. So besides our BWV and VWL, we now own a small contract at SSR. :cool1:

Great to hear!!! SSR has really grown into it's own over the past few years. It is a beautiful resort. We have stayed in the Congress Park Section every time so far - glad to hear that you liked the Grandstand. We will be at SSR in October, can't wait.

We stayed at BWV this past October, and it was great and I loved being able to walk to Epcot & MGM (may be a bit long for some, I enjoyed the walk over), but I must admit to missing SSR. Each resort really has its own unique charm. SSR is home to us!!!

E

[eporter66]

I forgot to mention that Saratoga set up a large movie screen at the main pool three nights of our trip and showed Cars, Lilo and Stitch, and Toy Story. I told my husband it felt like the old days when we used to go to the drive-in. Except instead of sitting in a car, we were sitting in lounge chairs watching the movie. Of course, most of the kids were swimming and watching the movie.

That's great!!!!