So I booked the Saratoga Springs $38/nt deal!

[riu girl]

I have been hemming and hawing about booking the 38US$/nt (Dec 25 only) deal through travelocity and today bit the bullet and booked it.

I have a two week beach holiday planned (Dec 17-Dec 31) all worked out BUT I JUST COULDN'T RESIST! I know that the kids and I will be in Disney Dec 31-Jan 8, but I JUST HAD TO!

We are not going to a park since the crowds would be too much for us Dec 25/26 but will spend the day at Saratoga (the pool, arcade, play grounds looks great) and maybe take the boat over to downtown disney.

Have any Canadians stayed at Saratoga Springs and if so, what can you tell me about it?? Besides the pool, arcade, play ground, anything else to do at the resort? Any wildlife to see or fishing or boats etc to rent?

Thanks,
Suzy V

[hockey mom]

We stayed at SSR in March. The games room is great and they have different themed nights for crafts and such. You are within walking distance to DD. Pool is great. Not sure if you will see much wildlife.

[sean-1966]

$38. a night? That just doesn't seem right for Saratoga Springs? Especially on Christmas. It's a DVC resort. I own there and I am very interested in confirming this price.

[pjpoohbear]

Travelocity has a studio at SSR for $38.xx, it seems to be a mistake, as other DVC resorts are $308.xx for the same night 12/25/05(only). This has been up on their website for several weeks and no corrections have been made to the price in that time. So, several dis members have taken advantage, great for them, of this strange and magical deal. If I could justify the airfare, I would have also booked this rate.

Penny

[riu girl]

Yes, it is a strange price. Especially since I understand from the thread about this on the budget board that a DISer called travelocity several days ago and told them about the error. But it is still showing up every day or two (and sometimes for hours at a time).
I have been watching it for some time and finally booked it today.

My thought is, besides DISers, I'm sure that there is a ton of talk about this on other boards, and I'm sure tons of people have booked it, but the reality is there are only so many studios at SSR. On the disney web site the studios are no longer available. So what will happen if people show up and there aren't enough studios? I can't see disney actually honoring this rate for a 1 or 2 bedroom (although one and two bedrooms are showing up as available on disney.com). If worse comes to worse we will be in a condo Dec 17-31 booked in FL and we will just go back there are no studios available at SSR.

I just find it strange that although told, travelocity is still selling it at this price.

Can anyone tell me about the community hall, is there an area in there for kids (ages 5 and 8) to do anything?
Thank you
Suzy

[DutchsMommy]

Make sure you let us know how it went when you get back....man if I could book something for $38/nt I would be jumping up and down :cool1: One man's mistake is another man's gain ;)

[riu girl]

I saw the $38 offer come up twice on travelocity.com and didn't book it. Then I read that a diser called travelocity and told them about the error.

it was after this that I booked it since I figured travelocity had been told and they hadn't fixed the mistake so WHY NOT!!

but since the booking:
1. An error message comes up on the travelocity.com site (where I booked it) BIG MESS. Since I have a Canadian address they redirected my booking to travelocity.ca. Same error message comes up on the Canadian site. "cancel and rebook or log on under proper country BLAH BLAH BLAH"

2. The error message is now gone but a NEW MESSAGE has shown up saying that the rate is only good for 1 person and that extra people MAY be charged!!! This info. was NOT on initial ressie (I have a print out to prove it) and travelocity.ca has no idea why someone would have entered this "tag"

So I am freaking out. I only booked for one adult and was told by DISers that I could add extra people at check-in. I have confirmed with Disney that I will be able to do this and Disney has confirmed that they do in fact have my ressie form travelocity.

My ressie no longer exists on the Travelocity.com site but does on the Travelocity.ca site.

So you see what I am getting at? This has been nothing but stressful. IF I didn't have personal stressful issues right now (very sick father) I would be fine. But this has taken a toll on me in the last couple of days. To the point I told DH I don't even want to go to SSR Dec 25. :confused3

Can anyone confirm for me that I will be able to add extra guests to my ressie once I get there and not have to pay extra? Right now it is just for me (in a studio) but DH, DD8 and DS5 will be with me. I can't beleive that travelocity added that line "price is based on one adult only" on the ressie AFTER I booked it and had printed out a confirmation.

Thank you
Suzy

[dandee00]

I saw the $38 offer come up twice on travelocity.com and didn't book it. Then I read that a diser called travelocity and told them about the error.

it was after this that I booked it since I figured travelocity had been told and they hadn't fixed the mistake so WHY NOT!!

but since the booking:
1. An error message comes up on the travelocity.com site (where I booked it) BIG MESS. Since I have a Canadian address they redirected my booking to travelocity.ca. Same error message comes up on the Canadian site. "cancel and rebook or log on under proper country BLAH BLAH BLAH"

2. The error message is now gone but a NEW MESSAGE has shown up saying that the rate is only good for 1 person and that extra people MAY be charged!!! This info. was NOT on initial ressie (I have a print out to prove it) and travelocity.ca has no idea why someone would have entered this "tag"

So I am freaking out. I only booked for one adult and was told by DISers that I could add extra people at check-in. I have confirmed with Disney that I will be able to do this and Disney has confirmed that they do in fact have my ressie form travelocity.

My ressie no longer exists on the Travelocity.com site but does on the Travelocity.ca site.

So you see what I am getting at? This has been nothing but stressful. IF I didn't have personal stressful issues right now (very sick father) I would be fine. But this has taken a toll on me in the last couple of days. To the point I told DH I don't even want to go to SSR Dec 25. :confused3

Can anyone confirm for me that I will be able to add extra guests to my ressie once I get there and not have to pay extra? Right now it is just for me (in a studio) but DH, DD8 and DS5 will be with me. I can't beleive that travelocity added that line "price is based on one adult only" on the ressie AFTER I booked it and had printed out a confirmation.

Thank you
Suzy

This sounds like a mess. I am so sorry Suzy, if this does not work out for you. It sounds like you need a few days to relax. Sending pixie dust. :wizard:
I hope your father will be well very soon.

[riu girl]

Thanks. I called Disney and they have my reservation on file (through travelocity) so hopefully things will work out ok. I understand that Disney lets 4 people stay in a studio at SSR so hopefully I won't have to pay extra.

[DutchsMommy]

OK, that blows - what a pain in the #$%!!!!

Hope it all works out in the end :grouphug:

[CharlesTD]

Word on teh street has it that this is a promo to get people into the resort and hook them on DVC the more people they get in teh resort and get on tours the higher the chances are they buy into DVC. This is also to help drive the sales to speed up the announcement of the next resort.

[riu girl]

CharlesTD: that would make sense, especially since a DISer called travelocity and told them about their "error". But after being told travelocity continued to post the $38/nt rate.
I waited until after travelocity had been told about the "error" and booked after that.
Suzy V

[mbb]

Word on teh street ....

As in Main Street?... USA?...;);) LOL Charles:)

:goodvibes :goodvibes

Glad you got the rate, riu girl:) Have fun!

:sunny:

[CharlesTD]

As in Main Street?... USA?...;);) LOL Charles:)

:goodvibes :goodvibes

Glad you got the rate, riu girl:) Have fun!

:sunny:

Actually it was the word on teh DVC guide street LOL it was my guide that told me this as they are waiting to announce their next resort and this special through travelocity is in hopes to fill rooms with non members to show the the luxury of DVC and get the resort sold. My guess is they are sure the next resort will slip out and people may slow down on buying SSR to get in on the next one but that is just my speculation.

[riu girl]

Well that makes me feel better. I thought that this was some sort of a computer glitch at Travelocity and not legitimate.

Thanks for the info. Can't wait to see this fabulous resort.

I just hope that SSR has enough studios to accommodate those that booked at the $38/rate. I assume that they had MANY booking at this rate.

If by chance they didn't have enough studios, what do you think would happen?

Suzy

[sean-1966]

I heard on another board that they will be selling SSR for a few more years. I don't understand why DVC would announce the next resort until this one is close to sold out. People might be inclined to wait until the next one is ready before they buy.

[CharlesTD]

Well that makes me feel better. I thought that this was some sort of a computer glitch at Travelocity and not legitimate.

Thanks for the info. Can't wait to see this fabulous resort.

I just hope that SSR has enough studios to accommodate those that booked at the $38/rate. I assume that they had MANY booking at this rate.

If by chance they didn't have enough studios, what do you think would happen?

Suzy

I can't say for sure but you would likeley get moved to another resort of similar specifications which on X Mas day is very few as that tends to be one of the busiest days of the year for WDW.

[CharlesTD]

I heard on another board that they will be selling SSR for a few more years. I don't understand why DVC would announce the next resort until this one is close to sold out. People might be inclined to wait until the next one is ready before they buy.


Speculation is that SSR will sell out within a year and a bit at the current pace. Now if this offer helps to increase sales by even 1 or 2% then that would decrease teh number of years months etc that the resort would be for sale. They are now working on selling phase 3 I am told and that is going to be the last phase as far as I have heard and read in my DVC documents but then again who knows as there is also a rumour that SSR is taking over the tree house villas and may refurb them and add them to the inventory. Our best guess on teh next property is WEST Cali or Hawaii are the 2 most common rumours currently and the fact that the execs just got back from a tour of the Islands and they also now have a sales force at DL tells me the next resort is close that we think. DL and Cali has counted for atleast a 15% increase in DVC sales since they opened the sales office there according to our guide and they see the numbers almost weekly.

[pkitty]

We own there and this is one heck of a deal. you may want to get the bottom line as to the actual costs for you and your family. nothing like having to pay for their mistake. The cost's could be as much as 10 times what you appear to be paying. If it is true pay for it now and get your confirmations. If you are so fortunate to get the break and enjoy it there. Drop into DVC and look into a purchase there. I would sertainly recomend them. My DW and I were pondering DVC since our visit in 1997 and subsequent 5 more visits. We finaly bought in and are so pleased ! We actualy own a little bit of Florida sunshine at the nicest place on earth. Good luck !

[riu girl]

I actually have paid in full already (booked through travelocity). I called Disney again last night and they confirmed again that yes they have my travelocity ressie on file, so hopefully we are good to go.

I am just concerned that since this price was so low that TONS of people booked it on travelocity and now the property will be overbooked. I am thinking about showing up before noon and hope to get some sort of a guarantee that SSR does indeed have a studio for me for sometime that afternoon.

?: booking into a DVC property the check in time is 4 pm. What time ahve any DVCers been able to check-in (and actually get a room)?

Thanks
Suzy

[mbb]

we've checked in at 8am, and our room was ready..other times, we've had to wait until 4:30pm (if we wanted a room that met our requests)

Best advice, get there in the am, check in, get your card. Head for the DVC sales office ( you could probably book a tour now) and let your girls head to the DVC Kids Club...they'll have fun, you'll get to see what DVC is all about:)

Have a nice lunch, and your room *should* be ready:)

Then head for the pool, relax, and enjoy:)

:sunny:

[Lewisc]

I actually have paid in full already (booked through travelocity). I called Disney again last night and they confirmed again that yes they have my travelocity ressie on file, so hopefully we are good to go.

I am just concerned that since this price was so low that TONS of people booked it on travelocity and now the property will be overbooked. I am thinking about showing up before noon and hope to get some sort of a guarantee that SSR does indeed have a studio for me for sometime that afternoon.

?: booking into a DVC property the check in time is 4 pm. What time ahve any DVCers been able to check-in (and actually get a room)?

Thanks
Suzy

I wouldn't plan on getting a room before 4 pm. I agree, get there by noon in case they're overbooked.

I'm not sure I would have booked one night. There is a good chance you won't get a room until 4pm or later and you'll have to check out the next morning. Late checkouts are not generally offered in DVC properties.

[CharlesTD]

I actually have paid in full already (booked through travelocity). I called Disney again last night and they confirmed again that yes they have my travelocity ressie on file, so hopefully we are good to go.

I am just concerned that since this price was so low that TONS of people booked it on travelocity and now the property will be overbooked. I am thinking about showing up before noon and hope to get some sort of a guarantee that SSR does indeed have a studio for me for sometime that afternoon.

?: booking into a DVC property the check in time is 4 pm. What time ahve any DVCers been able to check-in (and actually get a room)?

Thanks
Suzy

We have been in our room as early as 10 AM and also as late as 8 PM it really just depends but X mas day expect a much longer wait to get your room but leave your bags with bell services and change into you bathing suite and go for a dip then a walk over to DTD.

[riu girl]

Thanks for all the info. I will plan on checking in around 11 am - noon and see if there is a room available. If not, we will swim or go to DTD. Regarding requests I am hoping to request a room in the springs area so we can be close to the pool. That will be our only request so hopefully we will get a springs room.

Can anyone tell me anything about the childrens club? Is it only for DVC owners ? Is there a charge? Do we have to book a DVC tour to use the club? Can we go to the club with the kids or do we have to leave them there without us? What kids activities are offered?

Any info. about the kids club would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Suzy V

[madonna31]

I am just concerned that since this price was so low that TONS of people booked it on travelocity and now the property will be overbooked. I am thinking about showing up before noon and hope to get some sort of a guarantee that SSR does indeed have a studio for me for sometime that afternoon.

Don't worry, if they are overbooked on studio's, then you will be upgraded to a one-bedroom. Lucky you, you are not a DVC member and generally those that are not get upgraded over those that are. (this is to futher intice you into purchasing DVC) :)

As for 'being charged for extra people in the room', Disney only charges after the second adult over the age of 18. So if you will be having two adults and two children under the age of 18 in your room, then you will not be charged anything further.

Hope that helps. Congrats on a FANTASTIC rate for a BEAUTIFUL resort. You are going to LOVE it, it is a wonderful resort! :goodvibes

[pkitty]

If Your Short On Time And Want A Very Good And Affordable Meal.
D.t.d. Has The Earl Of Sandwich. I Would Rate Their Sandwiches A 8 Plus And Very Quick And Mmm.. Sooo Goood... A Must Try. And You Will Appreciate The Price. Its Also Close As It Is On The Resort Side Of Dtd Close To The Path.

[seashoreCM]

If by chance they didn't have enough studios, what do you think would happen?y
Disney could offer a free room at another resort of its choice for just that night. Whether they actually do that, I am not sure.

If Disney chose Bonnet Creek or Swan or Dolphin they would have to arrange return airport transportation if the guest reserved Magical Express and it was their last night. (Arriving transportation is not a second problem because the guest already got to Saratoga Springs to find the first problem of overbooking.)

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[pjpoohbear]

Why would Disney put a guest at Bonnet Creek? This resort isn't even connected with Disney in any way, other than Disney providing an access road.

The swan or dolphin make more sense. Or even a good neighbour hotel if the on property rooms are filled.

Penny

[riu girl]

I am still down in Florida and this is my first time on line since Dec 17.

SSR worked out 100%.
It was AMAZING!!!!!!!
Checked in around noon and they had a room ready for us.
The pool was INCREDIBLE

[DutchsMommy]

Well, that's excellent! Thank goodness after all you went through. You'll have to give us the full scoop when you get back. Hope your trip is fantastic.

[riu girl]

Just got home last night and just wanted to provide a quick update. SSR was amazing. We checked in around noon and there was a room available for us. It was located on the main floor facing a beautiful fountain. We were very close to the main pool. We spent hours in the pool since it was much warmer then the air temp and the kids enjoyed the pool party hosted in the afternoon. The pool was incredible.
The resort offers childrens activities as well as a childrens/teens play room. Just sitting on the patio overlooking the fountain was memorable. We stayed at the resort all day/evening and even Mickey and Minnie came for a visit in the evening. The next day we headed over to DTD and spent a few hours there.
We were in Florida for 23 days and have many wonderful memories . This will be by far one of our most special memories.