Saratoga Springs ~ First DVC Stay ~ What do I need to know and Request

[elmonshea]

This will be our first stay at Saratoga Springs and our first DVC stay.
Anybody want to share things that I need to know and where I should request a room.
We would like to be close to bus stop and pool.

2 bedroom for Sept 30-Oct 5
2 adults (might add MIL for 1 more adult)
4 kids (12,8,6,4)

Thanks in advance

 

[disneynutz]

You need to find a map online and decide which bus stop and pool you want. There are 5 if I remember correctly.

Bill

 

[lt_lamb]

We have stayed 4 times and have found several thinks you should keep in mind.
1st the bus stops they pick up in the same order they drop off. So if you get on at the 1st bus stop you have a longer ride (+10 to 15 min) but you will get on and you will have a place to sit. Get use to hearing the words shuffel shuffel shuffel. Thats what the driver will say trying to get as many people on the bus as he can.
2nd: all the rooms are about the same distance to stops.... that being said none are close. We liked the 8101-8436 and 8501-8836 thats in the grand stands section. Its the 1st bus stop nice pool and hot tub.
Check out the map on line if you get a chance.

 

[Aunt Michelle]

We have stayed 4 times and have found several thinks you should keep in mind.
1st the bus stops they pick up in the same order they drop off. So if you get on at the 1st bus stop you have a longer ride (+10 to 15 min) but you will get on and you will have a place to sit. Get use to hearing the words shuffel shuffel shuffel. Thats what the driver will say trying to get as many people on the bus as he can.
2nd: all the rooms are about the same distance to stops.... that being said none are close. We liked the 8101-8436 and 8501-8836 thats in the grand stands section. Its the 1st bus stop nice pool and hot tub.
Check out the map on line if you get a chance.

We like the Grand Stands too, especially for the end of the night "first off" when the bus is crowed.

 

[Sammie]

Paddocks has the new pool and counter service and centrally located. That would be my choice.

Something to know about Grandstands, if they bus comes back to the resort full and only a few get off at Grandstands you might have to wait for another bus. We had this happen a couple of times, as being the first stop there might not be seats until others get off. I like being the second or third stop out of the 5.

We also like Congress Park, great views of Downtown Disney and close to walk over.

 

[com_op_2000]

Over the years DW and I have many stays at SSR. We like CP area for our stays, you can walk to DTD in about 10 minutes. If we have family with us we like the Springs section, great splash area for the kids.
Sommething for future years, make sure you checkout the Treehouses 3-bedrooms for the points cost of a two.

Very good breakfast in AP, take a boat ride over to DTD, and let me say Home.

 

[Pennyguy23]

Just have a good time

 

[Pennyguy23]

Just have a good time. But we like the racetrack pool

 

[Carl'n'Ellie'sDad]

SSRs pools lead pretty naturally to the following choices

No kids : congress Park for DTD view/walk and quiet pool
Pre-school: Grandstand for splash pool and first access to the bus
School age: Springs or new pool makes Paddock section a viable recommendation.

We have always had our car, so I don't have first hand knowledge how difficult each area is for bus transportation -- Aunt Michelle seemed to have some good tips.

Wherever you stay, your at Disney World! Enjoy, and wave to the Characters-in-Flight balloon for me!

 

[Boomboom27]

We stayed at Congress Park in Februaury for our first visit to SSR. Easy to get to DTD and the bus stop was the 4th out of 5 stops. Buses weren't packed at that time of year. Springs is the last bus stop. We are going to try the Springs in 2/12 as it is closer to the main pool and the community center which my kids loved because of the video games and arts and crafts. Community Center is about a 7-10 minute walk from Congress Park but we enjoyed our stay there.

 

[DisTito69]

I would suggest the Paddocks for your young family. The feature pool area combined with the short walk to the main building and pool area make it great for families. I personally prefer Congress Park because I do not have kids and it seems to be quieter then the other areas especially at the Frog Pool there. Its a relaxing place for adults with no kids.

Tito

 

[Cruellafan]

I just (June) had my first DVC stay at SSR (my home resort). I took what I got, which was the Carousel, which is rather removed from pools and Carriage House. I had a car, so I could get to the Grandstand pool easily.
Carousel is the second bus stop, so there was always an available seat.
Carousel is also blissfully quiet and park-like.
For my next trip (113 days!!!), I won't have a car, so have requested a Studio in the Springs. It's the last bus stop, but not too far a walk from Grandstand, which is the first stop.
Of course, proximity to the pool may be academic, as it will be late December! But, I'll still be near the more central portions of the resort.

 

[hakepb]

Was the new Paddock feature pool open in June?
Any other pool would be a hike from Carousel.

Paddock is the closest pool to Carousel. (And at least some Carousel. Units are closer to the Paddock pool, than some Grandstand units are to the Grandstand pool.

 

[Cruellafan]

The new Paddock pool wasn't open in June. There seemed to be a late summer finishing date.

 

[jacesmommy]

My sister and I stayed in the Springs section back in March. It was the building right next to the bus stop and across from the Main pool. It was SO convenient!!! I don't think it took 2 mins. to walk to the bus. And despite the things I heard about the Springs stop it wasn't bad at all. I don't think we EVER got on a bus on which we had to stand. Yeah, there are a number of stops on the way back from parks before you get to your stop but I felt that was a small price to pay for the amazing location!

 

[elmonshea]

Thank You all for the info.
I have looked at the maps and from reading all of your post, sounds like any area will be good! I did put in a request for the Springs, but I will not be disappointed if not given.. Just happy to be going.!!!!

 

[jacesmommy]

No I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's a beautiful resort and each area has something special to offer. Enjoy!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

sounds like any area will be good! I did put in a request for the Springs, but I will not be disappointed if not given.. Just happy to be going.!!!!

and that's the best attitude to have! We really enjoy the Congress Park area, we've requested the DTD view several times and gotten it. Saratoga is one of the resorts where the "Powers at Be" actually listened to some of the complaints, and they've added a pool and snack bar near some of the more remote areas, I think it will make a huge difference.

We always get 2br's and we've enjoyed our SSR stays very much! Don't forget to try the Turf Club!

Have fun!