Saratoga Springs help needed - The DIS Discussion Forums

PrincessDez · 09-24-2009, 12:14 PM

Hi all!
Planned (another) last minute trip to WDW

and can only get into Saratoga Springs with our DVC points. This will be our first trip as DVC members and we have never really experienced Saratoga Springs.

I am hoping you all can give me some feedback on your favorite locations to stay in the resort. Here is the background: We are a family of 4 (DH, me, DS13 and DS 15) who travel often, a bit of hotel snobs

(my husband's job puts him in some nice hotels~it's amazing how quickly you become 'used' to that

), and like a more quiet atmosphere. But at the same time like to be near stuff. DH and DS's like to swim and workout everyday. But they don't like overly crowded pools. They usually visit the 'quiet' pools. I am a light sleeper and road noise is the worst for me. Hopefully that is enough background.

Or maybe it was too much!

From what I can tell Congress Park or Grandstand may be good areas, but want your opinions. DIS members always give the BEST advice.

Also, I just found out my sister and niece (6) are thinking about joining us. It will be their first trip to WDW. Will the 2 bedroom be big enough? My boys are both tall (DS15 is 6' and DS13 is 5'10") so they don't do well sharing a bed.

Maybe I should book my sis and niece their own Studio if available?
My other question is, should we rent a car? Pro's? Con's?
Any advice you can give will be much appreciated.

Yippee, we are headed back to WDW!

PrincessDez · 09-24-2009, 01:06 PM

Btw, are there water mice for rent around SSR? My kids LOVE those!

chskover · 09-24-2009, 01:19 PM

We were in Congress Park right across the lake from DTW on the 4th floor. It was very close to the quiet pool and we did not hear any street traffic. It was very peaceful. With a 2 bedroom, you and your hubby can have the bedroom with the 1 bed, give your sons the room with the 2 beds and then your sister can have the pull out couch in the livingroom. If that doesn't work and the treehouses are not available you may then need to get a studio for your sister. We are also hotel snobs and really enjoyed our time at SSR.

PrincessDez · 09-24-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chskover

We were in Congress Park right across the lake from DTW on the 4th floor. It was very close to the quiet pool and we did not hear any street traffic. It was very peaceful. With a 2 bedroom, you and your hubby can have the bedroom with the 1 bed, give your sons the room with the 2 beds and then your sister can have the pull out couch in the livingroom. If that doesn't work and the treehouses are not available you may then need to get a studio for your sister. We are also hotel snobs and really enjoyed our time at SSR.

Thank you for the info. I will look into Congress Park as well.
Did you have a car while you were there or did you use Disney buses?

supersuperwendy · 09-24-2009, 08:04 PM

We just stayed in The Grandstand with our three kids and it was really nice. We were right next to the walking path to the Treehouses and the kids loved walking through there and catching the treehouse's boat to Downtown Disney! The quiet pool there was never crowded and has a wonderful theme for kids. It also has softdrink filling station if you have the resort refillable mugs. The theme park buses pick up The Grandstand first which meant we always had a seat on the bus!!

The views of DTD from Congress Park can't be beat...and The Springs is nice and close to Check In..High Rock Springs Pool..Community Hall and The Artist Palette!

Honestly you can't go wrong with any location at SSR!

williamson_ja · 09-24-2009, 08:06 PM

We just came back today from our wonderful stay at SSR (more about this in the trip report)! We requested the Grandstand, but they were not able to accomodate us there. So, we ended up in the Carousel. We ended up loving it there. The walk to the front area was a little exagerated IMO. We were right next to the bus stop which was wonderful. We didn't have a car and relied completely on Disney transportation. The bussing was just wonderful. We hardly ever waited at all for a bus. We were there 7 nights.
Anyway, we were in a 1 bed. and found it to be plenty of space for 4 people. I'm sure a 2 bedroom would work really well for you. I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoyed ours!

PrincessDez · 09-25-2009, 10:23 AM

Thanks all!
The only question I have now is...............do I rent a car?

medicjch · 09-25-2009, 12:10 PM

Congress Park is a nice part of the resort.........quiet pool........easy walk to DTD. A 2 bedroom would work well if your sister joins you.

Pakey · 09-25-2009, 12:36 PM

We have stayed in Springs, Grandstand, Congress Park and Paddock (twice). We much prefer Congress Park and Paddock over Springs and Grandstand. It's much quieter, both are very close to a nice quiet pool. It's still a short enough walk to the main area (counter service, table service). People exaggerate the walk IMO. Both Paddock and Congress Park afford a nice walk to DTD that is not too long and it's actually very relaxing.

Most people with younger children request Grandstand and Springs because they are the 2 sections closest to the main pool (which is usually crowded and noisy). We have definitely heard our neighbors while staying in those sections.

We always use Disney buses; the Congress Park/Paddock stops are midway through the resort so there is always availability on the buses. Only once in 6 days did we have an annoying wait for a bus and that was to go to Blizzard Beach. Otherwise, we've found the buses to be on par with the other resorts where we have stayed.

We have stayed in studios, 1 br and 2 br there. We have done the 2 br with 6 adults and it's doable but cramped, especially if anyone is going to use the sleeper sofa in the living area.

aidtrismommy · 09-25-2009, 01:50 PM

We like Grandstand, but think anywhere is great too. We have never rented a car and don't see the need to. We think the bus service is great (we go in Jan so less busy though) and we hardly ever waited more than 5 minutes. We like being a short walk to the main pool and food. We also walk to DTD sometimes. So walking the property is something we do all the time and it really isn't bad at all.

Sammie · 09-25-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincessDez

Thanks all!
The only question I have now is...............do I rent a car?

For the parks not necessary, are you going to be going to other resorts for meals etc. then yes a car is really nice to have.

CoachBagFanatic · 09-25-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammie

For the parks not necessary, are you going to be going to other resorts for meals etc. then yes a car is really nice to have.

We never rent a car when we are at WDW. I drive enough while I am home I sure don't want to do it while on vacation.

When traveling resort to resort we always take a taxi. We budget that into our money and for us it works out a lot cheaper than renting a car. There are van taxi's that can accommodate a large party. We did this back in 2006 when we had 6 people. It worked out great for us. Happy planning.

PrincessDez · 09-26-2009, 10:53 AM

I knew I could count on my fellow DIS'ers.

Thanks for the all the info. Think I am leaning towards the Congress Park area (if we can get it, it sounds popular). My sister, niece and possibly her husband are just going to use their Starwood timeshare and stay at the Vistana and use our room for naps and swimming and then go home to their room to sleep.
Still haven't decided about the car. Thinking we may skip it since the buses sound good. I remember when we stayed at OKW years ago the buses were VERY slow! But we can do taxi's if need be.
Now the big question......................how do I do a request? Any secrets? I have never done it before.

CoachBagFanatic · 09-26-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincessDez

I knew I could count on my fellow DIS'ers.

Thanks for the all the info. Think I am leaning towards the Congress Park area (if we can get it, it sounds popular). My sister, niece and possibly her husband are just going to use their Starwood timeshare and stay at the Vistana and use our room for naps and swimming and then go home to their room to sleep.
Still haven't decided about the car. Thinking we may skip it since the buses sound good. I remember when we stayed at OKW years ago the buses were VERY slow! But we can do taxi's if need be.
Now the big question......................how do I do a request? Any secrets? I have never done it before.

I have always made our requests at the time of booking. I try to keep them as simple as possible this way it would give us a better chance of getting what we want. Now, we do know that the requests are not guaranteed but have always been granted ours. I would then call back about a week before we are due to arrive to see if they still had the request on our reservation. I have never faxed in a request. It has always been done via phone reservations. Also in the past when I received our final documents from Disney the request has been on there. Have a wonderful time.

Broadway Duchess · 09-28-2009, 01:27 AM

WRT the car rental thing, I always do, because we have Universal APs, and love Sea World, as well. Additionally, I just like to be able to get to/from places without worrying about catching a bus, waiting for a bus, wondering about a seat, etc. I use the boats and monorails, but rarely board the bus.

HOWEVER, this time, with car rental prices being as atrocious as they are, I am seriously considering going for a partial rental or skipping it altogether. We do tend to wander offsite for shopping, restaurants, or checking out Orlando, but we may just have to pick a couple/few days for that, and stick with Disney for the rest.

Bottom line: if you're the type to want to see more than just Disney, get the car, otherwise you should have no trouble using the transportation.

09-24-2009, 12:14 PM	#1
PrincessDez Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California Posts: 167	Saratoga Springs help needed Hi all! Planned (another) last minute trip to WDW and can only get into Saratoga Springs with our DVC points. This will be our first trip as DVC members and we have never really experienced Saratoga Springs. I am hoping you all can give me some feedback on your favorite locations to stay in the resort. Here is the background: We are a family of 4 (DH, me, DS13 and DS 15) who travel often, a bit of hotel snobs (my husband's job puts him in some nice hotels~it's amazing how quickly you become 'used' to that ), and like a more quiet atmosphere. But at the same time like to be near stuff. DH and DS's like to swim and workout everyday. But they don't like overly crowded pools. They usually visit the 'quiet' pools. I am a light sleeper and road noise is the worst for me. Hopefully that is enough background. Or maybe it was too much! From what I can tell Congress Park or Grandstand may be good areas, but want your opinions. DIS members always give the BEST advice. Also, I just found out my sister and niece (6) are thinking about joining us. It will be their first trip to WDW. Will the 2 bedroom be big enough? My boys are both tall (DS15 is 6' and DS13 is 5'10") so they don't do well sharing a bed. Maybe I should book my sis and niece their own Studio if available? My other question is, should we rent a car? Pro's? Con's? Any advice you can give will be much appreciated. Yippee, we are headed back to WDW! __________________ Oct 99~DCL Magic~ASM; Oct 00~Old Key West; Oct 02~Polynesian; July 03~Swan; Feb 04~DCL Magic; Nov 05~Beach Club Villas; Jan 08~Yacht Club; Jan. 09~Yacht Club Concierge; April 10~ASMusic: Nov 10~Bay Lake Towers

09-24-2009, 01:06 PM	#2
PrincessDez Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California Posts: 167	Btw, are there water mice for rent around SSR? My kids LOVE those! __________________ Oct 99~DCL Magic~ASM; Oct 00~Old Key West; Oct 02~Polynesian; July 03~Swan; Feb 04~DCL Magic; Nov 05~Beach Club Villas; Jan 08~Yacht Club; Jan. 09~Yacht Club Concierge; April 10~ASMusic: Nov 10~Bay Lake Towers

09-24-2009, 01:19 PM	#3
chskover Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 96	We were in Congress Park right across the lake from DTW on the 4th floor. It was very close to the quiet pool and we did not hear any street traffic. It was very peaceful. With a 2 bedroom, you and your hubby can have the bedroom with the 1 bed, give your sons the room with the 2 beds and then your sister can have the pull out couch in the livingroom. If that doesn't work and the treehouses are not available you may then need to get a studio for your sister. We are also hotel snobs and really enjoyed our time at SSR. __________________ 2009 SSR; 2009 POP; 2008 SSR; 2007 FW Cabins; 2001 Allstar Music; 1999 CBR; 1996 Offsite 1980 Yogi Bear Campground

09-24-2009, 08:04 PM	#5
supersuperwendy any happy little thought? Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: neverland Posts: 1,823	We just stayed in The Grandstand with our three kids and it was really nice. We were right next to the walking path to the Treehouses and the kids loved walking through there and catching the treehouse's boat to Downtown Disney! The quiet pool there was never crowded and has a wonderful theme for kids. It also has softdrink filling station if you have the resort refillable mugs. The theme park buses pick up The Grandstand first which meant we always had a seat on the bus!! The views of DTD from Congress Park can't be beat...and The Springs is nice and close to Check In..High Rock Springs Pool..Community Hall and The Artist Palette! Honestly you can't go wrong with any location at SSR! __________________ Getting Closer Everyday: Wendy Phil Lauren Ashley Darren Leah

09-24-2009, 08:06 PM	#6
williamson_ja DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 607	We just came back today from our wonderful stay at SSR (more about this in the trip report)! We requested the Grandstand, but they were not able to accomodate us there. So, we ended up in the Carousel. We ended up loving it there. The walk to the front area was a little exagerated IMO. We were right next to the bus stop which was wonderful. We didn't have a car and relied completely on Disney transportation. The bussing was just wonderful. We hardly ever waited at all for a bus. We were there 7 nights. Anyway, we were in a 1 bed. and found it to be plenty of space for 4 people. I'm sure a 2 bedroom would work really well for you. I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoyed ours! __________________

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09-25-2009, 10:23 AM	#7
PrincessDez Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California Posts: 167	Thanks all! The only question I have now is...............do I rent a car? __________________ Oct 99~DCL Magic~ASM; Oct 00~Old Key West; Oct 02~Polynesian; July 03~Swan; Feb 04~DCL Magic; Nov 05~Beach Club Villas; Jan 08~Yacht Club; Jan. 09~Yacht Club Concierge; April 10~ASMusic: Nov 10~Bay Lake Towers

09-25-2009, 12:10 PM	#8
medicjch Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 154	Congress Park is a nice part of the resort.........quiet pool........easy walk to DTD. A 2 bedroom would work well if your sister joins you.

09-25-2009, 12:36 PM	#9
Pakey I belong to my Chinese crested I'm willing to try cash, chocolate, even the lap sitting Lobster Phobia Sufferer The frog is gone but the pain of my stupidity lives on Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central California Posts: 8,111	We have stayed in Springs, Grandstand, Congress Park and Paddock (twice). We much prefer Congress Park and Paddock over Springs and Grandstand. It's much quieter, both are very close to a nice quiet pool. It's still a short enough walk to the main area (counter service, table service). People exaggerate the walk IMO. Both Paddock and Congress Park afford a nice walk to DTD that is not too long and it's actually very relaxing. Most people with younger children request Grandstand and Springs because they are the 2 sections closest to the main pool (which is usually crowded and noisy). We have definitely heard our neighbors while staying in those sections. We always use Disney buses; the Congress Park/Paddock stops are midway through the resort so there is always availability on the buses. Only once in 6 days did we have an annoying wait for a bus and that was to go to Blizzard Beach. Otherwise, we've found the buses to be on par with the other resorts where we have stayed. We have stayed in studios, 1 br and 2 br there. We have done the 2 br with 6 adults and it's doable but cramped, especially if anyone is going to use the sleeper sofa in the living area. __________________ First time to Disneyland-1966; First time to WDW-1976; First time to Disneyland Paris-2008; First Disney Cruise-2009

09-25-2009, 01:50 PM	#10
aidtrismommy DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Western MA Posts: 520	We like Grandstand, but think anywhere is great too. We have never rented a car and don't see the need to. We think the bus service is great (we go in Jan so less busy though) and we hardly ever waited more than 5 minutes. We like being a short walk to the main pool and food. We also walk to DTD sometimes. So walking the property is something we do all the time and it really isn't bad at all. __________________ MeDS3DS2 2004 POFQ2006 OKW2007 SSR2008 OKW 2008 SSR 2009 SSR2009 Disney Magic2010 SSR

09-26-2009, 10:53 AM	#13
PrincessDez Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California Posts: 167	I knew I could count on my fellow DIS'ers. Thanks for the all the info. Think I am leaning towards the Congress Park area (if we can get it, it sounds popular). My sister, niece and possibly her husband are just going to use their Starwood timeshare and stay at the Vistana and use our room for naps and swimming and then go home to their room to sleep. Still haven't decided about the car. Thinking we may skip it since the buses sound good. I remember when we stayed at OKW years ago the buses were VERY slow! But we can do taxi's if need be. Now the big question......................how do I do a request? Any secrets? I have never done it before. __________________ Oct 99~DCL Magic~ASM; Oct 00~Old Key West; Oct 02~Polynesian; July 03~Swan; Feb 04~DCL Magic; Nov 05~Beach Club Villas; Jan 08~Yacht Club; Jan. 09~Yacht Club Concierge; April 10~ASMusic: Nov 10~Bay Lake Towers

09-28-2009, 01:27 AM	#15
Broadway Duchess Yes, I'm going back. No, I'm not sick of it yet. Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Suburban Chicago; too far from WDW Posts: 53	WRT the car rental thing, I always do, because we have Universal APs, and love Sea World, as well. Additionally, I just like to be able to get to/from places without worrying about catching a bus, waiting for a bus, wondering about a seat, etc. I use the boats and monorails, but rarely board the bus. HOWEVER, this time, with car rental prices being as atrocious as they are, I am seriously considering going for a partial rental or skipping it altogether. We do tend to wander offsite for shopping, restaurants, or checking out Orlando, but we may just have to pick a couple/few days for that, and stick with Disney for the rest. Bottom line: if you're the type to want to see more than just Disney, get the car, otherwise you should have no trouble using the transportation. __________________ Disney lover since forever, DIS lurker since 2001. 1995 - Offsite (Comfort Inn LBV) 1996 - DL (POR) 1997 - CSR 1999 - BWV 2000 - BWV (May) 2000- DI (October) 2001 - BWV 2002 - BWV 2003 - Poly (May) BWV (September) 2004 - POR (May) SSR (September) 2005 - BWV 2006 - BWV (May) (MVMCP) 2007 - SSR (MNSSHP) 2008 - BWV (MVMCP) 2009 - BWV (MY BIRTHDAY!!) 2009 - SSR (MNSSHP - November)

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