The Low-Down on Saratoga Springs

[OrcaPotter]

I realize that Saratoga Springs is a DVC property, but I'm surprised at how little DIS information there is on both forums (DVC and Disney Resorts) about this particular resort.

Normally I wouldn't have to ask anything (I'm local and only get a room on property for Not-So-Scary once a year) about a Disney resort, but SSR is one of only a few I know almost nothing about. My friends and I managed to get a good CM rate for our annual Not-So-Scary overnight stay, and decided to make it a 2-night getaway to enjoy a better resort (we always stay at a value). SSR is it, but none of us have stayed there before (and I was only there once to use the bus system back to DTD--long story). I've done some searches and have only managed to gather scattered opinions, photos, etc on this property.

1. I understand that the resort is currently under renovation. I believe there are 6 guestroom areas: The Springs, The Paddock, Congress Park, The Carousel, The Grandstand, and the Treehouse Villas. I've been able to get some limited information on the status of the renovation--as I understand it, Congress Park is pretty much finished and The Springs is next to be started. We're staying at the end of September in a studio. Are there studios in Congress Park? Should we request a room there, if possible?

2. I believe that Congress Park is closer to DTD and further from the main part of the resort. My friends and I will likely use our car to drive to MK for the party in the evening (I won't be off work until 3:55 and it'll take me at least an hour to drive to the resort, then I have to change into my costume) to avoid any unnecessary delay due to the bus system. We do plan to pop into EPCOT the next day at some point to enjoy Food & Wine. I've heard mixed reviews about the efficiency of the buses at SSR due to the size of the property. If it ends up we decide to take the bus, will we have to wait long or battle a full bus from earlier stops? Especially right before the Halloween Party? Paying for parking is moot for us (CMs park free) but not having to drive after all that fun is a relief (when it's not crowded). Anyone have any experience taking the bus from this resort for NSS?

3. I understand there are 2 "main" pools (with slides) and other smaller pools. We plan to spend some time before EPCOT (and maybe after) relaxing and enjoying the resort's amenities. From what I've managed to find, the main part of the resort is close to The Springs. But we don't want to be in the middle of construction. Is it far to walk to the big pools from Congress Park? I've also heard of some issues people have had with towels--even being charged for extra towels. Should I bring some beach towels from home to avoid issues? Looking at a map, it almost looks like you'd need to drive to each area unless you want a substantial walk in your bathing suit. Is this idea unfounded?

4. Mickey waffles are a must for our Not-So-Scary stay. Are the "adult waffles" Mickey? Or will I need to get a kids meal?

That's all I can really think of, since our stay is brief (but longer than it normally would be). Thanks in advance for any info!

[iteachlit]

SSR is our home resort; we last stayed there in 2008. We had a studio in Congress Park, so I'm probably a little qualified to answer your questions.

Here we go...

1. I can't speak to the renovations. When we stayed, we asked to be in the Grandstand area. It had just recently opened at the time and had a pool that was themed "between" the feature pool (High Rock Springs) and a quiet pool. At check in the CM told us that our room was not yet ready (it was about 1 p.m., so no big deal) but that we were going to love the room. We ended up with a studio in Congress Park. It had a great view of DTD and the waterway. Studios are located in each building (except Treehouse Villas).

2. We were there in August, so I can't answer questions specific to MNSSHP. Transportation was not a problem for us. The ability to walk to DTD is a big selling point. In fact, that's why we bought SSR over AKV. Of course, this was BEFORE Disney shuttered Pleasure Island. Had we know that, and seen how nice Kidani Village turned out, we probably would have bought AKV points. Oh well.

3. You can walk to The Springs from Congress Park in about five minutes. The walk from Congress Park is mostly along a sidewalk located along the main thoroughfare; there is little shade on the route and lots of traffic. You can get and return towels at the feature pools. I can't remember if the quiet pools had towels. I can tell you that the quiet pool at Congress Park is really nice. It looks out to DTD.

4. I have never had anything other than Mickey waffles at counter service locations.

[Pakey]

I have stayed in every section except Carousel.

1. Congress Park does have rennovated studios. My best friend used some of my points and stayed in one a few weeks ago.

2. The buses at SSR are as good or bad as any other resort. The buses pick up in this order: Grandstand, Carousel, Paddock, Congress Park and then Springs. Even during peak times, we've never had a problem getting on at Congress Park or the earlier stops. We have seen the buses be SRO by the time it gets to Springs, yes. But this has only been the case before park opening or during Easter week. Every other time, it's never been a problem.

3. Congress Park is less than a 10 minute walk (and I'm being generous) to the main Springs pool. The Paddock pool is going to be about 3 minutes. Although we prefer the quiet pool in Congress Park; it is one of my favorite quiet pools at WDW. We have never had an issue with towels and we spend a lot of time at the pools when we vacation at WDW.

I have walked all over that resort and never felt I should have driven. Well, except for when we stayed in the treehouses--that was a long walk to the Springs pool.

[Sammie]

Where did you hear about being charged for towels.

If a guest is paying cash for a room at SSR they get the same toiletries, daily housekeeping and towels as any other resort.

If they are staying on points as a DVC member or rental and that is a different situation completely. If renters are complaining about not getting unlimited towels they should have come up with the money it takes to book with Disney.

Pool towels are provided for "pool" use at each pool.

We have not had problems with buses at SSR anymore than any Disney resort.

You can get Mickey waffles for breakfast without getting a kid's meal.

There is plenty of info on SSR on the DVC forums here, under DVC resorts including an entire thread dedicated to the resort.

Springs is next on the rehab but might be finished by Sept.

[OrcaPotter]

Thanks for all the information so far, everyone! I really appreciate it. Good to hear that some of my concerns are unwarranted.

(As for the towel thing, it was from reading some reports on the DVC forum. I guess, as PP implied, it's a DVC member issue?)

I'm excited to be staying at a Disney resort that's not a value but I'm super happy to hear that there are "adult" Mickey waffles! They're the highlight of our annual stay

Anything else to add or secrets to share, I'm excited to read 'em.

[Sammie]

Originally Posted by OrcaPotter

Thanks for all the information so far, everyone! I really appreciate it. Good to hear that some of my concerns are unwarranted.

(As for the towel thing, it was from reading some reports on the DVC forum. I guess, as PP implied, it's a DVC member issue?)

I'm excited to be staying at a Disney resort that's not a value but I'm super happy to hear that there are "adult" Mickey waffles! They're the highlight of our annual stay

Anything else to add or secrets to share, I'm excited to read 'em.

The breakfast platter which includes Mickey waffles is really, really good there. Also really nice pools.

There are pool towels and there is a towel hamper at the pool to leave them, so unless you just want your own personal beach towel you don't have to bring it. The projected finish for rehabs in the Springs section is Sept. 21.

[iteachlit]

I'm thinking about the towel issue. I wonder if a DVC member or someone staying on points took towels from the villa to the pool, leaving them there when returning to the villa.

If they called for more towels, they would be charged for a trash and towel service.

[DebbieB]

Originally Posted by iteachlit

I'm thinking about the towel issue. I wonder if a DVC member or someone staying on points took towels from the villa to the pool, leaving them there when returning to the villa.

If they called for more towels, they would be charged for a trash and towel service.

Members (or renters on points) can get more towels without a trash & towel service.

Towel Package, $6.00 - 4 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 4 washcloths, 1 bath mat

Additional Full Cleaning Rates:

Studio/Inn Room - $30.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $45.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $60.00 per day requested
Three-Bedroom - $75.00 per day requested

Additional Trash & Towel Rates:

Studio/Inn Room - $15.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $20.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $25.00 per day requested
Three-Bedroom - $35.00 per day requested

Those who book through CRO get daily full cleaning service included.

[iteachlit]

Originally Posted by DebbieB

Members (or renters on points) can get more towels without a trash & towel service.

Sure, but they would still have to pay something. According to a OP, there was a thread here where someone indicated they had to pay for towels after going to the pool.

[Sammie]

Originally Posted by iteachlit

Sure, but they would still have to pay something. According to a OP, there was a thread here where someone indicated they had to pay for towels after going to the pool.

Yes it is possible if they took room towels to the pool and they were missing from the room, they might be charged for them.

Or as Debbie said if they were short and wanted more either due to them being dirty or left at the pool.

[OrcaPotter]

See, the towel thing is confusing. The verbiage on most of the info webpages I've found about the resort imply that requesting additional towels is actually per a fee. Here is one I found: http://allears.net/acc/faq_ss.htm

Since there will be 4 adult women staying in the room, we go through a lot of towels. Bringing some big, thick beach towels from home won't be that big of a deal--and especially if we'd be charged for extras! So, is it only DVC members who are charged the fee for additional towels? I can't find anything to say otherwise

[Sammie]

Originally Posted by OrcaPotter

See, the towel thing is confusing. The verbiage on most of the info webpages I've found about the resort imply that requesting additional towels is actually per a fee. Here is one I found: http://allears.net/acc/faq_ss.htm

Since there will be 4 adult women staying in the room, we go through a lot of towels. Bringing some big, thick beach towels from home won't be that big of a deal--and especially if we'd be charged for extras! So, is it only DVC members who are charged the fee for additional towels? I can't find anything to say otherwise

Yes, if you are paying cash it will be the same policy as all Disney resorts and they will bring extra towels at no extra cost since you get daily housekeeping.

DVC members and those renting a reservation from a member have limited supply unless they wish to pay extra.

I did not see what you were referring to in that link though.

[OrcaPotter]

That makes sense!

Here's the part of the link I quoted that makes it unclear:

How does the Housekeeping work?

When you arrive at your room, a standard compliment of towels, soap, shampoo, laundry soap and coffee are in the villa. Persons staying on DVC points do not have daily housekeeping. If you are staying on "cash" you do have daily housekeeping!

If you are staying 7 nights or less, you will receive trash and towel service on the fourth day of your stay. Trash will be emptied and towels replaced.

If you are staying more than 8 nights, you will receive full housekeeping on the 4th day of your stay and trash and towel service on the 8th day. On the 12th day you will again receive a full cleaning and if you are there on the 16th day service will be trash and towel.

You are able to request additional supplies for a fee. Aproximately $1 for laundry soap, $6 for towels, $5 for soap and shampoo and $5 for coffee.

If you are staying on points and would like to pay for daily housekeeping service please call housekeeping and provide 24 hour notice. As of August 2009, a full clean for a Studio is $30, One Bedroom $45, Two Bedroom $60 and a Grand Villa $75. If you wish trash and towel service for a Studio $15, One Bedroom $20, Two Bedroom $25 and a Grand Villa $35.

It does not specify that non-members don't have to pay a fee for additional supplies. This issue I only brought up due to some comments from DIS'ers complaining about paying extra. They must've been members. Thanks for clearing it up!

[Sammie]

Originally Posted by OrcaPotter

That makes sense!

Here's the part of the link I quoted that makes it unclear:



It does not specify that non-members don't have to pay a fee for additional supplies. This issue I only brought up due to some comments from DIS'ers complaining about paying extra. They must've been members. Thanks for clearing it up!

It does in a round about sort of way, see where it says those paying cash get daily housekeeping. With daily housekeeping you always get fresh towels each day.

Then it goes on to explain what you get if you are DVC.

Kinda confusing if you are not sure what you are looking for.

[bumbershoot]

You should write into allears, making sure they know that the way they describe it is a problem, and is confusing for non DVC members. They keep differentiating "if you are a DVC member staying on points" in other parts of that same topic, and it should be all through the topic when talking about trash&towel, etc etc.


OK, they address it, but it's easily skipped over and should be changed. They say "Persons staying on DVC points do not have daily housekeeping. If you are staying on "cash" you do have daily housekeeping!"

At the end of one little paragraph, and then they launch into bolded info about "if you are staying 7 nights or less" etc. All of those things refer back to staying on DVC points. The "if you are staying on 'cash' should be its own topic line, in bold, and there should be wording to differentiate it from what comes next (or before) for DVC points stays.