Can anyone sell me on Saratoga Springs?

[ShesAPirate]

It seems to be the only DVC property that pretty much always has availability. Is that because of the size, or because most people (like myself) don't get anything out of the theme?

Am I missing something great about SSR?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Brian Noble]

I think of it as one of the more "grown-up" of the resorts, and think it might make a pretty good destination for a solo traveler or couple without kids. It has a first-class spa and a pretty good golf course onsite. True, OKW is *on* a golf course, but SSR is *at* the golf course. The decor is a little more sophisticated than whimsical, which also I think plays to a more adult crowd. Easy access to DTD (even without PI) is another bonus for the adult travel party.

That said, I do think that in general the resort is a little over-pointed. It seems like it ought to be closer to OKW's point charts than it is. The exception is the treehouses; those seem a little *under*-pointed to me.

 

[drusba]

SSR has the disadvantage of not being close to any park like OKW, while having higher point cost and smaller rooms than OKW, while also not having some big thing (like at AKV having animals) to make it as high a demand resort for use in line with BLT, BWV, BCV and even VWL which all have closeness to a park. Also, when Disney was orginally selling SRR, it heavily used the marketing tool that owners could stay at any of the resorts and thus convinced many who may have not really had much desire for SSR to purchase there (and use the 7 month window for going elsewhere whenever possible). Also SSR is the largest resort by far. So, yes, you can often find rooms at SSR well beyond the 7th month window when you cannot find anything elsewhere.

At the same time, SSR has things that make many owners only want to stay there. The Treehouse Villas are very high demand. Many like the spa and pool facilities and being near them, it is soon to have a second main theme pool, it is ideal for proximity to a golf course and Downtown Disney. Also, one area, Congress Park, has one of the best views on site looking across the lake to DD. Ultimately if you were buying now, it would be an ideal choice with its current resale prices (lower than any others particularly when you consider its end date is 2054, not 2042, i.e., OKW's slightly lower price doesn't make it the wiser choice because those OKW contracts in resale usually have the 2042 end date)

 

[chalee94]

it's a size issue. and maybe also a bit of this:

That said, I do think that in general the resort is a little over-pointed. It seems like it ought to be closer to OKW's point charts than it is.

 

[Sammie]

While SSR is not walking distance to a park, it is closer to "all" parks than any of the DVC resorts.

Since we visit all parks and not just one or two, we love the location.

Other positives to us. Spa, beautiful grounds, love the room decor, quiet, great staff and really nice pools.

 

[Havana]

We had our first stay at SSR in April. From the moment we drove into the resort I loved it. It is beautiful, and feels like a small community.
Getting out and around property is so convenient from SSR. I think we were in the Epcot parking lot in 5 minutes or less.
While SSR might not be my first choice every stay, depending on what we are doing that particular trip, I would never be disappointed staying there.

 

[ShesAPirate]

Thanks for all of your replies so far!

We are doing a split-stay in November due to availability. I would've rather stayed at Jambo House the entire time, but it was not available on the weekend, so we are moving to Kidani Village for the last 2 nights. I started thinking that since we're moving anyway, it might be more fun to move somewhere totally different. Do you think it would be a huge disappointment to move from AKL to SSR, in terms of theme/atmosphere? FYI, we are a couple in our 30s, no kids.

 

[kcarp75]

Well we just bought into SSR in the spring. took our first family trip 2 weeks ago, and stayed in a studio "family of 4". We loved it, The bus wait times were short, and it did not take us any longer to get to the parks then at any other resort we had stayed at. We had just come from the beach and spent most of our time at the parks, but my wife and I checked everything out. the pool looked GREAT. It is a very RELAXING place, we even said that it would be a great place to come with another couple. SSR is built at LBV golf cource and I like the idea of playing around on a future trip. I have nothing, but great things to say about SSR. Back to the bus rides. There are only 3 stops so when you travel out to the parks you get out of the resort fast.....something else we liked is to go to the main area you just jump on the 1st bus since they all stop at the main building on the way out. We did not get to eat there, but I have read that people loved the restraunt and we will be trying it next trip. Good luck on your making your mind up.....I do not think you can make a bad choice at WDW!

 

[drusba]

Thanks for all of your replies so far!

We are doing a split-stay in November due to availability. I would've rather stayed at Jambo House the entire time, but it was not available on the weekend, so we are moving to Kidani Village for the last 2 nights. I started thinking that since we're moving anyway, it might be more fun to move somewhere totally different. Do you think it would be a huge disappointment to move from AKL to SSR, in terms of theme/atmosphere? FYI, we are a couple in our 30s, no kids.

Now you are hitting truly personal preferences. Personally I would not move from AKV if I had Savanna view even to go to BLT MK view. You should have yourself on a wait list at Jambo to stay there all nights because that is the kind of wait list, two weekend nights, that very often comes through. Meanwhile, if I had to move to Kidani, I would be making a reservation at least one of those evenings at Sanaa one of the best restaurants on site.

For a couple in their 30s, and if you choose SSR, I would definitely go for the view and request Congress Park lake view.

 

[hakepb]

SSR is most wonderful when you plan to spend time at SSR. (And a little more frustrating if it is just a place to crash when you visit other parks)
If you normally plan DTD time and save that for SSR, and spend some time at the CP pool (overlooking DTD), eat at Turf Club...then I think you would be happy with the switch.

I have really enjoyed my time at SSR, but no resort I have tried ever felt quite as amazing as walking into the Jambo lobby..so I could go either way.

 

[Brian Noble]

Now you are hitting truly personal preferences.

Indeed. Everyone will answer differently. If it were *me*, I would rather book somewhere where I did not have to move at all. So, assuming it is available, I would rather stay at SSR the entire time than split between AKV and SSR. I *might* consider moving if I was staying longer than 10 days or so, but for my typical one-week stay, I'd really rather not deal with it.

 

[Sammie]

DVC resorts to me are like ice cream, its all good but everyone has their favorite or some like all flavors.

Does not make one "better" it just makes them different.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Do you think it would be a huge disappointment to move from AKL to SSR, in terms of theme/atmosphere? FYI, we are a couple in our 30s, no kids.

Now you are hitting truly personal preferences.

DVC resorts to me are like ice cream, its all good but everyone has their favorite or some like all flavors.

Does not make one "better" it just makes them different.

To the OP, you'll get as many opinions on that question as you will responses.

For us, a couple with a few years on you... ok, decades, our preference would be SSR over AKV. Kidani really did nothing for us.

Heading back to a THV at SSR in 44 days. The make-up of our travel party made the tree house the right fit this time, because we invited some guests. We've stayed in every other section of SSR except Carrousel and have enjoyed them all.

As for transportation, I frankly don't see what all the fuss is about. Yes, it's nice to walk right into the Magic Kingdom from BLT, and into Epcot from BCV, and I'll admit that the boats at BWV, BCV, and VWL are pretty nice, too. But that's only covering 1 (or 2) of the 4 parks. I've never had a complaint about SSR's location, or the fact that buses are the only transportation option. Oh, I take that back... love the boat ride to DTD.

Turf Club is on my top-ten favorite WDW restaurant list. Also another nice reason to be nearby.

I also really like the selection of pools at SSR. I can't wait to try out the new Paddock pool in August. I'm also really glad to see a second quick service restaurant location.

The exception is the treehouses; those seem a little *under*-pointed to me.

Hush your mouth! Don't you know Mickey reads these threads?

 

[a742246]

For a couple in their 30's with no kids. You will have a blast at SSR, the night life in DTD will keep you happy. The fitness room is the best in WDW.
You won't be disappointed in SSR, if you can I would suggest Congress Park.
Enjoy!!!!!

 

[Brian Noble]

FYI, we are a couple in our 30s, no kids.

I missed that part. SSR could be an ideal fit in that case. It would have been more fun when Pleasure Island was open. But still fun.

 

[bonnielynn]

I have been to SSR with 2 children (both pre-teen) and no children. I enjoy the access to DTD (boat ride).. I usually stay at the Grandstand.. the pool is great.. there is a pool bar.. its a short walk to the "main" building/pool.. Never have an issue with the bus.. the rooms are perfect size.. I have stayed in all 3 types of rooms.. and we have even taken a boat to OKW to check out the property.
I like that SSR has alot to do for the youngsters.. ex: movies near the pool, smores making, and so on. Their main restaurant is a favorite of ours.. good food, never have to worry about reservations..

All in all we have been very happy with SSR

 

[LoveKermit]

It's availability is what allowed us to make a last minute trip last August. The in-laws own at BWV and BLT. While we missed BWV (and haven't stayed at BLT until this Aug), we were glad it had availability. If it weren't for it's sheer size, we wouldn't be able to take last minute trips. Waitlist at AKV, but don't deny the SSR opportunity if that's all that happens.

The location is WAY better than we expected. It really is an Epcot resort (like OKW). It took us a couple tries to take the right turns going back after MK and Epcot, but once we got the hang of it, it was so convenient.

And because it's so easy to slip offsite, we had pizza one night and DH made the shopping run too. In Aug, when we go to BLT, we will stop for groceries on the way in (better timing), but we will probably not leave the WDW resort. We're too embedded. SSR helps you realize there is still life outside the resort.

It's very nice and it is fun to stay somewhere different. We would never have chosen it and we may never choose it again. But if it is all that has availability, we will always take the reservation.

Oh yeah, and it was great having the car so close to the room.

 

[ShesAPirate]

Ugh, I'm so confused!

My original desire was 6 nights at AKV Jambo. It turned out that Jambo was available only for the first 4 nights. Could've gone with Kidani for all 6, but I realllllllly wanted Jambo, so I booked the split stay.

I'm a renter - not sure if that makes any difference - renting from a DVC rental company (not sure if I'm allowed to say which one, so I won't). The guy I've been working with has been wonderful and patient, but I really feel bad for asking him so many questions, and that's why I opened this thread -- and I can't tell you all how much I appreciate all of your responses and opinions!

I did sent the rental company guy an email asking if I can wait-list another resort for the 2nd part of the trip, as a renter. I don't want to switch for the whole trip. I still want those first 4 nights at Jambo -- because I love it, and because my boyfriend (who's never been to WDW) will totally love it, too. Ideally, WL for the 2nd part of the trip would've been ideal, since the theme there would appeal to him, too. But I know WL is nearly impossible, so... anyone have any idea what the chances are that something at BWV or BLT would open up as the dates get closer?

Thank you all again for reading all of this and for your help!

 

[hakepb]

Unless they are currently available, I think you have a lower chance of 6 consecutive days opening up at another resort than just needing 2 days at Jambo.

Technically BLT and Kidani are in active sales, and may have some inventory added as DVC sells more, but there may be others waiting for all or part of it.
Plus a different resort will mean a different amount of points, and can your rental agreement handle that?

 

[ShesAPirate]

Unless they are currently available, I think you have a lower chance of 6 consecutive days opening up at another resort than just needing 2 days at Jambo.

Technically BLT and Kidani are in active sales, and may have some inventory added as DVC sells more, but there may be others waiting for all or part of it.
Plus a different resort will mean a different amount of points, and can your rental agreement handle that?

No, I don't want to change the first part of my res. Definitely want to be at AKL Jambo. The last two days are the only days I would like to waitlist for. I don't have a problem at all with the split stay, really -- just thought if we have to move anyway, why not try to move somewhere totally different, rather than just from Jambo to Kidani.

My rental company guy is working with me 100%, so I wouldn't foresee any problems. He was ready to switch the last 2 days to SSR for me today (which is actually fewer points), but I didn't want to pull the trigger on that until I thought about it for a while.