Did I Make a Huge Mistake?

[nocruisecontrol]

We are relatively new DVC members having purchased at BLT. We stayed there last year. I made reservations there again for Spring Break in March this year knowing I had to make the reservations early. We reserved a 1 bedroom villa. Now, as time is getting near, my older daughter and family have decided to join us. I wanted to use my points but there were no two bedroom villas at any DVC resort except Saratoga Springs. I cancelled our BLT reservation and took the two bedroom at SSR, while wait listing at BLT.

Now everyone else is telling me I made a big mistake and that we're not going to like SSR. I know it's older and won't be as upgraded as BLT and no monorail - but really? Do you think we'll be unhappy?

There are 9 of us - 5 adults, 1 child age 9, a two year, one year old and infant.

I also didn't request a location as I had no clue where would be best. Should I also have specified ground floor?

I know I can't unring the bell and get my BLT reservation back but now I'm totally stressed out.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Relax. There are plenty of people around here on the boards that like SSR.

Sure BLT is closer to the MK, but you'll be fine.

Enjoy the fact that you are going with extended family and enjoy spending time with everyone.

 

[disneynutz]

BLT is one of the resorts that we own and we like SSR better. Remember that is is very spread out and that it is a condo style resort which we don't mind at all.

Bill

 

[FigmentLady]

I loved SSR enough to buy there after we stayed there. I honestly don't see why anyone would be unhappy there. Sure, it might not be the perfect theme for everyone, but it's a nice resort, very relaxing, and it's DISNEY WORLD!

What is there to complain about? Don't stress, don't set yourself up to have a bad time. Go in with a positive attitude and you'll have a great time.

 

[Kerchak]

My wife and I were just discussing what we miss most about Disney, and in the top 3 was walking across the bridge at SSR and feeding the turtles. We also love the walk to DTD through the gorgeous grounds. The location is also fabulous as it's central to most things. Whilst we enjoy visiting other hotels, we always go back to SSR as it's one of our favourite places to be. We hope you love it as much as we do.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I love BLT and would prefer it.....
But we have had to go with SSR for last minute trips and I wouldn't say we weren't "happy". We're always happy to be in WDW, but these two resorts are just VERY different. Condo feel at SSR with long exterior hallways vs a hotel feel at BLT with interior hallways. Also.....you can walk to MK from BLT which is great.
But that said, you will really appreciate the extra room with the 2 bedroom. I always like to request Congress Park at SSR. There is a pathway along the lake where you can walk to the Marketplace/DD. Have a great stay.

 

[Carl'n'Ellie'sDad]

You do see comments on these boards that try to compare SSR to a value resort. There's no accounting for taste, so I'll try to assume these expressions are genuine. I personally would *prefer* a stay at SSR to BLT. There are probably some unique factors for our family why this is so:

We always drive down for a nearly 2-week stay, so we have our car handy.
We like being able to go off-property on occasion for shopping and meals.
We love visiting DTD during "downtime" away from the parks.

I can certainly see why those who fly down would value the location of BLT (or BCV). But if you go in with the right attitude about transportation and the spacious layout of SSR, I think the chances are excellent you'll enjoy it.

Given that you have two toddlers in your party, your family will probably enjoy the Grandstand section. The horse racing themed splash area next to the Grandstand pool is sure to be a hit. You'll also be first on the bus route, which can make transportation easier.

I also thought the "older" comment about SSR was interesting. SSR is only six years old, and to hear some discussion from posters, may already be "wearing" better than BLT. At any rate, if you want to have an enjoyable vacation, I'm quite confident you'll enjoy SSR.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I don't think it was a huge mistake. SSR is beautiful. I would also request the Grandstand area for the reasons mentioned previously, transportation and the pool area.

 

[NewDCLGuy]

Relax. Lots of people are huge fans of SSR If you look at most "favorite resort polls" SSR tends to be at least as popular as the other resorts.

Then there are people like me. SSR is my least favorite of the WDW resorts. And you know what? I still love staying there. It's a very nice resort. It's Disney. You'll have a great time.

As for where to stay, even though the search engine is a bit wonky, you should be able to find dozen of threads on where to stay at SSR. The grandstand is my favorite. Especially if you plan to take the buses to parks, I *highly* recommend it.

 

[MerriH807]

I know how you feel. I always second guess myself when it comes to making a decision for my family. I always remember that the most important thing is that we will all be together. If your hotel is SSR it is meant to be. If your waitlist comes through great. You have points ........ You can go again and again and again. Have a great time!!!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i say phooey to the people who say you won't like SSR. first of all, who are these people telling someone who is going on a nice vacation that they won't like something?? i can't stand when people poo poo other people's fun!

anyway, i really think you will like SSR. we purchased SSR last year through resale site unseen figuring that we'd just use those points to stay elsewhere and just book at 7 month windows. in december i took my infant son by myself (DH couldn't make it b/c of his job). traveling alone with the little guy was a nightmare. we couldn't get in anywhere else and stayed in a studio in the grandstand section. it was AWESOME! a really gorgeous resort. then in january, DH and I took our son, my aunt and uncle and their three kids (11, 9, 7) and stayed at the treehouses. we loved that too. and we did some more exploring of the resort and really fell in love with it.

i say go and enjoy. keep an open mind and i just know you'll enjoy yourself.

please come back and let us know how it goes!

 

[cseca]

If it's between going and staying at SSR or not going, I'll pick SSR in a heartbeat

Now, you've never stayed there so you don't know if you're going to like it or not. Give it a chance, if you end up not liking it then you'll know for future reference.
You might be surprised and love it after all.

Plus, you'll be on vacation at Disney. Life's good....

 

[AnnaS]

I agree with many posters here. I would rather be at any hotel/dvc resort than not be there at all.

Also - don't be surprised if you start comparing it to BLT which is fine - but each one is unique in it's own way. We have enjoyed each resort we have stayed in for different reasons and we always miss the other ones.

Relax and enjoy - you will be back.

 

[bostondvcguy]

I agree with the posters here, all dvc resorts are great to stay at. SSR is really nice, no worries!

 

[jekjones1558]

When we had to make last minute changes to a trip, SSR was the only thing available. We had never stayed there so I thought it was a great opportunity to try it out. We were in the Springs section. We had a lovely view of the Springs, easy access to everything. We usually stay at BWV and we found the bathroom at SSR to be better. The concrete hallways felt different but certainly were not negative. I really don't understand why some people seem so "down" on SSR. Go with a positive attitude and enjoy your trip!

 

[Sandisw]

I agree with others and would not stress yourself out about it because it is what it is.

The biggest piece for SSR, IMO, is that you have to take bus to MK instead of walking or monorail. And, if you don't have a car, you do have to rely on the bus system.

But, if you planned on doing that at BLT as well, then I don't think it will change your trip that much. The fact that your family will be all together I think will outweigh any disadvantages, at least for this trip.

Plus, once you stay, you will have a better idea if the resort is for you so in the end it will be a good thing.

Have fun!

 

[mdsd8700]

Plus, once you stay, you will have a better idea if the resort is for you so in the end it will be a good thing.

Have fun!

I completely agree with this! Part of the fun of DVC is trying out all the resorts. This is the perfect opportunity to try out SSR. As others have said you're in Disney! That alone makes it awsome!

 

[FindingFigment]

I love Saratoga! I don't think you made a HUGE mistake. I think, given the circumstances, you made a smart move! And the worst that'll happen is you'll stay there and like it but it won't become your favorite. And that's ok. Once you see how nice it is, you won't mind having it as a back-up anymore.

Please come back after the trip is over and tell us how it went, ok?

 

[nocruisecontrol]

Thanks, everyone. My issue is not the resort - I know it will be beautiful. My concern was really the size of the rooms at SSR. After staying at BLT with the huge living area, I thought the living rooms would be similar in size and that we could easily put the pack and plays for the babies there. In looking at the SSR - it doesn't appear it is going to be that easy.

I'm sorry I sounded so negative, lol, I know how wonderful it will be to be in Disney and with family - so it's all good.

My initial reaction when I changed the reservation is that I actually like staying in different places - I guess I just panicked when I realized that, like someone else said here, that I'm making a decision for our whole family and what if I chose wrong!!!

BTW - one of my favorite places to stay is CBR. I love that resort and we're used to the rooms.

Thanks everyone, for making me feel better.

Has anyone wait listed? Has it ever come through? I guess spring break is probably not the best time for that to happen though.

 

[nocruisecontrol]

I love Saratoga! I don't think you made a HUGE mistake. I think, given the circumstances, you made a smart move! And the worst that'll happen is you'll stay there and like it but it won't become your favorite. And that's ok. Once you see how nice it is, you won't mind having it as a back-up anymore.

Please come back after the trip is over and tell us how it went, ok?

I will definitely come back and let you know.