DVC resort versus All Stars

[gpshemi]

Newbie here. Been lurking for some time though and even more a couple years ago. What a great site!!

We have a chance to stay at Saratoga in April for 8 days that's not much more then a value resort. $1200 versus $1000 basically. We have three little kids - DS4, DS1, & DD1 (yes twins).

Anyway. My first question is:
Will the little guys like Saratoga as much as an All Stars resort. The All Stars have so much eye candy for little guys. Not sure they're going to be "feeling" the horse thing at Saratoga. However, mom and dad have an itching to try a DVC resort.

I'm worried about that and the reviews I've read about the bus not keeping up.

Any help would be great!!

 

[sue1013]

In my experience with my kids they were happy in any hotel. DH and I always picked which resort we wanted to stay at. The kids have enough eye candy in the parks to keep them happy. Actually a little less stimulation at the resort is probably a good thing.

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

I think your twins would enjoy this area at SSR

 

[NCRedding]

We love SSR and think the pool area is great. I also believe like the PP that how you respond to the resort matters as much as the kids, since they'll be so excited about being at WDW.

The other thing that would concern me: if you are staying in a studio, there is one bed and a fold out sofa, compared to the two beds at the Allstars. I expect that you kids will be so worn out from the parks that the sofa bed won't bother their sleep.

 

[DVC Mike]

SSR vs All Stars? SSR, of course! It's much nicer!!

 

[MAKmom]

Newbie here. Been lurking for some time though and even more a couple years ago. What a great site!!

We have a chance to stay at Saratoga in April for 8 days that's not much more then a value resort. $1200 versus $1000 basically. We have three little kids - DS4, DS1, & DD1 (yes twins).

Anyway. My first question is:
Will the little guys like Saratoga as much as an All Stars resort. The All Stars have so much eye candy for little guys. Not sure they're going to be "feeling" the horse thing at Saratoga. However, mom and dad have an itching to try a DVC resort.

I'm worried about that and the reviews I've read about the bus not keeping up.

Any help would be great!!

Book Saratoga ASAP. How did you get such a great price? I have only seen it from a bus but it is MUCH better than All Stars.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

No Brainer, SSR is essentially a deluxe resort, book it for yourself if not for the kids..BTW the kids will love the pool and slide

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Plus any DVC Resort has a lot more in terms of amenities to offer you, where as All Star does not.

 

[Esmerelda]

Wow...SSR hands down! There is so much more for your family at SSR to do and see. (also don't forget doing laundry is free there also...just bring your detergent...with 3 young kids this comes really in handy)

The pool areas are great (zero entry and play areas just for the wee ones)...Artists Palette is great...buses are only for SSR and are not shared...the Community Hall is way cool and we always have to get a game of ping pong in while we are there

The whole place is just so relaxing...rooms are quiet (if naps are still taken?). You can walk or boat to DTD which is a nice change of pace. I really just can't think of anything bad.

Yes, I have stayed at the All Stars before and we just did not care for it (this was prior to joining DVC in 04). The rooms are very small...it was just noisey...while the food court was nice..it was just noisey. It just was not our cup of tea at all.

have a great time whatever your decision,
Esmerelda

 

[daisyduck123]

SSR, hands down!

 

[SUSIEQ]

SSR!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Plus if you can get dad to watch the kids at the pool for a few hours, you can bop over to the spa and get a massage or whirlpool treatment. Pedicure anyone??

 

[5 for WDW]

No question, SSR.

Great resort, the kids will have a great time. My DD is 4 and loved the kiddie slide at the main pool and the zero entry would be great for your twins.
The themed pool in The Grandstand section (someone else posted a pic) was great, my kids loved it.

We never had one bus issue at all. We were there for ten days in September. It was actually the best bus service we have ever had in 12 stays in WDW. We were in The Grandstand section which was perfect for us. It is the first bus stop to be picked up and dropped off. It is important to us that our kids have a seat on the bus. We will gladly stand but we feel better with them sitting. By the time the bus reached The Springs section it was standing room only so having the first stop was great. Just some tips if you decide to go for SSR. I am sure traveling with three young kids can be lots of fun, I should know.

Anyway, have a great trip wherever you stay. I hope it is SSR though!!

 

[deej696]

SSR without question....

 

[Goofyz3girls]

Its a no brainer SSR...When you get a chance to stay at a deluxe resort over a value for little or equal money you go with the deluxe.No matter where it is located.You will have the best time and never regret the decision.

 

[disney-super-mom]

SSR all the way!

It's a beautiful resort, relatively new, has a spa, great pools, nice playgrounds, good CS and TS restaurants, a short boat ride away from DTD, some very nice views from certain areas, all rooms have patios/balconies to enjoy and relax, and great bus service that isn't shared with any other resorts! (We had no bus issues at all when we stayed there, and never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus to anywhere.)

 

[kileybeth]

no comparison at all. I'd jump at that deal quick.

SSR is my favorite DVC. so relaxing!! and a value is just that, a way to be close but on a budget with budget amenities. and buses are no matter IMHO, we have had excellent bus service at SSR.

SSR is truly a deluxe resort. your little ones will love the main pool and the community hall. and the stroll to DTD is great with little ones, they will love all the toy stores and lego play area as well.

The fridge, extra sink and microwave would be enough to make my decision with ages of your little ones as well.

Happy vacation!

 

[wdwlver]

SSR - no question!!

 

[BigMama]

SSR!

 

[G8r4evr]

I would choose Saratoga over any Allstar in a heartbeat. The little ones would probably be happy anywhere at Disney.