How is Saratoga Springs?

[FirstTimer]

Disney does not offer any "Adult only" resorts. Therefore any perception that one is more adult friendly or more kid friendly is strickly personal perception.

And I agree with Dr. T, one I am not sure is based on facts and more on personal tastes and wants.

Kids can have a great time at Model 6. I would not worry about where you stay at Disney, they will love it.

Choose what you would enjoy, when they are older they can treat you to their favorite resort.

I never said adult only. I was just wondering "IN RELATION" to the other resorts, how does SS rank in terms of children activities.

 

[EdTreo]

Disney does not offer any "Adult only" resorts. Therefore any perception that one is more adult friendly or more kid friendly is strickly personal perception.
And I agree with Dr. T, one I am not sure is based on facts and more on personal tastes and wants.

Certainly your comment above is your personal perception as well. Nobody is saying that SRS is strictly for adults only or less kid friendly. The original poster is asking for opinions and that's what we are providing. There is no right or wrong answer and neither should anyone insist they are. The real motives of the resort rest upon the developers intent and we can interpret it anyway we want. The most important thing is that you enjoy your stay irregardles of what others think about the resort and we certainly did.

 

[EdTreo]

I also get a bit, um, concerned when I see SSR starting to get another undeserved reputation. It's already "The Too Big" resort (although it's comparable in size to OKW, and distances from room to pool is equaled by other DVC resorts); I'd hate to see it also labelled "The Not Friendly For Children" resort as well.

Thankfully, as people are actually staring to stay there - and not just read about it - we're getting a steady stream of "SSR - It's quite nice - not as bad as I expected" threads ....

All I can say is diversity is a good thing. People have different taste and likes and the choices provided by Disney are excellent. I hope people will appreciate it.

 

[FirstTimer]

Certainly your comment above is your personal perception as well. Nobody is saying that SRS is strictly for adults only or less kid friendly. The original poster is asking for opinions and that's what we are providing. There is no right or wrong answer and neither should anyone insist they are. The real motives of the resort rest upon the developers intent and we can interpret it anyway we want. The most important thing is that you enjoy your stay irregardles of what others think about the resort and we certainly did.

Thanks Ed, I was starting to feel like I'm an idiot for asking a question and getting people's OPINIONS.

 

[jnrrt]

Just wanted to say that we've been to a lot of the different resorts with my kids who are both little, and I honestly don't think you can go wrong as long as you are looking for all the great things there are to do. It is, after all, Disney, and there are great kid things everywhere. My kids always love DTD even though some say it's more adult oriented - there's a lot for them to do and just look at - a big draw when you're 4!

So, from one person who thinks too much to another - the good news is that I really don't think you can make a wrong choice here. There are advantages and disadvantages at every resort, but they are all geered toward being very child friendly since you're at WDW. You'll have a great time, and so will your daughter!

 

[tjkraz]

I never said adult only. I was just wondering "IN RELATION" to the other resorts, how does SS rank in terms of children activities.

I'd say they are all very comparable with minor variations.

As others have said, SSR has a full-featured Community Hall with daily scheduled activities for the kids.

The main pool has a "hot springs" themed play area for the kids, along with a long winding slide and a smaller mini-slide for the younger kids (I believe SSR is the only DVC with a small slide like this, unless OKW recently added one.) The pool also has a zero entry area.

They have the typical assortment of bike rentals and an arcade. Boat rentals are available at Downtown Disney.

There are tennis and basketball courts.

There is a very nice (according to my 3yo) playground in the Congress Park area near the Quiet Pool with ladders, slides, etc.

And then you've got Downtown Disney with everything from face painting to DisneyQuest to the Lego store.

In your original post you asked "are there activities for kids or is it geared more for adults?" Yes, there are activities for kids--at least as many as you will find at any other DVC resort. Is SSR geared "more for adults"? There I would say no; to answer yes would (in my mind) be the same as implying that BWV is more geared toward adults due to the presence of 'Jellyrolls.'

I think that SSR has more to offer adults than some of the other resorts (spa, golf course, access to Pleasure Island), but to imply that SSR must therefore have LESS to offer children would be incorrect.

 

[Sammie]

I never said adult only. I was just wondering "IN RELATION" to the other resorts, how does SS rank in terms of children activities.

Don't believe I said you did say adult only, actually my response was to someone that responded to your question. Does that make sense.

Again it's all preception to me. I don't precieve any Disney resort to be more adult oriented than any other. Others obviously do.

Dr. T and my point was, why would anyone think it is more adult oriented than any other Disney resort. All have areas for children and all have a bar, that pretty much covers the spectrum.

 

[EdTreo]

I think that SSR has more to offer adults than some of the other resorts (spa, golf course, access to Pleasure Island), but to imply that SSR must therefore have LESS to offer children would be incorrect.

I agree.

 

[FirstTimer]

Thanks eveyrone. Whew I feel better now, like I can make as informed a decision as possible without actually visiting the place. Which was my main goal in the beginning. Disney here I come!

 

[rosamindy]

My, my. How defensive people get about their opinions! My guess is, the people fighting over semantics here enjoy getting in p---ing contests, which tends to be a male occupation. Am I wrong here?

 

[mndisfam]

I agree with tjkraz. I think it had just as much for kids, but also more stuff for adults than the other DVCs. (Not that I think they are lacking in any way!)

After staying at VWL, I decided that SSR has a very friendly country club feel. Very family friendly. Its just a little more elegant, and the gardens are laid out more formally. Its architecture is more formal also.

Actually, we love SSR - I thought it was just beautiful. The quiet pool at night - where there were always lots of little ones - is beautiful. The lights from DTD are lovely - the pool reminds me of the outdoor pool at San Simeon.

To me, it was just as great as any other Disney Resort. All the gloss I am talking about - statues, more formal gardens, gountains - made me feel like Disney said - "OK - we are going to make our usual great DVC resort. But lets have some nice elegant eye candy for the adults."

I don't think its any less kid friendly than the Grand Floridian.

 

[mirlow]

We have reservations at the VWL and I'm thinking of changing them to SSR. We are going to be at WDW for a long time and I thought it might be nicer to end our stay at a quieter place. I didn't realize they had a Community Hall. It sounds like there are lots of things for kids to do. I really like the zero-entry pool. Is there a sand area anywhere? Does anyone have a map of SSR? I'm curious about the construction. How close is it to the rooms that are being used? Does the construction take away from the beauty of the resort?

 

[mirlow]

I forgot to ask if there is a business center? If not where is closest one?
Thanks

 

[tjkraz]

Is there a sand area anywhere?

No, I don't believe so. The bottom of the main pool is concrete, but it's a very nicely-designed swim facility, IMO.

Does anyone have a map of SSR?

Try this link:

http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/SSRMap1.jpg

Don't let the apparent size of the resort get you down. From any of the buildings you can reach the main pool / restaurant / gift shop on foot in no more than 6-7 minutes. You can also hop on any theme park bus and be dropped off right outside the pool seconds later.

I'm curious about the construction. How close is it to the rooms that are being used? Does the construction take away from the beauty of the resort?

You'll get varying opinions on this. If you request a room in Congress Park (which are the four buildings on the lower right hand side of the map), the only time you will see the construction is coming and going from the resort. All of the balconies face away from the construction, with most giving a direct view of Downtown Disney. (These buildings are also 5-15 minutes away from Downtown Disney on foot, depending upon your starting point.)

By the end of this month, one of the buildings in The Springs (the three buildings grouped in the center of the map) should be open. From that location guests are right across from the main pool, but there is a lot more exposure to the remaining construction.

Take a look at www.barrybedford.com. Barry just returned and posted a LOT of photos of the Springs and Paddock areas of the resort, which are still under construction.

EDIT: Looking at Barry's photos, it appears that all of the exterior construction and landscaping is complete for all three buildings in The Springs. So, the only construction you would really see would be the five Paddock buildings across the pond.

Don't let the apparent size of the resort get you down. From any of the buildings you can reach the main pool / restaurant / gift shop on foot in no more than 6-7 minutes. You can also hop on any theme park bus and be dropped off right outside the pool seconds later.

 

[OneMoreTry]

I've never stayed at SSR. For a first trip to WDW I would probably stay closer to the MK.

BUT I can tell you that my kids' favorite MUST DO for every trip is the LEGO store at DTD. And then the DTD fountain (which kids play in) afterward. They would not complain about missing anything except that. They also love the Volano desserts at Rainforest Cafe.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Is there a sand area anywhere?

No Sand. I kind of appreciated the soft mat of the Playground area instead of the sand because my boys like to fill their pockets with it! I remember thinking to myself I was glad there was no sand after spending 10 nights at VWL where the playground is on the beach. There is a time for sand, but not all the time! LOL
We would always stop and let them play on the playground for a few minutes on our walks to and from DTD so I was glad, I didnt have to dust them off!

My boys loved DTD! They spent hours at LegoLand and the kids always worked in groups to build things. They met lots of playmates that way even if it was brief. Then there's the store with the Mr. Potato Head accessories. Just plenty for the little one's to do and touch which they normally cant do on shopping trips. We always ended our days at DQ which is by far their favorite Theme Park.

There is also a Children's reading section in Virgin Megastore 2nd Floor. Lots of little tables and chairs that encourage browsing thru the children's books. My boys really liked it there also plus it was close to the video game sales.

 

[rosamindy]

Hi FirstTimer,

Last week for the 6 days we were in SSR there was lots of activities for kids in community hall. They had flyers in the welcome pack outlining them. There seemed to be something to do all day if you wished!!! The main pool was busy, Donald was getting plenty of attention and kids were playing in the playground by the quiet pool.

Go and enjoy the resort. It differs very little from the other resorts as far as i'm concerned. While you're little one is off enjoying the fun, go and relax, remember it is a vacation after all!

BarryB.

Wow, I'm blown away by those pictures, Barry...makes me even more eager to stay there.

 

[Mickeysduck]

Just returned from our vacation, stayed at BW and OKW and visited SSR several times.
In my opinion, to put it simply, if you want to take yourself on a vacation to pamper yourself, alone, or with the kids, SSR is the place to go. It's quieter with lots of fountians, places to sit (to meditate?), walking paths, golf, DTD, and adult oriented services (spa, health club, etc. ) (NOTE: I do not imply that SSR was ment to be for adults only!!)

If you want to take your kids on a vacation, maximize travel time to parks, and have a great time WITH the kids, then my choices would be (in this order) WLV, (closer to MK) then BCV (because of the SB pool AND close to BW), then BWV,(lots of fun and entertainment for everyone!) OKW, and finally SSR.

This is just MY opinion. Please do not take offense.

 

[Melrosgirl]

we stayed in a one bedroom at SSR last June and it was great. we loved the bus transportation (at the time it was very fast, but there were only 2 or 3 buildings open). Great resort. We own at BCV, but have tried several of the resorts and loved SSR. Had a great view of DD. We liked the quiet pool more so than the big pool (partly because the quiet pool was very close to our room).

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Our two kids, ages 10 and 4 when we arrived (but each had a birthday while there!), really enjoyed SSR.
My son has noted that the pool and community hall were his favorites.
DD, who is a little water shy, actually enjoyed going down the little slide at the main pool.
DS had a My First Facial at the spa and he loved it. They have several offerings for children there.
The playground is a lot of fun and nicely designed.
The Congress Park pool is very nice. Kids enjoyed playing under the spitting frogs.

As for DTD, we have to take them to the Lego store each visit as well as World of Disney and Once Upon a Toy. My son just chimed in with "Ghirardelli's!"
They play in the fountain area outside of Once Upon a Toy each trip as well, let them wear a swimsuit under their clothing.
DTD has lots of fun stuff for kids.

We thought the bus service was very good. We never waited long for transportation while there.