Just back and my feelings on Saratoga Springs

[elijahpep]

My brother went to school at Cornell, so I am more than familiar with the topography of upstate NY. It is (in two words) hilly and stony (all that glacial till). Florida is flat and sandy. So try as it might - they can plant all the oaks, elms and beech they want -- Disney will unfortunately never be able truly replicate what the regions in and around Saratoga really feel like.

So, if I follow this logic or fallacy, Epcot should have never been built because there is no way Disney can truly capture the feel of countries around the world. I suppose the same could go for Animal Kingdom, etc.

 

[BroganMc]

I know many people who own other timeshare properties that never stay at their "home" resort but use it exclusively to trade to other locations. I don't see DVC as being any different.

Awe now Jake, why go spoil a good BWV/BCV rant with facts! You know that no one gets to stay at the creme d'la creme area known as Epcot Resort unless you have a deed, signed in blood, and know the secret society handshake. Anyone else who dares to call at 7 months or wrestle a spot on a Wait List is just uncouth swine proving Disney is lowering itself from noble pursuits to engage in ugly trade.

 

[MrsNick]

I am an SSR owner who only bought in with the intention of staying at any DVC resort but my own, will re-use my refillable mug on every vacation, pool hop to SAB when not staying at BCV, and even though checkout is at 11 a.m. plan not to vacate my room until I'm good and ready to leave. Oh, wait, don't forget, I also plan to pack all members of my family and extended family as well as my dog into a non-smoking studio unit where my DH will smoke cigars every evening.

I think we should give a big round of applause to those posters who have made their point over and over and over again that the Epcot DVC's are so much better than SSR. If we validate them and tell them how right they are, maybe they will kindly move on so we can enjoy SSR in peace.

 

[UConnJack]

Okay, even IF everything negative that has been said about SSR is true (I'm NOT saying it is, as we've only toured it and haven't yet stayed there. However, we think it looks like a lovely resort and will be staying there next week), what exactly do all of you naysayers want DVC to do about it NOW?

Do you want the whole thing bulldozed? Do you want DVC to decrease the point values at SSR? Do you want them to add more amenties? Do you want them to extend the home resort prioirty booking window? Do you want every SSR owner to collectively shout that they made a mistake? What? What exactly could be done at this point?

Bulldozed.....hmmmm. Naw, it's not that bad. But serioulsy, some things are too late to fix, but they can do some things to help. The new Grandstand pool is a great start. More services/activities/amenties spread out across the resort would help. Whatever they can do to make the resort feel smaller and more intimate. Can't do anything about the apartment-like buildings, unfortunately.

As a BWV and VWL owner, I knew full well how to use my home resort priority. Don't most people usually plan their WDW/DVC trips at least 7 months out? I mean by the looks of all the forums and posts here on the DIS, I would say most people obsessively plan their WDW vacations at least that far in advance on average. I knew if we didn't plan early enough, it was going to be a "if you snooze you lose" situation.

I know how to use it too, but I also used to like the ability to plan an unexpected trip within 2-5 months. Yeah, I had to comprimise on resorts and room type, but now there is no comprise....SSR (and sometimes OKW) are now the only resorts available last minute. I personally would like to see the 7-month window dropped to about a 4-month window. That way, when I want to try different resorts, I will book my home resort, then try to change at 4 months, but will have my BWV if nothing else is available.

The one issue that had an effect on the "little 3" resorts that concerned me was point morphing by commercial renters and DVC appears to be attempting to handle that by limiting transfers.

I hate the fact that they have limited transfers. I wish they would fix the point morphing bug in their computer system first, rather than limit a benefit that honest, non-commercial renting members also appreciate.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Awe now Jake, why go spoil a good BWV/BCV rant with facts! You know that no one gets to stay at the creme d'la creme area known as Epcot Resort unless you have a deed, signed in blood, and know the secret society handshake. Anyone else who dares to call at 7 months or wrestle a spot on a Wait List is just uncouth swine proving Disney is lowering itself from noble pursuits to engage in ugly trade.

PSsssst. We're staying at the BCV in June. I'll pass along the secret handshake for a chance at SSR for Thanksgiving in a one bedroom at either Carousel or Grandstand.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...I hate the fact that they have limited transfers. I wish they would fix the point morphing bug in their computer system first, rather than limit a benefit that honest, non-commercial renting members also appreciate.

I'd bet you'd want them to get rid of the no compensation clause for point transfers, too.

 

[MrsNick]

Wow, wouldn't it be great if we could always book a trip 2, 3 or 4 months out and always get the reservation of our choice? Oh wait, that would be the IDEAL DVC in the other thread. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1399968

 

[UConnJack]

I'd bet you'd want them to get rid of the no compensation clause for point transfers, too.

Touche'.

But since you are asking, yes, I never liked that rule. But that's an argument for the "rule enforcement" thread. As a member, I'd rather rent points (in or out) through a transfer than otherwise, it's so much easier being in control of the points I rent (or no longer being involved with points I rent out). I never understood why this kind of renting between members should be restricted. There are other ways to limit commercial renting and point morphing, DVC has just been too lazy and is taking the easy way to restrict it at the expense of owners.

 

[BroganMc]

I know how to use it too, but I also used to like the ability to plan an unexpected trip within 2-5 months.

UConn, unfortunately your dislike of DTD has put you in this pickle. It is possible to plan a last minute trip, but only to resorts large enough to handle increasing demands from a growing membership. So either you can learn to appreciate DTD for what it gives you (a lot similar to Boardwalk), or lobby DVC for a Yacht Club add-on. (Or another floor or two for BWV and BCV)

But knowing what I do about membership, people and AKV, I suspect everyone's problems will get worse in last minute bookings. I can easily see SSRers losing to AKVers in a couple years. The only ones who I expect to see a reprieve are VWLers when/if CRV opens. But since they are the eco-friendliest of our membership, I think they deserve to be rewarded.

 

[Jillpie]

what exactly do all of you naysayers want DVC to do about it NOW?






?

OP here once again. If we could focus for one minute on why I started this thread, that would be terrific. And that is the huge distance and TIME it takes to get to the main bldg. if you are staying out at Carousel. All I wanted to do was to make a few necessary purchases late in the week and found it incredibly hard to do so. So you ask, what exactly do we want DVC to do about it? For one, perhaps have those golf carts come around this resort and pick people up throughout the day, we could hop on and off, just to get to the main bldg. Secondly, maybe have a second small grocery stop(for people way out at these further locations) for small, necessary items like milk and juice. That is all I ask for. But I won't be needing it, I honestly don't think I'll ever go back. I will do everything in my power to book at the 11 month window for next April.

 

[BroganMc]

OP here once again. If we could focus for one minute on why I started this thread, that would be terrific.

Oh, it's you again. Back to stir up more trouble, I see.

For one, perhaps have those golf carts come around this resort and pick people up throughout the day, we could hop on and off, just to get to the main bldg.

Only two problems I can see there. (1) You add in the same problem as the "waiting for the bus" experience you had, except it's doubled because golf carts can transport only a fraction of what a bus can. (2) If you increased the number of golf carts, then we'd quickly have a resort that resembled a bumper cart lot or the streets of New York City. Not exactly conducive to a relaxing health spa. Not to mention the waste of gas and pollution.

Secondly, maybe have a second small grocery stop(for people way out at these further locations) for small, necessary items like milk and juice.

That's not a bad idea, actually. Grandstand opened with a refill drink station. I would think a satellite station at the Paddock pool would be in order. Although I'm not sure it's necessary to have multiple grocery stops. After all, even you only needed to get groceries once per trip. I just can't see that being a big enough deal to warrant the traffic necessary for a string of conveninece shops. Drink refill stations are another thing entirely.

I will say that a lot of us SSR Lovers are not itching to stay at the Carousel. It does feel a bit like the Netherlands on the map and driving in. But it's like the dumpster rooms at VWL or Epcot View rooms at BCV, enough to leave one not exactly thrilled but not enough to ruin an otherwise good resort.

 

[Snookies]

I'm usually able to resist the urge to post in lieu of lurking, but if someone is concerned about long walks or lengthy bus transfers when grocery shopping at SSR, they could adopt our simple solution which is rent the car, rent the car, rent the car. I don't think I'd be willing to pay higher dues to have a second grocery store in SSR's hinterlands, even if I always stayed there.

 

[mello]

This is exactly the reason why they should have point tiers for the various views/locations at SSR as they do for BWV and the new AKV.

I have been saying this very thing for months.

 

[mikeandkarla]

Everyone complaining needs to remember rules are rules are rules. Bottom line is the people who can reserve vacations further in advance benefit the most. You all certainly knew this going in, right? It sounds like everyone needs a vacation quick!

 

[BroganMc]

I have been saying this very thing for months.

Different point values for views/locations might be good, but then what qualifies? Does Congress Park get the highest value since it has a DTD view, or the Springs and Grandstand because they are closer to the resort center? What about the Paddocks which are really not any farther away from the center than a Preferred View room in the MGM side of the BWV resort.

We're really just talking the Carousel here. Two buildings of a whopping 112 rooms out of 828 (12% of the resort). That seems like such a low amount I wonder if you even could balanced out the point distribution.

Now I'm all for confirming a resort section on reservation. This request thing seems silly since the resort is big enough to give you a different feel based on where you stay: my DTD nightlife vacation at Congress Park, my family swim trip at Springs, my golf retreat at Grandstand, my condo retreat at Paddocks, and my jogger's dream at Carousel.

AKV, in comparison, looks like we'll really only have two basic point categories with two more smaller boutique elements as a consequence of building in a pre-existing hotel: Savannah view vs. Pool/Parking Lot view for the majority (Savannah will be something like 80% of the resort, but you gotta have something across the hall) and Value vs. Concierge (for those tiny retrofitted hotel rooms that either will or won't have access to the concierge amenities).

Do these really apply to SSR? All SSR buildings have the same room configurations. All have the same parking lot vs. golf course/water views. In fact they are placed so that rooms do not have parking lot views. That's what those external hallways outside unit doors face.

Just ruminating.

 

[RobDoc]

One correction for your information, Doc. The models are now in the Springs section. Across from the pool, Broadway street side. They overlook the canal between the two buildings there with the bus stop on the left and bridge to Paddocks on the left.

Thanks for that correction.

 

[alldiz]

Just curious when you could have visited SSR when there was no construction going on? The resort has been under construction since well before it began sales in 2003. When it first opened (Congress Park was the first section to open), there was active construction ongoing at The Springs as well as The Paddock and there has never been a period when no contruction was being done. That will end soon when the last Grandstand buildings open this year.

The models were (and still are) located in the Congress Park area in the building closest to the Sales Center (which was the first building to open in May, 2004). The models all have a view across the lake towards DD - none have a "canal view".

As for the landscaping, the SSR resort sits on the site formerly occupied by DI (and Disney Village Resort before that). Since the entire residential area of those resorts has been demolished along with the landscaping that did not fit the upstate NY theming of the resort.

Thanks Doc,
Kerri

 

[alldiz]

I am an SSR owner who only bought in with the intention of staying at any DVC resort but my own, will re-use my refillable mug on every vacation, pool hop to SAB when not staying at BCV, and even though checkout is at 11 a.m. plan not to vacate my room until I'm good and ready to leave. Oh, wait, don't forget, I also plan to pack all members of my family and extended family as well as my dog into a non-smoking studio unit where my DH will smoke cigars every evening.

I think we should give a big round of applause to those posters who have made their point over and over and over again that the Epcot DVC's are so much better than SSR. If we validate them and tell them how right they are, maybe they will kindly move on so we can enjoy SSR in peace.

Kerri

 

[BroganMc]

Getting back to Jillpie's OP and comparing the two areas of SSR and BCV/BWV, I thought I'd put out a few interesting factoids:

- Distance from Carousel to High Rock Springs pool: .4 miles
- Distance from Paddocks & Congress Park to HRS pool: .25-.35 miles
- Distance from BCV elevators to SAB beach pool: .22 miles
- Distance from BCV to Boardwalk (Atlantic Dance Hall side): .5 miles
- Distance around the Boardwalk/BCV loop: 1 mile
- Distance around the SSR/DTD loop (starting HSR pool): 1.8 miles

Add side trips to Swan/Dolphin or the Fantasia minigolf and you've got another .35 miles (and back) for your BCV/BWV loop. Factor in World Showcase in Epcot and that's 1 mile minimum.

In comparison, SSR is like combining all 4 boardwalk bay resorts but with fewer rooms, fewer lobby areas and fewer people. Factor in DTD, and it's as if Disney included the entirety of World Showcase with Boardwalk resorts.

 

[tjkraz]

Different point values for views/locations might be good, but then what qualifies? Does Congress Park get the highest value since it has a DTD view, or the Springs and Grandstand because they are closer to the resort center? What about the Paddocks which are really not any farther away from the center than a Preferred View room in the MGM side of the BWV resort.

The point categories are pretty much fixed in stone now. I don't believe that DVC could create two tiers of points since so much of the resort is sold.

What they COULD do is create separate booking classes, even though the points are identical. For instance, the BoardWalk has Preferred BoardWalk View and Preferred Garden / Pool View categories. The nightly point requirements are exactly the same--it's just that one guarantees you a BW View while the other...does not.

It's probably worth noting that these two BW classes were just created about 4-5 years ago. For the first 6-7 years that the resort was open, they just had a single "Prefered" room class. It was then a toss-up as to whether one would get the BW view or not upon arrival. I understand this system lead to years of member dissatisfaction with the vast majority of arriving guests expecting to get a BW view.

At the very least, it seems it would be quite simple to create separate booking classes for each "neighborhood" of SSR. At first call, one would know with 100% certainty whether their room would be in Congress Park, The Springs, The Paddock, The Grandstand or The Carousel. Again, the points would be the same for all, but the location would be locked-in.

I assume the main reason DVC has not done this is cost. With so many booking categories, waitlist requests could go thru the roof. "Oh, you only have The Carousel available? OK, I'll take that but put me on the waitlist for Congress Park and The Springs." Instead of a single confirmed reservation at "Saratoga Springs", that servicing that member could be expanded to several follow-up phone calls and mailings as each waitlist request was fulfilled.

But cost is the only realistic hurdle. If you want DVC to go this direction, let them know!!!