Just back and my feelings on Saratoga Springs

[BroganMc]

To go back and comment on the themes: The Boardwalk while achieving a built up look of a true Boardwalk lacks the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean however whether or not this was part of the plan it does have the attack birds. The last time we were there the birds stole my cousin’s slice of pizza out of his hand and then pooped on him. I do have pictures……..

How rude! And oh so convenient come family gathering time. I bet your cousin just looooves you.

But yes, the lack of a real ocean is something that subconsciously detracts from the BWV/BCV area for me. I grew up with a family beach condo and regular trips to an old-style Atlantic coast boardwalk in Maryland. While Disney's looks very pretty, it really can't touch the genuine article. For one, there are no bumper cars or giant ferris wheels. But seagulls are the rodents who travel. We have them in the parking lots around here, some 20 miles from the water.

 

[BroganMc]

In addition, I am sure they are still selling SSR more aggressively as they would like to see SSR sold out ASAP. All a guide needs to do to steer a prospective buyer away from AKV and to SSR is to say its not built yet, and you would be buying into a few rooms at they lodge that will have limited availability for a couple years; but you could buy SSR now, at a lower price point with incentives, stay at all the DVCs including AKV when it is fully operational.

All of which is true and very motivating for a buyer. I know I bought with the expectation of staying there the same year. And AKV will have these handicaps at least until 2009.

Give it another few more months. I'll bet AKV will eventually outpace SSR sales.

We'll see. AKV will never get over its handicap of being isolated from anything outside the resort. It's more remote than VWL is. Meanwhile SSR is in the middle of a prime resort location, just as BCV/BWV.

Basically AKV will sell itself based solely on its unique theming. And that can be hit or miss with new buyers. I'd wager there aren't as many who are gaga for the theme as initial belief thinks. If there were the resort wouldn't have had a hard time booking CRO rooms.

 

[yitbos96bb]

We are BCV owners and have been members for five years now. I booked our trip last week 8 weeks out and all they had was SSR. This was a Mom and Son only trip on his college break, so I was really looking forward to it, and got a studio. I had requested the Springs section. When we checked in, they said all they had left was 2 rooms in the "newest section", Carousel. I knew what the "new section" meant, a VERY far, long walk from the main bldg.

I thought this resort was very beautiful, I really gave it a good shot. But to be perfectly honest, I hated and even resented the huge layout and distance from the main pool and building!! It was the most frustrating experience at times. Just to grab some milk for the morning was huge, thank goodness my son is a runner and he did his run at night and he could grab stuff. I only went to the main pool once and didn't like it at all. Way too crowded and I'm a huge slide lover and didn't like this one at all.

The grounds were very pretty though and I have to say I loved the quiet pool in the Paddocks, but again, a good walk from our room. I really, really missed the whole Beach Club/Boardwalk area so much. This resort reminded me of one huge condo complex. The staff were extremely friendly with lots of "welcome homes" and there was one pool man, named Freddie who I will never forget who went out of his way to give me rides on his car a couple of times.

However, unless this is the very last resort to choose from, I won't be going back. I had a fantasticly great time with my son at the parks though!

Old Key West is similiar. I am curious though... Why didn't you just hop on the buses and take them to the stop closest to the front. That is what we did if we didn't feel like walking... They even have on the signs by the buses which ones to get on to make it to the front.

 

[UConnJack]

Hmm, I hadn't considered that. Maybe I just need to reverse my polarity, or get one of those ol' fashioned cow catchers.

I still can't get over how often and easily pedestrians manage to stick their toes between my front caster wheels and back mountainbike drive wheels. Usually ladies wearing open-toed sandals. In winter. I've been cursed at in so many languages and with such ferver I have a hard time not laughing anymore.

How hard is it for people to realize moving vehicles tend to like going in a straight line. To avoid them STOP CROSSCUTTING YOUR PATH!!!

Oh well, I guess that's why I like the wide open walkways of SSR over the jampacked BCV byways. my ears don't blister as much from rebukes.

Let me first preface this by saying I genuinely respect you BroganMc, and in no way am implying ECV's shouldn't be allowed to assist disabled people from enjoying WDW. We could argue who other than disabled people should be allowed to use them, but that's been

(thanks Rinkwide!) in other threads.

However, I do feel the responsibility is primarily on the ECV user to avoid contact with other pedestrians, just like it is on me when I am pushing my stroller around. Most people are not used to having to pay attention for ECVs and often not aware of them. When walking in crowds, people generally avoid running into each other just out of sheer instinct, you are unconsciously aware of their presence and can anticipate their movements to a large degree. Unless one is specifically aware of the ECV, it is harder to instinctively avoid them. I don't think most people mean to ignore the presence of an EVC, they just don't instinctively react to them. And if for no other reason than safety, an ECV, like any motorized vehicle, should have the first responsibility of avoiding pedestrians.

Of course, unless you were driving like a madman (which I highly doubt you were), those people who cursed at you were just being rude and ignorant. An initial anger is understandable, but a reasonable person would see it was unintentional and really nobody's fault, just the reality of a situation (and will probably increase their awareness a little in the future!) Likewise, if people are obviously aware of an ECV and purposely criss-cross in front while it's moving, then they have to reason to complain if they get clipped.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Thank you for putting into words what I have always felt but couldn't describe. IMHO years from now SS will be looked back at as a well intended strategic misfire.

That's nuts... YOU MAY NOT LIKE IT, but there are many that do... it is a lot quieter there than the other resorts, which appeals to a lot of people. Its will not be looked at as a mistake, just as different than the other resorts, WHICH, frankly is what Disney should do... have different styles in different areas.

 

[UConnJack]

We'll see. AKV will never get over its handicap of being isolated from anything outside the resort. It's more remote than VWL is. Meanwhile SSR is in the middle of a prime resort location, just as BCV/BWV.

Well, now that's the rub, isn't it? A lot of us see SSR as being remote because it isn't next to a park, and don't consider DTD as a prime location. Granted AKV is fairly "far" from the MK, with MGM and EPCOT not too far, but AK is just a 3-minute bus ride away and I perceive that as being closer to something worthwhile than SSR/DTD. I expect about a 50/50 split on this opinion, with the themeing and cool factor of AKV pushing it past SSR.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Ok, I'm officially worried now. Wife and I are looking into buying 150 points at SSR and now I read this post...

We've always stayed at the value resorts, the way that guy makes it sound, we are making a huge mistake.. can anyone give me some positives on SSR? Are we making a mistake???

I'm like you... I went from Value Resorts to DVC. We own at SSR. I really like it a lot... There are a lot of benefits to it and there are some negatives to it as well...

Benefits:
Very quiet resort... easy to relax in most areas... WHICH is really the theme of a victorianesque health spa from Saratoga that they are going for.

Beautiful landscapes

Proximity to Downtown Disney... Even in the Carosel, the bus trip isn't that bad... I also thought the dock to take the boat to DTD was near the carosel, but I could be wrong... we stayed in COngress Park and just walked to DTD... short walk and had an INCREDIBLE view of Fulton's and other parts of DTD (the front desk said we didn't have a DTD view so I can't imagine how nice the actual DTD views are)

Spa - If you liek that sort of thing

Negatives:
Size - It is VERY BIG... some people don't like that... I didn't have a problem with it personally... if I wanted to get to another side of the resort, I would just hop on the busses... it was VERY easy and didn't take that long to do. Walking is long if you are out of shape, but it is a beautiful walk. Of course in summer with the Humidity that would not be fun (which is why I avoid Disney in the summer).

Theming - I think SSR fits its theme fine, but the theme isn't as breathtaking or in your face as AKV, Boardwalk, etc. It reminds me a lot of Old Key West... subtle, designed to show relaxation, etc.

Food - The quick service is the same as anywhere... I thought Turf Club was OK, but nothing to write home about... I'd like to see a Signature Restaurant there, which exists at the other DVCs (except Key West) liek Boardwalk, Beachclub, AKV, and WL. Maybe serve horse steaks (Kidding Kidding)... seriously though there has to be something that would fit the theme and be a bit better... but then I also think Disney Dining has crashed in quality in the last 9 years getting rid of variety and choice the way they have, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.


Cases can be made with AKV as well... The theme is AWESOME, Great Food and smaller, but then the location is FAR away from most things and you have to take a BUS to get to everything even DAK. Of course the lack things near AKV will change as that area is developed.

Even the other DVC resorts have a big negative over SSR and AKV... They have 9 less years on their contract, so value for money is less...

Ultimately, get your contract and then bone up on the games one can play to get in to resorts at the 7 month window such as calling everyday, etc. Ultimately, even the DVC you like the least is better than the All Stars or Pop Century (although Twinkie Tiramasu at Pop is GOOD) and a lot of the hotels in Orlando.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Well, now that's the rub, isn't it? A lot of us see SSR as being remote because it isn't next to a park, and don't consider DTD as a prime location. Granted AKV is fairly "far" from the MK, with MGM and EPCOT not too far, but AK is just a 3-minute bus ride away and I perceive that as being closer to something worthwhile than SSR/DTD. I expect about a 50/50 split on this opinion, with the themeing and cool factor of AKV pushing it past SSR.

But then a lot do see DTD as a prime location... especially at night... It seems like Families aren't as into DTD as those without Children or with older kids over 18. This is a generalization of course, but at night nothing beats DTD for me... I love walking the whole length even though I don't go into the PI night clubs.. lots of fun. Boardwalk is up there too though.

 

[UConnJack]

But then a lot do see DTD as a prime location... especially at night...

I agree, that's why I think its probably 50/50 on the opinion of the SSR vs AKV location. But I think AKV will win out on most other aspects (e.g., theme, room choices, etc.), hence making AKV more desirable than SSR for new prospective buyers (and with the overall DVC community in general).

 

[JerJan]

I agree, that's why I think its probably 50/50 on the opinion of the SSR vs AKV location. But I think AKV will win out on most other aspects (e.g., theme, room choices, etc.), hence making AKV more desirable than SSR for new prospective buyers (and with the overall DVC community in general).

AGAIN....your opinion...I personally would NEVER stay at Animal Kingdom, I think the place is HIDEOUS, but that's my opinion. I don't bash others because they like it. I respect their right to have their own opinion. Let it go, enough is enough.

 

[UConnJack]

I agree, that's why I think its probably 50/50 on the opinion of the SSR vs AKV location. But I think AKV will win out on most other aspects (e.g., theme, room choices, etc.), hence making AKV more desirable than SSR for new prospective buyers (and with the overall DVC community in general).

AGAIN....your opinion...I personally would NEVER stay at Animal Kingdom, I think the place is HIDEOUS, but that's my opinion. I don't bash others because they like it. I respect their right to have their own opinion. Let it go, enough is enough.

Note the word "think". Obviously this is my opinion, never said it was fact or based on anything other than my perception, my perceptions of other's perceptions, of the resorts.

I know what will decide this! A POLL!

 

[Jillpie]

AGAIN....your opinion...I personally would NEVER stay at Animal Kingdom, I think the place is HIDEOUS, but that's my opinion. I don't bash others because they like it. I respect their right to have their own opinion. Let it go, enough is enough.

JerJan, I don't think UConnJack was being argumentative here or pushing anything, its just a continued discussion.

Speaking of AKV, has anyone heard whether the rooms in the lodge itself will all be great views?

 

[UConnJack]

JerJan, I don't think UConnJack was being argumentative here or pushing anything, its just a continued discussion.

Speaking of AKV, has anyone heard whether the rooms in the lodge itself will all be great views?

The one's facing DTD!

Ok, maybe that is being argumentative......

 

[beachblanket]

Well, now that's the rub, isn't it? A lot of us see SSR as being remote because it isn't next to a park, and don't consider DTD as a prime location. Granted AKV is fairly "far" from the MK, with MGM and EPCOT not too far, but AK is just a 3-minute bus ride away and I perceive that as being closer to something worthwhile than SSR/DTD. I expect about a 50/50 split on this opinion, with the themeing and cool factor of AKV pushing it past SSR.

I agree- if history has showing anything about accomodations at WDW in general, it's that those close to the theme parks (ANY of them) generally draw more demand and higher premiums than those not near them, irrespective of whatever else the latter are close to. As example relative to SSR, DTD is clearly a secondary, not primary reason for visiting WDW.

As for the appeal of AKV vs. SSR, the themeing of the former is definitely going to factor in to that debate - just read the reviews of AK Lodge here to get a sense of how large that impact might be:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34515-d189076-Reviews-Disney_s_Animal_Kingdom_Lodge-Orlando_Florida.html

 

[tjkraz]

I agree- if history has showing anything about accomodations at WDW in general, it's that those close to the theme parks (ANY of them) generally draw more demand and higher premiums than those not near them, irrespective of whatever else the latter are close to.

And yet there see to be soooooo many room classes at resorts like WL and AKL that can be had for cheaper than a room at SSR:

AKL
Standard View $215
Pool View $230
Pool View Bunk Bed $250

WL
Standard View $215
Woods View $240
Woods View Bunk Bed $260
Courtyard View $270

SSR
Studio $279

EDIT: That disparity is even evident in the point charts. You can get a Value or Standard View room at AKV for less than SSR. Heck, even the Savannah view is often the equal of SSR. That's demand-based, my friend. If DVC knew that they could get more for the AKV rooms, they would. But they can't. Not even with the extra bathroom, extra sleeping accommodations, etc.

 

[Anthony1971]

I agree- if history has showing anything about accomodations at WDW in general, it's that those close to the theme parks (ANY of them) generally draw more demand and higher premiums than those not near them, irrespective of whatever else the latter are close to. As example relative to SSR, DTD is clearly a secondary, not primary reason for visiting WDW.

As for the appeal of AKV vs. SSR, the themeing of the former is definitely going to factor in to that debate - just read the reviews of AK Lodge here to get a sense of how large that impact might be:

There are only two DVC locations that get a higher price because they are in WALKING distance to EPCOT and BCV is smaller then the other commanding an even higher price.
VWL while still not cheap is not the same as even BWV on the resale. What you provide here is a link to reviews of the lodge not the villas as with VWL the villas will be seperate with its own savannah and a fair walk to the restuarants and shops. I do love VWL but it is not the same experience as staying in the main building.

 

[tomandrobin]

As for the appeal of AKV vs. SSR, the themeing of the former is definitely going to factor in to that debate - just read the reviews of AK Lodge here to get a sense of how large that impact might be:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34515-d189076-Reviews-Disney_s_Animal_Kingdom_Lodge-Orlando_Florida.html

LOL....Funny thing. I went to Trip Advisor (Thank You) and Saratoga is ranked #23 in Orlando. The highest ranking of the DVC resorts in Disney!

#23 Saratoga Spprings
#33 Old Key West
#35 Villas at Wilderness Lodge
#36 Boardwalk Villas
#45 Beach Club Villas

Non DVC resorts are as follows:

#22 Wilderness Lodge
#28 Animal Kingdom Lodge
#30 Pop Century
#31 Polynesian
#32 Grand Floridian
#40 Port Orleans
#52 All-star Movies
#56 Caribbean Beach
#58 Beach Club
#59 Yacht Club
#77 All-star Music
#82 Contemporary
#83 Swan
#84 Dolphin
#89 Coronado
#101 Boardwalk Inn
#153 All-star Sports

 

[JerJan]

LOL....Funny thing. I went to Trip Advisor (Thank You) and Saratoga is ranked #23 in Orlando. The highest ranking of the DVC resorts in Disney!

ROFLMAO

 

[twinmomplus2new]

From a BWV owner who has stayed everywhere but WL.. and yes HH

I CHOSE Saratoga on purpose for my summer quick trip. Why?? Because other than the Pirate and Princess party, I am not going to the parks. We are doing 3 days at Saratoga then going over to Hard Rock.

Again I CHOSE it. First choice. Why??? I have stayed there before in the Springs section loved the property. Found it very quiet and relaxing.

We are spending alot of time at Downtown Disney and In the pools and at the resort.

it has a nice playground, BC, BW do not. Bwalks is great but is for younger kids in my opinion. I do not count BC's little deal by the pool. ( Again my opinion only)

It has a nice community hall. BC, does not. BWalk has a great one. WL does not.
I should address OKW like it.... don't love it. great main pool great community hall. Stayed there last summer. would choose Saratoga over OKW.

Next up water slide huge for my kids. Love Bwalks, hate Bclubs because I can't see them getting on and then sliding down. will not stay here... till they are older for this reason. too stressful for me.
Saratoga I can see them slide down, hop up on the side and get back in line. This is a huge consideration for me.

Now I also bought AKL...and retained my Boardwalk after AKl opens I likely will never again stay at any property other than my 2 home resorts.

Please go and see for yourself if you like the property or not. Would I buy without having stayed at the property probably not???? I would have to see for myself if it was a fit for my family..
good luck...

 

[Muushka]

And yet there see to be soooooo many room classes at resorts like WL and AKL that can be had for cheaper than a room at SSR:

AKL
Standard View $215
Pool View $230
Pool View Bunk Bed $250

WL
Standard View $215
Woods View $240
Woods View Bunk Bed $260
Courtyard View $270

SSR
Studio $279

EDIT: That disparity is even evident in the point charts. You can get a Value or Standard View room at AKV for less than SSR. Heck, even the Savannah view is often the equal of SSR. That's demand-based, my friend. If DVC knew that they could get more for the AKV rooms, they would. But they can't. Not even with the extra bathroom, extra sleeping accommodations, etc.

Um, just so we compare apples to apples (that is studio to studio, not studio at SSR to a regular room at VWL)

VWL Studio $305 $349 $415 $465

SSR Studio $279 $309 $359 $399

Different rates for different seasons

So yes, you can stay cheaper at WL than SSR, but I personally would pay more to stay in a studio.