Just back and my feelings on Saratoga Springs

[jemiaule]

Because they are made by Thomasville and DVC has never purchased expensive name brand furniture before for any of the units.

Um, ok. I looked at the Thomasville site briefly and they seem to carry the same types of furnishings as most places like Lexington, Drexel Heritage, Ethan Allen, etc. Like I said in an earlier post I guess it boils down to personal definition of elegant or upscale.

 

[jemiaule]

Just a comment on the perception of walking distance...

Some folks see it as pleasant; some do not. I believe someone posted about actual distance comparing SSR to maybe BCV or BWV (sorry I do not recall which). Someone else mentioned that you walk all day and much further through the course of the day when in the parks.

Perhaps what makes the walking less appealing to some is what is being walked through to get to the destination and that the actual distance perhaps seem longer since it is less appealing.

Let me give an example please.

When I stayed at SSR we were in 1500 building of Congress Park. The walk to DTD was pleasant atmosphere wise being on a sidewalk meandering along the water. However the walk to Carriage House, while not extensive and certainly shorter than to DTD, was not pleasant atmosphere wise. Cross a parking lot to a short pathway, over the bridge thingy to the large parking lot for the Preview Center, through (or along side of) that and up to Carriage House.

So lots of cement and lots of walking through or around parking lots. The distance, not bad at all in reality, certainly shorter than going to DTD. However the atmosphere left much to be desired so that made the walk less desirable to do.

I guess the "theory" (for lack of a better word) I am throwing out is this: If a walk has a more desirable atmosphere does that help diminish the dislike of the actual distance itself?

 

[colleen costello]

We just got back from a great spring break trip to OKW and we enjoyed visiting Saratoga Springs. Saratoga is lovely now that the landscaping is growing up and the new pool area (Carousel) was also very nice. My husband and I did discuss staying there and we think that after 5 years of DVC, we have resort choice down to a science...

We always drive to WDW. I am terrified to fly. Still, in the sweltering weather, who WANTS to have to get into a 200-degree vehicle in a WDW parking lot? Also, when you are there in summer months, between the heat and the thunderstorms, the hikes to a far-out room, or even the vehicle, can be a bummer. SO... In moderate weather (like spring break) when being outdoors is a joy, we hit OKW (or might someday do Saratoga). The distances seem realistic. Walking to the pool or to our vehicle is a pleasure. In more extreme weather -- summer break -- we prefer a resort where more can be done indoors -- Beach Club! That way if all heck is breaking loose outside, we can walk through the lobby and do a lot of things right in the same building.

That said, I can't imagine being at Old Key West OR Saratoga with no vehicle!

 

[Sammie]

Um, ok. I looked at the Thomasville site briefly and they seem to carry the same types of furnishings as most places like Lexington, Drexel Heritage, Ethan Allen, etc. Like I said in an earlier post I guess it boils down to personal definition of elegant or upscale.

The point is not whether one considers Thomasville furniture upscale as obviously you don't, however Disney has never bought name brand furniture before for DVC. That was the point. I would consider any armoire that cost $3000-$5000 upscale.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just a comment on the perception of walking distance...

Some folks see it as pleasant; some do not. I believe someone posted about actual distance comparing SSR to maybe BCV or BWV (sorry I do not recall which). Someone else mentioned that you walk all day and much further through the course of the day when in the parks.

Perhaps what makes the walking less appealing to some is what is being walked through to get to the destination and that the actual distance perhaps seem longer since it is less appealing.

...I guess the "theory" (for lack of a better word) I am throwing out is this: If a walk has a more desirable atmosphere does that help diminish the dislike of the actual distance itself?

That could be it. Some people think the hallways at the BWV are extraordinarily long (and they certainly aren't short). Some people would rather walk the long hallways at BWV than walk the long sidewalks at OKW or SSR. To each his own.

As for the furniture, I think some people think the cherry wood/mahogany finish on the SSR furniture looks a little more expensive than the pickled look at BCV or the blond wood at OKW or the dark forest style wood at VWL.

 

[rigsby25]

The only thing I want to comment on is the hallways. SSR does have long hallways, but they are on the outside. OKW is the only resort that you can park close to your villa.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

I am not even getting into the whole resort vs resort thing!

I am sorry you did not really like SSR. I do agree it is an ENTIRELY different atmosphere than BWV. That's why we own at both! We get the isolated feeling of SSR on some trips (and keep our legs in shape!) and then we take a trip to BWV to be close to it all.

I know SSR gets bashed alot, but I think an honest opinion such as the OP's is a good thing. There should be posts from those who didnt like it for whatever reason as well as from those who do.

I would gush about SSR to someone looking to stay there. I probably would never think to mention the long hikes, because that is part of what we like about it. Then that person would most likely be unpleasantly surprised once they checked in and made that first walk to the room.

 

[Teyedoubleguhrrrr]

I do have to chuckle as I read the posts - especially the ones about theming. I LIVE in the Saratoga Springs area, and we are buying at SSR. At first I thought - why would I buy at SSR when it is just a few minutes down the road? But then we thought about 1) longer contract length and 2) familiar "names" when staying "at home". Its nice for our young daughters to be able to talk about parts of the resort with familiar names (although it does get confusing at times - are we talking Congress Park in NY or WDW???)

Plus, the thought of seeing all of the POSITIVES of Saratoga (less the racing season traffic, stop lights that seem to never be coordinated, etc.) done Disney-style was exciting to us. We are *hoping* that maybe when we get back from our vacation - we won't feel like we need a vacation from our vacation because we were "home" the whole time.

The bottom line is - different strokes for different folks. I personally am looking forward to exploring AS MANY of the resorts as possible! A new hobby maybe???

 

[drakethib]

Hmmmm. I believe Disney tried a similar resort concept back in the early 90's with their first timeshare resort. I wonder how well it ended up doing??????

Well said. Not sure if anything else can sum it up.

Some people love places and other hate them.

I for one would stay anywhere else that I could other the BCV (I have stayed there twice) and I really do not like the layout of the place. Don't get me wrong, the place is gorgeous and the people are great but I was never able to relax on either trip. Most people love BCV. It is all a matter of personal taste.

I will be heading to SSR for the 1st time in a month and will probably post my thoughts, but at the end of the day, as long as you are happy at where you stay other peoples thoughts really don't matter.

 

[drakethib]

Another opportunity to bash SSR?

Must........resist........

 

[Sammie]

The only thing I want to comment on is the hallways. SSR does have long hallways, but they are on the outside. OKW is the only resort that you can park close to your villa.

Again it depends on location. Our villa was directly on the first floor as you walk though the archway of the building.

 

[BroganMc]

I didn't think you'd take me that literally (hour back and forth), it was an estimate. What's with all the numbers you are listing?

Just offering the factual numbers to put your words in context for the benefit of those unfamiliar with the resort.

Keep in mind, I'm not arguing with your displeasure or experience. You don't like SSR and putting you in the Carousel was the last thing Disney should have done to impress you. I get it. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and thank you for not competing for my resort choice in my future reservations.

In fact, if you tell me you will cheerfully strangle the CM who tries to offer you my beloved HA rooms with roll-in showers, regardless of resort, and I think I may have to pay you homage. Hell, I'll go fetch your milk and OJ! 6am baby, just buzz my room. No tipping necessary. (Did I not mention that without a roll-in shower HA room I can't bathe while I'm at any Disney resort? Surefire way to hate a trip... not bathing for 3 days, eww!)

 

[bellesister]

To each his/her own. I own at BCV and love it!!!!! If we all love our own resorts, we're in great shape!!!! Bellesister, Bellesister.

 

[Jillpie]

Just offering the factual numbers to put your words in context for the benefit of those unfamiliar with the resort.

Keep in mind, I'm not arguing with your displeasure or experience. You don't like SSR and putting you in the Carousel was the last thing Disney should have done to impress you. I get it. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and thank you for not competing for my resort choice in my future reservations.

In fact, if you tell me you will cheerfully strangle the CM who tries to offer you my beloved HA rooms with roll-in showers, regardless of resort, and I think I may have to pay you homage. Hell, I'll go fetch your milk and OJ! 6am baby, just buzz my room. No tipping necessary. (Did I not mention that without a roll-in shower HA room I can't bathe while I'm at any Disney resort? Surefire way to hate a trip... not bathing for 3 days, eww!)

ok, well said. thanks for that clarification.

 

[summergolf]

Yes you can smell horse - and closer than you think. Try the chili (it's got a nice little kick).

I was wondering where he has been hiding

 

[BroganMc]

I guess the "theory" (for lack of a better word) I am throwing out is this: If a walk has a more desirable atmosphere does that help diminish the dislike of the actual distance itself?

Oh definitely.

I know, having never been to OKW myself, I'm looking at that satellite map and trying not to panic about the distance. I have ideas of heading over to Olivia's to breakfast one morning while I stay at SSR in May. But the ferries don't run until 11am and the walking distance seems extreme, mostly through golf course. I could drive myself over, but then the hassle of getting in and out of the van and finding a handicap spot make me want to put the whole idea off. I'd much rather walk one way and return another but not have to go back and collect my van.

Or maybe I can just lobby SSR to introduce breakfast at the Turf Club. I'd like to enjoy some fruit-covered pancakes, crisp bacon, toast and potatoes with a fresh cup of juice and tea in glass and porcelain cups.

 

[Beca]

To each his/her own. I own at BCV and love it!!!!! If we all love our own resorts, we're in great shape!!!! Bellesister, Bellesister.

Amen, "sister"!!! People can trash BCV all they want, and it doesn't change my mind one bit.....we just ADORE that place!!!

 

[jemiaule]

The point is not whether one considers Thomasville furniture upscale as obviously you don't, however Disney has never bought name brand furniture before for DVC. That was the point. I would consider any armoire that cost $3000-$5000 upscale.

Nope, sorry I don't.

 

[alldiz]

Ok....I've heard a lot about long distances....

I have every intention of trying every dvc and hotel.....
regardless of others opinions.....

My question.....the long walks that has been perceived at
okw...ssr....maybe the halls at bwv and bcv.....

Is that distance comparable or further than say.....
AT WL....from the villas to the boats....

Any vets out there....is that considered a "long" distance....
Just curious....of what i should expect...
thanks
kerri

 

[mwmuntz]

I'm just glad that Disney offers all of these choices. Imagine if they just used a "cookie-cutter" approach for thier DVC resorts and just replicated the same thing over & over again? Now, I realize that they do have a formula for these resorts in that they all offer similar amenities and the like & that the rooms are mostly the same layout, but it's nice that Disney has mixed it up, not only in theming, but in resort style (condo vs. hotel).

I've only been on these boards for a little while, but what I am seeing here is that no one resort is better or worse than the others. What I am seeing is different strokes for different folks. I'm not trying to single anyone out, but one person's "death march" to the pool is another's "lesiurely stroll". One person's "lively atmosphere" is another's "noisy nightmare". I think it's great that Disney offers these different environments to not only fit an individual's general peferences, but to offer us a different experience for each visit. One time, I might want the peace and solitude of SSR, while on my next visit, I may want to be in the middle of it all and stay at BWV.

Not to get too "kum-bah-yah-ish", but can't we all agree that we are all very lucky to have the means to be able to afford DVC, regardless of our home resort, and that we are able to experience Disney on a regular basis? I realize that a lot of us have made some sacrafices in our lives for this opportunity, but there are many people out there that are dying to get to Disney just ONCE in thier lives. We get to go every year, more or less. Not that we should just roll over and accept anything Disney throws at us, as we all have made major investments into DVC, but I think we need to keep things in perspective here.