Just back from BCV's, got info!!

[chris1gill]

Hey Doc,

You piqued my interest! Who has access to the architectural sketches?

Can you add any further info or confirm what I was told regarding the building of SSR & how it's tied to the new years budget? The CM did say the new pool would top SAB, so I'm definitely interested in what they'll be doing...

Now, one more thing I forgot to report! The walk TO & FROM BCV's tops the BWV's walk!! I know that's often criticized at BW, the BCV's has that same walk for certain... It was definitely not an issue for us, but thought I'd make note of it...

OH, Doc, what's your opinion of the motion sensor for the AC? The first two nights I woke up hot every two hours!! I'd get up, the AC would kick on, I'd go back to sleep & repeat it soon after! The third night we were freezing LOL... go figure... Just when I thought I had the thing figured out it did something different.. For the most part we just slept with a sheet, not the blankets or quilt...

 

[RobDoc]

The DVC guide I spoke with this morning said he has seen the sketches. I assume some of the other guides have the same access.

I understand from another source that DVC may have done some more scouting at the Chautauqua Institute in NY for some of the architectural ideas for the Saratoga Resort.

Apparently this past June, the Institute had one of those management-training sessions Disney gives to companies and they brought 5 people. Only 2 of them had anything to do with the training. The other 3 just walked through the institute and the lake front community taking "tons" of digital pictures, sketching stuff and taking notes. These 3 people didn't talk to anyone like the 2 trainers did. AN institute staffer said they had way too much equipment with them for it to be just a few tourist photos. She said they were in front of the hotel alone for almost 3 hours with telephoto lenses.

There are some pictures <a href="http://www.chautauqua-inst.org/Panorama%20Site/">here </a>from their website.

The "Lakeshore" one has a nice view of part of the hotel in it and the "Hall of Philosophy" ones have a small sample of some of the houses in it.

I don't know if this has any relationship to the DVC project, but the theme would certainly fit the Saratoga Springs concept.

We've had no concerns with walking distances at BCV. I really find them similar to those at BWV, VWL, HH, VB and even OKW.

The motion sensors have been great in our room. I'm unaware of it all while sleeping and only notice the one just inside the front door when we come in to the room. Our room has been very comfortable. The hallways, however, have been quite cold!

 

[chris1gill]

Thanks for that interesting info Doc! I also found the walking distance at BC to me similar to BW, it was no problem for us, but I think before long we'll see those posts popping up! I figure you're at Disney, it's a huge resort complex, you ARE going to do some walking (or riding in my case )

I'm very curious to see the whole timeline & sketches once they are made public...

Maybe we just had a crazy sensor! Knew I should have said something!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the update! I'd like to try Saratoga Springs, when will it be opening? I'd also like to stay in one of the treehouses when they reopen.

 

[RobDoc]

I'd like to try Saratoga Springs, when will it be opening?

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort (and Villas) is scheduled to open in 2004. If BCV continues it's current sales pace, it is expected that SSRV (?) may begin presales in mid 2003.

I'm sure some architectural designs will be made public soon and am anxious to get a look at them.

There is no significant demolition thus far at the old DI site. The Townhouse buildings have had some pre-knock down work done- stripping of fixtures, etc. on some of the buildings, but no buildings appear to be gone as of today.

The golf villas and bungalow's show no signs of change at all- as expected.

Stay Tuned!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Thanks for the reply. When they say resort & villas, does that mean there will also be a hotel part? Thanks.

 

[RobDoc]

I don't think the name is fully decided yet. I assumed that villas may be part of the name, but also being considered apparently is Spa. (Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa).

I doubt there will be any hotel component other than possibly interior hallways like at BWV, VWL and BCV.

No info at this time about the real design (or even the full, "official" name) !

 

[chris1gill]

Hey Doc,

That reminds me, one of the thing the CM said, was that the new resort would be entirely DVC, no hotel component... But, like all DVC properties, you can rent the unused units for cash through MS...

 

[PKS44]

Prediction-the new blockbuster pool at Saratoga Springs will NOT be open to poolhopping.

 

[Desperado]

Prediction-the new blockbuster pool at Saratoga Springs will NOT be open to poolhopping.

Hmmm..... interesting point. I dissagree. I think it will be build with sufficient capacity to allow pool hopping to compensate for the loss of SAB and create a great alternative for currnet owners like OKW. In fact, if there was a major change, I think it might be more likely that the new super pool might be the only pool that would have pool hopping, that with its availability, other alternatives might be reduced. I hope not, but that seems more likely.

The idea of taking an ofternoon break from MK and dip at the poly pool sounds great

 

[Desperado]

Prediction-the new blockbuster pool at Saratoga Springs will NOT be open to poolhopping.

Hmmm..... interesting point. I dissagree. I think it will be build with sufficient capacity to allow pool hopping to compensate for the loss of SAB and create a great alternative for currnet owners like OKW. In fact, if there was a major change, I think it might be more likely that the new super pool might be the only pool that would have pool hopping, that with its availability, other alternatives might be reduced. I hope not, but that seems more likely.

The idea of taking an ofternoon break from MK and dip at the poly pool sounds great I hope we don't loose that option.

 

[BCVOwner2002]

I hope that Saratoga is open to pool hopping. I believe pool hopping is another advantage Disney has over other timeshares in Orlando.

 

[PKS44]

In order to help sell the location- I predict they will try to push the idea that to swim in this great new pool you will have to stay at this place..it will be for Saratoga guests only...

 

[Debs Hill]

I'm curious to know how it will work if the tree houses aren't to be part of the DVC property. I'd love to stay in one of those, lets hope you can at least use points to try them out! Will they be remodelled/themed, or left as they are?

Can't wait for more information! Has Eagle Pines been put on hold indefinitely now, or does it have a later opening date?

 

[SueEllen]

The treehouses are fun--but definitely need refurbishment. The floors aren't very level--and that tub in the master bedroom

I like how rustic the treehouses are. They have a full kitchen and living room. The downstairs room is fun for kids. I just think they need a bit of updating. Are they going to do anything with them, or leave them as is?

Sue Ellen

 

[chris1gill]

I was told the Treehouse Villa's would be rehabbed completely & definitely would not be part of DVC... you will be able to reserve them through CRO I would imagine...

 

[DemoBri1]

So what happened to the little tidbit of Eisner being ousted? Apparently the CM wasn't as "in the know" as they thought they were.

 

[Kick it up a notch!]

Why does everyone want Eisner's head on a platter?

 

[DVCajun]

I want to know that too. I think he's a genius businessman. I certainly don't have any problem with him. What up?

 

[HookdonWDW]

Originally posted by DVCajun
I think he's a genius businessman. I certainly don't have any problem with him. What up?

Hmmm... let's talk about what's NOT up:

- Attendance
- Value of stocks
- Park Hours
- Parades, fireworks, etc...
- Closed Hotels
- that eyesore, Pop Century