Last minute trip to Disney World...need advice

[hogue123]

We are DVC owners...our home resort is Animal Kingdom. Two days ago my husband decided to do a last minute trip...for July 10-17th! I am freaking out because I like to plan things out over several months so it's not so overwhelming. Since it's a last minute trip, we had only one option for a DVC room. It is at the Saratoga Springs resort. We have never stayed at this resort. Can anyone give me an idea of where a good room location would be? We have three boys, ages 11, 8 and 5. Also, I have no idea how the bus transportation would run for this resort. At Animal Kingdom we do not pick up anyone from other resorts to get to the parks. How many stops and/or resorts does the bus pick up from? Any information, tips, advice is appreciated! Thank you!

 

[culli]

Do some searching as there is a TON of these questions asked before.

I like the springs area as it is close to the main pool, arcade and still easy walk to DD. The best trips are just go, no planning.......relax and enjoy yourself. The only thing we plan now is based on evening EMH for the parks.

I didn't have issues with busses and if I remember correctly it is dedicated to Saratoga only but several stops within the resort. I hear complaints about SSR busses but my worse bus experiences has been with BCV and BWV to MK.

Check out the SSR lovers threads:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1329308&highlight=ssr+lovers

and

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2466719&highlight=ssr+lovers

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

 

[hogue123]

Thank you! Appreciate it.

 

[DVC Grammy]

The Grandstand area is nearly as close to the Carriage House as is the Springs, and one of its advantages is that it's the first bus stop on the way to the parks, and the first stop back from the parks (a big plus after a long, hot day). The Springs' bus stop is often extremely crowded, especially during busy WDW times, whereas the one at Grandstand rarely is.
The pools at Grandstand are generally less crowded, and kids seem to enjoy the water features area there.

 

[culli]

The Grandstand area is nearly as close to the Carriage House as is the Springs, and one of its advantages is that it's the first bus stop on the way to the parks, and the first stop back from the parks (a big plus after a long, hot day). The Springs' bus stop is often extremely crowded, especially during busy WDW times, whereas the one at Grandstand rarely is.
The pools at Grandstand are generally less crowded, and kids seem to enjoy the water features area there.

I heard a lot of good things about grandstand but have not stayed there. However, we did just walk to the GS bus stop or get off at it a few times when we didn't want to wait at Springs. Plus close walk to GS pool too, we don't mind walking so not much was an issue for us. Beautiful resort and my favorite if you take away location.

 

[castleri]

Another vote here for the grandstand section - I love that area. With your children I would request GS near pool.

 

[DisneyMama27]

We like GS area, but also Congress Park is a nice walk to DTD, and not a long walk to the main pool at the Springs. After a couple of days, my 12yo would go by himself down to Community Hall (with cell phone).

Most of the areas of SSR have a quiet pool as well, but I believe Grandstand and Springs are the only ones with a snack bar.

Buses run pretty well - we only experienced crowded buses at night, but that's everywhere. There are a lot of people getting on at Springs - we have never stayed in that section, we don't mind walking. We have enjoyed the views, the walking paths, the pools and restaurants very much at SSR! I love Artists' Palette for the variety of foods, but do wish the gift shop was separate, like at OKW.

Your boys will enjoy Community Hall - it is located near the pool, and is bigger than the one at AKL. My son loves it there, and my girls love the pool. DH and I love the pool bar! Pina CoLAVA, anyone?

Have fun! I am a planner and DH is more spontaneous, so we have done both - ENJOY!

 

[edk35]

The Grandstand area is our fave. The buses pick up here first and drop off first. It is also close to the Carriage House and the other themed pool. HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

Grandstand and The Springs are great--The Springs offers quick access to pools and playgrounds (we have little ones so it's important) and AP.