Proof that new DVC will use DI main buildings

[Werner Weiss]

I was looking at the publicity drawing of the new feature pool at the DVC Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. I noticed some buildings in the background that looked very familiar. So I found a publicity photo of the old Disney Institute. Sure enough, I saw the same buildings.

The picture above shows the Townhouses at the Villas at Disney Institute. The Disney Institute main complex is behind the Townhouses. That's where the Disney Institute had its spa, check-in lobby, dining room, and classrooms. The picture doesn't show the whole complex, just a few of the buildings.

The picture above shows that the pool and new buildings of the Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will replace the old Townhouses. Notice the same buildings. I think it's safe to say that that's where the new DVC resort will have its spa, check-in lobby, restuarant, community hall, shops, and any other "town center" facilities.

Some people have complained that the theme of the new DVC resort is too close to home, and that DVD missed the opportunity to use an exciting, exotic theme. But the theme of the new DVC resort wasn't set this year. It was set in the mid-1990s when the esteemed architect, Thomas Beeby, designed the Disney Institute main complex.

Unlike the old Townhouses and other residential buildings at the Villas at Disney Institute, the new Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, with its upstate New York theme, should blend nicely with Mr Beeby's design.

 

[JonHM]

Excellent post, great work. Say, do you happen to have any other publicity photos for the new resort? Or any links to them on the web?

 

[erick10520]

Wonder if the treehouses will remain??? We saw them being refurbished about 2 years ago while staying there...

 

[Doctor P]

Very interesting.

 

[ralphd]

Nice research work Werner. It is logical that they will continue to use the existing lobby, shops and spa to service the SS complex.
Think the remaining units (Treehouse) will continue to be used by Disney for CRO guests. It wil be the same as the Boardwalk area with a mixed use DVC and hotel complex.

ralphd

 

[sgtpet]

Excellent observation Werner. I am surprised that this detailed information is not on the official DVC website.


I know I will not be purchasing but I am sure I will be staying there occasionally.

 

[lodgelady]

Just as I thought, not a kid in sight! I have a hunch these will be marketed to appeal to an adult sensibility. Thanks for the great info Werner!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I know I saw an article somewhere that they said were keeping the new buildings (Institute), keeping the Treehouses, but getting rid of everything else. So I was startled when I saw the article indicating that they were keeping some of the old buildings (other than the main ones).

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by JonHM
Say, do you happen to have any other publicity photos for the new resort? Or any links to them on the web?

Sorry. I haven't seen any publicity art other than the drawing of the pool. That art was used by the Orlando Sentinel article and the GlobeSt.com article.

I found some other interesting news (at least interesting if you're interested in architects and architecture).

According to Screamscape.com, the Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is being designed by architect Graham Gund, the architect for Disney's Vero Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, the Celebration Inn, and the postponed Disney Vacation Club at Eagle Pines Golf Course. I haven't seen this confirmed anywhere else.

I would have thought that Disney would have tried to bring back Thomas Beeby of Hammond Beeby Rupert Ainge Inc., who designed the main complex at the Disney Institute, just as Disney brought back Robert A.M. Stern, architect of the Disney's Yacht & Beach Clubs, to design the Beach Club Villas.

 

[Zurg]

As they sau on the baseball feild - Good Eye Good Eye.

 

[Werner Weiss]

I received an e-mail note (from someone I know) stating that a memo within Disney identifies Graham Gund as the architect who is designing the Saratoga Springs Resort.

Gund did a good job on the design for Vero Beach, so let's assume that he'll do a good job on Saratoga Springs. I just wish that Disney would release some drawings showing how the new residential buildings will look.

 

[mrsdon]

I just got back from the BCV and we went to the member update.
They are keeping the spa. because as the guide (gib) said, it is voted the best spa on property. Those were his words, not mine.