Requesting a section at Saratoga Springs - advice, please!

[Dreamfinder2]

We're headed for SSR for our second visit there. We got in late on our first visit and ended up in the Paddock. It wasn't awful, mind you, but we did feel like we were away from the heart of things.

So, this next visit, it's DW, myself, DD,and two of her sorority sisters (yeah, I know, I've lost my mind. But these are sweet, precious girls.)

Given our other options - The Springs, Congress Park, The Carousel, The Grandstand - what's your personal preference? I'm tending toward Congress Park, just for the view and proximity to Downtown Disney. These girls will go to DD one night, all love to swim, etc. Our two guests have never been to WDW.

Whaddya think? Advice - along with your reasoning - would be mighty welcome.

(Shoulda put a poll in here. Darn.)

 

[kkmauch]

I'm a little confused. If you didn't like the location of the Paddock because it was too far away from the "heart" of things, then why would Congress Park be any better?

I've stayed in Congress Park only. I love it there and I am not interested in staying in any of the other sections. I think the walk to the main pool and dining areas is an easy walk. The quick jaunt to DTD is much more appealing to me than anything else. The quiet pool is very nice and the view of PI is very nice as well.

I can't comment on any of the other sections, but we have always been VERY happy in Congress Park.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Just to clarify ... Congress Park has the stellar view of Downtown Disney (which doesn't make it the "heart," but seems to add more appeal to me), the Springs is in the center of stuff, and the Paddock just seemed to be out there...

Can't speak to the Carousel or Grandstand areas.

Sorry for the confusion. We're not picky, but I wanted my DD's friends to be suitably impressed as newbies.

 

[disynut]

We just got back from a stay at the Carousel, and while we enjoyed our stay, we had our car. I think it would have hampered things had we not. Last year we were in the Paddock and didn't mind the walk to the main pool, etc. So my guess is you wouldn' want Carousel.

 

[Jillpie]

We were just there a few weeks ago, checked in at about 4:30 pm and got Carousel. Really, really hated it. It was just too far out there. I would strongly suggest you ask for the Springs or Congress Park. And check in in the morning if you can! I think that would have made a difference. Good luck!

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I LOVE the Springs section. We have a baby and preschooler. Being in the Springs section you are in the heart of everything. Near the pool food etc. Good Luck and have fun.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I LOVE the Springs section. We have a baby and preschooler. Being in the Springs section you are in the heart of everything. Near the pool food etc. Good Luck and have fun.

I have 5yr + 2yr. olds.What kind of kid things are at DTD?
Thanks
Chris

 

[DVCindy]

We just returned from our first stay at SSR last week and we were in the Grandstand .... the CM actually let me choose from Springs or Grandstand. I had requested Congress Park for the view and easy walk to DTD but nothing was available when we checked in.

I have to say we loved the Grandstand ! We were in the first building on the left as you walk from the Carriage House over to the Grandstand ... right next to the new pool. The buildings there just opened and everything was in perfect condition. It was a very short and easy walk to Artist's Pallatte and the High Rock Springs pool. The Grandstand pool is very nice as well. They have a drink/snack stand there also. The walk to DTD was not bad either ... we had a car but chose to walk twice. I will be requesting Grandstand when we visit again !!

 

[disneyfanintn]

When you stayed in the new Grandstands area - how was the bus pickup? Was it the last stop, first stop? I know when we were there in December the Grandstands was not open yet. We stayed in Congress Park and loved it. I believe it was the 3rd stop. By the time the bus got to the last stop which may have been the Springs, the bus was full. I'm just curious as we are going again in October and are staying at SSR again.

 

[Sammie]

Truly you might as well wait until check in and see what is available, that is going to determine what you can request.

You might get Paddocks again. If you thought Paddocks was not centrally located, I would not request Carousel.

 

[andreadoiron]

We're headed for SSR for our second visit there. We got in late on our first visit and ended up in the Paddock. It wasn't awful, mind you, but we did feel like we were away from the heart of things.

So, this next visit, it's DW, myself, DD,and two of her sorority sisters (yeah, I know, I've lost my mind. But these are sweet, precious girls.)

Given our other options - The Springs, Congress Park, The Carousel, The Grandstand - what's your personal preference? I'm tending toward Congress Park, just for the view and proximity to Downtown Disney. These girls will go to DD one night, all love to swim, etc. Our two guests have never been to WDW.

Whaddya think? Advice - along with your reasoning - would be mighty welcome.

(Shoulda put a poll in here. Darn.)

we just stayed at the springs section and loved the convenience of being close to the bus stop, dtd boat, pool and artist palatte (filled our mugs w/coffee rather than making a pot) our balcony overlooked the pond w/fountain and on the 3rd floor the view was lovely. very quiet even though you're close to all the amenities. we did walk to dtd one night but w/2 small kids, it was too long for them. the boat was prompt and easy to get to! also if you want groceries, go to gardengrocer.com (we didn't rent a car, did the magical transportation) they were not too expensive and deliver right to your room!

 

[GAN]

As far as I can tell, your best bet to get the area/room you want is to check-in as early as possible. I've used DVC 3 times so far, every time checking in before 11AM -each time I got to choose a room location that I preferred. The later you check in, the worse the choices. We usually stay in a Value on Sat night then check-in to DVC first thing in the AM on Sunday.

 

[DVCindy]

Regarding the buses from the Grandstand ... we were the first stop to be picked up and the first stop to be dropped off.

Overall, I thought the bus service was very good ... certainly better than we have had at times when staying at BWV. If you really wanted to, you could actually run over to the Springs to catch a bus that you may have missed at the Grandstand stop since the Springs is the last stop within SSR...although the buses were usually standing room ony by the time they got to the Springs. One big plus for the Grandstand stop is that you can always get a seat !