SAB as a waterpark?

[Silly Little Pixie]

We're doing a non-park day prior to heading down to Port Canaveral for our cruise. Since we're flying in about 7 am, DH wanted to check in (at a CRO room) and go do a waterpark, later meeting up with family at DTD for dinner. We know we'll be jetlagged, and want to nap midafternoon. The kids loved Blizzard Beach last year. I got a quote for POFQ for $125. This is in November.

But then I started thinking- what if I book BCV for a night as CRO instead? We get 25% off, right? That would bring me to about $190 for a studio at BCV. Would SAB be worth "replacing" Blizzard Beach? Because we'd end up paying more than the CRO price for BCV once we add in 4 admissions to BB. This is in November. The studio was available when I went through the booking process tonight online at waltdisneyworld.com.

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[cvjw]

My kids could spend an afternoon at SAB easily. I am not sure about a whole day. It is not as fun as BB, but my kids love SAB more than any other resort's pool.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We get 25% off if the DVC discount is available. You have to call MS to see if it is. CRO rooms and DVC rooms aren't in the same inventory, and there's no guarantee that the discount is available.

We were in WDW last November 14 - 19 and the weather was very chilly...cold. That Sunday, there was a long stretch of time that my family was the only one in SAB. We were going to MNSSHP that night, so didn't have a park planned. It was arrival date for the DGC and they really wanted to swim. For that stay, they were in the pool one other time.

SAB doesn't have a lazy river that's shallow like the one at BB. It's very deep and some don't consider it "lazy" because unless you're riding on a tube, you're swimming in strong currents in places. There's really only one slide of note. SAB isn't a water park, it's a great resort pool!

Whatever you decide, I hope it all works out! Have fun on the cruise.

Bobbi

 

[jcemom]

SAB isn't a water park replacement, IMO. If you want to enjoy a day at the pool then it's fine, but it's not a water park.

 

[MouseMomx2]

I don't think that SAB is a water park replacement either, but a BCV stay still might work out well for you. You could spend the morning at the pool, have lunch at Beaches & Cream, spend the afternoon in the pool and then have a nice dinner at the BC, YC, the Swan, the Dolphin or the Boardwalk. Then you could spend the evening over at the Boardwalk enjoying the entertainment. If it's too cold to swim you could walk over to Fantasia Gardens for some mini-golf.

The BC/YC/BW area is a lot of fun and I'm sure you'd have no trouble finding things to do.

 

[Muushka]

We get 25% off if the DVC discount is available. You have to call MS to see if it is. CRO rooms and DVC rooms aren't in the same inventory, and there's no guarantee that the discount is available.

We were in WDW last November 14 - 19 and the weather was very chilly...cold. That Sunday, there was a long stretch of time that my family was the only one in SAB. We were going to MNSSHP that night, so didn't have a park planned. It was arrival date for the DGC and they really wanted to swim. For that stay, they were in the pool one other time.

SAB doesn't have a lazy river that's shallow like the one at BB. It's very deep and some don't consider it "lazy" because unless you're riding on a tube, you're swimming in strong currents in places. There's really only one slide of note. SAB isn't a water park, it's a great resort pool!

Whatever you decide, I hope it all works out! Have fun on the cruise.

Bobbi

Boy you are not kidding about the part I bolded. I remember stepping off into the lazy river and BANG! I was in water over my head and it was pulling me down river! Good thing I stayed calm and could swim!

I would think a day at SAB being able to go in and out of your own room when you wanted would be better than schlepping over to BB.

Sounds like a great plan!

 

[Sandisw]

We're doing a non-park day prior to heading down to Port Canaveral for our cruise. Since we're flying in about 7 am, DH wanted to check in (at a CRO room) and go do a waterpark, later meeting up with family at DTD for dinner. We know we'll be jetlagged, and want to nap midafternoon. The kids loved Blizzard Beach last year. I got a quote for POFQ for $125. This is in November.

But then I started thinking- what if I book BCV for a night as CRO instead? We get 25% off, right? That would bring me to about $190 for a studio at BCV. Would SAB be worth "replacing" Blizzard Beach? Because we'd end up paying more than the CRO price for BCV once we add in 4 admissions to BB. This is in November. The studio was available when I went through the booking process tonight online at waltdisneyworld.com.

Thanks for any thoughts!

ap. If you book through CRO, I believe that check in time is earlier than if you book a DVC discounted room through MS. You may have a better chance to get in to the POR room earlier than BCV.

Not positive, but it may be something to think about.

 

[syng0]

Sorry, dumb question, what is SAB ?

 

[xipetotec]

We're doing a non-park day prior to heading down to Port Canaveral for our cruise. Since we're flying in about 7 am, DH wanted to check in (at a CRO room) and go do a waterpark, later meeting up with family at DTD for dinner. We know we'll be jetlagged, and want to nap midafternoon. The kids loved Blizzard Beach last year. I got a quote for POFQ for $125. This is in November.

But then I started thinking- what if I book BCV for a night as CRO instead? We get 25% off, right? That would bring me to about $190 for a studio at BCV. Would SAB be worth "replacing" Blizzard Beach? Because we'd end up paying more than the CRO price for BCV once we add in 4 admissions to BB. This is in November. The studio was available when I went through the booking process tonight online at waltdisneyworld.com.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Well SAB is by NO MEANS a "water park" ... and pales in comparison to BB or TL. But it IS the best pool on property imho and a lot of fun.

 

[Muushka]

Sorry, dumb question, what is SAB ?

SAB is Storm Along Bay at BC and YC. Not a dumb question!

 

[Dumbo]

Storm Along Bay is registered with the State of Florida as a water park.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Storm Along Bay is registered with the State of Florida as a water park.

I didn't know the State of Florida was so dumb. It is nothing like a water park. It's just a fancy pool with lots of hazards for smaller kids and not so great swimmers. It is my least favorite pool on the property. I'd rather swim at Coronado Springs, the Grand Floridian non-themed pool or OKW Turtle Pond pool. It is highly overrated.

Just to make sure you know, no DVC discounts through DRC(CRO). You can get an AP or FL resident or some other PIN for DVC resorts, though. The 25% is only through Member Services if it is available.

 

[Sammie]

it is registered as a water park for liability and lifeguard requirements due to the size. I would consider it possibly a mini water park but not as a replacement to TL or BB.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We get 25% off if the DVC discount is available. You have to call MS to see if it is. CRO rooms and DVC rooms aren't in the same inventory, and there's no guarantee that the discount is available.

We were in WDW last November 14 - 19 and the weather was very chilly...cold. That Sunday, there was a long stretch of time that my family was the only one in SAB. We were going to MNSSHP that night, so didn't have a park planned. It was arrival date for the DGC and they really wanted to swim. For that stay, they were in the pool one other time.

SAB doesn't have a lazy river that's shallow like the one at BB. It's very deep and some don't consider it "lazy" because unless you're riding on a tube, you're swimming in strong currents in places. There's really only one slide of note. SAB isn't a water park, it's a great resort pool!

Whatever you decide, I hope it all works out! Have fun on the cruise.

Bobbi

Thanks for the tip to call MS and see if the discount's even available. If it's not, then BCV is out!

We've had the best weather in November. Last year we went to BB I think November 13... and it was 85 and sunny! This trip will be Nov. 6.

We'll also be at WDW for a week after our Eastern- but staying at AKV. It might be a good way for us to try out another resort- even briefly!

Thanks for the info.

 

[Jillpie]

Here's some really great pictures of Stormalong Bay, enjoy. I think your idea of staying at BCV's is a great one. And you'd save all that money not going to BB. You could make SAB a blast of a day, or a very relaxing day, your choice. And you could grab a delicious lunch right there too, and some nice frozen drinks! Ok, here ya go...

http://tagrel.com/Tours/DVC/SAB2003/SABSlideShow.shtml

 

[lizziepooh]

DVC resorts are often at capacity, so I don't think you have any chance of getting into a room at 7am. I don't know what the chances would be with a CRO room. You might get lucky, but can't really count on it.

 

[toniosmom]

Here's some really great pictures of Stormalong Bay, enjoy. I think your idea of staying at BCV's is a great one. And you'd save all that money not going to BB. You could make SAB a blast of a day, or a very relaxing day, your choice. And you could grab a delicious lunch right there too, and some nice frozen drinks! Ok, here ya go...

http://tagrel.com/Tours/DVC/SAB2003/SABSlideShow.shtml

Awesome photos -- thanks for sharing! I am planning a spring break trip there in a year or so. I have a small BCV contract so that I can bank/borrow and go for a nice trip every 2-3 years.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I was also going to post a warning about SAB's "lazy river". I feel like an idiot posting this. One of those magical memories of questionable parenting.

I have a son with Down syndrome, he was about 10 at the time, and for SOME reason I thought I would rent a double tube and we would go around the lazy river together. He likes those rivers at the water parks. Well, in we went and it was a disaster. I could not get him into the tube, either under it or sitting in it, and the water is 6 feet deep in some spots, and he went under. I was frantic, and some other guests helped me drag him out. I was yelling HELP HELP and no one was listening over all the other pool noise I guess. Lifeguards were not in the area where I was attempting this folly.

I seemed to forget that he stands in the water parks lazy river, and sort of hangs onto his tube, sometimes lifting his legs....... he may have been ok with a noodle. Maybe DAD can try that sometime!

 

[DVCAustralia]

Thank you, this is very helpful.

 

[nezy]

I wouldn't plan a waterpark day on arrival-I love TL and BB but you will be getting up early for the flight, meeting friends in DTD for dinner-I would go someplace relaxing and inexpensive. If you get the discount-great. It is just for one night so don't worry about doing too much--you will be doing plenty of things on the cruise! Enjoy.