Sad--no new table service restaurant at Saratoga Springs

[Uncleromulus]

Was reading WebmasterDocs special report on Saratoga Spings (on the DVC board) and it seems pretty clear that only counter service wil be offered at the SSR on-site eatery.
Too bad!!
I guess I can see the reasoning (what with the failure of Seasons and the close proximity to all the DD restaurants), but it sure would have been nice to have a new spot. Chances to build new restaurants come few and far between, and here is one opportunity that has been missed.
Actually, in thinking about the Seasons thing--the Disney Institute was never crowded with guests and virtually nearly empty. I wonder with the expected occupancy at Saratoga Springs if a new, fairly small table service spot (similar to Olivia's in size) would be supported?? After all, there is breakfast to consider, and lunch also--.
Any opinions?
Not that it will make any difference at this point, of course, but just interested---.

 

[DMRick]

I find that strange also, since the restaraunts here in Saratoga are a main part of the experience! What a chance they lost to duplicate or take a little from the many of them!

 

[Erikarate]

That's too bad..

About Olivias, I wonder how well they do. It always seems empty to us when we stay at OKW...

Maybe if it is slow they don't want to make the same mistake at S Springs?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Since we stay at OKW all the time, we see Olivias a lot. Can't vouch for dinner recently, but breakfast and lunch seem quite full. In fact, last breakfast we had to wait in line to be seated.
I imagine it "holds it's own" as far as profitability is concerned, tho to be sure it isn't a blockbuster restaurant.

 

[disneycrazed139]

Isn't it still questionable as to whether there will be full-service dining there or not? I would imagine they'll add it. Or is it written in stone already?

 

[webray]

That is too bad...hubby and I are still missing Seasons. Too bad they couldn't have used that concept in a nother area of disney.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Disneycrazed:
I imagine nothing is ever written in stone at WDW, but based on that DVC thread, it appears that at least for now and a long time to come, no table service at Saratoga Springs.

 

[pnelson]

I can't quite picture how SSR is going to work. We stayed at the Institute twice in '96 and '98 and ate at Seasons both times. Still, where we were in the two bedroom towhouses it was a heck of a walk to Seasons and to Downtown Disney. One of the biggest drawbacks to the Institute was the lack of convenient dining options. Seeing as how spread out the resort is, I don't know how they are going to overcome this. The main areas were not convenient with kids unless you had a golf cart or a car.

 

[Richyams]

Didn't they used to rent golf carts for your whole stay?

That would be neat.

I thought Seasons was a great place. We went to DI just for dinner at Seasons more than once. We also did it in conjunction with a program day, while those were fun, I never saw attending a community college type class as a vacation draw.

 

[PamOKW]

The details about the dining at SSR haven't been released yet. The last DVC e-mail bulletin hinted that it might be "different" than what we've seen at the other resorts.

Olivia's has had a tough time attracting people other than those staying at OKW. The chef once discussed how they were trying to come up with ideas that would entice people to come to Olivia's. Between Olivia's, the DD restaurants, proximity to offsite restaurants and just the general restaurant overload at WDW, maybe they decided full-service wasn't the way to go with SSR. I'm curious what they do have in mind. It might be a nice nearby alternative for OKW as well.

 

[pnelson]

Yes, you could rent golf carts, however, they were extremely pricey. We never use a car when we go and the price of a golf cart for the length of our stay would have been about $250. They were more than a car! I could see how SSR would have to be a different kind of resort. I know families used to love the Institute because they were one of the few affordable options for a larger family. They were much cheaper than the Boardwalk Villas or OKW at the time.

 

[PamOKW]

Here's some info on the planned eatery. It will not have table service but tables will be available both inside and outside near the pool.

The main food service area of The Artist's Palette is split into four areas, Lori explains. To the far left is a bank of refrigerated cases, stocked with items you'd expect to find in a typical Disney Vacation Club Resort convenience location, such as milk, sodas, cheeses, and frozen pizzas. Directly in front and to the near left is the bakery area, with muffins and pastries. Some items will be self-service, while bakers from behind the counter will serve other fresh baked dessert items. Lori describes the centerpiece of the room as a "beautiful oven...where we'll be making pizzas, calzones, and focaccia [sandwiches]." Here, she says, "you'll be able to talk to the chef and have pizzas or sandwiches made to your liking."

To the right, near the retail area, Guests will find cases featuring the heartier entrees of the day, like meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes or lasagna. Guests can enjoy their meal at a table, or take the selections and dine back at their Vacation Home. A retail area will feature grocery items, bottled wines, and Walt Disney World merchandise.

The Artist's Palette will feature "an all-day dining program," says Lori, serving "a traditional American-style breakfast, with omelets, sandwiches, and breakfast pizzas, for example. Lunch and dinner will offer made-to-order sandwiches, fresh-tossed salads, and custom pizzas. We'll also feature nightly dinner entrees as additional options."

Lori is excited about opening The Artist's Palette to Disney Vacation Club Members. "We've really tried to do something different here [at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa], so that you have retail, you have quick service, but you also have more hearty dinner options. It really gives Guests some flexibility. They can get in and get out, or if they want to wait and get something customized, they can."

 

[erikthewise]

Don't forget it will be a couple years before the resort is completed. Was Olivia's there from the beginning at OKW? Maybe when SSR reaches the 500 room stage, like OKW, they will consider putting in a sitdown place similar to Olivia's.

 

[Erikarate]

On the DVC website there is no mention in regards to a restaurant, counter service or not...maybe they are still deciding. To tell the truth however, when we stay at OKW, we generally don't eat at Olivias, so unless they come up with something very unique, we probably won't eat at SSR anyway.

BTW...all they mention is a pool bar called "on the rocks"...