Saratoga Spring Villa for Sweet 16 celebration

[Lia63]

Newbie here. Just starting to plan a sweet 16 celebration for March 2013. My D can bring two friends making this a party of 6 with DH, myself and older DD 21. Saratoga Springs resort seems to be the best choice as it offers two bedroom villas that will accommodate all of us and the treehouse villas with three bedrooms look very interesting. The location across from Downtown Disney is also convenient for this age group.

I also looked at renting two rooms at AK but it seems to be more expensive than renting one two bedroom villa at SSR (based on 2012 prices). I see the 2013 prices will not come out until July 11, but just wondering if I should book soon or hold out for discounts, if any exist for this resort. I just got a 30% off postcard but expires in Sept 2012. Would have been nice to use for March. Due to school schedules, we will only be planning to stay three nights Friday through Monday so the magic your way packages would not work. DD 20 will only be able to stay 2 nights as she has to go back to school. It looks like we would just have to purchases a one day ticket to two parks they choose to visit. This is ok as they have been to Disney several times before. However, I am hoping to at least get some sort of discount for the hotel portion.

Any tips, comments, advice would be appreciated with regards to booking this resort or recommending other ones that would be appropriate for our group.

Also, tips for Sweet 16 celebrations would also be welcome. They definitely want to do a character breakfast and I would want to have a nice cake either in the villa or at a restaurant to celebrate.
Thank you

 

[amlynn5]

Hi! Have you thought about renting points from a DVC member? That might be a little cheaper for you. There is a forum that you can read up on it. SSR is very nice and if you want to be close to DTD then request Congress Park.

As for Sweet 16...I would definitely let Disney know when you check in and then go crazy with telling everyone you come into contact with at the parks and restaurants. Going to 50s Prime Time Cafe would be fun! But, it depends on your daughter and if she would find it fun or embarrassing. But, definitely plan a special night...maybe a restaurant that would serenade her? I would lean towards EPCOT then...

Hope this helps.

 

[Pink Mouse Ears]

I agree with renting points! You can go thru an individual or use a 3rd party like Davids (or there are a few that are a bit cheaper.) The only drawbacks are that you don't get daily housekeeping, you can't cancel (or lose a large deposit if you do) and you need to pay more upfront. But if you are set on your dates, you can get SSR for MUCH cheaper than thru Disney- even with the room discount.

 

[Tink415]

What a nice present for Sweet 16!

If I were planning something similar, didn't have DVC, and wanted 2 deluxe level rooms or a villa, for the best price I would book SSR 2 BR with a Triple A discount if available. If a better discount came out later I would see what was available and cancel and re-book if I found something better. Depending on when in March, it could be Peak season and less chance for discounts. (I wouldn't be comfortable renting points.)

SSR is beautiful (the only thing I miss is the FL palm trees)! I would request Congress Park or the Springs section. Congress Park is closer to Downtown Disney and Springs is closer to the High Rocks pool and the Carriage House resort center. There is also a nice spa at SSR.

If I wanted a much better price, I would consider 2 preferred rooms at Coronado Springs. It would depend on the guests coming and how comfortable I was with maybe not having connecting rooms, since they are not guaranteed. A villa would be nicer, but sure is pricey!

Have fun planning! Oh, and search for the cake thread and check out the disney florist for ideas on celebrating!