Saratoga Springs Advice

[DVC_Corrys]

So, we are closing on our SSR DVC Purchase

I am going to be making reservations here in January for 9/23/09 to 10/3/09 and I have some questions.

Do you think the Studios will be available 9 months out versus 11?

Where is the best place to stay? (We love going to the parks so busses are important, we would like a nice view too if possible. I don't know how much swimming we do so I am not worried about the pools)

What are tips for MS and getting a great place?

Thanks in Advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kenny]

First of all, Welcome Home neighbor!

Given the period you are going, 9 months out should not be a problem getting a studio.

As for best place to stay, we just stayed in Congress Park and LOVE it. We don't take the bus but it was mear feet to the bus stop. Our room was on the 3rd floor (last building in congress park, closest to DTD) with an awesome view of Fulton's, World of Disney and Legoland. Was really nice at night to sit on the balcony with some wine and watch everything going on at DTD.

There is a really nice quiet pool with a great view of DTD in Congress park as well as a playground (if you have kids). The walk to the main building was about 5 mins. You can also walk to DTD from there.

SSR is a beautiful resort with lots to offer. You are going to love it.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

HOME!!!

As for SSR, my first choice is Congress Park. If I had to pick a second, it would probably be the Springs, and then Grandstand. I would be perfectly happy in any of the three, though. As the PP mentioned, CP is really close to DTD. The Springs would be next.

Tips...just make sure you make the request. Unlike some other resorts, there are no guarantees since there aren't guaranteed location bookings for SSR (like standard or Preferred views at BWV).

As for your chances of getting a studio during that time, I think you'll be just fine! Congratulations, and enjoy!!!

 

[CarolA]

I think you should be fine getting a studio.

I have stayed everywhere but the Grandstand and liked them all.

 

[DVC_Corrys]

Thanks guys for the tips. I will request Congress Park. I thought when you called MS you could actually request specific room #s? Am I mistaken?

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Which would be the one nearest to the bus stop?

We received developer points there, but we are more interested in going to MK or DHS than DTD

 

[jpolak]

Congrats and Welcome Home! I agree with the others that you should have no problem getting a studio at that time. As for the busses, we stayed in the first Paddock building and loved it. The bus stop was right across the tiny parking lot and it is the first stop coming and going. Have a great trip and like Tom Petty says, " the waiting is the hardest part".

 

[Coach81]

Welcome home, neighbor! We are staying at the Grandstand, we've heard it is relatively close to everything, and is the first pickup for the busses. Good luck.

 

[mlayton14]

One problem you will rarely ever hear about SSR is availability. Outside of Christmas or other major holiday, you will be able to get a room without a worry. Its usually the last resort to sell out, hence all of the discounts.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

From a bus standpoint, the Grandstand is ideal. You are the first stop, so you don't have to worry about the buses being full in the morning. You are also get off first coming home. Since there are 4 Grandstand buildings, I'd add "near bus stop" to the request.

 

[hakepb]

Thanks guys for the tips. I will request Congress Park. I thought when you called MS you could actually request specific room #s? Am I mistaken?

You can make that specific of a request. but the chances the previous occupant would be leaving your room # on your check in date is very, very low. General requests (such as a location or near a pool..) are more likely to be honored.

 

[DVC Grammy]

Which would be the one nearest to the bus stop?

We received developer points there, but we are more interested in going to MK or DHS than DTD

IMHO, Grandstand is the most convenient vis-a-vis "bus stops".............it's usually the first stop for going to/returning from the parks. It's also very convenient to the Carriage House, and has some great views of the golf course/canal/and DTD.
True, for proximity to DTD, Congress Park works best, but for park buses, Grandstand is great. (The Springs is also convenient to Carriage House, but sometimes, the bus stop is teaming with park goers.)

 

[DISFANSHAN]

I just booked a 2 bedroom at SSR in May on our BLT matching developer points. Can anyone tell me how far the walk to DTD is (I guess minimum and maximum walking time, as I know SSR is a pretty large property.)

 

[hakepb]

I think if you are in Congress park, you can walk to the East side in about 5 minutes. There's another path on the other (west) side of SSR/DTD. You could probably make the Cirque parking lot (But most DTD attractions are a lot further) from Grandstand in 5 minutes. It did seem like 15 minutes trying to walk to DTD from the main pool area. overall 5-20 minutes?
If you can use the boat service (not a set, guaranteed service), that is quite pleasant, too.

 

[TinkrLiz]

We just got back to Buffalo NY and the snow brrr last night We were in the Paddock section, room 5645. I liked not being on the first floor (this was second floor). We were close to the bus stop and weren't the last stop so we never had to stand (well DH offered his seat if the bus got full but that didn't happen often - I think only coming from the parks not the resort). We were weren't too far to walk to the main building. There was a quiet pool and hot tub/spa thingie just outside the door to our building and behind the bus stop.

Here's our view:

 

[DVC_Corrys]

Wow, those are great photos. I have been looking around online trying to find non "stock" photos of SSR and other DVC resorts as well. Do you know any good places to look at guest photos of the properties?

 

[BoosGram]

Wow, those are great photos. I have been looking around online trying to find non "stock" photos of SSR and other DVC resorts as well. Do you know any good places to look at guest photos of the properties?

I'm guessing you've seen the ones available via the DIS?
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/Saratoga-Springs/index.htm

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Here are some pics from Spring Break last year. We were in the Springs sections (building closest to DTD) and stayed in a 2-BR on the pond side of the building. It was absolutely amazing. The Springs section doesn't have its own pool, but it is close to both CP's quiet pool, and the main pool (right across the street).

Congress Park Quiet Pool

Grounds Shots

Main Pool

2-BR Villa

 

[DVC_Corrys]

AWESOME!! Thanks for the photos...