Saratoga Springs construction status?

[Ocean]

Is construction at Saratoga Springs still ongoing, or is it finished? If it's still ongoing, does anyone know a projected completion date? We're trying to plan a trip, and we're not too keen on being in a resort where major construction is underway.

 

[Chuck S]

Saratoga Springs has several phases of construction that have not yet begun. It took several years to complete OKW, they opened sections at a time. That is probably the best comparision as OKW is also a large DVC resort not attached to a "regular" Disney hotel.

 

[tjkraz]

The initial 12 buildings are supposed to be done by the end of this year.

There are four open now in the Congress Park neighborhood. Almost every unit in these buildings has a balcony that faces away from the construction and toward Downtown Disney. Standing on your balcony you could never tell that there was any construction nearby.

However, the next three buildings to open in The Springs will be very close to the remaining construction zone. As much as I enjoyed our stay at SSR, I'm not sure that I would be too pleased with The Springs while the construction is ongoing.

After 2005, they'll still be putting up a few more buildings near the LBV fairway. This construction probably will not impact guest experience much at all.

 

[WWTBAMFAN]

I was there this weekend. Construction is still ongoing but they have made a good deal of progress. One third of the units (congress springs) are open now with maybe two-thirds of the units still under construction.

The construction was not a problem. Congress Springs is located along the lake across from Downtown Disney and you do not notice the construction except near the Carriage House. The construction did not affect our trip at all.

 

[spiceycat]

when they were building OKW - they put up a wall - a pretty tall one - isn't SSR doing this - that stops a lot of the construction noise.

 

[tjkraz]

when they were building OKW - they put up a wall - a pretty tall one - isn't SSR doing this - that stops a lot of the construction noise.

There is about a 12' high chain link fence with a tarp attached to block the field of vision.

But given the wide open area (no landscaping at all) where construction is occurring, the buildings that a 4 floors high, and the layout of the terrain, it's impossible to ignore.

From your room, balcony or either of the pools, you'd never know that there was construction nearby. But as you drive or walk through the resort, it's unavoidable.

 

[ErinC]

I was there this weekend. Construction is still ongoing but they have made a good deal of progress. One third of the units (congress springs) are open now with maybe two-thirds of the units still under construction.

The construction was not a problem. Congress Springs is located along the lake across from Downtown Disney and you do not notice the construction except near the Carriage House. The construction did not affect our trip at all.

I believe you are referring to Congress Park that is lake side.

Does anyone know when the Springs buildings are going to be opening?

 

[trampslady]

I wonder if there will ultimately be any consideration of "preferred views" at SSR like at BWV considering that the newer buildings will not have that great DTD view. Did BWV open with the current point charts, or did that come later?

 

[tjkraz]

I wonder if there will ultimately be any consideration of "preferred views" at SSR like at BWV considering that the newer buildings will not have that great DTD view. Did BWV open with the current point charts, or did that come later?

I don't know how seriously they would consider different point charts. If memory serves, Dean raise the question to a DVC rep a few months back and the response indicated that they were actually contemplating it.

As an owner there, I'd be happy with just the ability to guarantee a specific "neighborhood" at the time of booking. Congress Park has the DD view and The Springs is more centrally located right across from the main pool, spa, etc. But the rooms in The Paddock don't necessarily hold any distinctive appeal that I can see at this point.

I'd be pleased as punch if DVC could guarantee me a DD view when booking at 11 months.

 

[kweaver]

I don't know how seriously they would consider different point charts. If memory serves, Dean raise the question to a DVC rep a few months back and the response indicated that they were actually contemplating it.

According to our rep, they will never (??) have multiple points charts for different "views" at a DVC resort again. Sounds like it was a real problem initially when they came up with preferred vs. standard...since Disney's idea of a preferred view isn't everyone's idea of a preferred view. He seemed to imply that this was a particular problem with the Boardwalk view rooms (noise and lights). From there, it is my understanding that they added the Boardwalk or Pool/Garden (or is it Pool OR Garden) preferred views. This was back in October 03.

Never say never, I suppose! I do seriously doubt they will institute a new points chart for SSR. Congress Park and The Springs will be coveted areas for requests. The Paddock and whatever they call the section they are building in place of the Fairway Villas will be the leftovers. That's assuming they don't add another themed pool (which they should) and sit down restaurant (which they should) on the property. If that happens, all bets are off!

 

[spiceycat]

some people like quiet - I would think once the Fairway are built they would be a very quiet place?

 

[kellydizfan]

Don't worry about construction - it is not a bother. We stayed a week back in October. Unless you pay attention at the bus stop to what they are doing - it really isn't noisy. Go and enjoy - it is beautiful. We stayed in a 2 bedroom - dedicated 1635.