Saratoga Springs disappointing!

[Chuck S]

I made the ressy 11 months in advance. That is pretty sad if so. We were actually there 10 days before Christmas and it is not so busy. Face to face is the only way next time. Thanks!

Views, like all other requests, are not guaranteed. It doesn't matter when you book the reservation, it depends upon what it available when you check-in. Early to mid-December is a very busy time at DVC resorts because of the lower points required

 

[Chim Chiminy]

We have had problems with cleanliness, among others, during our DVC stays. I will have to remember in the future if there is an issue to take it to the front desk.
Our trip in Oct. was at OKW and we didn't get our T/T day. Multiple calls were made and finally after two days I asked to speak with a manager. The lady on the other end kept saying "a manager?" "what do you mean?"
I don't know if she really didn't understand the word manager or she simply didn't want to get one on the line.......
I did speak to one and clean towels were sent right away, but it shouldn't have taken mulitiple phone calls.
(We empty our own trash, so that part of T/T day is no biggie).
We also had a toilet that wouldn't flush and that took multiple calls to get fixed as well.

Seems there is always a small issue on every DVC trip we take, but from now on we will address them with the front desk.

 

[fishermouse]

Seems there is always a small issue on every DVC trip we take, but from now on we will address them with the front desk.

I always go right to the desk for any issues, so far non have been major, just little things that don't really upset me. But I do go to the front desk on my way out, mention it to the CM and things are all better when I get back to my room later on. I said before everything is not always perfect but so far all my trips have been GREAT...

 

[MissyDVC]

We had problems with our stay @ SSR 11/30-12/2. The first room we were given smelled disgusting and the a/c was broken. We were then given a second room and it wasn't until we were unpacked and showering that evening that we found mold in the shower and a huge stain on the rug in front of the fridge(studio). The rug was also very dirty and would turn our socks black! We expressed our concern and displeasure while we were there and we also contacted our guide as well as the dvc satisfacation team when we got home. We are very pleased that both our guide (Linda Smit) and the dvc satisfaction team contacted us at home and we spoke at great length about the problems. They assured us that they were not happy with what happened and were very kind to offer an extra deep cleaning on our February trip and some other "pixie dust". We also spoke about the ping pong table being somewhat broken and the set-up of the Artist's Palette. They were very interested in what we said and I was glad that we contacted them. They also thanked us for the pictures that we sent them of the problems in our room. They said that the more specfics that they have, the better they can deal with it. We love SSR, are proud owners and have ever had any problems before but hopefully everyone who does have a problem will contact them, with details, so that they can correct what is wrong

 

[hag7]

We had problems with our stay @ SSR 11/30-12/2. The first room we were given smelled disgusting and the a/c was broken. We were then given a second room and it wasn't until we were unpacked and showering that evening that we found mold in the shower and a huge stain on the rug in front of the fridge(studio). The rug was also very dirty and would turn our socks black! We expressed our concern and displeasure while we were there and we also contacted our guide as well as the dvc satisfacation team when we got home. We are very pleased that both our guide (Linda Smit) and the dvc satisfaction team contacted us at home and we spoke at great length about the problems. They assured us that they were not happy with what happened and were very kind to offer an extra deep cleaning on our February trip and some other "pixie dust". We also spoke about the ping pong table being somewhat broken and the set-up of the Artist's Palette. They were very interested in what we said and I was glad that we contacted them. They also thanked us for the pictures that we sent them of the problems in our room. They said that the more specfics that they have, the better they can deal with it. We love SSR, are proud owners and have ever had any problems before but hopefully everyone who does have a problem will contact them, with details, so that they can correct what is wrong

Thanks- I have sent e-mails to the DVC Customer Sat team. I am a proud owner as well and just want the experience and magic maintained for other DVCers as well as us for our next trip. 1 bad experience out of 8 trips isn't terrible but if I was running Saratoga I would want to know....

The manager on the way out was very attentive to us and I'm sure Disney will act. It is just disappointing that rooms could be left in that shape- it is as if some mousekeepers do the very minimum to get by. No different than any other corporation and I hope the mid-level supervisors are weeding these individuals out. A few bad apples can impact the whole STS team and posts like this get legs. I LOVE DVC and DISNEY and simply hope that our voices amount to a continued great product. That is the only motive with my post. The first post in 5 years. I probably should have posted the other 7 positive experiences!!

 

[hag7]

Views, like all other requests, are not guaranteed. It doesn't matter when you book the reservation, it depends upon what it available when you check-in. Early to mid-December is a very busy time at DVC resorts because of the lower points required

Thanks Chuck. So you are saying that if I made the reservation 1 month prior and checked in at Noon that I would probably get a better room (closer to my preferred request) than making the reservation 11 months early and checking in at 4:30? We did check in at 4:30 by the way so that may explain this. If so- thanks and lesson learned.

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks Chuck. So you are saying that if I made the reservation 1 month prior and checked in at Noon that I would probably get a better room (closer to my preferred request) than making the reservation 11 months early and checking in at 4:30? We did check in at 4:30 by the way so that may explain this. If so- thanks and lesson learned.

Basically, yes. Some resorts, have "bookable" view class rooms, like BWV preferred vs. standard, and OKW now booking Hospitality House proximity, but SSR has not, at least so far, created a separate booking class of rooms by location. And actually, I'm surprised by the move to book the proximity rooms at OKW.

Many years ago, there was a room assigner at the resorts that blocked rooms based on reservation date, but with the advent of "room ready" check-in that was discontinued and guests are now assigned rooms based on what is "ready" when they check-in. The exceptions are for large groups, requests to be "near" another party, and handicap rooms. These are usually pre-assigned.

 

[hag7]

Basically, yes. Some resorts, have "bookable" view class rooms, like BWV preferred vs. standard, and OKW now booking Hospitality House proximity, but SSR has not, at least so far, created a separate booking class of rooms by location. And actually, I'm surprised by the move to book the proximity rooms at OKW.

Many years ago, there was a room assigner at the resorts that blocked rooms based on reservation date, but with the advent of "room ready" check-in that was discontinued and guests are now assigned rooms based on what is "ready" when they check-in. The exceptions are for large groups, requests to be "near" another party, and handicap rooms. These are usually pre-assigned.

Thanks for the education.

 

[disneynutz]

Views, like all other requests, are not guaranteed. It doesn't matter when you book the reservation, it depends upon what it available when you check-in. Early to mid-December is a very busy time at DVC resorts because of the lower points required

Not so. I was told by MS yesterday that the room assigners are suppose to sort the room requests by the date that the reservation was made, then first choice, second choice, etc. You are still at the mercy of a human who just wants to finish a days work and doesn't really care which room you get.

 

[Chuck S]

Not so. I was told by MS yesterday that the room assigners are suppose to sort the room requests by the date that the reservation was made, then first choice, second choice, etc. You are still at the mercy of a human who just wants to finish a days work and doesn't really care which room you get.

Odd, since when on the occasions we have only one room, and don't have a second room booked for guests, we've not had a room pre-assigned at all, it was assigned at check-in.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Not so. I was told by MS yesterday that the room assigners are suppose to sort the room requests by the date that the reservation was made, then first choice, second choice, etc. You are still at the mercy of a human who just wants to finish a days work and doesn't really care which room you get.

Odd, since when on the occasions we have only one room, and don't have a second room booked for guests, we've not had a room pre-assigned at all, it was assigned at check-in.

I have been given so many different answers from MS and the resort CM's on this very topic. From what I gather, the way it is handled varies from resort to resort. And, the procedures sometimes change back and forth as well.

The last time I stayed at BWV I was informed that they assign the already cleaned rooms to ME guests only.. I was told they have "priority" for what reason I do not know. They receive a call from the airport staff and go ahead and assign those rooms to those guests while they are on their way into WDW. Those checking in with their own transportation are at the mercy of waiting till after 4:00 pm or later. No pre assignment for them at all according to the desk manager at the time.

Hoping that policy has changed by the time I arrive next July, lol.

 

[bzzelady]

The last time I stayed at BWV I was informed that they assign the already cleaned rooms to ME guests only.. I was told they have "priority" for what reason I do not know. They receive a call from the airport staff and go ahead and assign those rooms to those guests while they are on their way into WDW. Those checking in with their own transportation are at the mercy of waiting till after 4:00 pm or later. No pre assignment for them at all according to the desk manager at the time.

That's interesting...and kind of fits with what the pattern of my last several trips have been. The trip we used ME, our room was ready. The other trips we had our vehicles/rental cars and we waited....and we waited....and one of them was well after 4 pm

 

[disneynutz]

Odd, since when on the occasions we have only one room, and don't have a second room booked for guests, we've not had a room pre-assigned at all, it was assigned at check-in.

Our problem was at BCV. We had listed three requests at 11 months. Courtyard view or pool view close to elevators due to 89 year old traveling with us. The first room that they gave us was the last room at the end of the building with a view of the road and some trees. The second room was across the hall from the first room, view of a road, trees, and a canal. The third room was called a courtyard view but it was a view of the swamp and trees between the BC and the BCV. The CMs kept telling us that it wasn't their fault, that the rooms were pre-assigned by someone else and that they have no control over the assignments. Another item that our Guide forgot to tell us about.

I have noticed at SSR, that at check in they seem to be more helpful in wanting to get you your requested room.

Maybe not all resorts pre-assign but MS thinks they do.

 

[LSchrow]

The last time I stayed at BWV I was informed that they assign the already cleaned rooms to ME guests only.. I was told they have "priority" for what reason I do not know. They receive a call from the airport staff and go ahead and assign those rooms to those guests while they are on their way into WDW. Those checking in with their own transportation are at the mercy of waiting till after 4:00 pm or later. No pre assignment for them at all according to the desk manager at the time.

we've noticed a huge difference in the wait time since the start of ME. pre-ME, we would check-in around 11AM & never had a room before 4:30 (once was closer to 7PM, 8 hours after check-in ).
since ME, we still check-in at 11AM, but our room has been ready before 4:30PM every time (mostly around 2-3PM, but one time was actually ready at check-in ).
btw, we still rent a car, but pick it up at the dolpin after ME brings us to the resort.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I am staying in the Springs Section and it is just great. Great location,close to main poool and restaurants and beautiful water view. I like this section better than the Grandstand.

 

[disneylvr11]

We just returned from DVC Saratoga Springs for 5 days before Christmas. This was our 8th trip and 3rd DVC trip. The other 2 DVC trips were at OKW. Saratoga Springs is our home resort so we were very excited about the trip. The proximity to DTD and the resort itself are beautiful. Our room experience was however horrible. I requested a room with a view of lake / landscaping. We received a parking lot view. The 2 BR lock-off smelled of syrup, smoke and a burnt smell- horrible smell. 10 cigarettes in a cup remained on the porch from prior occupant (NO SMOKING AT DVC by the way). Both tubs had hair, rings and had not been cleaned. Both toilets were dirty and had not been cleaned. Mousekeeping and management could not have cared any less about our situation. They changed the sheets after 4 calls, did not do a thing for the smell. If our guests had not already unpacked we would have changed our room. We had to follow-up multiple times with housekeeping and were forwarded to a centralized help desk a few times--poor responsiveness..... The ping pong table was broke and the caricature artist "available all day" was never to be found for 2 days. The manager was helpful and consoling on our way out but I did not feel like the housekeepers would be held accountable, base on other posts here prior. I hope this was an aberration.

Ok. I am freaking out! I am going to Saratoga Springs this week and after your report, I don't know if I want to go. Also, I can't believe WDW would do such a thing! Besides the room, was anything else wrong? Like the service or the dining? And also was the pool nice? And one more thing: What kind of room did you stay in? I am going to stay in a 1 bedroom Villa.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Ok. I am freaking out! I am going to Saratoga Springs this week and after your report, I don't know if I want to go. Also, I can't believe WDW would do such a thing! Besides the room, was anything else wrong? Like the service or the dining? And also was the pool nice? And one more thing: What kind of room did you stay in? I am going to stay in a 1 bedroom Villa.

Don't fear your stay at SSR. This is an older post and thousands have stayed there since then and before then. I know we stayed there twice and had a wonderful stay in a one bedroom and in a studio. Both rooms were nice, clean with a great view of DTD.

 

[Starr W.]

Don't fear your stay at SSR. This is an older post and thousands have stayed there since then and before then. I know we stayed there twice and had a wonderful stay in a one bedroom and in a studio. Both rooms were nice, clean with a great view of DTD.

I have to agree with Deb & Bill, don't fear SSR. We've had a spotless room(well I have had a spotless room in 5 stays at DVC: SSR,VWL,BCV and VB) for both our stays at SSr. Last Thanksgiving we had requested CP and close to the pool, well the CP room wasn't ready at 11am but the CM found us a Grandstand room that was ready and close to the pool, but we really like CP so we can walk to DTD. Room was ready at CP at about 4pm.

Now I just got back from VB and they switched our room because the assigned one wasn't clean yet at 5pm. It was the Saturday before Easter and my guess is someone didn't leave by 11am.

Note: above experiences are all with 2br's.

 

[manning]

I made the ressy 11 months in advance. That is pretty sad if so. We were actually there 10 days before Christmas and it is not so busy. Face to face is the only way next time. Thanks!

Room views are not guaranteed. Never have been.

The last two times I didn't get what I requested. I did after a few days. When I checked into the room I called room assigner and he/she worked with me to get another room. They knew I was there and was able to determine which rooms would be free and I got my choice. Of course we stay for 20+ days when we go, and I am willing to pay the room cleaning charge.

 

[cjs123123]

Ok. I am freaking out! I am going to Saratoga Springs this week and after your report, I don't know if I want to go. Also, I can't believe WDW would do such a thing! Besides the room, was anything else wrong? Like the service or the dining? And also was the pool nice? And one more thing: What kind of room did you stay in? I am going to stay in a 1 bedroom Villa.[/



make sure that your room is NOT near the paddock, it is near a fire station.. It is not a very good spot if you dont want to hear a lot of noise.
Stay either in the springs or the grandstands have fun though! And dont worry about ssr it is a nice resort. I have stayed here plenty of times. The only complaint I had was the sirens near the paddock. and the bathrooms in the lobby area. othere then that I love it!!! have fun!!!