Saratoga Springs disappointment

[Dean]

I do think the options are fine but agree the CS could be a little better. Trying to combine a retail check out with a CS check out simply does not work well when things are at all busy. They need to have a dedicated check out that's in the walkway immediately opposite the order area. They could move all checkout to that area with two registers if they wanted but they'd likely need to close in the other access on the merchandise end. I also think the CS ordering and completion is a little chaotic and could easily be made more efficient. Likely the only ways to generate more tables without a major addition, which they do need during busier times, is to either do more outside options or to incorporate either the bar area or the area where the DVC CM sites or both.

 

[DVCPAT]

I do think the options are fine but agree the CS could be a little better. Trying to combine a retail check out with a CS check out simply does not work well when things are at all busy.

I agree, the lines get very long. We gave up and went to DD after waiting approx 10 minutes. We stayed in the Grandstand section, I did enjoy the resort’s landscaping and pool.

What disappointed me was the amount of smokers. If I remember correctly, the buildings entrance trashcan had an ashtray built into the top, I’m guessing it was a designated smoking area. I noticed more smokers than any other resort we’ve visited. The people in the next room were smoking so much, I could smell it through the connecting door. I called the front desk and complained. 10 minutes later, I got a call from the manager. The offenders were charged an extra cleaning fee and if the smell didn’t stop within 20 minutes, call back and additional measures would be taken. I was happy with the no smoking rule enforcement, but I noticed others smoking outside (balconies and benches). Maybe smokers prefer SSR easy outside access???

 

[Dean]

I agree, the lines get very long. We gave up and went to DD after waiting approx 10 minutes. We stayed in the Grandstand section, I did enjoy the resort’s landscaping and pool.

What disappointed me was the amount of smokers. If I remember correctly, the buildings entrance trashcan had an ashtray built into the top, I’m guessing it was a designated smoking area. I noticed more smokers than any other resort we’ve visited. The people in the next room were smoking so much, I could smell it through the connecting door. I called the front desk and complained. 10 minutes later, I got a call from the manager. The offenders were charged an extra cleaning fee and if the smell didn’t stop within 20 minutes, call back and additional measures would be taken. I was happy with the no smoking rule enforcement, but I noticed others smoking outside (balconies and benches). Maybe smokers prefer SSR easy outside access???

This is one of the problems with having NS but having smoking in the common walkways. Those that are trying to follow the rules will be driven to the areas that you are complaining about. IMO, DVC should have, and still should, set up limited smoking areas that are enclosed and somewhat out of the main areas, not as elaborate as airports but with the same general idea.

 

[Chuck S]

A reminder that smoking policy discusions are not allowed in the DVC forums

 

[alldiz]

I thought Artist Palette was one of the better counter services

Haven't eaten at the Turf Club though
Kerri

 

[dianeschlicht]

Well, THIS OKW person is NOT going over to SSR for Artist Palette! First of all, I don't do counter service most anywhere, and neither AP or Goods has anything I want. On the other hand...Turf Club is a place we DO go out of our way to visit! Their menu is limited, but very well prepared and presented. We have never been disappointed in a meal there. By the same token, we also love the choices at Olivia's at OKW. I don't believe EITHER of these resorts needs any more food service than they already have. Both OKW and SSR are so near DTD and all it's restaurants. Combine that with the huge eat-in kitchens, and who needs anything more?

 

[abk96]

Could you elaborate? I am trying to decide between OKW and SSR for a 4 nite stay before a cruise. Would be on DDP with no parks, so was really counting on the resorts restaraunts.

I would do SSR. We were at OKW last month and thought the food was lacking. The pick up window was nothing compared to SSR's Artist's Palette.

OKW is a nice resort but we needed to take a bus everywhere to get something to eat. At SSR you can walk to DTD if you want something other than what they have a the resort.

JMHO

 

[JimMIA]

I thought SSR had a lot more choices than OKW...

Yep, sure does!

I think one important question for folks choosing a resort is "What kind of a resort do you want?"

If you want a resort with all of the amenities of a deluxe hotel, you choose between VWL, AKV, BWV, and BCV. If you want more of a condo environment with parking at your door and quiet surroundings, you choose SSR or OKW.

Regardless of which you choose, you will gain some things and you'll give up some things.

Many of the resort complaints I've seen over the years were not really deficiencies in the resort -- they were just a no-fit between what the poster wanted and the character of the resort where they stayed.

 

[MissyDVC]

We were at SSR during the first week of Dec and found the Artist's Palette to be overcrowded and the seating was ill-planned. I for one would not be asking for another CS but for a better seating plan and more seats. We had to try to balance kids and trays of food and drinks a number of times down the steps by the pool to find a place to eat. The location of the line makes no sense. It cuts right through the middle of the eatery and seating areas. We even had to contend with the huge easel which was placed right in the path of the line. I love the idea of the easel--just not placed where the line forms. We have actually voiced these thoughts to SSR because there were alot of frustrated guests while we were there.

 

[drakethib]

Guess it is kind of what you are looking for.

We like the food at SSR.

Turf Club is great IMHO.

As far as them needing another cash register for the CS only, I agree 100%.

 

[Mississippian]

I'm not sure what else you'd want. There is a CS restaurant and a full service restaurant plus all kinds of places to eat in DTD. What other kind of food service are you looking for?

All of the other resorts have Signature restaurants, even when they are within walking distance of other good restaurants. Given the huge size of SSR, there should be two Signature-quality restaurants on site.

It always amazes me when I think that Disney would build an 800-unit resort and think that nobody would want to eat onsite.

 

[Chuck S]

All of the other resorts have Signature restaurants, even when they are within walking distance of other good restaurants. Given the huge size of SSR, there should be two Signature-quality restaurants on site.

It always amazes me when I think that Disney would build an 800-unit resort and think that nobody would want to eat onsite.

Using Disney's definition of Signature restaurants, this is not true.

OKW, VWL and SSR do not have "Signature-quality" restaurants.

BWV- Flying Fish

BCV - Yachtman Steakhouse

AKV - Jiko

And the latter two had the "Signature" restaurants prior to DVC being built at those locations.

 

[BCV23]

Artist Point at WL is signature.

 

[DVC Mike]

Using Disney's definition of Signature restaurants, this is not true.

OKW, VWL and SSR do not have "Signature-quality" restaurants.

VWL has Artist Point!

 

[DVC Mike]

All of the other resorts have Signature restaurants, even when they are within walking distance of other good restaurants. Given the huge size of SSR, there should be two Signature-quality restaurants on site.

It always amazes me when I think that Disney would build an 800-unit resort and think that nobody would want to eat onsite.

Only SSR and OKW (the only two standalone DVC resorts at WDW) don't have signature dining.

All of the DVC resorts attached to deluxe resorts (including the upcoming GCV) have Signature Dining.

 

[Jaaron2]

I used to hard on SSR but have learned to like it.

Might I suggest that SSR's restaurants are in Downtown Disney. Some of the finest restaurants in the world (Fultons, Pucks, Rainforest, Irish Pub, House of Blues...) are only a 15 min walk

Yes, I know that they need a bridge....

Ahhhhhh, Fultons Worth EVERY penny!

 

[Jaaron2]

Although I also found the lack of food choices rather annoying at times at SSR for me it was not the "big name resturant" I was looking for (I had them at DTD). It was more of the lack of "quick service" dining selection. I thought that the food court could have a better variety offered for the size of the resort.

For dinner we spent most of our time at DTD (the options there are endless)

 

[tjkraz]

All of the other resorts have Signature restaurants, even when they are within walking distance of other good restaurants. Given the huge size of SSR, there should be two Signature-quality restaurants on site.

It always amazes me when I think that Disney would build an 800-unit resort and think that nobody would want to eat onsite.

AKL / AKV will have twice as many rooms when construction is complete. Guess they should have 4 signature restaurants by your calculations, eh? My goodness we only have the Yachtsman Steakhouse to service the 1000 rooms at the YC, BC and BCV! And only Flying Fish for the 800 rooms at BW & BCV?!?! For shame!

OKW may have 500 rooms and SSR 800, but they also have kitchens in every single room. To imply that there are 500/800 families at those resorts every night looking for a place to eat is simply not correct. In reality it's only a fraction of that number.

The Turf Club is one of the finest restaurants at WDW, whether it has that "signature" label or not.

 

[DVC Mike]

Although I also found the lack of food choices rather annoying at times at SSR for me it was not the "big name resturant" I was looking for (I had them at DTD). It was more of the lack of "quick service" dining selection. I thought that the food court could have a better variety offered for the size of the resort.

For dinner we spent most of our time at DTD (the options there are endless)

I rather like Artist Palette at SSR. I particularly enjoy the flatbreads...

 

[Chuck S]

VWL has Artist Point!

Interesting, some Disney websites list Artist Point as Signature, others do not.

For the dining plan, yes. However, on the Disney convention site, Artist Point isn't listed as a Signature restaurant.