Saratoga Springs disappointment

[BCV23]

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.

That's likely an oversight on the convention site IMO. AP has been listed as a signature restaurant ever since WDW started using that designation which to my memory was before the current DDP.

In addition, it has the same dress requirements as the other resort signature restaurants and always has. In fact, AP is the only place that people were refused seating without collared shirts back when the dress code required them.

 

[BCV23]

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.

Who knows how WDW decides how many restaurants to place in a resort?

But for those of us who prefer to eat our meals in restaurants, BCV and BWV offer a wider choice than the other DVC resorts.

BCV has YSH, Cape May, Beaches and Cream, YCG, Hurricane Hannah's and the BC Marketplace as well as snacks at Crew's Cup and the bar in YC. I do miss the sandwiches and steak, etc. at Crew's Cup though.

BWV has ESPN Club, BW Bakery and Spoodles as well as FF.

In comparison, SSR is lacking in dining options for those who prefer to only use the stove as a kitchen ornament.

We recently enjoyed two meals at the Turf Club but I disagree that it is one of the finest restaurants in WDW. Pleasant though.

 

[tjkraz]

Who knows how WDW decides how many restaurants to place in a resort?

But for those of us who prefer to eat our meals in restaurants, BCV and BWV offer a wider choice than the other DVC resorts.

BCV has YSH, Cape May, Beaches and Cream, YCG, Hurricane Hannah's and the BC Marketplace as well as snacks at Crew's Cup and the bar in YC. I do miss the sandwiches and steak, etc. at Crew's Cup though.

BWV has ESPN Club, BW Bakery and Spoodles as well as FF.

I have no argument with any of what you said. The poster to which I was responding suggested that SSR should have not one but TWO signature restaurants based upon its size alone--a very unrealistic assertion, IMO.

In comparison, SSR is lacking in dining options for those who prefer to only use the stove as a kitchen ornament.

And that's just another illustration of how the variety in the program gives us different destinations to suit different tastes. Golfers and fitness buffs will probably be more satisfied with the facilities at SSR than, say, VWL. It's unrealistic to expect that each resort will be all things to all people.

 

[ChelleinNC]

It's funny, we just got back from BWV and were on the DDP and really wished we had the options available at SSR

While BWV has more options for TS, the bakery was the only CS/snack option available. It was always busy, meals & options weren't explained well and the CM's didn't communicate well. We had so much trouble using up our CS that the day we left, we actually stopped at SSR and grabbed a couple of CS meals to take on the road with us.

As far as Turf Club goes, we've had 3 excellent meals there now, 2 in June and once last week. Last week we had the restaurant to ourselves for almost our entire meal. Once in June we couldn't get in, but we walked up at 9pm and they weren't taking anymore seatings.

 

[brack]

We have enjoyed the Turf Club for dinner at SSR very much. Also, there is a food court just off the check in area. I believe one or two of the pool areas have some type of beverage and/or food service as well.

Plus, at SSR you are just a hop skip and a jump from Downtown Disney and the fabulous restaurants there.

At least SSR has a food court, most of the other DVC's do not.

I don't think they could keep more than 1 restaurant in business at SSR.

We were just there as well and did not find it that hard to find things to eat.

 

[starbox]

I think it's in the eye of the beholder - I actually like SSR's food options the most of any DVC (VWL comes in second) because they serve 1) the sort of food I tend to prefer and 2) the CS is not the generic Disney CS menu. They have a FABULOUS breakfast menu.

Plus all the great DTD dining gives you a break from Disney food (that kinda all starts to taste the same after a week). We've actually gone to SSR just to eat. I'm not a huge fan of Disney signature dining, because I just don't think that much of the Disney resort food is worth the price (although the view at California Grill is worth every penny!!). I'm spoiled by living in a big city where I have numerous really, really, really great options & it's hard to shell out a couple hundred dollars for a meal at Disney that is not any better than what I could eat for half the price at home. If SSR had signature dining, I doubt I'd ever eat there.

People rave about AKL's dining but that's the thing I like least about AKV because I don't like buffets (although I did eat at Boma just to say I did) and I thought Mara's menu was weird.

So - I think Dining is like resort theme. Personal preferences are going to sway which resort works for you in terms of dining options.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I think it's in the eye of the beholder - I actually like SSR's food options the most of any DVC (VWL comes in second) because they serve 1) the sort of food I tend to prefer and 2) the CS is not the generic Disney CS menu. They have a FABULOUS breakfast menu.

Plus all the great DTD dining gives you a break from Disney food (that kinda all starts to taste the same after a week). We've actually gone to SSR just to eat.

People rave about AKL's dining but that's the thing I like least about AKV because I don't like buffets (although I did eat at Boma just to say I did) and I thought Mara's menu was weird. :
.

That was a big factor why I am choosing SSR before my cruise over AKL...I just don't like buffets,and I was a little fearful of that menu.
Although I do have a ressie for Beirgarten in April...hope that goes ok.

 

[Tigger031266]

Well I was one of the first to bash SSR but I have learned to really love the place.

Some of the huge pluses:
+ The most beautiful out of the all the resorts (It is really well great to look at)
+ A really nice community hall
+ Location - Close to DTD and all those wonderful restaurants (Kongalush!!)
+ Golf - (Some folk like to look at Ox, zebra and giraffs (others like grean and golf). Nice views of DTD as well!
+ Drive right next to your hotel (no long hallways)
+ Artist Pallet - Love the flatbread pizza
+ Wonderful pools

 

[3DisneyKids]

As others have said, the only real issue I have with SSR food options is that the poor CMs are trying to ring out retail customers as well as those who are there for quick service food. Add to the mix those who are there to pick up packages sent over from the parks.....and yikes! Too much going on in one location. I would like to see this separated.

I really like the food choices at AP and for TS we like a lot of the places in DTD...just a hop, skip, and stroll down a lovely path away....

 

[madduck]

Weve stayed at SSR on two different occasions before all of the buildings were open and we didnt like how crowded the CS was then. I cant imagine what its like now. Also a big complaint for us was no luggage carriers at the buildings.Try and imagine the number of trips to unpack for a 12 night stay.I went to the laundry and used one of those carts to unload my van.

 

[Mischa]

Our home resort is SSR and we love the resort. However, the food - we're definitely not fans of. We can't speak of the Turf Club because we've never been to it; but we have tried the Artiste's Palatte, and we really don't like the food there. Maybe it's the time we go or what but nothing looks appetizing (or tastes that good to us).

But that being said - we don't really eat at the resort. We'll walk down to DTD and grab something or stock up the fridge in our room to make sandwiches or something. Most of the time we're at one of the parks and by the time we get home to our room - we're stuffed.

just our 2 cents.

 

[UP Disney]

We are new to DVC (just purchased this month). We stayed at SSR Dec. 13-17. We are going to have to change the way we eat at Disney. Our resort preference was POR and we depended on the food court for breakfast and an ocassional meal during the day. We aren't impressed with the menu at Artist Palette. The food seemed fine but not to our taste really. I wasn't impressed with the flatbread. We realize this is a personal preference and since we are new to the whole DVC resort thing, we are just going to have to modify the way we tour and eat. We have a week-long trip in March and one in June and we'll be playing with our touring/eating style to see what works for us.

We loved the walk to DTD from SSR.

 

[3DisneyKids]

We are new to DVC (just purchased this month). We stayed at SSR Dec. 13-17. We are going to have to change the way we eat at Disney. Our resort preference was POR and we depended on the food court for breakfast and an ocassional meal during the day. We aren't impressed with the menu at Artist Palette. The food seemed fine but not to our taste really. I wasn't impressed with the flatbread. We realize this is a personal preference and since we are new to the whole DVC resort thing, we are just going to have to modify the way we tour and eat. We have a week-long trip in March and one in June and we'll be playing with our touring/eating style to see what works for us.

We loved the walk to DTD from SSR.

This is a good point. Owning DVC usually changes the way you ear, park tour, and your entire vacation mentality. Use the kitchen for breakfast...you'll never miss the food court at POR again. To be able to roll out of bed and fix breakfast in your jammies and then start your day on YOUR time frame and schedule....priceless!

 

[Juliet25]

We were at SSR from 12/16-12/22, and we didn't have a problem with crowded counter service at all. In fact, I found AP to be the best CS I've had at a WDW resort so far. I guess we lucked out and ate at odd times. Seating was never a problem. I do think combining retail and food was ill-planned (BCV has this problem too).

Our big complaint with SSR was the size. It was such a hike to go get food. We had a car, but there was no parking at the CS!

 

[Cee]

SSR has all the food options it needs considering it's close proximity to DTD and
all the wonderful options there. It's AWESOME. I love SSR and OKW both.

 

[MikeS.]

We were there in mid December for our 2nd stay. Still didn't like AP, we don't care for the style of food they serve. Flat breads and pressed sandwiches? Last August when there we did have seating issues. But not in the last trip.

Turf Club does have some good food though. I had the mussels, ribeye and volcano cake. My 6 year old ate half my mussels. My wife had crab cakes, ribeye and cheesecake. She liked those.

Some changes really need to be made to APs layout, it is really ineffecient.

Now if we could get some better choices for the kids on DDP...

 

[Terry]

Returned from SSR on Dec. 23. I have to agree that we were a bit disappointed with the lack of seating and the long lines at the AP. We had b'fast there and the line was out the door. This was during the slow part of the week before the crowds arrived for Christmas weekend.

The food was good, but, I'm not sure I like having a meal while a family shops for souvenirs just a few feet from my table. Not a well thought out layout or size for this huge resort, IMH.

Loved the quick access to DD restaurants though. We stayed in Congress Park. The walk was only 5 to 10 minutes.

 

[fishermouse]

Although I do love SSR and rarely visit during peak times, we were there this past Aug. and will admit the set up at AP is less than perfect when it's busy. The line should be redirected somehow during peak breakfast and lunch periods, and seating could be increased. There is the large area just before you enter from the lobby that is virtually unused that could easily be incorporated into the AP or possibly move the gift shop to that area and extend AP into the gift shop. Maybe even some outdoor seating on the large deck in as you enter the AP from the pool area. The four rocking chairs are nice to look at but not much use. Nothing some renovations could not take care of. None of this is usually a problem for us since in the off peak seasons the lines are short, when there is a line, and there are plenty of seats.
As for the Turf Club, signature or not the food and atmosphere are excellent, IMO. When the weather is good the outdoor seating is very nice.

 

[dianeschlicht]

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.

It's 2 dinning credits, so it IS signature.

 

[tomandrobin]

We just got back last night from our NYE trip. I did take note that SSR is trying to help the traffic flow at AP. I noticed that they moved all the condiments from the counter at the center isle over next to the cookies and pastry display case. This does appear to help a little the bottle neck. Also, they had all four registers manned during peak times.

One thing I did notice, that even with all the registers opened, everyone kept going to the first two registers, closest to the line.