NOTE: FAQ updated 5/8/04. Information now includes links to wonderful photos at Allearsnet.com. Pricing info has been updated. Greater detail is provided regarding guest rooms and views, boat transportation, and the "Turf Club."
Enjoy!
Tim
=============================================
Disney Vacation Club
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa FAQ
Q. When did DVC begin to sell ownership in SSR?
A. Sales for SSR began in August 2003.
Q. Is it true that SSR is the only on-site resort currently being sold by DVC?
A. Yes. DVC has sold off its inventory at Old Key West, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Villas and Beach Club Villas. Individuals can still go onto DVCs waiting list for points at these sold out resorts, or contact a resale agent if interested in purchasing at a resort other than SSR.
Q. What is the ownership period for SSR through DVC?
A. SSR contracts run from the opening date of the resort through 1/31/2054. Note that this period is 12 years longer than the contracts at all other current DVC resorts which will end 1/31/2042.
Q. Is it true that SSR is a dedicated-DVC resort?
A. Yes. SSR is the first on-site resort since Old Key West that is being entirely developed for sales through DVC. Unreserved rooms will be released for purchase by the general public through CRO (as is the case with OKW), but the vast majority of SSR guests at any given time are likely to be fellow DVC members.
Q. What is the purchase price for SSR?
A. Current price is $95 per point, with a minimum initial purchase of 150 points. Current DVC members wishing to add-on at SSR must purchase a minimum of 25 points50 points if the purchase is financed through DVC.
Q. Are there any promotions being offered by DVC for buying into SSR?
A. Under the Magical Beginnings program, new members may sell their first year's points back to DVC for $10 per point. The net purchase price would then be $85 per point, but the member would not receive any points until their 2005 Use Year. Under Magical Beginnings the member is still responsible for Annual Dues (Maintenance Fee) on the points sold back to DVC.
Q. Do I get any other promotional gifts for buying SSR?
A. Those who buy into SSR receive a DVC backpack/tote bag and a matted lithograph of Saratoga Springs. Individuals touring the model rooms at Disney World often receive SSR pins following the tour.
Many other DVC-branded items are available in the gift shops of the DVC resorts. DVC items can also frequently be found on eBay.
Q. Can the SSR purchase be financed through DVC?
A. Yes. The purchase can be financed over a period of up to 10 years. Interest rates will vary depending upon the length and terms of the purchase, but rates are very competitive compared to other timeshare financing opportunities. For the best rates, consider a home equity line.
Although you can finance a DVC purchase with as little as 10% down, DVC now requires a 20% downpayment in order to obtain the lowest interest rate.
Q. What is the opening date of SSR?
A. The resort will officially open on May 17, 2004.
Q. Are there any special events schedule to coincide with the opening of the resort?
A. Previous resort openings have occurred with little guest fanfare. The first guests to stay at BCV were given a pin commemmorating the event.
On May 25 through May 27, 2004 DVC is hosting a Member Homecoming to coincide with the opening of the resort. This 3-day event essentially includes "E Ticket Nights" at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom for DVC members, and a grand opening ceremony & lunch at SSR on the final day. Pricing is $299 adult, $279 child for the event, which includes a 2-day park hopper pass with 1 visit to PI or DQ. For AP holders the prices are $249, 229 without park admission. Availability is limited. See the DVC Member web site for details.
Q. Are there any photos of the resort available?
A. The link below will take you to wonderful photos hosted on Allearsnet.com:
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_ss.htm
Q. If I buy into DVC, when can I begin to utilize my DVC investment?
A. That depends on which unit you own. DVC is a timeshare--you are actually purchasing an ownership interest in one of the buildings that is part of Saratoga Springs. SSR owners cannot begin to utilize their DVC membership until the building they own is ready for occupancy. Early buyers were assigned an ownership in Building 1. As such, these individuals can begin to book stays at SSR or other DVC resorts anytime after May 14, 2004. SSR owners of Building 2 or higher cannot stay at SSR or another DVC resort until their building is ready for occupancy--projected to be June 6, 2004.
Refer to your SSR Purchase Agreement for the "Estimated Date Unit is Available for Occupancy", or contact your DVC Guide for clarification.
Q. When will the closing occur on my SSR purchase?
A. The formal closing will occur approximately one month prior to the occupancy date for your SSR villa.
New buyers are considered DVC Members as soon as they place a down payment on their resort--in person or over the phone--and request that the final paperwork be sent. However the closing will not be recorded until the resort is nearly ready for occupancy.
Q. What are the DVC point costs for rooms at SSR?
A. This post from Caskbill summarizes the point costs for all DVC resorts, including SSR:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=416317
Q. What are the annual dues for SSR?
A. The dues for 2004 are estimated at $3.8005 per point. This amount will be adjusted annually, and by contract cannot increase by more than 15% per year. Historical dues at Old Key West have shown average increase of 3-4% per year, with the dues actually going down some years.
Q. Where is SSR located?
A. SSR is located in the former site of the Disney Institute, across the lake from Downtown Disney and down the road from Old Key West. Lake Buena Vista golf course is within walking distance.
Q. Has any of the Disney Institute infrastructure been retained for use at SSR?
A. The registration building, spa facilities and several other buildings from the Disney Institute were left to be incorporated into SSR. These buildings have been completely refurbished to match the look and the feel of the SSR resort.
All guest rooms, the pool area and other amenities represent completely new construction.
Q. What transportation options will be available at SSR?
A. SSR will have bus service to the Disney theme parks, as well as boat service to other WDW locations. The Disney Vacation Club Ferry will provide daily service to Downtown Disney every hour from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and every 30 minutes from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The ferry will travel a route from Old Key West to Saratoga Springs, and then on to Downtown Disney.
Q. What about monorail service to SSR?
A. The Public Offering Statement for SSR indicates that WDW reserves the right to extend the monorail to / through SSR. SSR would be a logical place for track supports if the monorail were ever to be extended to Downtown Disney between the resorts opening and 2054. Some would argue that the extension of the monorail through SSR would create visual and auditory disturbances, which is why the possibility for such further development is stated up-front.
At this time there are no current or long-term plans to extend monorail service to SSR or Downtown Disney.
Q. How far away is Downtown Disney from SSR?
A. A walking path is being constructed which will lead from SSR to the Marketplace side of DD. The walk is likely to take 5-10 minutes, depending upon the starting point at SSR.
Q. With SSR being so close to Downtown Disney, is there any concern regarding the noise that will carry across the lake to the resort?
A. During construction, sound engineers were employed to evaluate the noise levels emanating from DD, and special construction materials have been used to help eliminate any unwanted disturbances.
Only buildings 1-4 are located near the riverside. Buildings 5-12 are tentatively scheduled to open in 2005, and should experience no disturbances from DD. It is concivable that guests may be able to specify one of these two distinct regions at the time of reservation (similar to the Boardwalk / Non-Boardwalk distinction currently offered when reserving BWV).
Q. How many resort rooms will be available at SSR?
A. When fully developed, SSR will consist of 12 individual buildings. Each building will feature (2) Three-Bedroom Grand Villas, (20) Dedicated Two-Bedroom units and (24) Two-Bedroom lock-offs, each of which can be rented as a two-bedroom unit or split into a One-Bedroom unit and a Studio. Each building will therefore house between 46 and 70 units, depending upon the manner in which the lock-offs are reserved.
When fully developed, the 12 SSR buildings will encompass 552 to 840 units.
Q. What is the development schedule for the resort?
A. By the official opening day of the resort one guest building will be complete, as well as all of the resort amenities (pool, spa, registration, etc.) An additional three buildings will then open, one per month (projected to be June, July and August 04).
The second phase of development, which includes eight additional buildings, is tentatively set to open, one building per month, beginning in January 2005.
Follow this link to see a scan of the resort map. The four buildings that are included in the initial development are displayed near the bottom of the image:
http://disneydoc.homestead.com/SSRmap.html
Q. What room types will be available at SSR?
A. Studio: 355 Square Feet featuring kitchenette with microwave oven, under-counter refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker. One queen-size bed, double-size sleeper sofa, TV and private porch or balcony. Accommodates 4 adults.
One Bedroom Vacation Home: 714 Square Feet featuring a master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub. Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room, TV/DVD, fully equipped kitchen, stacked washer/dryer and private porch or balcony. Accommodates 4 adults.
Two Bedroom Vacation Home: 1075 Square Feet featuring a master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub. Separate bedroom with two queen-size beds and a private bath. Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room, TV/DVD, fully equipped kitchen, stacked washer/dryer and private porch or balcony. Accommodates 8 adults.
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa: 2113 Square Feet. First level features a master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub, living room with queen-size sleeper sofa, TV/DVD, dining room, fully equipped kitchen and stacked washer/dryer. Second level features two additional bedrooms, with two queen-size beds and private bath in each. Private balcony located on each level. Accommodates 12 adults.
Q. How many and what type of beds are provided in a Two-Bedroom Villa?
A. There are two types of Two-Bedroom units--dedicated 2Bs and "lockoffs." A dedicated 2B is just that--it exists only as a Two-Bedroom resort room. However the lockoffs can be booked either as a Two-Bedroom unit, or a door can be closed in the middle of the unit which creates a separate One-Bedroom Villa and a Studio Villa.
Both the dedicated and lockoff 2Bs will have a king sized bed in the main bedroom and a sleeper sofa in the living room. However, the dedicated 2Bs will have two queen beds in the second bedroom. Lockoffs will have ONE queen bed and another sleeper sofa in the second bedroom.
A dedicated vs. lockoff room is assigned to the guest at the time of reservation. If you have a strong preference for either type of room, make sure that deisre is communicated to DVC at the time of the booking.
Q. Will all rooms in Buildings 1-4 have a view of Downtown Disney?
A. The vast majority of the rooms will face DD to some degree. Most areas of the buildings are constructed one room deep. However, due to the positioning of the units, there will inevitably be some guest rooms, mostly on the end of the building, which will face in toward the resort pool rather than in the direction of Downtown Disney.
Some DVC members have reported that they were asked whether they would prefer a "Downtown Disney view" or "Main Pool view" when making their reservation. While these room classes do not appear to have been formally segregated (as is the case with the BWV "Boardwalk View"), guests with a strong preference for either view should make sure the request is noted on their reservation.
Q. Are there any photos of the rooms available?
A. DVC has model rooms in its sales center near the Boardwalk Villas. Photos of the model rooms can be found here:
http://disneydoc.homestead.com/SSRModels.html
Q. Can I tour the model rooms while at WDW?
A. Yes. Contact DVC at 800-633-5139 to arrange a private tour of the model rooms. Until the opening of SSR, the sales center on the Boardwalk will be offering tours of the model guest room. However, shortly after the formal opening of SSR, the sales center will be moving to Saratoga Springs.
Q. Do I need to be at WDW in order to get information on DVC or purchase an ownership interest?
A. Not necessarily. As a timeshare, DVC must obtain permission from each state in order to sell ownership in SSR via the phone/mail. Contact DVC at 800-633-5139 to find out if they are approved to sell in your state.
Q. What is the design theme of the resort?
A. The resort is based upon the city of Saratoga Springs in Upstate New York. Its unofficial theme is Health, History, Horses. As stated in the DVC sales material: from its colorful Victorian architecture to the historic influence of horse racing, this idyllic lakeside community recaptures the heyday of Upstate New York country retreats in the late 1800s. Imagination flows through this newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club, where family and friends gather together amidst rolling hills, fragrant gardens, graceful promenades and gurgling springs to relax, reconnect and rejuvenate the spirit.
Q. What sort of pool will be constructed at SSR?
A. There will be three pools: two quiet pools near the resort buildings and High Rock Spring located near the spa / check-in buildings. High Rock Spring features a 104-foot long slide that winds through rockwork and under a bridge before emptying into the main pool.
The pool itself is approximately 6,400 square feet, and its depth ranges from 0 (zero-entry) to 411. The HRS area will also feature (2) whirlpool spas, a 300 sq ft childrens play area and the On the Rocks pool bar.
Q. Will pool hopping be permitted at High Rock Spring?
A. To date there has been no formal announcement indicating that pool hopping to High Rock Spring would be prohibited.
Q. What other recreation options are offered at SSR?
A. The Public Offering Statement lists two tennis courts, one basketball (half) court and one shuffleboard court. The resort will also offer bicycle rental, an arcade and a Community Hall. No information is available regarding watersports offerings at the resort.
Q. The resort map displays a Fireworks Viewing Platform along the water facing Downtown Disney. What is that?
A. The Pleasure Island region of DD currently celebrates the New Year on a nightly basis with a brief fireworks display. In building this viewing platform, many believe that Pleasure Island may expand and enhance its fireworks display. No confirmed details to this effect have been released by WDW or DVC.
Q. What dining options will be available at SSR?
A. SSRs food court has been dubbed The Artists Palette (which should not be confused with Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge.) The Artists Palette will feature four separate service areas offering convenience store-type items (milk, frozen pizza), fresh baked goods (muffins, pasteries), entrees (meat loaf, lasagna) and oven-baked cuisine (calzones, focaccia).
Q. Is table service available at The Artists Palette?
A. No. Items will be served cafeteria-style. There will be indoor seating for 124 diners, and items can also be taken back to resort rooms.
For those interested in table-service dining, the many restaurants at Downtown Disney are just a short walk or ride away.
Q. Will Priority Seating be offered at The Artist's Palette?
A. No. Priority Seating is not offered at counter service dining establishments at WDW. Tables in the food court will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q. Will room service be available at SSR?
A. According to DVC, yes, room service will be available. No other details have been provided.
Q. What meals will be offered at The Artists Palette?
A. The Artists Palette will have an all-day dining program which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items offered at the appropriate times of day.
Q. What details are available regarding the spa at SSR?
A. A full range of spa services will be offered at the spa location that was previously part of the Disney Institute. The spa is scheduled to re-open with the rest of the resort in May 2004. DVC members are eligible for a 20-30% discount on spa services.
When operating as part of the Disney Institute, the spa was named one of the top five Destination Spas in North America and the Caribbean by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
Q. Are there any details available on the resort lobby features and design?
A. The lobby will be octagonal-shaped with wood floors. In the center, there's going to be what some call a 'rounder' (high-backed round seat.) On its center will sit a hand-carved horse, similar to the one found at the Congress Park carousel in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The lobby will also feature a children's area with a television housed in a Victorian armoire. There is a wall of windows that looks out to the walkway leading to the pool area.
The Turf Club includes a bar with wood finishes and granite tops, tables for playing games (checkers, backgammon), a seating area with two couches and two chairs framed around an armoire holding a large-screen TV, and a pool table with surrounding high tables with stools and a nice armoire that serves as storage for the pool cues and balls.
Q. Will the cinema from the Disney Institute remain a part of SSR?
A. Yes. The building that housed the DI Cinema is part of SSR and has been refurbished. In past years, the DI Cinema has hosted events such as celebrity guest speakers and classic Disney film presentations. At this point it is unclear as to how SSR may utilize the cinema.
Enjoy!
Tim
=============================================
Disney Vacation Club
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa FAQ
Q. When did DVC begin to sell ownership in SSR?
A. Sales for SSR began in August 2003.
Q. Is it true that SSR is the only on-site resort currently being sold by DVC?
A. Yes. DVC has sold off its inventory at Old Key West, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Villas and Beach Club Villas. Individuals can still go onto DVCs waiting list for points at these sold out resorts, or contact a resale agent if interested in purchasing at a resort other than SSR.
Q. What is the ownership period for SSR through DVC?
A. SSR contracts run from the opening date of the resort through 1/31/2054. Note that this period is 12 years longer than the contracts at all other current DVC resorts which will end 1/31/2042.
Q. Is it true that SSR is a dedicated-DVC resort?
A. Yes. SSR is the first on-site resort since Old Key West that is being entirely developed for sales through DVC. Unreserved rooms will be released for purchase by the general public through CRO (as is the case with OKW), but the vast majority of SSR guests at any given time are likely to be fellow DVC members.
Q. What is the purchase price for SSR?
A. Current price is $95 per point, with a minimum initial purchase of 150 points. Current DVC members wishing to add-on at SSR must purchase a minimum of 25 points50 points if the purchase is financed through DVC.
Q. Are there any promotions being offered by DVC for buying into SSR?
A. Under the Magical Beginnings program, new members may sell their first year's points back to DVC for $10 per point. The net purchase price would then be $85 per point, but the member would not receive any points until their 2005 Use Year. Under Magical Beginnings the member is still responsible for Annual Dues (Maintenance Fee) on the points sold back to DVC.
Q. Do I get any other promotional gifts for buying SSR?
A. Those who buy into SSR receive a DVC backpack/tote bag and a matted lithograph of Saratoga Springs. Individuals touring the model rooms at Disney World often receive SSR pins following the tour.
Many other DVC-branded items are available in the gift shops of the DVC resorts. DVC items can also frequently be found on eBay.
Q. Can the SSR purchase be financed through DVC?
A. Yes. The purchase can be financed over a period of up to 10 years. Interest rates will vary depending upon the length and terms of the purchase, but rates are very competitive compared to other timeshare financing opportunities. For the best rates, consider a home equity line.
Although you can finance a DVC purchase with as little as 10% down, DVC now requires a 20% downpayment in order to obtain the lowest interest rate.
Q. What is the opening date of SSR?
A. The resort will officially open on May 17, 2004.
Q. Are there any special events schedule to coincide with the opening of the resort?
A. Previous resort openings have occurred with little guest fanfare. The first guests to stay at BCV were given a pin commemmorating the event.
On May 25 through May 27, 2004 DVC is hosting a Member Homecoming to coincide with the opening of the resort. This 3-day event essentially includes "E Ticket Nights" at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom for DVC members, and a grand opening ceremony & lunch at SSR on the final day. Pricing is $299 adult, $279 child for the event, which includes a 2-day park hopper pass with 1 visit to PI or DQ. For AP holders the prices are $249, 229 without park admission. Availability is limited. See the DVC Member web site for details.
Q. Are there any photos of the resort available?
A. The link below will take you to wonderful photos hosted on Allearsnet.com:
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_ss.htm
Q. If I buy into DVC, when can I begin to utilize my DVC investment?
A. That depends on which unit you own. DVC is a timeshare--you are actually purchasing an ownership interest in one of the buildings that is part of Saratoga Springs. SSR owners cannot begin to utilize their DVC membership until the building they own is ready for occupancy. Early buyers were assigned an ownership in Building 1. As such, these individuals can begin to book stays at SSR or other DVC resorts anytime after May 14, 2004. SSR owners of Building 2 or higher cannot stay at SSR or another DVC resort until their building is ready for occupancy--projected to be June 6, 2004.
Refer to your SSR Purchase Agreement for the "Estimated Date Unit is Available for Occupancy", or contact your DVC Guide for clarification.
Q. When will the closing occur on my SSR purchase?
A. The formal closing will occur approximately one month prior to the occupancy date for your SSR villa.
New buyers are considered DVC Members as soon as they place a down payment on their resort--in person or over the phone--and request that the final paperwork be sent. However the closing will not be recorded until the resort is nearly ready for occupancy.
Q. What are the DVC point costs for rooms at SSR?
A. This post from Caskbill summarizes the point costs for all DVC resorts, including SSR:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=416317
Q. What are the annual dues for SSR?
A. The dues for 2004 are estimated at $3.8005 per point. This amount will be adjusted annually, and by contract cannot increase by more than 15% per year. Historical dues at Old Key West have shown average increase of 3-4% per year, with the dues actually going down some years.
Q. Where is SSR located?
A. SSR is located in the former site of the Disney Institute, across the lake from Downtown Disney and down the road from Old Key West. Lake Buena Vista golf course is within walking distance.
Q. Has any of the Disney Institute infrastructure been retained for use at SSR?
A. The registration building, spa facilities and several other buildings from the Disney Institute were left to be incorporated into SSR. These buildings have been completely refurbished to match the look and the feel of the SSR resort.
All guest rooms, the pool area and other amenities represent completely new construction.
Q. What transportation options will be available at SSR?
A. SSR will have bus service to the Disney theme parks, as well as boat service to other WDW locations. The Disney Vacation Club Ferry will provide daily service to Downtown Disney every hour from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and every 30 minutes from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The ferry will travel a route from Old Key West to Saratoga Springs, and then on to Downtown Disney.
Q. What about monorail service to SSR?
A. The Public Offering Statement for SSR indicates that WDW reserves the right to extend the monorail to / through SSR. SSR would be a logical place for track supports if the monorail were ever to be extended to Downtown Disney between the resorts opening and 2054. Some would argue that the extension of the monorail through SSR would create visual and auditory disturbances, which is why the possibility for such further development is stated up-front.
At this time there are no current or long-term plans to extend monorail service to SSR or Downtown Disney.
Q. How far away is Downtown Disney from SSR?
A. A walking path is being constructed which will lead from SSR to the Marketplace side of DD. The walk is likely to take 5-10 minutes, depending upon the starting point at SSR.
Q. With SSR being so close to Downtown Disney, is there any concern regarding the noise that will carry across the lake to the resort?
A. During construction, sound engineers were employed to evaluate the noise levels emanating from DD, and special construction materials have been used to help eliminate any unwanted disturbances.
Only buildings 1-4 are located near the riverside. Buildings 5-12 are tentatively scheduled to open in 2005, and should experience no disturbances from DD. It is concivable that guests may be able to specify one of these two distinct regions at the time of reservation (similar to the Boardwalk / Non-Boardwalk distinction currently offered when reserving BWV).
Q. How many resort rooms will be available at SSR?
A. When fully developed, SSR will consist of 12 individual buildings. Each building will feature (2) Three-Bedroom Grand Villas, (20) Dedicated Two-Bedroom units and (24) Two-Bedroom lock-offs, each of which can be rented as a two-bedroom unit or split into a One-Bedroom unit and a Studio. Each building will therefore house between 46 and 70 units, depending upon the manner in which the lock-offs are reserved.
When fully developed, the 12 SSR buildings will encompass 552 to 840 units.
Q. What is the development schedule for the resort?
A. By the official opening day of the resort one guest building will be complete, as well as all of the resort amenities (pool, spa, registration, etc.) An additional three buildings will then open, one per month (projected to be June, July and August 04).
The second phase of development, which includes eight additional buildings, is tentatively set to open, one building per month, beginning in January 2005.
Follow this link to see a scan of the resort map. The four buildings that are included in the initial development are displayed near the bottom of the image:
http://disneydoc.homestead.com/SSRmap.html
Q. What room types will be available at SSR?
A. Studio: 355 Square Feet featuring kitchenette with microwave oven, under-counter refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker. One queen-size bed, double-size sleeper sofa, TV and private porch or balcony. Accommodates 4 adults.
One Bedroom Vacation Home: 714 Square Feet featuring a master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub. Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room, TV/DVD, fully equipped kitchen, stacked washer/dryer and private porch or balcony. Accommodates 4 adults.
Two Bedroom Vacation Home: 1075 Square Feet featuring a master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub. Separate bedroom with two queen-size beds and a private bath. Queen-size sleeper sofa in living room, TV/DVD, fully equipped kitchen, stacked washer/dryer and private porch or balcony. Accommodates 8 adults.
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa: 2113 Square Feet. First level features a master suite with king-size bed and whirlpool tub, living room with queen-size sleeper sofa, TV/DVD, dining room, fully equipped kitchen and stacked washer/dryer. Second level features two additional bedrooms, with two queen-size beds and private bath in each. Private balcony located on each level. Accommodates 12 adults.
Q. How many and what type of beds are provided in a Two-Bedroom Villa?
A. There are two types of Two-Bedroom units--dedicated 2Bs and "lockoffs." A dedicated 2B is just that--it exists only as a Two-Bedroom resort room. However the lockoffs can be booked either as a Two-Bedroom unit, or a door can be closed in the middle of the unit which creates a separate One-Bedroom Villa and a Studio Villa.
Both the dedicated and lockoff 2Bs will have a king sized bed in the main bedroom and a sleeper sofa in the living room. However, the dedicated 2Bs will have two queen beds in the second bedroom. Lockoffs will have ONE queen bed and another sleeper sofa in the second bedroom.
A dedicated vs. lockoff room is assigned to the guest at the time of reservation. If you have a strong preference for either type of room, make sure that deisre is communicated to DVC at the time of the booking.
Q. Will all rooms in Buildings 1-4 have a view of Downtown Disney?
A. The vast majority of the rooms will face DD to some degree. Most areas of the buildings are constructed one room deep. However, due to the positioning of the units, there will inevitably be some guest rooms, mostly on the end of the building, which will face in toward the resort pool rather than in the direction of Downtown Disney.
Some DVC members have reported that they were asked whether they would prefer a "Downtown Disney view" or "Main Pool view" when making their reservation. While these room classes do not appear to have been formally segregated (as is the case with the BWV "Boardwalk View"), guests with a strong preference for either view should make sure the request is noted on their reservation.
Q. Are there any photos of the rooms available?
A. DVC has model rooms in its sales center near the Boardwalk Villas. Photos of the model rooms can be found here:
http://disneydoc.homestead.com/SSRModels.html
Q. Can I tour the model rooms while at WDW?
A. Yes. Contact DVC at 800-633-5139 to arrange a private tour of the model rooms. Until the opening of SSR, the sales center on the Boardwalk will be offering tours of the model guest room. However, shortly after the formal opening of SSR, the sales center will be moving to Saratoga Springs.
Q. Do I need to be at WDW in order to get information on DVC or purchase an ownership interest?
A. Not necessarily. As a timeshare, DVC must obtain permission from each state in order to sell ownership in SSR via the phone/mail. Contact DVC at 800-633-5139 to find out if they are approved to sell in your state.
Q. What is the design theme of the resort?
A. The resort is based upon the city of Saratoga Springs in Upstate New York. Its unofficial theme is Health, History, Horses. As stated in the DVC sales material: from its colorful Victorian architecture to the historic influence of horse racing, this idyllic lakeside community recaptures the heyday of Upstate New York country retreats in the late 1800s. Imagination flows through this newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club, where family and friends gather together amidst rolling hills, fragrant gardens, graceful promenades and gurgling springs to relax, reconnect and rejuvenate the spirit.
Q. What sort of pool will be constructed at SSR?
A. There will be three pools: two quiet pools near the resort buildings and High Rock Spring located near the spa / check-in buildings. High Rock Spring features a 104-foot long slide that winds through rockwork and under a bridge before emptying into the main pool.
The pool itself is approximately 6,400 square feet, and its depth ranges from 0 (zero-entry) to 411. The HRS area will also feature (2) whirlpool spas, a 300 sq ft childrens play area and the On the Rocks pool bar.
Q. Will pool hopping be permitted at High Rock Spring?
A. To date there has been no formal announcement indicating that pool hopping to High Rock Spring would be prohibited.
Q. What other recreation options are offered at SSR?
A. The Public Offering Statement lists two tennis courts, one basketball (half) court and one shuffleboard court. The resort will also offer bicycle rental, an arcade and a Community Hall. No information is available regarding watersports offerings at the resort.
Q. The resort map displays a Fireworks Viewing Platform along the water facing Downtown Disney. What is that?
A. The Pleasure Island region of DD currently celebrates the New Year on a nightly basis with a brief fireworks display. In building this viewing platform, many believe that Pleasure Island may expand and enhance its fireworks display. No confirmed details to this effect have been released by WDW or DVC.
Q. What dining options will be available at SSR?
A. SSRs food court has been dubbed The Artists Palette (which should not be confused with Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge.) The Artists Palette will feature four separate service areas offering convenience store-type items (milk, frozen pizza), fresh baked goods (muffins, pasteries), entrees (meat loaf, lasagna) and oven-baked cuisine (calzones, focaccia).
Q. Is table service available at The Artists Palette?
A. No. Items will be served cafeteria-style. There will be indoor seating for 124 diners, and items can also be taken back to resort rooms.
For those interested in table-service dining, the many restaurants at Downtown Disney are just a short walk or ride away.
Q. Will Priority Seating be offered at The Artist's Palette?
A. No. Priority Seating is not offered at counter service dining establishments at WDW. Tables in the food court will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q. Will room service be available at SSR?
A. According to DVC, yes, room service will be available. No other details have been provided.
Q. What meals will be offered at The Artists Palette?
A. The Artists Palette will have an all-day dining program which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items offered at the appropriate times of day.
Q. What details are available regarding the spa at SSR?
A. A full range of spa services will be offered at the spa location that was previously part of the Disney Institute. The spa is scheduled to re-open with the rest of the resort in May 2004. DVC members are eligible for a 20-30% discount on spa services.
When operating as part of the Disney Institute, the spa was named one of the top five Destination Spas in North America and the Caribbean by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
Q. Are there any details available on the resort lobby features and design?
A. The lobby will be octagonal-shaped with wood floors. In the center, there's going to be what some call a 'rounder' (high-backed round seat.) On its center will sit a hand-carved horse, similar to the one found at the Congress Park carousel in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The lobby will also feature a children's area with a television housed in a Victorian armoire. There is a wall of windows that looks out to the walkway leading to the pool area.
The Turf Club includes a bar with wood finishes and granite tops, tables for playing games (checkers, backgammon), a seating area with two couches and two chairs framed around an armoire holding a large-screen TV, and a pool table with surrounding high tables with stools and a nice armoire that serves as storage for the pool cues and balls.
Q. Will the cinema from the Disney Institute remain a part of SSR?
A. Yes. The building that housed the DI Cinema is part of SSR and has been refurbished. In past years, the DI Cinema has hosted events such as celebrity guest speakers and classic Disney film presentations. At this point it is unclear as to how SSR may utilize the cinema.
