Saratoga Springs-first timer comments

[Uncleromulus]

WE always stay at OKW, but this time stayed at Saratoga Springs. A few comments:
Not crowded at all!! We had a Grand Villa in the Paddock and for a time, were the ONLY group at the Paddock. We were right next to the quiet pool and the bus stop--very convenient. MRs U used the exercise room and liked it a lot--far superior to what's at OKW.

The motion sensor thermostats would have been a major problem--but thanks to the DVC boards I knew how to by-pass the sensor and we had cool sleeping the entire 7 days.

The Pool Bar is excellent. They could use more umbrellas for shade at the pool. I can see when the resort IS crowded that the pool may just be too small for a large crowd.
Breakfast at Artist Palette was quite good, tho the ordering process (when there are a lot of people there) is a bit cumbersome.

I liked the Saratoga Lager beer!! Looked in on the Turf Club one afternoon-looked nice, but nobody eating. Would have tried it for dinner but we had ADR's already set for other spots.

Staff (with the exception of one particular security guard at the gate) were very friendly.
Question--I forgot to look, but does anyone happen to know what brand/style (ie Firm, etc) mattress they have on the beds?? VERY comfortable sleeping!!

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

Thanks for sharing. ALthough OKW is our favorite, we like SSR also.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Uncleromulus: Thanks for the post. We will be going home in July 2007. I do have a question. Were is the post about the motion sensor thermostats?
I to would love to know about that. I agree with you there will be a problem if they do not go on durring the night becasue of no motion.

Thanks

 

[Fitswimmer]

I'm counting down the days til my first visit home on Nov 26! I've stayed at OKW, HHI and VB and loved all of them. I'm sure I'll love SSR too.

I'm interested in the motion sensor thermostats too. I like it COOL at night.

 

[DVC Grammy]

Thanks for the report. We're coming "home" for our first visit there in 3 weeks and are really looking forward to it!
I also would like to hear about the motion sensors. I never heard of them before and have no idea "who, what, when, where and why" they matter.
Please, please explain.
Thanks in advance.

SSR 10/17-10/20
BWV 10/20-10/27

 

[Lexxiefern]

Glad you had a great trip!

 

[Uncleromulus]

There are a couple of "motion sensor" threads on this board--. Here's one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1136320&referrerid=&highlight=Thermostat

Meanwhile--the thermostats (at least MOST of the thermostats) at SSR do operate via a motion sensor. Which means that in the middle of the nite when all are in slumberland, the AC dosen't run. It then gets so warm that someone has to get out of bed and walk in front of the sensor.
The sensor by-pass for our kind of thermostat was simple--I just pressed the "off" button and both the temperature "up/down" buttons all at the same time. "BP' appears in the thermostat, and then it operates as most other themostats in most other hotels in the US
The by-pass lasted all week and I didn't need to do it again..

 

[DVC Grammy]

There are a couple of "motion sensor" threads on this board--. Here's one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1136320&referrerid=&highlight=Thermostat

Meanwhile--the thermostats (at least MOST of the thermostats) at SSR do operate via a motion sensor. Which means that in the middle of the nite when all are in slumberland, the AC dosen't run. It then gets so warm that someone has to get out of bed and walk in front of the sensor.
The sensor by-pass for our kind of thermostat was simple--I just pressed the "off" button and both the temperature "up/down" buttons all at the same time. "BP' appears in the thermostat, and then it operates as most other themostats in most other hotels in the US
The by-pass lasted all week and I didn't need to do it again..

Thank you so much for the info!
One more question............is SSR the only DVC with motion sensors? Advance thanks.

 

[Florida Princess]

Thanks for your review. We too had our first stay at Saratoga Springs last week. We were in the Springs section--- 2 bedroom---3rd floor---3827.
This section seemed very quiet while were were there--in fact a film crew was across the way filming for 2 days. The Staff went above and beyond--extremely friendly and helpful during our stay.
We dined at the Turf Club---my Husband and Uncle played pool prior to Dinner while the Ladies enjoyed an pre-Dinner cocktail. We had the Blue cheese topped Sirlon steak and the BBQ ribs. We enjoyed our dinner, the service and good conversation. There were only 2 other tables in the Club during our entire Dinner stay.
We also tried the Artists Palette late one evening. My Husband had the Pepperoni Flatbread and I had the House salad. We had them packed to go (Monday night Football watching) and really enjoyed both selections.
Enjoyed the pool only one evening-----mostly park hopping and shopping this trip!
All in all---we had a GREAT time and will be back to SSR to relax and enjoy the amentities.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Thanks for the terrific reviews Uncleromulus and Florida Princess. Our first trip "home" starts december 2nd and we are counting the days. You all make SSR sound so wonderful. Especially after reading so many negatives when we first bought there. I just know we are going to love it too.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

There are a couple of "motion sensor" threads on this board--. Here's one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1136320&referrerid=&highlight=Thermostat

Meanwhile--the thermostats (at least MOST of the thermostats) at SSR do operate via a motion sensor. Which means that in the middle of the nite when all are in slumberland, the AC dosen't run. It then gets so warm that someone has to get out of bed and walk in front of the sensor.
The sensor by-pass for our kind of thermostat was simple--I just pressed the "off" button and both the temperature "up/down" buttons all at the same time. "BP' appears in the thermostat, and then it operates as most other themostats in most other hotels in the US
The by-pass lasted all week and I didn't need to do it again..

thank you so much for the info.

 

[bsusanmb]

Thanks for the reviews! Arriving Sept 30 for my first stay at SSR, one of my home resorts. We are having a grand gathering of 13, with two 2 bedroom villas and one studio. I am so excited!

 

[carol1231]

Question--I forgot to look, but does anyone happen to know what brand/style (ie Firm, etc) mattress they have on the beds?? VERY comfortable sleeping!!

We'll be there in 10 days - if someone doesn't get you the information before that, I'll be happy to report while I'm there. I'm assuming I can just look on the mattress?

 

[Sammie]

the Beds are Sealy 720 Ultra Plush. They are a hotel grade, so not sure you get the exact same thing. I know some Ritz-Carlton's use them also and Four Seasons.

Here is a link with some info about them.

http://www.innstyle.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=615

 

[Uncleromulus]

Florida Princess:
We saw that same crew filming at the pool. The CM said it was for the Spanish language DVC channel (for the Disney TV that they broadcast to the rooms).
DVC Grammy:
I recall reading that some OKW units once had them, but they were forced to remove them after folks started to complain.

 

[jenavive]

What a wonderful review. Thanks for the info. I have only stayed at SSR once and had a wonderful experience there as well. Always good to hear that others have the same type of experience!!!!

 

[missymagic]

We will be heading home Dec 8th also!!! Under 3 months to go can't wait!!!!

 

[Dennyha]

We also stayed here for our first time this past weekend. We loved it. We were in the Congress Park section. It was less than a 5 minute walk to the Rock Springs Pool (which we loved), and less than an 8 minute walk to DTD. DW and I had a late night stroll back from DTD, along the water's edge, which was magical. The bus service, as soon as we figured it out, works well. Our waits here were shorter than we've ever experienced at another DVC.

This is a great resort.

 

[Ms. WDW]

the Beds are Sealy 720 Ultra Plush.

And those beds are the best!! That's the first thing DH and I noticed during our July stay there.

Hi Sammie! How are you? Probably like me; planning your next SSR trip!

 

[K9pal]

We think the beds are great, but the pillows are really thick and by the end of the week I had a stiff neck (we usually sleep on contoured memory foam pillows at home). We've stayed at SSR 3 times now, and we LOVE it. We've stayed at Congress Park every time, and love it because of the nice stroll to DTD. Saw lots of wildlife too - herons, ducks, rabbits, TONS of lizards, turtles and even a kitten!
If you like coffee (as we do!) be sure to bring your own and also the basket filters. We forgot filters this time, but the Artist Pallette sells them. Ate more often than we planned at AP also, and it was very good. Always got it packed to go so we could go back amd relax in the room while eating. Staff are great! Naomi at the front desk is the BEST!