Saratoga Springs - has anyone actually stayed there yet?

[lillygator]

I am trying to book two seperate trips in December and my alternate offers and upgrade offers keep defaulting to SSR....I am just wondering how it is there....any pics...any thoughts?

 

[Sammie]

Since this is a Disney Vacation Club resort you will get more opinions and photos over on the DVC board. I will warn you before reading them, this seems to be resort that has falling into the love/hate category of visitors. DVC members can be very loyal to their "home" resort and some that have stayed there, that have their "home" at another DVC resort such as the Boardwalk or Beach Club have been critical.

Personally I loved Saratoga and I have stayed at all the DVC resorts many times. We have another stay planned for later this summer.

I loved the decor of the rooms, in my opinion, the most luxurious Disney has put in a DVC resort. I like the outside entrances vs. long interior hallways of the hotel DVC resorts. Some do not like this aspect.

Some do not like the location. Regardless of what some will try to make you believe no resort including the DVC ones is close to everything. Certainly the Epcot resorts are close to Epcot and MGM but not any closer to the Magic Kingdom or AK as other resorts. I like the Downtown Disney location of Saratoga and think the view of DD is very lovely and peaceful.

I really liked the food area at Saratoga and found it a very welcome change from the usual burgers, and chicken tenders found at other resorts. Many do not care for the offerings, each to his own. It truly appealed to everyone in our group including the youngs ones. But then we are huge salad eaters and really liked the flat bread oven baked pizza they offer.

So if you venture over to the DVC board to read the reviews just go with eyes wide open.

If you have any specific questions about the resort I will be glad to try and answer them.

For photos of the resort you can find plenty here under Resort info and also here is a link to the ones offered at Deb Wills site.

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/ssrss.htm

 

[athenna]

I agree w/Sammie/ You will get a lot of opinions on this one. Some people hate the outside hallways, hey, if I can get outdoors and take in the Florida sun sooner, that's a good thing for me!
Some people hate the food options. I'm thrilled to not see the same ol' burgers and fries.
People complain it's not close enough to the parks. Everything is just a bus ride away, and I love the feeling that it is little quiet and ''away from it all''. I love being so close to DTD.

I would also suggest checking out www.barrybedford.com. His photos are updated and very lovely.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

We stayed there last Dec and LOVED it!!! Didn't mind the outside hallways, we actually liked them.

Didn't need to worry about the food, we either at the parks out or cooked in.

Our room was beautiful, the pool was nice, the buses ran often. No complaints here, but I am sure some will come

 

[Michael623]

I have stayed there once and really enjoyed myself. We had a waterfront room facing the Cirque tent. The room was spacious and parking was right outside the door. If I had to levy a complaint it would be that in the studio there is only a double bed and a sofa bed and the double bed seemed really narrow. I also wish there was a sit down rest. but with DTD so close it really wasn't an issue. I'd go for it and let us know what you thought of it. Just be aware that if you really like it it could lead to some thoughts of buying into DVC and then adding on, again and again...

 

[DisneyNutMary]

My family stayed there in April. We neither loved nor hated it. I liked the themeing, the pools, the view, the atmosphere. The bus was quick and convenient.
I didn't like the walk from COngress Park to Artists Palette We bought refillable mugs, but the walk to refill them was inconvenient.
If I stayed there again, I would request the section closest to the Carriage House (The Springs?) And at this point, I would definitely stay there again.
Oh, and don't let the food choices get you down, DTD is just a short walk (or boat or bus ride) away, and the food choices there are unlimited. We ate at DTD almost every night

 

[korzmom]

we stayed there in MAY and what we liked about it was --parking right outside your entrance.. and the bus service was actually better than what we get at BWV... the pool area wasnt crowded and the furnishings are beautiful....saying all that we still like BWV better...but i would definetly stay at SSR again...

 

[bongo59]

we have stayed there 2 times in 05..............nice joint.

 

[DVCconvert]

I'm there now!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Mom & I just got back from SSR 6/19 to 6/23. We didn't like it too much. Does't have too much disney theming to our liking. It still needs major work. Just our opinion!!

Ms. Sparrow aka Allison

 

[tjkraz]

IMO, it's a wonderful resort. Very elegant rooms with high-quality furnishings. The sofabeds are the best you'll find on Disney property. All of the rooms are less than 13 months old--many less than 13 weeks old. So you're practically guaranteed of getting a room in "like-new" condition.

The view of Downtown Disney is second only to a Boardwalk View, IMO. Check out the fireworks at midnight.

Great pool with two slides and a hot springs fountain area for the kids.

The dining options may be a disappointment, but we rarely pay to eat at our resort so it was never a big deal for us. Too many other dining options to try elsewhere. YMMV.

SSR is also home to the Lake Buena Vista golf course clubhouse. Very convenient if you have any golfers in your party. And it has the best Spa / workout facilities on site.

 

[MarylandPirate]

Went in March and the WHOLE family loved SSR. Going again in August, I've been to WDW 20 times and stayed at many of the resorts and they all have their own charm!

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

I think you can't go wrong with any of the DVC resorts.

 

[SaratogaShan]

LOVED this resort....so peaceful and relaxing. My daughter loved the playground and the donald duck water play area. Bus service was great.

 

[Frozenfingers]

We own at BCV and absolutely love it! However, I stayed with some friends at SSR this March, and even though we were not "in the thick of things",I really enjoyed my visit. Last December DW visited the Spa so there was no problem convincing her we should add on.