Saratoga Springs I don't get it?

[beccasmom]

I haven't posted for awhile - it's been a wild and crazy few months! OKW is our home resort of 12 years and we adore it. But we do like to venture out and spend a few nights at new DVC resorts. For that reason, I am happy to see comments pro and con regarding SSR. It helps to keep the lid on unrealistic expectations. The rest of my family will be visiting for two weeks beginning in late July and will be staying the first week at OKW. When I join them the second week, we will be staying at SSR for one night in a studio and the rest of the week in a two bedroom. While I am sad that I will not be staying at OKW this year (I will visit Olivia’s, though!), I am looking forward to seeing the new resort.

The pool area looks interesting and the landscaping looks terrific in the photos I’ve seen. I am concerned about comments I’ve seen regarding long walks to the Marketplace…..in August that will not be fun! (Going in August was not my idea! ) I’m sure I’ve missed this, but how many buildings are now open (4?) and what are the views like? We’ve always been able to snag a water view at OKW and would love one here, but I’m not hopeful this time.

 

[mb168]

It would seem hard to me to complain about the corridors due to heat since you can pull up pretty close to where each room is at least close to the building. Its a heck of a walk from BWV and VWL from the parking lot to the villas and its just as hot there in June as it is at SSR. I'd be willing to bet the distance from where you park at VWL to the closest air conditioning is further than you would walk to from car to room at SSR and then you'll be in your room, not just the lobby. Of course, SSR lobby doesn't hold a candle to WL,

 

[princess&tig]

I am with you. I agree. I wrote the same about 2 weeks ago and was beaten up pretty badly on this board.

People are punished badly if you do not agee with everyone else.

I think the size of the hotel makes transportation critical. It is a really long walk to DTD and with one boat dock not that close to everyone, it seems like a mess.

I like the buildings. I think they are beautiful. I think the advantage in SSR and OKW is that you can park next to your room. The BWV have those nasty long hallways. So there advantages is the SSR design. To me it is a shorter walk.

My hope is that SSR will improve transportation in the future. Even if you can get to DTD quickly, I hope they put in a full service hotel. The place is going to increase 5x in people (I think). I really don't think Artist pallet will be able to handle the volume.

I am sure SSR will be a success, but if I was staying there before the hopeful improvements, I would not have been happy at all.

 

[Doug7856]

We just got back from our first DVC trip (I'll post a trip report later). We visited SSR and used the wonderful pool. I've read many of the posts both positive and negative and while I had my concerns, I have to say we loved our visit to SSR and can't wait to stay there in December.

I was concerned that the pool was too small for such a large resort, but I compared the capacity size of the OKW pool and SSR and guess what: the capacity at SSR is 100 people and at OKW it is 102! Both are large resorts (or will be) and both have a similar sized pool. We loved the pool at SSR and consider to be one the top Disney on site pools we've visited (we’ve never been to SAB!).

With regard to the outside halls, I too was anxious, but I agree with previous posts that this is probably to keep fees down as the A/C bill and other maintenance fees should be considerably lower. A trade off we are willing to make since we really don’t spend much time in the hall anyway!

We were VERY disappointed in the Artists Palate. There was very little selection and we would have a hard time finding something for our two year old to eat. We just picked up a few snack items but I don't think we'll be eating there very often if ever. This is an area I feel DVC needs to address. There appears to be many buildings with room for expansion and I suspect they will fine tune this feature – especially if they get feedback from members.

I don’t think the OP was overly negative, just have an honest assessment (I won’t say the same for the Allearsnet review – the reviewer seemed more concerned about the loss of the Disney Institute than in reviewing a new resort still under construction). Thanks chainkid for giving your views as it helps all of us in our decision making process. We all have a great deal of money “invested” in DVC and I guess we don’t like to read negative comments about our “home”!

 

[JLS]

I agree with the OP. I was extremely disappointed with the fact that the small Artist Pallete is the only food option right now at Saratoga. DVC sells the concept of "luxury" resorts - but one of the things that sets apart all of Disney's luxury resorts from the moderates and deluxes is the presence of nice sit-down restaurant rather than a food court.

My other feeling, expressed by some posters here, was that you would almost need to drive from the lake-side villas to the main pool area or artist palette, which I would not want to have to do, esp. with young children. It is much nicer to make the long walk at places like Beach Club Villas in the air conditioned hallways than to have to hike it through the parking lots up to the main pool.

We will definitely tour SSR again when it is finished to give it another chance, though. Our friends are staying there now using points they rented from us, and we hear that they really like it, so that makes me very happy to hear.

--Jenn

 

[crisi]

Originally posted by mb168
It would seem hard to me to complain about the corridors due to heat since you can pull up pretty close to where each room is at least close to the building. Its a heck of a walk from BWV and VWL from the parking lot to the villas and its just as hot there in June as it is at SSR. I'd be willing to bet the distance from where you park at VWL to the closest air conditioning is further than you would walk to from car to room at SSR and then you'll be in your room, not just the lobby. Of course, SSR lobby doesn't hold a candle to WL,

I suppose it depends on the day and the breeze. I haven't been to SSR, but from the photos, those corridors could really hold heat if the breeze didn't hit them the right direction. On the other hand, they seem fairly shaded. Did they put in fans to move the air? That would help. Since we valet at WL and BWV when we bother with a car, the parking lot doesn't seem far at all!

I'm sure the exterior halls will keep maintenance fees down. I'd rather pay a few pennies more per point and have interior halls.

SSR, OKW and BWV have one thing in common I don't like - if its raining, you need to go outside to get food (or order room service).

 

[Cris]

I guess I just think logically; considering that the resort only has what 140 units open (sorry cannot remember) there really is not a demand for the Artist Pallet, the whole resort is pretty dead at this point. Until the resort is fully open I don't see a reason for more selection until there is more demand.

 

[Geoff_M]

We were there two weeks ago and drove over to to a walk-thru of the model units. The units themselves were very beautiful. Especially the Grand Villa... WOW! But my wife and I commented on the corridors as we walked to the open house units. I agree that it they felt really "odd". But I wouldn't let something like that ruin the resort for you.

 

[wdw4us2]

We visited the resort 3 weeks ago during our stay at OKW. I agree with the comments regarding the hallways in the buildings. We were there in mid-afternoon and it was very muggy in the hallways. What was even worse was the elevator. Since there are outdoor corridors, there is no A/C in the elevator.

I also felt the rooms were very nicely done. The furninshing are nice as well as the accents.

I believe that if I visited in November, my opinion would be different regarding the hallways. However, for those who visit during the Summer months, I think this could be a problem.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by mrsminniemouse
I think it is rather arrogant of you to say you think DVC should listen to your comments about SSR. From what I can tell you haven't actually stayed there so I guess your critical comments would be of little interest to DVC.
Mandy

Sorry, but this type of tone and name calling over some reasonable observations seems totally uncalled for.

I appreciate the observations of SSR, and look forward to visiting it myself to see it.

I don’t think you were bashing SSR in any way

Although this forum has certainly seen too much bashing and picking on particular resorts, I didn't interpret the observations as bashing either.

Originally posted by JLS
I agree with the OP. I was extremely disappointed with the fact that the small Artist Pallete is the only food option right now at Saratoga. DVC sells the concept of "luxury" resorts - but one of the things that sets apart all of Disney's luxury resorts from the moderates and deluxes is the presence of nice sit-down restaurant rather than a food court.

My other feeling, expressed by some posters here, was that you would almost need to drive from the lake-side villas to the main pool area or artist palette, which I would not want to have to do, esp. with young children. It is much nicer to make the long walk at places like Beach Club Villas in the air conditioned hallways than to have to hike it through the parking lots up to the main pool.
--Jenn

Interesting observations, I haven't heard these before. Thanks for sharing.

 

[offtheice]

Originally posted by LIFERBABE
The corridors are painted (floors included) and well lit with sconces and hanging lights.

Personally I thought they were well done.

Have to agree. Took a look last week when I was down there. Only problem, location..

 

[sgtpet]

I looked at SSR on my trip a month ago and felt it to be just ok. Of course it is hard to judge since it is under construction for the most part. I felt the theme pool will be too small when SSR is complete.

The interiors are fantastic.

Enjoy it, each DVC has its positives and negatives.

 

[disneycrazed139]

I felt the theme pool will be too small when SSR is complete.

We just returned from SSR. The themed pool is much larger than it looks in photos. Did you actually see the pool? I would say it is similar in size to Luna Park at BWV. You may be right in that once the resort is complete, it may have an occupancy problem but maybe not.

There are about 140 units open now, and the there was absolutely NO crowd at the themed pool. Even if we quadruple the amount of people that were there, there would still be plenty of room. There is also lots of empty space at the themed area that could accomodate more tables and chairs if necessary. I would actually say that the quiet pool was more crowded. The view of Downtown Disney and the landscaping around it make it a very good alternative to the themed pool.

 

[disneycrazed139]

I guess I just think logically; considering that the resort only has what 140 units open (sorry cannot remember) there really is not a demand for the Artist Pallet, the whole resort is pretty dead at this point. Until the resort is fully open I don't see a reason for more selection until there is more demand.

Exactly! There were a whopping total of maybe 2 people at Artist Palette when we were there. The resort is still under construction with only a couple of buildings open. I'd check back and see what Artist Palette has in about 6 months. It was the same way with the buses--we had them entirely to ourselves on more than one occassion.

Also, I would keep in mind that SSR is probably selling to a lot of the traffic at DTD--Disney visitors who are familiar with the dining options at Marketplace or West Side and enjoy being there. I personally love the idea of going over to DTD for dining because that's where we are every night anyway, and there are so many good choices there (with a DVC discount for most of them). The DTD area is selling SSR and vice-versa. If DTD isn't your thing, the resort might not be either.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by WorknFires
Besides OKW, I have also purchased points at SSR sight unseen. I had a chance to tour SSR when I went down for a weekend trip in May, and at 1st, I have to say I really was doubting my decision. I didn't care for the "look" of the bldgs. All the colors and such wasn't asthetically pleasing you might say. Although I can't remember the corridors being attention grabbing for the good or the bad of them. And regardless of who/whom (can't remember that rule, sorry) I asked, I always got the same answer. They don't want to put in a "full service/sit down" restaurant because they want to encourage people to eat at DD. That is the part I like the VERY least! I'm lazy and I'm not going to walk that far. But once I saw the rooms...... WOW, I was very happy. So maybe I'll have to close my eyes until I get into my room but once I get there, I'll be a happy camper. Now... if we could just do something about that food situation. LOL

I completely agree with the food situation. A resort needs a restaurant but I am sure they will add one in the future...well I hope.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

Originally posted by JLS
I agree with the OP. I was extremely disappointed with the fact that the small Artist Pallete is the only food option right now at Saratoga. DVC sells the concept of "luxury" resorts - but one of the things that sets apart all of Disney's luxury resorts from the moderates and deluxes is the presence of nice sit-down restaurant rather than a food court.

My other feeling, expressed by some posters here, was that you would almost need to drive from the lake-side villas to the main pool area or artist palette, which I would not want to have to do, esp. with young children. It is much nicer to make the long walk at places like Beach Club Villas in the air conditioned hallways than to have to hike it through the parking lots up to the main pool.

We will definitely tour SSR again when it is finished to give it another chance, though. Our friends are staying there now using points they rented from us, and we hear that they really like it, so that makes me very happy to hear.

--Jenn

You would think they WOULD HAVE TO put a fine dining restaurant there because to call it "resort and Spa" people will expect it. DVCers will know what it is there but people staying cash and or through trade will see SPA and expect more than a glorified food court to accompany it IMO.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by 3DisneyNUTS
You would think they WOULD HAVE TO put a fine dining restaurant there because to call it "resort and Spa" people will expect it. DVCers will know what it is there but people staying cash and or through trade will see SPA and expect more than a glorified food court to accompany it IMO.

Maybe its intended to be more towards a moderate level resort, not completely moderate level, but more in that direction, and the somewhat lower point requirements compared to other recently built resorts are part of the comparison. Do any of the other deluxe resorts have food courts? I'm sure its still a very nice resort, and SSR owners can be laughing at the rest of us in 2042.

 

[LIFERBABE]

The entry halls (corridors make them sound so prison like LOL) are well ventilated with large oval windows. It was very hot during MH (ask anyone who went to the opening day events) and I would say that they are definitely cooler than being outside. Each building is only 4 floors, and the elevators move fairly quickly so it's not like you are in the towering inferno! LOL

One thing I will keep emphasizing about SSR are the views! I dont plan on spending nearly as much time on the elevators or in the hallways as I do in my Villa out on the Balcony. They did an excellent job of ensuring each unit has a premium view! A view that most would pay extra for, will be standard at SSR.

For those that have never visited this property, I will agree that it is more condo like (which I like) than hotel like. Alot of thought went into the build of this Resort and I could tell the subtle improvements that were made based on alot of what is said about the other DVC's on this board.
No DVC is perfect and each one has its drawbacks as well as many positives. Sometimes these drawbacks are hard to overcome and a member will choose not to stay there.
They tried to address member concerns and since view was always a major issue, they placed that high on the priority list. Long hallways and lack of elevators were another concern. Parking another concern.
There are lots of recreational activities at SSR also. My DH was very impressed with the Tennis courts and basketball court.

We've heard the drawbacks, so I will list my opinion on the positives............

SSR is more bustling than OKW and each bldg has an elevator, shorter halls than BWV and you don't have to vy for a view category at 11 mos, better views than BCV and VWL no parking lots or dumpsters, closer parking than BWV and VWL, self service refillable mugs at the main pool.

Artist Palate's serves family style meals that are packaged and ready to take back to the Villas as well as flatbread pizzas and soups. That is why it is not so large.

I think there was plenty of seating to accomodate the guests. It's not like all 870 units will try to eat or swim at the same time. This doesnt happen at the other resorts so I doubt it will occur at SSR. Olivia's is not that big either and OKW is not small. There's no problem in complaining about the lack of a restaurant at SSR and it definitely would not hurt the property if they put one in.

SSR will be great for ACTIVE Families who enjoy a condo style experience in the heart of it all. (that's mine dont steal it) We plan on being one of those families.

 

[Cris]

I actually think the pool looked smaller than in the pictures.

 

[Beca]

Chainkid....in spite of what a few others on this thread might say, I appreciate your comments and your opinions...and, try as I might...I could not find a SINGLE comment of bashing in your whole report!!!

Please keep posting your opinions...that is why I come here, to read the opinions of others. If I wanted to just know my own opinions, I would sit in my room and talk to my mirror!!!!!



Beca