Saratoga Springs I don't get it?

[Desperado]

Originally posted by LIFERBABE
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.

Sounds interesting. What kinds of improvements are those?

Great point about the nice views.

 

[WDWLVR]

I haven't stayed at SSR yet but did tour it during Member Homecoming and we stayed and had lunch at Artists Palette.

I thought the room decor was lovely and very upscale. I didn't mind the hallways at all. Liferbabe is right - it was hot during Member Homecoming and I thought the hallways were bright, airy and definately cooler than out in the sun.

The pool area seemed very nice and large enough to accomodate the resort even when filled. There is also the second pool which was a fairly good size as well.

Our lunch at Artist Palette was very enjoyable and resonably priced. There were daily specials that some enjoyed while others went for the sandwhiches etc. I can't see eating their every day, but then I don't do that on any Disney trip. We stayed at OKW this time and only ate at Olivia's once.

The variety is what makes DVC great. I still love my Boardwalk home best, but we've tried VWL and OKW. I'm sure we'll try SSR at some point in the future as well.

 

[mrsminniemouse]

Liferbabe,
You said you can refill your mugs yourself at the main pool. Where do you do this?

Thanks,
Mandy

 

[colleen costello]

This is all very interesting. We visited the resort on a sweltering day when it was too hot to really do much. Visited the cool "inside" of check-in and food areas and thought it was lovely. CLEARLY this place is a "work in progress" and was quite empty when we were there. CM's talked to us about a sit-down restaurant and theater in the future. Clearly there is more to come!

What I am curious about is the points. I love OKW, and one of the extras about staying there is the great points-schedule. I wonder what you all think about the "rates" at Saratoga? The rooms are smaller than those at OKW, yet the "location" is supposedly better (if you frequent DD). So why the higher points if those two "cancel each other out?" I guess no DVC will ever have points as low as OKW again, but Saratoga is a nice additional option with reasonable rates. For new members, their points will stretch farther!

 

[LIFERBABE]

You said you can refill your mugs yourself at the main pool. Where do you do this?

Hi Mandy,

There is a drink station window right next to the pool bar window (on the left side). It is shuttered so Im not sure what time it opens or closes but it is there.

Also the pool restrooms are on the right of the pool bar, underneath the walkway and right behind the bike rentals. The laundry is a couple of more doors down on the same side of the building.

As far as the rates, Im sure if they could, DVC would raise the rates at OKW. The weekend rates at OKW are very comparable to all other DVC's weekend rates. The advantage is during the weekdays. Although higher overall, SSR's "rates" don't triple like OKW's on the weekends.

I am very impressed with OKW and bought points there, but with 2 boys, I really like the location and activities of SSR. We will stay at all 3 of our homes for different reasons.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by colleen costello
I guess no DVC will ever have points as low as OKW again, but Saratoga is a nice additional option with reasonable rates.

I think you answered your own question there. They had to make the points a bit lower than BCV/BWV/VWL, but there is no way the logic was going to follow-through to anything on par with OKW.

 

[mickeys#1fan]

My family and I were in the Disney area for the AAU girls' basketball championship last week. I had some time kill, so I went to SSR for a look. I agree about the bare cement corridors. While I have no complaint about the OKW style design, I agree the hallways really don't do much for the ambience of the place. The decor is stunning, and they've finally dumped those small, hard, scratchy sofas that they have in the other resorts.

I like the pool. The slide looks fun, and the whole area doesn't look any smaller than say, the VWL pool.

I agree on Artist's Palette. Much too small for the resort, not enough variety, and it just doesn't match the upscale atmosphere of the resort. I'd like to see a fine dining restaurant added to it.

 

[JimC]

Originally posted by chainkid
SSR -- ...We had intended on eating lunch at this resort but after seeing the food court area we left. Not nearly enough selections for me and it seems awfully small for the size of the finished resort. We headed over to Olivia's at OKW for another great lunch. This in my opinion is what this resort needs ...a friendly full service restaurant. Its too far to walk to downtown disney for lunch in the heat and a real hassel to drive everytime you want to go anywhere...

The old DI had a first rate sit down restaurant that did not survive the renovation. I believe they want you to go to DD to dine, thus the very limited dining at SSR.

Got to agree that Olivia's does a great relaxing lunch. Love the hamburgers there!