Saratoga Springs must Do's?

[Sammie]

To me SSR is exactly what Disney named it, a Spa resort. It is relaxing, it is visually appealing, it is is quiet, it even smells like a spa.

There is plenty to do if you wish to, but there is also plenty of peace and quiet and after a busy day at the parks it is exactly what we love.

There is the Community Center, activities for kids at the pools, golf, biking, baskeball and tennis courts, playgrounds, 4 swimming pools, billards, and the spa walking distance to Downtown Disney which gives you many additional options for things to do.

 

[Glamis]

We have been to Disney many times but are staying at Saratoga springs for the first time this October. Any must Do's at SS?

Budget an extra 30 minutes every time you have to wait on a bus. The bus wait times are absolutely insane at SSR.

SSR is my home base and I try to never stay there. The facilities are nice, but the buses and the enormous size of the place are a downer.

 

[Tigger031266]

Just back from SSR.

I suggest taking the boat from SSR to OKW or DTD to OKW at night. It is a great ride and you get a great view of the tree houses. At night they look the most impressive.

Pool and drinks at night outside of Turf club.

 

[Iggipolka]

I'm so glad to find this thread! We own at AKV & VGC, but I'm staying at SSR in June on a spur of the moment type of trip. I couldn't get a studio anywhere else on Disney Property. I have been a bit disgruntled about staying at SSR because it seems to far away from everything and the size of the resort is huge.
I'm glad to hear some positive things about it.

I am wondering if it would be worth renting a car to drive to the parks and around the resort. I have had one very negative bus experience at SSR while visiting the spa there last year. I had to wait over 90 minutes for a MK bus. That was totally ridiculous.

Also, is there a specific building that I could request (knowing that a request is just that, a request) that would be closer to the main pool and hall?

Thanks!

 

[Glamis]

Also, is there a specific building that I could request (knowing that a request is just that, a request) that would be closer to the main pool and hall?

You can try, but you have poor odds of getting it. 90% of the buildings are SUPER far from the main pool/hall.

As for renting a car, that's a good idea. As I mentioned the bus waits at SSR are monstrous. The last time I stayed there 45+ minute waits for buses in the late morning and early afternoon were common, and 1+ hour at night. Since then they added a few more buildings to SSR and opened the tree house villas. I shudder at what the wait times must be.

 

[polyhm83]

Both the springs and the grandstand are very close to main pool area. We prefer the grandstand as it has a great pool as well and is the first bus stop.

 

[RDP]

has anyone recently come back from SSR? What was your 'bus wait' experience? any major problems? Any new observations about the resort?

 

[a742246]

A must is sitting in the hot tub overlooking DTD in Congress Park at night.

A walk around the grounds at sunrise.

A stroll to DTD at night, catching a drink at House of Blues while listening
to a solo artist play in their outdoor seating area.

A workout at the fitness center (great fitness center).

This is my favorite resort when I am not going to the theme parks.

If it rains catching a movie in DTD.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Enjoy the rocking chairs over in Congress Park along the waterfront with excellent views of DTD and the boat traffic. Very relaxing. And they're not far from the kid's playarea and quiet pool too - you could enjoy all three things.

And we love the Rocking Chairs just outside of the Artist's Palette. They, too, offer interesting views of those on vacation, those in a hurry to do something, those lost, and those going home.

Spend a little time rocking your cares away . . . . that's what a resort is all about!

 

[rentayenta]

I think of SSR as more of a "Country Club" resort. It is really elegant and visually pleasing and I love the sounds of the fountains all over the resort

This is the best description yet! DH loves SSR for this reason. It's got subtle Disney touches but it's a nice resort- relaxing and well maintained. I have a friend who hates SSR, like really hates, and I cannot understand why.

 

[supersuperwendy]

My biggest tip is enjoy the peacefulness of SSR! We were there last summer and fell in love with it. My kids also loved the community hall. We spent most nights at High Rock Springs and loved it.

 

[Candy Orlando]

We decided to buy DVC pts at the country club style resorts of OKW and SSR because we wanted to feel like we where in our own home. When you own a vacation home there is a lot of work to maintain it. Disney takes care of everything so we have peace of mind. OKW and SSR are the best of both worlds. Each resort has it's own theme, which makes them unique. SSR has a very elegant decor, OKW has a casual decor.