Saratoga Springs (non DVC guests??)

[NickC]

Just back from a 9 day trip, and starting to plan for next year. We were thinking that it would be nice to stay in the Disney Springs area next year. We like good food and we haven't spent much time exploring the options at DS. We typically stay near Epcot so we can walk to the restaurants for dinner, but we'd like to try something new. SSR seems like a good fit, but everything says that it is for DVC guests. Would I still be able to get a room if I am not a member of DVC? Is there a better Disney hotel that is convenient to DS? We are mostly looking to have dinner, then head back to the resort for the night.
The more we go to Disney, the less planning we do, and the more we are looking for a relaxing vibe. Dinner, a drink and a nightly stroll back to the room is looking very appealing.

I should add, we are two adults, two kids, 11 and 9. Probably going in November during Jersey week.

 

[SharonZ]

Yes, you can still make reservations through Disney without being a DVC member. You can walk to DS, or take a boat from the launch.

 

[Lesley Wake]

You can also consider other DS resorts. Old Key West is on the other side of Disney Springs. It also has boat access and a walking path (though it’s longer than the SSR path). But OKW studios have 2 beds, while SSR has a bed and pull out couch. But both would give you kitchenettes that you could prepare food in.

I personally love the Port Orleans resorts-French Quarter and Riverside. They have boats down the river, and it’s very relaxing. FQ is also nice and compact, so it’s easy to walk to pool or food court.

If you do go with SSR or OKW, I’d recommend renting DVC points. It’d be a lot cheaper than booking direct with Disney! Especially because there are always a lot of points available for rent for SSR, so you can sometimes even get them at a discount. If you do another 9-day trip it may even make a 1 or 2 bedroom more affordable so your family can spread out.

 

[NickC]

Thanks for the input! That is good info. I will look into the Port Orleans. Can I walk to DS from there? It's not really a deal-killer, but I'd prefer to walk. It's so nice to leave Epcot and be at the resort in 5 minutes.

I will definitely look into renting DVC points. Thanks for the tip.

 

[gillep]

Thanks for the input! That is good info. I will look into the Port Orleans. Can I walk to DS from there? It's not really a deal-killer, but I'd prefer to walk. It's so nice to leave Epcot and be at the resort in 5 minutes.

I will definitely look into renting DVC points. Thanks for the tip.

No, you cannot walk from either of the Port Orleans resorts.

 

[NickC]

Ok. Thank you.
I don't know a whole lot about the DVC, but do the rooms have the same Disney feel as the Yacht and Beach Clubs?

 

[DebbieB]

Ok. Thank you.
I don't know a whole lot about the DVC, but do the rooms have the same Disney feel as the Yacht and Beach Clubs?

Except for OKW, DVC studios have a queen bed and a double or queen sofabed. Some have a small murphy bed (SSR & OKW do not). OKW is the only DVC studio with 2 queen beds. All DVC studios have a kitchenette, which includes a microwave, toaster, coffeemaker. DVC rooms tend to not be as "fancy" as Deluxe resorts.

 

[NickC]

Thanks. So, OKW has a few check marks in the plus column...2 beds and walkable to DS (even though it's a bit further than SSR)
I'm not too concerned about "fancy." I just want to it to "feel" like Disney.

 

[Jeff O]

We are non-DVC and have stated at Saratoga several times. It's a beautiful resort, and we also really like the dining options here (both the Artist's Palette & Turf Club). Traveling around this sprawling property is MUCH easier with a car, but there are numerous bus stops throughout the grounds too. We also loved the boat launch and option of walking to Disney Springs. The main pool area is fabulous. It has a water-slide and splash zone for smaller kids. The spa here, as you would expect from the name of the resort, is amazing! You can take a whole day out of your trip just to spend it at the spa! :- D

Jeff
Twitter.com/MouseMadePlace

 

[nkereina]

Its worth noting that OKW and SSR are large, sprawling resorts. They both have internal bus systems and depending on where your building is located, it could be a LONG walk to Disney Springs. At SSR, I believe the Congress Park section is in the preferred booking category, but is the closest to the DS walking path.

Both resorts are beautiful and have the same look and feel (theme aside) as other Disney resorts. The theme is a personal preference. Also, if you go the route of renting DVC points, note that you will not receive daily housekeeping services if that's a concern.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks. So, OKW has a few check marks in the plus column...2 beds and walkable to DS (even though it's a bit further than SSR)
I'm not too concerned about "fancy." I just want to it to "feel" like Disney.

You can walk to Disney Springs from OKW, but you have to do it during daylight hours. The path between DS and OKW is not lit at night. It's just short of a mile. You can also take the bus if you don't want to take the boat.

 

[Dug720]

As others have said, you do not have to be DVC owners to stay at a DVC property. Many will "rent" points. Whenever my family has stayed at SSR we have been "cash" (in quotation marks because that is the term - though we used a card to pay for the room) guests. Never noticed any different treatment (other than as "cash" guests we got daily housekeeping).

 

[NickC]

Thanks for such great replies. I was thinking that it would be like walking from the Beach Club to Epcot. However, it seems like the resorts are very large and the path might not be ideal at OKW and the sleeping situation at the SSR studio rooms might not work for the 4 of us.
We still plan to spend more time at DS in the evening, but it might be best to catch a bus there from the parks and then take a bus from DS back to our hotel. We are still considering the DS resorts, but it looks like I should still look at other options. I do like the “relaxing” description of SSR and OKW though.

On our next trip, we plan to spend more time out of the parks...just to try something new. We would still spend a lot of time at the parks, but we are thinking about trying the water parks and the vast entertainment options.