saratoga springs trip

[mrmom456]

We are planning our first trip to Saratoga Springs may 21st.
I hope to be able to give some good input when we return on the 24th. With all the money invested we hope to get a good first impression, literally. But looks like we will miss the Grand Opening.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

We were at Beach Club Villas the first week it was open in July 2002. We were very impressed and happy with our investment.

I'll be looking for your report when you get back. May is just around the corner.

 

[RCM]

Have a great time. We have to wait until next March! Let us know how it was.

 

[eporter66]

We are arriving that week as well. I cant wait to post to everyone who is looking forward to hearing about the resort. Hopefully I can get some decent pictures to post as well.

It is really exciting as it approaches. I am sure the staff will be on their toes (not that they dont do a great job normally) to really impress.

I was wondering how much will be open that first few weeks. As long as the pool and the food area is open that should be fine. I am really looking forward to just walking the grounds of the resort to see all the landscaping and unique designs for SSR.

 

[barb45]

I will be anxious to hear your comments on this new resort. We added on with SSR. I'm wondering how noisy it will be there with noise from Downtown Disney coming across the water.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

barb45.... When I was at Downtown Disney last summer & looking across at SSR, I got the impression they are far enough away from where the shopping area is so it won't be a problem.

However, I suspect the fireworks from Pleasure Island will be noticable. It will be a toss-up as to whether you hear bands playing on the outdoor stage.

 

[dyingtodisney]

Can't wait to see pics of SSR! We will be there in June!

 

[Timon 50]

we will arrive home on may26

 

[DrTomorrow]

We'll be "Home" at SSR on May 22 - 28, and participating in MH.

I'm sure glad that Pete did the DIS upgrade; it sounds like there are going to be a lot of SSR Reviews - and Review Readers - this May!

 

[rasnlms]

Looking forward all the reviews of SSR - we aren't going until January.

 

[colleen costello]

We, like Doug Wolfe, were at BCV when it opened. It was so exciting. Everything was brand new and shiny and wonderful. They were still putting on finishing touches while we were there -- they added a TV to thel aundry room one afternoon, and lots of workers were doing last-minute painting and planting. I had a big smile on my face the whole time we were there, because it was so thrilling to be "first." I think being at Saratoga as it opens will be a real treat for all of you who plan on being there!

 

[disneycrazed139]

We are going in June, but I can't wait for all the reviews to show up here!

 

[VanHouten]

We are going down opening week, but won't be staying at SSR. I plan on going over and taking a look around to check it out.

I'll take some photos and put the up on the internet when I return.

I can't wait to see how it turned out.

 

[Divamomto3]

I can't wait to hear! And of course the extra info will start a wave of building and view requests!

As for noise, I can't imagine you'd hear much from Downtown Disney way across the water. As for Pleasure Island fireworks, I understand they are building a fireworks viewing area at SSR for them. Any music and fireworks views and sounds would be welcome for me...I love action! When we stayed at the Yacht Club...we could loudly hear music from the Boardwalk at night when we sat on our balcony. DH and I loved doing that late at night when the kids were asleep. But once you went inside the room and shut the door, you were not disturbed by any music.

 

[Ksp]

As for noise at SSR...we were just at WDW this past week and DVC rep. at DD said that SSR was being built w/soundproof windows just so the DD noise wouldn't be too much.

Also found out that the boat taking SSR guests to DD will be shared w/OKW. If you're familiar w/the Trumbo Ferry at OKW and the type of boat used: they're retiring those boats and switching to the PO-style ferry ....hard seats, but will fit a lot more than the current OKW party boat limit of 12 passengers. Trip from OKW will take longer, too....just have to budget extra time in for boat ride.
Wonder what will happen when the ferry fills up at OKW and there's no room to add people on at SSR for trip to DD??? Hope it won't wind up to be a problem.

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by Ksp
Wonder what will happen when the ferry fills up at OKW and there's no room to add people on at SSR for trip to DD??? Hope it won't wind up to be a problem.

I've only stayed at Epcot area resorts so far so I don't know what the crowds are like at OKW and what they will be like at SSR, but on the Friendships that go around the Epcot area and pick up guests at the YC, BC, BW, Swan, and Dolphin, for stops at the Boardwalk, MGM, and Epcot..I've never had trouble getting a seat. The only time the queue fills up is after Illuminations at Epcot or after Fantasmic at MGM. But then, they have Friendships running back to back and I've still never had more than a 5 or 7 minute wait.

 

[Ksp]

Our boat driver (not sure if he should be called a driver...maybe I should say captain??) was worried about wait times for guests. Boat schedules would change somewhat....closer to 30-35 minutes apart instead of the 20/ish they are now. They are not going to have as many boats running, and fewer people to run them.
I still plan to use the ferry service - I really enjoy the ride vs using the bus. Whether bus/monorail/ferry, Disney transport makes our visits even better; I don't have to worry about how to get the kids over to Epcot when DH has the car, etc.

 

[pkitty]

Hey you guy's leaving soon bring back and post alot of pictures. We up here in Canada will not be taking our first trip home until March and will love to see the final results. I was told a study of the noise from DD was conducted and wasn't really too bad. If the ferries are to congested and appear to be a problam I'm sure Disney will add a few more boats. It sure is better than waiting for a bus to the ALL STAR'S though.

 

[dmbkmb]

DH and I will be there May 17th for the real opening day. Can't wait! We will be there till the 23rd. We were just down there(for not fun - funeral) but we did stop by and see the progress from Downtown Disney and it looks awesome. This is the first DVC ownership we have, so I can't wait to start our 50 year experience!

Have fun and yes, I will post pictures when we get back!!!

 

[happyrebster]

What is a PO style ferry? What does it look like? I've stayed at Port Orleans, but don't ever recall seeing it.