Saratoga Springs vs OKW? Did I make a mistake?

[robinb]

I
Let me explain what I am looking for, and perhaps someone here can educate me a bit.

1) I'd like a room that is walking distance (some say they were 5 minutes or so) to DownTownDisney.
2) I'd also like a room that is fairly close to the table service dining (Turf Club?)
3) I'd like a room that is fairly close to a bus stop.
4) I'd like a room with a view of the lake that looks toward DownTown Disney.

We stayed in that room in December in the Congress Park section. We were 15 minutes from DTD (at the pace of a 7-year old), 8 minutes to the main pool and the restaurants and a couple of minutes to the bus and a view of DTD.

We felt very lucky. The majority of SSR's rooms do not have it all. Just as in any other Disney resort, you should be prepared to be placed just about anywhere.

 

[jaskemr]

I'm starting to feel much better about Saratoga Springs. Thanks for all the comments, and please keep them comming. They are all very appreciated.

-Mark

 

[Sammie]

1) I'd like a room that is walking distance (some say they were 5 minutes or so) to DownTownDisney.
2) I'd also like a room that is fairly close to the table service dining (Turf Club?)
3) I'd like a room that is fairly close to a bus stop.
4) I'd like a room with a view of the lake that looks toward DownTown Disney.

Sorry but this room does not exist.

All rooms are walking distance to Downtown Disney, just depends on how far you enjoy walking.
The closest rooms to the Turf Club will be in the Springs.
All rooms are close to bus stops.
Congress Park has the views of the Downtown Disney lake.

As to SSR being snooty , I have no idea where you got that idea, certainly not from this group. The decor is more upscale than some resorts, but that does not make it snooty. The staff is gracious and kind.

I do hope you know that even if you pinpoint what you think would be the ideal location, no guarantee that you will get it.

If you want Congress Park, no way would I ask for a specific location in Congress Park. If that is not available you might get nothing there. There are only 4 buildings in Congress Park so it truly will not matter, distance wise.

We have stayed in Springs, Congress Park and the Paddocks, we enjoyed them all.

 

[lisaviolet]

Hi,

I forgot to check when you are going. But when the Grandstand opens the first buildings they will have many pluses. Water view (not DD though), extremely close to the main area and very close to that golf bridge (DD pathway) that you are referencing.

As the other posters have said....SSR has two ways to go over to DD. One is from Congress Park at the east end and leads along the road to the "Marketplace" area of DD. The other is the bridge behind the main area, just beyond the boat launch, which leads to a direct walkway to the "Westside" area of DD. Ends up at Cirque du Soleil. That "Westside" bridge is close to the west end of CP; but don't let that fool you. You still have to go up and around to get to it. The canal prevents you from skipping over, unfortunately. And technically being close.

I love CP. Views of DD are fantastic. (however, I have been in a CP side room facing trees too) But if it is later this year, I'm too lazy to check, you might consider the Grandstand.

Have a wonderful vacation,

Lisa

 

[La2kw]

SSR is a great resort. We love it almost as much as OKW. The buildings nearest DD are in Congress Park, but they are not the closest buildings to the Turf Club (that would be the Springs section). I would suggest getting a room in the Springs which is near the bus stop and main pool/restaurant area. The walk to DD is still not bad (you can catch a path directly to Westside from behind the Main Building area), as well as take a boat or bus to DD. Even the CP buildings will be a bit of a walk to DD, though the closer you get to DD, the further you will be from the main area including the Turf Club. Either way, DD is very close and an easy walk, even from the furthest buildings.

 

[kileybeth]

not sure I'm adding any new insight or not. . .

just returned from 3 nights at ssr, absolutely loved it but had nothing to compare it too (1st trip staying in a dvc)

It felt like pure luxury but very very laid back.

we stayed in the springs, 3332, just a studio but quite large for just 2 of us. took the whole dvc tour/sales thing and liked all that we saw.

since we have 4 children we always consider distances to various attractions.

springs is closest to community hall, pool, eateries (which we really loved) and boat and bus stops. never waited longer than 15 minutes for any bus.

bus route is currently congresspark, paddocks, springs, marketplace in dd then pleasure island in dd and then on back to ssr with 1st stop at congress park.

we did not walk it as buses were so convenient each and every time.

loved being close to all the resort facilities tho, pool, arcade, fitness room, restaurants.

hhmm. . .still looking into dvc ownership and best way to get what we want but already know ssr is the where we want! we did make a quick trip over to Old Key west and felt the age a bit there showing? the comment on here about hard beds answered my question, more sq. footage(okw)or great beds (ssr) no contest, I want to sleep well! I'll trip over our stuff if need be.

 

[La2kw]

The bridge that you see on the map is part of the golf course. But you can take a boat to DTD from near that bridge. The walking path to DTD runs along the lake past the Congress Park section of SSR. I would guess the walk from The Turf Club area of SSR to the Market Place of DTD to be a solid 15 minutes.

Scott

The bridge is part of the golf course, but you can also use it to get to DD Westside. We used it quite often to go from the Springs to DD.

 

[Erie Islands]

I don't mean to be insensitive, but does someone in your family have a physical handicap? If not, then why are you stressing so much over walking? What do you think you will be doing in the parks? I get the feeling that if you don't get the "perfect" location, it will ruin your vacation. You need to relax and go with the flow. SSR is a wonderful place, and this is the first I've ever heard of it being "snooty".

 

[Lady V]

Thanks Sue!

I have it booked, just was wondering if I was going to regret it.

It seemed like we had a perfect room/location at OKW.

Figuring, that having the best room/location on our first time out would be impossible, we decided to try SSR.

I'm not really into the apparent "snooty" atmosphere, but willing to give it a try. I'm from MICH, and not really all that snooty, but I am willing to learn. Thanks,
-Mark

hey! Do you think that SS is snooty?? It is so not!! We were just there over NYE and everyone was so nice and we loved it!! We have also stayed at OKW and BW and we thought SS was right there with them! You will have a great time!! And actually, no matter where you get-(because even though you request a section there is no guar. you will get it), you will be happy!! Really the map makes it look biggger than it is. We stayed in the Paddocks and could walk to the main pool in 5 minutes and had a great quiet pool beside our building. I am going back for Spring Break and can't wait!!

 

[Spacedude]

We like both...

 

[ebenmax]

Just an FYI. . .I just tried to request the Grandstand for our June trip and they would not allow the request because it is not open yet. In fact the lady at MS had never even heard of it. Oh, well - worth a try!

Our current request is for Congress Park.

Ellen