Saratoga Springs?

[KELLY]

I was just wondering why this resort doesn't get much attention?

 

[logan115]

Think there's a perception that it's a little stuffy and not a "Disney"-type hotel. I know that's what I thought of it, but when we planned a last minute trip 3 months ago SSR was the only ressie we could get. The more I read up on it, the more I like it. It's me, DW, and DS (4), and we're all really excited about the trip, and also checking out SSR.

There's lots of threads in this forum, and you can check out the DVC forums too if you're looking for more info on SSR.

Will report back after our trip, but now I really gotta start packing

Chris

 

[logan115]

I was just wondering why this resort doesn't get much attention?

Wasn't paying attention to your signature and didn't notice you're an SSR owner, so I feel silly telling you about a resort you own and I've never been to

But that reminds me, I gotta take (and more importantly PACK) my smart pills

 

[LoriMomx5]

We are DVC members but not at SSR but we LOVE it. It is very relaxful. Lori

 

[vicki_c]

Think there's a perception that it's a little stuffy and not a "Disney"-type hotel.
Chris

I've never heard that - do people say that? I've heard that about the GF a lot, but never SSR. I thought there's just not much talk about SSR because it's really a DVC property (like OKW) without the regular resort attached (although I know nonDVC members stay there).

 

[Imagineer_Tech]

I did like staying there very much ( I am 14 ) but you're right it doesn't get the attention that it should for such a great resort. I think it's a beautiful and very nice place to stay.

 

[DisneyBugs]

Think there's a perception that it's a little stuffy and not a "Disney"-type hotel.

I'd have to say you hit the nail on the head.
I stayed there on rented DVC points Oct of 2006. The 1BR suite was very nice - but no different than the other 1BR suites on property.
Outside, it had a combo hotel/motel feel. You go out of your room into concrete, covered walkways outside (as if you were on the 2nd or 3rd floors at an AllStar, for example). Whereas I think the other DVC locals have you still 'inside' the hotel in a hallway when you exit your room.
I didn't find much Disney flair around the resort.
Grounds were beautiful though. It seemed quieter and more serene than other on site resorts. My kids weren't nuts over it (outside of the fact that there was a waterslide that they only got to use once). But then again, all we did was basically sleep and shower there (oh, and laundry in the room was a HUGE benefit. Packed lighter, did a load of laundry in the am before we left the room, and another at night while we slept. I'd stay in any suite that has an in-room wash/dryer again any day!!) And Downtown Disney was just a boat ride away.
It's good to sample the resorts to figure which you like and which you don't.
The first year I went to Disney, we 'hotel hopped' between park vists to actually see first hand what each location was like and how they differed, and - most importantly - to see who shared a bus w/ other locations and how speedy the transp. service was. That was time well spent.

 

[Deb & Bill]

SSR gets lots of attention on the DVC Boards.

 

[DisneyBugs]

I thought there's just not much talk about SSR because it's really a DVC property (like OKW) without the regular resort attached (although I know nonDVC members stay there).

YOu know Vicki, now that you point out that similarity, I bet your right. There are lots of similarities between OKW and SSR when it comes to DVC property-status, and how they are or are not marketed.

 

[Deb & Bill]

....
Outside, it had a combo hotel/motel feel. You go out of your room into concrete, covered walkways outside (as if you were on the 2nd or 3rd floors at an AllStar, for example). Whereas I think the other DVC locals have you still 'inside' the hotel in a hallway when you exit your room.
I didn't find much Disney flair around the resort. ....

That's an interesting take on SSR. We thought it was more like a community than a hotel or motel. Which is what we love about SSR and OKW. BWV is our least favorite DVC resort because of the long narrow corridors.

Plus the decor at the DVC resorts is much more subtle than what you find at the moderates and values. I have no need to have Donald Duck right outside my door, but the touch of Donald at the pool is just right. If you take the time, you'll find all sorts of hidden Mickey's at the DVC resorts.

 

[Mom_of_3_Pirates]

We stayed at SSR (our home resort) for the first time last June. We were a group of 9 and had a dedicatd 2 BR and had plenty of room. We thoroughly enjoyed it and were able to get around relatively easy with the use of buses, including going from Carousel (where we stayed) to the main lobby or main pool. I did not find it "stuffy" at all but very welcoming.

DH and I are making plans for a November 08 trip, but want to check out other resorts since we are new DVC members. We were thinking about Boardwalk, but would return to SSR if unable to get ressies there or any other place.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We stayed at SSR (our home resort) for the first time last June. We were a group of 9 and had a dedicatd 2 BR and had plenty of room. We thoroughly enjoyed it and were able to get around relatively easy with the use of buses, including going from Carousel (where we stayed) to the main lobby or main pool. I did not find it "stuffy" at all but very welcoming.

DH and I are making plans for a November 08 trip, but want to check out other resorts since we are new DVC members. We were thinking about Boardwalk, but would return to SSR if unable to get ressies there or any other place.

If you don't have a DVC reservation for November already, you may be out of luck. My advice is to always make a reservation at your home resort 11 months out for anytime Oct to mid-Jan. Then when the 7 month period hits, call day by day to see if you can change.

 

[Mom_of_3_Pirates]

If you don't have a DVC reservation for November already, you may be out of luck. My advice is to always make a reservation at your home resort 11 months out for anytime Oct to mid-Jan. Then when the 7 month period hits, call day by day to see if you can change.

Thanks for the advice. I just told DH and he said that he'll try to get a ressie tomorrow. Hopefully we'll be ok even if we end up staying back at SSR.

 

[logan115]

Will be arriving at SSR in about 24 hrs , it's me, expecting DW (she's about 16 wks in now), and DS (4), any last minute tips or recommendations ?

We've requested the Springs, Grandstand is the second choice, if we can't get either of these what's next ? We'll be getting there well ahead of check-in (not sure if that will help us get our choice or not), but like everyone else, I'd like to minimize the walking around at the resort as DW will be exhausted after being at the parks.

Any suggestion are appreciated !!

Thanks,

Chris

 

[DVC Mike]

We've requested the Springs, Grandstand is the second choice, if we can't get either of these what's next ? We'll be getting there well ahead of check-in (not sure if that will help us get our choice or not), but like everyone else, I'd like to minimize the walking around at the resort as DW will be exhausted after being at the parks.

My two favorite locations at SSR are Congress Park and the Grandstand, followed by the Springs. I don’t particularly care for the Paddock or the Carousel areas.

• Congress Park is right across from Downtown Disney and many rooms have great views of Downtown Disney right across the water.
• The Grandstand has a nice feature pool. Some of the buildings are a short walk away from the Carriage House. Plus, the busses typically stop here first!
• The Springs is closest to the main feature pool, the onsite spa and dining, but the busses are sometimes full by the time they get here, since it’s typically one of the last stops.
• Paddock is more distant from everything and has a smaller quiet pool.
• Carousel has no pool and is the most removed.

 

[Micca]

We've stayed at SSR a couple of times and thought it was very nice. Sure didn't find it "stuffy" at all.

 

[mittelst]

I just got off the phone with MS, making a reservation for the 3rd week in July (I'll start my heat training in a local greenhouse soon ).

This will be my first stay at SSR. What are the kids activities like here? Do they have a "community hall" (I can't seem to find one on the map).

Thanks!

 

[KELLY]

Yes there is alot to do for kids. They have all kinds of activity's. You will get a activity sheet a check in. They started at 945 am and the last one was at 715 pm. They also had movies at the grandstand pool.

 

[justjudy]

On our last trip we decided to add an extra day at the last minute and chose a studio at SSR for that night. Granted it was only one night, but we loved it! So much so that we're planning to take our "mid-winter" break at SSR this year.

 

[ZerasPride]

DH and I stayed in the Paddocks in January and loved it! The only negative I have to say is that we had a "firehouse/road" view. My girlfriend and I will be at SSR in a few weeks and I have specifically requested Paddocks with a waterview. I don't think it's the most ideal area if you want to be super close to the main building/main pool but it's great (imho) for couples and/or those that don't mind a little walking. Plus we were near the Congress Park bus stop and walkway to Downtown Disney so that was nice.

SSR is actually our favorite DVC resort next to our home resort which is Hilton Head. Can't wait to get there!!