Saratoga Springs

[lisaviolet]

I’m in the same boat staying at a preferred in July. We booked for 7 nights dvc. First time staying at SSR. I’d rather be close to the main pool. Walk to DS isn’t a big deal. We just got back from the Poly last week, I requested two buildings through online check in but got neither. Any tips on how to get the area you want through dvc at SSR and which areas are best?

I have owned at SSR since the beginning. I haven't always stayed there, but I feel like around 90% of my stays I have got my request. They are one of the best resorts for that.

And it is not as difficult for them as it is a huge resort

Online check-in will make your odds even better. I would put an early time for arrival, even if you are not arriving early. They can't give the room to someone else if it has already been texted/emailed to you.

As someone from the uk and doesn't want to drive and instead rely on disney transport wouls you say SSR is a valid resort choice? It seems massive and almost like we would need a car to simply transport our luggage from checkin to our room potentially?

I have never had a car at SSR. Someone has already told you that Bell Services will take you over to your room. But just in case you don't know there is an internal bus system as well. I don't think I have ever used it, but it is there.

 

[purpliequeen]

Here now at SSR. I reviewed it on a separate thread, FYI. I’m about to leave for the bus to head to DS. Yes, it’s a 15 min walk from my building but I’m w my parents who have walked several miles already in the parks so....

We paid for preferred and requested Congress park. Unfortunately, they had to put us in Springs. It’s absolutely fine. The walk to DS is 13-15 min depending on how sunny / hot it is. The buses are frequent. No complaints. We do not have a car.

 

[justadreamaway77]

We checked out of SSR yesterday. Never stayed there before so I don't have anything to compare it to, but they are nice enough (NOT nice enough to pay rack rate, hahaha) and the Murphy bed was very comfortable. There's tons of storage space, too; six big drawers, two drawers in the vanity area, two drawers under the cushioned bench, and storage under the pop-up coffee table (the top lifts so you can use it like an eating/working area, as well as a coffee table). The couch is pretty hard, but I'd rather have a hard couch and a decent Murphy bed! One thing we really didn't like was the new floors. They are vinyl, made to "look" like wood (they don't really) and they feel like vinyl. I know people love them, but it's impossible to keep the room clean. There's no broom or swiffer, only a vacuum cleaner, which just blows stuff around on the floor before you can vacuum it up. Every day our socks/feet were dirty within 10 minutes of getting out of the shower. I know- wear shoes inside, but that just tracks around more dirt. Anyhow, that was our big UGH for the refurb. LOVE that there are two shower heads (I'm not a fan of the rainfall-type shower) but wish they'd put a grab bar into the shower, now that I"m getting "up there" in age! We were in Grandstand (8612) so we had a 5' walk to the pool, 5 minute walk to the Carriage House. I had been hoping for Paddock (the end near Congress Park) for the ease of walking to Disney Springs, but this was GREAT location, and we just drove over and parked at CP to go to DS.

I always travel with my slippers for reason....plus it makes it more like home!

 

[purpliequeen]

We checked out of SSR yesterday. Never stayed there before so I don't have anything to compare it to, but they are nice enough (NOT nice enough to pay rack rate, hahaha) and the Murphy bed was very comfortable. There's tons of storage space, too; six big drawers, two drawers in the vanity area, two drawers under the cushioned bench, and storage under the pop-up coffee table (the top lifts so you can use it like an eating/working area, as well as a coffee table). The couch is pretty hard, but I'd rather have a hard couch and a decent Murphy bed! One thing we really didn't like was the new floors. They are vinyl, made to "look" like wood (they don't really) and they feel like vinyl. I know people love them, but it's impossible to keep the room clean. There's no broom or swiffer, only a vacuum cleaner, which just blows stuff around on the floor before you can vacuum it up. Every day our socks/feet were dirty within 10 minutes of getting out of the shower. I know- wear shoes inside, but that just tracks around more dirt. Anyhow, that was our big UGH for the refurb. LOVE that there are two shower heads (I'm not a fan of the rainfall-type shower) but wish they'd put a grab bar into the shower, now that I"m getting "up there" in age! We were in Grandstand (8612) so we had a 5' walk to the pool, 5 minute walk to the Carriage House. I had been hoping for Paddock (the end near Congress Park) for the ease of walking to Disney Springs, but this was GREAT location, and we just drove over and parked at CP to go to DS.

Leebee - 100% agree on the floors. And you know, I don't think I saw any housekeepers carrying around a Swiffer or mop. I took a wet paper towel to pick up some food that was dropped on the vinyl in the kitchen and it came up black. It's nasty. I'm not sure why they're not cleaning the floors, but it's cearly an area that is not on the housekeepers' radar. Disgusting.

Agreed with a previous poster who mentioned packing slippers. I wore my flip flops inside. Regardless, of what WE do as guests, I would hope that the resort finds a way to clean & maintain these floors or they're going to need replacement very, very soon. Unacceptable.

 

[DVC4US]

Here now at SSR. I reviewed it on a separate thread, FYI. I’m about to leave for the bus to head to DS. Yes, it’s a 15 min walk from my building but I’m w my parents who have walked several miles already in the parks so....

We paid for preferred and requested Congress park. Unfortunately, they had to put us in Springs. It’s absolutely fine. The walk to DS is 13-15 min depending on how sunny / hot it is. The buses are frequent. No complaints. We do not have a car.

Quick question as we will be there in 2 weeks - are the boats running to DS or is it just bus or walk? Thanks!

 

[purpliequeen]

Quick question as we will be there in 2 weeks - are the boats running to DS or is it just bus or walk? Thanks!

No boats, unfortunately. Just walking path (to east side where World of Disney and Earl of Sandwich is; west side by Cirque du Soleil is closed) & bus.

 

[DVC4US]

No boats, unfortunately. Just walking path (to east side where World of Disney and Earl of Sandwich is; west side by Cirque du Soleil is closed) & bus.

That’s what we thought - thanks for the reply!!

 

[PackPride]

I’m actually curious how many people take the boat from SSR to DS? We’ve done it a few times when we’ve stayed inside The Springs, but other than that, we’ve found ourselves walking over to DS more.

 

[lisaviolet]

I’m actually curious how many people take the boat from SSR to DS? We’ve done it a few times when we’ve stayed inside The Springs, but other than that, we’ve found ourselves walking over to DS more.

When I stayed in The Grandstand area I took it all the time. Such a short stroll from there.

Other areas, other stays - walked over.

 

[PackPride]

When I stayed in The Grandstand area I took it all the time. Such a short stroll from there.

Other areas, other stays - walked over.

That makes sense. I can imagine there at The Grandstand and The Springs people use the boat more often. It's definitely enjoyable going on the boat, but I can't imagine that will be coming back anytime soon as long as there is health screening to get into DS.

 

[The Jackal]

That makes sense. I can imagine there at The Grandstand and The Springs people use the boat more often. It's definitely enjoyable going on the boat, but I can't imagine that will be coming back anytime soon as long as there is health screening to get into DS.

The health screening is going away by 05-16-2021 at the latest at WDW.

 

[PackPride]

The health screening is going away by 05-16-2021 at the latest at WDW.

Just saw the news about that. Evidently, I'm good at giving out information that in short amount of time turns out to be dated.

 

[The Jackal]

Just saw the news about that. Evidently, I'm good at giving out information that in short amount of time turns out to be dated.

Quickly say something about masks!!!!

 

[PackPride]

Quickly say something about masks!!!!

I don’t think my newly discovered ability would have the power to overcome that force unfortunately.

 

[billybobblockhead]

I always travel with my slippers for reason....plus it makes it more like home!

Several years ago when we were at the beach, I bought a $5 pair at a Target to keep the sand that was drug into the house of my feet. I pack them for every vacation now.

We've stayed at SSH several times over the years. Actually stayed there last July when we went, and it was great. Past couple of times we've stayed at the Paddock, and have really enjoyed it. Backs up to the lake, so we're on the water; 5 steps out of the sliding door for an early morning or late night run on the loop; the walk to DS and/or the Carriage House is easy; and there is a pool with a food stand right there.

 

[quandrea]

Any ideas on when the rehab is done?

 

[The Jackal]

I don’t think my newly discovered ability would have the power to overcome that force unfortunately.

And now masks are gone while outdoors, nice work.

 

[The Jackal]

Any ideas on when the rehab is done?

They state summer. I believe they are working on the last 2 buildings. They are in the Carousel area. Everything else is done.

 

[princesscinderella]

I’m in the same boat staying at a preferred in July. We booked for 7 nights dvc. First time staying at SSR. I’d rather be close to the main pool. Walk to DS isn’t a big deal. We just got back from the Poly last week, I requested two buildings through online check in but got neither. Any tips on how to get the area you want through dvc at SSR and which areas are best?

I was told by our DVC guide that you need to put in your special room requests with MS at least a month before your reservation as that’s when rooms are assigned on the back end. Don’t make a request in MDE if you already made a request with MS, they are not nearly as specific as you can make with MS.

 

[PackPride]

And now masks are gone while outdoors, nice work.

Maybe I need to embrace this new power. Let me try something: Annual Passes need to come back. There, that should do it. Lol