Saratoga Springs?

[youngdizluva18]

My family and I are just about to visit WDW for a week and we are staying at Saratoga Springs. We were wondering how it is. How is the pool, cafeteria, rooms, etc? Thanks!

 

[rriley25]

Saratoga Springs Resort is beautiful! We've stayed twice and we're going again this summer. The rooms are very nicely appointed. The pools are great and the view of Downtown Disney is great....especially at night. The food court has limited selections but the food is tasty.

 

[Pixiedusttravel]

It's beautiful!! My kids loved the main pool with it's zero depth entry, slides, and interactive water-play area. Also, at midnight you can watch the fireworks go off at DTD across the Lake. The fireworks aren't all that impressive, but it's still very relaxing & romantic!

 

[lllovell]

You are going to get all sorts of replies on this one (some VERY positive and some VERY negative), but know this, no one has put down the true essence of the resort other than to say its not for them. Us DVCers are used to having all sorts of theming choices and SSR doesn't fit some's cup of tea.

That said....

Its a beautiful resort. A spread out feeling so that even if you are there during a super busy time, you probably wont notice much of the traffic from others at the resort. It is currenty under construction, but the building that are open are complete and the rest of the construction has view blocking fences and in my opinion is only noticable on the ride into and out of SSR. You park in a lot in front of your own building, which for us is a nice convenicece (as we only take the bus system to Magic Kingdom usually to skip the tram/monorail service - the rest of the time we drive). If you have lots of luggage and would like help, bell services is available and even though the buildings are not super tall, there are elevators so you don't have to make lots of trips up and down stairs to "move in" or "move out". The themed pool as many nice things about it - its got a zero-entry side where smaller children can play (think of a not too steep boat ramp area plenty big enough for the little ones to enjoy), it has a big slide and a smaller slide, it has a children's play area that is nicely appointed with cork type matting so to help avoid accidents and to encourage play with Donald (a statue and fountain system). There is also a quiet or non-themed pool that I have heard has a wonderful view of the lake and Downtown Disney which tends to not be as busy as the main pool. There is bus transportation that will take you to the parks (or to the pool if you feel like the walk is too long from your room - but most think 10 minutes walk is about the max you will experience) and it is a nice stroll to Downtown Disney which has plenty of shopping and eating as well as entertainment. There is also a boat system that runs between SSR and Old Key West and Downtown Disney (my 3 and 5 year old sons think the boat is great!). As for food, its somewhat limited withe DTD being so close. The menu is not all that full and the facilities are small, but I have never seen the area "full" or even crowded. It is set up similar to the style of the Pop or All Star food courts which appeals to some and doesn't appeal to others. You will have to judge on your own for your family, but for us, it will be great for a quick meal when we are tired from a day of park hopping The rooms are gorgous and extremely quiet and of course, being new, it has a very fresh feel to it. There is a community hall area, places to rent bikes and other activities (a schedule of which I am sure you will get upon check in) and finally the spa for perhaps a sneak away for Mom and/or Dad while traveling. Its pricey and I haven't tried it, but I am looking forward to it soon!

It has more of what most of us here would call a "spread out" feel versus a hotel feel, but I have seen many here just talking about how much they liked walking the grounds and exploring. There is a playground area for the kids (I THINK near the quiet pool) and plenty to do for everyone's tastes I think.

Have fun!!!

 

[BensMom]

I have been there several times. It's new and it's really nice. Have not been to the main pool. The spa/gym is very nice. I've taken a tour, but never used services. I can also tell you that SSR holds up to a hurricane quite nicely! We hunkered down in a one-bedroom for Francis, and it didn't suck!

There are two downsides, depending on how you view it. One is it's still a semi-construction zone, two, it's away from the parks; but from an adult point of view, it's cool with PI and DD right there. The rooms are basically what you'll find with all DVC (except for OKW). To sum it up for me, it's very relaxing there.

Have fun!

 

[athenna]

I have been there several times. It's new and it's really nice. Have not been to the main pool. The spa/gym is very nice. I've taken a tour, but never used services. I can also tell you that SSR holds up to a hurricane quite nicely! We hunkered down in a one-bedroom for Francis, and it didn't suck!

There are two downsides, depending on how you view it. One is it's still a semi-construction zone, two, it's away from the parks; but from an adult point of view, it's cool with PI and DD right there. The rooms are basically what you'll find with all DVC (except for OKW). To sum it up for me, it's very relaxing there.

Have fun!

I didn't find that the construction was a disturbance at all. Stuff has to get built, right?
I personally, like that it's ''away from the parks'' it's a nice peaceful respite from the hubbub. Just depends in what your looking for in a vacation. The only bus ride that seemed very long to me was going to AK, it took about 20 or 25 min, but I'm on vacation, so it's 20 or 25 min I'm not at my desk at work.
It's all in how you look at it.

 

[BensMom]

Athenna, you're right, construction not bad. I haven't been there since the fall so I am sure lots has been done. Construction not a nuisance but from an aesthetic point, it'll be really nice when it's done.

By the way, hello to a fellow Red Sox Nation Fan!!! Woo hoo! What the heck happened last night?!?!? Jeez!

 

[athenna]

Athenna, you're right, construction not bad. I haven't been there since the fall so I am sure lots has been done. Construction not a nuisance but from an aesthetic point, it'll be really nice when it's done.

By the way, hello to a fellow Red Sox Nation Fan!!! Woo hoo! What the heck happened last night?!?!? Jeez!

I know! Crazy, they just can't seem to get things clicking on all cylanders (hello, pitching????? )

 

[Daggett]

The DW and I love it. We will be there starting May7th.

It's a nice place to get away from the maddness of the parks and relax.

 

[Luvdisney]

Just got back. The construction is far along you don't even notice it. If it weren't for the Green fencing around the construction I wouldn't have noticed it. We stayed in Congress Park and thought it was beautiful. I thought the walk would be bad to get to the main pool and AP. But it wasn't bad at all, maybe 5 min. The only think I wish was for AP to have somemore traditional lunch items like burgers and fries. But I didn't think the menu was all that bad.

 

[tjhsr]

Its a great place to vacation. All of it!!! We have been twice. Going back on may 8th.
Go O's