Sell us on which DVC arrival 1-nighter, May 2023

[Where'sPiglet?]

First, we're only interested in the listed resorts where we've never stayed.
Will book a 1 bedroom for 2 adults, 1 weekend night, May 2023. Points not a concern.
Not going to a park, though possibly Disney Springs.
We're foodies. Good eats are essential.
Will drive to WDW and use valet parking where available
Peaceful beats hectic and noisy. We'll be coming in from 2 days driving.

Moving to VGF1 the next morning. A contrast might be fun.

Where do you suggest we stay for a relaxing 1-nighter with a hint of adventure?

Given your parameters, I voted for Saratoga Springs:

• Parking is at each building
• You can walk or boat to Disney Springs - Congress Park (one of two preferred sections) is closest for walking
• Peaceful campus
• Not adjacent to a park, so it won't be tempting/taunting you

 

[Shellyred8]

I voted for SSR. Close to DS where you can wander around if your room isn't ready. If you don't feel like going to DS for your meal, the Turf Club is a solid choice for a TS meal.

 

[BillPA]

If you can't get into the room before 4...6pm and need to be out by 11 am, does it matter where you stay? To me your best chance to get a room early is OKW.

 

[RoseGold]

If you are foodies, the answer is Jaleo at Disney Springs. Hands down. That means you should do either OKW or SSR. Never stayed at either, so can't help there.

Heck, I'd even stay at the Hilton that is closer than SSR if you want to be into a room quicker. My priority is definitely Jaleo. If you're driving that long and need a room ready faster, one of the random Disney Springs hotels might be a better bet. Honestly, I would bet many of them have nicer actual hotels than Disney. The JW can be downright cheap sometimes, though maybe not weekend. The big pool complex with the lazy river and all those hotels over there is on my list. The lazy river belongs to many of them. I would bet there are many lovely cash hotels near Disney Springs that will be cheaper than a 1BR in an aging DVC property like OKW or SSR.

To get into a room faster, I’d put a bet on SSR just because of sheer size.

 

[ParkHoppers]

Saratoga Springs preferred room Congress Park request. Dinner at Chef Arts, Morimoto or Boathouse.

 

[Her Dotness]

If you can't get into the room before 4...6pm and need to be out by 11 am, does it matter where you stay? To me your best chance to get a room early is OKW.

To clarify--we're not that concerned about what time we get into the room, nor are we asking which resorts are likely to have early room access. We enjoy the time-until to rest, relax from driving and explore the resort.

Our aim in asking is info on how the listed resorts might meet our interests and needs because we've only briefly visited them in the past.

 

[Stargazer65]

Our aim in asking is info on how the listed resorts might meet our interests and needs because we've only briefly visited them in the past.

As you can see I recommended SSR for several reasons. I think that is a way better choice than Riviera based on what you were looking for.
The reason being I know you love VGF, but you're already planning to go there. So if you want something different from your normal *fancy* experience at VGF, there is no reason for you to go to Riviera, since that is very similar. Mostly just more of what you will do at VGF (eat caviar, drink Chatteau Lafite, and talk about your vacation homes in Antibes).

 

[Her Dotness]

As you can see I recommended SSR for several reasons. I think that is a way better choice than Riviera based on what you were looking for.

Yes, agreed. In fact, what you said encouraged us to reconsider SSR.

The reason being I know you love VGF, but you're already planning to go there. So if you want something different from your normal *fancy* experience at VGF, there is no reason for you to go to Riviera, since that is very similar. Mostly just more of what you will do at VGF (eat caviar, drink Chatteau Lafite, and talk about your vacation homes in Antibes).

You must be psychic. I was about to order the champagne and caviar we always stock up on to take to VGF. (Yah, riiiiggghht. )

Agreeing again with you and others who've said the RIV vibe is too similar to VGF's.

SSR, on the other hand, would be a definite change from our usual monorail resort stays, off the beaten path and restful. Easy access to Disney Springs by boat is a draw, too, as we both really like the boats.

 

[RoseGold]

I just noticed the power chair in these responses, which is maybe important to these suggestions. I have read, but never personally experienced, that both the OKW and SSR boats are accessible.

Depending on your setup, the boat might be a lot easier than trying to deal with accessible parking on both ends and loading a wheelchair.

BLT/BC/BW have limited parking that can be far. As someone who deals with loading a power chair regularly, and transfer and all of it, I know I would pick Jaleo + SSR/OKW and a boat over another wheelchair transfer like always. Accessible transportation is something that really makes Disney magical and maybe makes the chair not feel like a big deal for a night. It’s nice IMO, assuming you are willing to take on the walk at the end of the night.

 

[Her Dotness]

I just noticed the power chair in these responses, which is maybe important to these suggestions. I have read, but never personally experienced, that both the OKW and SSR boats are accessible.

We've done the OKW to DS boat which is very nice for chair/scooter users. It's a big boat similar to those used at the Epcot resorts and recently added to the Poly-GF-MK boat route.

Depending on your setup, the boat might be a lot easier than trying to deal with accessible parking on both ends and loading a wheelchair.

Yup, definitely is as crazy as DS parking garages can be for accessible parking. Yikes!

DH rolling and me hiking the SSR to DS walkway sounds workable after the 6.5 hour drive from near Atlanta. Always feels good to walk about exploring a resort to get my legs working for MK the next day.

BLT/BC/BW have limited parking that can be far. As someone who deals with loading a power chair regularly, and transfer and all of it, I know I would pick Jaleo + SSR/OKW and a boat over another wheelchair transfer like always. Accessible transportation is something that really makes Disney magical and maybe makes the chair not feel like a big deal for a night. It’s nice IMO, assuming you are willing to take on the walk at the end of the night.

We don't generally worry about accessible resort spaces as long as there's valet parking available.

If Disney ever yanks the free valet privilege for those with valid placard or plates, we'll be seriously chapped. We often use the GF's valet parking rather than VGF1's lot.

 

[buzzrelly]

I voted SSR. After driving a couple days, it'll be nice to stretch your legs and walk to DS. There's plenty to do and eat there and then you wan head back to relax by the pool. Disclaimer, I've never stayed at SSR, but we have one night booked after our cruise here for just these reasons.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I voted Riviera. Rooms are so nice. There is a lounge-type room that I love to just hang out in when I need some peace and quiet (looks like a library and has a bunch of historical stuff on display). Topolino's is great for dinner (we were able to get on the walk-up list when we were guests there). You can take the Skyliner to another resort to eat, or just for fun.

 

[Her Dotness]

Thanks for all your thoughts, everyone.

I think it'll be between first-timing our new home resort, BWV, or RIV.

I'm not as fond of RIV as DH, but if he gets Topolino's dinner again or, better still, breakfast, I may have to change my attitude. Spectacular food does that to me, oddly.

Speaking of which, we'll be seriously deprived if we can't get our absolute fave, V&A's. That place better get the show back onstage!

Thanks again, all. Have an enjoyable weekend.

 

[ksromack]

So I voted for Beach Club because if you don’t have theme park tickets it is a great place to hang! But I am tickled that Saratoga Springs has the most votes because that is where I just booked a 1 night! Now I’m off to read the responses!