Solo: Yacht Club vs. Saratoga Springs

[Fantaluminishes]

I have a 5-night stay at YC in July, that I need to extend to 6 nights. My room category is not available on the final night at YC. I've been thinking about switching to SSR for some time, but can't make up my mind. Here are my concerns:

1. Stormalong Bay: I keep reading that this is the best pool area at WDW, but reviews vastly indicate that the "kids love" this place. I have not come across anything that says how the adults like SAB. Any feedback here?

2. Transportation: I will have a rental car during this portion of my stay. I like the fact that YC is walking distance to the International Gateway, but now I'm second-guessing how much extra walking I may have to do if I'm spending time at Future World.

3. Crowds: I'm traveling the week after 4th of July. I know there will be plenty of people at WDW because it's July. But which resort would feel less "crowded" for me. I'm thinking because all of the Epcot resorts are so close to each other, this could make things more crowded.

I've never stayed at either of these resorts, and would not be opposed to switching. This trip will involve a split stay, as I will be at CR for the first 4 nights for a conference, before moving to YC, or SSR for the last six nights. I've stayed at AKL, WL, CSR and POR in the past. Wilderness Lodge has been my favorite resort by far.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

The Yacht Club is one of my top 3 favorites, I love it! I would highly recommend it over SSR. I've traveled to WDW over many holidays and peak seasons, and I've never experienced a "crowd" at the YC. We always find the lobby and hotel interior to be mostly empty. As for SAB it is always crowded in the summer time but as a solo traveler I don't think you'll mind at all. Even when crowded it's easy to throw your beach bag down in a stray chair somewhere and jump right in the water. The bar (Hurricane Hannah's) is really a fun atmosphere and great for adults. I love the music, what's better than Jimmy Buffet playing with a drink in your hand and sand between your toes?? Being close to Epcot and a relaxing boat ride away from the Studios is the BEST location in WDW for an adult no doubt. Great restaurants, fantastic nightlife, the Boardwalk area is awesome, I don't think you could ask for more. As for walking, I can leave the YC on foot and beat you to Future World any day over driving from SSR, parking, taking the tram, and walking in. No question about that. I've stayed at SSR once and would never go back. To me it is too far from the parks, has no Disney feel to it, and really is just like staying in a condo somewhere on I-drive. Plus I much prefer a regular resort over a DVC building unless I'm renting points at a huge discount. As for driving, I love having my car at WDW because I often drive to DTD or to Universal, but when it comes to the Disney parks I want a fast bus or boat to get me there so I can leave my car behind.
Whichever you choose have a great trip!

 

[Hi Pluto]

1. Lazy river and hot tub...need I say more?
2. I know it always says close to international gateway, but you turn right to hit the countries, turn left to hit england and canada before you're in future world. Not that far at all.
3. The resorts are all there, but the lake helps it feel open and not at all crowded. It usually feels like the people fade away as you walk out of epcot and into the BC area, even when busy.

The best is being able to walk over to the boardwalk for the shops/food (bakery!)/entertainment or slip into epcot to walk around the world showcase. You'll stay busy.

~Cari~

 

[mousefan73]

If your goal is some alone time and avoiding crowds, I would say SSSR as this is a DVC and IMO more apartment complex feeling. Another wards you have no lobby, main area or heavy traffic area where non-resort people you would see on the passing by.

I would pick YC just for the EP area. It is a hike to future world, but if mobility is an issue there is the boat. that would cut have the walk down.

 

[Aerinha]

If you really want to cut the walk, you can take a boat from YC to the International Gateway. But you can wait up to 20 mins for the boat and it may make a stop at the BWI before hitting Epcot...basically those who walk will be in the park an on their first ride by the time the boat docks at Epcot. I was so fed up with it coming back from HS to park hop to Epcot that I got off at the S&D stop and walked. I had cleared security and the boat never passed me it was so slow.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Great responses so far. Thanks everyone. I'm probably going to stay put at Yacht Club. Now I have to figure out what to do about the 6th night. I have a one-night reservation at the DTD Holiday Inn because I can burn my IHG rewards points there. I can also add a night at a YC standard room. Either way, I'll be packing and moving for one night.

 

[Babsy]

Is it possible to stay at the Bc or the BWI for the entire stay? If not, the AKL might be nice for a night. The pool is lovely, the animals fun and the proximity to the AK will be nice after having been near the MK and Epcot/DHS .he best of all worlds!

Of course, if you keep checking you may find the last night becomes available. perseverance often pays off!

Enjoy! The YC is simply fabulous for adults!

 

[shoreward]

I have a 5-night stay at YC in July, that I need to extend to 6 nights. My room category is not available on the final night at YC. I've been thinking about switching to SSR for some time, but can't make up my mind.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TIA

Have you checked availability for the last night at the YC on Orbitz? Their room availability differs from Disney's; you might have some better luck.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Have you checked availability for the last night at the YC on Orbitz? Their room availability differs from Disney's; you might have some better luck.

There is still availability at YC, but it's in a different room category. So I would have to move either way. Of course there's the possibility that if I add another reservation for the last night through Disney, they may last me keep my current room. I have the AP discount, that really can't be beat anywhere else, so I'm pretty happy with my rate.