SSR - Area / Rooms to Request?

[Amy5000]

Hi all. I'm planning a trip for next November in a 2 Bd. Room at Saratoga Springs. I've only stayed there once before (in a studio in the Paddock). I was looking at the map and trying to figure out where to stay. I noticed that a lot of people here seem to recommend Congress Park (maybe b/c of a Downtown Disney view), but then I saw some reports that the rooms were showing a lot of wear and tear. Last visit I remember thinking the Springs would be good b/c it was so close to the Main Pool and the Artist Palette. I also thought the Grandstand hand a waterplay area (which I didn't check out last time).

So it's November (not sure if the pool / waterplay will be an option). I'll be there with a 6 and 8 year old, and my parents (who are not all that mobile) will be along.

All thoughts on what I should consider when requesting a room are appreciated!

 

[ELKHUNTER]

Just stayed during Christmas in the Grandstand in the 8000 bldg. near bus stop and pool and it was great. Just a short walk to carriage house, about 5min.

 

[Sammie]

Love Congress Park, great views and lovely quiet pool.

Springs is really nice, because you are so centrally located.

Grandstand does have a nice pool but there is only one building in Grandstand that I like, the one closest to the pools. The outers are not as convenient and don't have that great of a view, mostly golf course.

Truly we like all the areas even Carousel. We never make a request and are excited to see what we get.

 

[Pakey]

We don't make requests either and we have stayed in all but Carousel. Springs is my least favorite. Yes it's the closest to the main area but we hated sitting on our balcony and being able to hear the pool noise (we were on the end closest to the street) and all of the foot traffic walking below on their way to the main pool/area. Also, Springs is the last pickup on the bus loop and is sometimes crowded.

The other sections are fine. I didn't think it was any closer to walk from Grandstand than it is from the other sections.

 

[Kymm1111]

Weve stayed a couple of times, one time I requested near a bus stop for my sil who cannot walk very far. Weve been placed all over and don't really have a preference.
I did request that we are near a bus stop again because I am taking my 90 year old Grandmother down in March.

 

[dmbkmb]

My husband and I prefer Congress park, or the Paddock buildings closer to Congress park. We love to walk to Downtown Disney, so that is why we prefer those. I was just there in Dec, in a Studio, In congress park and I didn't notice any issues.
Good luck with your trip! November is a great time to go.

 

[Amy5000]

Hi all. Thanks for the feedback. It's good to know that you've all like so many areas. I guess we'll ask for Cong. Park or Grandstand (closer to the Carriage House). But truthfully, I would probably be fine with any area but the Carousel. (And even that I won't complain too much).

Thanks again. Amy

 

[rice00]

We like the Grandstand area. I think you're right that the pool area might be something you would not make use of in the Grandstand area. We like the fact that it is very short walk to Artist Palette and the gym/spa.

 

[Sammie]

We like all area and don't make requests, as that way we are never disappointed.

 

[mbakun]

Our favorite is Congress Park....love the walk to DTD. Bus stops are not as crowded as some of the other areas.

Michelle

 

[rillsung]

We were just there over Christmas as well in a studio in Congress Park. Loved the location - walking to DTD and the view was perfect. We loved listening to the DTD hustle and bustle Our room was a bit worn though not enough to bother us... The carpets were obviously worn and the couch a bit as well.

 

[Carl'n'Ellie'sDad]

To OP: Be sure to look at the thread "Best place to stay at SSR" by boomboom27. Pretty similar question with pretty similar advice. I'm a fan of the Grandstand, but those with primary-school age children may want to be closer to High Rock Springs. The new Paddock pool, which i'm pretty sure will be open by November, may change the equation as well.