SSR Grandstand...........

[DVC Grammy]

What do you think of the proposed Grandstand phase of SSR, and do you think the new designed pool areas will affect the appeal of SSR in any way?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Where have you seen these plans?

 

[DVC Grammy]

Where have you seen these plans?

I haven't seen them, just read about them in the Vacation Magic ann'y edition. It states (p.19), "..............Members and Guests will find a 2,490-square-foot racetrack-themed leisure pool, a 1,257-square-foot interactive water area and a 118-square-foot pool." It sounds like something that might be very appealing.

 

[dianeschlicht]

That does sound appealing! I'm glad they are enhancing the theme of SSR.

 

[pb4ugo]

this was posted on the Disney Rumors and News Board:

Saratoga Springs New Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was in Vacation Magic Newsletter:

The new section on golf course (4 buildings) will be called The Grandstand. There will be a 2,490 square foor, racetrack theme leisure pool, 1,257 sq foot interative water area and a 118-square foot pool. Area will include restrooms, laudry facilities, the Backstretch Bar and a barbeque pavilon. One builidng will open every month or two starting beginning of 2007.

Isn't this awesome? Can't wait!

it sounds great to me! am so glad that we own there!

 

[uicbear]

There is also going to be a pool bar w/ some kind of basic food service from what I understand as well?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

For recent discussion about the SSR Grandstand and Carousel sections, see this recent thread: New SSR enhancements coming!

 

[alexandone]

Was this part of the original SSR plans?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Was this part of the original SSR plans?

Phase III was probably part of Disney's internal plans early on, but the initial January 2002 announcement (before they even announced the name for Saratoga Springs) was for only 192 units (which became the 184-unit Phase I, the Congress Park section of Saratoga Springs):

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (Jan. 24, 2002) -- In response to strong guest demand, Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will expand its timeshare resort presence with its next location at the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World Resort, subject to obtaining all necessary approvals. The Institute property, with its unique amenities and urban setting adjacent to the Downtown Disney resort area, made it an ideal place to expand the company’s highly successful Disney Vacation Club business.

“The proposed ownership resort expansion will combine one of our highly successful offerings with an exciting complement of existing resort amenities,” said George Aguel, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Guests staying in the Disney Vacation Club villas will have convenient access to the Downtown Disney resort area, including the Institute spa and recreational facilities.

The new, 192-unit development is slated to occupy a unique 16-acre site overlooking the lakefront district at Downtown Disney. Initial plans call for the construction of four residential-style buildings with studio, one- and two-bedroom villas and Grand Villa units that sleep up to 12 guests.

“We had the opportunity to consider this location because expansion of Disney Institute programs throughout the Walt Disney World Resort reduced the need for dedicated Institute resort space,” Aguel said. Disney Institute programming includes professional development programs, from keynote speeches, workshops and behind the scenes tours to customized programs that help groups implement successful strategies into their own organizations.

The announcement heralds a time of exciting growth for Disney Vacation Club, which is celebrating its 10th year and now boasts a membership of more than 60,000 families from over 60 countries.

Development will begin this spring with a targeted opening of spring 2004.​

Phases III, bringing the resort to 828 units, was announced in May 2004:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 27, 2004) -- Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the latest Disney Vacation Club property, opened Thursday with resort membership sales so brisk that officials announced plans to expand the property by another 276 units.

The newest resort in the Walt Disney Company's highly rated vacation ownership program, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa opened with its first phase already three-quarters sold out, said Walt Disney World Resort President Al Weiss.

"The guest response to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has been so overwhelming, we have decided to add a third phase of development to the resort," Weiss said.

The third phase of 276 units will be available in 2007 and will increase the resort room count to a total of 828 accommodations. The resort is opening with 184 units in its first phase and previously announced a second phase of 368 units in 2005.

"Guests increasingly want opportunities for ownership in our unique vacation experiences, and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is our latest entry in this exciting new market," Weiss said. "We bring together unparalleled guest service, outstanding attractions and accommodations second to none to create an experience that is perfect for every member of the family. Our member families have made a long-term commitment to Disney and their dedication is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Disney brand to all generations."

The seventh and largest of the growing collection of popular Disney ownership properties, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa lies just across the lake from Downtown Disney and is near the four Walt Disney World theme parks.

"The tripling of DVC's membership to more than 81,000 member families in just over five years underscores the growing popularity of the company's vacation ownership program," said Jim Lewis, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Development, Inc. "By offering our most loyal and frequent guests a special way to enjoy our properties, we continue to generate demand for DVC and, in fact, we expect to completely sell out of the first phase by fall 2004."

All previous DVC properties are now sold out. Pre-opening membership sales for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa began in August 2003, following the record-breaking 13-month sell-out of the Company's previous project, Disney's Beach Club Villas at Walt Disney World Resort.

From its colorful Victorian architecture to the influence of horse racing, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa recaptures the heyday of upstate New York country retreats in the late 1800s. The resort features a full-service spa, a neighborhood eatery and market, and a spectacular rockwork theme pool.

Earlier this month, Disney Vacation Club opened its new sales headquarters located at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. This state-of-the-art facility doubles the Company's current guest tour capacity, which was needed to meet the growing demand for Disney vacation ownership.

The current collection of Disney Vacation Club Resorts includes five locations at Walt Disney World Resort (Disney's Old Key West Resort; Disney's BoardWalk Villas; The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge; Disney's Beach Club Villas and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa), as well as Disney's first resorts beyond the theme park locations -- Disney's Vero Beach Resort located on Florida's Atlantic Coast and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina.​

The recent article in Vacation Magic is the first time that I've read any information with details about Phase III, such as the names of the sections (Grandstand and Carousel) and information about the new pool and water play area.

 

[vonpluto]

Was this part of the original SSR plans?

No. There is a SSR site plan posted another DVC fan site that shows the Grandstand as three buildings and a quiet pool as at Congress park. SP is dated 3/04.

 

[utahkennedys]

I have to be honest that I don't like the SSR theme at all (grew up in Boston so it lacks a "vacation" feel to me) and when I read that description it just doesn't sound appealing to me as far as the pool goes. But, that's why I chose OKW so I can get the "tropical" feel when we go to DVC.

 

[keys2kingdom]

I think it sounds exciting, we'll have to see how it develops. Good news for SSR owners. I think this section will add to the overall appeal of the resort.

 

[Sammie]

I think the Grandstand area will be very nice, with some very good views. The pool area seemed to be very large and the building to go with it, looked as large as the pool bar area of the main pool.

 

[Beca]

I definitely think the interactive water area sounds cool!!! The racetrack theming could be cute, especially if they do it in a Victorian "Mary Poppins" style.

But, I am confused about a couple of things:
1) Someone mentioned a "carousel" section. What's that? Sounds like it could be cool.

2) I don't get the 118 sq. foot pool. Is that a quiet pool, or an additional pool at the themed pool? I can't imagine what that would be? It seems pretty small to be a "public pool"...that's about a 10X12 swimming pool...smaller than my dd's bedroom? Is it a specialty pool of some type? I don't think I am understanding that right.

 

[vonpluto]

I definitely think the interactive water area sounds cool!!! The racetrack theming could be cute, especially if they do it in a Victorian "Mary Poppins" style.

But, I am confused about a couple of things:
1) Someone mentioned a "carousel" section. What's that? Sounds like it could be cool.

2) I don't get the 118 sq. foot pool. Is that a quiet pool, or an additional pool at the themed pool? I can't imagine what that would be? It seems pretty small to be a "public pool"...that's about a 10X12 swimming pool...smaller than my dd's bedroom? Is it a specialty pool of some type? I don't think I am understanding that right.

When the bus enters SSR from Vacation Club Way, it makes the first left to stop at the Paddock. The two new buildings on the left are The Carousel section.

118sf = approx 10.8' x 10.8', probably a hot tub.

 

[minnie61650]

I definitely think the interactive water area sounds cool!!! The racetrack theming could be cute, especially if they do it in a Victorian "Mary Poppins" style.

But, I am confused about a couple of things:
1) Someone mentioned a "carousel" section. What's that? Sounds like it could be cool.

2) I don't get the 118 sq. foot pool. Is that a quiet pool, or an additional pool at the themed pool? I can't imagine what that would be? It seems pretty small to be a "public pool"...that's about a 10X12 swimming pool...smaller than my dd's bedroom? Is it a specialty pool of some type? I don't think I am understanding that right.

I am thinking maybe the 118 sqare foot pool could be a themed children's pool.

Any other thoughts?

 

[starbox]

I am thinking maybe the 118 sqare foot pool could be a themed children's pool.

Any other thoughts?

I'm thinking either a hot tub or one of those endless lap pools. SSR really trying to set itself apart with the health/fitness/spa angle and an endless lap pool next to the racetrack feature pool would make sense to me.

 

[Dis-best]

I have to be honest that I don't like the SSR theme at all (grew up in Boston so it lacks a "vacation" feel to me) and when I read that description it just doesn't sound appealing to me as far as the pool goes. But, that's why I chose OKW so I can get the "tropical" feel when we go to DVC.

I agree! I believe it is missing something to give it that special vacation appeal. If the new pool does not have a good slide, than I don't believe it will attract many kids. This will defeat the purpose of the water play area. I also believe that they should send a news letter to SSR owners informing us of the changes to come. After all we are owners...

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I definitely think the interactive water area sounds cool!!! The racetrack theming could be cute, especially if they do it in a Victorian "Mary Poppins" style.

I doubt they'll do a Mary Poppins theme. Saratoga Springs is supposed to evoke Victorian upstate New York. But Mary Poppins takes place in Edwardian London.

The racetrack theme is based on the racetrack in Saratoga Springs, NY.

But, I am confused about a couple of things:
1) Someone mentioned a "carousel" section. What's that? Sounds like it could be cool.

The Carousel section is simply the name of one of the sections in Phase III. For a map showing all phases of Saratoga Springs (as well as Downtown Disney), see http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/modules/mapPopup?id=SaratogaSpringsMemberLandingPage. The section (with two buildings) encircled by white dots at the top of the map is the Carousel section. The section (with four buildings) encircled by white dots at the left side of the map is the Grandstand section.

2) I don't get the 118 sq. foot pool. Is that a quiet pool, or an additional pool at the themed pool? I can't imagine what that would be? It seems pretty small to be a "public pool"...that's about a 10X12 swimming pool...smaller than my dd's bedroom? Is it a specialty pool of some type? I don't think I am understanding that right.

My guess is that it's either a toddler pool or a hot water spa pool. It's much too small to be a "real" pool.

 

[MonkeyPants]

sounds excellent, I cant wait to see it, wonder how soon those pools will be open. I'll be down in Oct and again in Jan.