SSR Lovers and Owners Part 2

[tjhsr]

Hi there. Does anyone know if they have started the Paddock pool construction?

 

[Spanner]

Hi there. Does anyone know if they have started the Paddock pool construction?

I believe construction is due in the Autumn (so probably Sept/Oct) and due to be finished by Spring 2011. Don't know if that'll include the QS restaurant in those timescales but would assume it'll all be done at once.

 

[LoveKermit]

Just made a ressie today for mid-August. So, I will have some dumb questions that I don't want to have search this whole thread. I apologize ahead of time.

Your Paddock Pool question---are they improving on the pool that is already there? And they are adding QS there, or is there already QS over there?

What are everyone's favorite villages and why?

 

[AirGoofy]

Your Paddock Pool question---are they improving on the pool that is already there? And they are adding QS there, or is there already QS over there? What are everyone's favorite villages and why?

They are adding on to the existing pool and adding a new QS. I liked the Paddock area and view over the lake. Congress Park has the view of DTD. Grandstand is the first bus stop. Treehouse Villas are just too dang cool. Springs is the closest to main pool, Turf Club (TS), Artist Point (QS), boat launch, and community room.

 

[LoveKermit]

Thanks. I've finally had time to check things out.

Is there a harder village to get into than others? Is it fruitless to even request the Spring or a DTD view in Congress Park?

The bus stop is not an issue--we rent a car. But we will be swimming....maybe a lot (if the ocean doesn't do DD in). How long is the walk from Congress Park to the main pool? It doesn't look too bad. But we'd need the stroller, I think.

 

[tjhsr]

A Downtown Disney view is the hardest to get. We have stayed in the Congress Park section several times.We have only had a good DTD view a few times.We just like it because we walk to DTD almost every night. The walk to the main pool is 5-7 minute's from CP. The Springs would be a easier to get. But don't forget its just a request for any section.

 

[LoveKermit]

I know the "request is just a request" philosophy. But my DH is the least lucky person I know. So if there is no request, he will look at the dumpster.

He was talking about some room (must have been on trip advisor) that was next to some mechanicals (I assume something about AC) and was very loud. If we don't make a request, he will be in that room--I'm not kidding.

But we've had luck with simple requests.

So Congress Park is not any more special if you don't face DTD? Then, I think we'll request the Springs. Is it loud? I already requested upper floor.

 

[tjhsr]

Noise has never been a problem. We once had one of the studio's next to the side door and it we never notice the noise from the door slaming closed. But yes if only want CP for a view of DTD you might not be happy with what you get. No dumpster views but some nice parking lot or side of the other buildings to look at. We are requesting the Springs for the first time to be closer to the main pool. DGC is going and being a little closer to the pool will be a big help.

 

[Dizny Dad]

Noise has never been a problem for us at ANY of the DVC resorts. I assume they have insulated ALL walls and ceilings. We have only once heard a neighbor and it was just a few bumps once in a week stay.

Try a moderate . . . . . and see what NOISE is about.

 

[tomandrobin]

We have stayed at almost all the resorts and Saratoga Springs is hands-down the quietest resort of them all.

 

[LoveKermit]

We have stayed at almost all the resorts and Saratoga Springs is hands-down the quietest resort of them all.

Wonderful!

(Maybe DH and I will go for a swim at midnight and scream and shout, just to mix it up a little) Totally kidding.

We are looking to relax and make the most of the resort. It is not our first choice (mostly because of location), but we are looking forward to it and have no expectation. We booked yesterday for two weeks from this Friday. We were lucky to get anything. From what we've read, we should like it.

I'm going to call during DD's nap about a Springs request, unless I sleep through MS close, like I did on Monday.

 

[mamaprincess]

My favorite location is Grandstand in the 1st building closest to the carriage house. It's a five minute walk at the most to the Carriage House, so close to both main pool and the Grand stand pool plus you can walk to the DTD boat (which we love) from there (it's right behind the Carriage house). It is also the 1st stop on the bus route and the 1st drop off point. Love this location.

 

[Dizny Dad]

LoveKermit - Not sure what you may feel about SSR (It is not our first choice (mostly because of location)) but I'm sure you will find it beyond your expectations as a place to get away from the active Disney, and settle into the soft side and enjoy what Disney can do for you in a quiet, calm setting!

Gee . . now I wish I was going soon . . . . . .

 

[Candy Orlando]

Walt Disney loved horses. He was a great polo player. Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is a reflection of him. He would be proud of it. The theme is perfectly elegant. Of all of the Vacation Club Resorts, it is equal to the Grand Floridian because of it's chosen theme and decor.

 

[LoveKermit]

Thanks for all the replies. We are very excited about it. We have just been fortunate to stay at Epcot resorts more recently so were very used to walking here and there. Now we have to factor in moving the car. Not a big deal, it's just been a while so it's a change of mindset.

We like that we might actually venture offsite for a meal or two because it feels easier to leave. And we're going to zip up to the Winn-Dixie right away, just because it seems so close (and this might change our philosophies for future trips).

Once you're entrenched in an Epcot or monorail resort, you forget there is an outside.

 

[Candy Orlando]

The Turf Club at Saratoga Springs Resort has great prime rib.

 

[LoveKermit]

We have ADRs there a couple times, not knowing when we might want to go. It's going to depend how we feel and if we need a good, big meal.

But, we wouldn't order prime rib. However, other items look good too.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Beautiful photos at the start of this thread. Can someone please repost the order of the bus stops in SSR?

 

[bigAWL]

Beautiful photos at the start of this thread. Can someone please repost the order of the bus stops in SSR?

Sure, here's the response I got a while back with the same quesiton...

The order of bus-stops is The GrandStand, The Carousel, The Paddock, Congress Park and then the Springs. They have a CM standing at the Grandstand bus stop who monitors when the buses are coming and going. This is all of the time now. It was like this in April when we were here as well!!

Thanks for that. Does the CM there mean they tend to run more regularly? And there is no stop at the carriage house? I guess the Springs stop across from the main pool is as close as it gets?

We just got back from an 11 day trip, staying in The Springs. There was a CM at that stop, too, and, no, they didn't run more regularly. They would give us updates on when to expect the bus. Seems like we'd see multiple busses for all the parks we weren't going to that day, but the one we wanted took forever!

And, no, there is no stop at the Carriage House. The stop at The Springs takes care of that.

We're scheduled to go again on October 27, and I'm hoping we can get into Grandstand.

 

[magicmommy]

The only exception to that bus schedule is the one thats goes to DTD/Typhoon Lagoon. I believe it starts at the Springs, then Grandstand, Carousel, Paddock and Congress Park is the last stop.