Stay at Saratoga or pay cash somewhere else?

[Canchaser143]

Another WWYD thread!

Looking to book a December trip for our anniversary. Lucky me that date falls during the most popular time, the first week of December which means availability is, well, looking bleak for the 7 month window! Right now I am assuming my options will be SSR or OKW. I am crossing OKW off the list. So here is my question, should we stay at SSR or should I just pay cash to stay somewhere else?

• I have stayed at SSR before on a previous trip.
• My husband has never been to WDW before, only DLR.
• I do not have enough points for a 1bedroom sadly.

What are your pros and cons? Help me and my indecisive self!

 

[zackiedawg]

If you've got points and can find availability at SSR, I'd personally stay there rather than blow cash on something else. Despite many considering SSR their resort-of-last-resort, it's much higher up the list for me - it's where I've stayed second most other than my home resort of Boardwalk.

Pros - you're not spending extra money - again assuming you have the points and weren't planning on using them soon for another trip.
SSR is convenient for walking to Disney Springs which gives you dozens of dining options, and can be a convenient way to get back from the parks at closing time as you can take a nearby resort bus to Disney Springs to avoid the heavy crowds, and just walk back to your room at SSR. It's why I personally always request Congress Park on preferred category, for that close proximity - but even staying on Std category, it's not far to get to Disney Springs from Grandstand and some Paddock buildings.
Staying at SSR also gives you easy access to every other resort property, if you're considering some nice restaurants to celebrate the occasion - again, just walk over to Disney Springs and you've got busses to every resort...and you've also got the cute and relaxing boats to OKW or Port Orleans - I've actually hopped on those boats just for the lovely ride, and gotten coffee and beignets at French Quarter, popped over to see Yehaa Bob at Riverside, then boated back to SSR.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Id say dont give up. Just because something isnt there at 7 months doesnt mean it wont open up.

 

[Brian Noble]

What are your pros and cons? Help me and my indecisive self!

Points can only be used for lodging. Cash can be used for lots of things. Use the points.

 

[byurick]

1. Book your SSR stay now before things get less available
2. Put in your two waitlists, you never know
3. Enjoy your vacation (don't listen to the SSR haters)

 

[epski]

This is a very personal question, in that your own preferences make a huge difference to the answer. I personally do not like SSR, so I am more inclined to pay cash for a moderate or even a value (Pop is my fallback when out of points). With the AP or a bounce back deal, you can get some pretty good prices, put it on a credit card that offers 3x or better transferable points to use toward stays in other destinations or airfare to WDW. I am more inclined to save our vacation points for stays at our preferred resorts, or to get a 1-2BD, depending on how many are traveling with us, etc. When I can get a week’s stay at Pop for $1000-$1200, it’s really hard for me to justify using my points for a stay somewhere I’m not excited to be. But, of course, some people really like SSR, and you’ve already been there, so you have a better idea whether it is worth it to you.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Is Swolphin available at a decent price? If you go cash you don’t have to stay Disney but that’s so Disney adjacent it’s practically in the bubble with an excellent location for adults who might be more Epcot focused in the evenings. Book refundable and keep hunting for what you actually want.

 

[Canchaser143]

1. Book your SSR stay now before things get less available
2. Put in your two waitlists, you never know
3. Enjoy your vacation (don't listen to the SSR haters)

The 7 month window won’t open up until May

 

[muppets3d]

Why can't you book your home resort now?

 

[VGCgroupie]

The 7 month window won’t open up until May

Honesty think you will find something. People always book at 11m on the dot and 7m on the dot. Then change plans later.

 

[Canchaser143]

Why can't you book your home resort now?

I only have a VDH contract.

 

[Canchaser143]

Is Swolphin available at a decent price? If you go cash you don’t have to stay Disney but that’s so Disney adjacent it’s practically in the bubble with an excellent location for adults who might be more Epcot focused in the evenings. Book refundable and keep hunting for what you actually want.

Looks like only Swan Reserve has open bookings, but this isn't a terrible idea! Thank you!

 

[muppets3d]

I only have a VDH contract.

Oh I see, well I would probably book something for cash and try at 7 months to book something on points. Then just cancel the cash reservation if you are successful. You will find something available for points, but you may have to be flexible on dates, room type, etc.

 

[Canchaser143]

Honesty think you will find something. People always book at 11m on the dot and 7m on the dot. Then change plans later.

Here's to hoping! It is crazy how quick rooms go during some travel seasons. We are usually 1 bedroom people. I need more points so I do not have to worry about availability Is my secret plan to convince my husband we need WDW points? Maybe LOL

 

[muppets3d]

Here's to hoping! It is crazy how quick rooms go during some travel seasons. We are usually 1 bedroom people. I need more points so I do not have to worry about availability Is my secret plan to convince my husband we need WDW points? Maybe LOL

I would say if you plan to visit WDW regularly it would help to have points in Florida, yes - especially if you think you'll want to travel during DVC high demand times (which as you know do not necessarily correlate with when the parks are the busiest). But it's very easy to spend other people's money!

 

[cruisehopeful]

If you are going to use your VDH points at VDH, pay for a cash stay in WDW. If you don't think you'll be using your VDH points for VDH, definitely book SSR or whatever is available. Create a couple wait lists and then frequently check the website for availability for other resorts.

You said you don't have enough points for a one bedroom. Point charts for studios will be very different at SSR than a place like Grand Floridian. I think I'd book SSR close to DS and if I had a compelling reason for a different resort, I would keep checking until a few days before the reservation.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Here's to hoping! It is crazy how quick rooms go during some travel seasons. We are usually 1 bedroom people. I need more points so I do not have to worry about availability Is my secret plan to convince my husband we need WDW points? Maybe LOL

Also if I were using VDH points I would stalk the heck out of RIV. May as well book a restricted resort if you can.

 

[Canchaser143]

I would say if you plan to visit WDW regularly it would help to have points in Florida, yes - especially if you think you'll want to travel during DVC high demand times (which as you know do not necessarily correlate with when the parks are the busiest). But it's very easy to spend other people's money!

I actually used to have an OKW-E contract that I bought before VDH so I'd have access to member pricing lol Didn't like the dues and the fact I couldn't use them at VDH sooooo we sold it. Anddddd here I am two years later wanting points at WDW again

 

[VGCgroupie]

I actually used to have an OKW-E contract that I bought before VDH so I'd have access to member pricing lol Didn't like the dues and the fact I couldn't use them at VDH sooooo we sold it. Anddddd here I am two years later wanting points at WDW again

No harm done, just buy a new WDW resort that isnt OKW.

 

[atthebeachclub]

Book SSR, put in wait lists that are likely to come through. And if they don’t come through, save your cash for a rental car or Uber/Lyft/Minnievans to the parks.