Unused/Underutilized Areas at DVC/Disney Deluxe Resorts

[muppets3d]

Since you mentioned Vero Beach, I feel I can also mention the Hilton Head resort. Over the years I've attended several events at the Beach House after 6:00. The shuttle would be available to take people over and back if necessary. There were several wine tastings, cheese tastings, appetizers, and my favorite-the Private Affair with Chef Gordon. But nothing's been done over there in several years.

That would be amazing, a great use of that great space after hours. Waiting on my HHI resale points to be loaded in so I can book some warm weather stays at that great resort.

 

[Girlstar30]

Why did they close the ariel restaurant?

 

[PolyRob]

Why did they close the ariel restaurant?

It was a seafood restaurant and closed in the 90s. I think it was more of a "signature," but people assumed based on the name there would be characters. It's used for private events and flex spaces during construction.

 

[Girlstar30]

It was a seafood restaurant and closed in the 90s. I think it was more of a "signature," but people assumed based on the name there would be characters. It's used for private events and flex spaces during construction.

I thought that too and immediately looked it up

 

[PolyRob]

I thought that too and immediately looked it up

Poor naming on Disney's part!

 

[airjay75]

They really should reopen the Spa at Saratoga, or use the space for something else. Also - the treatment rooms at AKL Jambo in the gym. Both have been closed since COVID.

I was staying at Boulder Ridge last year over Labor Day, and noticed the reunion station had some activity. I think they use it for crafts sometimes, and it can be rented out for groups to use sort of like a clubhouse. At least it isn't sitting empty all the time like Saratoga's spa (empty except for the gym).

As a new DVC member, I can say, if I had told my wife there was an actual spa at Saratoga, she would be like, oh, let's prioritize that one then. Without it? No real draw other than the widespread availability.

 

[muppets3d]

As a new DVC member, I can say, if I had told my wife there was an actual spa at Saratoga, she would be like, oh, let's prioritize that one then. Without it? No real draw other than the widespread availability.

I like Saratoga Springs Resort a lot frankly. It's not my first choice, but it's not my resort of last resort either. I wouldn't choose to own there, however. It has a lot of advantages beyond being fairly reliable for even last-minute bookings.

 

[airjay75]

I like Saratoga Springs Resort a lot frankly. It's not my first choice, but it's not my resort of last resort either. I wouldn't choose to own there, however. It has a lot of advantages beyond being fairly reliable for even last-minute bookings.

Yeah, I tried to advocate for that as part of upcoming AKL/RIV split stay - seems like things I'd really like. If there had been a spa, would have been as easy sell to my wife. Without it, RIV sounded much more exciting. I'm sure we'll get there at some point.

 

[muppets3d]

Yeah, I tried to advocate for that as part of upcoming AKL/RIV split stay - seems like things I'd really like. If there had been a spa, would have been as easy sell to my wife. Without it, RIV sounded much more exciting. I'm sure we'll get there at some point.

To be clear I would pick those two resorts over SSR pretty much any time, especially AKL.

 

[airjay75]

To be clear I would pick those two resorts over SSR pretty much any time, especially AKL.

Well, I did want to do SSR, in large part, because the cost to rent points for the 3 nights we're currently doing RIV was going to be about $500 less .

 

[muppets3d]

Well, I did want to do SSR, in large part, because the coast to rent points for the 3 nights we're currently doing RIV was going to be about $500 less .

Everyone has their opinion but in mine you're staying at the 2 best resorts on property. It's all downhill from there, LOL.

 

[Cfabar1]

Why did they close the ariel restaurant?

The words Flying Fish Cafe come to mind...

Seeing as how easy it is to get a reservation at FF now, can't imagine 2 signature seafood restaurants could cut it over there... They probably picked the one on the boardwalk to be the winner...

 

[Girlstar30]

The words Flying Fish Cafe come to mind...

Seeing as how easy it is to get a reservation at FF now, can't imagine 2 signature seafood restaurants could cut it over there... They probably picked the one on the boardwalk to be the winner...

I haven't been to crescent lake resorts yet to analyze! I do like when they stick to Disney themeing but im sure people were disappointed when Ariel wasnt there, plus I get they need options on the boardwalk.

I thought i had missed out on meeting flounder and friends

i think what I regret most not experiencing is the Polynesian luau. That literally could have convinced me to buy there. Of course I heard then PIT wouldnt even be there but seems like a really nice touch!

 

[Girlstar30]

I like Saratoga Springs Resort a lot frankly. It's not my first choice, but it's not my resort of last resort either. I wouldn't choose to own there, however. It has a lot of advantages beyond being fairly reliable for even last-minute bookings.

I cant wait to stay here! It was pretty bold of me to buy there and not stay yet, but I have my two favorite resorts so far on the books at least!

The proximity to the golf course and dining options and shopping at Disney Springs does appeal to me and the hope that the spa reopens makes me feel safe about my decision. I heard the spa was the largest of all the properties?

We shall see! Every time I book though I never choose it! I think i need to get over the psychology of "this is the resort you choose when there's nothing else"