Value Resort vs Saratoga Springs

[Chelsea Derouen]

Hi everyone! I am planning a trip to Disney from June 10th-June 16th, 2018. My daughter will be almost 3 and my son will be almost 8.

I have been having a really hard time trying to choose a resort. I really like the look of Saratoga Springs but think it would be too boring for my almost 3 year old, however I think the Art of Animation Resort (or any other of the value resorts) would be too childish for my almost 8 year old.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a happy medium?! Or have an opinion on one vs the other?

Thank you!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Are you looking at a one bedroom at SSR? If it's one bedroom or larger, you get a washer and dryer in your villa. If just a studio, you'll have free access to the laundry room. The Paddock pool is pretty fun for kids, as are the Spring pool and the Grandstand pool.

Besides, who's paying for this trip? You or the three yr old? She will be fine no matter where you stay.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The splash areas at Saratoga are a LOT of fun. One has Donald Duck in it!

 

[cruisin5]

SSR is HUGE! You'll need to research the different areas depending on your needs (pool, bus, DS). I'm in the process of looking into where to stay at SSR in December. So far I'm requesting Grandstand near transportation. First on the bus, close to the bus, great pool and close to The Springs where you check-in, another great pool, Artist's Palette for QS, Community Hall.

Most pools at SSR have slides which may appeal to your son, some have a splash area for your daughter. Plus towels at the pools.

The best CS for food we've ever had was at POP! I didn't love how there was no interior corridor to the rooms at POP, but SSR is sort of similar with the pods of buildings.

I don't think any of the values would be too childish for your DS8, if anything I don't think he'll appreciate the architecture of DS. Your 3YO will have fun regardless of the resort.

If you're spending a lot of time at the resort I'd recommend SSR over a value, simply for the choices of pools. SSR also has a community hall which is great.

Have a great trip.

 

[GPC0321]

Hi everyone! I am planning a trip to Disney from June 10th-June 16th, 2018. My daughter will be almost 3 and my son will be almost 8.

I have been having a really hard time trying to choose a resort. I really like the look of Saratoga Springs but think it would be too boring for my almost 3 year old, however I think the Art of Animation Resort (or any other of the value resorts) would be too childish for my almost 8 year old.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a happy medium?! Or have an opinion on one vs the other?

Thank you!

I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, because I know a lot of people do love the value resorts, but the only reason to stay at one, to me, is because it's not in the budget to upgrade to a mod or deluxe. Staying at a value because you think it'll be more fun for a kid is not a good enough reason to choose one over a mod or especially a deluxe.

I am a horse person, so maybe that's why Saratoga Springs' theme appeals to me (never stayed there, just admired it online). I think it has plenty to offer kids, and will be a more comfortable place for the adults.

If you're wanting a compromise though, look into some of the moderate resorts. You've got the Port Orleans resorts (French Quarter and Riverside) in the Disney Springs area as well. French Quarter looks quaint and adorable to me. I'd stay there without hesitation.

Then there's Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs. Of those two, I've stayed at Coronado. I'd say Caribbean Beach is probably more likely to appeal to kids, it has a pretty cool pool.

Of the values, Art of Animation gets the best reviews from people I know who frequent Disney a lot. One coworker of mine has gone to WDW every year for the past 18 years, and they usually stay at Beach Club, so they're used to a deluxe resort. He said they spent one night at Pop one time (arrived before their Beach Club stay began) and that he really disliked it, but he said they walked over to Art of Animation and thought it was much nicer. *shrug* That's one man's opinion.

 

[UpStNYmouse]

My family stayed at AoA for 1 night during a split stay of 3 resorts. This was my DDs(9) pick. It absolutely will not be too childish for an 8 yr old. It's a very fun resort. The theming is fantastic and the pool is huge with a lot of people and activities. Way too crowded for my liking but my DD loved it. The theming of the rooms are just fun and not childish. The food court is also quite good.

 

[jolene63]

My DS is 13 and DD is 10 and they still like the values. They are happy anywhere because we are at Disney.

 

[westie55]

I stayed at both of these resorts last year. We loved both and I would return to either. AoA is not too childish for an 8 yr old. The theming is tremendously fun and the resort is full of photo opportunities with all the giant characters. The theme at SSR is definitely more subdued but I am a horseperson so really enjoyed it. The resort is very pretty. SSR definitely has more comfortable furnishings (minus the sofa bed). The sofa bed was not comfortable. A 3 yr old couldn't find it boring. There are multiple pools and splash pad, and there are fun theming touches... they are just not as "in your face" as at AoA. I think both resorts are worth a try.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Personally, I would NEVER stay at SSR if I did not have my own car. DD worked there and I wasted so much time waiting for buses!!! Often 45 to 60 minutes for a bus!! it was horribly annoying and such a time waster. I don't care for how large the resort is either. It's a TON of walking!!
I would choose AOA any day over SSR. JMHO.

 

[LaBelleVie]

I would have LOVED AoA when I was eight; I think most kids are in awe of the place. SSR is a great choice if you plan to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs, but I'm not sure I'd choose it over any of the other options otherwise.

If it's the look of the resort that you like the most, I'd suggest looking into the Beach Club. Both have a lot of Victorian influence in the architecture, but Beach Club has always seemed to be one of the more kid-friendly Deluxe resorts. It has the best resort pool on property (Stormalong Bay) an onsite character breakfast (if that's something you're interested in), and it's extremely convenient to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

I'd also suggest looking into the Port Orleans resorts. Both are kid-friendly, but not childish. I'd say POR has the better pool area though.

 

[Lynzer4]

I never really got theme. While some are more kid friendly and/or Disney I don't pick my resort based solely on what my kids will like looking at I look at amenities. What does the resort offer that I want. SSR is in walking distance and Boat to Disney Springs. It have a TS on site, the pool has a slide and splash pad. Larger rooms with queen beds. But is every large and has multiple bus stops
AOA/POP - value that has double beds, pool but no slide, quick service but no TS but has only one stop but can still be a walk from your room to that stop.

A kid doesn't know what the other resorts are like and won't know what he is missing so to speak. With that I don't understand the "fun" at AOA or POP. You walk by large statues. That's it.... they don't do anything. For my kid at least being on vacation is fun and its an experience. I will say my 8 year old was like wow! but that only lasted the first walk plus it wasn't just the resort is was being at Disney. He does that everywhere even our beach condo last year!!!

I would never pick a value over a deluxe. As someone else said people usually stay in the value because they don't find value in staying at a place that is more money. They are only there for the park. As an AP holder I found value in the resort. I have been in the 2 bed room at SSR and loved it. So much space. I've not yet stayed there but is on my list.

With that SSR would not be my first deluxe choice. It would be towards the end.

I say pick what YOU want. Your kids will have fun and enjoy being at Disney regardless of where they stay.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I haven't stayed at SSR, but we drove around it last week to check it out and we decided that it is probably one of our last choices for a resort - especially with kids. It is massive, and driving around it felt more like driving around an apartment complex than a resort. There seems to be a big emphasis on golf around the resort and it just feels like a resort for older people. One of its appeals is that it is close to Disney Springs, but that also does not attract us.

All Disney resorts have special pools and can be great fun for families. I have now stayed at or driven around all of them, and this is one of the least appealing to me (I have two girls, 10 and 4).

We also visited OKW last week and it had a much more vacationy vibe. I'd love to stay there, but wouldn't do it or SSR without a car. They are both huge.

 

[tcufrog]

We stayed at SSR once and thought it was very boring and the theming was way too minimal. The food choices were also boring. I haven't stayed st any value resorts though.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I never really got theme. While some are more kid friendly and/or Disney I don't pick my resort based solely on what my kids will like looking at I look at amenities. What does the resort offer that I want. SSR is in walking distance and Boat to Disney Springs. It have a TS on site, the pool has a slide and splash pad. Larger rooms with queen beds. But is every large and has multiple bus stops
AOA/POP - value that has double beds, pool but no slide, quick service but no TS but has only one stop but can still be a walk from your room to that stop.

A kid doesn't know what the other resorts are like and won't know what he is missing so to speak. With that I don't understand the "fun" at AOA or POP. You walk by large statues. That's it.... they don't do anything. For my kid at least being on vacation is fun and its an experience. I will say my 8 year old was like wow! but that only lasted the first walk plus it wasn't just the resort is was being at Disney. He does that everywhere even our beach condo last year!!!

I would never pick a value over a deluxe. As someone else said people usually stay in the value because they don't find value in staying at a place that is more money. They are only there for the park. As an AP holder I found value in the resort. I have been in the 2 bed room at SSR and loved it. So much space. I've not yet stayed there but is on my list.

With that SSR would not be my first deluxe choice. It would be towards the end.

I say pick what YOU want. Your kids will have fun and enjoy being at Disney regardless of where they stay.

Actually the majority of AoA resort are suites. The suites have queen beds not full.
You cannot truly compare AoA and POP. They are VERY DIFFERENT!

 

[stitchlovestink]

I haven't stayed at SSR, but we drove around it last week to check it out and we decided that it is probably one of our last choices for a resort - especially with kids. It is massive, and driving around it felt more like driving around an apartment complex than a resort. There seems to be a big emphasis on golf around the resort and it just feels like a resort for older people. One of its appeals is that it is close to Disney Springs, but that also does not attract us.

All Disney resorts have special pools and can be great fun for families. I have now stayed at or driven around all of them, and this is one of the least appealing to me (I have two girls, 10 and 4).

We also visited OKW last week and it had a much more vacationy vibe. I'd love to stay there, but wouldn't do it or SSR without a car. They are both huge.

I agree, I think they are too big!! Yet CBR is bigger (acreage wise) than either of these!!

 

[lovin'fl]

SSR has great pools for kids. Also can walk or boat to DS for lots of fun, like Lego store and lunch at T-Rex and Bippity Boppity for little ladies (they still have one at DS, right?).

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I agree, I think they are too big!! Yet CBR is bigger (acreage wise) than either of these!!

Absolutely right that CBR is huge. We stayed there last September and even in a preferred room, there is a lot of walking with kids. It was our least favorite of the mods.

Still, CBR seems to have more of a Disney resort vibe than SSR. To me, there is something different about SSR. I think it might be the fact that it is entirely a Disney Vacation Club property (I know OKW is also. Nothing against DVC. We stayed at Vero Beach and Hilton Head and loved both of those properties).

In all fairness, I have not stayed at SSR and it could have an entirely different feel when you stay there than it does on first impression when you just drive through. I know a lot of people love it. I am sure I would love it, too. I have never stayed at a Disney resort where I wasn't happy. It just seems that, with all of the wonderful Disney resorts to choose from, SSR may not be the top choice for a family (with young children) looking for convenience.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

My DS is 13 and DD is 10 and they still like the values. They are happy anywhere because we are at Disney.

Same with my 10 year old daughter. We have stayed at deluxes (AKL, BWI, YC) moderates (POR, POFQ Cabins at FW and CBR) , and values (AoA, Pop, and All Star Sports) and my daughter keeps asking to go back to All Star Sports.

She also loves Pop for the big wheel and the Mickey phone, and FW for the bunk beds. If I were to take just my kids (and not my husband or mom, who really want to stay more upscale), I think we would all be just as happy at a value as at a deluxe.

 

[bumbershoot]

There's nothing boring about SSR, especially for a 3 year old. Don't worry about that at all.

 

[cutigerlady]

My 6 year old's top two resorts are SSR and AOA. He loved the little tiny slide at the Springs pool and the splash area. He used both of these in January (too cold for me!) and I loved that I could sit at the edge and watch him. He also really liked the quiet pool that was steps from our unit! We have eaten at Artist Point many times and like that they have some nicer options and we find that most entrees we can easily share. We also have eaten several times at the sit down restaurant and love that you can get in at the last minute. Our service here was amazing. I really like having a kitchen while at Disney. I can make breakfast and lunch in our unit, as well as have a wide variety of healthy snacks. My kids don't eat a bunch of junk food and feeding them healthy stuff gets expensive quickly! I have stayed at this resort without a car and I didn't think that was an issue (however, we don't mind walking). We loved being so close to Disney Springs! I have had both good/bad bus experiences here.

We also stayed at AOA in the Cars suite and my boys fought over the Mater bed (ironically the pull out couch as view of the TV). He loved the theming of resort. I didn't eat in the food court, so I can't comment on it. We did like that the suites have two bathrooms. There is a mini fridge and microwave, but it is not full kitchen.

When I asked why these were his favorite he would tell you because you have to take a bus to all of the parks! He is a bus enthusiast and can tell you all of the different models and facts about them. So you might be surprised why your children like/dislike a resort!