What can you tell me about Saratoga Springs?

[disneymom145]

We will be staying at Saratoga for the first time in August. What is the best room location? I want to be close to a pool, a bus stop, Artists Pointe and close to downtown disney would be a plus. I was thinking that Congress Park would be the best based on my research.

How long does it take to walk to DTD?

What other tips for my stay at SSR do you have?

Help, I need all the experienced insider tips!

thanks!

 

[Disney_Villain]

While Congress Park is about a 5-10 minute walk to Downtown Disney, there are other things to consider like which bus stop you're at. Here are the order of the bus stops at SSR for pickups and dropoffs:

1. The Grandstand
2. The Carousel
3. The Paddock
4. Congress Park
5. The Springs

If you don't like "standing-room only" on the busses at SSR, then I would suggest The Grandstand. This area also has the largest quiet pool, with a unique childrens' water play area next to it (none of the other quiet pools at SSR have this feature). It was only a 5-minute walk to the main building from our building in Grandstand (which was the furthest West in all of SSR).

 

[Jaaron2]

We stayed at the springs last year for 10 days and really enjoyed the location. We never had a problem with the busses being crowded and it was very close to the main pool and artists pointe

 

[Disney_Villain]

Actually, the next I go I really want to stay at The Paddock or Springs areas. I did a full walkabout of the grounds and was very impressed at the views from these areas - and their grounds!

 

[Abbk71]

Can you expand on the unique water play area in the Grandstand area? We are booked there for this November and I was thinking about changing my request, however, until I read your post. And is it REALLY a 5 min. walk over to main area?

 

[uicbear]

We've stayed in the Springs and Grandstand. We much prefer the Grandstand. As stated by a previous poster, the grandstand has it's own pool(and pool bar w/soda refill station). The Springs does not have it's own pool, but is just a short walk to the HRS pool.

As far as proximity to AP, I would have to say it's about the same. Grandstand felt a little shorter as there is a little shortcut path that leads to the front of the building.

The bus situation also put the Grandstand ahead in our book. Being the first pickup was good because we knew we had a seat, whereas sometimes it was iffy at the Springs if we were going to get on the bus. Also being the first droppoff at the end of the day was good, especially after the major events and one felt more like a sarding than a WDW guest.

Now as far as the closeness to DD. I thing Congress Park wins there, atleast to The Marketplace. I think there is a path from the Grandstand that leads to the West End. I never actually walked it. I did walk from the Springs past CP and thought it was enjoyable. The Grandstand is quite close to the boat launch, though, and we did get back and forth to DD that way.

So, it's the Grandstand for us.