What do you do at SSR? (At the resort)

[cruisehopeful]

I've been watching YouTube videos of the resorts, looking for a nonpark pre cruise visit. I watched a video about SSR by DFB and it looked like there was nothing to do. I was interested in it for the walking distance to Disney Springs. I figured there would be some activities or good restaurants/bars at the resort because I know a lot of DVC members love staying there. Now I'm wondering if they like it because it's super quiet - which is definitely nice, but since I won't be doing parks, I would like on-site activities. I'd love to hear from those who regularly stay there.

 

[Mommb]

The good restaurants/bars are at Disney Springs, which is, as you mentioned, walking distance away, and also accessible (in good weather) by boat. Saratoga Springs has some pool areas and walking paths. There's a golf course next door. There may be evening activities near the pool, but the big draw is easy access to Disney Springs where there's plenty to see and do.

 

[LRdismom]

When we have a non-park stay at Saratoga..... we enjoy pool time, surrey bike rides, and dinner at Disney Springs every night. Sometimes we even take a morning stroll to Disney Springs to grab Starbucks and walk around while it's pretty much empty. Walking around the resort is lovely, providing it's not super hot. lol

 

[JackosinDIS]

Surrey bikes are more fun than I thought they would be! You can try and see how many laps you can get done in the allotted time…. Without crashing

 

[mort1331]

SHHH,,,,there is nothing to do ,,,very boring,,,go book somewhere else.....lol....just kidding, we like having SSR as the ugly red head stepchild...its our home resort....love the laid back atmosphere, golf in the am or late afternoon, 2 themed main pools, chill with a drink at DS, take a boat upriver to Riverside for snacks.
If you want a place that is go go go ,,not here, but can walk to DS and hang at the bars for that.
Enjoy,,,but stop telling everyone.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

IMO the perfect non park resort is AKL. Besides the animals (which are awesome) there’s a ton of activities to do there, more so than any other resort just about. SSR is my second least favorite resort (Rivieras the least favorite) so maybe I’m biased but I would not stay there for a resort only stay. Unless you love love love DS and want to spend all your time there. Stay somewhere else if you’re looking for things to do.

 

[muppets3d]

I really like the Paddock pool.

 

[CarolynFH]

Here’s the activity schedule for September - Post in thread '>> Monthly Resort Recreation Calendars <<'. https://www.disboards.com/threads/monthly-resort-recreation-calendars.3871996/post-65703963. That thread (sticky atop Disney Resorts forum) is updated each month with the new calendars for every WDW resort.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Here’s the activity schedule for September - Post in thread '>> Monthly Resort Recreation Calendars <<'. https://www.disboards.com/threads/monthly-resort-recreation-calendars.3871996/post-65703963. That thread (sticky atop Disney Resorts forum) is updated each month with the new calendars for every WDW resort.

This is a great thread! Thank you for sharing.

 

[Anthony1971]

If you are more specific as to what you would do at another resort the responses can point you to your options at SSR.

SSR has the same type of activities and Amenities as all other DVC resorts with the addition of being able to walk to DS and enjoy the entertainment there. The only resort that is an exception is AKL that has animal viewing all day but they also no longer have a lot of the activities once offered.
Turf Club is in fact a good restaurant The CS at Carriage house is easily the best at all of all of the Deluxe because of the variety. Every pool except Congress park has CS food and a bar if that is what you are looking for so no need to go far.

 

[byurick]

I really like the Paddock pool.

Fastest water slide on the property too!

 

[Disdreaming479]

I tend to get more than 5-7 miles a day in the parks, so while I’m at any resort I’m sitting in a lounge chair or swimming at the pool!

 

[bakerworld]

For us SSR is all about the walkability to Disney Springs. The Turf Club is a nice restaurant and the QS is good.

 

[TisBit]

If you are more specific as to what you would do at another resort the responses can point you to your options at SSR.

SSR has the same type of activities and Amenities as all other DVC resorts with the addition of being able to walk to DS and enjoy the entertainment there. The only resort that is an exception is AKL that has animal viewing all day but they also no longer have a lot of the activities once offered.
Turf Club is in fact a good restaurant The CS at Carriage house is easily the best at all of all of the Deluxe because of the variety. Every pool except Congress park has CS food and a bar if that is what you are looking for so no need to go far.

This exactly. Most of the complaints about SSR is that it is not near a park, so it makes it the best non park resort. It has pretty decent counter service restaurant, but it doesn't need a ton of restaurants on site because of its proximity to DTD. The pool always has activities going on, movies, crafts, etc. It has a golf club if you want to play, tons of walking paths around the resort and towards downtown disney. Plus, you can jump on any other resorts transportation (bus or boat) from downtown, so if you want to resort hop it is very convenient.

But, I will say, while downtown is very close, you may want to either request congress park if you prefer to walk or grandstand/springs area if you would rather boat there.

 

[cruisehopeful]

If you are more specific as to what you would do at another resort the responses can point you to your options at SSR.

Good thought! Adult couple (one Boomer, one GenX). My home park/resort is in California. So, VGC, Disneyland Hotel and downtown Disney are all connected and I can be ridiculously busy without going to the parks.

The main things I enjoy at the resort: going to the spa, taking classes like yoga or meditation, hanging out at an outdoor bar socializing with the bartender and random people, extremely delicious quick service or table service if it's not a big ordeal to get reservations, theme bar/restaurants (Trader Sam's), gift shop with unique items. The gift shop at the Disneyland Hotel is often my favorite gift shop because it has DVC merchandise, Disneyland Hotel merchandise and Trader Sam's merchandise - often stuff that none of the park shops have.

Looking at some of the WDW resorts, I imagine I'd enjoy the outdoor activities at Fort wilderness like taking a canoe out, visiting horses, driving a golf cart around the property. At the Poly (I already have another pre cruise stay planned there and want something different) I expect I'll enjoy the bars and restaurants and water pageant/fireworks viewing. If tea reopens at the Grand, I'll probably walk over to do that.

I guess I like outdoor activities and access to good food/drinks at the drop of a hat. I'm pretty bummed that SSR doesn't have an open spa.

 

[Anthony1971]

Good thought! Adult couple (one Boomer, one GenX). My home park/resort is in California. So, VGC, Disneyland Hotel and downtown Disney are all connected and I can be ridiculously busy without going to the parks.

The main things I enjoy at the resort: going to the spa, taking classes like yoga or meditation, hanging out at an outdoor bar socializing with the bartender and random people, extremely delicious quick service or table service if it's not a big ordeal to get reservations, theme bar/restaurants (Trader Sam's), gift shop with unique items. The gift shop at the Disneyland Hotel is often my favorite gift shop because it has DVC merchandise, Disneyland Hotel merchandise and Trader Sam's merchandise - often stuff that none of the park shops have.

Looking at some of the WDW resorts, I imagine I'd enjoy the outdoor activities at Fort wilderness like taking a canoe out, visiting horses, driving a golf cart around the property. At the Poly (I already have another pre cruise stay planned there and want something different) I expect I'll enjoy the bars and restaurants and water pageant/fireworks viewing. If tea reopens at the Grand, I'll probably walk over to do that.

I guess I like outdoor activities and access to good food/drinks at the drop of a hat. I'm pretty bummed that SSR doesn't have an open spa.

SSR has an outside Yoga class certain days, may not be the day you are there, staying in Congress park will be the closest however Springs section is maybe a 6 minute walk to where the class is.
Springs section will be closest to the main pool which has a decent bar. The full CS is also a short walk as is Turf Club. Disney Springs from the springs section is Bus - my suggestion these days, Boat which runs every 20 minutes so they say but if you don't fit wait for the next.... or walk I believe it was under 10 minutes but I did not time it. It is nice to walk along the water especially at night and look at DS. The gift shop at SSR is not good but hey you can buy all at DS. There are activities which will be listed when you get there.
I am catering this to what you ask.... We have owned DVC for over 20 years we are not frequent SSR guests as we rotate all but did stay there in August in the Springs section to be close to Carraige house so this is where my info comes from. I can say on resort days we have never been bored as there is always DS which we enjoy. Feel like a dole whip every flavor (not my thing) or a different type of dessert or food it was easy to get.... Not take a bus here then a boat, skyliner, monorail... walk for 10 minutes (less at congress park more at further sections) period.
Yes the POLY, GF offer some unique options - We are POLY lovers before DVC and still are, We love Wilderness lodge but more for the lobbies, we love AKL for the Animals. GF we can take or leave, BLT not a big fan..... I can go on.....
Drop of hat and outdoor well SSR has DS many nights live music, outdoor and indoor bars any type of food you want with this it fits what you are asking perfectly.
Unique merchandise sorry never been to DL so I cannot speak for what is there. I can say there is little unique at DW anywhere even EPCOT countries are a shell of what they were in the past. I will also remind you of how spread out DW is..... Drop of hat well pick the resort that will cater to that for what is most important. If you said exploring resorts you cannot beat a Monorail resort or WL easy to get to monorail resorts...with a lot to see but that is also indoor.
We are in your age range BTW with late teens.
Please don't believe a lot of what is said in threads of haters and lovers of I have read some much on these boards that are very clear a person has not ever set foot in the resort being panned. Each resort is unique and SSR offers just as much as others and summed up by a lot with the option of going to DS which has shopping, food, bars, entertainment and everything in between.
The choice is yours but I will never put down SSR as we enjoy this resort as much as others and others each with a different reason and experience.

 

[cruisehopeful]

SSR has an outside Yoga class certain days, may not be the day you are there, staying in Congress park will be the closest however Springs section is maybe a 6 minute walk to where the class is.
Springs section will be closest to the main pool which has a decent bar. The full CS is also a short walk as is Turf Club. Disney Springs from the springs section is Bus - my suggestion these days, Boat which runs every 20 minutes so they say but if you don't fit wait for the next.... or walk I believe it was under 10 minutes but I did not time it. It is nice to walk along the water especially at night and look at DS. The gift shop at SSR is not good but hey you can buy all at DS. There are activities which will be listed when you get there.
I am catering this to what you ask.... We have owned DVC for over 20 years we are not frequent SSR guests as we rotate all but did stay there in August in the Springs section to be close to Carraige house so this is where my info comes from. I can say on resort days we have never been bored as there is always DS which we enjoy. Feel like a dole whip every flavor (not my thing) or a different type of dessert or food it was easy to get.... Not take a bus here then a boat, skyliner, monorail... walk for 10 minutes (less at congress park more at further sections) period.
Yes the POLY, GF offer some unique options - We are POLY lovers before DVC and still are, We love Wilderness lodge but more for the lobbies, we love AKL for the Animals. GF we can take or leave, BLT not a big fan..... I can go on.....
Drop of hat and outdoor well SSR has DS many nights live music, outdoor and indoor bars any type of food you want with this it fits what you are asking perfectly.
Unique merchandise sorry never been to DL so I cannot speak for what is there. I can say there is little unique at DW anywhere even EPCOT countries are a shell of what they were in the past. I will also remind you of how spread out DW is..... Drop of hat well pick the resort that will cater to that for what is most important. If you said exploring resorts you cannot beat a Monorail resort or WL easy to get to monorail resorts...with a lot to see but that is also indoor.
We are in your age range BTW with late teens.
Please don't believe a lot of what is said in threads of haters and lovers of I have read some much on these boards that are very clear a person has not ever set foot in the resort being panned. Each resort is unique and SSR offers just as much as others and summed up by a lot with the option of going to DS which has shopping, food, bars, entertainment and everything in between.
The choice is yours but I will never put down SSR as we enjoy this resort as much as others and others each with a different reason and experience.

Thank you for the comprehensive response. I think I will absolutely LOVE staying at SSR for a couple nights before a cruise based on this information. In the past few decades, I have always planned "downtime" at a resort and I have always ended up wanting to go explore and ended up super busy. SSR sounds like the perfect place for me to fake like I am going to take it easy and then get ants in my pants and run out to go do something.

 

[jparilla]

We just got back from our first stay at SSR. One of the highlights was the ceramic painting available at the Community Hall. We painted on our arrival day which gave them enough time to be fired in the kiln. The pieces were ready the next day and turned out great. And they are pretty cheap too.

 

[zackiedawg]

Among my favorite things about Saratoga Springs are the proximity to Disney Springs, and the access to the Disney Springs boats to other resorts.

Turf Club is a decent restaurant - and sometimes better than decent - lately it's been quite solid with the current chef. The quick service restaurant is also pretty good overall, and there's even a secret cheap lunch spot (Chip and Dale's) which serves the golf course, but is on the ground floor of the main building, and is probably one of the best bargains on property price-wise for good Boar's Head sandwiches.

The grounds are lovely to walk - with lots of tree cover, lakes, bridges, etc. - it's a great resort for bird-watchers too as quite a few migrating song birds pass through, plus tons of wading birds and fishing birds (hawks, kingfishers, osprey, eagles, herons, egrets, limpkin, cormorants, anhinga, grebe, coots, common gallinules). Lately there have been some wild turkeys roaming the grounds too, along with plenty of rabbits.

Proximity to Disney Springs is key - not only for the huge selection of restaurants, but also for bars, live entertainment, shopping, etc. Makes it a great place to stay entertained all the way through the late evenings.

When you first walk over from Congress Park to Disney Springs, you pass the boat docks for Old Key West and Port Orleans resorts. Hop those boats for a lovely boat ride over, then enjoy coffee & beignets at French Quarter, or see Yeehaa Bob at Riverside.

Another big advantage to walking to Disney Springs is that you can head over to the Disney Springs bus stop, and get to every resort on Disney Property - so your choice of restaurants, or just heading over to other resorts to wander or walk, is endless...and Disney Springs busses run late, so you can always get back to your resort even after a late night.

 

[mort1331]

I will add. SSR had a great spa,,,I am not sure it has reopened yet. Might be something to look at as well.