Will I hate Saratoga Springs?

[starstruck93]

Last Dec. we were at Disney; staying at OKW. There was a blizzard back home and the airport closed down here in D.C. DVC was wonderful about finding us a room and taking care of everything.... they made it so easy. We ended up having to stay 2 extra nights, but had to change resorts to SSR. OMG..... we LOVED it! It's so nice and peaceful and sooooo well maintained. People can say what they want about the "themeing" issue.... this does not concern me in the least... besides DS 4 loves horses! I would trade the themeing anyday if every resort was this clean, well kept and well staffed. Now, true, we went from a studio at OKW to a 1 bedroom at SSR, so I'm sure that had alot to do with me loving it so much more, but I would definitly stay there again! I also wanted to add that I did not think the buses were an issue it all; no complaints here. Have a wonderful trip! April

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

It is walking distance from the Congress Park section to DTD...otherwise you can take the boat over

Beautiful views, scenery and landscaping....a country club feel

The spa

Golf Course

Quick Service dining is pretty good

Also, I think the pool was recently renovated or a new one was added

It is our homne resort and we have also stayed at AKL and Ft. Wilderness Cabins. Each place is different but we have no complaints w/ SSR.

 

[Brian Noble]

Except for AKV all DVC resort buses make multiple stops.

AKV does now as well---Kidani and Jambo. Two rather than five, and they are close, but still.

 

[TinkerKell-ey]

SSR is our home resort and we love it (our last stay was in GV and two years later, my mom is still raving ). We tried BCV in Feb. and were underwhelmed-the location was fabulous and we enjoyed SAB, but missed the lovely decor and grounds at SSR. We decided to try AKV on our next trip in November, but my kids made me PROMISE that we would return to SSR after that!!! (After the crazy-crowds at SAB they really missed having the quiet pool and hot tub at Congress Park all to themselves!!) Honestly, I'm on the fence about AKV too ... I miss our home --SSR is a very beautiful resort (and it feels like a true resort as opposed to a well-appointed hotel), lots of activities, world class-full service spa, proximity to DTD, sooo peaceful after whirlwind park days (but lots of fun to be had at the main pool area!). We never had any complaints about the bus service, except the night we choose to leave for MVMCP at 6pm thinking we would have plenty of time for the 7pm start (and watched full bus after full bus head to MK without us ) Lesson learned!

And worst case --- as PPs said, you will be at a DVC resort in WDW!!!

 

[LoveKermit]

I am also a BWV regular. A couple of years ago we had to do some last minute adjustments to our plan and ended up with 3 days at SSR then 4 days at BWV. I didn't know what to expect. We had a room in the Springs section, which we requested because DH was in a wheelchair at that time and we wanted a room close to food, pool, etc. Our room overlooked the water and the setting was lovely. The bathroom was nicer than BWV (1 bedrooms). The living/dining area felt smaller to me and we missed the huge closet at BWV. The parking was much closer than BWV. While I might not choose SSR over BWV (I also love walking to Epcot and DHS), I would not hesitate to stay at SSR in the future. I also hear that the Grandstand section is a great area. Go with an open mind and enjoy your trip. You will be at WDW!!!

Without reading every post, this is pretty much what I would write. Would we call seeking out an SSR reservation? No, probably not. Were we glad they have availability so we could book a last minute trip? Absolutely!!!!!

Will you have a car? (sorry if already asked) DH loved being so close to the car, as opposed to BWV. Of course, you need it more than at BWV as well. DD thought we were walking to a park when we ended up with her stroller in the room. She was thinking back to BWV. Same issues for us though--better bathroom set-up, smaller closet space. We stayed in Congress Park. We faced water and a HUGE tree. Not a tremendous view, but it was August.

Look for hidden Mickey's when you're walking around outside. They're everywhere!

 

[Sammie]

AKV does now as well---Kidani and Jambo. Two rather than five, and they are close, but still.

You are right Brian, so now all DVC resort buses make multiple stops.

 

[PHILCT]

Saratoga Springs is nice, and convenient to Downtown Disney.

Sadly it would have been nicer to be convenient to a Pleasure Island with Night Clubs. Disney should be yelled at for that one.

It has a wonderful combination small Food Court area, with a nice seating area.

It is easy to park near your unit if you rent a car.

It has nice amenities with things to do, the pools are nice, and they are expanding them.

You will have to take a bus or car to get to anywhere, except Downtown Disney.

It is an easy location to get from one resort to another resort, by using the buses at the nearby Downtown Disney area.

And if your looking for some cheap prices on soda, water, it isn't terribly far from the HESS gas station across from the Pleasure Island entrance at Down Town Disney.

Have Fun !

 

[MarshallMoore6]

We usually stay at The Boardwalk. I did not like riding the bus from SSR. You may want to take a car to the parks. It is a nice walk or boat ride to DTD.

 

[Coach81]

Springs!!!!

 

[tdsangell]

That is our home resort. You will love it. I would call and put on your reservation to get as close to the main pool as possible. This makes it nicer for buses. You can walk right over to the Market place which is so great. The bus rides do not seem very long to the other places. Enjoy your vacation!! SSR is great!

 

[Cee]

Whenever I stay elsewhere(VWL this Nov.), I'm wistful for SSR. I would be very surprised if you hated it. I'm a Congress Park girl myself.

 

[Tiger926]

Love SSR too, as it's our 1st home resort! Have stayed here more times than any other resort: Springs, Paddock and Congress Park. Have stayed pretty much everywhere, and kids love "Donald's Pool" resort very much!!!

We always have our own car, so we can't speak to bus service to parks, but as others mentioned, SSR is great for parking right outside your room, and for getting around the resort itself. It's also in a good location to get to the parks as well. My hubby can whip around WDW with his eyes closed, and loves SSRs location.

Artist Palette and Turf Club are great too, pools (main pool is Donald's Pool for my kids) and recreation are awesome, and the resort theming is very nice. Rooms are in great condition, and we have always experienced wonderful service here.

I hope you will love SSR as much as we do, Tiger

 

[toocherie]

We will also be there in November and have been lucky enough to get the THV which we are anxious to try. Would love to see a post how much you did love it upon your return!

Based on your countdown I believe we're going to be there in a THV at the same time as you! Yay!

I'm just going to suggest you have a meal at the Turf Club while you're at SSR. It's one of those "hidden gem" restaurants that visitors don't usually travel to SSR to try if they're not staying there. Might help you enjoy SSR even more!

I know OP said the menu didn't appeal but I would encourage her to re-think this. The BEST part about Turf Club is sitting outside on their patio watching the boats go up and down the river and soaking in the ambiance. They have fish and pasta dishes too. The food really is good and the servers among the best I've had in WDW.

Thanks for the positive replies. Our home resort is BW and this is the first time we will be staying at SSR in Oct. We booked too late for the F&W and everything was booked except SSR.
I read that the Springs was the best section but now I'm thinking that the Grandstands may be where the 5 of us adults may be better off requesting.
Also, did I read correct that the room entrance is outside? I don't think I knew that and not sure that it makes a difference. I guess I'm used to BCV and BWV that are inside a hall.

Thanks -

Actually, having stayed in the hotel type set=up, I think the "outside" doors like at SSR you end up having a quieter experience. The noise really echoes in those hallways.