Would you rather ... Bay Lake Tower or Saratoga Springs

[ZerasPride]

We are deciding between a one bedroom at either SSR or BLT for late May 2025. BLT has standard view available but I assuming many are shying away because of the refurb not sure. I do wonder how far along the refurb will be and what type of disruption it may cause. We would do preferred at SSR and request Congress Park. This is a a non-park trip where we are looking for some good old fashioned R&R and peace and quiet. We would love a refurbished room at BLT of course but SSR is pretty newly renovated so no worries there.

It would be nice to be near Disney Springs with different food options rather than the same old same old easily available food choices on the monorail loop. Just looking for any opinions to sway me to one or the other. DH of course says book whichever one I want. He is a sweetie but that's no help! LOL!

 

[MsChristy12]

I vote SSR since it's a no park, solely R&R trip. Even though personally I don't love SSR, but it is a great resort for relaxation for sure. BLT is way too busy for your peace and quiet.

 

[ZerasPride]

I vote SSR since it's a no park, solely R&R trip. Even though personally I don't love SSR, but it is a great resort for relaxation for sure. BLT is way too busy for your peace and quiet.

I love your thoughts! We definitely want peace and quiet without all the usual hustle and bustle. I would book Vero but there are not enough consecutive days available. Thanks!

 

[lovin'fl]

SSR. But we choose that most often as we LOVE it there. Rooms are nice. Location by DS, walkable too, is fantastic. And we are not fans of MK area as we are older empty nesters.

But also we stayed at BWV, years ago, during refurb and we were assigned a room right next to the construction area (had plastic sheets taped up in hallway to separate the construction zone from guests and our room was like 2 doors down from that). We heard saws and whatnot early in AM even though we were told it wouldn't be. And in evenings, we couldn't even converse with each other over the noise. Not to mention one of the elevators was down and BWV has limited elevators so that added wait time when coming and going. So, nope, we avoid resorts during refurbs if it's an all 1 building resort like BWV and BLT.

 

[Brian Noble]

we are looking for some good old fashioned R&R and peace and quiet.

Bay Lake Tower is so very much not this, in my experience. The location "in the middle of it all" is very energetic, and almost chaotic.

SSR, on the other hand, is second only to OKW's Island Time vibe for calm relaxation.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Yes to the R+R of SSR over BLT.

 

[Steelers0854]

We just got back from staying at SSR for the very first time. IMO we would only stay here again if we are taking a last minute trip and it was the only resort available. The rooms were fine, the resort itself is pretty quiet. Depending on where you get placed it can be quite a trek to Springs. The boat was fine, but IMO not that much different than a bus from close resorts and the boat docks on the FAR end of Springs, so you’re hiking to the center. The onsite food was not great, Artist Palate was disappointing and Turf Club was just ok. Since you’re not doing parks it wont matter but the bus transportation was annoying with all the stops.

If it were me I would not do either of the resorts you’re looking at. I would do Copper Creek or Animal Kingdom. Both have great restaurants on site, beautifully decorated and super relaxing. Easy bus transportation access if you want to go to springs boat to go to MK to jump to an MK resorts for more dining options.

Just my 2 cents, I know a lot of people love SSR but it just wasnt for us.

 

[AstroBlasters]

+1 for neither

 

[MsChristy12]

I would do Copper Creek or Animal Kingdom. Both have great restaurants on site, beautifully decorated and super relaxing.

If OP is open to a different resort, completely agreed!

 

[Disney_Funster]

We are deciding between a one bedroom at either SSR or BLT for late May 2025. BLT has standard view available but I assuming many are shying away because of the refurb not sure. I do wonder how far along the refurb will be and what type of disruption it may cause. We would do preferred at SSR and request Congress Park. This is a a non-park trip where we are looking for some good old fashioned R&R and peace and quiet. We would love a refurbished room at BLT of course but SSR is pretty newly renovated so no worries there.

It would be nice to be near Disney Springs with different food options rather than the same old same old easily available food choices on the monorail loop. Just looking for any opinions to sway me to one or the other. DH of course says book whichever one I want. He is a sweetie but that's no help! LOL!

I say SSR for a non-park trip, the proximity to DS wins me over. We have stayed in several resorts undergoing refurb (most recently DHHIR and GFV) I have to say that Disney does a decent job of minimizing the construction disruption at the resort.

 

[ZerasPride]

Thanks to everyone that has provided an opinion! I will have to check and see if either Cooper Creek (never stayed there to be honest and it does give me a bit of a Hilton Head vibe which we love) and while we adore AKL I am concerned about the condition of the rooms as I know they are in need of a refurb. DH is talking about waiting until the fall now for a trip which will open up several more options including I am hoping our first choice which is Vero Beach. We will see. Thanks again all!

 

[zackiedawg]

Personally, I'd do SSR in a heartbeat for your trip. The resort grounds are beautiful for walking around, and the access to Disney Springs (especially from Congress Park) means you have by far the best dining options of any resort, as well as bars and entertainment. I also love boats to get around more than busses, and from Congress Park, the boats to OKW and Port Orleans are just a few hundred feet away - giving you a lovely boat ride and more pretty resort grounds to wander, dine, and have additional entertainment options.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I love SSR for low/no park trips. It’s so relaxing and we’ve had some great balcony time there!

As mentioned by others, I’d consider CCV, really my brain went to BRV but same idea. You get peace and quiet but are very close to the monorail loop for dining/drinks variety.

 

[hockeydad21]

If SSR and BLT are your only options, then absolutely SSR. It’s a great resort for rest and relaxation. Pools are good, rooms are beautiful, resort grounds are beautiful and quiet, pool food is solid, and you’re walking distance to Disney springs where you have tons of good to great food options.

 

[TCRAIG]

I would choose SSR over BLT and BRV over CCV…for a no park/quiet/relaxing vacay…

 

[Rsmcfa]

We are deciding between a one bedroom at either SSR or BLT for late May 2025. BLT has standard view available but I assuming many are shying away because of the refurb not sure. I do wonder how far along the refurb will be and what type of disruption it may cause. We would do preferred at SSR and request Congress Park. This is a a non-park trip where we are looking for some good old fashioned R&R and peace and quiet. We would love a refurbished room at BLT of course but SSR is pretty newly renovated so no worries there.

It would be nice to be near Disney Springs with different food options rather than the same old same old easily available food choices on the monorail loop. Just looking for any opinions to sway me to one or the other. DH of course says book whichever one I want. He is a sweetie but that's no help! LOL!

The nice thing about SSR is if you are driving to hotel, you generally can park right outside your room!

 

[ckb_nc]

Pure R&R - SSR is a great choice. I will throw out OKW also. But Copper Creek would be a winner. Great food, one of the best bars in all of WDW.

BLT - it can be done. There is a really nice beach at BLT behind the pool that is super relaxing.

 

[bakerworld]

We're going park-less for our December trip but this trip is based on the DVC member meeting on the 12th so we went with BLT. Hopefully the refurb won't be an issue.

 

[Lorraine]

Bay Lake Tower is so very much not this, in my experience. The location "in the middle of it all" is very energetic, and almost chaotic.

SSR, on the other hand, is second only to OKW's Island Time vibe for calm relaxation.

Hi Brian

Have you stayed at BLT? We have just booked a grand villa preferred view for 4 nights in august and am now trawling through trying to find out any info on it!

 

[Brian Noble]

I have but not for some time. Probably ten years ago or so? Maybe more.