A big thumbs up for Saratoga Springs Resort

[Sparkle81]

As some of you will have seen, I had a few reservations about staying at SSR after reading some criticisms on Trip Advisor (I know, I know). I have to say, we had an absolutely perfect 10 night stay. The staff all went out of their way to make our trip special (the lady at reception even clasped my hands as we checked out, and said it was a privilege to have us stay!), the 1 bed villa was great (our 2 year old loved running around in all the space) and our location request of staying in the Grandstand area on a high floor was granted. The area was perfect for us- 5 minutes from reception, restaurants, boat to Downtown Disney and bus stop (1st stop going to the parks, so always had a seat) and steps away from the quiet pool. Couldn't have been any better, and when we were leaving, DH & I actually wondered if we were too hasty booking WL next year instead of SSR again. But hey, it's always nice to try something new

SSR doesn't seem to get many mentions, so I just thought it was time to give the place credit where it's due for a terrific stay

 

[Weather_Lady]

I've always thought it looked like a beautiful resort. The only reason my family tends to pass it by is that, being from upstate NY already (and living near a racetrack!), the theming is a little too "close to home" to be interesting to us. If we rented a car, though, the treehouses would be calling...

 

[Sparkle81]

I've always thought it looked like a beautiful resort. The only reason my family tends to pass it by is that, being from upstate NY already (and living near a racetrack!), the theming is a little too "close to home" to be interesting to us. If we rented a car, though, the treehouses would be calling...

I totally get that. It's the same reason we've never eaten at Rose & Crown in the World Showcase
Even though it looked beautiful in pictures, I was still surprised at just how lovely & peaceful it was. I know some don't think it feels 'Disney enough' but for me, the staff made the whole experience magical anyway

 

[Minthorne]

Stayed in a Studio in Grandstand at SS in Nov and agree 100%

 

[brokedad]

Thanks for a positive review.I have considered SSR, but never really heard much about it, now I will look into it further.Is that where Olivias is?

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Thanks for a positive review.I have considered SSR, but never really heard much about it, now I will look into it further.Is that where Olivias is?

Olivia's is at Old Key West. The table service restaurant at Saratoga Springs is the Turf Club.

 

[s&k'smom]

Wow it's really nice to hear such a positive review, the only problem is that my bucket list of resorts to stay at keeps getting longer now that I have to add SSR!

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Even though it looked beautiful in pictures, I was still surprised at just how lovely & peaceful it was. I know some don't think it feels 'Disney enough' but for me, the staff made the whole experience magical anyway

We are DVC members that own at SSR ,and have stayed there many times (most recently in October). It is our favorite resort, even though we have stayed at many others as well. It is good to see a positive review, as that has always been our experience there.

I do know that you did not state that it was not "Disney enough" but I felt the need to comment. Whenever someone mentions that on the boards here, I always ask the question - so what makes any other deluxe resort feel "Disney enough"? What makes Yacht Club or Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge, or, any other resort feel like it is "Disney enough"? I have yet to receive a good answer to that question. Each resort is themed to a particular place or time (or both!). All have their good points and bad (ever try getting to EPCOT from the Poly or GF when the resort monorail is down?), and I don't believe any are perfect. Sorry for a bit of a rant, but it get's frustrating that SSR gets a bad rap, when it is one of the best resorts on property - to us, anyway! Glad you had great trip!

 

[Sparkle81]

We are DVC members that own at SSR ,and have stayed there many times (most recently in October). It is our favorite resort, even though we have stayed at many others as well. It is good to see a positive review, as that has always been our experience there.

I do know that you did not state that it was not "Disney enough" but I felt the need to comment. Whenever someone mentions that on the boards here, I always ask the question - so what makes any other deluxe resort feel "Disney enough"? What makes Yacht Club or Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge, or, any other resort feel like it is "Disney enough"? I have yet to receive a good answer to that question. Each resort is themed to a particular place or time (or both!). All have their good points and bad (ever try getting to EPCOT from the Poly or GF when the resort monorail is down?), and I don't believe any are perfect. Sorry for a bit of a rant, but it get's frustrating that SSR gets a bad rap, when it is one of the best resorts on property - to us, anyway! Glad you had great trip!

I totally agree. I don't know what makes one resort more 'Disney' than another. Personally, I think it's just how a resort clicks with you & your family. I fully intend to write a Trip Advisor review too, and try and get a bit more balance in the comments!

Also, I should thank you @LuvtheGoof as I believe it was you who suggested staying in the Grandstand area. It couldn't have been more perfect for myself & my family so we owe you a big debt of gratitude for that!

 

[GeoDonJac34]

The only resort, to me, that is "true Disney" is All Star Movies. We stayed at SSR last year in Congress Park and it definitely grew on us. Not the liveliest of places, but really nice and well taken care of. We really enjoyed the walk to DTD. I don't think the walkway is still open though. It was really nice after a day at the parks to have the option to just take a stroll for some nighttime entertainment. We will definitely go back.

 

[Sparkle81]

The only resort, to me, that is "true Disney" is All Star Movies. We stayed at SSR last year in Congress Park and it definitely grew on us. Not the liveliest of places, but really nice and well taken care of. We really enjoyed the walk to DTD. I don't think the walkway is still open though. It was really nice after a day at the parks to have the option to just take a stroll for some nighttime entertainment. We will definitely go back.

There is still a walkway from SSR, but from the other side which takes you to Cirque du Soleil in about 10 minutes. Found that out the day before we went home

 

[luv]

SSR doesn't get discussed much, does it? Glad you had a great stay!

 

[jeffk410]

I had always avoided SSR due to the negative or lack of discussion around the resort. However, I booked a last minute trip last year and this was one of the only options. We stayed in congress park and I cannot say enough good things about it. I absolutely loved the resort and the proximity to DTD. I thought the bus system was great (could of just been luck), but overall I would love to stay there again. Glad to see positive reviews around this resort!

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Also, I should thank you @LuvtheGoof as I believe it was you who suggested staying in the Grandstand area. It couldn't have been more perfect for myself & my family so we owe you a big debt of gratitude for that!

It might have been, and you are welcome! We always stay in the Grandstand area - and recommend it to everyone. It isn't for everyone, as some like to stay closer to the main pool or building (though I have never understood why a 5 minute walk is "too far!"), and some prefer to be closer to DtD. The walkway is currently closed from Congress Park, but I do not believe that it is a permanent closure, and should open after some of the construction work is done on that side.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

I had always avoided SSR due to the negative or lack of discussion around the resort. However, I booked a last minute trip last year and this was one of the only options. We stayed in congress park and I cannot say enough good things about it. I absolutely loved the resort and the proximity to DTD. I thought the bus system was great (could of just been luck), but overall I would love to stay there again. Glad to see positive reviews around this resort!

We seem to always be lucky as well, as our experience with the buses has always been excellent. Of course, I have probably just jinxed ourselves for our next visit!

 

[tlev]

So happy to hear so many positive things about SSR. We recently purchased DVC and SSR is our home. I have reservations in October to stay there for the first time. All of the positive reviews only makes me more excited about the trip!!!

 

[bethymouse]

SSR is by far our favorite resort! We stayed in the Paddock area, and my boys LOVED the slide! The pool was right there, the drink refill station, and quick service food, as well as the bus station just right there. Beautiful grounds. Nice boat ride to DTD. Wonderfully delicious food at The Turf Club. It's a must do IMHO.

 

[disneyfan56]

As DVC members we have stayed at SSR about six times. It is a big, beautiful resort. We love the quick walk to DTD and always requested rooms close to that walkway. But have I mentioned how BIG it is? (That's what she said)

Sorry couldn't stop myself.

 

[cfry06]

I had always avoided SSR due to the negative or lack of discussion around the resort. However, I booked a last minute trip last year and this was one of the only options. We stayed in congress park and I cannot say enough good things about it. I absolutely loved the resort and the proximity to DTD. I thought the bus system was great (could of just been luck), but overall I would love to stay there again. Glad to see positive reviews around this resort!

This same situation happened for us and we, too, loved our stay! We were in the Grandstand area and it was wonderful!! First pick up for buses, beautiful views and our room was great! Our only complaint was that our trip was too short - would have loved more time to explore further.

 

[Sparkle81]

This same situation happened for us and we, too, loved our stay! We were in the Grandstand area and it was wonderful!! First pick up for buses, beautiful views and our room was great! Our only complaint was that our trip was too short - would have loved more time to explore further.

I felt exactly the same!