FIRST Time to Saratoga Springs - WHAT should we ask/watch for?

TheBeastMom

TheBeastMom

New Member
Original Poster
We've been members since 1993 and have purposely stayed away because this sort of looks like an apartment complex.

We're stuck this October and can't get 7 nights anywhere else.... Other than the Turf Club and the boat to DTD, what should we know??

Should we ask for a certain area?

On the Magical Express what order do they drop off on the trip into the resort?

Thanks a bunch!
 
jlsHouston

jlsHouston

Well-Known Member
Wow... DVC is that booked already for October dates? I bought points from 2 DVC members last month and I have 5 nights coming up at SSR. No kids, just me for 3 nights then my boyfriend is flying in and joining me. I am excited to check the place out, though I agree it appears huge and like apartments/condo type living. But I am excited to check out the pools and ride the boat to DTD too. I am going to try for the Springs area although I have read postings from people who loved the Paddock area, or loved Congress Park, or loved Carousel. I've heard the grounds are very sprawling and because of that very peaceful and relaxing.
The EPCOT resorts are my favorite. Just didn't fit the budget this trip so I am good trying something new (SSR) and revisiting CSR.
 
TheBeastMom

TheBeastMom

New Member
Original Poster
Booking is stiff at that time because from the end of September until the second week of November it's the EPCOT Food and WINE festival.

We tripped on it about 7 or eight years ago while we were at Yacht and Beach Club villas. We were there for only the first 3 days of the FEST and for years we returned each year.
 
jlsHouston

jlsHouston

Well-Known Member
TheBeastMom said:
Booking is stiff at that time because from the end of September until the second week of November it's the EPCOT Food and WINE festival.

We tripped on it about 7 or eight years ago while we were at Yacht and Beach Club villas. We were there for only the first 3 days of the FEST and for years we returned each year.
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I've been to F&W once, my 2nd visit to WDW. October/early November is not an easy time for me to visit. But loved the weather and the EPCOT over F&W.
 
slappy magoo

slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
Ohio HHI said:
We always request a room in Congress Park so we can easily walk to Downtown Disney.
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I second that emotion; when it comes to SSR recommendations, I always give that advice. Congress Park is a section with a quiet pool (with, if memory serves, laundry nearby if you're staying in a studio and need to do some). It's a 5 minute walk to the main building/pool. And it's roughly a 10-minute walk to the Marketplace of DtD, which also gives you access to the resort buses in case you don't have your own car and would like to dine at restaurants at other resorts. Also, being so close to DtD it gives you many more dining options beyond Artist's Palette or Turf Club. I've got nothing against Artist's Palette, but would rather get any QS meal from Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketplace, which isn't a haul at all if you're in Congress Park. They will, in fact, package food to go and accept orders over the phone - while the family's getting ready in the morning, start walking and call an order ahead, it'll probably be made and boxed by the time you get there, you get back, they're all showered and dressed, you have a much tastier breakfast than anything at AP and head out to your park of the day. Or if you have kids that need a nap, picking up lunch there for the grownups, you eat and each take a dip in the quiet pool, not a bad use of time.
 
Tinkerfan4ever

Tinkerfan4ever

Well-Known Member
We had requested the Grandstand section and really liked it. It was just a short walk to the main building. It had a quiet pool in that section (with a refill station for the mugs) and it was the first pickup spot on the way to the parks. Our building was right next to the bus pickup, and we had a view of the golf course from our window. It was just a short walk to the boat pickup to Downtown Disney. We really enjoyed it and would not hesitate to stay in that section again.
 
Webb

Webb

Member
Congress Park always works for us. Walking to DTD is something we enjoy and do it on a daily basis. The quiet pool is also very nice and the restrooms and laundry are right there as well. We enjoy water view but its hit or miss. We stayed in the Springs our first 2 times there and that was nice as well, the view of the fountain was the best, all the otters and cranes were so much fun to watch.

The main pool and Artists Palette is a short walk from Congress Park. We haven't been back to the Turf Club in 2 years, 1 bad meal keeps us from returning! The resort is very nice and relaxing. People say no Disney magic and yes it is not overly themed but for your adults only trip it will be just fine!

The access to DTD buses makes resort hopping super easy!!
 
Sparkle81

Sparkle81

Well-Known Member
Another vote for the Grandstand area here. First stop on the buses (so always able to get a seat) and first drop off on the way back from the parks (handy after a long day!) so if you're using the buses, it's ideal. Carriage House only a 5 minute walk away, same goes for Artists Palette (ideal for refills, if you have a resort refillable mug) and the boat to DTD is a similar distance away. We were right next to a quiet pool too, so the location for us was perfect.

It may not be one of the more heavily Disney themed resorts, but the staff are so wonderful and welcoming that there's more than enough pixie dust about the place ;) It's a beautiful, peaceful resort and we will certainly be paying a return visit in the future.
Enjoy! :)
 
Princess Sara

Princess Sara

New Member
We don't gave DVC points and have stayed at SRS four times and are returning this September. We love it and request the grandstand for all the reasons stated. We have been lucky with the Turf bar and enjoy the menu.
 
Rob562

Rob562

Well-Known Member
Our first stay there we got the Paddock building right by the Carousel bus stop (2nd stop on the route). We'd be back in our room less than a minute after stepping off the bus. The stroll to AP was nice, though it was one of the farthest buildings from Downtown Disney.

That being said, for my upcoming trip in early November I've requested a unit in either the Springs or the 8000-numbered buildings of Grandstand. (I figure a request that covers 5-out-of-18 buildings gives me decent odds at getting it)

-Rob
 
EOD K9

EOD K9

Well-Known Member
Springs is closer to the Carriage House and main building. From there you can use the gym, spa, or main pool area. SSR is my home resort and I enjoy it there. While I like going to the other DVC Villas, SSR always seems welcoming to me.
 
jlsHouston

jlsHouston

Well-Known Member
Well 5 more days and I get to check in and see what section I get and experience this resort! Very excited. I hope I get Springs section. However from all the info here I think I will be good whatever section, each one appears to have some great features.
 
DougK

DougK

Well-Known Member
jlsHouston said:
Well 5 more days and I get to check in and see what section I get and experience this resort! Very excited. I hope I get Springs section. However from all the info here I think I will be good whatever section, each one appears to have some great features.
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I agree that whatever section you end up in you will have a great time at SSR. It is our home resort but the first 10 or so DVC trips we took to WDW we switched to other resorts like BLT and Boardwalk. Finally on our most recent trip we got "stuck" booking SSR because it was a last-minute trip. Well guess what? SSR ended up being our favorite DVC resort! We had a nice, quiet, relaxing time there. I am so glad we finally tried it and we will be going there in the future! Enjoy!
 

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