Saratoga Springs me no likey

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Just had to say after our first stay at our home, I didnt like the resort, hate is possibly too strong a word, but I wont be rushing back. It didnt spoil our holiday, but it certainly didnt add to it.

Why didnt I like it? Too big, room looked tired, bits falling off of cupboards, crap bus service, ________ poor food unless you went to DTD. Put it this way it has now made me seriously reconsider my opinion on the Boardwalk, at least it has a decent location. I curse the current Mrs Sak for her mind games that got me into this set up.

If I had my time over Id rather buy a resale at WL or afresh at the AK. Hell Id even rather the Boardwalk. :shrug:

 

[yankspy]

Welcome back. I stayed in Saratoga in March and it was nice. However, I agree that when compared to the others, it is so-so. I am glad we got BC. Ever try that one? Refresh my memory, why you no likey Boardwalk?

 

[DVC Mike]

Sorry you didn't like SSR. Luckily, there are now 7 DVC resorts at WDW, each offering a different experience.

We own at our five favorites.

I would try booking at the 7-mo window before considering selling your SSR interest and buying elsewhere. Depending on when you purchased SSR, you may loose some money on the sale.

 

[MKCP 1985]

ever taken the bus service from Boardwalk?

:drevil:

I don't see why the average DVC customer would choose Saratoga Springs over the other options out there.

What was Mrs. Sak's sales pitch?

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

This was the 1st time we couldnt get any other DVC resort. I even offered to break the stay up but nothing was available, and that was from as far out as we could book.

The thing about the Boardwalk was we felt it was a bit sterile and not overly friendly. The buses wernt great but you can walk to two parks .

And lets just say that after 25 years the current Mrs Sak knows what buttons to push:dazzle:

If we go next year, we intend to stay at the Fort Wilderness cabins, and not use the DVC, we also intend to increase our stay at Universal and use it as a base to visit the other Orlando attractions

 

[Phonedave]

ever taken the bus service from Boardwalk?

:drevil:

I don't see why the average DVC customer would choose Saratoga Springs over the other options out there.

What was Mrs. Sak's sales pitch?

I don't know the current button pushing habits of Mrs. Sak, but somtimes it is cost.

SSR has (or had) a cheaper per point buy in.

I own there, and I like it OK. I do like some of the others better, but I don't mind SSR if that is all I can get. It is a huge resort and if you are stuck at the tail end of it, it can be a lot of walking.

-dave

 

[artvandelay]

This was the 1st time we couldnt get any other DVC resort. I even offered to break the stay up but nothing was available, and that was from as far out as we could book.

The thing about the Boardwalk was we felt it was a bit sterile and not overly friendly. The buses wernt great but you can walk to two parks .

And lets just say that after 25 years the current Mrs Sak knows what buttons to push:dazzle:

If we go next year, we intend to stay at the Fort Wilderness cabins, and not use the DVC, we also intend to increase our stay at Universal and use it as a base to visit the other Orlando attractions

You could stay at the Treehouse Cabins at SSR. They'll be brand new and you can book them at the 11 month window.

 

[CatsMeow]

The bus service at both SSR and the Boardwalk is not a plus IMHO. Perhaps we have been unlucky, but it's been pretty bad on our visits in both "slow" (is there such a thing anymore @ WDW?!) and busy seasons. Thank heavens for the boat service and the walking paths at the BW. And we've decided to rent a car the next time we venture to SSR...and we rarely do that.

 

[raiden]

ever taken the bus service from Boardwalk?

:drevil:

I don't see why the average DVC customer would choose Saratoga Springs over the other options out there.

Let me show then..Cheaper MF, longer contracts..And get ready for this one.. I can stay at BWV cheaper then owners at that resort owning at SSR! Especially if they bought resale or if they buy from DVD(2008) now! Even if bought at BWV(1996 or so) new the MF will eat up the value of $ per point. And I have never had a problem getting into a resort at 7 months...or 4-5 months now that I acutally thought about it..

 

[MKCP 1985]

Let me show then..Cheaper MF, longer contracts..And get ready for this one.. I can stay at BWV cheaper then owners at that resort owning at SSR! Especially if they bought resale or if they buy from DVD(2008) now! Even if bought at BWV(1996 or so) new the MF will eat up the value of $ per point. And I have never had a problem getting into a resort at 7 months...or 4-5 months now that I acutally thought about it..

That part about the bookings is good to know. All I ever read is how people have to switch resorts halfway through their trip because of lack of availability for the duration of their trip.

I'm taking a hard look at buying in, so I appreciate your insights.

The contracts aren't longer than what is offered currently at Animal Kingdom or the Contemporary tower, but are longer than some older properties.

Maintenance fees are lower at SSR? Not lower than Bay Lake Tower, but the point pricing is lower at SSR.

What I meant about the average DVC owner passing over SSR in favor of other properties is that Animal Kingdom has animal views from the room (which really is very cool), the new Contemporary tower has monorail service and Magic Kingdom access, the Epcot resorts have proximity to Epcot . . . SSR has access to Downtown Disney, which is a step down in terms of the "wow" factor IMO.

 

[Computer Magic]

There is a reason SS is cheaper then say BCV, AKV, etc, otherwise the the cost would be equal across the board. I think it will become harder to book a resort outside your home DVC. So buy the resort you want to spend your time in. Don't fall for the sale pitch buy SS and enjoy the other DVC.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Fact is SSR is a very nice disney(or DVC)resort, and its a great value. Some people will just follow anybody.

Ive got 380 points at SSR that I will sell you very cheap....

 

[Erika]

Please keep it civil in here. Seems sort of a silly thing to fight about anyway :veryconfu

I'll leave this open for now, assuming discussion can continue minus the insults. Thanks.

 

[JenJas87]

I must agree with you. Out of all of the resorts on disney property Saratoga Springs is my least favorite. I just think it is really boring.

 

[dixiegirl]

Please keep it civil in here. Seems sort of a silly thing to fight about anyway :veryconfu

I'll leave this open for now, assuming discussion can continue minus the insults. Thanks.

Hay Erica, Seems we have'nt heard from you in a while(thats meant in a good way) Glad to see your still lurking Around here!!!!


To get on the topic of SSR , we own into it....Its growing on me...I honestly love POR, always stayed there , going at least twice a year for 10 yrs....Then we went to a SSR tour, Yes it is nice...Its definatly more resortish( yes I'm making that A word) , not very Disneylike...But also I kept comparing it to POR...Which yes I can still stay at but it eats up points, so why bother. But if I can go to disney 3 times a year, try different DVC"s I will..We're going to WL next month, it would have cost hubby and I $3,000 for how long we're staying....So for us, I'll suck it up being SSR our home resort ( which I can honestly say I don't mind it)...When we booked for WL we were on a waiting list, within 1 week we got in .

 

[slappy magoo]

We own at DVC and my wife loves it more than I do, especially at this point with a wee one that can't do too much in terms of attractions. Being close to DTD, lovely walk, many restaurants, tons of shopping, is a big plus for her (the proximity to PI was the big selling point for me when I bought in ).

Here are what I consider to be the cons:
1: On-site food availability. The food court get insane, especially on days where the weather is lousy. The Turf Club makes a dandy sirloin, though. But a resort this size should have more food options, especially when you consider how long a walk it can be from your particular unit to the Carriage House. At the very least, were there to be grills and/or bars/lounges around the quiet pools. Hell, I'd even take "roach coach" mobile eateries that can set up at strategic locations around the resort at key times. I'd bet lots of people wouldn't mind getting off the bus and having the ability to grab a sandwich (even one premade) and a couple of sodas or beers from a "roach coach" before going back to the room, but many of those same people might balk at going back to the Carriage House after a long day at the parks. Options like those would make more guests/members happy and lighten the load at the Artists' Palette.

2: Muted theming. I'm sure some people prefer SSR for not being too Disney-ish, but I wouldn't mind it feeling a little more magical.

3: No watercraft rental onsite. Great, you can go to OKW, but howabout making it easier for impulse deciders to hook up with a boat?

4: They built what was ostensibly a movie theater that they use for more DVC pitches. Great, you have movies by the pool, but more onsite entertainment options would be even better. I'm of the opinion that SSR is big enough to accommodate some kind of dinner theatre option ala Hoop de Doo Revue, or a character meal (which would in turn possibly benefit DVC by getting more prospective members onsite to check out the advantages).

Essentially, I see all the potential SSR has to offer, I just wish it would start to live up to it. The spa is great, I'm really looking forward to the Treehouse Villas, and at the dangerous risk of disagreeing with PN, the rooms seem fine and dandy to me. SSR, along with OKW, strike me as the most "mature" of the DVC resorts because theming is so slight, and with a little Slapperina now, having a resort that feels like Disney is only going to get more important. So little changes like the ones above, would really turn me around to loving SSR that much more.

 

[Hakunamatata]

We own at DVC and my wife loves it more than I do, especially at this point with a wee one that can't do too much in terms of attractions. Being close to DTD, lovely walk, many restaurants, tons of shopping, is a big plus for her (the proximity to PI was the big selling point for me when I bought in ).

Here are what I consider to be the cons:
1: On-site food availability. The food court get insane, especially on days where the weather is lousy. The Turf Club makes a dandy sirloin, though. But a resort this size should have more food options, especially when you consider how long a walk it can be from your particular unit to the Carriage House. At the very least, were there to be grills and/or bars/lounges around the quiet pools. Hell, I'd even take "roach coach" mobile eateries that can set up at strategic locations around the resort at key times. I'd bet lots of people wouldn't mind getting off the bus and having the ability to grab a sandwich (even one premade) and a couple of sodas or beers from a "roach coach" before going back to the room, but many of those same people might balk at going back to the Carriage House after a long day at the parks. Options like those would make more guests/members happy and lighten the load at the Artists' Palette.

2: Muted theming. I'm sure some people prefer SSR for not being too Disney-ish, but I wouldn't mind it feeling a little more magical.

3: No watercraft rental onsite. Great, you can go to OKW, but howabout making it easier for impulse deciders to hook up with a boat?

4: They built what was ostensibly a movie theater that they use for more DVC pitches. Great, you have movies by the pool, but more onsite entertainment options would be even better. I'm of the opinion that SSR is big enough to accommodate some kind of dinner theatre option ala Hoop de Doo Revue, or a character meal (which would in turn possibly benefit DVC by getting more prospective members onsite to check out the advantages).

Essentially, I see all the potential SSR has to offer, I just wish it would start to live up to it. The spa is great, I'm really looking forward to the Treehouse Villas, and at the dangerous risk of disagreeing with PN, the rooms seem fine and dandy to me. SSR, along with OKW, strike me as the most "mature" of the DVC resorts because theming is so slight, and with a little Slapperina now, having a resort that feels like Disney is only going to get more important. So little changes like the ones above, would really turn me around to loving SSR that much more.

I totally agree about the entertainment option. With a resort so themed around horse racing, wouldnt it be nice if you could actually ride a horse? Also, one of those coin operated remote control boat attractions at the bus stop at the carriage house would make tons of money. How many people would drop a buck or two in there while waiting 20 to 30 minutes for their bus?

 

[tecowdw]

I stayed at SSR in October (studio). I didn't think the resort was anything special. It doesn't have alot of charm. I think the main road going through the middle of the resort has little ambiance! Food choices are limited and the pool is quite plain. I was on developer points so it was okay with that in mind plus I get a free 5-night stay in a 1-bedroom there next year.

Stayed at OKW several times before and like those although they are dated in decor. Very roomy!! Stayed at BCV last week - location is great but it lacked comfortable furnishings and the lighting was terrible in the living room (mine was missing a floor lamp that I saw in other villas-although not sure it would have helped much).

I'm super glad I bought at AKV though!!! I absolutely love those model rooms (visited it 3 times while at SSR) and can't wait until May opening!!

 

[MinnieLee]

We've have stayed at SSR twice -May 07 and 08. Both times because we booked 6 months in advance and could not get into BC, BWV or WL Stayed at Congress Park both times and loved the convenience to DTD and the Turf Club was good for dinner but that is where it ended. When we checked out bell services told me exactly what I could not figure out. SSR is more like condos where we like the resort atmosphere. We love BC and BWV not only for their convenience to the parks but for the decor and overall "resort feel." SSR is not for everyone but many do love it.

 

[Honor]

We love Saratoga Springs

And for most of the reasons listed that other folks say they are not too fond of SSR. We own a ton o points and spend about 8 weeks a year at Disney World. I like the size and spread of SSR because I don't feel crowded even during the busiest times of year. I like the calmness and quiet of SSR, with a room overlooking the waterway and golf course. We enjoy strolling over to Downtown Disney for movies and eating. We also do a lot of simple cooking in our one-bedroom. We make good use of the exercise room and the spa (well, I do).

We have annual passes but the theme parks are not our main focus. That being said, we've never had any trouble with bus service to the parks. Even though we have a car with us, we use the busses to travel to and from the parks (very convenient).

I highly recommend DVC and even SSR. Now I will retire to the balcony with my tea and book.