Saratoga Springs me no likey

[maelstrom]

Just thinking about Saratoga Springs reminds me that the Disney Village Resort is no more. It seems like such a shame to me that they knocked down the townhouses, fairway villas, bungalows, and grand vista homes to build Saratoga Springs. And, yeah, they just built new treehouses, but they'll probably be so popular that regular, non-DVC folks like me won't ever be able to stay there.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

but they'll probably be so popular that regular, non-DVC folks like me won't ever be able to stay there.

Tight wads like me will never be able to afford the points for the tree houses either.

 

[harryk]

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.

Have tried to book into BWV, AKV, BCV each year for the past 4 years (Although AKV only for the past 2) at the 7 month period since I own at the VWL. Glad I book at the 11 month date and at that date have had to adjust vacation times due to availability. (Usually book for week 1 or 2 in December.) Have yet to get into other locations even on wait lists or willing to change locations, i.e. 3 or 4 days at different villas. I guess that the December period is just too busy now. Don't fall for the line that you can book into other villas easilly.....not so. Ownership at several of the other DVC locations does not insure that you can get into them for the period you want...you may only book the number of days for which you have points at that location ... and maybe utilize points from other ownership locations....[with wait list coming through].:xmas:

 

[daoust8]

I get mixed emotions reading back and forth on everyone's opinions of SSR. I guess I feel very partial to the fact that this was the first vacation option my wife and I ever purchased and having a large family like ours (7 kids) we found DVC to be the most economical means of vacationing. To stay in an typical resort we would need a minimum of two rooms and then we would be tight at best (never mind the cost).

I can relate to many of the comments. I think overall Disney has done a nice job with SSR. Every resort and DVC has its pros and cons and I think the ability to not be "locked" into having to only stay at your home resort made me feel a bit more comfortable. We bought SSR with only seeing the model when it was open at the Boardwalk. We never saw the property itself. I agree it is huge, and I think parts of it lack the luster or the magic we all associate with Disney. I am honest to say we have not stayed at any other DVC properties yet to do a fair comparison but I guess I am just feeling loyal to my investment.

We have stayed our last two trips in Congress Park so the view to Downtown Disney adds interest while maintaining the tranquility of the property. We are excited to have upgraded this trip to a Grand Villa with the hopes that it meets our expectations.

I will say the comments made to add horseback riding to a horse themed resort and the have boat rental on property at the only other WDW resort that has a top line spa as well as additional restaurants and the movie theater/entertainment ideas could really make SSR most desireable.

 

[weluvtink]

We love it. The Turf Club has good food. They have a really great crab cake. We only eat in the food court on check out day so I don't really have an opinion on that. I love how quiet it is. We also just take our own car to the parks so I don't know how the buses run.
Overall we have been very pleased but I would love to check out other DVC resorts just because they looked nice too.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

t I would love to check out other DVC resorts just because they looked nice too.

Because we had stayed at other resorts I think that is why we were so disappointed with our "home" resort.