Originally Posted By Malin My friend has come to me for some details on Disney Saratoga Springs. Unfortunately I don't know much about this particular Resort to really help him. And thats the reason I come to you today. All information I'll pass back to him. His background is that he's got a young family who will be visiting Florida next year. And will be staying for a few days at Disney. Is Saratoga Springs a suitable venue for really young family's(1 and 3 year olds). And are the trips to the parks too far. Any other advice would be most helpful?
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Saratoga Springs has multiple pools, playgrounds, picnic tables, etc. throughout the grounds. Facilities-wise it is well suited to children. It is the only stand-alone DVC resort to have both a table service restaurant and a small food court. It is also located close to Downtown Disney and all the dining options available there. They run both buses and a ferry from Saratoga to DTD. Some of the rooms are easy walking distance to DTD. The resort is MASSIVE which could be something of a drawback with young children. If they don't have a car they will probably want to takes buses from one resort location to another unless they can get a room close to the main building/pool area. Buses to the parks run regularly, but can be a little slow because there are 5 or 6 stops within the resort itself. Epcot and the Studios are both located fairly close to SS... Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are a bit of a drive. If they have a car it is a short drive to the Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista retail area which has many dining options at lower than Disney prices. The resort is not as highly Disney-themed as some of the others, but it is very nicely done. I think the finishes and furnishings tend to be a little more "upscale" than the DVC resorts built before it. I've always enjoyed my stays at Saratoga Springs and plan to stay there again next September
Originally Posted By smedley Hey we just got back from a 2 week stay at Saratoga Springs yesterday and we loved it Roadtrip is right about the buses, we were located in Grandstand, the first pick up, and although it guaranteed a seat on the bus, it also meant it was another 10-15 mins before you left the site to head to the parks, just needed to factor that in, we loved the boat to DTD, was around 5-10mins to walk to the carriage house for us, which is where the food locations are and the boat leaves from. We ate at both food locations and were more than happy with them. If you have any specific questions from your friends I would be happy to try to answer them having recently been there
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Are they considering any other options? This resort is about as appealing as staying in a huge apartment complex unless you get really lucky with the specific room location. I am also trying to factor in the bus hassle with 2 small children and strollers. Realistically how much time will they spend at DD versus the theme parks and wanting to return for an afternoon break/nap? So in response please imagine their family needs also. For one or 2 adults looking for a place to stay, Okay-Maybe, but with a young family...Please reconsider I am curious as to this choice? Are they using somebody's points?
Originally Posted By smedley I would guess they're booking from the UK, there's an offer on for next year at 42% discount for certain time periods making it appealing. I would agree it's not very heavily themed, it depends how important that is to them. We also had a hire car, so the potential slowness of busses didn't really affect us, the only place we always used the bus for was MK because it meant not having to go via the TTC.
Originally Posted By smedley I meant to add that because we had the car we quite often returned to the resort in the afternoon to swim and chill out.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 the new pool in the Paddock area is very nicely themed -- was there when they opened that- stayed in a studio until my daughter was done with volleyball tournament at WWoS- then moved over to OKW
Originally Posted By DlandDug They also have the community room where there are kid friendly activities. We got sick while staying at SS last Christmas, and ended up borrowing videos and games from the community room. One drawback for us (a major one): there was only one hard-wired internet access in the master bedroom. Unbelievable that a Disney property in 2010 doesn't have wireless. DVC members do get free access-- but on a single wired outlet. Bring a hub if you plan to use internet through the suite.
Originally Posted By smedley We found the internet access frustrating too, although I have heard rumour they're talking about adding free WiFi to both Saratoga and Old Key West.
