Originally Posted By Daannzzz I am marrying into the DVC. We had a chance at a vacation without much planning time so we booked into Saratoga Springs as nothing else was left,except OKW. His home resort is Saratoga Springs. Now... I have never been a big fan of the whole DVC thing. OKW always seemed somewhat unobtrusive and the Boardwalk Villas (while the least interesting looking of all the Disney resorts, inside and out) where nicely integrated at their location the adding on to the other deluxe resorts WLV, BCV kind of ruined the approach to those places, even though their architecture is nice. When they started building Saratoga I felt it would look pretty bland and generic like the BWV. After completion I walked over and thought it was better than I expected so when we arrived for our stay, a couple weeks ago, I already had a favorable impression. We were assigned to the Grandstand, as requested and had a room on the side of the building with a view of the fairway. It was a nice view with some good sunsets as well as storm clouds. It was VERY quiet. The room decor is not my style but it was quite comfortable and it was nice to have the LITTLE kitchen area. I am not usually one to spend time at the pool but I loved the quiet pool at the Grandstand. It has a classy but very old fashioned quality out of the old White City parks. It was never crowded and the water features were fun. The main pool looks nice and the main building lounge and food area was very nice. This was the most relaxing resorts (AKL comes in second) I have stayed at on Disney property. While it is great to be at a resort with a boat or monorail I always have a car and use it so transportation was not an issue. I look forward to trying some of the other DVC resorts but think I would love to return to Saratoga Springs.
Originally Posted By Ursula Congrats on marrying into DVC! I am pleasantly surprised that Saratoga Springs worked for you. It really doesn't seem all that appealing to me, BUT but I haven't visited their resort yet in person and will enjoy your photos.
Originally Posted By Daannzzz I understand what you mean. It didn't seem appealing to me at all, until I walked over from Downtown Disney. Perhaps because I had such low expectations it was better. We toured a model of the Grand Californian DVC in February and that interior is beautiful. I could live in that style.
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 Hay congrats on you new DVC pick. We had walked through Saratoga, I thought it was nice. Maybe one day I'll get into the DVC group. Maybe?
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Next time ask to take a tour of the Bay Lake Towers. I think there is usually a Sales rep just inside the lobby of the DVC BLT building (during daytime business hours). Take the Disney bus over to the Contemporary. And be sure to ask to see the rooftop view. And then persuade your new inlaw relatives to add on points...
Originally Posted By Daannzzz We toured the models at the center at Saratoga Springs. The models were of Bay Lake Tower and Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas. I am not a fan of the building at Bay Lake Tower. I think it was a bad idea to put that building there aestetically and wished they would have done something more retro and lower rise. I am sure the views are great and the money is pouring in. The interior was interesting. Didn't care for parts of it but liked some. Loved the AKL villas but that is more my style. We looked at the Grand Californian villas and I loved those interiors as well.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS Well now I know what to look for in a husband...Thanks Daannzzz! This will be fun for you and the family!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Have you seen it completed? It fits in perfectly. And the fireworks on top of the World- In your face I think I can almost touch them WOW
Originally Posted By Daannzzz I have seen it completed regardless of the views and fireworks, I don't like the actual building, architecture and size. I think it is out of place. It looks like the shore line in Hawaii or Miami.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb I just saw BLT the other day and didn't mind the architectural look of it at all. But then again the look of The Contemporary leaves me cold, so having a hotel tower sitting next to it doesn't bother me in the least.
Originally Posted By smedley Thanks for sharing these! We have just booked a 2 bed villa for next Sept/Oct (yes 2011 lol) for our 10th wedding anniversary trip with my parents, can't wait
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Daannzz I shared those same feelings as it was being built but the completed Look does fit in. And I have taken the time to observe it from all angles while on the approaching buses or boats and monorails. But it would be interesting to see how others on LP think so I am interested in opinions.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 congrats on the DVC bonus-- however do not blow off OKW as I still believe it is the most relaxing of the DVC resorts- and is absilutely the home of the largest sq. footage accomodations. Olivia's is a hidden gem of a restaurant also. If it's excitement 24x7 one wants then I will be the first to admit OKW is not the place- but nice accomodations, relaxing time, some great CM's- many of which have been there forever...then OKW is still my fave. It's not meant to be obtrusive..although not sure what Disney resort is ?
