We love Saratoga Springs Resort. We bought our first DVC contract there sight unseen and were not disappointed! Amy thank you for pointing out all that's good and likeable about the resort instead of bashing it like most other people do. Yes, its big, yes there are a lot of bus stops, yes there are better restaurants across the lake at Disney Springs. But the resort has beautiful grounds, walking paths, and fun activities. We may not stay there every trip but we miss it when we don't and make a point to stay there when we can. And its nice knowing that if we can't get a room anywhere else, we can usually get a room at our home away from home.
I just wanted to say that I love that the shows are now twice as long and go a lot more in-depth, like this one did with the history. I always had the sense that the 20ish minute episodes were an edict from he who shall not be named. But I'm glad the shackles are off, and you guys are doing an amazing job!
1. Jeff has grandkids??? 2. SSR is undervalued for many reasons; lower point costs, proximity to Disney Springs, availability, you are not smothered in "Disneyness"... 3. Paul - make life easier for yourself. Learn to say, "Yes, dear". 4. Love seeing the pooch cameos, especially the galgo / greyhound.
One of the nicest things about SSR is the grounds. If you're someone who enjoys strolls with a coffee, this is the resort for you. I love my morning walks from the Paddock to Artist's Pallete crossing the Willow Lake bridge. Very serene.
Great episode! A food idea that I would love to see would be Disney meals that are GF, dairy and egg free. My daughter absolutely loved all the options she had on our last Disney vacation.
I live in actual Saratoga Springs NY and I’m staying here for the first time 1/1-1/2/24. Booked a studio through the DVC rental store which was great and easy. I was reluctant to book here given that I actually live in that town but we’re excited to start there before switching to OKW 2BR until the 9th. I’m running the half marathon as well so maybe I’ll spot one of you in the crowd!
My mom and I stayed at SS this summer for the first time. We've always heard it's the place to go when everywhere is booked up, so we had so-so expectations. We really loved it. It's sooo big, but there are plenty of bus stops and they came every few minutes. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Loved being so close to Disney Springs. We even got pixie dusted. We will stay there again.
That's why we love Saratoga. My wife and I bought there when we were in our mid 20's and we love being far from the parks. So at night we disconnect, and when we want to be more in the mix we stay on the Monorail loop.
Saratoga Springs Resort is always my first choice. I love my first home resort. The real Saratoga Springs NY is where my grandmother vacationed as a child 100 years ago. Her childhood photos of the resort resemble the photos that used to be displayed in the villas. We were nembers for more than 12 years before we stayed in a Treehouse. We absolutely fell in love with them. When we arrived, I opened the curtains in the master bedroom and exclaimed that we were in Jurassic park! The leaves on the foliage were so large. Next time we stay with a full kitchen at the resort, I've promised Panda to make him my special Meal-In-Itself Cookies! 🍪 I'll put them up against Gideons!
I stayed at Saratoga Springs back in April rented thru DVC rental store and loved it! My first Deluxe stay and loved it . ❤ On the resort mugs, I’ve stayed at the Grandstand and I was able to refill my mug at the soda machine that’s on the Grandstand Pool
Another fun discussion about everything Disney! As someone said, “We need a horse now to walk by…” I was listening in my barn mucking stalls as the horses were eating. You never know who is listening in and where they may be!❤️🐴💩😉
The concert hall is still used for the Disney Youth program music classes!! I took a “Broadway” class with my dance studio there and then the next day we performed at Disney Springs!
My wife and I first stayed at SS after Disney upgraded us from Coronado Springs. It was an unexpected bonus to a rough start at WDW. Ever since, my wife and I are eager to return. We are considering a July vacation to soak up some Disney Springs relaxation. I would love to stay in building 1 so we can walk over to Raglan Road for dinner and drink's!
Saratoga is our favourite. Lovely rooms. Disney Springs. Some of the best pools. Best gym. Lovely relaxing grounds. Great theming we find. 100% top resort👍
Treehouse Villas are just like it sounds: a log cabin in a tree ! Great getaway from it all… Some have bunk beds in one of the rooms. The Treehouses are spacious!😊
I think they also use the performance hall for dance groups, guards (marching band), to have their master classes with cast members when they’re on school trips. I’ve been with my kids marching band twice and both times the color guard went to Saratoga Springs for their classes.
Panda, guess what? We purchased DVC in September this year (GFV Sept UY) and the only resort available for a week booking the week before Christmas was Saratoga. We are looking forward to our 1 bed villa.
I’m a Sara. Member. To everyone you won’t like it. Lol. As big as it is I love it. It’s the only Disney hotel or dvc club that has three main pools, two with water slides. No matter what time of day you hardly see anyone even though it’s booked. I call it all quiet after the park.
I love it there overall. Perfect for 3 nights to tag on to a trip or split stay. Affordable and relaxing. Pool was so nice to be at and springs for meals. Park heavy days we would not like it but we had a great time there multiple times. We never have a car but thats the part that makes it worse for us specifically.
I loved our first stay at Saratoga Springs. We were in a newly refurbished room right on the lake in Congress Park, a short walk over to Disney Springs. The only problem was the bus system, especially for someone with a scooter. Because there are four stops in the resort, the bus may be full and you can’t get on. I can’t imagine having to transfer to another bus for the treehouses. We walked down the hall to look at the turf club, and it reminded me of a mid- nineties IHOP before a refurbishment. We didn’t even go in. The quick service was ok, once you figured out the strategy. The food was ok, but like you said, Disney Springs is right there.
We own a Saratoga, Riviera and Copper Creek the burger at turf club lounge is for sure the second best on property real close behind Boathouse. I've had the burger at the lounge many times and it's always impeccably scrumptious.
I chose to buy into DVC at Saratoga mainly for the value and not necessarily for the resort itself but after having my welcome home stay there I fell absolutely in love with it! Throughout my stay I just kept getting reaffirmed that I chose the right home resort :)
The Tree house Villas were heavily damaged during a storm, I can´t remember the year. The storm caused many trees to fall, and damaged the villas. So much that they were completely shut down while they rebuilt them.
I haven't been in all Disney Resorts, but I absolutely LOVE Saratoga Springs Resort! I also love Animal Kingdom lodge, Riviera & Old Key West(however, this resort needs room refurb)....even before the refurb at SSR, we stayed at a 2 bedroom villa and loved it(except the carpet)!
When the Dis Unlimited gets a studio, will y’all be able to film in there? I love these videos but the vibe of getting you all in the same room is really nice!
Hi there. Would you be able to send a couple of folks over to the Beach Club villas and report back how the refurb is going? I've heard from individuals that Disney is working on floors 2 and 3 at the moment. Some on the ground reporting and investigation would be very much appreciated!
I can easily get a 1 bedroom at SSR and a 1 bedroom at OKW. When I trade my WorldMark Timeshare for a DVC. I do have to be on a waitlist for the other DVC Resorts.
I’ve long wanted to do a Disney Springs focused staycation like Panda mentioned. Need to make it happen! Saratoga used to have a spa, didn’t they? That’s gone? As for classes, you can sign me up for the lasagna masters curriculum. 😂. I wouldn’t want to spend a week in class but I really miss the shorter classes that were part of the Epcot festivals - drawing, cooking, gardening, photography etc. Looking forward to the 🍔 review.
If they would update the decor and food at Turf Club I would love it. I like it now but Turf Club needs updating. I would consider tree houses if they updated them, improved the pool area and added a pool bar with mug station, drinks and some food. I would only stay at treehouses if I had a car.
If people don’t like the Tree Houses for the bus loop. Wait till they have the cabins at Fort Wilderness. That will be at least 5 times worse due to the number of cabins.
Also, I disagree regarding Boathouse...we just went there on Labor day for lunch and the food was not great....to be honest, I am NOT a seafood person, but went with others that eat seafood, but the chicken in my chicken Caesar salad was so salty! I couldn't eat more than a few bites!
not a ssr fan really.stayed in a Treehouse last month and it was awesome, bus stop close and not a long ride, also used the boat to DS. cast members were nice. food was okay..dont spend much time at DS so the location doesnt appeal to me, prob won't stay again
We love Saratoga Springs Resort. We bought our first DVC contract there sight unseen and were not disappointed! Amy thank you for pointing out all that's good and likeable about the resort instead of bashing it like most other people do. Yes, its big, yes there are a lot of bus stops, yes there are better restaurants across the lake at Disney Springs. But the resort has beautiful grounds, walking paths, and fun activities. We may not stay there every trip but we miss it when we don't and make a point to stay there when we can. And its nice knowing that if we can't get a room anywhere else, we can usually get a room at our home away from home.
I just wanted to say that I love that the shows are now twice as long and go a lot more in-depth, like this one did with the history. I always had the sense that the 20ish minute episodes were an edict from he who shall not be named. But I'm glad the shackles are off, and you guys are doing an amazing job!
This episodes are far better than before.
1. Jeff has grandkids???
2. SSR is undervalued for many reasons; lower point costs, proximity to Disney Springs, availability, you are not smothered in "Disneyness"...
3. Paul - make life easier for yourself. Learn to say, "Yes, dear".
4. Love seeing the pooch cameos, especially the galgo / greyhound.
Golf and a great burger = A PERFECT DAY. We're there in 2 weeks... Let's go!!!
One of the nicest things about SSR is the grounds. If you're someone who enjoys strolls with a coffee, this is the resort for you. I love my morning walks from the Paddock to Artist's Pallete crossing the Willow Lake bridge. Very serene.
Love SSR. My home resort. Stayed there last Christmas at the Grand Villa with my family and was one of our most wonderful extended family Christmas!
Great episode!
A food idea that I would love to see would be Disney meals that are GF, dairy and egg free. My daughter absolutely loved all the options she had on our last Disney vacation.
I live in actual Saratoga Springs NY and I’m staying here for the first time 1/1-1/2/24. Booked a studio through the DVC rental store which was great and easy. I was reluctant to book here given that I actually live in that town but we’re excited to start there before switching to OKW 2BR until the 9th. I’m running the half marathon as well so maybe I’ll spot one of you in the crowd!
They had classes for children. My son attended them in the morning and went to the parks in the afternoon. He really enjoyed them.
My mom and I stayed at SS this summer for the first time. We've always heard it's the place to go when everywhere is booked up, so we had so-so expectations. We really loved it. It's sooo big, but there are plenty of bus stops and they came every few minutes. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Loved being so close to Disney Springs. We even got pixie dusted. We will stay there again.
That's why we love Saratoga. My wife and I bought there when we were in our mid 20's and we love being far from the parks. So at night we disconnect, and when we want to be more in the mix we stay on the Monorail loop.
I remember the Disney Institute! Fast forward and we now own at SSR.
Saratoga Springs Resort is always my first choice. I love my first home resort. The real Saratoga Springs NY is where my grandmother vacationed as a child 100 years ago. Her childhood photos of the resort resemble the photos that used to be displayed in the villas. We were nembers for more than 12 years before we stayed in a Treehouse. We absolutely fell in love with them. When we arrived, I opened the curtains in the master bedroom and exclaimed that we were in Jurassic park! The leaves on the foliage were so large. Next time we stay with a full kitchen at the resort, I've promised Panda to make him my special Meal-In-Itself Cookies! 🍪 I'll put them up against Gideons!
I stayed at Saratoga Springs back in April rented thru DVC rental store and loved it! My first Deluxe stay and loved it . ❤
On the resort mugs, I’ve stayed at the Grandstand and I was able to refill my mug at the soda machine that’s on the Grandstand Pool
Another fun discussion about everything Disney! As someone said, “We need a horse now to walk by…” I was listening in my barn mucking stalls as the horses were eating. You never know who is listening in and where they may be!❤️🐴💩😉
BLT owner here... We love Saratoga Springs!
Same. We split stay with it.
The concert hall is still used for the Disney Youth program music classes!! I took a “Broadway” class with my dance studio there and then the next day we performed at Disney Springs!
My wife and I first stayed at SS after Disney upgraded us from Coronado Springs. It was an unexpected bonus to a rough start at WDW. Ever since, my wife and I are eager to return. We are considering a July vacation to soak up some Disney Springs relaxation. I would love to stay in building 1 so we can walk over to Raglan Road for dinner and drink's!
Saratoga is our favourite. Lovely rooms. Disney Springs. Some of the best pools. Best gym. Lovely relaxing grounds. Great theming we find. 100% top resort👍
I want to learn on vacation! I am fascinated by odd facts and people doing cool things.
Treehouse Villas are just like it sounds: a log cabin in a tree ! Great getaway from it all… Some have bunk beds in one of the rooms. The Treehouses are spacious!😊
I think they also use the performance hall for dance groups, guards (marching band), to have their master classes with cast members when they’re on school trips. I’ve been with my kids marching band twice and both times the color guard went to Saratoga Springs for their classes.
Panda, guess what? We purchased DVC in September this year (GFV Sept UY) and the only resort available for a week booking the week before Christmas was Saratoga. We are looking forward to our 1 bed villa.
I’m a Sara. Member. To everyone you won’t like it. Lol. As big as it is I love it. It’s the only Disney hotel or dvc club that has three main pools, two with water slides. No matter what time of day you hardly see anyone even though it’s booked. I call it all quiet after the park.
Toured that resort when it 1st open many yrs back.....got a Saratoga pin........I'm guessing it's rare
I love it there overall. Perfect for 3 nights to tag on to a trip or split stay. Affordable and relaxing. Pool was so nice to be at and springs for meals. Park heavy days we would not like it but we had a great time there multiple times. We never have a car but thats the part that makes it worse for us specifically.
I loved our first stay at Saratoga Springs. We were in a newly refurbished room right on the lake in Congress Park, a short walk over to Disney Springs. The only problem was the bus system, especially for someone with a scooter. Because there are four stops in the resort, the bus may be full and you can’t get on. I can’t imagine having to transfer to another bus for the treehouses. We walked down the hall to look at the turf club, and it reminded me of a mid- nineties IHOP before a refurbishment. We didn’t even go in. The quick service was ok, once you figured out the strategy. The food was ok, but like you said, Disney Springs is right there.
There are 5 bus stops.
We own a Saratoga, Riviera and Copper Creek the burger at turf club lounge is for sure the second best on property real close behind Boathouse. I've had the burger at the lounge many times and it's always impeccably scrumptious.
I chose to buy into DVC at Saratoga mainly for the value and not necessarily for the resort itself but after having my welcome home stay there I fell absolutely in love with it! Throughout my stay I just kept getting reaffirmed that I chose the right home resort :)
first you guys are hilarious!! we recently stood in a 2 br at SSR and just loved it.
We own at SSR and love it! ..also ok with it staying under the radar of everyone else though!
Thanks for the info, was thinking of booking Saratoga for next summer if we go to Florida.
104 more sleeps til my birthday stay at SSR. This will be our third DVC stay and our third resort.
The Tree house Villas were heavily damaged during a storm, I can´t remember the year. The storm caused many trees to fall, and damaged the villas. So much that they were completely shut down while they rebuilt them.
I haven't been in all Disney Resorts, but I absolutely LOVE Saratoga Springs Resort! I also love Animal Kingdom lodge, Riviera & Old Key West(however, this resort needs room refurb)....even before the refurb at SSR, we stayed at a 2 bedroom villa and loved it(except the carpet)!
When the Dis Unlimited gets a studio, will y’all be able to film in there? I love these videos but the vibe of getting you all in the same room is really nice!
Thank you for your kind words. We have found a studio and it’s currently under construction. We should be in it around the first of the year. :)
Derek, how many of those lamps are Disney lamps that you picked up😅
Make discovery island an event location. Luau, 50's dance, cook out, seafood feast etc. Separate ticket event.
Paul really bags on Riviera. I can’t remember a time he didn’t use Riviera in the point chart comparison.
It is awful. The worse and signs of bad times to come for DVC. Many people showed this instantly when. Grand went up for sale.
Hi there. Would you be able to send a couple of folks over to the Beach Club villas and report back how the refurb is going? I've heard from individuals that Disney is working on floors 2 and 3 at the moment. Some on the ground reporting and investigation would be very much appreciated!
I can easily get a 1 bedroom at SSR and a 1 bedroom at OKW. When I trade my WorldMark Timeshare for a DVC. I do have to be on a waitlist for the other DVC Resorts.
Do love the resort … they should have put a chair and table in when they did the refurb though ….
I’ve long wanted to do a Disney Springs focused staycation like Panda mentioned. Need to make it happen! Saratoga used to have a spa, didn’t they? That’s gone? As for classes, you can sign me up for the lasagna masters curriculum. 😂. I wouldn’t want to spend a week in class but I really miss the shorter classes that were part of the Epcot festivals - drawing, cooking, gardening, photography etc. Looking forward to the 🍔 review.
Disney hasn’t opened the Spa since 2020. They really have no reason there is demand.
"thanks for the clarification" hahahah🤣
If they would update the decor and food at Turf Club I would love it. I like it now but Turf Club needs updating. I would consider tree houses if they updated them, improved the pool area and added a pool bar with mug station, drinks and some food. I would only stay at treehouses if I had a car.
If people don’t like the Tree Houses for the bus loop. Wait till they have the cabins at Fort Wilderness. That will be at least 5 times worse due to the number of cabins.
Also, I disagree regarding Boathouse...we just went there on Labor day for lunch and the food was not great....to be honest, I am NOT a seafood person, but went with others that eat seafood, but the chicken in my chicken Caesar salad was so salty! I couldn't eat more than a few bites!
not a ssr fan really.stayed in a Treehouse last month and it was awesome, bus stop close and not a long ride, also used the boat to DS. cast members were nice. food was okay..dont spend much time at DS so the location doesnt appeal to me, prob won't stay again
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