Saratoga Springs worth it?

[Wendysofftoneverland]

I found a great deal on Saratoga Springs (less than $60 more per night than a moderate), but it would still be more than I've ever spent on a hotel room ($29 a night over my self-imposed budget). Is it worth the extra splurge? We've never done deluxe before, and I would love to be in the Disney Springs area at Christmas. I'd like to try out the various Disney hotels but I read some reviews of SSR that were critical. Our first choice was POR or POFQ but I am doubtful they will reopen by Dec. 1.

 

[erionm]

Saratoga Springs is currently in the midst of a roughly 1.5 year total refurbishment of the guest rooms. The refurb is schedule to be completed this year. So by the time of your trip, the interior of every room at SSR will have been completely redone. Gone will be the old style pull out sofa bed and a new real murphy bed will be in it's place.

 

[DL1WDW2]

The rooms have been renovated recently , look very nice from the posted photos. And the walk to Disney Springs during the holidays would be a benefit.
What is your source for reduced point/ price offer?
I am asking to add a word of caution if you are considering renting from online source.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

Oo, good to know about refurbishment.

It's a military discount direct from Disney. I called, wishful thinking that I could get Deluxe in budget, and was happily surprised when I was quoted a SSR room only slightly more than CSR or CBR.

It looked like some online points renting sites might be even cheaper, but good to know I was right to be hesitant to book that way.

 

[Leight19]

I found a great deal on Saratoga Springs (less than $50 more per night than a moderate), but it would still be more than I've ever spent on a hotel room ($29 a night over my self-imposed budget). Is it worth the extra splurge? We've never done deluxe before, and I would love to be in the Disney Springs area at Christmas. I'd like to try out the various Disney hotels but I read some reviews of SSR that were critical. Our first choice was POR or POFQ but I am doubtful they will reopen by Dec. 1.

I don’t have ton of experience at Saratoga (only staid once in treehouse during covid) but I recall there being good discussion on dis unplugged YouTube channel I believe as part of their dvc review series. One specific thing I recalled is one team member (Sean?) had directly said they prefer several moderates over SSR so it definitely isn’t for everyone. A counter to that is I have relative who owns at SSR and considers it their favorite place on property so I think as general statement the question will depend on what you value in decision.
If you value being close to Disney springs SSR has that going for it but if not in preferred view it may not be as convenient as you’d hope (especially without the boats as we learned in treehouse stay).

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

If you find a price point where booking a DELUXE is doable, I say GO FOR IT!

Staying at a Deluxe resort is special. The memories of my Polynesian Resort stay 2000 and my Animal Kingdom stays 2010 / 2012 are wonderful! For those of us like myself, a deluxe stay has now been price pointed out of my budget. I doubt I could ever do it again.

 

[pinkxray]

We are new DVC members who loved our stay at SSR enough to make it our home resort.

I love the grounds, the pools are awesome and the new rooms are beautiful. I hate driving or busing to Disney Springs so it is great being able to walk.

People complain about it being massive but so are most of the moderates besides FQ. We rent a car so I don’t care about multiple bus stops to get to parks. I dislike multiple bus stops but again, most of the moderates have them too.

We are booked at SSR in Dec and very excited to be able to pop over to DS to eat when we want. Another thing I miss in SSR that most deluxes have are stunning lobbies so we will make a few dining adrs at hotels such at WL, Gf and BW to check out holiday decor.

Do you really spend much time at Disney Springs? If you will be more park based it might be nice to stay at CBR and have the skyliner. That elimates some buses plus opens more dining options along the skyliner route.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

Additional details about our trip...this would be just a resort only/Disney Springs stay except 1 day at Magic Kingdom. 2 adults and 2 kids under age 6. The kids water play areas at SSR look pretty cool, but so does CBR.

 

[Sunshine11]

The rooms have been renovated recently , look very nice from the posted photos. And the walk to Disney Springs during the holidays would be a benefit.
What is your source for reduced point/ price offer?
I am asking to add a word of caution if you are considering renting from online source.

Hi - was looking at online source for dvc rentals - not sure if I can mention the name - and your post caught my eye. Is there any advice you can send my way. Never went this route before. Thanks.

 

[Anesthesia Fine]

We rented points at SSR a couple of years ago and I was surprised at how much we really enjoyed the place. I wouldn't have any hesitation about booking it again sometime. We were in a good location for buses and to get to the main building if necessary (we were in Paddock) but it was a bit of a hike to walk back to that room from Disney Springs (but that was only mainly a problem because it was late and I was already tired).

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

We have a sit and stand stroller for the kiddos, so a walk doesn't bother us (besides, we often stay at Ft. Wilderness without a golf cart and that is a lot of walking/relying on internal busses). Since the kids are still young, we spend a couple days just at the resort/Disney Springs/character breakfasts outside the parks (though we haven't done the modified covid-era character breakfast). Bummer the boats aren't running, though.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Life is too short...especially after 2020/2021. SPLURGE, even if it is only this time.

 

[Leight19]

We have a sit and stand stroller for the kiddos, so a walk doesn't bother us (besides, we often stay at Ft. Wilderness without a golf cart and that is a lot of walking/relying on internal busses). Since the kids are still young, we spend a couple days just at the resort/Disney Springs/character breakfasts outside the parks (though we haven't done the modified covid-era character breakfast). Bummer the boats aren't running, though.

The more you describe more sounds like would be great option for you. Not sure room size but would recommend looking up cost of 1br if you are just looking at studio. Point wise not always best option but cash prices with discount can be surprising.

 

[philharmagic fan]

IMHO they have one of the better resort QS restaurants, if that's a consideration.

 

[Turk February]

We stayed in a refurbished SSR room 2 weeks ago and we absolutely fell in love with the resort. I’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

 

[bakerworld]

I found a great deal on Saratoga Springs (less than $60 more per night than a moderate), but it would still be more than I've ever spent on a hotel room ($29 a night over my self-imposed budget). Is it worth the extra splurge? We've never done deluxe before, and I would love to be in the Disney Springs area at Christmas. I'd like to try out the various Disney hotels but I read some reviews of SSR that were critical. Our first choice was POR or POFQ but I am doubtful they will reopen by Dec. 1.

Saratoga Springs is a great resort vacation to enjoy Disney Springs for the outside entertainment and eateries. I love spending a night at Raglan Road enjoying the music or rambling around enjoying the various restaurant themes and outside dining. The stores aren't that big an attraction for me but if I were younger or thinner they would be a source of entertainment.

For a Disney Park vacation, IMO, it is a less than ideal location. When the kids were young and we could finally afford something other than the moderates, if we found a good rate, we would enjoy Wilderness Lodge or the Cabins at Fort Wilderness because the access to MK is was quicker, IMO, then the bus travel from the moderates. For an adult Park vacation I would spring for the Beach or Yacht club, as all the other Deluxe locations in walkable distance to a park were beyond what I was willing to pay.

 

[VAlegacy]

I am asking to add a word of caution if you are considering renting from online source.

I will reinforce this word of caution. There is one online seller in particular, Vacation Strategy, the same as ebay seller Vacation Happy Nation, that frequently sells Saratoga Springs and Old Key West.
Below is an example of one of their listings. These are not legitimate listings. Note the $190 fee due at check in. This is not a "Magical Express Fee".
Vacation Strategy (VacationHappyNation), is a points manager for Wyndham owners. One benefit of being a Wyndham owner is being able to exchange using Wyndham's exchange company, RCI, into some Disney properties.
Renting out exchanges through RCI is a violation of RCI/DVC and the reservation can be canceled. When your receive your confirmation from VS, you will receive an RCI confirmation, which states in plain letters that renting out these exchanges is a violation.
Vacation Strategy knows this. They are not on the up and up. These rentals undermine the value of DVC owners who legitimately purchased, and devalues their ownership.
How do I know this? I'm a Wyndham owner.

 

[SwanVT2]

We LOVE SSR. Our DD really enjoys the Paddock Pool and the main pool. Very good QS and we enjoy walking to DS. Go for it, especially since it is more of a resort only vacation. I'm jealous!

 

[Drr10]

My home resort is SSR. Liked it so much that bought more points resale recently. Even though the food is not the best on grounds ,you are in walking distance to Springs which can't be beat. I always rent a car. Easier and quicker to get around.

 

[angelmav]

I’d go for it. I always liked SSR, and definitely prefer it over the Mods.