[KarenWDWCP]

Hi all,

I feel like I am always looking for advice for trips that I am helping to plan for other people ( I can't help myself from getting involved in other's WDW trip planning!)

Anyway, I am helping my cousin plan her trip for next April (she is just starting to think about where to stay, etc) It will be her, her husband and her 2 kids (10 and 7). Her mom and dad have just decided to go as well. It is the first trip for the kids and first in almost 20 years for everyone else.

Anyway, I suggested that they consider a 2 bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs or another DVC resort. I don't have ANY experience with the villas and Home Away from Home Resorts so I need some input.

Who has stayed at Saratoga and what did you think?

Thanks!

[DisneyTeacher]

We spent 10 days at SSR last May and had a great trip. We didn't love the resort but it's beautiful and the transportation was wonderful--best of any trip. We had to waitlist a studio so I know the resort wasn't empty but it sure felt like it. We were almost always the only famiy at the bus stop and 3 different times (once in the morning for park open) we were the only family on the bus.

My only problem with the resort was the size, we were as far from the main building as we could get. It was a mile walk round trip and for some people that could be real problem. That said I would stay there again, it just woulnd't be my first pick for a DVC resort.

[Cavey]

I can't speak to SS, but the cabins at Fort Wilderness are pretty fun, and FW is a GREAT place to stay.

[KarenWDWCP]

I hadn't thought about the cabins, Cavey. Thanks for the tip!

DT, I'm glad to hear that the transportation was good at SSR. I know my cousin is concerened about that aspect of it.

[Boss Mouse]

We stayed there in June. I asked (and received) a room in one of the buildings right across from the main building. Since it is so new, it is top shelf. My last trip was to the Boardwalk and the difference was very noticeable. If DD will factor in, SS is w/in walking distance. I highly recommend it.

[llama]

We've stayed twice at SSR. It is a beautiful resort - and brand new. The main pool is very nice. Like the others said -there are no negatives, except the size. With this resort the most important thing is location, location, location. If you want to be near the main lobby ask for The Springs. If you want to be near the Marketplace - Congress Park is the closest. The Carousel area is almost like being in a Holiday Inn on the highway - it's noisy and remote. Avoid it.

Personally, I'd choose Old Key West over the other DVC properties - it's a great resort, with the biggest suites and is the least expensive.

[Dawn]

Originally Posted by llama

Personally, I'd choose Old Key West over the other DVC properties - it's a great resort, with the biggest suites and is the least expensive.

I have to agree. OKW has wonderful suites and the resort is very nice and low key (no pun intended). I have never stayed at SSR, but just driving by it is impressive.....it is huge.

[bribren]

Id look into Old Key West. They are the largest and most reasonably priced Villas at WDW and the grounds are great. I did this for my last trip and it was a much better value than rooms. I think it would be cheaper to do a studio and 1 bdr than a full two. I don't know why this is but it seems so sometimes.

[MissDisney]

DH golfs at the courses that are by SS, and so we have spent more than our fair share of time in that area, waiting for him to finish his round (oh, gee, can you hear the whine in my voice? LOL!)

Anyway, we did a lot of exploring and looking in windows and checking out pools and all that, and the entire resort looks great! The villas we looked in were similar to the Boardwalk Villas. And when you pull up to the gate, it says "Welcome Home" which made me want to stay there even more!

[KiKi]

Haven't stayed there yet, but we will be in May. I can't wait. I can give you a full report when we get back!

[Nastory4]

We had a two bedroom at SSR last Dec. The room was wonderful, plenty space, privacy for guests. The pool is wonderful, transportaion worked well. You can walk or boat to DTD. It is very big though. They will not guarantee a spot, so it can be a hit or miss with the noise of the road. OKW is lower on points, I would probably pick that resort.

[NokeyNose]

Originally Posted by Dawn

I have to agree. OKW has wonderful suites and the resort is very nice and low key (no pun intended). I have never stayed at SSR, but just driving by it is impressive.....it is huge.

I was going to say the same thing!!! We just stayed at OKW in a two bedroom with my M & FIL and we loved it! There was a great amount of room in the suite and we specifically asked to be near Hospitality House, teh walk was very short! Definately head to OKW!!!!

[KarenWDWCP]

I'll have to look into OKW for her as well. Thanks for the input everyone!

Also, I think I read somewhere that if you stay at a DVC resort but are not a DVC member, you still get housekeeping service. Is that true?