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Should I take Saratoga Springs?

chalee94

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do you get free resort parking when trading with RCI ? Ive only rented DVC points before and we got free parking

There is a $190 fee for RCI trades to pay to Disney at check in at the Disney resort. It's not really for parking or any other reason other than Disney can get away with it...but just making sure that doesn't come as a surprise...
 

rickandcindy23

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There is a $190 fee for RCI trades to pay to Disney at check in at the Disney resort. It's not really for parking or any other reason other than Disney can get away with it...but just making sure that doesn't come as a surprise...
Yes, I agree it's an annoyance to pay it, but Hilton SeaWorld also charges $25 per day for "parking and other services." I find that "because they can" fee to be quite outrageous at Hilton. Hilton doesn't give me free transportation to/from the parks and the airport, plus FP+ at 60 days out, and Extra Magic Hours, and free magic bands. Why would anyone stay at any Hilton now via exchange, with those added fees? You can pretty much assume Disney will start charging even more for their "because they can" fee.
 

chalee94

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Yes, I agree it's an annoyance to pay it, but Hilton SeaWorld also charges $25 per day for "parking and other services." I find that "because they can" fee to be quite outrageous at Hilton. Hilton doesn't give me free transportation to/from the parks and the airport, plus FP+ at 60 days out, and Extra Magic Hours, and free magic bands. Why would anyone stay at any Hilton now via exchange, with those added fees? You can pretty much assume Disney will start charging even more for their "because they can" fee.

Yes, I think the fee started at $95 and then they doubled it.

I'm glad the Marriotts near WDW don't pull that resort fee junk... I agree that it makes the Hiltons unappealing for exchanges.
 

rhonda

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If I recall correctly, the DVC's inbound exchange fee doubled when DVC members were offered "free" outbound exchanges rather than "discounted" exchanges. Basically, the fee covers both sides of the exchange and might help sway a DVC owner to use RCI ... thus creating more exchanges opportunity for those trying to trade into DVC?
 

rickandcindy23

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If I recall correctly, the DVC's inbound exchange fee doubled when DVC members were offered "free" outbound exchanges rather than "discounted" exchanges. Basically, the fee covers both sides of the exchange and might help sway a DVC owner to use RCI ... thus creating more exchanges opportunity for those trying to trade into DVC?
That's very true.
 

gdrj

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If you have to stay on property, Saratoga Springs is about all that gets offered to us ordinary folk...It's worth it to stay on property, if you plan to go to the parks most days. I would not stay on property without going to the parks. That would be costly.

AS a DVC owner I would disagree about not worth it if you dont go to the park most days. I say that because you have plenty to do on property without ever having to get in your car. Now granted many of the things I will mention you could do if you were off property but being inside the Disney bubble can be nice. Things that I would recommend:
- Monorail Hotel Tour/ lounge tour/ dining.
-Boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans or French Qtr resorts.
- From any of the monorail hotels or Wilderness Lodge take a boat to FT. Wilderness.
-Watch Fireworks from Calif Grill or Narcossees
-Rent a boat
-Visit Boardwalk area, ESPN, Ice Cream shops at Beach CLub or Boardwalk
-Check out wine tasting at Jiko’s or some of the other hotels special events
-Visit Spa
- Visit AK Lodge and watch animals from hotel.
-Golf
-mini golf
-Visit NEW tower at Coronado Springs. Great restaurant/lounge on top floor, not mention lounge in lobby. I have been told you can see fireworks from HS there.

Just a few things that come to mind.
 

Lisa P

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gdrj, I agree that it can be nice to stay at SSR without visiting the parks most days, mainly if one doesn't have a car or doesn't want to drive at all. We enjoy SSR and nearby beautiful, fun-filled resorts as well - especially when we want a 2BR or larger. As you mentioned, those Disney resort activities are mostly open to day guests - just no swimming - and we still enjoy them. Without a Disney resort fee for exchangers, that budget more than covers Uber/Lyft whenever we'll all have a couple drinks out.

For us, since we drive our car to FL, the real value of staying at SSR is primarily to take advantage of early FastPass+ planning and Extra Magic Hours while using a Park Hopper ticket so we can avoid the busier EMH park for the rest of the day. If we don't plan to do much of that, whether we stay at SSR or not doesn't make any difference in our enjoyment of our vacation. If we plan more resort activities or other sightseeing (Universal, Sea World, state park canoeing or wildlife/manatees, NASA, sea kayaking, an ocean beach swim/sail, etc.), it can actually be more pleasant (easier to avoid the major Disney traffic) for us to stay outside the bubble. YMMV.
 
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bnoble

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If we plan more resort activities or other sightseeing (Universal, Sea World, state park canoeing or wildlife/manatees, NASA, sea kayaking, an ocean beach swim/sail, etc.), it can actually be more pleasant (easier to avoid the major Disney traffic) for us to stay outside the bubble. YMMV.
Plus, the "2nd Generation" DVC resorts (SSR, VWL, BCV, BWV) all have layouts that are among my least favorite in Orlando.
 

Dean

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AS a DVC owner I would disagree about not worth it if you dont go to the park most days. I say that because you have plenty to do on property without ever having to get in your car. Now granted many of the things I will mention you could do if you were off property but being inside the Disney bubble can be nice. Things that I would recommend:
- Monorail Hotel Tour/ lounge tour/ dining.
-Boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans or French Qtr resorts.
- From any of the monorail hotels or Wilderness Lodge take a boat to FT. Wilderness.
-Watch Fireworks from Calif Grill or Narcossees
-Rent a boat
-Visit Boardwalk area, ESPN, Ice Cream shops at Beach CLub or Boardwalk
-Check out wine tasting at Jiko’s or some of the other hotels special events
-Visit Spa
- Visit AK Lodge and watch animals from hotel.
-Golf
-mini golf
-Visit NEW tower at Coronado Springs. Great restaurant/lounge on top floor, not mention lounge in lobby. I have been told you can see fireworks from HS there.

Just a few things that come to mind.
IMO it depends on the context. For an exchange for anyone going to the parks and who has any interest in some of the other on property alternatives, I think it's often worth it even with the additional $190 fee if that's the only difference. But if there's a huge difference in TPU's or RCI points, it may not be. And for one who's not going to the parks at all or maybe one day and doesn't plan to spend much time taking advantage of those other options, staying off property may actually be better no matter the cost. It's essentially the stay on property and go to Universal debate. Ignoring theming and location, some of the resorts in Orlando are actually as nice or nicer with larger villas than DVC and more resort based activity options. I'd put maybe 8 resorts a little higher and another dozen or so in the same ballpark overall looked at side by side.
 

blondietink

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FWIW, you cannot access the Top of the World lounge at Bay Lake Towers to watch the fireworks. Only DVC owners staying onsite can do that. They check your room key and DVC membership card at the elevators on the ground floor before letting you go up.
 

gdrj

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FWIW, you cannot access the Top of the World lounge at Bay Lake Towers to watch the fireworks. Only DVC owners staying onsite can do that. They check your room key and DVC membership card at the elevators on the ground floor before letting you go up.

Very true, but there are alternatives by dining at Calif Grill or Narcossees or the outside tables at Trader Sams or the beach at the Poly.
 

islandog

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Thanks to all for your good advice. We did stay at the Saratoga Springs and I have to say it is my least favorite of the Disney resorts. The one bedroom was quite small and had a weird layout and was dominated by that large jacuzzi tub. Just didn’t have that ‘Disney’ feel. About 3 weeks before we were to leave RCI had sent message that we were eligible for an upgrade and had given me hope for something better but it never came through. We did enjoy bus service and getting into parks early. But I had invested 2 years of maintenance fees and search fees and trade fees and feel I overpaid for the one bedroom. I wish I had just taken a Bonnet Creek offer from here. It is much nicer.
 

rickandcindy23

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Thanks to all for your good advice. We did stay at the Saratoga Springs and I have to say it is my least favorite of the Disney resorts. The one bedroom was quite small and had a weird layout and was dominated by that large jacuzzi tub. Just didn’t have that ‘Disney’ feel. About 3 weeks before we were to leave RCI had sent message that we were eligible for an upgrade and had given me hope for something better but it never came through. We did enjoy bus service and getting into parks early. But I had invested 2 years of maintenance fees and search fees and trade fees and feel I overpaid for the one bedroom. I wish I had just taken a Bonnet Creek offer from here. It is much nicer.
The value you got was pretty good. If you rented it from Disney it would easily have been $4,000 for a week in a 1 bedroom. I would have had to charge about $340 per night to rent it with DVC points.

If you want to stay on Disney property, you pay for it through Disney or a DVC member. Bonnet Creek doesn't have the benefits, and you have to pay parking or for transportation to/from the parks.

And Boardwalk, Beach Club, and most of the other older DVC units are that same layout. They did make AKL better, OKW is a better floorplan (much bigger), but some of the others are identical, and the only way you know where you are by being placed into a unit blindfolded is the decor.

The FP+ for staying on Disney property is a huge benefit. Also, the early magic hours are a great bonus. I don't get the disappointment.
 

islandog

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Saratoga Springs seemed more of a golf community and there was none of the fun factor that you have at other resorts like at AK Lodge or Wilderness Lodge where everywhere you look you feel Disney. This could have been Hilton Head or anywhere you go to swing a club. I am sure others like it but I am just saying I didn’t.
 

Panina

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I have only stayed at Saratoga and loved it. Maybe all the others are better so if I ever go it will be a treat but trading into Saratoga is fine. The gym there is fabulous, spa treatments available, walking distant to Disney Springs, lots of boards for pin trading and a great lobster roll sandwich at the food court.
 

rickandcindy23

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Saratoga Springs seemed more of a golf community and there was none of the fun factor that you have at other resorts like at AK Lodge or Wilderness Lodge where everywhere you look you feel Disney. This could have been Hilton Head or anywhere you go to swing a club. I am sure others like it but I am just saying I didn’t.
Was your cost really that high to stay at Saratoga? I just realized I don't know what it cost you. Weeks only really cost me $900-$1,100 for most times of year + $190.
 

Dean

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Thanks to all for your good advice. We did stay at the Saratoga Springs and I have to say it is my least favorite of the Disney resorts. The one bedroom was quite small and had a weird layout and was dominated by that large jacuzzi tub. Just didn’t have that ‘Disney’ feel. About 3 weeks before we were to leave RCI had sent message that we were eligible for an upgrade and had given me hope for something better but it never came through. We did enjoy bus service and getting into parks early. But I had invested 2 years of maintenance fees and search fees and trade fees and feel I overpaid for the one bedroom. I wish I had just taken a Bonnet Creek offer from here. It is much nicer.
The units for BCV, BWV, SSR & VWL (now BRV) are all roughly the same with minor variations and all almost the same size. There are some variation in setup and BWV only has lockout 2 BR units. DVC units are smaller comparatively speaking. We usually stay at SSR but have stayed at most. We find we enjoy them all but have different experiences at each one. For OKW & SSR I wouldn't stay without a car but I know others are fine without one there. I would put Bonnet Creek on par overall largely due to the lazy river and larger units. But unless they've upgraded the non Presidential units in the last couple of years, the SSR unit were more upscale.
 

blondietink

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Very true, but there are alternatives by dining at Calif Grill or Narcossees or the outside tables at Trader Sams or the beach at the Poly.
Very true. Also, on the 4th floor at the Contemporary they often have the outside terrace open for viewing. Sometimes it is closed, though.
 

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It cost me over $3,000 in MFs and fees. I guess I had just saved up my time and planned for over a year to take my grandchildren. I had a major illness all last summer and back surgery in March so I was looking forward to this trip. We had stayed at WL in a 2 bdr about 3 years ago and had such a good time. They didn’t want to leave the resort. This year we left a day early. SSR is a nice resort but it just wasn’t what we wanted. But the staff was wonderful.
 

islandog

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Let me take a step back and apologize to those who own or live SSR. I am sure everyone finds something special to like at their resort. I am just having a bad day - no AC, no hot water, no lights and just got a call from a friend at the power company that lines are a mess and it could be days. I really dread hurricane season. I am eyeing our leaf filled pool and trying to decide if I should jump in. I need a bath!
 

Lisa P

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FWIW, you cannot access the Top of the World lounge at Bay Lake Towers to watch the fireworks. Only DVC owners staying onsite can do that. They check your room key and DVC membership card at the elevators on the ground floor before letting you go up.
Very true, but there are alternatives by dining at Calif Grill or Narcossees or the outside tables at Trader Sams or the beach at the Poly.
When we had appetizers and drinks at the lounge inside the California Grill (CG), we were told to return later to the lower level CG check-in desk and show them our receipt, about 30-60 minutes before MK fireworks time. We did. In groups, we were escorted up the elevators to the outdoor viewing platform to see and hear the fireworks. We had great weather, a really good experience. This was offered to paying CG restaurant and lounge guests through the day. It encourages people to eat at CG at other times besides just fireworks viewing time. Disney resort lodging not required.

I had invested 2 years of maintenance fees and search fees and trade fees and feel I overpaid for the one bedroom. I wish I had just taken a Bonnet Creek offer from here. It is much nicer.
Let me take a step back and apologize to those who own or live SSR. ... I am just having a bad day - no AC, no hot water, no lights... I really dread hurricane season.
That is disappointing, especially after the year you'd had. :oops: We so look forward to vacations, don't we? No need to apologize. It's helpful when we share our own timeshare experiences in a respectful way, as you have!

Hope your power resumes soon!
 

rickandcindy23

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I am not offended, especially when you spent that much to stay at SSR! I can honestly tell you that I spend a fraction of what you spent. What you need is some advice on good traders, so you don't have that much in an exchange.

Sorry about your electricity and water.
 

elaine

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Sorry SSR didn’t meet your expectations. While it’s our least fav dvc, my kids like it a lot. We have gone several times with ages ranging 6-16. For those considering, as it’s the main dvc in Rci, here are some fun things to do:
Evening pool movies. Great main pool with fun games for kids (dd8 won hula hoop contest) and now decent smaller pool at paddocks with twister slide and spray area. Good spray area over at grandstands. Excellent community hall with tons of crafts. Rent bikes and ride over to old key west and explore or go to Disney springs. Walk or take a boat. to Disney springs.
Theming is meh imho, and could be anywhere. I agree, thus why it’s our least fav, but the resort still offers a lot. But would not spend $3k either.
 
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emoneybug

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I have only stayed at Saratoga and loved it. Maybe all the others are better so if I ever go it will be a treat but trading into Saratoga is fine. The gym there is fabulous, spa treatments available, walking distant to Disney Springs, lots of boards for pin trading and a great lobster roll sandwich at the food court.

I've owned at SSR since 2012 but only recently stayed there for the 1st time in July in a 2 bedroom. It was quite nice, we weren't too far from a bus stop or 1 of the pools. I WISH I had known to try the Lobster Roll Sandwich! Next time! ...btw, we split our stay and the 2 bedroom at BayLake in our opinion was AMAZING. SSR nice. Baylake AMAZING.
 

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The FP+ for staying on Disney property is a huge benefit. Also, the early magic hours are a great bonus.

Totally Agree. While Bonnet Creek is nice and SSR is my least favorite of the Disney Resorts. For us having the Disney Transportation to the Parks and not touching the car if I dont want to as well as the EMH's and FP+ pushes Disney over off property. Before staying off property we will pay hotel rates at Disney Springs Hotels which have the FP+ and EMH's. It all comes down to personal choices. I know some people swear by off property of Disney and will rent homes/condos. The 20+ minute drive not including parking lots etc. is just not worth it for the way we vacation.
 
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