Do I need to make room requests?....newbie here

[tiff's mom]

Hi all! We (DH, me, & DD6) just bought into SSR. We have our first trip home scheduled for May 28. We have asked for a 1 bedroom, non-smoking room. Is there anything else that we should ask for or are we pretty much guaranteed a great room?

We'll spend most of our time at the parks, DH will golf one day, and we may want to use the pool (the kid friendly one). Oh yeah, we also love the refillable mugs, so being close to that area would be good. Any recommedations for us or should we just let it be?

[spiceycat]

if you want to be close to the main pool ask for near Springs.

I loved my Congress view of DD.

some people always request - I do - but I have noticed that if I don't request I get one of the worst views (in my opinion) - one time it has the back of hill (golf course).

I like water views and OKW has a bunch of nice water views.

at SSR I would ask to near DD - but that is me.

what do you want?

oh by the way since DVC has gone to the first come basis - that is what they were using the last time I visited. If you came early you got a choice - underwise forget it.

[jdvm]

Lord knows we have favorite buildings after being members forever...but at first, it's fun to just go where they assign you and see what you like. As much as others might tell you this place is good or bad...in the end, it's all too personal to predict. Go with the flow for a while would be my advice.....and then be prepared for a battle if you want a room in building 11.
John

[tjkraz]

Here's a link to the most recent published map of Saratoga Springs:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c328/tjkraz/Saratoga_Springs_Map.jpg

The three buildings right around the center of the resort are collectively called "The Springs." These would be the closest location to the main pool.

The four buildings toward the bottom of the map are called "Congress Park." Most of these rooms has a view that overlooks Downtown Disney, as does the smaller pool situated right between the middle two buildings. From these buildings it will take 5-7 minutes to walk to the main pool, but they have the advantage of being just 5-10 minutes from Downtown Disney on foot.

Personally I think those are the two most attractive locations in the resort. Decide which is best for you and add it as a request on your reservation.

As for refillable mugs: :yuck: Your One Bedroom villa will have a full kitchen. Now, that doesn't mean you need to whip-up a gourmet dinner during your vacation, but you can still put that little room to good use.

If you'll have a car, plan on making a 30 minute stop at Publix, Walmart or some other nearby location to pick up a few groceries. If you won't have a car, check out some of the delivery alternatives like Garden Grocer or We Go Shop. You'll pay a few bucks in service fees for grocery delivery to your room, but you will probably save a lot more over the course of your trip. Spending $.99 per 2-liter bottle of soda will probably go a lot further than your mug refills...and save you a bunch of walking time, too. Other staples to consider include:

Bottled water, beer/wine, fruit and vegetables, ice cream and/or other late night snacks, and I think you'll find that many DVC members tend to eat breakfast in their room, too. Given the reality that not everyone can be in the single bathroom at the same time, getting ready to leave in the morning is pretty much a give-and-take process. Unless you have your heart set on warm eggs and pancakes every morning, IMO it's pretty easy and efficient to stock your room with the likes of milk, cold cereal, coffee, OJ, frozen waffles, and so on. A gallon of milk and a box of cereal is a lot more economical than spending $5-15 PER PERSON for breakfast at a Disney restaurant each day. Save your money (and time) for lunch and dinner.

[spiceycat]

love the new map!!!:kickingco

first time I have seem that version!

[tjkraz]

love the new map!!!:kickingco

first time I have seem that version!

I think I found that on the DVC member website. :howudoin:

[Leftcoaster]

I have stayed twice at SSR and am kind of torn between The Springs Section and Congress Park. While in Congress park, you do get some gorgeous Downtown Disney views. The Springs, however, is close to the main pool, dining, and can be about the same walk to Downtown Disney depending on where you like to hang out.