lopo
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2001
Just thought I'd share a few random thoughts related to recent DVC stays. I'd like to say upfront that I am a huge fan (fanatic?); this is my 3rd trip (23 days total) since Jan. 2. I have stayed in recently renovated rooms at SS (and at YC last Oct) and I am delighted that Disney seems to be replacing toilets with ADA toilets (higher seats.) Unfortunately, it seems that they have not taken the advice to add a grab bar in all showers. I truly wish that DVC would let guests know about closings and/or major construction at the resorts. Sometimes I see that those things are noted, but not always. For example, when I stayed at BCV in Jan, we had a 2 bdrm near the quiet pool (very far from the elevator.) I truly enjoy sitting on the balcony drinking my coffee in the morning or simply reading during the day. However, there was a lot of equipment set up 24/7 and many laborers working on the rooms/balconies next to us. It was very noisy; even with the doors closed, the TV had to be turned up very loud to hear it. Needless to say, it wasn't a good time to enjoy the balcony (or that quiet pool unless it was in the evening.) You know how Disney has several dedicated TV stations that stream what's happening at our resorts, etc.? Since there have been 100s of changes since COVID closed the parks and resorts and things began reopening again, I think that the info should be listed on those channels. Dining options should be easily identified (on the app, closed restaurants indicate 'temporarily unavailable'; just note closed instead!) The only dining option here at SS is The Artist's Palette, the limited quick-service spot. Considering the size of SS, that situation is definitely a short-coming. I did receive the following notice: "The Paddock Pool waterslide at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will close for refurbishment beginning this winter. As part of this work, the bridge connecting The Paddock to other resort areas will also temporarily close. Guests can board the resort shuttle or follow posted signage for alternative routes around the lake while the bridge is under refurbishment. Not to worry, the Paddock Pool will remain open through the majority of this work." I went to use the pool today and it, too, was closed! Frankly, since the resort doesn't appear to be fully booked, I wonder why guests are assigned rooms near the closed public areas. My room is in the bldg directly next to this pool. So, I decided to go to DS instead. Midday it was very crowded. There were lines to enter many of the shops. The line for WOD stretched all around the Basin store to the closed parking area and wrapped back to WOD. There was only the one open entrance; all other doors were exit only. The other very long lines I saw were for Gideon's and Everglazed (although I did see a sign that indicated one could get into a virtual queue for Gideon's and, when it was close to your time, they'd notify you to return. I did not try it or wait in the line.) Lines at other retailers - The Cauldron, Goofy's Candy, Ghiradelli's, Joffrey's - were much shorter and seemed to be moving quickly. BTW, the boats at SS are not operating although boats are some of the other DVC resorts are now operating. I suspect the SS boats are not operating because they also serve the closed Port Orleans resorts. All of the staff I've encountered at SS have been friendly, helpful and seem happy to be here.
