With all of the questions on rooms at SSR,

[ADAMANDLISA]

could we just compile a list of the pros and cons at each of the areas?

Congress Park
The Grandstand
The Springs
The Paddock
The Carousel

examples: best view, easiest bus stop, best for families with little ones, best for teens, best for those who need HA, best pool area, etc...and the worst view, bus stop, etc.

Help us SSR newbies out!:thumbsup2

[starbox]

could we just compile a list of the pros and cons at each of the areas?

Congress Park - DTD view, close to walking path to DTD, great (and romantic) quiet pool

The Grandstand - This is my favorite section. BBQ pavilion, fun quiet pool for kids, first bus-stop, golf-course views.

The Springs - Close to central buildings/dining/pool - BUT the last bus stop - so expect standing room only and slower bus service (if a bus fills at other stops, this stop will get skipped)

The Paddock - have not stayed here

The Carousel - Have not stayed here - but - I think this one has the really cute "dollhouse" playground.

[Rock'n Robin]

I am liking grandstand more and more since we like to take the bus to the parks at open. How far is the walk from there to the main pool, or to the DTD boat/walkway? Right now I'm torn between grandstand and congress park. My kids will be 17, almost 14, and 10. For the older two, a pool is just for laying out in the sun at this point.
Robin M.

[ADAMANDLISA]

This is great so far! Anyone else?

[Sophie's Mom]

We stayed at Tha Paddock this past November. Since we always rent a car, I'm not 100% sure, but it looks as if The Paddock is the first bus stop? Whenever we followed buses in the front gate, they always turned in ahead of us. It was very quiet, but pretty far away from the main pool etc. Also no "views" to speak of.

[starbox]

Here are Grandstand Photos from a trip report last June:
Super-cool barbeque pavilion. The three in the first picture is planted so that the inside of the pavilion makes a sort of picture frame:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0704.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0705.jpg
Spa Area:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0711.jpg
Guest Laundry faces the pool:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0712.jpg
Water Play Area:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0706.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0708.jpg
Pool Bar:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0709.jpg
Pool:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0710.jpg
Gate:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0707.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0730.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0716.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0713.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0719.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0720.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0682.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0683.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0804.jpghttp://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0703.jpg
Room with a view. I seriously felt like I was transported to the country.
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0701.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0808.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0686.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0810.jpg

[starbox]

Foyer area design is a nice addition, it really opens up the entrance:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0691.jpg
Kitchenette
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0692.jpg
Vanity
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0693.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0694.jpg
Detail of pretty vanity light/mirror
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0820.jpg
Tide in the closet!
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0695.jpg
Nice sized bathroom:
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0696.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0700.jpg
Big TV/DVD
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0690.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0688.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0815.jpg
http://amylovesbooks.typepad.com/photos/vero_07/img_0817.jpg

[starbox]

Also - Grandstand definitely has DVD players in studios - I've heard that other sections did not.

[Rock'n Robin]

Is that the Grandstand pool, not the main pool, right? It looks cool too.
Robin M.

[ADAMANDLISA]

Wow *starbox*! Great pictures! How did you like the bussing at The Grandstand?

[starbox]

Is that the Grandstand pool, not the main pool, right? It looks cool too.
Robin M.

Yes, that's the Grandstand pool. It has a nice water-play area, but does not have a slide like the main pool. When we stayed last year, Grandstand was only partially open so the pool bar was not open yet - but it looked like there would be a drink refill station.


Wow *starbox*! Great pictures! How did you like the bussing at The Grandstand?

We had no problems with bussing at all, love being the first stop on and off!! I will say that by the time we got to the Springs, it was standing room only a lot of the time.

[Paticake]

We have stayed in 1.Congress Park (favorite for views and quiet, about a 10 min walk to either DTD or main pool area) stayed 2x. 2.Grandstand (love the pool, poolbar and children's area. Golf course views. 5 minute walk to main area. stayed 1x. 3. Springs (right across from the main area ) stayed 1x. For my Sept vacation I have requested Congress Park or Grandstand. Have fun.

[NJOGRE]

I am and always will be a springs fan.

SPRINGS- CLOSEST TO MAIN POOL< FOOD< LAUNDRY<FRONT DESK

CAN:T BEAT IT


NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BUS, NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BUS AT ALL AT SSR. THEN AGAIN WE NEVER GO IN PEAK always value season


LOVE LOVE LOVE THE SPRINGS

[mygirl]

awesome photos!!:thumbsup2

[Debbie Jean]

The Carousel-- stayed there once and never again! :scared:

It's the furthest away from main pool/checkin/dining and has no pool of it's own. :sad2: The closest pool is in The Paddock and that's the smallest of the quiet pools at SSR. Go figure. :rolleyes: Internal transportation is not great so if you want to go back to Carousel from main buildings, you can have quite a wait for the DTD bus. :headache:

Congress Park and The Paddock :thumbsup2

[ChelleinNC]

Great pics starbox! :thumbsup2

Just wanted to add that the Backstretch Bar is great :goodvibes and there is a drink refill station there, but it's only open when the bar is. The hot tub at the Grand Stand pool is great! We met the most friendly people there every night :flower3:

[ADAMANDLISA]

Everyone has posted such great information so far. Who has a picture of the sofa pulled out as a bed?

[ChelleinNC]

This doesn't show the bed as much as it shows that's it's comfy ;) It was near 10am and I'd already opened the curtains & sheers :laughing:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/2378984428_822310604a.jpg

[BroganMc]

I am liking grandstand more and more since we like to take the bus to the parks at open. How far is the walk from there to the main pool, or to the DTD boat/walkway? Right now I'm torn between grandstand and congress park. My kids will be 17, almost 14, and 10. For the older two, a pool is just for laying out in the sun at this point.
Robin M.

If you're in one of the two buildings nearest the Grandstand pool, it's about a 5 minute scenic walk. I love it, especially in Spring. This was last May:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/BroganMc_photos/DisneyMay07/IMG_4739.jpg

To DTD West Side from the dock walkway is .47 miles (about 10 minutes). That's great for teens who are DQ-addicts.

DTD Marketplace is longer (roughly 1 mile or a 15-20 minute walk). For teens with young feet it's no problem. More mature desk jockeys may prefer waiting on the ferry. It starts running at 11am.

Keep in mind, the length of DTD (Marketplace to DTD) is roughly the same as Grandstand to Congress Park. The shortest path will be whatever side is your intended destination. (e.g. If you're DQ-bound, Grandstand is still closer than Congress Park. If you're headed to World of Disney, Congress Park is much closer.)

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/BroganMc_photos/SSRmap_enhanced.jpg

Unlike others, I don't have big issues with Carousel because I discovered that secret walking route through the golf course to Grandstand bus stop. It makes for a scenic nature stroll.

In fact the only buildings at the resort I'm not eager to make home base are in Paddocks... buildings 61xx and 65xx. They have views of the firehouse and are closer to Congress Park but they still feel so remote. That extra pond area between them and the rest of Paddocks and Springs is the problem. I wish they'd build another bridge across the main lake to Springs.

[DVCKennyD]

Hello all,

I would like to add my support for the Grandstand area as well!! My family and I really enjoyed our stay there last June. My boys loved the pool area so much... our villa was directly adjacent to the pool and my wife and I had to laugh when they referred to it as "our" pool:thumbsup2

Here are some more photos of the Grandstand pool area as well as a few of SSR in general:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07940005.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07940006.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07940018.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07860020.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07940024.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07970020.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07940020.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x289/dvckennyd/07970014.jpg

KennyD

[thepops]

very nice pics... thanks

[ADAMANDLISA]

Great pictures KennyD!!! What a beautiful resort---it's nice to see some color (instead of the brown, brown, brown everything is here right now:rotfl: )

Thanks ChelleinNC for the picture of the sofabed! I could only dream that my 2 year old would stay in bed until 10 AM:rotfl2: !


Now, who has a picture of a bus stop?

[dismorgh]

Here's two from our trip a few weeks ago.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee53/dismorgh/DisneyMar08019.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee53/dismorgh/DisneyMar08020.jpg

[ChelleinNC]

Thanks ChelleinNC for the picture of the sofabed! I could only dream that my 2 year old would stay in bed until 10 AM:rotfl2: !


That would be my DD14, getting her out of bed is the problem :lmao:

Both of my kids found the sofa bed comfy and took turns sleeping on it.

[rstackjd]

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u311/BroganMc_photos/SSRmap_enhanced.jpg


That's EXACTLY what I was looking for ! Thanks so much! :yay:

[gppnj]

I haven't yet stayed at SSR. However, I went there to take a look back when it was still under construction. I was turned off by the suburban sprawl look, but I knew that it would look much better as soon as all the plants grew in (which doesn't take long in Florida). These photos show I was correct. The place is quite lovely.

[ADAMANDLISA]

Thanks for the picture of the bus stop Kevin! It will be a nice change from the value resort bus stops that have no cover from the sun or seating!

Next up, how about a picture of the inside of a studio refrigerator (weird, I know!)?

[ChelleinNC]

Weird and silly :rotfl: Don't have a pic of that, but can tell you that it's pretty much a standard dorm fridge. We kept water bottles & sodas in there and leftover pizza :goodvibes

[BroganMc]

I haven't yet stayed at SSR. However, I went there to take a look back when it was still under construction. I was turned off by the suburban sprawl look, but I knew that it would look much better as soon as all the plants grew in (which doesn't take long in Florida). These photos show I was correct. The place is quite lovely.

To my horror, I think the word may be getting out that SSR is actually a nice place to stay. I just hope its big size allows it to keep pace with demand better than some of the older resorts.

I know. I shoulda just kept my mouth shut about all the good things about SSR. But when you fall in love silence is not golden.

Ah well. Now you know why I recommend all SSR guests take at least one early morning stroll around the resort. When the temps aren't too hot that a cup of java is scorching and the resort is just waking up. You'll see gardeners finishing up their landscaping work, the scruffy but cute male guest going on a refillable mug run, birds getting a morning snack and other native animals scurrying about before those big awful humans take over. It's just so darn invigorating. I never ever want to pry myself from bed at 6-7am at home. But in SSR, I can't wait. They did an exceptional job with all the resort walkways and landscaping. Hardly any face the parking lots and clutter but are "on stage" facing lakes, golf courses and flower beds.

That's EXACTLY what I was looking for ! Thanks so much! :yay:

You're welcome.

[smep013]

I would like to offer my insights on the Paddock, since I was just there for 5 nights in room 5101. This building was adjacent to the Paddock pool, which is near the Paddock busstop.

Returning from the Parks, it was the third busstop. Going to the parks, we only stopped at the Springs before leaving the property.

Because of the location of our room, we walked out a side door and strolled to the pool and busstop in 1 minute flat. We also picked up the path to the bridge to walk over to the main area and main Springs pool. That walk took 5 minutes.

We really enjoyed the Paddock location. It was quiet and very easy as far as the busses went.

We are two adults, no kids, who like walking, so there were no issues there!

Our view was of a lake and said bridge.

The downside was (and this did not bother us, so not really a "downside") we did not take advantage of the path or boat to DTD. Never close enough to do it do so. We took the bus... next time at SSR, I'd like to be closer to DTD.

Hope that helps!

If I knew how to post photos, I would :-)

[ADAMANDLISA]

Thanks for the Paddock info smep013! This area sounds great!

So the refrigerator picture request was kind-of strange:rotfl2: , so how about a picture of the boat landing?

[ADAMANDLISA]

Boat....anyone....:rolleyes1

[PIERCEDRN]

could we just compile a list of the pros and cons at each of the areas?

Congress Park
The Grandstand
The Springs
The Paddock
The Carousel

examples: best view, easiest bus stop, best for families with little ones, best for teens, best for those who need HA, best pool area, etc...and the worst view, bus stop, etc.

Help us SSR newbies out!:thumbsup2

None of SSR was very convenient for our kiddies 4 and 1.5 it is pretty spread out and tough to make the trek to get the overly early coffee if the toddlers get up at 6:00.
Still Grandstand with its fun pool and proximity to the food is the best for lil ones IMHO
Now when they are in their teens and I can wake up and walk up to LBV golf course... thats when I will really dig SSR.:woohoo:
BOB

[ADAMANDLISA]

Thanks for the info Bob! So far, the Grandstand seems to be the favorite of everyone. :thumbsup2

Anyone have more pictures? Keep 'em coming....

[CheapMom]

from the ssr lovers/owners thread:
Since "best place to stay" is so subjective-I will give you a pro/con list to the sections as I see them

1. Congress Park: PRO- close to DTD Marketplace walkway, fairly close to Carriage house, many units have great DTD views. CON: Oldest section so has most wear/tear, If you are on the far end (close to Marketplace) it can be a hike to Carriage House.

2. Paddocks: PRO- Many have beautiful water views. Very quiet. Some buildings are very convenient to DTD Marketplace. CON: A bit removed from Carriage House

3. Grandstand: PRO- Newest Rooms, 2nd best pool at SSR (themed with play area & bar/refill station) Many buildings are very convenient to Carriage House, (Think but not sure: Convenient to water ferry stop? Convenient to DTD west side walkway? Also-I think something is a plus regarding the bus service- 1st stop maybe) Golf Course views. CON: Far buildings are a hike from Carriage House and feel isolated.

4. Springs: PRO: Most Convenient to Carriage house and the High Rock Springs Pool. CON: last bus stop?- a bit of a hike to DTD maybe

5. Carousel: PRO- easiest in/out access if you have your own car. VERY quiet. CON: ISOLATED, No pool in section (walk to Springs or Paddocks) Farthest distance from Carriage House and DTD.

HOPE THIS HELPS

Also- I listed "ISOLATED" as a con- some may feel that is a pro- diffr'nt strokes, ya know.
(Fellow SSR lovers/owners/experts- feel free to copy my post and add to it or correct what is wrong- or insert your opinions...)

Totally off-topic: Kenny- what kind of camera do you use? I love your photos!

[DVCKennyD]

from the ssr lovers/owners thread:


Totally off-topic: Kenny- what kind of camera do you use? I love your photos!


Thanks!! As far as my camera goes, I'll tell you if you promise not to laugh... I'm still in the "dark ages" when it comes to my photography. I am firmly stuck in the 35mm film age and I shoot with my trusty Nikon N70 and Nikkor lenses, then wait for them to be developed:thumbsup2:lmao:

I do have my sights set on a new Nikon D300 though... Although with the $$ I would spend on the D300 body, some new glass and a new speedlight, I could purchase a decent sized add-on:lmao:


KennyD

[ADAMANDLISA]

How about a question instead, what is the one thing about Sarasota Springs that really "does it for you" as opposed to the other DVC resorts?

[starbox]

How about a question instead, what is the one thing about Sarasota Springs that really "does it for you" as opposed to the other DVC resorts?

Well - outside of Disney - I'm a Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons fan, and the interiors and landscaping at SSR reminds me a whole lot of the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lodge (we gave up our annual 4th of July stay at the Reynold's Plantation when we bought DVC). It's just the type/style of resort I'd want to stay in with or without Disney access. I'm a Jane Austen fan, and while the century is off - I do still get into the whole "to the manor born" vibe. In my fantasy-world - I'd rather be strolling among the flowers at a country manor with Mr. Darcy than in a castle with Prince Charming. :rotfl:

We really enjoy DTD at night, and it's a pain in the behind to get to via. Disney bus transportation - so the walking access and ferry are great for us. I like being able to easily use Disney transportation to get to dining at other resorts.

I also really, really love the food at the Artist's Palate. I've actually gone there just to eat. ;)

All in all, SSR is one of my favorite DVC resorts.

[ChelleinNC]

It's an interesting question. When we went for the 1st time last June, we had wanted to do a split stay, BCV & SSR. We were renting points and weren't able to get BCV for any of our days, so we said fine and decided to try SSR for the whole 10 nt trip. I'm a BC girl, love love love staying at the BC and walking to Epcot so I was really worried that it would be too far away from everything. We arrived on Sunday and signed our paperwork on Wednesday :cool1:

Why did we fall in love with SSR? It was so relaxing! We could be at the parks in no time flat, or DTD but as soon as we got back to SSR there was a calmness :cloud9: . We decided that we would go to this resort for week even if it wasn't at Disney, that it could easily stand on its own. DH,DS & I all play golf, DD plays tennis. There's something for everyone. We love the pools, especially the Grandstand pool. We spent several afternoons relaxing by the pool with books & drinks from the pool bar :cloud9: and for late night swims after being at the parks. We met the most friendly people in the hot tub at 11pm , we truly felt at "home". We also used to live in the real Saratoga Springs, so we already felt a connection :goodvibes

[ADAMANDLISA]

Well - outside of Disney - I'm a Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons fan, and the interiors and landscaping at SSR reminds me a whole lot of the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lodge (we gave up our annual 4th of July stay at the Reynold's Plantation when we bought DVC). It's just the type/style of resort I'd want to stay in with or without Disney access. I'm a Jane Austen fan, and while the century is off - I do still get into the whole "to the manor born" vibe. In my fantasy-world - I'd rather be strolling among the flowers at a country manor with Mr. Darcy than in a castle with Prince Charming. :rotfl:

We really enjoy DTD at night, and it's a pain in the behind to get to via. Disney bus transportation - so the walking access and ferry are great for us. I like being able to easily use Disney transportation to get to dining at other resorts.

I also really, really love the food at the Artist's Palate. I've actually gone there just to eat. ;)

All in all, SSR is one of my favorite DVC resorts.

:rotfl: I loved your answer! My husband wants the close proximity to DTD for nighttime activities. Apparantely he forgot we have kids....:rotfl2:

It's an interesting question. When we went for the 1st time last June, we had wanted to do a split stay, BCV & SSR. We were renting points and weren't able to get BCV for any of our days, so we said fine and decided to try SSR for the whole 10 nt trip. I'm a BC girl, love love love staying at the BC and walking to Epcot so I was really worried that it would be too far away from everything. We arrived on Sunday and signed our paperwork on Wednesday :cool1:

Why did we fall in love with SSR? It was so relaxing! We could be at the parks in no time flat, or DTD but as soon as we got back to SSR there was a calmness :cloud9: . We decided that we would go to this resort for week even if it wasn't at Disney, that it could easily stand on its own. DH,DS & I all play golf, DD plays tennis. There's something for everyone. We love the pools, especially the Grandstand pool. We spent several afternoons relaxing by the pool with books & drinks from the pool bar :cloud9: and for late night swims after being at the parks. We met the most friendly people in the hot tub at 11pm , we truly felt at "home". We also used to live in the real Saratoga Springs, so we already felt a connection :goodvibes

Being a control freak with OCD, I am usually in commando mode at all times. Reading your post reminds me that we need to slow it down and enjoy the resort a little. I would love to sit by the pool reading a book.... fruity drink in my hand....hot guy rubbing sunscreen 75+ on my back....:lmao: