Ssr

[bonnielynn]

Just purchased and this is my home resort.. .anyone who has any positive or negative comments, please feel free to share...

TX!

[crowder0731]

its our home resort too.. we bought last week.. great for always having availability... we look at as if we can always book at our 11 month window there.. and move at 7 to somewhere else if we like..
We just got a week at the end of July at OKW and have a week planned at Christmas at BWV...

[Chellymouse]

Welcome Home Neighbors!!! :dance3:

[bonnielynn]

We only did 270 in the points range, I am hoping that will be enough for now.

[Disney_Villain]

Welcome home to the SSR family! I have only positive things to say about SSR . . .

I love SSR and OKW, my home resorts, more than the other WDW DCL resorts as these have multiple quiet pools, large and beautifully landscaped grounds (good for long walks). Not having kids and spending time on the resort during the days, I really enjoy these amenities!

As well, DVCers make up the majority of guests staying on property at these resorts, using the busses and facilities (unlike the DVC resorts shared with the hotels) . . . which I find makes for a better experience. Its so much more fun when you're always bumping into DVCers.

SSR's restaurant, Turf Club, served me the BEST meal I've had in WDW (a lamb dish). I would just ask to be seated outside on the terrace where you get the open air and a pit of peacefullness.

Once you've booked at SSR, it would be good to request specific locations (such as Congress Park - close to DTD - or Grandstand, which has the first bus stop pickup/dropoff), if you have any preferences as to where you'd like to stay. Not that the other locations are bad, and I will request to stay in them . . . but sometimes a bit of extra convenience is nice.

If you don't have a map of the resort, you can get one here:

http://************/maps/resorts/resort_ssr.jpg

[disneynutz]

We only did 270 in the points range, I am hoping that will be enough for now.

Better start saving, it's never enough. :thumbsup2

[beccasmom]

SSR is not our home resort, but we have stayed there on 3 occasions. It is a lovely resort! It is great to be so close to DTD with so many shopping and dining options.

SSR is a very large resort, as you no doubt know. My only issue is that because it is so big it can be a little inconvenient walking everywhere if someone in your group can't walk "brisk" distances. I say this because we once stayed at the Paddocks with my mom, who is pretty spry at age 80 and walking to the main pool area was a bit of a challenge for her - the humidity did not help! :scared1: I would therefore make an effort to stay at one of the closer buildings if possible - Congress Park was my personal favorite. Or I would rent a car. Otherwise, enjoy!

[vandy]

SSR is a great resort and we love it the best. A close second is OKW mainly due to the larger rooms. There are many reasons we love SSR. Some are:

1. The PEACEFULNESS. After a day at the parks it is nice to relax at a quiet resort and not just a room.
2. We personally love the "condo" or "apartment" style buildings versus the one big building with long interior hallways. We always have a vehicle so parking outside of our unit is important.
3. There are great walking paths around SSR. Everything is nicely landscaped.
4. Easy access to DTD. You can easily walk over to DTD, or catch a boat over. We rarely use the busses, but they are available as well.
5. We love the decor of the rooms. It is an attempt to be a little more upscale in style from the other resorts.
6. Our kids actually love the main pool. Have not tried the Grandstand one yet.

These are just a few reasons. I know you will find your own once you have stayed. WELCOME HOME!

[Buckeye Fan]

:welcome:

We love SSR and are thrilled with our purchase. Agree with the OP about Turf Club. There were 11 of us on our trip and all ordered different things. Food was OUTSTANDING!!! You'll need a reservation, though.

Enjoy a few pics from our last trip (March)! Just posting them makes me want to go back!!!

Fountain at Congress Park
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000345.jpg

Main Pool
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000392.jpg

Grounds
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000403.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000432.jpg

Room (Dedicated 2-BR)
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000043.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000048.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/P1000053.jpg

[bonnielynn]

Beautiful pics... thanks for showing me.. since I have never been inside SSR.. funny how on the Disney name, I will buy something without even seeing it..?:confused3

[PIERCEDRN]

We bought sight unseen as well, its not so weird. SSR is a great combo for low dues and value with the extra 12 yrs. Even if you don't fall in love with your home you can be assured that the flexibility of DVC is great for everybody. We have had a great time planning which resort we are going to explore next. In less than one yr of membership we have tried BCV, AKV, SSR and VWL. We have BWV scheduled for Oct. That was all for 325 points total so I think I could live off of your 270 pretty well. (We only have 150)
WELCOME HOME!!!!

[Buckeye Fan]

Beautiful pics... thanks for showing me.. since I have never been inside SSR.. funny how on the Disney name, I will buy something without even seeing it..?:confused3
Actually, we just purchased at VB sight unseen! All I can say is I hope we like it! :laughing:

As for SSR, I think you will love it. However, if you don't, there are so many other options at WDW through DVC. I've really enjoyed staying at all the DVC resorts. They are all incredible for very different reasons. I haven't found a favorite yet, though I can honestly say, if I had to stay at SSR only for the rest of my vacations, that would be fine. I really like the feel of the resort and it's location. Being within walking distance to DTD and really close to outlet malls and restaurants (if you have a car) is really nice.

Personally, I think you made a GREAT decision! :goodvibes

[Buckeye Fan]

We bought sight unseen as well, its not so weird. SSR is a great combo for low dues and value with the extra 12 yrs. Even if you don't fall in love with your home you can be assured that the flexibility of DVC is great for everybody. We have had a great time planning which resort we are going to explore next. In less than one yr of membership we have tried BCV, AKV, SSR and VWL. We have BWV scheduled for Oct. That was all for 325 points total so I think I could live off of your 270 pretty well. (We only have 150)
WELCOME HOME!!!!
Ha! You guys have done the same thing we've done! :thumbsup2 So far, we've stayed at SSR, OKW, BWV and this August, we're staying at VWL. Since we purchased VB, we're thinking of doing a VB/Dis cruise, VB/AKV, or VB/BCV trip next summer!

I totally agree with you on DVC's flexibility. Unless you have a single resort (other than SSR) that you want to book during peak times (Christmas, F&W Festival, etc.), even if you don't love SSR, you'll be happy with your purchase. We've been flexible and have always gotten a reservation we wanted. For example, I called at the end of March for a mid-Aug trip. I said I'd like a 1-BR at either AKV (sav view) or VWL. AKV was booked, but I got the room at VWL. You can always book and waitlist, too. Many people have had great luck with the waitlists.

[Esmerelda]

Welcome home...:)!

If you search under my name, you will find many posts about SSR and photos. This is our home resort and we love it. I will have to say, its big but so are The Beach Club...The Boardwalk...etc and let's not even get into the value resorts as I have stayed at all of them over the last 10 years. There is no more walking than at other resorts. Besides, its Disney...you have to walk...lol

We love it and will be there in about 8 days...I'm sure I will have more photos and a review :)

have a great time!

[MinnieFan4ever]

BCV is our home resort and will always be our fav. That being said, we have stayed at SSR twice and each time really liked it. Both times we were in the Congress Park area with a DTD view. Boy oh boy, what a view that is. Just beautiful. I love the quiet pool by Congress Park. Each time we stayed there we found the busses to be great as well as Mousekeeping. All the staff actually was very nice.

Welcome Home!!!! and congrats on your purchase. You will love it, I'm sure:thumbsup2

[bonnielynn]

We bought sight unseen as well, its not so weird. SSR is a great combo for low dues and value with the extra 12 yrs. Even if you don't fall in love with your home you can be assured that the flexibility of DVC is great for everybody. We have had a great time planning which resort we are going to explore next. In less than one yr of membership we have tried BCV, AKV, SSR and VWL. We have BWV scheduled for Oct. That was all for 325 points total so I think I could live off of your 270 pretty well. (We only have 150)
WELCOME HOME!!!!

Do tell your secret..cause I am already regretting not getting more points, but then again I want to do more than Disney (shocking as that is).. how do you manage it..?

[bonnielynn]

Thanks to all for welcoming me home and answering my 100+ questions..

[PIERCEDRN]

Do tell your secret..cause I am already regretting not getting more points, but then again I want to do more than Disney (shocking as that is).. how do you manage it..?

Tips (opinions only) to stretch points:
Travel sun-friday to avoid weekends they kill your points budget.

No Peak times, which may mean pulling kids out of school:duck: Don't flame me!

Stay in studios and try for the super cheap ones at the 7 month window day by day at 9:00 am sharp. SSR has no cheap studios:( Booo!

If you have to stay a weekend day do it off-site or at another resort...so inconvenient but cheap

Finally, (sorry,this may hurt) don't ever ever spend points on cruises, Adventures by Disney, concierge collection, Non Dvc disney resorts, and II (few exceptions: Maui and Atlantis) because they are widely considered a poor use of points.
Many folks rent or transfer their points for around $10 a point and then use the cash to book these experiences a whole lot cheaper.

Don't have more than 2 kids or you will have to leave your spouse to stay within occupancy limit. :rotfl: :laughing:

Sadly, as cheap as we are with points we will never even Dream of a GV on Xmas, but is that such a big deal anyway? I remember staying with my DW at the Nikki Bird Hotel on a priceline $32 rate and we survived that. DVC is soooo much better than those days.
BOB

[bonnielynn]

Tips (opinions only) to stretch points:
Travel sun-friday to avoid weekends they kill your points budget.

No Peak times, which may mean pulling kids out of school:duck: Don't flame me!

Stay in studios and try for the super cheap ones at the 7 month window day by day at 9:00 am sharp. SSR has no cheap studios:( Booo!

If you have to stay a weekend day do it off-site or at another resort...so inconvenient but cheap

Finally, (sorry,this may hurt) don't ever ever spend points on cruises, Adventures by Disney, concierge collection, Non Dvc disney resorts, and II (few exceptions: Maui and Atlantis) because they are widely considered a poor use of points.
Many folks rent or transfer their points for around $10 a point and then use the cash to book these experiences a whole lot cheaper.

Don't have more than 2 kids or you will have to leave your spouse to stay within occupancy limit. :rotfl: :laughing:

Sadly, as cheap as we are with points we will never even Dream of a GV on Xmas, but is that such a big deal anyway? I remember staying with my DW at the Nikki Bird Hotel on a priceline $32 rate and we survived that. DVC is soooo much better than those days.
BOB


I laughed my butt off.. :rotfl2:

I am sad about not being able to do other things than disney.. I actually thought I could do more than disney so bubble burst on that one.. :(

I dont mind taking the kids out of school, but its pretty hard to take them out if I am going more than once a year...

Bummer... why did I do this again?

[PIERCEDRN]

I am not "forbidding" you to ever book any of these experiences or go at peak times! I was simply giving you the suggestions that have been made by other Disers to maximize point use.
I would never want to burst your bubble. Tons of people love to go on DVC cruises otherwise they would not fill up like they do! It is all about what you want from your vacations, sometimes 5 rushed disney vacations a year is not better than one life-changing Adventures by Disney rainforest trip. You have already established some of your standards by buying DVC vs. staying at a Value. The flexibility of DVC lets you be as cheap or extravagant as you want. You only have 44 years to try everything so hurry up!

Just because you know all the tricks doesn't mean you have to use them!
Again, WELCOME HOME!!!

[bonnielynn]

I am not "forbidding" you to ever book any of these experiences or go at peak times! I was simply giving you the suggestions that have been made by other Disers to maximize point use.
I would never want to burst your bubble. Tons of people love to go on DVC cruises otherwise they would not fill up like they do! It is all about what you want from your vacations, sometimes 5 rushed disney vacations a year is not better than one life-changing Adventures by Disney rainforest trip. You have already established some of your standards by buying DVC vs. staying at a Value. The flexibility of DVC lets you be as cheap or extravagant as you want. You only have 44 years to try everything so hurry up!

Just because you know all the tricks doesn't mean you have to use them!
Again, WELCOME HOME!!!

nah.. you really didn' t burst my bubble.. we bought this on the 15 day panama canal cruise... and of course I have to love disney to be on its ship that long.. I just thought lots of people did stuff with the points outside disney (was my very thought when buying), but I dont see anything on that on the disboards.. everyone seems to travel to disney.

I enjoy Disney.. I really do... :->

[NemoMOm]

We love SSR. Have been 3 trips. We were really worried when we first went due to all the negative comments (before AKL so it was getting bashed). DH and I were waiting for a bus and he turned to me and said " How can this resort get negative reviews?" That says it all, my guy can always find something negative, but not there.

[StotheK]

Nah... my wife and I are quite sad that they took Charleston Place off the concierge collection. We stayed a couple nights on the club level. Yes it's a terribly inefficient use of points, but we would have never stayed there in a club level room paying cash. Now if you did that constantly it would be a waste of money, but it's really nice to have those options available. It sort of forces us to go do something fun every once in a while.

We'll probably also stay at the Grove Park at some point too, and I won't feel bad about it. Ok, maybe a little because I know better, but so what? :confused3

nah.. you really didn' t burst my bubble.. we bought this on the 15 day panama canal cruise... and of course I have to love disney to be on its ship that long.. I just thought lots of people did stuff with the points outside disney (was my very thought when buying), but I dont see anything on that on the disboards.. everyone seems to travel to disney.

I enjoy Disney.. I really do... :->

[gk90]

We bought sight unseen as well, its not so weird. SSR is a great combo for low dues and value with the extra 12 yrs. Even if you don't fall in love with your home you can be assured that the flexibility of DVC is great for everybody. We have had a great time planning which resort we are going to explore next.

Count us in among those who bought sight unseen, and for the same reasons. All we've seen of SSR is the gateway, from the road, as well as satellite views on Live Search Maps http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=nqrj8m863w9p&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=29352430&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1#JnE9eXAuMTk2MCticm9hZHdheStMYWtlK0J1ZW5h K1Zpc3RhJTJjK0ZMKzMyODMwJTdlc3N0LjAlN2VwZy4xJmJiPT M3Ljc5OTc0NzMwNzQ0ODklN2UtNzkuMjAzNTI5MzU3OTEwMiU3 ZTM3LjY3MDc3NzM3Mjg4MzIlN2UtNzkuNTA0MjgwMDkwMzMy and great photos and reviews here on these boards. After seeing rooms in Disney Value and Moderate resorts as well as the grounds at a couple of Deluxe resorts, and doing the numbers, we figured that we couldn't go wrong with the Disney brand and getting our feet wet with a small resale contract. Now I can't wait til our 1st trip "home"!