We just returned from our first stay at SSR and I wanted to share my impressions. I went in somewhat skeptical based on previous reviews. We spent 7 nights in a one-bedroom in the Congress Park section. I would assume this is one of the more coveted locations due to its proximity to Downtown Disney and having a beautiful quiet pool right outside your door. Our unit was ready when we arrived at 2 P.M. and was in outstanding condition. Immaculately clean with only a few very minor signs of wear (a scuff mark or two on the paint, nothing unexpected or of any concern).
The main pool, High Rock Springs, is very appealing to the eye and I liked the zero-entry feature. While I didnt eat at the Turf Club, I did find it to look very upscale and warm. I also enjoyed the view of the golf course from here. I found the grounds to be very nicely landscaped, the CMs exceptionally friendly and I was consistently offered a Welcome Home at every opportunity (something I get a kick out of). I also found the self parking near the unit to be very convenient.
So would I stay at SSR again? Absolutely. But having visited all the DVC resorts, SSR would still remain my last choice.
There are some things I simply dont like about the resort. Some I can put a finger on, others are intangible. Again, it is a very, very nice resort. But personally, I rate the others ahead.
1) The sheets dont fit the bed. This one baffles me. The furnishings are lovely, upscale and quality made. But I repeat, the sheets dont (and cant) fit the bed. There is at least a six inch gap at the bottom of the bed where your feet must lay on bare mattress. Not so appealing. How can this be? Good news is this is easily correctible. Hopefully DVC gets on this right away.
2) OK its been beaten to death but this place is HUGE. Many like the spread out feeling and all have different tastes. But for me, the resort is a little too spread out. After walking the parks all day I dont want a lengthy hike if I can avoid it. I was very glad to have rented a car.
3) Artists Palette. I had a very tasty breakfast here. But for all the genius of Disneys designers, the layout of this place is ludicrous. Even the wonderful CMs were complaining. The order line splits the restaurant in two forcing everyone to cut across the line with their trays one time to get their beverages and a second time to get utensils which are inexplicably located closet to the gift shop portion, far away from drinks, napkins etc.
Having the gift shop and restaurant serviced by the same cashiers is also a poor decision. When picking up a package delivered from the parks, one stands on the same line as the diners, and the CM must then leave their post and retrieve your package from a storage room in the back. I didnt have the heart to do this to the diners standing there with their trays piled high and returned later at an off hour.
The seating capacity at Artists Palette (at least at breakfast) is seriously lacking. Many guests who just purchased their meals were simply standing there with their trays loaded waiting for someone to leave.
4) My major issue is, well I dont exactly know. I cant pinpoint it. Maybe its because SSR is a more remote property. Maybe its because Hotel Plaza Drive is across the street, or maybe its just me. But I absolutely felt as though I was staying off-property. Theres a Donald Duck in the pool and there are Mickey shapes in the fencing, but it just didnt feel like Disney to me. No magic? No whimsy? I honestly dont know. But when we stopped by BWV, BCV, AKV, and VWL on this same trip, that feeling was there.
Now dont get me wrong. SSR is a beautiful resort. We had a wonderful vacation and I wish I was still there. I expect to be calling MS later this week to make reservations and if SSR is all thats available I will book it and look forward to our visit. But I will waitlist at all the other resorts.
The main pool, High Rock Springs, is very appealing to the eye and I liked the zero-entry feature. While I didnt eat at the Turf Club, I did find it to look very upscale and warm. I also enjoyed the view of the golf course from here. I found the grounds to be very nicely landscaped, the CMs exceptionally friendly and I was consistently offered a Welcome Home at every opportunity (something I get a kick out of). I also found the self parking near the unit to be very convenient.
So would I stay at SSR again? Absolutely. But having visited all the DVC resorts, SSR would still remain my last choice.
There are some things I simply dont like about the resort. Some I can put a finger on, others are intangible. Again, it is a very, very nice resort. But personally, I rate the others ahead.
1) The sheets dont fit the bed. This one baffles me. The furnishings are lovely, upscale and quality made. But I repeat, the sheets dont (and cant) fit the bed. There is at least a six inch gap at the bottom of the bed where your feet must lay on bare mattress. Not so appealing. How can this be? Good news is this is easily correctible. Hopefully DVC gets on this right away.
2) OK its been beaten to death but this place is HUGE. Many like the spread out feeling and all have different tastes. But for me, the resort is a little too spread out. After walking the parks all day I dont want a lengthy hike if I can avoid it. I was very glad to have rented a car.
3) Artists Palette. I had a very tasty breakfast here. But for all the genius of Disneys designers, the layout of this place is ludicrous. Even the wonderful CMs were complaining. The order line splits the restaurant in two forcing everyone to cut across the line with their trays one time to get their beverages and a second time to get utensils which are inexplicably located closet to the gift shop portion, far away from drinks, napkins etc.
Having the gift shop and restaurant serviced by the same cashiers is also a poor decision. When picking up a package delivered from the parks, one stands on the same line as the diners, and the CM must then leave their post and retrieve your package from a storage room in the back. I didnt have the heart to do this to the diners standing there with their trays piled high and returned later at an off hour.
The seating capacity at Artists Palette (at least at breakfast) is seriously lacking. Many guests who just purchased their meals were simply standing there with their trays loaded waiting for someone to leave.
4) My major issue is, well I dont exactly know. I cant pinpoint it. Maybe its because SSR is a more remote property. Maybe its because Hotel Plaza Drive is across the street, or maybe its just me. But I absolutely felt as though I was staying off-property. Theres a Donald Duck in the pool and there are Mickey shapes in the fencing, but it just didnt feel like Disney to me. No magic? No whimsy? I honestly dont know. But when we stopped by BWV, BCV, AKV, and VWL on this same trip, that feeling was there.
Now dont get me wrong. SSR is a beautiful resort. We had a wonderful vacation and I wish I was still there. I expect to be calling MS later this week to make reservations and if SSR is all thats available I will book it and look forward to our visit. But I will waitlist at all the other resorts.
