2017 DVC Marathon Booking

[Britsta249]

So we just became DVC members while on board the Fantasy last week. So this is all new to me! We had a trip planned for marathon weekend and I was hoping to cancel my existing reservation and use my new DVC points. Miraculously, we found an open booking at SSR from 06-12 Jan. We went ahead and booked with points, however, from what I am reading SSR is really not great. Any opinions on actual quality and state of SSR and how people like it. Also, I am thinking about doing a split stay for 09-12 Jan to change to Kidani, as there are openings there after Sunday. Any opinions on if that would be worth it? AKL has always kind of felt like home, so I feel like I might be bummed if I'm not able to stay there at all. Not sure if the split stay is worth it though.

 

[bumbershoot]

SSR is great IMO. Not sure what you're reading.

Then again we might have different ideas of great, since I've given akl three chances now and I'm done with the place. Rotten service, messed up washing machines, door lock pads falling off, etc.

SSR had a big issue for our second stay but fixed it perfectly. And I've not had an issue since. Nice big bright rooms, choices for pools, etc.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I also like SSR. You might catch a report or two of rooms in bad condition, but if you frequent the boards you'll find those reports for all the resorts. I'd have no problem at all staying there and actually you were very lucky to get a room there.

However, as you just purchased, you might contact your guide and see if they locate availability elsewhere. They will sometimes pull rooms for those who have just purchased - it's a one time opportunity and it might give you another option or two to consider. But, I wouldn't fret at all about staying at SSR - and if you are racing, from what I understand, SSR is a pretty good location to stay.

We do often end up with split stays (sometimes choice, sometimes just necessity due to later bookings). I prefer to have at least 3 nights at each location. It has it's pros and cons but if you're not one to settle in it can almost be like two different vacations. If you like to settle in then I'd say don't bother as the moving day can be disruptive.

 

[Simba's Mom]

So we just became DVC members while on board the Fantasy last week. So this is all new to me! We had a trip planned for marathon weekend and I was hoping to cancel my existing reservation and use my new DVC points. Miraculously, we found an open booking at SSR from 06-12 Jan. We went ahead and booked with points, however, from what I am reading SSR is really not great. Any opinions on actual quality and state of SSR and how people like it. Also, I am thinking about doing a split stay for 09-12 Jan to change to Kidani, as there are openings there after Sunday. Any opinions on if that would be worth it? AKL has always kind of felt like home, so I feel like I might be bummed if I'm not able to stay there at all. Not sure if the split stay is worth it though.

I'm not sure what you mean by "SSR is really not great". It's a good choice for marathon weekend. If you're running the Marathon. SSR is a great place to keep legs loose by running. The grounds are very attractive.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Some people act like SSR is like Siberia. It's not. It's charming, convenient to the marathon, you can walk to Disney Springs, and it's pretty centrally located for other transport.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

SSR is AMAZING!!! It's one of our favorite resorts. There are two great feature pools, the club house and grounds have a tons of activities to do, and the location to Disney Springs is fantastic. I would keep it as your first DVC stay. I think it is often one of people's last choices because of its lack of park vicinity and over the top themeing, but once people get there, they often report how much they actually loved it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are running the marathon, you'll need to head to the Carriage House to catch a bus to Epcot to the race start. These are chartered buses and they don't go around the resort stopping at the bus stops. At 3AM, it's just one reason to stay at AKV instead of SSR (but SSR is a really great resort).

 

[disneynutz]

Read the DIS for guidance but stay at all of the resorts to experience them for yourself. Keep a journal of your findings good and bad. Years later you can refer back to your journal, decide which resorts are your favorites and focus on staying there. Then you can sell if necessary and buy where you love to stay.

Bill

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

SSR is one of our home resorts and we have added on several times! It is a great resort in our view. Try it for yourself see what you think. The location is great. Pools fabulous.

 

[ludari]

I stayed in a studio at SSR last November and I enjoyed my stay. During marathon race weekend I prefer to stay at one of the monorail resorts just for the added transportation option but your stay at SSR should be just fine.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Call the Guide who sold you the points. They might be able to get you somewhere, like Polynesian, as a favor for buying direct.