Attack of the Lakeshore Lodge

[BayTower2010]

Having done the walk between (what was then) VWL and the Fort several times, I'm pretty sure most WDW vacationers won't do it, just as most people do not walk from BWV to Studios, even though it is very doable.


I really like SSR. It's not steps from a theme park, but it has other things going for it.

The vibe is "understatedly sophisticated." It is subtle, and a lot of people miss it for "not themed at all," but I really appreciate it. There are some nice pools, and enough room around them for the size of the resort. The walking paths are mostly on the interior of the resort, with the buildings separating you from the roads, so it's a great place to stroll. When the resort was first developed, it had a McMansions on a Moonscape vibe, but the landscaping has grown in nicely since then.

The easy proximity to Disney Springs gives you access to some of the best dining---in both quality and value---in the World, and a solid set of entertainment offerings when the Parks are more been-there-done-that. For example, I caught 311 at the House of Blues a few years ago, and had a great time. The resort's location is fairly central to several main arteries, so the bus times are shorter than it seems like they should be.

It has the DVC 2.0 layout, which leaves a lot to be desired, but the most recent re-design makes the most of the space, and the Villas are significantly more funcitonal and comfortable than they were prior.

Finally: It's one of the DVC resorts that everyone loves to hate, and I like hanging out with the underdogs.

Could not agree more. My wife and I are going solo and staying at SSR for a mostly park free trip for a long weekend prior to Thanksgiving. She has plans to go resort hopping to check out the Christmas decorations, have not gone this time of year since pre Covid. By the way one of the the really good hidden gems of a restaurant is the Turf Club.

 

[Cfabar1]

I have no objection to SSR as a resort. It is interesting how many people disdain it. I wouldn’t buy DVC for SSR, but do think it offers a great points chart, nice rooms, and is close to some pretty special options.

I also love the idea of treehouse villas… Though, once again, would struggle to pay the disney world premium just to visit them…

 

[pzw90]

I have no objection to SSR as a resort. It is interesting how many people disdain it. I wouldn’t buy DVC for SSR, but do think it offers a great points chart, nice rooms, and is close to some pretty special options.

I also love the idea of treehouse villas… Though, once again, would struggle to pay the disney world premium just to visit them…

I feel like its mostly people who don't own there. A way of justifying their purchase at their resort, raise yourself by putting others down. "Its too big, internal bus loop, not walk-able to a park , exterior hallways, bad food options, etc." but you can find something wrong with every resort.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I feel like its mostly people who don't own there. A way of justifying their purchase at their resort, raise yourself by putting others down. "Its too big, internal bus loop, not walk-able to a park , exterior hallways, bad food options, etc." but you can find something wrong with every resort.

For me it was different. I actually was there on property and frustrated just visiting, so I know for certain I wouldn't want to stay there if I couldn't even visit for food without being frustrated with the resort. Ever since I am a big big proponent of knowing where you are buying. I understand that some people love SSR and thats fine, but it's also fine that others dont.

 

[Girlstar30]

SSR congress park is #1 on my "Bus only" hotel list. I never needed a car, and they have more busses so I never waited but it was August not peak season by far.

Being able to walk to the Springs makes it #2 on my Sister and BIL's list if they don't have their GC. To be honest, the rooms are themed so similar its just that they are smaller than RIV. Having so many restaurants to choose from is pretty nice and some of the best on property are in the Springs.

It is also a great " flight getting in super late so why waste points" first night room. If they keep the free water park then you can get up and go to the water park while waiting for your room and let them transfer the luggage.

That's why I think I may like it is we havent really explored DS much and we like to golf and this seems to be the hotel to stay at for this. Ive heard good things about the rooms too

 

[Girlstar30]

You made me curious about VDH vs RIV points charts. Just never looked at VDH since I really have no plans to try and book there anytime soon. Looks like VDH is pretty comparable to RIV. Deluxe studios at RIV a little more, but they also sleep 5 vs. 4. 1 and 2 BRs - VDH looks to be mostly in the middle of RIV resort and preferred views for most periods. 3 BR GVs at RIV are a little bit more. Of course, none of that takes account of the ToT.

Just a did quick comparison of a 1 BR and 2 BR for Easter week and threw in PIT too (which may not be the best week to compare, just one I'd be most interested in):

1BR
RIV Resort: 426
RIV Preferred: 502
VDH: 394 + $1,166.54 (about 58 points if valued at $20/pt) = 452 points
PIT Resort: 496
PIT Preferred: 562
PIT TP: 641

2 BR
RIV Resort: 565
RIV Preferred: 646
VDH: 594 + $1,758.86 (about 88 points) = 682
PIT Resort: 670
PIT Preferred: 795
PIT TP: 938

So, maybe, if you stick with resort view at PIT, in some room categories sometimes, once you take account of the ToT, VDH is a few more points than PIT. I suppose if you wanted to get even more granular, we'd need to calculate the cost per point for dues since you're probably not booking any of the the resort view or VDH rooms without owning at these resorts. That probably brings the cost of PIT down just a bit (for now).

This all makes me think even more that LSL is going come in mostly with a points chart worse than RIV, but slightly better than PIT.

I think its going to be impossible not to book PIT resort views if you're not an owner, I know id much rather pay the resort view than tpv. I havent been following the availability there lately so im not sure how hard it is to get now

 

[Girlstar30]

Having done the walk between (what was then) VWL and the Fort several times, I'm pretty sure most WDW vacationers won't do it, just as most people do not walk from BWV to Studios, even though it is very doable.


I really like SSR. It's not steps from a theme park, but it has other things going for it.

The vibe is "understatedly sophisticated." It is subtle, and a lot of people miss it for "not themed at all," but I really appreciate it. There are some nice pools, and enough room around them for the size of the resort. The walking paths are mostly on the interior of the resort, with the buildings separating you from the roads, so it's a great place to stroll. When the resort was first developed, it had a McMansions on a Moonscape vibe, but the landscaping has grown in nicely since then.

The easy proximity to Disney Springs gives you access to some of the best dining---in both quality and value---in the World, and a solid set of entertainment offerings when the Parks are more been-there-done-that. For example, I caught 311 at the House of Blues a few years ago, and had a great time. The resort's location is fairly central to several main arteries, so the bus times are shorter than it seems like they should be.

It has the DVC 2.0 layout, which leaves a lot to be desired, but the most recent re-design makes the most of the space, and the Villas are significantly more funcitonal and comfortable than they were prior.

Finally: It's one of the DVC resorts that everyone loves to hate, and I like hanging out with the underdogs.

I truly am excited for it. If there's one thing ive learned from DVC, its you never know what you might like!

It probably would actually mame more sense for us to stay there this time around since were renting a car, but i cant bring myself to cancel vgf or blt that i worked hard on

Initially the theme doesnt appeal to me, but neither did Poly or BWV and, well, they are now among my favorites now.

id love the go to the restaurants at DS, especially house if blues, I would have gone to 311 too

 

[Girlstar30]

I haven't yet stayed at SSR, and I'm not sure when/if I will, but looking at trips at busy times of the year in 2 bedrooms those point charts start looking pretty nice...

The size of OKW appeals to me for family trips (and the points chart) I think it'd be cool and points justifiable to stay in a gv there

 

[Brian Noble]

estaurants at DS, especially house if blues,

HoB is not the first place in Disney Springs I'd eat, and it is probably not in the top 10. Dinner elsewhere, show after.

 

[airjay75]

I think its going to be impossible not to book PIT resort views if you're not an owner, I know id much rather pay the resort view than tpv. I havent been following the availability there lately so im not sure how hard it is to get now

It is interesting. Apparently, PIT, once fully declared, will have 27 resort, 10 preferred, and 37 TP view 1 BR villas.
https://dvcfieldguide.com/polynesian-resort-tour

Compare that to VGF which has 30 resort and 17 preferred 1 BRs.
https://dvcfieldguide.com/grand-floridian-resort-tour

And BLT with 24 resort, 105 preferred, and 18 TP 1 BRs.
https://dvcfieldguide.com/bay-lake-tower-resort-tour

Easy to see why BLT preferred view rooms are pretty easy to get at the 7-month mark with so many more preferred view rooms. VGF, OTOH, has more resort than preferred, and both seem to be relatively easy to get at the 7-month mark. PIT will have more resort than preferred, but even more TP view 1 BRs. I certainly think it's a good bet that resort view will fill up first, but I did not realize it will have quite as many as it will. Will be interesting to see how it shakes out once fully declared, sold out, and LSL becomes yet another MK option. And, PIT could have some adjustments to room view categories and point differentials too.

 

[Girlstar30]

It is interesting. Apparently, PIT, once fully declared, will have 27 resort, 10 preferred, and 37 TP view 1 BR villas.
https://dvcfieldguide.com/polynesian-resort-tour

Compare that to VGF which has 30 resort and 17 preferred 1 BRs.
https://dvcfieldguide.com/grand-floridian-resort-tour

And BLT with 24 resort, 105 preferred, and 18 TP 1 BRs.
https://dvcfieldguide.com/bay-lake-tower-resort-tour

Easy to see why BLT preferred view rooms are pretty easy to get at the 7-month mark with so many more preferred view rooms. VGF, OTOH, has more resort than preferred, and both seem to be relatively easy to get at the 7-month mark. PIT will have more resort than preferred, but even more TP view 1 BRs. I certainly think it's a good bet that resort view will fill up first, but I did not realize it will have quite as many as it will. Will be interesting to see how it shakes out once fully declared, sold out, and LSL becomes yet another MK option. And, PIT could have some adjustments to room view categories and point differentials too.

Im glad they have more resort views because im too scared to book tpv and be disappointed. I heard some room categories did not fit the actual view so im sure there's even more resort views than the ones labeled

I see that some blt preferred have fireworks view, I wonder if its like that for pit.

I decided to roll the dice on blt preferred view and request the rooms that have tpv, mainly because I didnt have a choice by the time I decided when to book, so much for home resort priority

im not sure this is a thing or they just told me that because I didnt grt what I wanted, but vgc told me that owners of the resort get first priority view preference so if thats true then maybe I have a good chance at blt.

Come to think of it when we first rented from owners we had every view we wanted so perhaps there is something to that!

 

[PolyRob]

Im glad they have more resort views because im too scared to book tpv and be disappointed. I heard some room categories did not fit the actual view so im sure there's even more resort views than the ones labeled

I see that some blt preferred have fireworks view, I wonder if its like that for pit.

I decided to roll the dice on blt preferred view and request the rooms that have tpv, mainly because I didnt have a choice by the time I decided when to book, so much for home resort priority

im not sure this is a thing or they just told me that because I didnt grt what I wanted, but vgc told me that owners of the resort get first priority view preference so if thats true then maybe I have a good chance at blt.

Come to think of it when we first rented from owners we had every view we wanted so perhaps there is something to that!

I'm guessing the theme park views that people complain about would become preferred if there ever was a change in room views so it may just even things out a bit.

I've never heard of owners getting preference with requests. Not really sure the room assigners even know TBH.

 

[team bradfield]

HoB is not the first place in Disney Springs I'd eat, and it is probably not in the top 10. Dinner elsewhere

Agree, try Summer House, Frontera, Paddlefish, HOB is very generic, it's ok but meh

 

[Girlstar30]

Agree, try Summer House, Frontera, Paddlefish, HOB is very generic, it's ok but meh

Never been to any of those! Definitely on the list, ive only been to T Rex and Art Smith Homecoming, I enjoyed both of them!

 

[PolyRob]

Never been to any of those! Definitely on the list, ive only been to T Rex and Art Smith Homecoming, I enjoyed both of them!

Homecomin' is great! I don't think I saw Boathouse mentioned yet, but that's another favorite of mine. If you want QS add Polite Pig too.

 

[Girlstar30]

Homecomin' is great! I don't think I saw Boathouse mentioned yet, but that's another favorite of mine. If you want QS add Polite Pig too.

Yes I dont really like cake and the Hummingbird cake was amazing

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm a frequent flyer at BOATHOUSE. I liked Frontera quite a bit, and I'm looking forward to trying Jaleo. I hear good things.

 

[gvel]

I'm a frequent flyer at BOATHOUSE. I liked Frontera quite a bit, and I'm looking forward to trying Jaleo. I hear good things.

Great choices. My favorite is Wine Bar George. Jaleo is great and a safe bet, but I have noticed that this location is not as outstanding as other US locations.

 

[davidhr]

I'm a frequent flyer at BOATHOUSE. I liked Frontera quite a bit, and I'm looking forward to trying Jaleo. I hear good things.

Jaleo is my favorite restaurant at DS. It’s tapas, so I understand it’s not for everyone, but quality is top notch.

 

[Cfabar1]

In terms of DS restaurants Boathouse and Frontera are two of our favorites. Quick service D-Luxe burger is also great for a relatively affordable meal.