RobDoc
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Aug 14, 1998
- Messages
- 34,195
Since things have begun to settle down a bit, I thought I'd stop in to say HI.
During the past couple of months, we've experienced the bliss of the birth of our fourth grandchild, the concern of my DW going thru cancer treatment and surgery, some personal health concerns and continuation of our typical busy schedule.
Thanks to the many who emailed and PMed your kind words, thoughts and prayers during the past couple of months. I truly appreciated the notes. For those few who chose to express less encouraging sentiments, I must say I was disapointed, but not really surprised.
We checked into OKW on Thursday and have had a whirlwind couple of days since. Our room is wonderful- near the Peninsular Road bus stop. Friday morning we had the pleasure of catching Caskbill- literally as they were leaving the resort- and spending a few moments catching up.
Bill shared that there was another SSR Open House that day- so we took the boat to DD and walked over to SSR. The DVC Sales Center officially opened at SSR on Friday, so we were among the first to take the Member's Tour- along with many potential new members who were being shuttled to the site in the blue DVC vans.
The resort is beautiful. The rooms are elegant and the landscaping really special. I took over 60 photos and am uploading them to the net as I write this. (Links to follow). Construction is progressing nicely on the rermaining buildings.
There are three models open in the first building- a lock-off Studio, a lock-off 1BR and a GV. The GV is spectacular. There is no balcony off the living room, but there is one accessed from the dining room. The vaulted ceiling and 15' windows in the living room provide a beautiful view towards PI and Cirque in this building. The furnishings are elegant.
The fireworks viewing pavilion is delightful and the quiet pool- with spitting frogs and childrens play-area - is a great lakeside location. There are no interior hallways to maintain, but they are enclosed- kind of a cross between OKW and BWV/VWL/BCV (actually similar to VB).
The High Rock Springs Pool is wonderful. The slide looks great and the hot tubs and waterfalls are very inviting. The reosrt has been in "soft opening" with CM's enjoying the amenities to break in the resort staff. The pool was a popular place on Friday!
We will check into a 1BR villa at SSR in a few days and eager to stay in our 7th DVC resort.
The new OKW/SSR Ferry Boats are nice. They are actually reconverted Sassagoula Steamship Company boats- like those used at PO. Instead of the aluminum bench seats, like on the PO boat, the DVC Ferry (Yes, that's the new name) has upholstered, padded seating. Each boat seats 34 guests and runs from 11:00am to 11:00pm.
<img width="400"src="http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/ssrmay04_001.jpg">
<img src="http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/ssrmay04_002.jpg">
I asked the boat captain about the sponsorship of these new boats. The OKW boats previously were entirely funded from the OKW recreation department (member dues). The PO boats were funded by the DD Merchant's Association. The new boat is, at least, partially funded by the DD Merchants. It remains to be seen what effect, if any this may have on OKW dues. The boat will stop at the SSR marina and each leg of the trip will take about 30 minutes.
Yesterday, we visited the new Bonnet Creek Resort. There are at least a couple of signs on Buena Vista Drive- directing guests to the new Fairfiled resort. It is .7 mile into the resort from Buena Vista Drive. It is beyond the end of CBR. At this time no tours are given on site at this resort. It has much to do before opening and currently consists of two multi story building- surrounded by lots of construction equipment. I'll post some photos later. Nothing too impressive at this time, but Fairfield does offer nice resorts.
We will try out the new Extra Magic Hour program tonight (Epcot is open from 9 until midnight on Sundays, MGM 9-12 on Tuesday, MK 9-12 on Wed and AK 5-8 on Thursday in this trial period). We met DMRICK at the Turtles concert at Epcot's Flower Power on Friday. This is available to all onsite guests with admission passes.
OKW is now down to three "Smoking Optional" buildings- #12, 19 and 41. All others have been made non-smoking.
I'll try to report later from SSR when we check in. The parks are busy and it's nice to see the crowds returning after a few years of soft attendance.
Stay Tuned!
During the past couple of months, we've experienced the bliss of the birth of our fourth grandchild, the concern of my DW going thru cancer treatment and surgery, some personal health concerns and continuation of our typical busy schedule.
Thanks to the many who emailed and PMed your kind words, thoughts and prayers during the past couple of months. I truly appreciated the notes. For those few who chose to express less encouraging sentiments, I must say I was disapointed, but not really surprised.
We checked into OKW on Thursday and have had a whirlwind couple of days since. Our room is wonderful- near the Peninsular Road bus stop. Friday morning we had the pleasure of catching Caskbill- literally as they were leaving the resort- and spending a few moments catching up.
Bill shared that there was another SSR Open House that day- so we took the boat to DD and walked over to SSR. The DVC Sales Center officially opened at SSR on Friday, so we were among the first to take the Member's Tour- along with many potential new members who were being shuttled to the site in the blue DVC vans.
The resort is beautiful. The rooms are elegant and the landscaping really special. I took over 60 photos and am uploading them to the net as I write this. (Links to follow). Construction is progressing nicely on the rermaining buildings.
There are three models open in the first building- a lock-off Studio, a lock-off 1BR and a GV. The GV is spectacular. There is no balcony off the living room, but there is one accessed from the dining room. The vaulted ceiling and 15' windows in the living room provide a beautiful view towards PI and Cirque in this building. The furnishings are elegant.
The fireworks viewing pavilion is delightful and the quiet pool- with spitting frogs and childrens play-area - is a great lakeside location. There are no interior hallways to maintain, but they are enclosed- kind of a cross between OKW and BWV/VWL/BCV (actually similar to VB).
The High Rock Springs Pool is wonderful. The slide looks great and the hot tubs and waterfalls are very inviting. The reosrt has been in "soft opening" with CM's enjoying the amenities to break in the resort staff. The pool was a popular place on Friday!
We will check into a 1BR villa at SSR in a few days and eager to stay in our 7th DVC resort.
The new OKW/SSR Ferry Boats are nice. They are actually reconverted Sassagoula Steamship Company boats- like those used at PO. Instead of the aluminum bench seats, like on the PO boat, the DVC Ferry (Yes, that's the new name) has upholstered, padded seating. Each boat seats 34 guests and runs from 11:00am to 11:00pm.
<img width="400"src="http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/ssrmay04_001.jpg">
<img src="http://disneydoc.homestead.com/files/ssrmay04_002.jpg">
I asked the boat captain about the sponsorship of these new boats. The OKW boats previously were entirely funded from the OKW recreation department (member dues). The PO boats were funded by the DD Merchant's Association. The new boat is, at least, partially funded by the DD Merchants. It remains to be seen what effect, if any this may have on OKW dues. The boat will stop at the SSR marina and each leg of the trip will take about 30 minutes.
Yesterday, we visited the new Bonnet Creek Resort. There are at least a couple of signs on Buena Vista Drive- directing guests to the new Fairfiled resort. It is .7 mile into the resort from Buena Vista Drive. It is beyond the end of CBR. At this time no tours are given on site at this resort. It has much to do before opening and currently consists of two multi story building- surrounded by lots of construction equipment. I'll post some photos later. Nothing too impressive at this time, but Fairfield does offer nice resorts.
We will try out the new Extra Magic Hour program tonight (Epcot is open from 9 until midnight on Sundays, MGM 9-12 on Tuesday, MK 9-12 on Wed and AK 5-8 on Thursday in this trial period). We met DMRICK at the Turtles concert at Epcot's Flower Power on Friday. This is available to all onsite guests with admission passes.
OKW is now down to three "Smoking Optional" buildings- #12, 19 and 41. All others have been made non-smoking.
I'll try to report later from SSR when we check in. The parks are busy and it's nice to see the crowds returning after a few years of soft attendance.
Stay Tuned!
) and best wishes for everyone's health.
