Confessions of a (former?) resort snob - SSR

[Snurk71]

A little background for perspective. I pretty much consider myself a resort snob. When on vacation I like to stay at a resort that has something extra/special - location, amenities, size, something. We own at VGC, VGF, BLT, and BCV and have stayed numerous times at our home resorts. We've also stayed at VB a few times (including this trip), and Kidani and BWV for a single night before longer stays at a home resort. We made this trip decision about 6 weeks out though, so SSR was the available resort.

Having completed my first SSR stay I have to say that not only did I not have a terrible time and finding myself constantly wanting to be elsewhere - I actually liked a number of things about the resort. We had a 1BR in Congress Park, which will have a higher point requirement next year (I understand why). We walked to DS one night (location), parking was never a problem, the bus stop was right outside our building (actually rode the bus to a park - MK - for the first time ever - in over 20 trips), the quiet pool was close and good, and it was quick to get on Buena Vista for car travel to parks. We had dinner one night at the QS place (good food). We didn't get a chance to try any of the main pools - we walked over to one once but it was closed for lightning in the area.

So I am now confident in booking a trip without a lot of lead time, knowing that if I get "stuck at SSR" I'm going to be fine and actually might even enjoy it.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

Glad you had a great time!
We originally purchased BWV and only picked up our SSR contracts because they were "cheap points" at the time. We have stayed in 5 of the DVC resorts, but my kids and I prefer SSR over the others. We love the Paddock area because it has a wonderful and easy pool to enjoy, and we love the natural theme and wildlife of the resort. My DH is still a BWV fan because he doesn't like riding the busses.
SSR is truly a great resort and is under appreciated, but welcome to the admirer's club!

 

[pinklotusflower]

we stayed at SSR in Congress Park too & loved being able to walk over to DS there's some great places to eat and live entertainment, SSR seems to be unappreciated because of it's location.

 

[jekjones1558]

I also enjoyed staying at SSR. DH is in a scooter so the park access from BWV is more to his liking but I would be fine staying at SSR. It is a beautiful resort.

 

[Murron]

Oh gosh...I felt the same way! After we sold a OKW contract, I said to myself, no more spread out resorts that aren't themed to the hilt! Then, with a great deal, we bought into SSR. While I still prefer my BWV, it is no let down for us at all if we wind up in SSR. I love the grounds, the quiet pool, walking to DS, and saving points!

 

[Anal Annie]

I wish more people would be open minded about staying there - and then ADMIT they actually didn't hate it!!

It's our home and we love to resort hop from trip to trip but it's now worked into sort of a regular rotation for us for early January trips if we go during marathon time when it's hard to book elsewhere. We happen to like the Grandstand area as it's the first bus stop followed by Paddock so we're thrilled with the new point charts where those 2 sections are actually cheaper now.

Thanks for your public confession!! (Next time try eating at the Turf Club!)

 

[Turn the Page]

We stayed in a 2 bedroom at SSR in the Grandstand section last October when we went for our wedding. We selected that resort because my mom is a travel agent and that was the cheapest rate (by far) for a 2 bedroom villa. I didn't expect to dislike it but I didn't really expect to like it either. It was our first deluxe stay (we stayed at a studio at OKW for a few days with the kids before SSR and we all vastly preferred SSR) and I have to say we all loved it.

The theme was great but not over done, we didn't have any problems at all with the buses. The room was wonderful. Heck, we got there before my parents did and were waiting for them by the pool until our room was ready. I used the restroom at the pool and when I saw my mom I told her the resort was great and even the bathrooms smelled expensive lol. That was a good scent, I wonder if they sell it anywhere.

Anyway, we are heading back next month and I can't wait.

 

[PetePanMan]

We are owners at SSR but up until this past May had never stayed there. IMO SSR is an excellent resort, very beautiful and relaxing and really under rated.

 

[Axel]

Glad to hear you enjoyed SSR! It's one of my home resorts, but we don't stay there often, simply because we like to visit a lot, and have found that OKW offers a better bang for our buck--especially since we're rarely in the room/at the resort. But I have always had great times at SSR, and love the proximity to DS.

 

[DaisyNY]

When I initially booked SSR I was a little concerned about it lacking amenities and size of the resort, however our last three stays have been at SSR...BLT is our home resort...and we love it. We are able to get more bang for our buck and now that our kids are young adults the proximity to DS is great! We love the walk over and taking the boat back if we're tired.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Glad to hear you enjoyed SSR! It's one of my home resorts, but we don't stay there often, simply because we like to visit a lot, and have found that OKW offers a better bang for our buck--especially since we're rarely in the room/at the resort. But I have always had great times at SSR, and love the proximity to DS.

Do you think with the new standard rooms at SSR, bringing them more in line with OKW, you will choose SSR more frequently?

 

[Axel]

Do you think with the new standard rooms at SSR, bringing them more in line with OKW, you will choose SSR more frequently?

I can't say for sure. I enjoy SSR, but I think through sheer exposure, we've fallen in love with OKW. I was back at SSR a year ago and enjoyed it, so I would do it again. Convincing my dad is another matter entirely...

 

[Sammie]

It has always been a favorite of ours. It has fabulous pools, great quick service food, good restaurant, nice views and wonderful spa.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

There is no question Saratoga has come a long way since the beginning. When it first opened I was a bit perplexed.... I visited some friends a couple months back and was truly impressed... The landscaping and resort in general has honestly matured to be a top level resort.

Now, if only the old DTD was still there to walk to the Adventurers Club...??

MG

 

[DenLo]

I really like SSR. We have a three day stay before a cruise in October. The only thing I regret is that it is such a short stay.

 

[alldiz]

I agree!
Besides Grand Floridian I have stayed at most resorts and all Dvc now.
Funny I was turned off to GF on my 1st visit seemed snobby lol... But now I'm desperate to check off list and I'm sure I will love it!
I have only stayed at congress park and I have had the water view and it is awesome. Walk to DTD(sorry old school). I love walking path between OKW and SSR...good countr service,
Close to any bus at DTD
Yea don't hesitate to stay...
I think all of the resorts have their appeal. Which is why I purchased DVC..... No way I was being locked into a week or a resort!
Kerri

 

[henderkm]

We stayed at SSR twice because I don't like to resort hop and there were no other resorts available for the week. I, too, didn't expect to like the resort. I was pleasantly surprised. While spread out, it's really okay once you learn the internal bus system. Counter service was good, although we only ate there a couple of time. We also loved the cast members.

 

[BlazerFan]

We've stayed at SSR twice, in Congress Park both times and enjoyed both stays. I know the draw for Congress Park, what are other areas that people like and why?

 

[Cee]

I'm so glad to hear that SSR won you over. It is our "Home Away from Home" and we just love it there. Oh, and I'm a Congress Park Girl, myself!

 

[dlhoop2000]

I am still hoping to like SSR. This is my first time here. We own at VGF, BLT and Poly. That may be why I have been underwhelmed. I called SSR to ask if we could have help with luggage, explaining that this was a first time. I was told that we should just go on ourselves. No luggage cart, 2 little ones and it was a struggle to do it alone, but we managed. I am not enjoying the "motel" feel. There are cobwebs hanging on the lights in the "Palette" restaurant, the ice machine is broken, and a few other "little things" leave me still hoping to like the place. The A/C works

A little background for perspective. I pretty much consider myself a resort snob. When on vacation I like to stay at a resort that has something extra/special - location, amenities, size, something. We own at VGC, VGF, BLT, and BCV and have stayed numerous times at our home resorts. We've also stayed at VB a few times (including this trip), and Kidani and BWV for a single night before longer stays at a home resort. We made this trip decision about 6 weeks out though, so SSR was the available resort.

Having completed my first SSR stay I have to say that not only did I not have a terrible time and finding myself constantly wanting to be elsewhere - I actually liked a number of things about the resort. We had a 1BR in Congress Park, which will have a higher point requirement next year (I understand why). We walked to DS one night (location), parking was never a problem, the bus stop was right outside our building (actually rode the bus to a park - MK - for the first time ever - in over 20 trips), the quiet pool was close and good, and it was quick to get on Buena Vista for car travel to parks. We had dinner one night at the QS place (good food). We didn't get a chance to try any of the main pools - we walked over to one once but it was closed for lightning in the area.

So I am now confident in booking a trip without a lot of lead time, knowing that if I get "stuck at SSR" I'm going to be fine and actually might even enjoy it.