Confessions of a (former?) resort snob - SSR

[DizBub]

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

This is unfortunate. We drive and handle our own bags but have seen bell services deliver other peoples' luggage.

My DD is also a resort snob, she owns BLT and VGF. She has never wanted to stay at SSR or OKW mainly because of the motel feel and the outside entrances. On her last two trips she has stayed at both because that is all that was available. Now she is staying by choice at OKW in Oct for her anniversary and is very open about staying at SSR in the future mainly because of the cheaper point structure for the standard sections but she really did like the room too. She also enjoyed the ambiance of the Carriage House, loved the piped in music playing outside and the look and feel of the main pool area. She has been converted.

 

[dlhoop2000]

I don't think I had considered myself a snob. I do find that I miss many of the things from VGF/BLT/Poly. I am slightly physically challenged, and one of the twins is autistic, so the combination is extremely difficult....but we eventually managed. I think the worst part of that was the fact that I called, asked for help, and explained very politely that I have never been here and needed help with luggage but was told to go do it myself.

The kiddy play area is not monitored by staff....a larger than 48' tall boy and girl playing rough (no parents in sight) collided with my grandson (small, age 5) on the slide because they were climbing up/inside the wrong way. The staff told me that SSR is the only resort that does not supervise the tot play pool.

I have no doubt that many people like and even prefer this resort. I am really trying to like it. If that makes me a snob in your eyes, then I can live with that.

This is unfortunate. We drive and handle our own bags but have seen bell services deliver other peoples' luggage.

My DD is also a resort snob, she owns BLT and VGF. She has never wanted to stay at SSR or OKW mainly because of the motel feel and the outside entrances. On her last two trips she has stayed at both because that is all that was available. Now she is staying by choice at OKW in Oct for her anniversary and is very open about staying at SSR in the future mainly because of the cheaper point structure for the standard sections but she really did like the room too. She also enjoyed the ambiance of the Carriage House, loved the piped in music playing outside and the look and feel of the main pool area. She has been converted.

 

[DizBub]

I don't think I had considered myself a snob. I do find that I miss many of the things from VGF/BLT/Poly. I am slightly physically challenged, and one of the twins is autistic, so the combination is extremely difficult....but we eventually managed. I think the worst part of that was the fact that I called, asked for help, and explained very politely that I have never been here and needed help with luggage but was told to go do it myself.

The kiddy play area is not monitored by staff....a larger than 48' tall boy and girl playing rough (no parents in sight) collided with my grandson (small, age 5) on the slide because they were climbing up/inside the wrong way. The staff told me that SSR is the only resort that does not supervise the tot play pool.

I have no doubt that many people like and even prefer this resort. I am really trying to like it. If that makes me a snob in your eyes, then I can live with that.

Oops, my bad. In no way did I mean to call you personally a snob. I was just referencing the title of the thread and I am truly sorry if you were offended. You clearly have reasons for your feelings and opinions and I totally respect that. Again, sorry for the offense, it was honestly unintended.

 

[dlhoop2000]

Thanks I appreciate....and I see that title, and in that context it is not intended to offend. I missed that, so all is good

 

[Snurk71]

If that makes me a snob in your eyes, then I can live with that.

I think you have legitimate reasons for being a little iffy on SSR.

Me, on the other hand, I was a (self-proclaimed) snob because of what I perceived to be a higher and lower tier of DVC resorts - and I think I was proven wrong with actual experience.

 

[dlhoop2000]

My daughter tells me that I am comparing to my home resorts. I think that is true....I'm sure I am comparing everything to the places I'm familiar with. I have friends that say SSR is their favorite.

 

[bobbiwoz]

dlhoop2000, from where did you call and ask for luggage help? We have always gotten a ride in a golf cart with a bellman to help with our luggage when we've arrived, and have called and gotten help when leaving.

 

[Murron]

dlhoop2000, from where did you call and ask for luggage help? We have always gotten a ride in a golf cart with a bellman to help with our luggage when we've arrived, and have called and gotten help when leaving.

Ditto! If we don't have a car, the bellman -- who are so fun to talk to - bring you and luggage to your room!

 

[dsnydaddy]

We loved our first trip to our Home Resort and cannot wait to return. Funny thing is that we bought in because of the great deal we got on the points and I had often thought that SSR looked too "Apartmenty" for me.

 

[DisneyPups]

So I just booked my first SSR stay. We needed to get away, and just want to lounge by the pool, with maybe 2 days at the park. Where should I request my location? I have a 4yo and a 15 mo. Any insight would be fantastic!!

 

[hakepb]

So I just booked my first SSR stay. We needed to get away, and just want to lounge by the pool, with maybe 2 days at the park. Where should I request my location? I have a 4yo and a 15 mo. Any insight would be fantastic!!

I'd think the Paddock feature pool looks like it has a better water play area for a 4yo than the Springs feature pool.

 

[DizBub]

I'd think the Paddock feature pool looks like it has a better water play area for a 4yo than the Springs feature pool.

I agree. Request the Paddock near the pool. The Paddock is probably the largest section with 5 buildings and the ones one either end can be quite a hike.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

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

Count me as another who is confused on who you called? If you were arriving at SSR you would have wanted to talk with Bell Services - just like any other resort - and they would have helped with your luggage and I believe also have transported you over to your building. No WDW DVC provides luggage carts for guest use but they all have Bell Service to assist and will take your luggage to your room although you must be there to receive it. And at OKW and SSR they have golf carts to take you to your room too.

Unless you were standing and talking to the front desk you likely were speaking to a call center.

 

[DisneyPups]

Great thanks! I was thinking the Paddock area from my little "research" but there were so many mentions of the Carriage House (but that's maybe more for adults, no?) My 4yo LO is really excited about the water slides, and they both will love the splash pads. Thanks again.

 

[ckb_nc]

SSR owner because it was the cheapest. Stayed at all the deluxe hotels except GF. I had the unique view - my mom took me on a trip this spring with Rhodes Scholar. stayed at a the Best Western and had the chance to go for a run through SSR early one gorgeous morning. SSR is really a beautiful resort. Very much under appreciated and with disney springs emerging as a true foodie destination of sorts it has it merits.

We stayed on property twice now at POR and i found as my kids have gotten older (and so have their parents) having a propery that is a bit off the map is more relaxing. I suffer from this disease - Disney Mania. When I am at disney, I have a hard time slowing down, drives my wife nuts. When we went to DL this year, we stayed in VCG - amazing resort. but being to literally be in a park in 7 minutes from the time i closed my room door (and being to see into DCA from balcony) was too much - I could not slow down. So SSR is this interesting compromise. I am close but not close enough.

 

[Halle]

Great thanks! I was thinking the Paddock area from my little "research" but there were so many mentions of the Carriage House (but that's maybe more for adults, no?) My 4yo LO is really excited about the water slides, and they both will love the splash pads. Thanks again.

We have never stayed at the Paddock area but we regularly pool hop to the main pool at SSR. Put last visit DS ended up at Paddock (CM) directed him there. They eventually joined us at the main pool but raved about the Paddock pool, told us that it was a better choice for the 1-6 year olds.

 

[ttepsich]

We are currently staying at the Boardwalk. Will be checking into SSR tomorrow. This will be our first stay there. We do not have a car. Our plan is to have BWV transfer our luggage. We will walk over to Hollywood and take a resort bus to SSR. My question is....which bus stop do we use to get to the building to check-in. Also,we would like to request a building that is close to a quiet pool and a shorter walk to DS. Would that be Congress Park? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[ajksmom]

We are currently staying at the Boardwalk. Will be checking into SSR tomorrow. This will be our first stay there. We do not have a car. Our plan is to have BWV transfer our luggage. We will walk over to Hollywood and take a resort bus to SSR. My question is....which bus stop do we use to get to the building to check-in. Also,we would like to request a building that is close to a quiet pool and a shorter walk to DS. Would that be Congress Park? Any help would be appreciated.

You would get off at the Springs stop. Should be the fifth and last stop. Cross the street, up the slight incline then head to your right to check in.
Congress Park does have a quiet pool and has the shortest walk to DS.

 

[edk35]

We own there too. Although we like to stay at other resorts too, we have ALWAYS been happy staying at SSR. Look at my signature and you will see. I like staying in the GS location the best because you have a nice pool and are close to the Carriage House and the bus stops there first coming and going. Another perk is being so close to Disney Springs.

 

[Anal Annie]

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

The only time we've ever handled our own luggage at SSR was when we drove and parked right by the unit we were assigned to. Whenever we've flown we've been given a ride by Bell Services to our location and were always helped with our luggage. I'm sure that the time we drove we could have had assistance then too if we'd have just asked.

Please report the broken ice machine to the front desk. I'm sure they will get it repaired...