Downtown Disney from SSR...

[Topo Bella]

Just booked SSR for November and I'm wondering how long it takes to get to Downtown Disney from SSR. Having never been to DD (with small children, we just never got around to it), I don't have any idea if it is practical to think that we can just "hop" over there for dinner. I like the idea of having shops, restaurants, etc., close by but I'm just not sure if it is realistic to think I'll get that at SSR.

 

[TreesyB]

3 minutes- from the last stop in SSR. (bus runs every 20 min)

7 minutes- once you get on the boat (the boat runs once every 20-30 min.)

and you can walk if you are in Congress Park (probably not a great idea with kids)

It's so much fun! I love Downtown Disney!

 

[wolfja91]

Well depending on where you are staying (SSR is big) it can be a long walk 20-30 minutes. The boat is a good option but they vary how often the boat come depending on the time of day. I think around dinner time it is about every 20 minutes; and it is about a 10 minutes boat ride. They also have buses which is a quick trip.

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's kind of like the walk from the BCV/BWV/BC/YC to Disney Studios. Not that bad and really kind of nice. You can take a boat or bus over there if you are located in one of the further reaches of the resort.

 

[Topo Bella]

I'm really looking forward to DD! We've been to Disney 3 times in the last few years and we just never got around to going. It's also great to have something different to look forward to. I was just hoping it was close enough to SSR to be able to visit easily.

 

[BroganMc]

I'm really looking forward to DD! We've been to Disney 3 times in the last few years and we just never got around to going. It's also great to have something different to look forward to. I was just hoping it was close enough to SSR to be able to visit easily.

My last trip in December, I was there 3 out of 5 days/nights. Of course I did have a car so that made travel time even shorter (though the hunt for van accessible parking makes it a wash in time comparisons). SSR is just across the lake from DTD... Congress Park being the part of the resort you see.

You'll be amazed what's all there when you finally go. Marketplace has the most kid-friendly stuff. Your kids will dump you as soon as they see the golden arches of McDonalds right next to the Lego store (with its outdoor play area/lego building station). If you have girls, you'll find them in the Princess room of the Disney store (while the boys disappear to the Pirates room). There's also a candy store, an "Under $10" store, Ghiradelli's ice cream shop and another big toy store.

My dad and I did our Christmas shopping at the Marketplace, had dinner in the Irish pub in Pleasure Island (it's the place for adult's to go club hopping) and went over to West Side for a 3D showing of Nightmare Before Christmas at the AMC theaters. We even stopped off at DTD to pick up a few things on the way to Magic Kingdom one day.

JMHO, but DTD has more things than anywhere else in Disney. It makes Boardwalk seem quaint.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We love DTD and bought at SSR as it was a strong point for us.

We walked several times on our Dec trip as we were in CPark.

There's alot to do and see over there.

 

[saratogagirl]

last October we stayed at Congress park, and it would take us around five minutes to walk across to the marketplace entrance, we loved it ....

 

[starbox]

last October we stayed at Congress park, and it would take us around five minutes to walk across to the marketplace entrance, we loved it ....

I agree, we asked for Congress Park because we knew we'd want to walk. It took about 5 minutes.

I think it would only be difficult with kids if at that short too-big-for-a-stroller and too-little-to-walk-around-the-block stage. When we were there, there were lots and lots of lizards and bunnies on the path - and lizard-sighting and hunting has been DD8's favorite thing about going to Florida since she was a pre-schooler (I've eaten in Cinderalla's Castle with a lizard in a princess sippy cup on the table!)

DTD has always been one of my favorite spots to unwind. There is a wonderful chocolate cafe and the best pin-trading/collecting spot @ Disney. The Lego sculptures are amazing.

If you have an AP, you get a 10% discount at World of Disney and this is a GREAT way to encourage kids to NOT spend $$ on souvineers you'll end up having to carry around in the parks.

 

[tomandrobin]

Just booked SSR for November and I'm wondering how long it takes to get to Downtown Disney from SSR. Having never been to DD (with small children, we just never got around to it), I don't have any idea if it is practical to think that we can just "hop" over there for dinner. I like the idea of having shops, restaurants, etc., close by but I'm just not sure if it is realistic to think I'll get that at SSR.

The walk to DTD really depends on what section you are staying. Congress Park and Paddock is the shortest walk, maye 5-10 minutes. Springs section 10 minutes. The Carousel Section and Grandstand I would be inclined to take the internal bus to DTD.

If you plan on lots of trip to DTD, put that in your request.

 

[castleri]

Just booked SSR for November and I'm wondering how long it takes to get to Downtown Disney from SSR. Having never been to DD (with small children, we just never got around to it), I don't have any idea if it is practical to think that we can just "hop" over there for dinner. I like the idea of having shops, restaurants, etc., close by but I'm just not sure if it is realistic to think I'll get that at SSR.

Depending on what type of food you want Wolfgang Puck Express and Earl of Sandwich are great places to eat and are reasonably priced. There is also the Rainforest Cafe which is fun with kids. Those are at the Marketplace end which is the closest to SSR. With all the walking that is done while at Disney it has the possibility of a nice time with lots to look at along the way no matter where your room is. Those lizards and bunnies are so much fun to watch along with ducks and some of the other birds. There was a crane there a couple of weeks ago that always looked like he was stalking prey as he made his way through the long grasses and shrubs around the villas and paths.