First trip *home* to SSR in 3 sleeps!!

[madonna31]

Heading to SSR for 12 nights in a few days. I'm looking forward to staying here and would love to hear any tips/tricks etc about the resort.

I have read a lot of negativity on this forum regarding the SSR, but not to worry - I knew what I was buying into.

1) I don't have kids, so I could care less that SSR is far from the parks. DH and I actually bought BECAUSE we spend more time at DTD then anywhere.

2) I don't think I've ever eaten at my resort's 'sit down' restaurant, I much prefer to go 'out' and visit other resorts to eat. So I'm totally fine with the fact that SSR doesn't have a sit down place to eat.

3) I've heard much complaint about 'construction noise'. I've stayed at the BWV overlooking the boardwalk - while the hotel was under construction. I can't imagine it being any more distracting that that was. (that being said - the BW noise still didn't bother me)

4) I've read that this resort is too 'quiet'. I still don't quite understand how that is a 'bad' thing?!? I LOVE the GF because of the 'quiet' level.

5) I'm ok with the fact that the trees and landscaping aren't finished 'growing yet'. Hey, Rome wasn't built in a day - how the heck could SSR be?

So please, aside from the negative (as I debated about starting this thread because I was afraid it would turn straight to that) I would love to hear any tips and such from those who have stayed at SSR before.

Thanks in advance!

 

[athenna]

Congratulations on your 1st trip 'home'! 12 nights!, wow that's great!
Let me see if I can give you my 2 cents on your points:
1) I don't have kids either, and I got to spend more time at DTD than I ever had before, and I just loved strolling over. I don't think it's a big deal being '''far away from the parks'' as some folks say. Just jump on a bus, that's what they're there for!

2)As for the restaurant, right now, they don't need a big sit down one anyway. I was fine with grabbing breakfast at the AP. I'm normally out for lunch & dinner anyway.

3) You can barely notice any construction, it is what it is! I've said this before-we like to think everything ''magically'' appears, but stuff has to be built!! It's not like their building in the middle of the night when you're trying to sleep, and all you hear is hammering. I heard nothing.

4)I'm thrilled the resort is ''quiet'' that's exactly what I wanted. I don't need the hub-bub, there is enough of it at the parks. When I do spend time at a resort, I like to relax, and this resort is peaceful.

5) of course the landscaping isn't finsihed yet, these things take time. I, for one, never had a sense of ''oh, no, bad landscaping''

I loved spending time relaxing here, I have never done a lot of relaxing on vacation before, and I'm so glad I learned how. It is possible!
Take some quiet moments to relax in the hot tub, you'll be glad you did!
If you can, go to the spa! That's vacation! I'll be going to the spa on my next trip.
Some folks will say-''oh, that Athenna, what does she know, she's only had 1 trip home and never stayed at any other DVC'' And that's true and I openly admit it
My best advise to you-it's your vacation, do what makes you happy, don't spend 1 second thinking of anyone elses negativity. And most of all ENJOY YOURSELF.
Tell us all about it when you return.
(sorry so long, just wanted to help)
Athenna

 

[madonna31]

Thanks SO much for your response Athena! Your post only confirmed by thoughts. I'm positive I will LOVE the quietness and the proximity to DTD!

I would LOVE to try out the Spa. I'm hoping I'll have the chance to.

 

[conciergekelly]

Have fun! I loved it. The view of DTD is beautiful. The theme pool is great, my kids favorite of all of the resorts we stayed at. The quiet pool by DTD is our favorite at night. It had a large hot tub and a stunning view. The whole place is very upscale but not stuffy. It is nice to walk to DTD or PI. I don't do spa but I heard that is fab. My husband golfs and likes the course. We like the Turf Club Bar. It is open a bit earlier than the other resort lounges because of the golfers. Great atmoshere and martinis! (Try the blue cheese potato chips.They are to die for.) Also the food court had great upscale food, no fried food. I liked the resort because it has a grown up atmosphere but my kids feel welcome. Very relaxing. All and all a great resort.

 

[jomik1]

We were there for 4 nights in August. We absolutely loved it. (and I have 2 boys 11 & 9). The view of Downtown Disney was spectacular. We all loved the theme pool and the kids loved the arcade. We walked and took the bus to DTD (depending on our mood). We never waited long for a bus to any of the parks. We had a 1 bedroom that was beautiful. The construction was never an issue the entire time we were there. You could see it but it was never noisy. We have a trip planned for 5 nights in a 1 bedroom this July and I just finished booking a Grand Villa for 7 nights for Spring Break 06 (There will be 9 of us on this trip).

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[Scratch42]

Another Great Point about SSR!

It's a hop, skip and a jump to the Premier Outlet Mall! (if you have a car!)

Enjoy your stay!

DD and I love the fact that you can walk to DTD, enjoy there and still walk back without worry!

Don't worry about the negativity! It's a great resort, with great CM's!

Scratch

 

[Granny]

Hi Madonna!! Long time no see! Nice to see you here and all excited about your first trip home in a few days!

We have only visited SSR, but I'm sure you'll love it. First and foremost, it's very close to DTD and Pleasure Island, on the off chance that you happen to get thirsty.

I think the decor is very elegant, and I imagine you might find your way out on the observation patio to view some of the DTD fireworks some evenings.

Most importantly, take the time to relax! You'll be there for a nice long stay, and you know you'll be coming back often over the next 49 years. So do as suggested, and take the time to admire the resort's amenities and attention to theming detail. And I think that spa has your name written all over it!

Have a great trip, and be sure to let us know your impressions of SSR after you get back.

 

[Tiggerfan40]

You will love SSR!! We enjoyed our 10 nights there a few weeks ago now (sigh). We had a beautiful studio room in Congress Park with a fantastic view of Downtown disney! We watched the midnight fireworks from our balcony most nights - and the nights we went to bed early - we could not even hear the fireworks! No noise problems at all! The quiet pool in Congress Park was never crowded and very relaxing- the hot tub was great also! We went to the main pool a few times, but preferred the laid back feel of the quiet pool!

You must walk over to Downtown Disney and eat at "Earl of Sandwich" and "Wolfgang Puck Express" they have fantastic food at both places!! You can walk over to Downtown Disney- grab a sandwich "to go" from Earl of Sandwich and walk back to SSR and eat it at the quiet pool at one of the umbrella tables poolside- with a beautiful view of Downtown Disney! I am jealous! Can't wait to go back! We are thinking of staying at OKW next Feb., but I keep thinking of the great room and view we had at SSR - hmmm - time will tell??!

Enjoy and be sure to give us all a trip report when you return!

 

[Tigger24U]

My wife and I absolutely loved SSR. We also don't have kids. We did not have a bad experience at all at SSR. You will love the peace and tranquility that they have. My wife and I would walk just outside of the quiet pool area, where there are some benches for watching the evening fireworks. We would just sit there and look over at DTD and watch the boats go by. It was so relaxing!

Remember when people post negative opinions of a resort that they are just OPINIONS....everyone has one. You have to make up your own mind on how your experience is and not depend on others opinions.

My 2 cents

TTFN!!!

 

[madonna31]

Thanks for all the positive responses guys!!

It's a hop, skip and a jump to the Premier Outlet Mall! (if you have a car!)

You know, I never even thought of that!! And we WILL have a car (were driving down)

I'm happy I posted. I bought into SSR because as much as I love the mouse, at the end of a busy day - it's nice to 'get away from him with a little peace and quiet' and that is EXACTLY what SSR seemed to be to me. (like the OKW)

Hi back at ya Granny!! I will be sure to sit back, relax and enjoy!

I will also be sure to post my opinion of SSR when I return.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Have a wonderful time!

We loved our studio and we didn't face DTD, but it was very convenient to the car and bus stop. The quiet pool was wonderful to relax in.

We would book SSR again with no regrets.

Bobbi

 

[Galahad]

We are going to SSR in July for the first time. Relaxing is exactly what we plan to do. Our teenager will probably go to the parks but we'll just spend the time in the hot tub. This sounds great!

 

[Madhatter266]

We thought that SSR was just great. We had excellent service in every regard. Everyone has their own opinion and should judge for themselves but it is just perfect for us. I believe that I went to DTD almost every night!

 

[Magickndm]

Had to come in and say have a great time!!

 

[fishermouse]

I've been to SSR twice already and loved it both times. This last time our room was across from the construction and Iheard very little noise.Once in a while we could hear the back-up beeper on a truck,faintly. There is no construction work in the evening. It might be far from the parks if you had to walk but bus's run frequently,never waited more than 10 minutes. Plenty to eat at DDM or DDWS. The Artist palet is great for snacks flat bread pizza is very good. We heard and continue to hear negative remarks about SSR can't figure what there is that folks don't like. We usually go in the less crowded season and it is quiet but thts why we don't go in peak season, plus there is plenty of excitment just acrossed the lake. Oh yea love watching the fire works from our balcony at midnight. Don't worry your going to have a ball, it's DISNEY...

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Have a great time!!!! Be sure to report back!

Ms. Sparrow aka Allison