Grandstand or Congress at SSR in Dec.?

[goldenears]

I keep reading good things about both the Grandstand and Congress areas at
SSR. We stayed in the Paddock last time, but we would like to try something different. We are going in Dec. (not sure if it is warm enough to use the pools at this time of the year?)and are looking for easy access to DTD. We will have our two toddlers with us. Any suggestions?

 

[mithreechicks]

We stayed in the Grandstand this past Dec-it was our first time at SSR, and it was great! You are the first bus stop to be picked up, and the first to be dropped off. There is also the smaller pool right outside the building. When we went, it was warm enough for our 3 kids to swim (10,8, & 6), but not me : The Grandstand is on the far end of the resort, but it was still only about a 10-15 minute walk to DTD. Hope this helps!

 

[Alexander]

We love the Grandstand due to the close proximity to the main buildings, and my kids love the Grandstand pool and water area. However, if swimming is not priority at a themed pool, and DTD is...I would say, stay in the Congress Park area, it is a much shorter walk.

Regarding the bus stop....we would walk from the Grandstand to the Springs pick-up point (the last pick-up before leaving the resort) to avoid having to ride all around the resort (DH gets motion sick) and then we were the first to be dropped off at the Grandstand.

 

[goldenears]

Thanks for your replies. The Grandstand area was under construction during our last visit to SSR, so we aren't really familiar with this area.

 

[ebenmax]

Congress Park if definitely closer to DTD and often has DTD views if you get the request, but Grandstand has the perks of first bus stop and being newer.

When my family (5 of us) went we LOVED Grandstand since we were doing the parks,too. When DH and I went alone, we enjoyed CP and the pleasant stroll to DTD.

Either place is delightful!

Enjoy!

 

[MinnieGi]

My kids LOVED the Grandstand section at SSR b/c of their water play area. Our kids were 7 & 3 when we stayed at the end of Nov. It was warm enough for us to swim and they loved squirting each other and playing around in the water sprays. I liked that we were still very close to the main buildings. In fact alot closer than many other sections of SSR. By being near the main buildings we were also close to the boat launch for DTD.

 

[BroganMc]

Congress Park if definitely closer to DTD

That depends which area of DTD you want to visit. Congress Park is closest to Marketplace. Grandstand is closest to West Side. (Springs as well.) Both are equi-distant to Pleasure Island.

Both have walkways to their respective destinations. Congress Park has the views of DTD. Grandstand views the golf course bordering DTD.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

We have always stayed in Congress Park but are hoping to try Grandstand in a few weeks. Our kids are teenagers so the destination at DTD is usually Virgin and House of Blues.

Wondering how they get back to SSR after dark. Not sure how late the boats are running. When walking back to Congress Park the path is well lit.

Both sections have nice pools. I would think your children would love the water play area at the Grandstand. As our kids are older we like the quiet pool at Congress Park. It overlooks DTD.

From reading similar posts over the last few months, it sounds like both are great choices.