Have i made a huge mistake with SSR

[tinkerpea]

Hi
We go on holiday in just over 3 months!!
I booked a 2bed at SSR for 15 nights around a yr ago as i managed to get a great price with free DDP,
There will be myself Dh our 3 boys and my mum.I love the look of the pools and the fact its so close to DTD but im now really worried about the size of the place and all the bus stops etc!! My mum uses an ECV and we hate it when a bus has people on it and then along comes my mum and they allow her to get on infront of anybody else making the others already on the bus lose their seats! I know the ECV has to go on in the right place etc but id be really narked if id been queing got my seat and then i had to get off again,"of course we always give up seats ourselves to women with babies etc " but were a bit embarrassed if we have to make others get up who was either in the que or already on the bus before us!

Also im worried about the kids wanting to be nr the main pool and having to walk miles to get to the pool with them for what will prob only be a few hours at a time or a break in the middle of the day.
We have stayed at POP before and loved it and AKL too although we was at the end of the savannah corridor at AKL and it seemed miles long because it was all in 1 building it didnt seem too bad.Ive called up to try and change the booking to AKL or Kidani or infact any other villa with NO luck apparently they are completly booked up even to get 2 rooms at AKL!! If we go to a value resort we lose our DDP and that will cost us £2000 more then what we are paying now..................

Im really panicking that we wont love this resort my boys and infact us actually love over the top theming and dont really think the theme of SSR is that Disney like.
In case your wondering why i even booked SSR its because I originally booked OKW until i heard there was only 3 buildings with lifts not great when you have an ECV so then the Disney agent talked me into SSR as she had been there a few times and went on about how wonderful it was.
So is it that HUGE im so worried im not even sleeping over this "stupid I know"

 

[Micca]

While I can't address your specific issues, I can tell you that SSR is a very nice resort. The theming is def not over the top, but it's a comfortable and pleasant place to be (probably not the thing 3 young boys are interested in).

You'll get some better info from others, but please know that you've chosen a very nice place to stay regardless of the details. Hope your trip is wonderful

 

[FantasiaMagic]

SSR is wonderful!! It has a very calm theme. The pools are amazing!!! They have a spa which is very nice and the rooms are so comfortable! The quickservice res (The Artist's Pallete) is so good. They have a great gift shop right next to it and rught outside of that area is the main pool - it has a slide!
Another great feature about SSR is that they have a boat service that goes to DTD! It is a very short and wonderful boat ride.

Have a GREAT trip!!!

 

[perryfan]

Saying there in a week but never stayed before should be interesting..

 

[Sammie]

I have never been on a bus where they made anyone get off the bus or even out of the seats to put on an ECV.

Yes there are multiple stops inside the resort, but we never found that to be a problem.

Springs is closest to the main pool and food area.

I think you will have a great time. I would not try to change.

I think the theme is spot on, its just that not everyone is familiar with Saratoga Springs, New York. Maybe if you read up on that area before you come you would be able to see how accurate the theme is.

 

[Sue M]

Actually, yes, if your in the ECV space you will have to move. But this is true of all resort busses. Can't be helped. And I've never seen anyone get upset about it. I think everyone is understanding.

Only the values have over the top Disney theming. All the other resorts take you to a different time period, country, etc in their theming which I love.

I think you'd be much more comfy in a 2 berm Villa then Pop. I'd ask your TA to put in a room request for you to have a location close to main pool.
Have a great vacay and start planning and thinking of all the fun stuff you're going to be doing. And stop stressing .

We stay at Port Orleans which also has a boat to DTD. We pass by SSR on the way! It looks lovely. You can also go to DTD and hop on the POR boat just for fun. They have a great food court. Love the make your own pasta bar.

 

[Tinkerbella001]

We loved SSR! You're right about the theming not being as "Disney", but you can see DTD right across the way so that helps! We made a game out of finding hidden Disney icons. Like the cut-outs on the balcony and such. Lots of space in a 2 BR and awesome you got Free Dining!

Don't stress or panick- you are going to have a wonderful time!!

 

[hmillerbarilla]

You have NOT made a mistake!

SSR is a huge resort though. Get on the phone and get in a request for The Springs. Being in the Springs is great. It is quick to your bus stop, to the main pool, to the Paddock Pool, and to the main building. It in my opinion makes the stay at SSR great.

The rooms are beautiful and relaxing. But, it is nothing like POP. Personally, our family prefers the relaxation of SSR and OKW to the outrageousness of the allstars and pop. Each to their own.

Hope your stay is wonderful!

 

[danceintherain]

I wouldn't make any rash decisions now. The regular discounts for October haven't been released yet, so it's still possible that something new may be released that could be better for you, or not.
Ultimately, you chose SSR for a reason, and none of the misgivings you've expressed about it would necessarily be rectified by switching to a different resort, especially without sacrificing something else.

Yes, you could switch to 2 preferred rooms at a Value, but you may very well be closer to a bus stop at SSR, though not necessarily the main areas. You also would be giving up quite a bit of space.

The ECV and bus problem wouldn't necessarily be rectified by switching to a different resort. Yes, if the Value you stay at isn't sharing buses at the time, then you would only be cutting in front of all the other people in line. Even if people lose their seats, standing on buses is one of the drawbacks of Disney transportation. If the bus is almost completely full, then I think it would be more likely that it wouldn't make your stop at all, and they would just send for another bus before kicking others off to accommodate you.

Either way, the fullest buses I've ever been on have been at the parks at the end of the day, not coming from the resorts at the beginning. You will be waiting in line with everyone at the same time in these situations.

 

[pumpkinmomma]

The springs is closest to the main areas, but its the last bus stop on the loop. So your odds of encountering full buses are a bit higher. The paddock section has a great themed pool and is the 3rd stop. Not sure how far it is to the main pool and restaurant. It maybe a good choice for you.

We stayed in grandstand and I would recommend it. It has a nice w
quiet pool and splash area. Its maybe a ten minute walk to the main pool, restaurant, and boat to dtd. Its the very first stop for getting on the bus and the first stop to get off when coming back from the parks.

Its a very relaxing resort and having the extra space and full kitchen is fantastic. I too was worried about the size of the resort but honestly it isn't that bad.

 

[Mom2six]

We'll be staying there in September in one of the treehouses. I think the space real be really nice, plus having a kitchen works well for our family. I've watched videos on youtube of the pools and the pool slides look like a lot of fun! From what I've read there seem to be a lot of fun activities to do as well - renting bikes, fun pool games, movies at night.

The view of DTD at night from SSR is gorgeous as well.

Don't be embarassed about the ECV and the bus. It is just part of life. Sometimes we have to stand up or give up a spot. We will all grow older though (hopefully)! And I'm sure everyone using an EVC would rather have no problems walking around the parks, so anyone who gets overly upset is not behaving very nicely, and should be ignored.

Have fun. It sounds like an awesome vacation, and being there for so long, you will probably want the extra space a 2 bedroom villa will give you over 2 rooms at a value!

 

[pmaurer74]

We just stayed there in June and the buses were packed by the 4th and 5th stop. Here is what I would do:

Request to stay at Paddock. They have a great pool. I am not sure the ages of your kids but they have great little kids slides and adult ones too plus you can get drink refills and food there. Request to stay near transportation or near the pool. You may be closest to the Carousel bus stop which is #2 and Paddock is #3 that way the buses will not be as crowded.

Springs is close to main dining and pool but the buses were always standing room only by then for us. There is a bridge between Paddock and the Springs so the ECV can go on that too. That is what I would do.

 

[frymaker]

The wife and I stayed at a one bedroom villa in SSR for our honeymoon. Frankly it was amazing. Beds = super comfy. Food = tasty tasty. Grounds = gorgeous. It was my wires first time to disney and the resort totally captured that magic for her. Maybe not in the over the top way the values do, but certainly in the "excellent service only disney can do" sort of way. The pools are fantastic. Also you could luck out and get a refurbished room. (i think there are some available now). I say stick with it. you won't be sorry.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

We just stayed there in June and the buses were packed by the 4th and 5th stop. Here is what I would do:

Request to stay at Paddock. They have a great pool. I am not sure the ages of your kids but they have great little kids slides and adult ones too plus you can get drink refills and food there. Request to stay near transportation or near the pool. You may be closest to the Carousel bus stop which is #2 and Paddock is #3 that way the buses will not be as crowded.

Springs is close to main dining and pool but the buses were always standing room only by then for us. There is a bridge between Paddock and the Springs so the ECV can go on that too. That is what I would do.

ITA! With the Springs being the last stop on the way out of the resort, it is fullest at that point. The new pool at the Paddock is very nice & the QS is a bonus.

FWIW, related to OKW, if the ECV use is a medical neccesity you can be guaranteed either a first floor unit or one of the elevator buildings. It just has to be booked as such.

 

[hogwartsdropout]

We stayed there for a week in 2009. We stayed at Congress Park because we wanted a shorter walk to DTD and a nice view of DTD as well. The resort is very beautiful and I like the theming, it's not in your face at all. The room was gorgeous and we loved our balcony. I wasn't too keen on the food court, being used to POR food court, but we still used it. I wouldn't worry about spending a few hours at the main pool, there are plenty of gorgeous quiet pools, and imo they are better than the main one.

 

[cannonboys]

We stayed at SSR for the first time in June and I will say we were nervous as we had never really heard much about it. We have stayed at mostly all of the resorts except for WL and CS and CR. In fact, we just made a trip in January and stayed at the Polynesian (favorite!) so we were like, OK we have stayed at the best and thinking this will be OK. Not the case at all! We LOVED IT!! It's funny how you don't hear much about it, and we weren't sure what to think. OMG when we got there it was GORGEOUS!!! My boys, 11 and 6 had the BEST TIME!!!! They have 2 fun pools and lots of quiet pools with a refillable station at the 2 main ones (Paddock has a great restaurant/cafe) and fun slides!! At night after we spent all day at parks, my son had to come back to the pool and watch the movie and stay there till it closed! They have fun games and activities like pool tables, ping pong, arcades etc. We stayed in the Congress Park area and yes the bus was full when it arrived, but we did go 3 weeks ago when it was busy. I think the 1st stop is Carousel area so you may want to request there. You will LOVE it!!

 

[delmar411]

No, you certainly haven't made a mistake!

The resort isn't miles big in the first place so I'm not sure who you've been talking to but they have no concept of distance! LOL

There are no lines for the buses at SSR. You just wait at a nice covered stop with benches and there is a marked spot to park the ECV so the drivers can see it when they pull up.

To alleviate some of your concerns I'd request the Grandstand section, close to the pool. That way you are at the first bus stop so your mom won't have to worry about displacing anyone and the Grandstand is pretty close to the main house with a nice walking path to get there so she won't have to go up/down any curbs.

There are multiple pools (4) at SSR, 2 main pools, 1 quiet pool w/ a playground and 1 quiet pool with a splash area for the kids.

 

[suz_cute]

I second what delmar has said. We love SSR resort, and I think you will be happy with the choice as well. Hope you have a great trip!! Relax and enjoy!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Hi, I don't think you made a mistake. Before we stayed at SSR in 2008, I had the idea that it was too huge to walk from one section to another, but I found out I was wrong. We managed it just fine. We could walk from Carousel to Springs easily. Sure it's a little hike, but definitely do-able.

I agree with those that suggested you might want to request the Grand Stand section because it is the first bus stop. The boys will be able to walk to any pool they would like. It's really not as far as you think. I think it might be more important for you to be at the Grand Stand (first bus stop) than it is to be near the main pool.

My grandson just turned ten yrs old when we stayed at SSR. While the theming is very low key, he loved it there and so did I. It was pretty. The only drawback, I felt, was that it was far from all the parks, but since you have already stayed at AKL, maybe you found the same thing there?

We stood a lot on the buses at SSR, moreso, it seemed, than the other resorts we stayed at, but bus service is hit or miss anywhere. Eveyone that goes to Disney has to expect the bus service to be one of the most dreaded aspects of the trip, lol, so once you accept that, you won't be disappointed. Don't worry about what other people think about the ECV. Your kids will have special memories of their trip with grandmom.

I would definitely not switch to a value resort. Your mom would be more comfortable at SSR and the grounds will be prettier and more tranquil for her (gotta keep mom happy, right?)

Another thing to keep in mind if you are still thinking about switching to another resort, is that at the 45 day mark when some of folks have to pay up their balances, there might be cancellations, so you might want to check back on availabilty around the 45 day mark.

I think there have been some changes to SSR since our stay in 2008, but if you'd like to read my 2008 SSR trip report (with photos), I included the link below.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1991822

Have fun!

 

[tinkerpea]

WOW

Thankyou guys so much for all the replys! and all the info,I have actually read up and done alot of looking at reviews on trip adviser It was the reviews "lots of them|" that said" DONT STAY HERE IF YOU DONT HAVE A CAR"
That scared me and has made me panick!

I actually think the place looks very pretty and I admit that Pictures never show what the true beauty is really like,nobody in my family is a golf fan lol so it worried me about the golf courts but saying that its not like the whole resort is based on golf I know that we would enjoy the 2 bed having the boys be able to grab a snack/drink and also not tip toeing around the room when they are asleep will be good.

The pools do look fab as does the splash play this was my boys fav thing about Kidani as even though we stayed at Jambo Lodge we used to go across to the Kidani for the slide opening and the games that they LOVED!

It really was the size of the place that has scared me the most like i said having to get on a bus just to get to a pool is worrying!!(this is what a few reviews said) now luckily my boys will walk as will Dh and myself "dh is Military and used to walking) so its not a huge problem plus mum will just roll along side us with all the bags "comes in very handy that basket and back of her seat"!!

I think staying at a place where the bus stop is 1st or 2nd is the best thing for us to do,
Quick question Say we was to stay where one of the main pools was how far would it be to walk to a bus stop that was 1st or 2nd on the bus route? I was wondering as my mum said today that if we wanted to be nr to a pool with a slide for the boys thenhow long a walk would it be to just walk to the next stop that would be 1st or 2nd on! this way we could solve a few issues like not having to walk to far to grab food.drink or swim and also not be last on the buses with standing room as when we took the ECV last yr when we stayed at AKL they def did tell us to go on 1st when people had qued or if it came from Kidani 1st then they would get the people to move so mum could get on and she did feel bad for that!

Thanks again for all the positive feed back its put a smile on my face