Help me pick between POR and SSR

[TW22]

I hope this is okay to ask. I have reviewed the other threads on this topic, but I was hoping to get some up-to-date input on our specific situation.

We are going to Disney World in early September and staying five nights. Two adults and two children (will be 7 and almost 2 at the time, both girls). We currently have reservations at POR in the Royal Rooms through Undercover Tourist. After reading about renting DVC points, I requested a quote. We can stay at SSR (studio) for $532 less than POR Royal Rooms. If you were in my situation, which resort would you pick? A few more details:

- This is the first Disney trip for both of our girls. We likely won't go again until our youngest is around 7 (5-6 years from now).

- My husband and I each went once as kids. I stayed at POR (was Dixie Landings then) and liked it.

- Cost isn't a huge factor in our decision, but who doesn't like saving money?

- Neither girl is particularly into princesses, although the oldest likes "fancy" things and is a Moana fan.

- We have park hoppers and will probably spend a lot of time in the parks. We plan to visit Disney Springs at least once (reservations at T-Rex).

- We had our oldest watch You Tube videos about both resorts and she liked different aspects of both.

- POR appeals to me more based on the room and access to POFQ. However, the pools at SSR seem more fun (and better for the youngest). At POR, our oldest would have her own bed rather than a pull-out couch (youngest will be in a pack-n-play either way).

If you're still reading, thank you in advance for any advice .

 

[Fall1]

Tough choice! We love SSR, the pools are amazing! The décor and quick service are great too! My kids don't love sleeping on the pull out couch in SSR though, so we've taken it off the list for now. They'd pick POR for that reason alone.

If that doesn't matter to you, but pools do, I'd pick SSR. The pools and slides are much better IMO. Also, the staff that does the pool games is so good at SSR.

ETA: You could maybe get a preferred room at POR for a bit less if your children aren't into princesses so much, you might not need the Royal Room?

 

[Miffy]

I voted for POR because the pullout couch at SSR is not wonderful. Also, if you rent DVC points, understand that your reservation is set in stone--you can't move it or change it, and if you cancel it, you won't get a refund. I really like SSR and often stay there, and it has many advantages over POR--for example, a balcony--but for your situation, I think the POR room is a much better choice.

BTW, have you checked out other resorts? It's possible that you could get a similar price to the royal rooms at POR at a different resort--through Disney, not renting points--with some kind of a discount. Perhaps you're already booked using the Sun & Fun room-only discount, but if you're not, check it out. You can access the details through the WDW website. It's also worth checking out Undercover Tourist, which often has excellent rates on WDW resort rooms, sometimes less expensive than Disney itself, even with a discount.

Wherever you stay, you'll have a great trip!

 

[Tar_Heels_Love_WDW]

This is a tough choice and frankly, I don't think you can wrong.

Have you explored renting DVC points for an Old Key West studio? The studios at Old Key West have two queen beds so that eliminates the pull-out couch issue. Additionally, the pools at Old Key West are lovely and you're a boat ride away from Disney Springs (same at Port Orleans).

 

[happily single]

I would do POR. It’s a small resort with great theming. Staying at POR you will have mousekeeping.

I have never been to SSR but have driven past, and past and past it (meaning it is a very large resort). My dd21 just spent a week there for spring break and said it was nice enough but everything was such a far walk.

 

[nkereina]

I believe the studio will be slightly larger in terms of square footage, but with the pullout sofa in the bed position, it makes the room feel more crowded IMO. Its also not comfortable, as mentioned.

The only way I'd choose SSR in this scenario would be if I were planning on spending a lot of time at Disney Springs, and was willing to pay extra for a room in Congress Park, which is the closest section to the Disney Springs walkway. The biggest benefit of SSR, IMO, is the easy walking distance to SSR if you're in the closest areas of the resort. If you don't want to pay extra for a room in that section and/or you don't plan to spend much time at Disney Springs, I'd probably choose POR. The boat to DS from POR is still a great option, just takes longer.

We also think POR has one of the best food courts on property, and quick food options at SSR can be lacking. With the size of SSR, it may also be a hassle.

 

[TW22]

Thank you all for the helpful input. It was a difficult choice, but we have decided to stick with our reservation at POR. I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond .

 

[SL6827]

I am doing both resorts here in a few days. I have stayed at POR before and it is awesome. But never at SSR.

 

[mevelandry]

I hope this is okay to ask. I have reviewed the other threads on this topic, but I was hoping to get some up-to-date input on our specific situation.

We are going to Disney World in early September and staying five nights. Two adults and two children (will be 7 and almost 2 at the time, both girls). We currently have reservations at POR in the Royal Rooms through Undercover Tourist. After reading about renting DVC points, I requested a quote. We can stay at SSR (studio) for $532 less than POR Royal Rooms. If you were in my situation, which resort would you pick? A few more details:

- This is the first Disney trip for both of our girls. We likely won't go again until our youngest is around 7 (5-6 years from now).

- My husband and I each went once as kids. I stayed at POR (was Dixie Landings then) and liked it.

- Cost isn't a huge factor in our decision, but who doesn't like saving money?

- Neither girl is particularly into princesses, although the oldest likes "fancy" things and is a Moana fan.

- We have park hoppers and will probably spend a lot of time in the parks. We plan to visit Disney Springs at least once (reservations at T-Rex).

- We had our oldest watch You Tube videos about both resorts and she liked different aspects of both.

- POR appeals to me more based on the room and access to POFQ. However, the pools at SSR seem more fun (and better for the youngest). At POR, our oldest would have her own bed rather than a pull-out couch (youngest will be in a pack-n-play either way).

If you're still reading, thank you in advance for any advice .

I would pick SSR. The Royal Room are cute but nothing to justify the extra cost.

 

[Minniesgal]

These are such similar resorts you cannot go wrong either way

 

[ncc1701]

FYI if you are at POR you can go over to use POFQ pool. It has a children's splash area your youngest could use. There is a height restriction so I don't know if your oldest could use it.

 

[Upatnoon]

My 2 cents is that POR seems a lot more crowded to me than SSR. POR has a larger food court, but it seemed a lot busier than the less-elaborate food court at SSR.

I also enjoy walking to Disney Springs from SSR -- but you may not want to do that with kids anyway.

I think part of what is going on is the population density. POR are hotel rooms while SSR is larger timeshare units. There are probably more guests packed into a smaller space at POR.

In the end, as others have said, I think you will be fine at either place. SSR just seems a little less chaotic to me.

 

[GoofyCoaster]

Thank you all for the helpful input. It was a difficult choice, but we have decided to stick with our reservation at POR. I truly appreciate you taking the time to respond .

Great choice! I think your 7yo and 2yo will love the main pool and playground at POR. The food court also has a lot of family friendly options and the resort grounds and ambience are so charming. Enjoy your trip!!