Here now at SSR *Moved on to BLT*

[kaffinito]

We're here now at SSR, checked in Wednesday morning. They were going to grant my location request, but due to exhaustion (we came down on the AutoTrain) I had to ask for any available unit so I could take a nap.

We ended up on the back end of Carousel, the furthest you can get from the bus stop in a nice 2 bedroom lockoff. This is our first official DVC stay, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but here is the good, the bad and the "mehh"

The good: A very nice, large unit. I like the color scheme and the jacuzzi tub is heaven after a day at the parks. Oldest DS has his own room, and that has been really pleasant for all of us. Youngest DS has the sofa bed, and so he's happy too. CM's are pleasant and helpful too. Artists Palette is a good CS place, and I don't think we'll have too much trouble there. The lines can be long, but they move fast.

The bad: The unit does have some cosmetic problems. One of the outlets doesn't work and the cover on the jacuzzi is sticking out, and the fridge is nicked up. Other than that - the unit is in good shape. The main problem is the distance from here to everything. The bus is a long way away, and I do mean loonngg, and the main pool is a car ride away. We can't walk there, though we could if we had an extra 1/2 hour and wanted to get back hot and sweaty so we'll be driving.

The "Mehh" The place is huge, and for someone who likes a ton of landscaping it's kind of "mehh". Since we haven't moved on to BLT yet, I'll have to reserve judgment on whether or not I like SSR. I don't dislike it, but I am dying to check out BLT.

Fire away with any questions and I'll do my best to answer them.

 

[kaffinito]

I have more "goods" to post. Since we are so far off of the beaten path (our patio overlooks the guard station) it's super quiet here. I like the quiet. We keep the connecting room door closed in our two bedroom so DS can have his privacy, and it's working out great.

I also like the fact that you have open hallways here, instead of them being enclosed like at BCV. Our room is really close to the parking lot, and that's a big bonus for me.

DSIL and family had a one bedroom at BCV, and the space seemed a lot smaller than the space at SSR. It was a lot noisier there too.

After staying in a one bedroom, I'm going to have a hard time staying in a one bedroom or smaller!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Oops!

 

[LIFERBABE]

wish I was there!! Thank you for sharing. We love SSR but have yet to stay in the Carousel section. It has the least amount of buildings of all the sections and double paned glass on all SSR villas does make for some quiet spaces.
We really enjoy the landscaping at SSR. One of our favorite things to do is walk the grounds. I call SSR my "stop n smell the
roses" resort. Really love it there.
Community Hall offers lots of activities and today is the Welcome Home Pool Party!! Can you tell I wish I was there? )

 

[kikiq]

I agree with your 1 bedroom comment. We're in a BWV 1 bedroom and it's so nice to have the full kitchen and room.

Staying at SSR and staying at BLT I think will be two polar opposite experiences. We love SSR, the openness and yes the whole spread out feel of the resort...but that's us. We really want to try BLT for the views and I don't think you can compare the two. We are not park commandos, so hanging out in the villa/resort is standard for us. I can see myself sitting next to the window just enjoying the lake or the MK view.

When do you move to BLT?

 

[Sammie]

The Carousel only has two buildings and the bus stop is really not that far away, you are going to the right bus stop?

Of course I guess long is relative, we walk alot and did not find anything at SSR that far.

Just wanted to make sure you were going to the Carousel bus stop.

 

[kaffinito]

I agree with your 1 bedroom comment. We're in a BWV 1 bedroom and it's so nice to have the full kitchen and room.

Staying at SSR and staying at BLT I think will be two polar opposite experiences. We love SSR, the openness and yes the whole spread out feel of the resort...but that's us. We really want to try BLT for the views and I don't think you can compare the two. We are not park commandos, so hanging out in the villa/resort is standard for us. I can see myself sitting next to the window just enjoying the lake or the MK view.

When do you move to BLT?

We like the the relaxing atmosphere here as well. It's nice not to have to run to the parks all the time, and having the two bedroom is a bonus for the space. We went to the Grandstands quiet pool today and just loved it.

We move to BLT on Tuesday the 1st. I know they are going to be radically different, but I'm still excited to see what BLT is like compared to SSR. So far I'm enjoying being a DVC member!

The Carousel only has two buildings and the bus stop is really not that far away, you are going to the right bus stop?

Of course I guess long is relative, we walk alot and did not find anything at SSR that far.

Just wanted to make sure you were going to the Carousel bus stop.

Yep, it's the Carousel bus stop. We are at the far end of the last Carousel building facing the road and the guard shack. We take the sidewalk past our building, the next building, and then just past the third building is the bus stop. It's a very long walk when it's late at night or very hot out in the afternoon.

Thank you for checking to make sure - I am known for getting turned around sometimes!

 

[kaffinito]

wish I was there!! Thank you for sharing. We love SSR but have yet to stay in the Carousel section. It has the least amount of buildings of all the sections and double paned glass on all SSR villas does make for some quiet spaces.
We really enjoy the landscaping at SSR. One of our favorite things to do is walk the grounds. I call SSR my "stop n smell the
roses" resort. Really love it there.
Community Hall offers lots of activities and today is the Welcome Home Pool Party!! Can you tell I wish I was there? )

Where are the roses? I have seen some flowering trees, but no roses so far. I love roses!

 

[Sammie]

We like the the relaxing atmosphere here as well. It's nice not to have to run to the parks all the time, and having the two bedroom is a bonus for the space. We went to the Grandstands quiet pool today and just loved it.

We move to BLT on Tuesday the 1st. I know they are going to be radically different, but I'm still excited to see what BLT is like compared to SSR. So far I'm enjoying being a DVC member!



Yep, it's the Carousel bus stop. We are at the far end of the last Carousel building facing the road and the guard shack. We take the sidewalk past our building, the next building, and then just past the third building is the bus stop. It's a very long walk when it's late at night or very hot out in the afternoon.

Thank you for checking to make sure - I am known for getting turned around sometimes!

Just wanted to make sure, actually there are only 2 Carousel buildings, the 7100 and the 7500, they are in a U shape but its only two. And Yes late at night and in the heat, the distance is always longer.

 

[kaffinito]

I've gone from an SSR "disliker" to an SSR "liker." I like the quiet, the hallways, the pools, the Turf Club, and just everything. It's a really nice place to spend a laid back vacation. When DH comes on his next WDW trip (he's already asking when he can come back ) I'm going to bring him here. It's the perfect place for him I think.

Looking forward to checking into BLT tomorrow though - after all, it is my "home" resort. I hope I enjoy the next three days as much as I enjoyed the first six!

Just wanted to make sure, actually there are only 2 Carousel buildings, the 7100 and the 7500, they are in a U shape but its only two. And Yes late at night and in the heat, the distance is always longer.

Thanks - I appreciate it! I did find that if you walk in the front of the buildings instead of around the back through the parking lot it seems like a shorter walk. It's also a lot more scenic!

 

[kaffinito]

Here at BLT now. Check in was super fast and we got a room on the third floor as I requested. We have a nice view of Bay Lake and are at the pool right now. The one bedroom living area seems larger than at Ssr and it is laid out well. I like the kitchen better

The master bedroom area is smaller than at Ssr, but I like the decor better. Now I don't feel like I'm at my moms house!

I hate the Sky Bridge though. I have a height phobia and that bridge is freaking me out!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Here at BLT now. Check in was super fast and we got a room on the third floor as I requested. We have a nice view of Bay Lake and are at the pool right now. The one bedroom living area seems larger than at Ssr and it is laid out well. I like the kitchen better

The master bedroom area is smaller than at Ssr, but I like the decor better. Now I don't feel like I'm at my moms house!

I hate the Sky Bridge though. I have a height phobia and that bridge is freaking me out!

Loving your report!! Have a great time at BLT!

Did you book a Standard view or Bay Lake View? I love the layout of the BLT 1 bedrooms. That is why we added on there.

 

[Coach81]

SSR is our home resort, and we truly feel like it is our "home". We love it.. and I'm glad we'll be able to stay there for many years to come! We love the space.. the colors, the springs.. all of it.

Hope you have a great trip!!!

 

[BlakeNJ]

Sounds like you are enjoying two great resorts! I was happy to read some of your opinions of SSR changed and you were over all happy. It is a large resort, but in turn, that can offer some nice quiet space after a long day at the parks. At least now you'll know where you would like to stay as far as distance to and from a particular area.

Turf Club has a great menu. We loved our meal there. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

I think BLT is the complete opposite of SSR--at least it seems that way in all things noted.

I love trendy hotels (W, Westin) but the style of my home is more along the lines of SSR--I think I'll enjoy both like you!

Have a great trip!

 

[kaffinito]

Loving your report!! Have a great time at BLT!

Did you book a Standard view or Bay Lake View? I love the layout of the BLT 1 bedrooms. That is why we added on there.

Thank you!

We booked a Bay Lake view and have a great view of the Marina. I liked the layout from the models, and loved the looks of the rooms from the photos. It's even nicer when you are here in person - the rooms are relly laid out nicely and I love the color scheme/decorating. I really picked the best DVC for us!

I like the pool at BLT better than SSR as well. It's not crowded at all, and the pool slide is nice and long. I think I like it even better than AKL's pool.

SSR was a lot more quiet though! I must say I miss the quiet there. If we do a split stay I'll stay here first and then go to a quieter place for the end of the trip.

SSR is our home resort, and we truly feel like it is our "home". We love it.. and I'm glad we'll be able to stay there for many years to come! We love the space.. the colors, the springs.. all of it.

Hope you have a great trip!!!

Thank you! I liked it there too.

 

[LIFERBABE]

SSR was a lot more quiet though! I must say I miss the quiet there. If we do a split stay I'll stay here first and then go to a quieter place for the end of the trip.

That's normally what we do also. I love BCV and we all love SSR. We stay at BCV and do all our running around first then end our stay at SSR to relax and enjoy the resort more.

We always end at SSR or else we miss it terribly.

Are the rooms quiet? Can you hear your neighbors or hallway noise?

 

[kaffinito]

No hallway noise yet, and I'm not sure about the neighbors yet either. The Marina is kind of noisy, and the lobby of BLT kind of echos. I'll let you know what the noise level is tomorrow afternoon.

So far we have played shuffleboard and swam in the pool, and tonight they have a movie in the BLT courtyard.

 

[DenLo]

Here at BLT now. Check in was super fast and we got a room on the third floor as I requested. We have a nice view of Bay Lake and are at the pool right now. The one bedroom living area seems larger than at Ssr and it is laid out well. I like the kitchen better

The master bedroom area is smaller than at Ssr, but I like the decor better. Now I don't feel like I'm at my moms house!

I hate the Sky Bridge though. I have a height phobia and that bridge is freaking me out!

Welcome Home! about your comment about not feeling like you're at your mom's house. That's how we feel about the decor in several of the DVC resorts. Of course BLT is pretty over the top in it's own way too, but isn't that part of the Disney Magic?

Sorry to hear that the bridge triggers your phobia about heights. I believe there is a sidewalk on groundlevel. But you'll probably have to enter CR at the CR pool entrance (middle of the building).

Are you planning on checking out TOTW lounge? Or is that too high up? Please post photos, always love to see the views.

 

[Sammie]

I've gone from an SSR "disliker" to an SSR "liker." I like the quiet, the hallways, the pools, the Turf Club, and just everything. It's a really nice place to spend a laid back vacation. When DH comes on his next WDW trip (he's already asking when he can come back ) I'm going to bring him here. It's the perfect place for him I think.

Looking forward to checking into BLT tomorrow though - after all, it is my "home" resort. I hope I enjoy the next three days as much as I enjoyed the first six!



Thanks - I appreciate it! I did find that if you walk in the front of the buildings instead of around the back through the parking lot it seems like a shorter walk. It's also a lot more scenic!

Yes that walk should be shorter and definitely more scenic, I love the gazebo with the carousel horses in it.

 

[kaffinito]

I'll have to download pics and post tomorrow. I take a lot of night shots ("cause that's my fave) so sorry that most of them are at night. But at least you get to see the views and the pretty lights at BLT and SSR!

I haven't been to to TOTW, I found out that while the elevators are enclosed, there is an open walkway at the top that you have to be out on before entering the lounge. I don't know If I can do it, but I will try tomorrow. In the meantime I'm going to keep going across that darned Sky Bridge until I can do it without getting upset. Stupid phobia. I did find the sidewalk, so that helped out a few times already. (Thanks DenLo!)

LIFERBABE, I didn't hear any noise tonight from the other rooms either next to us, above us or below us, and am pretty sure that my kids are the loudest on my floor. So to answer your question, the rooms are very quiet.

BlakeNJ, I will say that a bonus to staying here is watching the ELP from the hot tub at the BLT pool. Now that was a nice treat! I did like SSR and do like BLT, but I can see what type of vacation fits which style of resort a lot better now. I will end up back at SSR and BLT on other trips, and am also looking forward to trying out OKW. Have you stayed there yet?