Overall, I think the resort is gorgeous...and I can't wait to get there! It seems much larger than I expected. A few questions and comments below:
High Rock Springs Pool Area
Looks lovely...can't wait for the landscaping to fill out a little. The slide is neat...fine for my younger kids...I can see where older kids might be disappointed in it compared the BCV and BWV. Chaises and chairs around the pools look to be good quality and comfortable (no straps!). I'm excited to see that! I hope umbrellas appear at the tables...could be really hot in June without a little shade. Are the big white contraptions on the tall black polls around the pool(s) some kind of speaker system? I wonder if little kids will be allowed to use the smaller special access water slide? The On the Rocks pool bar will be frequented by us!
Transportation
The bus stop is nice...what I expect from WDW. I think the boat to DTD looks small and I cannot imagine how a schedule of once per hour during the day will be enough to handle the load. Personally, I expected service every 20 minutes like the buses. Maybe I'm wrong about the number of people who will use it. If DVC sold the restaurants at DTD as part of the "amenity" package of SSR so they don't have to put a table service restaurant on site, there should be easy, frequent access. If not, I honestly don't see myself going there to shop and eat as often as I thought I would if I have to plan my schedule around when the boat will be there. I assume (uh oh) there is also a bus from DTD to SSR, though.
Building Exterior
Beautifully designed. Love the colors and the trim. Looks like nice views from basically every unit! (What's up with the square gray building on the map...laundry/garbage building? Looks like no units will have a view of it depending on the foliage). The street lamps are a nice touch. The exterior hallways are a bit of a disappointment...but I saw that coming. Too bad they couldn't jazz up the concrete floor a little. That's the only part of the building that makes you feel like you're in a renovated HoJos. Can't wait to see how the parking areas are set up.
Grounds
Lovely landscaping...and it looks like they are not done yet. I saw several trees/bushes still in containers. The playground is COOL! Very impressive with the colors and creativity used in the design. The BBQ area is well done (how nice to have it near the playground). Does anyone know if the BBQs are able to be reserved?
Villas
We've seen the models and I love the decor. Someone mentioned that the actual SSR units look even better! Can't wait to check into ours in June. I will say that I'm less than impressed with the Grand Villas. For the points, I expected a much bigger WOW factor. Maybe it's just the pictures, but the dining area is dark like a cave! From what I understand, the kitchen isn't open to the great room...which doesn't make sense to me. The great room window is beautiful...but the room itself seems small (maybe it's just the angle of the photo). I can't see spending twice the points compared to OKW! (Rich, I can see your smile now.)
Artist's Palette
Beautiful! The lighting and decor is gorgeous. Looks like plenty of seating and lots of great merchandise (I see myself coming home with one of those giant white Mickey bowls). I do think it will be a very LOUD space. Not much to absorb the sound in there. I am impressed already, and I can't wait to see all of the great food offerings (I know we won't be disappointed). Looking forward to menus and pricing posts in the next few weeks. I'm betting the spacious lounge area just outside of the restaurant will be well received and often used.
Other Amenities
Thumbs up for the arcade! Does anyone know where it is located? The community hall is a great space...what a wonderful idea for the kids. Are there PCs available like at OKW? We're thrilled to hear about the Turf Club...and impressed by the gorgeous furnishings. AllEarsNet.com shows a second lounge area (very nice) and a huge patio covered with an awning. Anyone know where these are located?
High Rock Springs Pool Area
Looks lovely...can't wait for the landscaping to fill out a little. The slide is neat...fine for my younger kids...I can see where older kids might be disappointed in it compared the BCV and BWV. Chaises and chairs around the pools look to be good quality and comfortable (no straps!). I'm excited to see that! I hope umbrellas appear at the tables...could be really hot in June without a little shade. Are the big white contraptions on the tall black polls around the pool(s) some kind of speaker system? I wonder if little kids will be allowed to use the smaller special access water slide? The On the Rocks pool bar will be frequented by us!
Transportation
The bus stop is nice...what I expect from WDW. I think the boat to DTD looks small and I cannot imagine how a schedule of once per hour during the day will be enough to handle the load. Personally, I expected service every 20 minutes like the buses. Maybe I'm wrong about the number of people who will use it. If DVC sold the restaurants at DTD as part of the "amenity" package of SSR so they don't have to put a table service restaurant on site, there should be easy, frequent access. If not, I honestly don't see myself going there to shop and eat as often as I thought I would if I have to plan my schedule around when the boat will be there. I assume (uh oh) there is also a bus from DTD to SSR, though.
Building Exterior
Beautifully designed. Love the colors and the trim. Looks like nice views from basically every unit! (What's up with the square gray building on the map...laundry/garbage building? Looks like no units will have a view of it depending on the foliage). The street lamps are a nice touch. The exterior hallways are a bit of a disappointment...but I saw that coming. Too bad they couldn't jazz up the concrete floor a little. That's the only part of the building that makes you feel like you're in a renovated HoJos. Can't wait to see how the parking areas are set up.
Grounds
Lovely landscaping...and it looks like they are not done yet. I saw several trees/bushes still in containers. The playground is COOL! Very impressive with the colors and creativity used in the design. The BBQ area is well done (how nice to have it near the playground). Does anyone know if the BBQs are able to be reserved?
Villas
We've seen the models and I love the decor. Someone mentioned that the actual SSR units look even better! Can't wait to check into ours in June. I will say that I'm less than impressed with the Grand Villas. For the points, I expected a much bigger WOW factor. Maybe it's just the pictures, but the dining area is dark like a cave! From what I understand, the kitchen isn't open to the great room...which doesn't make sense to me. The great room window is beautiful...but the room itself seems small (maybe it's just the angle of the photo). I can't see spending twice the points compared to OKW! (Rich, I can see your smile now.)
Artist's Palette
Beautiful! The lighting and decor is gorgeous. Looks like plenty of seating and lots of great merchandise (I see myself coming home with one of those giant white Mickey bowls). I do think it will be a very LOUD space. Not much to absorb the sound in there. I am impressed already, and I can't wait to see all of the great food offerings (I know we won't be disappointed). Looking forward to menus and pricing posts in the next few weeks. I'm betting the spacious lounge area just outside of the restaurant will be well received and often used.
Other Amenities
Thumbs up for the arcade! Does anyone know where it is located? The community hall is a great space...what a wonderful idea for the kids. Are there PCs available like at OKW? We're thrilled to hear about the Turf Club...and impressed by the gorgeous furnishings. AllEarsNet.com shows a second lounge area (very nice) and a huge patio covered with an awning. Anyone know where these are located?
