Just back from SSR first stay...

[LoveToDisney]

V-E-R-Y nice resort!! I loved the bed in the Master bedroom--so much more comfortable than Beach Club (which had a very hard mattress when we were there). We stayed in a 1 BR in Paddock, non-smoking. We were in one of the buildings next to the bus stop so it was quite convenient. Things looks farther apart on the map than in reality. It was a pretty easy stroll across the bridge and between buildings to go to the Artist's Pallette for food, supplies, etc. By mid-week, we actually looked forward to the walk because it is soooooo peaceful at night in this resort. Beautiful scenery and calming sprays in the water. I also loved the computer desk in the MBR--so much nicer than taking the kitchen area for my laptop. Regarding the bus service, we rarely had to wait more than a few minutes and only one time did we wait the full 20 minutes. Since we traveled sometimes during "odd" times, we might have been only a few on the bus and even in the evening we never got on a bus that did not have seats. The only thing I missed was that evening stroll to Epcot and back that you can do with BCV and BWV.

Now, the ONE downside was Magical Express. Our trip TO the resort was fine. However, SSR must have been the LAST stop on the way to the airport because we sat through FOUR buses that either were full or weren't "picking up" anyone. After 45 minutes beyond our reserved time, we soon had a FULL bus load of passengers waiting for ME because we had the 2:30, 2:45, 3:00 and 3:15pm waiting. The young man who had picked up our luggage for us from our villa was at Bell Services and he knew we were waiting for the 2:30 bus that had come and left (the bus driver claimed another bus would be there in 10 minutes). When he saw we were still there and getting a bit concerned to say the least, he called and a totally empty ME bus arrived to take all of us to the airport. On our way, the driver asked for flight times and which airline so he could decide whether to stop at "A" or "B" side first.

My suggestion....
PLEASE don't take an earlier ME bus than what you have reserved from any of the resorts!! When you do that you may be taking another families' spot on another stop! If you are concerned about having plenty of time at the airport (especially if you have to check bags), just tell the reservationist that although 2:30 is 3 hours ahead of your flight, you would prefer to be picked up at 2pm. While ME is free, we pretty much put up with what you get, but when Disney starts charging next January, Disney is going to have to keep tighter control of who gets on what bus so paying customers don't get frustrated by full buses and reservation times that are not honored.

 

[sajetto]

Sorry to hear about the bus situation, but I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the resort. Maybe things are looking up after all!

 

[disneylady]

Very nice review, especially since we're SSR owners and have never seen the place. Now, one thing you said did bother me or bring a ? to my mind. Am I to understand that ME is going to charge starting in January of next year? If that is the case, how will that work?

 

[LoveToDisney]

.....Now, one thing you said did bother me or bring a ? to my mind. Am I to understand that ME is going to charge starting in January of next year? If that is the case, how will that work?

Disney always likes to make money, so when they said that ME would be free through the end of 2006, I ASSUMED they would charge from then on. They have already invested millions into these buses so it wouldn't make sense to stop providing the service. During the free time, many of us had the opportunity to see what it was like (and get hooked on not having "bags" to worry about). So it makes sense to offer it as an option for those who stay at Disney hotels, and probably free to those who book a package. I'm guessing we would book it much like we do now, but pay for it. I'm guessing it would be slightly more than the Meers transportation that used to be the primary way for the masses to get to Disney who didn't drive and take taxi/towncar, etc.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thanks for the report!!

We really enjoy walking around SSR at night too!!

Glad you had a great time and I agree with you on the beds! No Contest!

 

[lts862]

So glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at SSR. We love it there, too! the king in the master bedroom is very comfortable. I totally agree!

 

[cobbler]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip in the Paddocks. I haven't stayed in that section but I always wondered.

Now for ME, thanks for the insight. I haven't used it yet but will for the first time in October.

 

[conciergekelly]

Thanks for the info on ME. We used it in January and had no problem. It was slow season so the busses weren't full. Great report. Glad you enjoyed your trip.