We just returned from our first DVC trip. We bought a BWV resale in May, but as BWV was already booked by then, we stayed at SSR 11/5-9. Our group of 6 ranged from 6 years old to 70 tears old.
We checked in about 11:30 and had about a 20 minute wait. Room was ready at 1:30. Used tehtime to get lunch and then groceries. There is a Winn Dixie very close which the front desk CM told me about. All CM's we encountered were very pleasant.
At check in we asked for the Springs as we wanted to be close to the main pool and Artist's Palette. We had a dedicated 2BR on the 4th floor across from the pool and busstop, with a view of a pond and fountain. Loved the unit. Plenty of room for everyone to spread out . The unit was clean,new and lovely. Lighter than the pictures show. The kids enjoyed the jacuzzi tub. We enjoyed coffee on the balcony. The outside hallways were no big deal for us. The architecture of the buildings is lovely as are the grounds. Overall we were thrilled with the unit and found SSR very relaxing.
As an aside, we are from Saratoga Springs, NY. The decor and ambience are very authentic. All around us pictures. paintiings,signs were bery familiar.
We liked Artists Palette,even preferred it to other resort counter service. I liked the sandwiches and salads rather than burgers and pizza. I recommend the roast beef and blue cheese sandwich. Service was quicker than expected and pleasant. Basic groceries, frozen food and beer and wine wereavailable. Some selection of souvenirs. Would like a larger gift shop like the other resorts.
We did not use the bus service, so can't comment. We found it very easy to drive to teh parks, was quicker than I expected.
High Rock pool was fun, spent time there daily. It was very relaxing. pleasant music.There were plenty of people there but it was not overcrowded. Liked the sizeable jacuzzi. Lifeguards had games for the kids most days. Did not do the Community Hall activities, not enough time.
Our stay was so enjoyable DH and I agreed next time we will spend a little more time just enjoying the resort and a little less time in the parks. It was that nice!
As an epilogue, after SSR we spent 3 nights at the Hard Rock Hotel. Never again. Way too loud. Loud music everywhere and unruly kids. Some very un-Disney bathing suits. lol! Resort was not as clean. Not at all relaxing. I did this part of the trip to humor DH, who loves the roller coasters at Universal. After 1 day he agreed, Disney does it so much better and from now on we only stay at Disney.
Our first DVC was truly magical, and we can't wait to return next year. Would be happy to answer any questions.
We checked in about 11:30 and had about a 20 minute wait. Room was ready at 1:30. Used tehtime to get lunch and then groceries. There is a Winn Dixie very close which the front desk CM told me about. All CM's we encountered were very pleasant.
At check in we asked for the Springs as we wanted to be close to the main pool and Artist's Palette. We had a dedicated 2BR on the 4th floor across from the pool and busstop, with a view of a pond and fountain. Loved the unit. Plenty of room for everyone to spread out . The unit was clean,new and lovely. Lighter than the pictures show. The kids enjoyed the jacuzzi tub. We enjoyed coffee on the balcony. The outside hallways were no big deal for us. The architecture of the buildings is lovely as are the grounds. Overall we were thrilled with the unit and found SSR very relaxing.
As an aside, we are from Saratoga Springs, NY. The decor and ambience are very authentic. All around us pictures. paintiings,signs were bery familiar.
We liked Artists Palette,even preferred it to other resort counter service. I liked the sandwiches and salads rather than burgers and pizza. I recommend the roast beef and blue cheese sandwich. Service was quicker than expected and pleasant. Basic groceries, frozen food and beer and wine wereavailable. Some selection of souvenirs. Would like a larger gift shop like the other resorts.
We did not use the bus service, so can't comment. We found it very easy to drive to teh parks, was quicker than I expected.
High Rock pool was fun, spent time there daily. It was very relaxing. pleasant music.There were plenty of people there but it was not overcrowded. Liked the sizeable jacuzzi. Lifeguards had games for the kids most days. Did not do the Community Hall activities, not enough time.
Our stay was so enjoyable DH and I agreed next time we will spend a little more time just enjoying the resort and a little less time in the parks. It was that nice!
As an epilogue, after SSR we spent 3 nights at the Hard Rock Hotel. Never again. Way too loud. Loud music everywhere and unruly kids. Some very un-Disney bathing suits. lol! Resort was not as clean. Not at all relaxing. I did this part of the trip to humor DH, who loves the roller coasters at Universal. After 1 day he agreed, Disney does it so much better and from now on we only stay at Disney.
Our first DVC was truly magical, and we can't wait to return next year. Would be happy to answer any questions.
