Just back from SSR

[Coloradomom]

We returned home last night after a great trip. Arrived at SSR at 6:30 AM on ME after our Red eye. Here are our observations:

1. We were able to get into a room right away (our only request was for medically needed Nonsmoking) so our studio was 5832 in the Paddocks. It was an excellent location.Our 4th floor balcony overlooked the quiet pool and bus stop.

2. Our studio was spotless (which I expect) and in great condition.

3. We used Garden Grocer and our groceries were delivered to our room a couple of hour after we arrived....all in good order. Very impressed.

4.We did not think SSR was large at all, we really enjoyed the walk over the bridge to the main pool/Artist's Palette.

5. We all liked the main pool especially DD age 16. Really liked that there are two hot tubs and we could actually get in and use them! (we used to stay at POR which we love,but really did not like the small hot tub which seemed to be monopolized by the same people every night) Also liked having pop refiulls right there!

6.We had fun with the pool games on Sunday...DD won the trivia contest! Prize: a free bike rental coupon.

7.Artist's Palette was fine.Would have liked a little more choice but hey, we really do not need burgers and fries all the time anyway. We ate breakfast here our first morning since our groceries were not delivered and one evening when we were too tired to cook.

8.DH made one dinner in our studio...tacos which worked well because the ground beef could be microwaved. Yummy.

9. We tried to eat at Turf Club our first night but could not get a seat.We will look forward to the size being expanded because it is waaay too small right now.We did eat there on Wednesday night however and it was very good.DD really liked the key lime soda.

10. We liked the peaceful spread out atmosphere. Everyone was very friendly and we did feel at home.

11. Bus service was fine.Longest wait was for a bus back from DTD on Tuesday night but it seems no matter where we stay we have a long wait back from DTD.From now on we will walk.

All in all, a great time,and we cannnot wait to go back in October! Questions anyone?

 

[elijahpep]

GREAT REPORT So wonderful to hear you had such a great time! WOW to your DD for winning the bike ride!

Kudos to DH for the Taco meal, impressive!

Till next time, Welcome Home~ If you're like us you're ready to go again!

~DW

 

[sajetto]

I wanna go home

 

[cgcw]

We also returned last night from SSR. We enjoyed it a lot.

Some of the unexpected things we saw were the turtles floating in the ponds during the day and the frogs which came out at night. Both my boys thought that was SO cool.

We also used gardengrocer.com without any problems. We will definately use them again!

While the pool temperature was cool to me, my kids never complained about it being cold.

I would love to see Artists Palette open earlier than 7:30. From the look of the early morning crowd, I would bet I'm not alone. Trying to get in there for a quick cup of coffee and make an 8 a.m. park opening is just not feasible for us.


Ironically, we'll be back there in October too. Looks like we are on the same vacation timeslots!

Thanks for the recap!

 

[corinnak]

Coloradomom, Thanks for the great report. What is that bridge across the pond like?

CGCW, I didn't know about the turtles and frogs - do you think that Disney stocked those ponds or they just attracted a lot of volunteers? Either way, that's pretty fun.

ETA - I haven't been "home" yet, and am planning our first trip for OKW, but these posts are making me yearn for SSR!

 

[Coloradomom]

Corrinak: the bridge is a walking bridge,not swinging, and just makes it a nicer walk.

CGCWur school district gets a fall break the last week in Oct so we always go then, this was our first time during spring break. Didn't notice the frogs, but that might be because our son (now in college) was not with us...he sure would have!

 

[Pembo]

We just returned from our first stay at SSR yesterday. We rented points for a studio. We were also in the Paddocks, 6332. I felt that the resort was very large. We were in between bus stops and had to walk around the lake or down to the bridge to get to the main area.

The pool was definitely cool. It was warm for an Ohio pool but not what I expect at WDW. (We walked thru the Swan and noticed that the pool was much warmer). We loved the pool area and the slide was great. I also liked the hottubs.

Artist Palette choices for dinner were minimal but I'm used to the food court at POR. We did enjoy a great hot breakfast on our last day.

We thought we saw the Loch Ness Monster in the lake, maybe it was a turtle?! I was thinking a swimming snake.

Overall I liked SSR. We did the Carriage Ride one evening and it was quite enjoyable as well.

 

[shantay1008]

Thank you so much for the great report! Glad you had such a good time and that everything went so smoothly. We loved our stay there in Feb. and can't wait to go back.
Shannon

 

[abk96]

Thank you for the great report. I'm glad you had a great trip.

We're going home for the first time this Sept. I can't wait. My daughters are going to flip when they see turtles. They love turtles.

 

[byoung]

Congrats on a great trip.

 

[uicbear]

Add another..."I can't wait until October" to the mix. We'll be heading home at that time too and it's just taking toooooo long.

Oh, btw, does anyone know what they are charging for the carriage rides?

 

[elijahpep]

Carriage rides are $35 for a 25 minute ride for 4 adults or 2 adults + 3 children.

clippity clop ... clippity clop.... ahhh, to see and hear the beautiful carriage rides at SSR


~ DW

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

Very good trip report!

Thanks for sharing. I'm a bit homesick now also.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Thanks for the reports! We booked a last minute trip for later this month and it'll be our first time "home" to SSR! I'm even more excited after reading these posts. I requested the paddocks area and I'm glad I did after hearing several really good reviews.

 

[conciergekelly]

So glad you had a nice stay at SSR. thanks for the report!

elijah and pembo, when did you make your reservations for the carriage ride. Did you call ahead? if so how long in advance? thanks.
ETA I booked one for the 15th of April for our 17th Annivesary! Thanks anyway

 

[elijahpep]

Hey Kelly~ didn't actually ride, just loved seeing the carriage going along with all the smiling people enjoying themselves. It just adds SOOO much to the atmosphere of SSR. There was a paper that came with the welcome packet. The number listed for ressies for the ride on it is 407-824-2832. Happy anniversary BTW! Hope you have a magical time!!!!!!!!!

~DW

 

[cobbler]

Great report. I can't wait to go home again in October.

 

[Pembo]

We made our ressie for the carriage ride only 48 hours ahead. Our driver told us that they are just "catching on" over at SSR. I don't think they are too busy yet.

 

[cgcw]

CGCW, I didn't know about the turtles and frogs - do you think that Disney stocked those ponds or they just attracted a lot of volunteers? Either way, that's pretty fun.

I don't know whether they are stocked or native. We've seen the same kind of soft shelled turtles at BCV.

The frogs were all over the sidewalks at night. At first, I didn't pay any attention as they must be very use to seeing people walk around. Then one jumped and low & behold, there were many around. I did notice that the water level in the pond was low, maybe that's why they were coming out to visit the "guests" at night. My kids were able to catch them before they went back to whatever they were doing. It was neat and an unexpected stop along our walks! We stayed in the Springs.

 

[gammieatwdw]

Glad you had such a great trip at SSR. I love hearing those great reviews about our "home". Our first trip "home" is at BCV in May. Your report has me counting the days.