Luckymommyx2
Wishing you a magical day
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2002
- Messages
- 10,770
I finally took a trip "home" to SSR, even though we've been members for about 1 1/2yrs. We were only there from Tuesday April 25th to Thursday April 27th, but it was long enough to form a lasting impression.
Here's my trip report...
We met up with ME at 9:10am and walked right onto the bus. We've never had a problem with ME and, once again, there were only a few of us. Luckily we were the first off and made our way to check-in. Pari gave us a warm welcome home which immediately puts me into the magic. Since we're so early I'm not counting on a room being ready but I ask anyway. Pari checked her computer and gave me several options while she pulled out the map. She even gave me another option if I was willing to wait until 4pm--not this time since we're only here for two days. Both rooms had their drawbacks. The first was in the Paddock section, which is where I had originally requested, but it was not a water view. The second was in the next section down but had a water view. I chose the first just because it was so close to the quiet pool and two bus stops. Now, just to find the room! We only had carry-ons so there was no waiting for luggage, but about half-way to our room we thought it was odd that such a big resort didn't have those golf carts to drive you over with your luggage. No big deal--it's beautiful out, again we only have rolling carry-ons and this gives us an opportunity to soak it all in.
After the walk across the bridge and the swan siting, we come to our building. Now maybe it the fact that we had been up since 4am and we were deliriously happy to be "home" but we couldn't figure out how to get in the building!! LOL! We approached the front, facing the water, and when I walked up the path I found myself staring at someone's patio! Okay, I meant to do that...um-hum. After walking 3/4 of the way around, I hear someone call my name from the top floor. It was Dh...when did I lose him?! He gives me directions and I make my way to the 4th floor. He's lost some magic on the way but I told him not let that get to him...he's tired. He said something about a bunch of cords laying in a puddle of water outside our room and doesn't have a good feeling about this. As I turn the corner all of the cords are gone but the puddle remains. A mousekeeper comes around the corner with her skweegie(?) and clears a path. See, all is well after all.
As we enter the room I take pictures, and more pictures, trying to leave nothing out. We're in a studio just because it's such a short trip and we want to leave some points for next year. I love the decor with the dark wood and the muted wall colors. I think to myself that I am really "home!"
The last test is the balcony and view. Pari just told me that it was a garden view and I'm all about the landscaping so far. As I pull back the curtains....
construction!!! Oh no, it has followed us again. (We stayed at the CR on our last trip and it was so bad that they moved us but that's another story.)
It's okay I tell DH. We're only here for two days and we're still closer to the quiet pool and two bus stops. We settle in and decide we're going to walk to DTD for lunch at the RFC. The kids love RFC and I am craving the coconut shrimp right now.
At this point we knew we had lots of options to get us to DTD and for our first trip we opted for the boat. Again, we walk back towards the Carriage House, pass the spring rocks pool, through the Artist Palate and out the door to the boat launch. It's peaceful listening to the water lap against the stone edge but I'm getting a little nervous that the boat has forgot about us. Luckily another couple show up so at least there are two groups of us that at least think the boat is running! After about 15 minutes it shows and we're off. It's great to see Congress Park and I understand why it is requested so much but I'm still happy with the Paddocks location. After stuffing ourselves it's time to head back. We find out that the boat is leaving every hour or half hour but it doesn't matter because we just missed it. Time to roll ourselves back to the room. I didn't time it but I would say it was a 10-15 minute walk back to our room. I enjoyed it just because I got the chance to really experience the rest of the resort by walking through the different sections and taking in all of the landscaping and water.
Next, we need to relax and get off of our feet. Time for a little sun at the quiet pool. DH laughed and said he felt out of place because all six people there had a book and was laying out! The kids get a review of what I expect at the quiet pool and I'm confident that they understand. All is going well for the first hour then a boy about 7 or 8 comes in with his mom. The mom choses to ignore him as he goes around splashing everyone, including the two ladies sitting on the steps reading. Ah, isn't he cute?! Maybe I should give him the talk that I had with my kids?! Well, at this point I ask the kids if they wanted to check out the playground as we head back to the room. They agreed, did a test run and said it was okay. I think it was just a little bit young for them.
Later on in the afternoon we decided to head to MK to check out crowds and maybe get on a few rides. This was the only (slightly) negative part of my report. It seemed to take forever for the buses! I have read negative things about SSR buses before but went into it with an open mind. The only thing that I question about my negativity is that this is the first time in almost three years where we've stayed at a resort that we've had to rely solely on buses to get us to the parks. Maybe my expectations were high or it was the time of day. It happened every trip to and from the parks. I think the shortest wait was 15minutes, but you decide. I guess I should mention that we kept hearing about an internal bus but we never saw one. On our last day we had a long talk with one of the CM's and she said that the internal bus was the DTD bus! Even CBR had a bus that just looped around the property and didn't go anywhere else. I don't want to get on at the Paddocks and head to DTD before the Carriage House. Weird but at least I know that I'll be walking within the resort. Also, I feel compelled to mention about our trip back from the MK. We waited about 20 minutes and our bus pulls up. They are switching bus drivers and ask me to wait before getting on. The new driver is giving his inspection of the bus and finds a flap on the side of the bus won't stay shut. He gets physical with it before he gives up and walks to the kiosk which must be a check-in sort of place for the drivers. He walks back--not too happy and lets us board. Meanwhile, the previous busdriver and the new busdriver have a few words. Hum... Our driver comes on and in a very unDisneylike way complains about how "they" know it needs fixed but he's just supposed to drive it and something else doesn't work but he's just supposed to drive it....and he goes on. At this point there are a few of us trying not to chuckle but this guy is funny when he's mad. Back to the resort. We stop off at our room before heading back to DTD for the Earl of Sandwhich. With the bus situation the way it was we decided we were not going to take it. We walked, no big deal. After another round of stuffing ourselves we found that we were not too late for the boat. Ah, to sit and enjoy the ride. Back to the room because we're going to be up early so we're at the AK in time for the rope drop!
Our second day consisted of heading straight to the AK for E:E. Let's just say it didn't disappoint. Heads up...we opted for the path through Dinoland and as we saw everyone coming behind the rope the other way, we turned it up to a jog so we could get our fastpasses before we boarded the first train. We beat everyone behind the rope and if you're a fast walker, or jogger you may want to try it. They didn't have the que area for E:E roped off well and we, along with more than a few others, ended up missing a turn and had to backtrack. We still ended up on the second or third train. There was no wait for us. After that twice and a few other rides, we had a relaxing lunch at Flame Tree. Again, back to the resort.
On the way back to the resort I decided to give DH some much needed rest and took the kids to the Rock Springs pool myself. For mid-afternoon, I thought it was fine. As the kids went down the slide again and again, I got a rough count of 40 people. Sounds like a lot but there was plenty of swimming space for everyone. About an hour of cooling off in the pool we were ready to head back to the room. A quick stop at the pool bar for some slushy drinks for everyone to enjoy on the way back to the room and we're off.
That evening we head to EPCOT because the kids desperately want henna tatoos. I love EPCOT during the flower and garden festival. The crowds were not bad but slightly more than I expected. Luckily we didn't make those ADR's and opted for a quiet dinner at the Turf Club. When we arrive we find it completely empty. I ordered an outstanding salmon blt and a glass of wine. I am in heavan as I enjoy the surroundings...quiet and beautiful views. This is what vacation is supposed to be. Before heading back to the room, I remind DH that we need more milk for our cereal in the morning. We stop in the Artist Palate and find dessert...key lime pie! The kids pick up their pins for this vacation and a souvenier. The CM at checkout is very personable and quick. Again, we're heading back to our room. It's dark out now so we're getting different opportunity to enjoy the resort with everything lit up. Then, just as we are going to cross the bridge, I spot it... the carriage ride! I snap some pictures before the horse and carriage slowly clip-clops past us. We are definitely going to book that the next time. Okay, I have not enjoyed a DVC stay like this in a long time. Not only do I like this resort...I'm proud to own here. We will be back.
Our final morning and the ME bus will be picking us up at 11:30. That gives us time to pack everything up and eat. I guess we should have picked up more milk than what we originally purchased. On a whim we decide to throw on our swimsuits and soak in the hot tub before getting that milk. It was about 8am and we decided we head to the Spring Rock pool's hot tub. It was not really "hot" but it was so relaxing that I couldn't even put it into words. The kids and I have this "thing" where we make a memory. Sort of a picture of time that we want to keep with us. That morning we were so relaxed, the sky was this incredible blue with the sun just peaking around one of the buildings and no one was around to disrupt our magic. For a moment I considered testing what would happen if I decided that we wouldn't leave, ever! I guess I'll wait until we have a one or two bedroom.
Before I knew it I was cleaning up from breakfast and making sure that we didn't forget anything. It was time to say good-bye to our room. I really didn't want to leave but it was time to make that trip back across the bridge to the Carriage House. The swan was waiting for us and swam beside us the entire way across the pond like he was escorting us back to our "reality" home. How magical is that?!
ME was right on time but extremely full this time. We were the last stop so at least it was a little quicker and less painful to say good-bye.
Okay, this is the longest trip report I've ever written. Thanks to you that stood by and read through my ramblings. Overall, I love my "home" and I'm very proud to own here. We got to speak with several outstanding CM's that seemed very proud of working here and seemed to love talking about the finishing touches. I am really torn about our next trip. We were going to try out the BCV's but after this stay, I'm not sure I'm ready to try out any other resort for awhile. If anyone has question, please feel free to ask. Sorry it was so long!!
Here's my trip report...
We met up with ME at 9:10am and walked right onto the bus. We've never had a problem with ME and, once again, there were only a few of us. Luckily we were the first off and made our way to check-in. Pari gave us a warm welcome home which immediately puts me into the magic. Since we're so early I'm not counting on a room being ready but I ask anyway. Pari checked her computer and gave me several options while she pulled out the map. She even gave me another option if I was willing to wait until 4pm--not this time since we're only here for two days. Both rooms had their drawbacks. The first was in the Paddock section, which is where I had originally requested, but it was not a water view. The second was in the next section down but had a water view. I chose the first just because it was so close to the quiet pool and two bus stops. Now, just to find the room! We only had carry-ons so there was no waiting for luggage, but about half-way to our room we thought it was odd that such a big resort didn't have those golf carts to drive you over with your luggage. No big deal--it's beautiful out, again we only have rolling carry-ons and this gives us an opportunity to soak it all in.
After the walk across the bridge and the swan siting, we come to our building. Now maybe it the fact that we had been up since 4am and we were deliriously happy to be "home" but we couldn't figure out how to get in the building!! LOL! We approached the front, facing the water, and when I walked up the path I found myself staring at someone's patio! Okay, I meant to do that...um-hum. After walking 3/4 of the way around, I hear someone call my name from the top floor. It was Dh...when did I lose him?! He gives me directions and I make my way to the 4th floor. He's lost some magic on the way but I told him not let that get to him...he's tired. He said something about a bunch of cords laying in a puddle of water outside our room and doesn't have a good feeling about this. As I turn the corner all of the cords are gone but the puddle remains. A mousekeeper comes around the corner with her skweegie(?) and clears a path. See, all is well after all.
As we enter the room I take pictures, and more pictures, trying to leave nothing out. We're in a studio just because it's such a short trip and we want to leave some points for next year. I love the decor with the dark wood and the muted wall colors. I think to myself that I am really "home!"
The last test is the balcony and view. Pari just told me that it was a garden view and I'm all about the landscaping so far. As I pull back the curtains....
construction!!! Oh no, it has followed us again. (We stayed at the CR on our last trip and it was so bad that they moved us but that's another story.)
It's okay I tell DH. We're only here for two days and we're still closer to the quiet pool and two bus stops. We settle in and decide we're going to walk to DTD for lunch at the RFC. The kids love RFC and I am craving the coconut shrimp right now.
At this point we knew we had lots of options to get us to DTD and for our first trip we opted for the boat. Again, we walk back towards the Carriage House, pass the spring rocks pool, through the Artist Palate and out the door to the boat launch. It's peaceful listening to the water lap against the stone edge but I'm getting a little nervous that the boat has forgot about us. Luckily another couple show up so at least there are two groups of us that at least think the boat is running! After about 15 minutes it shows and we're off. It's great to see Congress Park and I understand why it is requested so much but I'm still happy with the Paddocks location. After stuffing ourselves it's time to head back. We find out that the boat is leaving every hour or half hour but it doesn't matter because we just missed it. Time to roll ourselves back to the room. I didn't time it but I would say it was a 10-15 minute walk back to our room. I enjoyed it just because I got the chance to really experience the rest of the resort by walking through the different sections and taking in all of the landscaping and water.
Next, we need to relax and get off of our feet. Time for a little sun at the quiet pool. DH laughed and said he felt out of place because all six people there had a book and was laying out! The kids get a review of what I expect at the quiet pool and I'm confident that they understand. All is going well for the first hour then a boy about 7 or 8 comes in with his mom. The mom choses to ignore him as he goes around splashing everyone, including the two ladies sitting on the steps reading. Ah, isn't he cute?! Maybe I should give him the talk that I had with my kids?! Well, at this point I ask the kids if they wanted to check out the playground as we head back to the room. They agreed, did a test run and said it was okay. I think it was just a little bit young for them.
Later on in the afternoon we decided to head to MK to check out crowds and maybe get on a few rides. This was the only (slightly) negative part of my report. It seemed to take forever for the buses! I have read negative things about SSR buses before but went into it with an open mind. The only thing that I question about my negativity is that this is the first time in almost three years where we've stayed at a resort that we've had to rely solely on buses to get us to the parks. Maybe my expectations were high or it was the time of day. It happened every trip to and from the parks. I think the shortest wait was 15minutes, but you decide. I guess I should mention that we kept hearing about an internal bus but we never saw one. On our last day we had a long talk with one of the CM's and she said that the internal bus was the DTD bus! Even CBR had a bus that just looped around the property and didn't go anywhere else. I don't want to get on at the Paddocks and head to DTD before the Carriage House. Weird but at least I know that I'll be walking within the resort. Also, I feel compelled to mention about our trip back from the MK. We waited about 20 minutes and our bus pulls up. They are switching bus drivers and ask me to wait before getting on. The new driver is giving his inspection of the bus and finds a flap on the side of the bus won't stay shut. He gets physical with it before he gives up and walks to the kiosk which must be a check-in sort of place for the drivers. He walks back--not too happy and lets us board. Meanwhile, the previous busdriver and the new busdriver have a few words. Hum... Our driver comes on and in a very unDisneylike way complains about how "they" know it needs fixed but he's just supposed to drive it and something else doesn't work but he's just supposed to drive it....and he goes on. At this point there are a few of us trying not to chuckle but this guy is funny when he's mad. Back to the resort. We stop off at our room before heading back to DTD for the Earl of Sandwhich. With the bus situation the way it was we decided we were not going to take it. We walked, no big deal. After another round of stuffing ourselves we found that we were not too late for the boat. Ah, to sit and enjoy the ride. Back to the room because we're going to be up early so we're at the AK in time for the rope drop!
Our second day consisted of heading straight to the AK for E:E. Let's just say it didn't disappoint. Heads up...we opted for the path through Dinoland and as we saw everyone coming behind the rope the other way, we turned it up to a jog so we could get our fastpasses before we boarded the first train. We beat everyone behind the rope and if you're a fast walker, or jogger you may want to try it. They didn't have the que area for E:E roped off well and we, along with more than a few others, ended up missing a turn and had to backtrack. We still ended up on the second or third train. There was no wait for us. After that twice and a few other rides, we had a relaxing lunch at Flame Tree. Again, back to the resort.
On the way back to the resort I decided to give DH some much needed rest and took the kids to the Rock Springs pool myself. For mid-afternoon, I thought it was fine. As the kids went down the slide again and again, I got a rough count of 40 people. Sounds like a lot but there was plenty of swimming space for everyone. About an hour of cooling off in the pool we were ready to head back to the room. A quick stop at the pool bar for some slushy drinks for everyone to enjoy on the way back to the room and we're off.
That evening we head to EPCOT because the kids desperately want henna tatoos. I love EPCOT during the flower and garden festival. The crowds were not bad but slightly more than I expected. Luckily we didn't make those ADR's and opted for a quiet dinner at the Turf Club. When we arrive we find it completely empty. I ordered an outstanding salmon blt and a glass of wine. I am in heavan as I enjoy the surroundings...quiet and beautiful views. This is what vacation is supposed to be. Before heading back to the room, I remind DH that we need more milk for our cereal in the morning. We stop in the Artist Palate and find dessert...key lime pie! The kids pick up their pins for this vacation and a souvenier. The CM at checkout is very personable and quick. Again, we're heading back to our room. It's dark out now so we're getting different opportunity to enjoy the resort with everything lit up. Then, just as we are going to cross the bridge, I spot it... the carriage ride! I snap some pictures before the horse and carriage slowly clip-clops past us. We are definitely going to book that the next time. Okay, I have not enjoyed a DVC stay like this in a long time. Not only do I like this resort...I'm proud to own here. We will be back.
Our final morning and the ME bus will be picking us up at 11:30. That gives us time to pack everything up and eat. I guess we should have picked up more milk than what we originally purchased. On a whim we decide to throw on our swimsuits and soak in the hot tub before getting that milk. It was about 8am and we decided we head to the Spring Rock pool's hot tub. It was not really "hot" but it was so relaxing that I couldn't even put it into words. The kids and I have this "thing" where we make a memory. Sort of a picture of time that we want to keep with us. That morning we were so relaxed, the sky was this incredible blue with the sun just peaking around one of the buildings and no one was around to disrupt our magic. For a moment I considered testing what would happen if I decided that we wouldn't leave, ever! I guess I'll wait until we have a one or two bedroom.
Before I knew it I was cleaning up from breakfast and making sure that we didn't forget anything. It was time to say good-bye to our room. I really didn't want to leave but it was time to make that trip back across the bridge to the Carriage House. The swan was waiting for us and swam beside us the entire way across the pond like he was escorting us back to our "reality" home. How magical is that?!
ME was right on time but extremely full this time. We were the last stop so at least it was a little quicker and less painful to say good-bye.
Okay, this is the longest trip report I've ever written. Thanks to you that stood by and read through my ramblings. Overall, I love my "home" and I'm very proud to own here. We got to speak with several outstanding CM's that seemed very proud of working here and seemed to love talking about the finishing touches. I am really torn about our next trip. We were going to try out the BCV's but after this stay, I'm not sure I'm ready to try out any other resort for awhile. If anyone has question, please feel free to ask. Sorry it was so long!!
I have one complaint though.... Now I'm homesick! 
I am ready to cruise again too! We sail late December 06 on the Wonder. Are you going again soon??
