Just back from SSR....

[gatorfreud]

Hi everyone! Quick random thoughts... we had rented points from a DVC member and just spent 5 nights in a 1-bedroom at SSR (6/18-23). We arrived early on Wednesday, and enjoyed the pools. I was hoping to get in early, but being the summer, I guess it was not to be, and we got our room at 4pm. We had requested Springs, Grandstand or Congress Park, and ended up with Congess Park water view. The room was GREAT! I am now officially spoiled after being in a 1 bedroom. The big fridge, laundry, separated bedroom were so wonderful! It was very quiet. We hardly ever heard another person, and I'm pretty sure the resort was sold out.

The High Rock Springs pool and slide were very fun. A little hard to keep track of the little ones there, so it was a bit stressful. The Donald Duck splash area was on the 1st day, but not the second time we went (not sure why). We also visited the Grandstand pool, very nice, but the splash area is down for refurb (FYI)... doesn't appear to be opening any time soon! We ate lunch at Artist's Palette.. the flatbreads were really good! I got food with a semi-short wait around 11:30am, my sister waited 20 min. when she went a little after noon. The set-up in there is pretty dumb, as everyone says. We only ate there twice (the second was a late breakfast around 9:30am which was not crowded at all).

I can see what everyone says about it being a huge property and more like condos than a hotel. I thought CSR was big, but this is way bigger! Our room was great, about 5 min. to the main pool area, bus stop right outside, and about 10 min. walk to DTD. But I can see if you are in Carousel, Paddock, or far back in Grandstand it can be a hike to get anywhere. It didn't bother me at all, but you just need to be aware of where you request your room.

We only had 3 park days, and drove 2 of those. The 2nd day we took the bus, waited only 10 min. max all day... bus showed up for MK at 7:50am, we had a short wait on the afternoon return. Caught the bus loading an ECV on the way to Epcot at about 5pm. Stayed for Illuminations, walked VERY SLOWLY out, got to the stop about 10:10pm. A bus was there, but full, we waited 10 min. for next one. My folks took the kids to DTD one day, and the boys wanted to take the bus home (why???), so they did. They waited 30-45 min., and then it stopped at PI and TL before heading to SSR. Lengthy trip.

We did not eat at Turf Club... cancelled the ressie as we were having too much fun at the pool, but the CM's in there had great pins!

I think that's about it! We really liked SSR and would be happy to stay there again! I wish we had more time to do all of the fun kids activities (ceramic painting, bingo, make your own plate and cup, tinker toys, bookmarks,....). If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Kim

 

[vicki_c]

Hi again Kim!

We loved our first trip to SSR as well. I totally concur with your comments on Artists' Palette setup - supposedly it's better than it used to be? Glad I didn't see it before - it is a strange line/payment setup there. I had a really good Artichoke/cheese flatbread.

Loved the pool and my kids enjoyed an hour over at the Community Hall (DD made a jump rope, DS vegged in front of the TV w/his Nintendo DS) and DH and I had a great breakfast ALONE at Artists' Palette.

Our room was in the Springs - very convenient to the pool and community hall. We didn't use the buses though, just drove to the parks.

After staying there, I'm almost sad that our Christmas reservations are at Beach Club all but the last night (waitlisted) - I think I'd like more time at SSR, but I'm not willing to give up BCV - no way!

Vicki

 

[corrinna]

We have been to SSR three times. The second and third time we stayed at the granstand by choice. We love it because it is the first bus stop, has it's own pool and bar, and is still close to the springs via a hidden walkway. We have also been in congress park, which is awesome because of the DTD view from our balcony.