Just booked my first SSR trip.....question

[rutgers1]

We bought in April and just booked our first trip for August. I asked the woman about the policy regarding requesting a location, and she said that I could request but nothing was guaranteed. Then she asked where I wanted to be. I just said "near the main pool," as that was the area that I saw while on my tour and it looked pretty. She said that she would put in for "springs," which she said was that area. Is that correct? And if so, what are the positives/negatives of that area? Thanks!

 

[bellazachmom]

Stayed at SSR for the first time over the Labor Day weekend and LOVED it. I had requested Grandstand or The Springs for location and we ended up in The Springs. We were very close to the main pool, restaurants, spa, etc. and the bus stop we used was the last one to be picked up so it worked out well ... we got picked up and then headed to the parks. I have heard that this can be a problem during the "busy" time as the buses can show up at the Springs stop already full, but we did not have an issue. Also, the resort was at capacity, so I don't think it could have been any busier. Also, we never took the bus to DTD, just walked, but I have heard that that bus runs a reversed route so you would be picked up first and dropped off last.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I will try and help.

 

[rutgers1]

Thanks for the reply!

We are really excited. We are breaking our trip into three parts. The first 5 days will be at SSR, the next two at Universal Hard Rock, and the final 5 will either be at SSR or Beach Club (if we can get that at the 7 month mark).

Any suggestions for how to get the most out of time at SSR? We are definitely looking forward to floating between the resort and DTD, and the spa will be on the agenda, too. I think the kids will love the pool, though my hunch is that they will like Beach Club's pool better if we can get that for the last 5 days.

 

[CarolynMink]

I have stayed at the Spring and enjoyed being near the pool, community hall and the restaurants. The down side is we were on the first floor and it was not quiet or private.

We have also stayed at Congress Park which is closer to Downtown Disney. I also enjoy our stay in that area - quieter, and less activity.

If I was traveling with small children or some who does not like to walk a lot, I would definitely choose the Springs. My mom is in her late seventies and not to active - she found the walk from Congress park up to the Main areas to far for her.

 

[hakepb]

Thanks for the reply!

We are really excited. We are breaking our trip into three parts. The first 5 days will be at SSR, the next two at Universal Hard Rock, and the final 5 will either be at SSR or Beach Club (if we can get that at the 7 month mark).

Any suggestions for how to get the most out of time at SSR? We are definitely looking forward to floating between the resort and DTD, and the spa will be on the agenda, too. I think the kids will love the pool, though my hunch is that they will like Beach Club's pool better if we can get that for the last 5 days.

It sounds like a good start.

I'd plan on having a few meals or snacks in the room, just so you do not think you have to go "all the way" to AP everytime you need to eat, and you get greater enjoyment from your DVC accomodations! (Even in a studio, you could toast some bagles in your room..)

Do make a Lunch/dinner reservation at the Turf Club (Several posters have said that was the best meal of their trip)

 

[tassma]

We only stay at the Springs, but we have small children who love the pool (and I love being close to the last bus stop). You can get take out at AP for your loved ones at the room, but someone has to order and sit there and then ask for the other to be boxed (we ordered appetizers, had a drink and had them box our entrees).

The northeast side is supposed to be quieter.

Good Luck!


Tassma

 

[tinkerbell102]

We have stayed at saratoga twice, and have enjoyed it both times. The first time we were in the Springs, and the location for us was fabulous! We were close to the main pool,dining,arcade, bus stop, basically everything. The second time we were in the Grandstand section, and this was just as nice. We were overlooking the pool there, which is also alot of fun, and usually alot less crowded. There is a water spraying play area at this pool which everyone enjoys, and they show movies on a large screen at this pool at night. It also was not a far walk to all of the main areas of the resort. The community hall also has games, movie rentals, and fun activities daily. There are games at the main pool also daily. Overall alot of fun! Either section would be enjoyable...hope your vacation is magical!

 

[Marciern22]

Just got back from SSR on 9/29. We had Congress Park. Short walk to DTD. Fantastic view of fireworks there too! We spent a lot of time in our pool over there. It was so quiet. It was heaven!!
I was so shocked at how HUGE SSR is!!!! So beautiful too!
If you walk to DTD and your feet are too tired to walk back, expect a long wait for a bus and an even longer ride, but relaxing all the same.

 

[bonnielynn]

We were there 9/26-9/29... congress park. I think its a short walk to the main pool and dtd... was very quiet.. I didn't mind it at all.

 

[ShuisFan584]

I've stayed at SSR twice and both times we stayed at the Springs. We requested either the Springs or Congress Park both times and received the Springs both times. We absolutely love that section. It's right by everything so it wasn't a long walk anytime we wanted to go to the pool, get food, or refill our mugs. The only bad thing as mentioned was that it was the last stop for the bus, so if you're going during a busy time, you might not get a seat. We were able to get seats most of the time.