Actually, I think one reason that SSR is bashed has nothing to do with the resort itself...it has to do with the fact that it is huge (which is true) and this will cause a huge influx of new
DVC'ers. And many of these new members are being told by their guides "Sure, buy at SSR, but you don't have to stay there--stay at Beach Club, Boardwalk, wherever you want..." and are thus clogging up the works for "older" members.
And to a degree, this is true. The math is what it is. There are only a certain number of total rooms at all DVC resorts combined. And a huge percentage of these rooms are at SSR. So if all of the SSR members are staying everywhere else, then others think that they are "getting stuck" with SSR.
Having stayed at SSR, my family and I absolutely loved it. It is beautiful. Nicely appointed. QUIET (and it was at near capacity when we were there) and I thought the pool was AWESOME. Again, we were at near-capacity and the pool was always less than crowded. Lots of chairs, etc. It is my kids' favorite resort (DVC or otherwise...the loved SSR more than AKL...kids are young, too 4, 5, and 7, and they still prefer SSR over anywhere else, though we haven't stayed everywhere yet).
Can impovements be made? Sure. They just did one by expanding the Turf Club. And when we were there, the CMs told us that they would be be building an additional feature/themed pool (rumor? possibly, but we heard it from many folks).
If it is important to you to be near the check-in, pool, restaurants, etc. then yes, you may have a problem. It is spread out and you may have a hike to the central locations. We requested to be near to these areas and our request was honored (remember, though, that these are only requests and cannot be guaranteed), so life was fabulous for us.
Not one complaint from me...and to be honest, I was expecting to find some. I have been on the boards enough and heard enough negative comments about SSR that I was really looking for things to complain about...lol...and couldn't find a one!
Bottom line--DVC does a quality job. And each resort is different and you will find which one is best for you and your family...but regardless, they are each wonderful in their own way.
Enjoy SSR--we sure do.
