Just returned from SSR & BWV

[Coach Rick]

Ok, here is my first report on TWO resorts.

SSR - We stayed here the first two nights, and I gotta say in one word - WOW! We loved it, and to be honest I didn't think going in we would like it. We ended up there because of no availability at BWV for those two nights. We were in 3236 (studio), which I believe is one of the newer units to come online. It was beautiful, and part of it was probably that "new" smell. I really liked the location, and it was extremely peaceful there, which amazed me being such a huge resort. The close proximity to DD was a plus. I have nothing but great things to say about SSR. Thanks to all for helping with my internet problems while at SSR. BTW, my internet useage never appeared on my room bill, so I wasn't charged.

BWV - As good as SSR was, BWV was not. If you like being in the middle of it all this is probably a good resort to stay at. We were in 3029 (studio), and found the door on the TV cabinet broken off the hinge. The room was clean, and the view excellent. I would have liked to see Illuminations from that room, but we were never in it at that time. Parking just plain stinks!! Even when were were lucky enough to find a space close to the resort it is still a hike to the entrance. Solution - Valet Parking!!!! The room is another story. If you are unlucky enough to be near in the far wings of the resort that is another hike. I don't mean to whine, but after being out all day the last thing I really want to do is walk some more! It also meant once we were in the room we really didn't feel like going out to eat, so one day we ordered room service simply because we were too tired to walk back to the board walk to get something to eat. At least at SSR you knew going in there was nothing to walk to.

We have a 10 resie at BWV in August. We were contemplating changing them, but we did like the location enough to put up with the possiblity of hiking for everything. I just wish they would have put an entrance/exit at the corners. We did find a stair well, but the outside door was marked "emergency". Both front desks were awesome. When I checked out of SSR at 10 AM, and into BWV at 10:30 AM I was prepared to wait till 4 for our room, but upon check in our room was ready. That was an extremely pleasant surprise. On the morning we were checking out I inquired about a location to print something off the internet, and just in passing I told them I wanted to print my boarding pass, and Guest Relations offered to print it for me. I thought that was very Disney like.

 

[megrod74]

Glad to hear you liked your stay! I completely agree about the BW parking situation, and so far I've only visited there. It is a HIKE.
Also, we bought SSR last year and I have to admit, based on the pictures/renderings I thought it was OK. But, in Sept we spent a pool day there and fell in love with it! So this Sept that's where we are staying. We'll be showing off DVC to my dad so I love hearing all the positive feedback.

 

[athenna]

Thanks for posting!
I love to hear positive feedback about SSR. There has been so much negativity about it, that it's nice to hear that people really do like it.
Can't wait to stay there! 33 more days to go!

 

[liznboys]

Glad to hear you enjoyed SSR, we'll be there in Dec.

 

[MarylandPirate]

My wife and I are here at SSR right now with DS! Glad I bought here, were in the Springs which just opened I believe and the rooms are really nice. To those of you coming down for your first visit Home....I hope it's as nice as ours!

 

[barryb]

This is great that you enjoyed your stay!

Interesting to note that you stayed in the Springs Area and had no problems!

SSR is shaping up very nicely and we're certainly glad we bought there!

BarryB

 

[CarolMN]

We almost always use the stairwells to get in and out - I don't recall any of them being alarmed, although I do believe they were labeled as emergency exits. (Of course, it's tough to use the stairs if you are traveling with wheelchairs, scooters or strollers). We love the location and don't mind the walk at all.

Anyway, glad you had a good time and won't let the "hike" keep you from returning. I totally agree about the parking!

Best wishes -

 

[addlema]

My wife and I love the BWV.

I agree about the hike, however, once we found the stairwells right next to our door (We were the last room on the longest hallway on the 3rd floor.. wish I could remember the room number) it was smooth sailing... Never saw any emergency signs and the outside door to that stairwell was keyed for roomkeys.. It was nice just right out the door and a quick walk across the driveway to the bus. Granted we didnt find the stairwell door untill the 2nd to last day of our vacation

Also, I have never parked there we always just fly down and use Disney Buses or walk.. Thats the best part of the BWV its location.. Of course its proximity to the Cape may cafe and Beeches and Creme doesnt hurt..

When we were there in 2003 they had no internet in rooms? They do now I guess? How much and is it wired or wireless? Id love to post a trip report and pictures every night when we go in may.

 

[Coach Rick]

My wife and I love the BWV.

I agree about the hike, however, once we found the stairwells right next to our door (We were the last room on the longest hallway on the 3rd floor.. wish I could remember the room number) it was smooth sailing... Never saw any emergency signs and the outside door to that stairwell was keyed for roomkeys.. It was nice just right out the door and a quick walk across the driveway to the bus. Granted we didnt find the stairwell door untill the 2nd to last day of our vacation

The first day I went down that stairwell, but there was a sign hanging on the bar that said for emergency use only, which defintately kept us away.

Also, I have never parked there we always just fly down and use Disney Buses or walk.. Thats the best part of the BWV its location.. Of course its proximity to the Cape may cafe and Beeches and Creme doesnt hurt..

I always have to have a car, it's just me I know, but for the couple of dollars tip, it's worth not having that hike when we go out I guess.

When we were there in 2003 they had no internet in rooms? They do now I guess? How much and is it wired or wireless? Id love to post a trip report and pictures every night when we go in may.

Yes they do. It's wired, and since I am the school webmaster I had intended to do dailey updates, but when getting back to the rooms every day at midnight after being at the ball field, or at the parks watching 13 teenage girls I was just too tired to do anything but close my eyes. Even that was a chore at times.

 

[addlema]

13 teenage girls! I'm amazed you can make it back to your room. I'd fall asleep on the ball field.

 

[DeeCee735]

We love the BWV! And I can't imagine it being anymore of hike (even from a distant room to the BW) than the buildings at SSR! We took a tour over there and the hike to the models open for the members from 5pm to 7pm from the boat dock - now that is a hike! I'm assuming they will eventually be adding on another boat dock, even though the captain of our boat said there are no plans at this point, because the walk from some of the buildings to the boat dock it a very long one! I was exhausted just walking around the resort, let alone doing a day walking DD or a park and then coming back to such a hike from the water to the room! I think SSR is absolutely beautiful, but now know I won't be adding on at this resort as I don't like the size and the location, but that's just me, and I do see how people can fall so in love with it! Enjoy all your SSR stays!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing!!!

Allison

 

[Coach Rick]

We love the BWV! And I can't imagine it being anymore of hike (even from a distant room to the BW) than the buildings at SSR! We took a tour over there and the hike to the models open for the members from 5pm to 7pm from the boat dock - now that is a hike! I'm assuming they will eventually be adding on another boat dock, even though the captain of our boat said there are no plans at this point, because the walk from some of the buildings to the boat dock it a very long one! I was exhausted just walking around the resort, let alone doing a day walking DD or a park and then coming back to such a hike from the water to the room! I think SSR is absolutely beautiful, but now know I won't be adding on at this resort as I don't like the size and the location, but that's just me, and I do see how people can fall so in love with it! Enjoy all your SSR stays!

I think you took it a little to personal DeeCee. I didn't go looking for the boat at all, so I can't comment on that walk at SSR. What I was talking about is apples and apples. When I park the car and walk to the room it is NO where near the walk that you have to make from the parking lot to the resort at BWV. Plus once in BWV the hike to the rooms at the ends of the resort is far more than from the central entrance of each building at SSR to the end units in those buildings. As far as the boat dock, you have me there, but then I didn't use the boat at all in either reosrt this time. Obviously none of my disatisfaction with Boardwalk was severe enough to make my change my 10 day ressie at BWV. Personally I love all the resorts for different reasons, and plan on staying at every one at some time or another.

 

[tjhsr]

WOW!!! Is just what DW and I said the 1st visit and we are still saying it!!! And our 3rd trip home is just 53 days away.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

Thanks for the trip report! You had a great time and you had 13 teenage girls to watch after Better you than me and my DH

 

[MJTinNH]

Coach Rick, thanks for the report. Glad you survived your trip with 13 teenagers!!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Thank you for the report. Our trip in May is at BWV and in November we will be at SSR. I can't wait to try both resorts!!

 

[MarylandPirate]

We never use the boat o DTD...too slow, we walk across the golf cart bridge!