Live from SSR

[Sammie]

We have been here since the weekend, using the DDP and really like it.

Some observations so far about our week. Check in was smooth and quick and got several Welcome Homes. Everyone has been really nice. Pools not crowded but resort seems to be busy at bus stops etc.

Our unit was spotless and ready at 3pm. Artist's Pallette staff has been so nice about helping figure out the DDP, especially snacks. AP has not been busy at all at any time we went in. Not sure where everyone eats here.

Construction on the new areas are really coming along. Other than being able to see the work, no problems with it, as to noise etc.

Lots of buzz about the photos of the DVC at the Contemporary.

We had a longer than usual wait Sunday night to go the MK from the Paddocks stop. 2 buses came and went to MGM and Epcot and AK and no MK bus in sight. I used the phone at the stop and the operator said she would call transportation and a bus came within 5 mins. Not sure if that was the reason but it made it seemed they cared.

The driver apologized for the wait and said they were changing drivers and that was the delay, he made up for it with a fast trip over.

An interesting note, we have been asked for our Resort ID each and everytime we have come and gone here and at any other Disney resort. Here we have been using the back gate in off of Buena Vista Drive so we have not been through the main gate but were asked at BCV and VWL when we went for dinner. The first time I showed the guard our parking pass and he politely said he needed to see our Resort ID. Not a problem at all, just found it interesting as this has not always been the case and they usually wave you through.

On the walkway to the BW from MGM as you near the main pool, there is a sign stating the pool is only for guests of the BW resort.

At the BCV they are getting new furniture to replace some of the more worn and damaged pieces. The GM said the old furniture was a major disappointment and the new would wear better. Have not seen the new sofa beds but they sound interesting, as he said they unfold without removing cushions etc. I will be at the Yacht Club on the weekend and will try to have a look.

Any questions and I will try to answer.

 

[snowbunny]

Sammie what's the buzz you are hearing onsite there about the Contemporary DVC photos? I thought the hysteria probably was confined to the dis - what are the CMs saying?

 

[purpliequeen]

Glad you're having a good time. We were at SSR this past Dec and enjoyed our visit. How crowded are the parks right now? Also, have you tried the Turf's Club yet? Thanks!

 

[Sammie]

Having dinner later this week at Turf Club but have heard nothing but good things about it, even from people not at SSR.

The buzz about the DVC at the Contemporary seems to be related mostly to the fact that the photos went up on the Net and the quick removal of them from the orginial site. As to verification of the news, nothing official but everyone has said the announcement will come in Oct. No one has said anything to indicate that this will not happen as to the building there, the timeline just seems not to be final.

The parks seem to have your usual August crowds, not unbearable but certainly busy. Extra hours at night have been really crowded the first hour but much less so the last hour.

Last night at Epcot everything except Soarin' was a walk on without wait and at Mexico and Norway we rode in a boat by ourselves.

Epcot at midnight with a Full moon was breath taking. To be able to walk around the WS lagoon and only meet a handful of people, a nice breeze, and a full moon was about as good as life gets.

 

[liznboys]

Ahhh, thanks for making me feel like I'm there. Have a great time!

 

[MissD]

Sammie,

When we stayed at BVW last week, we were asked for our resort ID's at all the resorts as well--including BWV upon our return from dinner at the Poly. We were kind of surprised since the parking pass from BWV was in the window, but I think it's a good thing.

A little bit of consistent enforcement goes a long way. I remember when they used to ask for resort ID's before you got onto any WDW resort bus.

Glad to hear you're enjoying SSR. We're looking forward to going 'home' over Labor Day weekend

 

[treehugger]

Thanks for the great report Sammie, glad you're having a great time. Can't wait for me to do a live report in 6 weeks!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thanks Sammie! It sounds like a wonderful time! I wish that were me strolling thru Epcot!

You are making me miss SSR too! I am going to have to sneak over there before our cruise just to say hi to everyone. We are staying at Nick

Im sure the place is really buzzing about CRV!! Disney had to put on their tap dancing shoes

 

[carol1231]

Last night at Epcot everything except Soarin' was a walk on without wait and at Mexico and Norway we rode in a boat by ourselves.

Epcot at midnight with a Full moon was breath taking. To be able to walk around the WS lagoon and only meet a handful of people, a nice breeze, and a full moon was about as good as life gets.

And a glass of wine from France?

 

[byoung]

Thanks for reporting, hope the rest of your vacation continued to be good.

 

[treehugger]

Sammie, forgot to ask, what section are you in?

 

[Sammie]

And a glass of wine from France?

Actually we went for the pastries at Norway,

Snack credit

 

[Sammie]

Sammie, forgot to ask, what section are you in?

We're in Paddocks.

 

[treehugger]

Sammie, how is the dining plan working out for you? As it stands now most of the non-Dinsey owned restaurants (including most of the countries in Epcot) are off of the 2007 list.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

This is off topic, but TREEHUGGER... Don't know you, but I'm pretty sure I like your agenda!

 

[treehugger]

This is off topic, but TREEHUGGER... Don't know you, but I'm pretty sure I like your agenda!

Thank you, I wouldn't be able to do it if it weren't for DVC and Southwest and of course an equally Disney Loving DH doesn't hurt either!

 

[LisaS]

Epcot at midnight with a Full moon was breath taking. To be able to walk around the WS lagoon and only meet a handful of people, a nice breeze, and a full moon was about as good as life gets.

Sounds wonderful! Enjoy the rest of your stay and thanks for the live report!

 

[Sammie]

Sammie, how is the dining plan working out for you? As it stands now most of the non-Dinsey owned restaurants (including most of the countries in Epcot) are off of the 2007 list.

It is working great for us as we prefer TS at the Resorts over the park restuarants. Mainly because we like to clean up for dinner and not go from a park into a nice dinner. We also like to Valet park and then go in for dinner. No small children in our group this trip so we are going to parks either early and then having dinner, or early dinner than to the parks much later for Extra Hours.

We have eaten a couple of CS at the parks and found the meals at Cosmic Rays and the Land to be as everyone described. Lots of food and very tasty. We have eaten most of our CS at Artist's Pallette.

I will try to find out some more info about the DDP and WS restuarants before our trip is over.

We went to Captain Jack's, great meal and wonderful service and a nice table facing the Empress Lilly and a view of Epcot fireworks over the water.

Our server was very talkative and was frustrated by a large table of 9 in her area that wanted to pay out of pocket for the kids, seperate checks and itemized for an expense account.

We left a generous extra tip and she caught us at the door and thanked us and asked if we came again please ask for her.

 

[I Love DVC]

Sammie, how do you like being in the Paddock? Is having the bus pick your section up first a great advantage? Is it a long walk to the food court/pool? What kind of view do you have? We'd love to see pics!

 

[jjohnson]

It sounds like your having a wonderful trip. Thank you for the updates.

Joyce