As the bus headed into SSR, I was amazed at how big the resort is. It is gigantic. At the first bus stop, I asked the driver where I needed to get off for check-in. He kindly told me the 4th stop. When we arrived, he gave me directions to check-in and sped along his merry way.
I walked up the path towards check-in when I saw a sight that put fear in my heart. What you ask? It was a Magical Express bus pulling in. I immediately picked up my pace. I managed to speed walk my way in front of the hoards getting off the bus. It wasnt really a hoard, but the story tells better that way. About 20 people got off the bus.
At the check-in line, two guests were waiting in line and I happily became the third. As I waited, the line behind me slowly grew as the ME people joined the line. Power walking is a good thing. While the line did not move quickly, it wasnt horribly slow either. I think that I waited 10 minutes or so.
The CM handling my check-in was great. I wish I remembered her name. She handled my request for a room near a bus stop/food court very well. She pulled out a map and showed me general areas where rooms would be available. Within minutes, she had a room for me across the street from the pool and right next to the bus stop.
Normally, I am not the type to be picky about my room assignment, but I was traveling alone. In my heart of hearts, I know that Disney is a safe place, but I also dont like to borrow trouble. This was the main reason I had her go to such lengths. That being said, it was nice to be so close to Artist Pallet. BUT, I am glad that I asked for the room. I would have been very uncomfortable walking long distances by myself late at night. Okay. Justification over.
During some point of the day, I remembered that I had forgotten my suit on the back of the bathroom door in my POP room. Awesome CM lady happily took care of it for me. She took a description of the swimsuit and promised to call POP and see if they found it. Happy days! The thought of buying a new swimsuit had me shaking with terror
especially at Disney!
Unfortunately, my specially requested room wasnt available yet, so I had some time to kill. As I started my time-killing wanderings, I noticed a nice looking CM at the DVC desk. This trips purpose was to research DVC. I had time to kill. Perfect. I could kill two birds with one stone.
Soon, I was in deep conversation with the CM (again, I didnt not her name, oops). I explained that I had done a TON of research about DVC. I also explained that I knew that I was interested in buying, but I was trying to figure out where. I was in love with BWV and wanted to see if SSR measured up. We talked a bit more, she tested my knowledge (in a good way), and I asked if I could go on a tour.
When would you like to go on the tour? she asked.
Umm, now. I replied.
Looking a bit amazed, she said no problem. She typed my information in the computer, called over to the DVC desk, and then said something really great
she said that I could get a $50 gift card for touring today. Really? Yup, yup, uh huh! Talk about your magic I was going to get a $50 gift card for doing something that I had planned on doing all along. Bonus Baby!
She walked me over to the DVC desk. On the way over, we walked through the Spa. It smelled amazing. I didnt get to stay though

. Anyway, after arriving at the desk, she turned me over to the DVC counter staff. The counter staff, in turn, turned me loose on the lemonade and cookies.
I helped myself to some lemonade and cookies and found a seat. As I was eating my cookies, I spotted this really cool table. I dont know why I liked it so much, but I liked it so much I took a picture
Mark, my DVC guide, showed up a few minutes later. We found an empty room and were soon deep in conversation. The first DVC CM had filled Mark in on my needs. He still tested my knowledge a bit, but quickly realized that I knew my stuff. After the necessary financial breakdowns, we headed out for my tour.
We started with the 1-Bedroom/2nd-Bedroom lock-off. Being the total geek that I am, I took pictures on the tour. Here is a picture of the kitchen area for the 1 or 2 Bedroom
Here is a really bad picture of the living room
the main bedroom, you can see the laundry room in the background and the shutters to the bathroom
Unfortunately, I felt like such a geek taking the pictures that I missed a bathroom shot for the 1 or 2 bedroom. Next up was the Grand Villa. The SSR Grand Villas are just as amazing as BWVs. Here is the dining room
and the kitchen
the main bedrooms shower and toilet
the living room
and the upstairs rooms
The tour over, I got my grubby little hands on the GC and wandered back to the main desk. My extra special room still was not ready, so I decided to go sit by the pool bar. It was now 3 pm and the Steelers/Broncos game had just started. I chilled out and enjoyed a nice cold beer while selling a DVC membership to another guest. Hmmm
shouldnt I be getting commissions here?
When my beer was done, I got up and called the desk to see if my room was ready. Not yet! I rolled up my jeans to my knees, ordered another beer, and kept cheering for the Steelers. To be honest, I am a big Buffalo Bills fan, so I really didnt care who won the game
but I do love football, the Steelers were kicking some serious butt, and Bettis is a good guy. It seemed like the right thing to do.
After my second beer, I called on my room again. Still not ready. Blech. It was getting a bit toasty out. When I left AK, I was hoping for a nap before my dinner PSs. Now, I was praying for enough time to freshen up. I ordered another beer and tried not to complain too much to the bartender. She was very understanding though. She was well tipped for her sympathy.
Anyway, after my 3rd beer and almost 2 hours at the pool bar, my room was finally ready. Check-in time is 4 pm and it was now 4:40. Considering I had a room request, I didnt complain.
Up Next...Momma always said...