Man is SSR Ever Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge

[Brian430]

Just got back from 5 nights at SSR.

Landscaping is out of this world, but the walk truly is a pain in the keister.

It took me 10 minutes to walk from the main pool back to our room with my little boys only to discover I lost my key. Guess what? Another 20 minute hike there and back to fetch a new key and get into the room. That's a half an hour for a mistake that would have cost me 10 minutes at the BCV.

The lake sides of the resort are very pretty I'm just not sure why they couldn't have split that property into two sister resorts to make everything more manageable for the guests. It works for YC & BC and also PO & FQ - why not here?

We asked for a room overlooking the lake and Downtown Disney only to regret the decision because we felt so far removed from the main resort.

We also saw some disturbing behavior at the quiet pool from some college-aged guests and from some people who clearly just wandered over from DTD. When you're a quarter mile from the main resort you feel pretty vulnerable when that happens - especially at night when visibility is poor (if not darn right spooky) and security seems non existent.

I also wondered how the aesthetics of the resort would be entirely different if they placed the parking spaces under the buildings like they do at Vero Beach. Instead of a sea of gray parking lots lining the entire interior of the resort, there would would be a true park setting. Those parking lot views are kind of depressing.

Also, do they plan on adding another signature pool area at any time? The main pool was jammed on Sunday which makes you think how things will be once they finish the two remaining buildings

Finally, it seems a little selfish to not use the theatre for guests but instead convert the entire structure into a sales facility. The entire movie theater is now filled with AKV models (which look unbelievable by the way).

Anyway, a pretty resort but far, far, far too expansive with far too little community planning for our liking.

 

[starbox]

Just got back from 5 nights at SSR.

Also, do they plan on adding another signature pool area at any time? The main pool was jammed on Sunday which makes you think how things will be once they finish the two remaining buildings

This is sort of a weird post, since there are already pictures of the Grandstand pool and we've read trip reports from people staying in the new sections. I also think it belongs in the trip reports.

As for the walking, remember that SSR is built to be similar to a health spa/resort rather than a hotel. Walking/jogging trails are an intentional part of the design (although guest preferring the sections next to the main building are free to request them).

If you wintessed frightening behavior and suspicious individuals lurking at the pool, I hope you called the front desk right away to report it.

 

[Brian430]

What's the Grand Stand Pool? Will it be additional to the main pool that is there now?

Of course I reported the suspicious behavior, my point is that the current layout of the property – creating remote pockets of rooms – invites that behavior in the first place.

Funny, when I went online to check out SSR before making my reservations I don't recall it being positioned as the walking resort. "Enjoy an epic hike to breakfast each morning - guaranteed to work up an appetite. After your meal stop by our marketplace and pick up some Band Aids for your feet..."

I understand the value of jogging trails - it's the fact those pathways are a basic necessity that I question. And if the tranquil walks were part of the design perhaps a little more forethought into all the bus and car traffic should have been in order.

Yes, I know you can request a room close to the main resort - but the fact is many people will be positioned in one of the outpost rooms whether they like it or not.

And what I think is really weird is you making the subjective decision to bury my post into the miscellaneous bin.

 

[tomandrobin]

Just got back from 5 nights at SSR.

Landscaping is out of this world, but the walk truly is a pain in the keister.

It took me 10 minutes to walk from the main pool back to our room with my little boys only to discover I lost my key. Guess what? Another 20 minute hike there and back to fetch a new key and get into the room. That's a half an hour for a mistake that would have cost me 10 minutes at the BCV.

The lake sides of the resort are very pretty I'm just not sure why they couldn't have split that property into two sister resorts to make everything more manageable for the guests. It works for YC & BC and also PO & FQ - why not here?

We asked for a room overlooking the lake and Downtown Disney only to regret the decision because we felt so far removed from the main resort.

We also saw some disturbing behavior at the quiet pool from some college-aged guests and from some people who clearly just wandered over from DTD. When you're a quarter mile from the main resort you feel pretty vulnerable when that happens - especially at night when visibility is poor (if not darn right spooky) and security seems non existent.

I also wondered how the aesthetics of the resort would be entirely different if they placed the parking spaces under the buildings like they do at Vero Beach. Instead of a sea of gray parking lots lining the entire interior of the resort, there would would be a true park setting. Those parking lot views are kind of depressing.

Also, do they plan on adding another signature pool area at any time? The main pool was jammed on Sunday which makes you think how things will be once they finish the two remaining buildings

Finally, it seems a little selfish to not use the theatre for guests but instead convert the entire structure into a sales facility. The entire movie theater is now filled with AKV models (which look unbelievable by the way).

Anyway, a pretty resort but far, far, far too expansive with far too little community planning for our liking.

Apparently you didn't notice the Grandstand Pool area on your resort map. There are four pools ar SSR, two quiet and two themed pools.

At what other resort in Disney is everything less then a .25 mile for walking? None.

All of the resorts have bad views to go along with the good views. All of the resorts have parking lots. All of the resorts have parking lot views. Can't just make them go away.

I really think you're exaggerating your inconvience of forgetting your room key. Either that or you have been very fortunate with getting a room close to the pool everytime.

YC and BC is actually three resorts, not two. SSR is laid out the the amenities located throughout the resort. The main building are centrally located and a 5 to 10 minute walk from the farthest building.

The theater is not allowed to be used as a theater cause of the theaters in DTD.

 

[starbox]

What's the Grand Stand Pool? Will it be additional to the main pool that is there now?

Funny, when I went online to check out SSR before making my reservations I don't recall it being positioned as the walking resort. "Enjoy an epic hike to breakfast each morning - guaranteed to work up an appetite. After your meal stop by our marketplace and pick up some Band Aids for your feet..."

And what I think is really weird is you making the subjective decision to bury my post into the miscellaneous bin.

Here are photos of the Grandstand Pool and Section:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1383864&referrerid=&highlight=grandstand

And here is another trip report about the section:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1390263

It just seems odd that you just returned from a trip with complaints about the lack of a second pool when we're seeing positive reports and lovely photos of the second pool/water play area. There have been a few posters that have enjoyed resort bashing under various names, and this "trip report" just struck me as a little strange since it seems odd that someone could just return from SSR and not know what the Grandstand section is. Also, we stayed in Congress Park recently and the walk to the main buildings took about 7-10 minutes tops - and I even have a birth defect in my hip that makes me a slow walker.

And I had nothing to do with moving your post. I simply commented that it seemed like a trip report and not an operations question.

 

[tjkraz]

Finally, it seems a little selfish to not use the theatre for guests but instead convert the entire structure into a sales facility. The entire movie theater is now filled with AKV models (which look unbelievable by the way).

The theater was never part of DVD's property lease. If you look at th POS, I don't believe you'll find any mention of the theater among the resort amenities. It has always been owned and operated by another division of TWDC.

Since SSR opened, the theater was used for a time to host the weekly member meetings. It has also been used for other non-DVC, non-SSR functions like Magical Music Days. But it was never reserved for any resort-specific activities for guests.

Part of me wishes DVC or resort management had attempted some use for the building (scheduled films, or something like that), but in the back of my mind I'm pretty sure we never would have attended. It was a nice setting for the member meetings, but I can't see giving up time at the parks (or earmarked for any other activity) to go see Herbie Rides Again at the theater.

 

[edk35]

Just got back from 5 nights at SSR.

Landscaping is out of this world, but the walk truly is a pain in the keister.

It took me 10 minutes to walk from the main pool back to our room with my little boys only to discover I lost my key. Guess what? Another 20 minute hike there and back to fetch a new key and get into the room. That's a half an hour for a mistake that would have cost me 10 minutes at the BCV.

The lake sides of the resort are very pretty I'm just not sure why they couldn't have split that property into two sister resorts to make everything more manageable for the guests. It works for YC & BC and also PO & FQ - why not here?

We asked for a room overlooking the lake and Downtown Disney only to regret the decision because we felt so far removed from the main resort.

We also saw some disturbing behavior at the quiet pool from some college-aged guests and from some people who clearly just wandered over from DTD. When you're a quarter mile from the main resort you feel pretty vulnerable when that happens - especially at night when visibility is poor (if not darn right spooky) and security seems non existent.

I also wondered how the aesthetics of the resort would be entirely different if they placed the parking spaces under the buildings like they do at Vero Beach. Instead of a sea of gray parking lots lining the entire interior of the resort, there would would be a true park setting. Those parking lot views are kind of depressing.

Also, do they plan on adding another signature pool area at any time? The main pool was jammed on Sunday which makes you think how things will be once they finish the two remaining buildings

Finally, it seems a little selfish to not use the theatre for guests but instead convert the entire structure into a sales facility. The entire movie theater is now filled with AKV models (which look unbelievable by the way).

Anyway, a pretty resort but far, far, far too expansive with far too little community planning for our liking.

I enjoyed your review. It actually made me laugh when reading certain parts. I can't wait to stay in Aug. so I can relate to these SSR trip reports.

 

[BlakeNJ]

What is America's problem with walking? I have read way too many posts this week about people complaining about loooooong hallways and loooooong walks to a pool.....If these resorts were any smaller, we'd never get a reservation and people would complain about that. If they were too small or too close together, people would complain about the tight spaces.

We all know that OKW & SSR are large resorts. If you know this and still book the resort, it is no one's fault but your own--why come home and complain about it? I know SSR is a large resort. I don't mind walking or using an internal bus--so I bought there. I just recently got back from OKW. I know it is a large resort. I was in a building (18) quite far from the main pool. I knew this might be a possibility when I booked but I chose to stay there and therefore I came home and did not complain about it here on the Dis. It was my choice.

Hopefully, you'll find a resort you like and will find no reason to stay at another resort.

Blakely

 

[dtheboys]

I really enjoy staying at SSR......I love the landscaping, the wide open spaces, the location to DTD, and GOLF!!
I love everything about SSR....
It's not for everone, NO DVC or any other resort is! Someone will alway's find a negative w/ any resort...

 

[edk35]

I have to at some of these replies. People get so BENT OUT OF SHAPE when someone shares their experiences at DVC resorts. I am that so many people get SO INTO STIRRING THE POT EVEN FURTHER. I didn't think this poster "bashed SSR".......at all. I thought they shared their first time experience...gosh forbid they didn't research for weeks/months before going on their trip to SSR. Maybe I will understand the HEATED DISCUSSIONS MORE when I stay as a DVC member for the first time in Aug. at SSR and BWV. So should we live by the motto "if you don't have
anything nice to say about DVC resorts then don't say anything at all"?????
Sometimes this place gets so much more intense and scary than the regular Dis boards.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Huge? Just more of it to love!

Seriously though, you are correct that if you are in a certain section of the resort you can be quite a hike from the main themed pool (but there is the new Grandstand pool as others have mentioned)...but also, you can just hop a bus and be across the resort in 2 minutes and no sore feet. Perhaps you were unaware of this having never stayed there before.

Having 3 small kids, we always request the Spring section. Yes, Congress Parks has those great DTD views but I'll take being a 1-minute walk to the pool and AP any day.

 

[lisaviolet]

What is America's problem with walking?

Okay. Totally OT. But some of my funniest memories of WDW are with this exact question. And I don't mean sarcastic funny....I mean funny.

And before I reminisce for my own sake please I do know that walking is difficult for some.

Is it America's problem? I can't say cause, although I'm from a different country, living in a downtown core makes me not indictitive of the average Canadian. Walking and walking is a given downtown.

But anyways here are some goodies:

• once I asked about "Country Fair" at ASMu. "So far" was the mild response. Another DISer told me that a couple of years ago they rolled out breakfast carts because of the intense distance. Yes, I did say breakfast carts. I went to ASMu and almost doubled over with a combination of laughter and shock. No more than five minutes...probably less.
• FW. My partner and I were walking from our loop to the middle outpost and were stopped by a bus driver. "oh no....you shouldn't walk that...it's too far". I could have sworn that I could virtually see it from the where we were. So then I ask about the lake. "oh boy. There is no way you can walk there it's far, far from here". He was laughing at the thought of it. Well the outpost was hmmm two minutes. The lake was 15 minutes, if that. The whole resort is only a mile I believe. It's one of my most vivid memories. The driver was upset we didin't get on the bus.

We've even walked All Stars to Coronado for dinner. Knew to not ask questions about a back way and just be quiet. You start to feel like an alien. I have more but I'll spare ya.

I know this post probably isn't funny. But I've smiled through it all. Can't quite figure it out. It's a mystery to me. Everyone walks the parks.

 

[BroganMc]

Just got back from 5 nights at SSR.

Landscaping is out of this world, but the walk truly is a pain in the keister.

It took me 10 minutes to walk from the main pool back to our room with my little boys only to discover I lost my key. Guess what? Another 20 minute hike there and back to fetch a new key and get into the room.

Now see I hate it when I do that. It's usually the one thing you absolutely need or thought someone else in your party collected.

The most annoying thing is when I forget to keep my room key separate from my credit cards and demagnetize the darn thing. I've had to make multiple trips to the Front Desk in a few hotels because of that charming mistake.

But 10 minutes to go back and fetch your key? See if that was me, I'd have done it in 5, at a dead run, because I'd be praying and worrying all the way that someone nicked my card and was buying something really expensive with it.

As for this dangerous behavior at the CP pool, please do tell. What were they doing? I've already read lots of cheerleader stories on the Theme Park section. Seems the miscreants have been out in force the last month. Makes me thankful I gave up traveling to Disney in March. I did it at first because the weather was too iffy, but now crowd stories are making me realize it's just too crazy now. I much prefer May and October.

 

[MrsNick]

lisaviolet, I totally get you. Lived in Manhattan for many years, where walking is the most practical way of getting around. Oh, and the horrors, walked to the grocery store and actually carried groceries back to my building and up the stairs to my apartment.

It bothers me more not to have the option to walk, if I want to, KWIM?

 

[Olaf]

I really think you're exaggerating your inconvience of forgetting your room key. Either that or you have been very fortunate with getting a room close to the pool everytime.

I don't think the OP is exaggerating at all. He clearly stated he had two little boys in tow. I mean I'm glad some of you can cover that distance in five minutes, but you won't be doing that dragging small children with you.

 

[Cris]

I also wondered how the aesthetics of the resort would be entirely different if they placed the parking spaces under the buildings like they do at Vero Beach. Instead of a sea of gray parking lots lining the entire interior of the resort, there would would be a true park setting. Those parking lot views are kind of depressing.

Not sure if that would have been possible, in FLorida we cannot build underground. In Vero you enter the garage on the first floor then the units are on the "second floor" but appear to be the first floor since they are built on a hill.

 

[tjkraz]

I don't think I see anything unfair or trollish in Brian's post. But I do think that it illustrates the need to research your destination just a bit in order to have the best experience.

Yes, the resort is large compared to some Disney resorts...but certainly not all. It would take just as long, if not longer, to get from many guest rooms at Old Key West to the Hospitality House. Caribbean Beach is large and spread out. The All-Stars are big. Even at a resort like AKL it can be a bear to get around given that all traffic is funneled thru the single lobby and there is only one bus stop--there are no shortcuts to the most distant rooms.

I've stayed at SSR and didn't find the walking to be particularly troublesome. One day I walked from our room in Congress Park over to the Carriage House, then back the other direction past our room and all the way to DTD. Now, would I want to have to walk 10 minutes to and from my room for breakfast every morning? Not particularly! SSR and OKW are clearly resorts that work best if you have a car available. Either that or I'd have bought a box of cereal and had breakfast in the room.

But if you don't have a car, make every effort to get a room closer to the Carriage House. Lesson learned.

As for some of the other issues mentioned:

* Each building has an intra-resort phone near the elevator on the first floor. It has lines clearly marked for security, front desk, bell services, etc. When you discovered you lost your room key, I would have tried the phone first. They might have been able to send someone from the front desk with a new key or perhaps someone from maintenance to just let you in. If that wasn't possible, perhaps bell services could have driven you back to the room on a golf cart saving the return trip. You never know unless you ask.

* Kids in the pool - what can you say--it happens. Stay at a Disney resort often enough...any hotel really...and it won't be long before you find inconsiderate people hanging out at the pool after hours.

Was security lax? We'd probably need some more details from Brian to better judge. I know the pools are open until 10pm. If it was later than that, how long did it take security to respond?

As for the configuration of the resort encouraging bad behavior, this style resort is hardly unique to either Disney or the hospitality industry. You had some rotten people in your neighborhood one night. IMO, you can't hold Disney accountable for that. We had noisy people after hours outside our room at the BoardWalk's quiet pool. It happens.

* As others stated, another feature pool opened earlier this month in The Grandstand. It should have been on the map provided to you at checkin. Not sure that you would have ventured over there, though, since it was a couple minutes further past the Carriage House from your room location. The new pool has a water play area for the kids (fountains, water guns) and a poolside snackbar.

Aside from that, I suspect the pools at the BoardWalk, Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West and others were just as crowded on a warm spring day. Disney isn't exactly known for building pools to meet max capacity. After all, they'd much rather you be in the theme parks spending more of your hard earned money than lounging around the pool for free.

So, on those issues, I'd say most of this is just a learning experience.

I think the one thing I take exception to in the original post (a follow-up actually) is the inference that DVC is somehow being misleading about the size of the resort. Come on, now. I can think of a dozen places on-line to download a map of the resort INCLUDING the DVC members' only website. And, if anything, I think those maps make distances look even GREATER than they are.

Here's hoping you'll be better equipped to enjoy your stay next time.

 

[starbox]

I don't think I see anything unfair or trollish in Brian's post. But I do think that it illustrates the need to research your destination just a bit in order to have the best experience.

The only thing I found odd was the complaint about there not being a second feature pool, when there is one - replete with a water play area, pool bar, and drink station. I suppose it is possible that the OP stayed and did not look at their map or schedule of activities at all, which is a pity since the different resort activities at each location are part of DVC's charm to us.

I think it's fine to have a negative trip report or negative response to a resort, and I'm sorry if I came across as the thought police. I do think it is important to criticize resorts realistically (i.e. not blaming Disney for family illness, the heat, native Floridian bugs, or complaining about bus waits of 15 minutes when the standard is 20). I also think it's fine to post subjective opinions, such as "I don't like the decor", or even "I don't like to walk when I am on vacation".

ITA agree about being educated and infirmed prior to your Disney trip. I have a co-worker that asked me where I got my Crocs because she needed them for Spring Break. I asked where she was going and she said Disney. I was like "I Disney", and she shrugged and said she did not really like it but her 2 year old wanted to go. She said that she hated it the one time she went, and she only went to the MK because the crowds were so bad.

Yeah, so now she's going Easter Week. Sadly, I don't think her opinion will be changed.

 

[BroganMc]

I don't think the OP is exaggering at all. He clearly stated he had two little boys in tow. I mean I'm glad some of you can cover that distance in five minutes, but you won't be doing that dragging small children with you.

The thing is the distance between BCV and it's pool is not that far off from Congress Park to High Rock Springs. I mapped it as .25 mile from the center of CP to the HSR pool and .22 from BCV's elevators to the kiddie pool at SAB. .03 mile difference does not equate to a 10 minute difference. (At a normal walking speed, 2.5 mph, one traverses .25 in 6 minutes.)

Now if the OP was in the furthest CP building (closest to DTD), there would be another .10 mile added. Of course, there's also a much closer pool along the way, but then that was filled with those alleged shady characters I'm dying to hear more of.

Granted, if I'm walking back from a pool in hot summery sun, lugging pool toys/towels and a couple of tired children, that double trip is gonna feel like ages. But then I'd be kicking myself for stupidly leaving behind my room key and wishing I had a 2nd adult who could stay with the kids and crap while I run back for my key. Fear of someone stealing my key with room charging is just another reason why I'd be beyond anxious.

 

[castleri]

The thing is the distance between BCV and it's pool is not that far off from Congress Park to High Rock Springs. I mapped it as .25 mile from the center of CP to the HSR pool and .22 from BCV's elevators to the kiddie pool at SAB. .03 mile difference does not equate to a 10 minute difference. (At a normal walking speed, 2.5 mph, one traverses .25 in 6 minutes.)

Now if the OP was in the furthest CP building (closest to DTD), there would be another .10 mile added. Of course, there's also a much closer pool along the way, but then that was filled with those alleged shady characters I'm dying to hear more of.

Granted, if I'm walking back from a pool in hot summery sun, lugging pool toys/towels and a couple of tired children, that double trip is gonna feel like ages. But then I'd be kicking myself for stupidly leaving behind my room key and wishing I had a 2nd adult who could stay with the kids and crap while I run back for my key. Fear of someone stealing my key with room charging is just another reason why I'd be beyond anxious.

Well said. I felt it was a walk from BCV to the SAB pool also but then thought it must just be me. It is not a walk I find unreasonable just longer than some people seem to think it is. I wonder if the fact that you are walking through buidings and smaller open spaces at BCV makes it feel shorter than if you are walking the open spaces of a resort like SSR or OKW.

I agree with those who find it odd that the person did not know about the new pool area in that if the person took the bus at any time during the trip it went by the Grandstand section and that pool area etc. Of course it is even further from CP than the High Springs pool.

Each resort has its good and bad points and that is the thing that makes us lovers or haters of a certain resort. Those who try one and don't like it are entitled to their opinion and when stated as the OP did that it is not for them without saying everyone should feel the same should be allowed that opinion. What may seem a long walk to me may not seem the same to you. It can be the same distance and things can make it seem shorter or longer than it really is. It works to keep the reservations available at all resorts since everyone is not trying for the one "truly wonderful in every way one" since there isn't one. I just used BCV points to book SSR for Sept for the closeness to DTD, the good bus service, and the serenity of the resort in general as well as the walking opportunities