Buzz's Buddy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2002
- Messages
- 990
Well, we've just returned from a fairly long stay at SSR - 9 nights from 6/28 til 7/7. It was also our first DVC experience having only purchased last October. I've read all the posts about SSR (both positive and negative) and wasn't sure what to expect. After our first trip home, I'm happy to report that we just loved our experience and are thrilled to be DVC members! 
We stayed in room 2503, a 1 BR with a very good view of DD. Although there's still obviously a lot of construction going on, we found the resort to be beautiful. Here are some of our observations in response to previous reports about SSR:
1. In my opinion, High Rock Springs Pool is bigger than it appears in pictures. After looking at the pictures that have been posted, I thought the pool in my backyard was bigger than High Rock Springs. However, it's actually a decent sized pool. That being said, I think it is going to be too small for a resort of this size once it is fully open. One final note, we all loved the slide! The quiet pool overlooking Downtown Disney was nice. The walkways around the pool do seem to get very hot.
2. The walkway to the Marketplace Shops is open! When we arrived, only the long walkway that took you to Westside was open. Although we did that walk on our first night, we all agreed that it was very long. On July 1st, the 3rd SSR building opened, and I believe they opened the walkway on that date. Anyway, we used that walkway a few days later. It probably took less than 10 minutes to get to the Marketplace from our room.
3. Bus service is very good. We were no doubt spoiled since the resort isn't fully opened, but it was almost like having our own private bus fleet at our disposal. There were many times that we were the only family on the bus, even after leaving the Magic Kingdom after Wishes was over. The only "problem" we encountered was having to take an OKW bus after an e-ride night on 6/30. The gentleman directing the buses said they were short on buses and had the driver take us to SSR after dropping people off at OKW. Also, at EPCOT, SSR & OKW share a bus stop. One night, the SSR bus (which had plenty of room) also took people going to OKW and dropped them off after first going to SSR.
4. The construction did not bother us AT ALL! I understand that some people would prefer not to look at the buildings under construction, but we were not disturbed by it at all. There are no construction vehicles coming through the resort and we heard virtually no noise during our entire stay. In fact, halfway through our stay, my wife wondered if they were even working on the buildings.
5. Noise from DD is no problem. With one notable exception, we didn't hear any noise from DD while inside the room. Even the nightly fireworks weren't a problem. When asleep before midnight, we were never awakened by the fireworks. If you're awake, you'll hear them, but it's really not a problem at all. As I mentioned, there was an exception. DD had special fireworks for the holiday on July 2, 3 & 4. WOW
, it doesn't get much louder than that. We awoke the first night thinking we were under attack! On the plus side, the next 2 nights we enjoyed the midnight fireworks from the patio.
6. Artists Pallette. The decor in the dining area is beautiful, very colorful. We found the food choices to be limited however. Although DD is close, we found that we missed having a restaurant at the resort. I think this is something that could be addressed as the resort fully opens.
Overall, it was a great first DVC experience and although we plan to eventually stay at every DVC resort, we have already developed a special feeling for our home resort.
One final note. We found the CM's at SSR to be very friendly and helpful. We received our first "Welcome Home" from the security guard at the gate and heard several more during our stay!
We stayed in room 2503, a 1 BR with a very good view of DD. Although there's still obviously a lot of construction going on, we found the resort to be beautiful. Here are some of our observations in response to previous reports about SSR:
1. In my opinion, High Rock Springs Pool is bigger than it appears in pictures. After looking at the pictures that have been posted, I thought the pool in my backyard was bigger than High Rock Springs. However, it's actually a decent sized pool. That being said, I think it is going to be too small for a resort of this size once it is fully open. One final note, we all loved the slide! The quiet pool overlooking Downtown Disney was nice. The walkways around the pool do seem to get very hot.
2. The walkway to the Marketplace Shops is open! When we arrived, only the long walkway that took you to Westside was open. Although we did that walk on our first night, we all agreed that it was very long. On July 1st, the 3rd SSR building opened, and I believe they opened the walkway on that date. Anyway, we used that walkway a few days later. It probably took less than 10 minutes to get to the Marketplace from our room.
3. Bus service is very good. We were no doubt spoiled since the resort isn't fully opened, but it was almost like having our own private bus fleet at our disposal. There were many times that we were the only family on the bus, even after leaving the Magic Kingdom after Wishes was over. The only "problem" we encountered was having to take an OKW bus after an e-ride night on 6/30. The gentleman directing the buses said they were short on buses and had the driver take us to SSR after dropping people off at OKW. Also, at EPCOT, SSR & OKW share a bus stop. One night, the SSR bus (which had plenty of room) also took people going to OKW and dropped them off after first going to SSR.
4. The construction did not bother us AT ALL! I understand that some people would prefer not to look at the buildings under construction, but we were not disturbed by it at all. There are no construction vehicles coming through the resort and we heard virtually no noise during our entire stay. In fact, halfway through our stay, my wife wondered if they were even working on the buildings.
5. Noise from DD is no problem. With one notable exception, we didn't hear any noise from DD while inside the room. Even the nightly fireworks weren't a problem. When asleep before midnight, we were never awakened by the fireworks. If you're awake, you'll hear them, but it's really not a problem at all. As I mentioned, there was an exception. DD had special fireworks for the holiday on July 2, 3 & 4. WOW
, it doesn't get much louder than that. We awoke the first night thinking we were under attack! On the plus side, the next 2 nights we enjoyed the midnight fireworks from the patio.6. Artists Pallette. The decor in the dining area is beautiful, very colorful. We found the food choices to be limited however. Although DD is close, we found that we missed having a restaurant at the resort. I think this is something that could be addressed as the resort fully opens.
Overall, it was a great first DVC experience and although we plan to eventually stay at every DVC resort, we have already developed a special feeling for our home resort.
One final note. We found the CM's at SSR to be very friendly and helpful. We received our first "Welcome Home" from the security guard at the gate and heard several more during our stay!
