My family and I spent a week's worth of holidays at SSR in early January. The Christmas decorations were up until Jan. 8 and they were very nice -- nothing over the top, but very classy looking. There was a lovely tall tree in the reception area with thousands of lights along with garland and swags.
We stayed in a 1BR in Congress Park area and, although it was happening in the Paddock area just across the parking lot from us, we had no disruptions from construction at all. We saw it while waiting for the bus at the Congress Park stop, but nothing too loud at all. If you want a DTD view, you'll be wanting a spot in Congress Park.
As a guest booking through CRO you will receive full housekeeping. Of course you will be treated as any other Disney guest would be treated. Beyond the ability to receive limited perks with the presentation of a
DVC Member Card the CM's who deal with guests in the day-to-day encounters will have no idea if you are a DVC member, the guest of a DVC member or a guest who has booked through CRO or other
travel agency.
As DVC-Member Services tells its members whenever we call -- room preferences are noted, but cannot be guaranteed. I also asked for the N/S, DTD view, upper floor in January. The front desk CM was very apologetic in admitting that he was unable to give us our upper floor request. I had thought it would present a better view of DTD -- but we had a perfect view from the 2nd floor.
If you get Congress Park you will be a very short walk from the joys that are to be found in DTD. I'm one of those members who does not think that SSR is "too large", "too spread out" or boasts a theme pool that is "too small." We were a very leisurely 5 minute walk from DTD, 10 minute very slow walk with DD5 to High Rock Springs Pool (we did that walk a few times with DD5 -- not a complaint from her), and a very short walk to the bus stop. Parking was right near our complex -- all very handy. When returning from the parks we sometimes got off the bus at the Springs bus stop and went into AP for some more shopping or to pick up resort delivery packages. We found SSR to be very conveniently laid out, a good size and a lovely place to vacation. We will return -- but our next DVC trip home will be to OKW with friends. DW wants to check out all the DVC resorts at WDW (and presumably at DL -- if and when something happens there.

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Enjoy your trip to SSR.