OK I'll Start It!! NYE Party @ SSR! Who Else?

[kdzgon]

I see a number of people that had Congress Park, most with DTD views - can you tell me when you checked in? I'm curious, because despite the facts that we booked 11 mos out, requested C Pk & DTD view, and had 2 people with limited mobility (scooters) plus a stroller (noted at res time and re-confirmed well in advance), and checked in by noon (Dec 30) we ended up in the furthest point out in the Paddock. While the CM told us there would be a room in CP although it was not yet ready and we agreed to wait for it, he proceeded to assign us to Paddock, rm 6121 instead. We were not near anything - not even a bus stop. I could deal with not getting CP, but really - the location we received was inappropriate. I know lots of DVCers checked in on Dec 30 - I find it very hard to believe everyone in a 2 BR checked in before us leaving no better options than this room.

We've only stayed at SSR 2X, requesting Congress Park each time. First time, we were in Carousel (mid May) and this time in Paddock. We checked in early but were willing to wait each time, and both times were ultimately told "nothing else is available". I will not be staying at SSR again unless we are desperate, and I am seriously considering selling my SSR and taking the loss on them in order to switch resorts. Not getting your request is one thing, but staying so far out, esp with a scooter and no car, is not enjoyable IMO. The cold weather didn't help, either - getting to the bus stop and then waiting 40+ min for a bus in the freezing cold was NOT what my 74 YO mom considered "fun" (& ITA w/ her!).

 

[lovinthemouse]

I see a number of people that had Congress Park, most with DTD views - can you tell me when you checked in? I'm curious, because despite the facts that we booked 11 mos out, requested C Pk & DTD view, and had 2 people with limited mobility (scooters) plus a stroller (noted at res time and re-confirmed well in advance), and checked in by noon (Dec 30) we ended up in the furthest point out in the Paddock. While the CM told us there would be a room in CP although it was not yet ready and we agreed to wait for it, he proceeded to assign us to Paddock, rm 6121 instead. We were not near anything - not even a bus stop. I could deal with not getting CP, but really - the location we received was inappropriate. I know lots of DVCers checked in on Dec 30 - I find it very hard to believe everyone in a 2 BR checked in before us leaving no better options than this room.

We've only stayed at SSR 2X, requesting Congress Park each time. First time, we were in Carousel (mid May) and this time in Paddock. We checked in early but were willing to wait each time, and both times were ultimately told "nothing else is available". I will not be staying at SSR again unless we are desperate, and I am seriously considering selling my SSR and taking the loss on them in order to switch resorts. Not getting your request is one thing, but staying so far out, esp with a scooter and no car, is not enjoyable IMO. The cold weather didn't help, either - getting to the bus stop and then waiting 40+ min for a bus in the freezing cold was NOT what my 74 YO mom considered "fun" (& ITA w/ her!).

I can say we were in CP not a DTD view. We checked in on the 30th at around 10am. Our room was not ready, but it was assigned and we got our tickets and off to the parks we went. We did not ask for CP. I could have cared less where we were put. When we checked in the front desk clerk said we had been put in their most requested part of the resort CP. I told her that I had not requested it and any part was fine with me. She then said the the room was already assigned to us. I am not sure how they are assigned but it seems to me if someone had requested it and someone had not then the one who did should get it. I am sorry you did not get what you had requested.

 

[Lady V]

What is so funny is that I had requested the Grandstand area. We were at the WLV for the 28-30 and at 7 am on the morning of the 30th I took a taxi to SS to check in to try to see if I could get Grandstand. The lady told me my room was already assigned and that it was in Congress Park with a view of DTD.
ON a side note--dinner at Ohanas was just ok. The pool party at SS was awesome and my kids were talking about the pool party just this morning! We just got back yesterday! See everyone next year!!

 

[disneyfan2kids]

... We checked in on Sat. Dec. 29th at 9am sharp. We requested the same as you (CP, DTD/Pool view) at the 11 month mark. Upon check-in we were told we had gotten our request, but we'd have to wait until 4pm. Literally, they wouldn't give us our room number until 4pm on the dot. We called at 3:55 and they told us they refused to give out or # for another 5 minutes. They said the room was done/ready...but we'd have to call back at 4pm precisely. (???)

Anyway, we were in CP room 2236. Which was the back corner of the 2nd building closest to Springs. View was 75% blocked by the corner of the existing building. The other 25% was a giant tree. THROUGH the tree branches you could see about the last 3 inches of Cirque. So, my DTD view was nothing at all like I imagined. It was convenient for walking to/from the party, however I liked the Springs better (stayed their last time.) Also - I will request Grandstand next time to try it out. Just narrowing it down to which options I like the best. In a nutshell, CP was definitely not all I had made it out to be.

I would agree with you that I wouldn't be happy with the farthest Paddock room OR with the Carousel. As owners... I ABSOLUTELY feel that there should be preference with regards to "view" to owners first. What's the point of owning at SSR (which I do LOVE by the way) if you're going to get stuck with the worst location all the time. If I had to spend more than 1 trip at the Carousel, I'd just book elsewhere and/or sell my SSR points for somewhere else.

 

[bigsmooth]

We booked at 11 months on the nose and requested CP with DtD views. We then checked in at 10am on the 30th. They told us that we did not have a good view of DtD (told us it was an obstructed partial view), but that we were in Congress Park. We were pleasantly surprised with what we got. I don't remember the section, but our 3rd floor balcony looked straight out at the Cirque building over the top of the quiet pool. So our vision included House of Blues and a side of Pleasure Island. We got our card to check room status. Called it the first time at 1:30pm, room was not ready. Called again at 3pm and it was ready.

Not sure why someone who booked at 11 months would not have got your request. I would have pressed the point a bit more during check in.

 

[tomandrobin]

That week is so tough getting your room choice, the closer you get to the 31st. Did you talk to the manager at check-in and ask for another room?

 

[TiggerMan2007]

I see a number of people that had Congress Park, most with DTD views - can you tell me when you checked in? I'm curious, because despite the facts that we booked 11 mos out, requested C Pk & DTD view, and had 2 people with limited mobility (scooters) plus a stroller (noted at res time and re-confirmed well in advance), and checked in by noon (Dec 30) we ended up in the furthest point out in the Paddock. While the CM told us there would be a room in CP although it was not yet ready and we agreed to wait for it, he proceeded to assign us to Paddock, rm 6121 instead. We were not near anything - not even a bus stop. I could deal with not getting CP, but really - the location we received was inappropriate. I know lots of DVCers checked in on Dec 30 - I find it very hard to believe everyone in a 2 BR checked in before us leaving no better options than this room.

We've only stayed at SSR 2X, requesting Congress Park each time. First time, we were in Carousel (mid May) and this time in Paddock. We checked in early but were willing to wait each time, and both times were ultimately told "nothing else is available". I will not be staying at SSR again unless we are desperate, and I am seriously considering selling my SSR and taking the loss on them in order to switch resorts. Not getting your request is one thing, but staying so far out, esp with a scooter and no car, is not enjoyable IMO. The cold weather didn't help, either - getting to the bus stop and then waiting 40+ min for a bus in the freezing cold was NOT what my 74 YO mom considered "fun" (& ITA w/ her!).

We booked 11 months out, day by day. We requested DTD view in Congress park. We booked SSR from Dec. 30 - Jan. 3 in a STUDIO. We wanted this area/view because we were there on the 4th of July and Congress Park is the best place to stay in SSR because of it's proximity to Pool Party and DTD. We also booked BCV for Jan 3 - 4 in a STUDIO. We added the extra day to our trip sometime this summer and BCV was the only room available at the time. That is why we didn't stay at SSR the whole time.

We left late afternoon from our home in NC to head to Disney. We arrived at 11:30 PM on the 30th to check in. We got exactly what we requested for a room. Room 1247 in Congress Park. 2nd floor with view Directly across from Fulton's Crab House and Pleasure Island. I am sure if we got there earlier in the day, our room may have not have been as good. The fact that we had only requested a studio may have made a difference as well.

Here was our view:

Just wanted to add, we missed the pool party on NYE, the kids wanted to be on Mian St. USA. We were at the 4th of July pool party at SSR this year and it was fantastic!! I am sure just as good as the New Years one. I was hoping to get there, but the kids never experienced Main St on NYE, and they did the party on the 4th of July, so DW and I lost out.

Here is what Main St. was like at midnight:

 

[tomandrobin]

Here is what Main St. was like at midnight:[/COLOR

That's about the view I remember!

Beautiful......Those fireworks give me goosebumps when I am there.

 

[unixadm]

We were in "The Springs" which was reallly good since it was a quick walk to the bike rental, Community center, pool, bus stop (which we didn't use), etc.

I didn't have specific request on my ressies, but booked 11 months as others did, but we were staying Dec 26th-Jan 2nd. We checked in on the 26th at about 4pm and I specifically asked to be near the pool during check in. Last year we were in the Paddocks and it was too far. The CM told me that my room came up as "The Springs" and asked if that was ok. I am guessing from her question that there may have been a couple of choices.

I think that coming in several days before the new year gives a better chance of getting what you request.

 

[BroganMc]

I see a number of people that had Congress Park, most with DTD views - can you tell me when you checked in? I'm curious, because despite the facts that we booked 11 mos out, requested C Pk & DTD view, and had 2 people with limited mobility (scooters) plus a stroller (noted at res time and re-confirmed well in advance), and checked in by noon (Dec 30) we ended up in the furthest point out in the Paddock. While the CM told us there would be a room in CP although it was not yet ready and we agreed to wait for it, he proceeded to assign us to Paddock, rm 6121 instead. We were not near anything - not even a bus stop. I could deal with not getting CP, but really - the location we received was inappropriate. I know lots of DVCers checked in on Dec 30 - I find it very hard to believe everyone in a 2 BR checked in before us leaving no better options than this room.

SNIP

Not getting your request is one thing, but staying so far out, esp with a scooter and no car, is not enjoyable IMO. The cold weather didn't help, either - getting to the bus stop and then waiting 40+ min for a bus in the freezing cold was NOT what my 74 YO mom considered "fun" (& ITA w/ her!).

We booked at 11 mos out. A handicapped studio with roll-in shower. At the time I had forgotten to make a room request and learned better how to handle it since. Handicapped rooms are blocked at the time of reservation by special needs. So if I want a particular area, I need to make that request from the get-go. (For instance, my room in April at the moment is a handicapped studo in Congress Park with bathtub. I keep calling back and trying to get a roll-in shower. Availability for those types of rooms are tight. And I called at 6 mos. out. So much for the theory of "there's always a room at SSR cuz it's HUGE".)

Looks like you got assigned a room that was deemed close enough to Congress Park based on what they actually had. And it is, relatively speaking, as long as you take the route East toward CP instead of West toward the Springs bridge. Unfortunately that is also an area woefully in need of a shortcut bridge. The lake there between Springs and the Eastern side of Paddocks is short enough for a bridge shortcut. I don't know why they haven't built one.

As it was, we were hung up at the airport for so long that we didn't arrive at SSR until after 3pm. By then our room was ready. Turned out to be Springs 3512 with a view of a tiny garden overlooking the parking lot. I've had better views, but it wasn't awful.

FWIW, my 75 y.o. dad uses a scooter and runs around 15 degrees colder than the rest of us. (The man is always cold.) He took extra fleece sweaters along and was fine. (Well except for Jan 2 when it was frigid everywhere. Mr. Grumpy-Puss he turned into that day.) NYE we got off at the Springs, got our drink refills at AP and rode over to CP for the party. Our longest bus wait was probably NYE afterhours. I think an hour. The road to MGM (sorry DHS) was closed due to fireworks and then traffic absolutely jammed. By 3:30am the roads were clear.

I am sorry you've had such dismal room assignments for your SSR stays. From what the CM told you then did, it sounds like a ball got dropped. It doesn't hurt to clarify and triplecheck (pleasantly mind) before you walk away. I always take a close look at that map they circle and let them know if I'd like a change. First couple of stays (May and December) I had them move us from Paddocks to Springs and Congress Park to Grandstand. Just a matter of saying "Oh, um can you please check to see if there's another room in X section? I can wait if it's not ready." Then as they tinker with the computer I say a little prayer and remember to say "Gee thank you so much for looking like this. I hate to be a bother."

 

[tomandrobin]

I forgot to mention, we checked in on December 27th at 11 am. We got a 4th floor unit in the Grandstand section, in the building closet to the bus stop. This was the building and section we wanted. Below were some of our views.

I have balcony views too, but have to wait until I get home and post them.

 

[BroganMc]

Just wanted to add, we missed the pool party on NYE, the kids wanted to be on Mian St. USA. We were at the 4th of July pool party at SSR this year and it was fantastic!! I am sure just as good as the New Years one. I was hoping to get there, but the kids never experienced Main St on NYE, and they did the party on the 4th of July, so DW and I lost out.

Oh well. I bet bet 4th of July made for better pool weather. From the sea of people in your picture, I'm glad I went the night before. Since I sit down most of the time, I would have seen the backs of people more than actual fireworks.

 

[tomandrobin]

Oh well. I bet bet 4th of July made for better pool weather. From the sea of people in your picture, I'm glad I went the night before. Since I sit down most of the time, I would have seen the backs of people more than actual fireworks.

They had a wheelchair viewing area by plaza restuarant. Not sure if there were any others.

 

[BroganMc]

They had a wheelchair viewing area by plaza restuarant. Not sure if there were any others.

Good to know. We have our own highly classified viewing area around those parts. Still I'll take my 30th preview with EMH till 4am over the mad crush of MK on the 31st. MGM was absolutely dead when we got there at 1:30am.

 

[tomandrobin]

Good to know. We have our own highly classified viewing area around those parts. Still I'll take my 30th preview with EMH till 4am over the mad crush of MK on the 31st. MGM was absolutely dead when we got there at 1:30am.

I absolutely agree, MK on the 30th and a second (or in your case, third and fourth) park on the 31st!

 

[kdzgon]

...Looks like you got assigned a room that was deemed close enough to Congress Park based on what they actually had. And it is, relatively speaking, as long as you take the route East toward CP instead of West toward the Springs bridge. Unfortunately that is also an area woefully in need of a shortcut bridge. The lake there between Springs and the Eastern side of Paddocks is short enough for a bridge shortcut. I don't know why they haven't built one....

FWIW, my 75 y.o. dad uses a scooter and runs around 15 degrees colder than the rest of us. (The man is always cold.) He took extra fleece sweaters along and was fine. (Well except for Jan 2 when it was frigid everywhere. Mr. Grumpy-Puss he turned into that day.) NYE we got off at the Springs, got our drink refills at AP and rode over to CP for the party. Our longest bus wait was probably NYE afterhours. I think an hour. The road to MGM (sorry DHS) was closed due to fireworks and then traffic absolutely jammed. By 3:30am the roads were clear.

I am sorry you've had such dismal room assignments for your SSR stays. From what the CM told you then did, it sounds like a ball got dropped. It doesn't hurt to clarify and triplecheck (pleasantly mind) before you walk away. I always take a close look at that map they circle and let them know if I'd like a change. First couple of stays (May and December) I had them move us from Paddocks to Springs and Congress Park to Grandstand. Just a matter of saying "Oh, um can you please check to see if there's another room in X section? I can wait if it's not ready." Then as they tinker with the computer I say a little prayer and remember to say "Gee thank you so much for looking like this. I hate to be a bother."

I don't want you all to think I didn't try...I spent well over 40 min at the desk, trying to get a better assignment. Once we finally got to our room location (I definitely see why people wanting a "quiet" trip request the Paddock), I returned to the registration desk to once again request a change. I was told it was impossible, and that perhaps I should write to Guest Services upon my return home, and I was handed a card with the contact info on it. I think my mistake might have been being polite, and saying "I understand it is a very busy time, but any help would be appreciated.." - maybe the squeaky wheel does get the grease, but then again I'd hate to be branded as one of "those" DVC members

The original CM did check with the manager, but then returned and insisted this was a "good" location, and kept telling me "it's not far at all" - well, maybe for those of you that know your way around it's not so bad, but it wasn't so great for us. My mom and DH got lost on the way back from DTD (don't ask...) and stopped for directions several times - one maintenance guy sent them over to the Grandstand(!), and even the people in the DVC preview center had no idea where the Paddock section was! I was getting pretty worried by time they finally arrived (apparently the scooters start to lose speed after being at full throttle for a bit, slowing the progress even more).

I actually got confused myself, walking back from shuttling the scooters back the AM we were leaving, and ended up walking much further than I needed to. The only patio (a dedicated 2 BR, supposed to sleep 8 people) was barely large enough to fit the 2 chairs, and was surrounded by shrubbery, so you could not exit that way even if on foot. (I was surprised by the size, considering the amount of balcony on the 1 BRs at both OKW and BW - this one was the same exact size as the one we had with our studio in Carousel.) In order to get to the paths on your map, you first needed to walk out the front and around the end of the building and then back to the path(s).

The cold beginning on Jan 2 on just made things sooo much worse. Our really long waits for the bus were going to Epcot on Jan 3, and waiting for the bus from MGM (eve of Jan 2), and then waiting for the second replacement bus after the original bus broke down (after we had all been loaded) and the first replacement bus would not load any scooters or wheelchairs.

I know this will all be humorous one day, but not until after my mom stops calling me and comparing the current day's weather here in No Jersey to the weather we experienced while in Fl. I did warn her about the possible drop in temps (they made fun of me for packing gloves, but they all had to buy pairs while in WDW...), but (a) she didn't really believe me and (b) due to the winds it was even worse than what I anticipated.

It will however never be humorous enough to book another stay at SSR with multiple scooters until if and when they implement bookable locations there. I don't mind walking by myself (if it is not so cold), it's the coordinating 2 scooters and a stroller that makes transportation so difficult and sloooow.

 

[BroganMc]

I don't mind walking by myself (if it is not so cold), it's the coordinating 2 scooters and a stroller that makes transportation so difficult and sloooow.

Ah well yes travelling with two motorized devices is not for the faint of heart. My dad and I take up both spots on the bus so prefer Grandstand. First stop = free spaces.

We did walk over to Grandstand one day when the Springs busses were coming in loaded. It was the right decision since in 5 minutes we had a perfectly empty bus ready for us (I forget where to now).

Getting lost coming back from DTD is common. Both times I've directed groups back from DTD they were hopelessly lost and always made the wrong turn. Having that map ingrained on my brain has helped me, I guess. I warn folks at check-in to always ask for a couple extra maps. Stick one in your pocket until you know the lay of the resort by heart.

My mom and DH got lost on the way back from DTD (don't ask...) and stopped for directions several times - one maintenance guy sent them over to the Grandstand(!), and even the people in the DVC preview center had no idea where the Paddock section was! I was getting pretty worried by time they finally arrived (apparently the scooters start to lose speed after being at full throttle for a bit, slowing the progress even more).

They will go slower as the battery drains. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, electronic ones don't coast or benefit from gravity. They work until they slowly die like flashlights.

As for the misdirection, yes sometimes staff forgets or has a horrible sense of direction. You know you have found a good guide when they are willing to lead you there. Am I correct that your folks asked where a room number was or forgot the correct word for Paddocks? I've heard misunderstandings happen when people ask for the Paddockstands or Granddocks. A few have asked for Carousel Park... just itching for trouble there.

The only patio (a dedicated 2 BR, supposed to sleep 8 people) was barely large enough to fit the 2 chairs, and was surrounded by shrubbery, so you could not exit that way even if on foot.

That's the trouble with dedicated 2BR. No separate entry and no separate patio. The shrubbery is to give you some privacy on the ground floor and keep people out of your room.

In order to get to the paths on your map, you first needed to walk out the front and around the end of the building and then back to the path(s).

Yeah, they aren't build for egress all around the building. I got lost myself the first time I stayed in a side unit. You dont realize that little bend around the corner is actually a shortcut until you explore.

I know this will all be humorous one day, but not until after my mom stops calling me and comparing the current day's weather here in No Jersey to the weather we experienced while in Fl.

We learned our lesson last year when we scheduled our fortnight Fall trip for early December. Man, did we freeze. Animal Kingdom was more like Antarctica than Africa. Brrrrrrr. Ever since we've vowed to only ever go in December for a few days. I can't imagine us ever going in January or February again. Been there, done that, have the frostbite to prove it. I don't know where these people come from to rave about Florida in the winter. I suspect North Dakota where anything above 30 is a heat wave.

I am sorry you've had such a rotten time at SSR. I wish I could have been there to guide you at least. It really is a very nice resort and the staff are usually very helpful.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Hi All!!

Since booking for NYE is only 3 weeks away, and this will be SSR's 5th NYE celebration, maybe we could plan a real meet this year. This year was bad for me (I started back to school this fall) but I would be willing to
co-organize if anyone wants to help.

Those pictures of MK on NYE are gorgeous, but scary

Im afraid my DH and the boys would stage a mutiny if I took them into all that!

 

[tomandrobin]

Since booking for NYE is only 3 weeks away, and this will be SSR's 5th NYE celebration, maybe we could plan a real meet this year. This year was bad for me (I started back to school this fall) but I would be willing to
co-organize if anyone wants to help.

Those pictures of MK on NYE are gorgeous, but scary

Im afraid my DH and the boys would stage a mutiny if I took them into all that!

Didn't you bail on us this year? I'm not sure we can allow you back in the SSR NYE Party next year! lol

Ok, enough just joking around.

First, do MK on the 30th. Half the crowd, twice the fun. Second, I'll be at SSR for New Years next year, but I think we have decided to do Epcot. But we are still 357 days out, things could change.

One more thing, who ever organizes this needs to make sure there is champagne and finger food! Maybe you can talk to SSR people to help pull it all together. Just adding those two items may change our plans.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Didn't you bail on us this year? I'm not sure we can allow you back in the SSR NYE Party next year! lol

Ok, enough just joking around.

First, do MK on the 30th. Half the crowd, twice the fun. Second, I'll be at SSR for New Years next year, but I think we have decided to do Epcot. But we are still 357 days out, things could change.

I did bail, school was kicking my butt! But I finished all my prereqs and I should be on the downside by next year so I am willing to make it up this year!

The boys want to do the whole 2 weeks at SSR this year over Christmas and NYE so we will be there.
MK on the 30th does sound better so that would be a good option.