Pool at SSR (compared to OKW)

[Nikkimouse44]

We just got home from OWK. We enjoyed it, but it had some negatives. I liked the pool bar and QS were close to the main pool, but missed having staff come by to take drink orders like the poly, and didn’t like I had to exit the pool fence to get drinks.

We’ve stayed at SSR before during winter months and love it, but never used the pool.

Is the main pool similar in that nothing is inside the pool fence or having staff come by for drink orders?

 

[Canchaser143]

We just got home from OWK. We enjoyed it, but it had some negatives. I liked the pool bar and QS were close to the main pool, but missed having staff come by to take drink orders like the poly, and didn’t like I had to exit the pool fence to get drinks.

We’ve stayed at SSR before during winter months and love it, but never used the pool.

Is the main pool similar in that nothing is inside the pool fence or having staff come by for drink orders?

Depending on which pool, there will a pool bar inside the fence.
Paddock Pool has the bigger one, it serves Breakfast - Dinner. It is more like a QS.
High Rock Spring Pool (Main Pool) has On the Rocks, it only serves drinks. You'd have to go out the fence and in Artist Palette for food.
Grandstand has more of a tiny snack shack that serves drinks and small snacks.

Sadly no poolside servers From what I can remember isn't the Grand Flo the only resort that still does that? I could be wrong though! Might be getting it confused with in room dining lol

 

[airjay75]

Just adding. I have only stayed once, but at the Paddock pool, if you ordered, they gave you a flag to bring back to where you were sitting and they would bring your food to you when it was ready. I quite liked that. Don't know if they always do this, but it was nice.

 

[Disdreaming479]

Poly, VGF, BRV all have f/b pool service. Maybe BCV also?

 

[Brian Noble]

Poolside service seems to come and go. It has been at OKW, but only sporadically.

But yes, the SSR pool food/drink situation (especially at Paddock) is worlds above OKW's feature pool.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Poly, VGF, BRV all have f/b pool service. Maybe BCV also?

RIV also has it most times.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Poly, VGF, BRV all have f/b pool service. Maybe BCV also?

Yes, they have f/b pool service at Stormalong Bay. The reason I know is because when the CM came around and asked me, I said I didn't want anything even though I really did. But it's because I'd never ordered from pool service so I didn't know how it "worked". Do they tack on a delivery charge? Or is it just whatever your conscience says to tip beyond the price of what you order?

 

[cheryl.UK]

Biggest issue I have at SSR High Rock Springs Pool is that much of the seating area is really sterile and there's a lack of shade unless you take a seat near the buildings. Then it feels like you are just sitting on a path rather than chilling by the pool. I love the pool at OKW, there are loads of chairs with umbrellas or under trees

 

[LRdismom]

Yes, they have f/b pool service at Stormalong Bay. The reason I know is because when the CM came around and asked me, I said I didn't want anything even though I really did. But it's because I'd never ordered from pool service so I didn't know how it "worked". Do they tack on a delivery charge? Or is it just whatever your conscience says to tip beyond the price of what you order?

I've never had an extra fee, but I tipped a little extra.

 

[BostonEd]

SSR High Rock Springs Pool

Did they ever replace the Duck statues at the High Rock pool?

 

[Disdreaming479]

Yes, they have f/b pool service at Stormalong Bay. The reason I know is because when the CM came around and asked me, I said I didn't want anything even though I really did. But it's because I'd never ordered from pool service so I didn't know how it "worked". Do they tack on a delivery charge? Or is it just whatever your conscience says to tip beyond the price of what you order?

No fee. It’s just like ordering from a waitress in a restaurant. They can charge your mb or credit card etc. they will keep bringing you drinks or food throughout your time at the pool or just one order. Tipping would be customary.

 

[bp2412]

Nothing new to add, but I would just say we have stayed at SSR and we enjoy the Paddock Pool a lot. I think the food options are actually really good for a pool and we enjoy the slide much better. Plus a better splash pad area for the kids. Less seating though, we ran into that issue going in afternoons after the kids nap and not really having a chair to claim.

 

[Mle8308]

Depending on which pool, there will a pool bar inside the fence.
Paddock Pool has the bigger one, it serves Breakfast - Dinner. It is more like a QS.
High Rock Spring Pool (Main Pool) has On the Rocks, it only serves drinks. You'd have to go out the fence and in Artist Palette for food.
Grandstand has more of a tiny snack shack that serves drinks and small snacks.

Sadly no poolside servers From what I can remember isn't the Grand Flo the only resort that still does that? I could be wrong though! Might be getting it confused with in room dining lol

Boulder Ridge pool at the WL sometimes has servers from Geyser Point taking orders. Otherwise it's just a short walk away. One server told me it depends on how they are staffed each day and how busy GP is.

 

[Canchaser143]

Boulder Ridge pool at the WL sometimes has servers from Geyser Point taking orders. Otherwise it's just a short walk away. One server told me it depends on how they are staffed each day and how busy GP is.

Good to know! Sounds like its just depends on the day if the pools will have servers or not!

 

[LadybugsMum]

Just adding. I have only stayed once, but at the Paddock pool, if you ordered, they gave you a flag to bring back to where you were sitting and they would bring your food to you when it was ready. I quite liked that. Don't know if they always do this, but it was nice.

They still did this in Sept 2025.

 

[Mle8308]

Good to know! Sounds like its just depends on the day if the pools will have servers or not!

It does. I'd say 50% of the time the servers were checking the pool on the last stay where we spent time at the pool (we were too busy this past stay). The Oasis pool at the Poly also has a server come around. However the bar is in the pool area and you can just walk up and order your food and there is a beverage refill station there, too. It's actually good food!

 

[Nikkimouse44]

Thank you all! I think we decided to book SSR at 11 months (12 points more than OKW studio) and only change at 7 months if a studio at Boardwalk is open, since we have never stayed there before.

But I think we’ll be happy staying at SSR and trying there pool!

 

[beccasmom]

The Turtle Pond pool area at OKW has a snack bar (open during busy periods). It has a small menu (salads, wraps, pizza, ice cream treats, etc.) and they also serve cocktails, beer, and smoothies. We tend to use that pool more than the others.

 

[DeeBee3]

We did a split stay last year between SSR and OKW. Loved SSR and the pools much more. We aren't big "lounge by the pool all day" people, but we did enjoy our pool time at the main pool and thought the pool by the Grandstand section was cute. We just overall liked SSR compared to OKW.

 

[kilik64]

Thank you all! I think we decided to book SSR at 11 months (12 points more than OKW studio) and only change at 7 months if a studio at Boardwalk is open, since we have never stayed there before.

But I think we’ll be happy staying at SSR and trying there pool!

Paddock pool is to me the best resort pool area we've been to so far, slide is fun, has a great kids play are if you have younger ones with you, and the grill is really solid for food. Great way to spend a resort day.