Potentially insulting ( I hope not) question about SSR

[Maddysdaddy]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Think we might just book SSR and rent a car. Can't fathom having to take a bus everywhere (we go on vacation so we don't have to spend two hours a day on public transit) - that's why we go to DL so often - everything is "there".

 

[dwelty]

Thanks for the replies.

The only DVC resort we have stayed at is VGC (even though our home resort is AKV) so that is our baseline for resort and room quality (high threshold).

I just wanted to check to make sure that the availability of SSR is not indicative of issues with quality or cleanliness.

I own at SSR and VGC and in my opinion there is no DVC resort that compares well with a VGC villa. They really went top notch with that resort. having said that, the grounds at SSR are beautiful, and you can't go wrong staying there.

 

[Kathi OD]

Thanks for the replies.

The only DVC resort we have stayed at is VGC (even though our home resort is AKV) so that is our baseline for resort and room quality (high threshold).

I just wanted to check to make sure that the availability of SSR is not indicative of issues with quality or cleanliness.

We just got back from our first stay at SSR. It is not our home resort (that honor goes to BWV). I can tell you firsthand that we had absolutely no issues with cleanliness in our villa.

We requested a villa in the Grandstand area in order to be the first on the buses going to the parks and the first stop to be let off coming back.

I wasn't sure we would like staying there, and while we still prefer the points and room size at OKW by far, I have to say I wouldn't mind staying at SSR again. It was a lovely resort, with very kind, helpful CMs.

 

[pouncingpluto]

We are SSR/VAK owners, and we have only stayed at SSR once. That said, I would absolutely recommend following the strategy Dean and others have suggested -- book SSR, because it is a perfectly nice place, but see if you can manage a split stay.

Our issue with SSR has nothing to do with quality or cleanliness -- it has more to do with theming than anything. Basically, SSR just doesn't feel themed to us -- it seems like a beautiful suburban apartment complex. We prefer hotel-style resorts (interior hallways, rather than exterior corridors), more overtly themed resorts (love VAK/AKL), and resorts that are close to parks (Epcot area or MK area resorts).

But if I wanted to go at Easter and were booking 4 months out, I would not hesitate to take SSR and get on a couple waitlists (or go ahead and book a split stay if there is something attractive available for that).

 

[spencerbomar]

Have you thought of doing a split stay. With 12 nights you could try to get another resort for 6 and SSR for 6. Then you would get to experience 2 resorts. After about 5 or 6 days I'm usually ready for a change

It is a huge pain in the rear to change. It takes a lot of time to change in the middle of your vacation, when you could be relaxing instead.

 

[allshookup]

Definitely think it's just that it's so big so plenty of availability. We used to own at SSR but sold our points & bought BLT. However, SSR still has a special place in my heart & would stay there again in a heart beat. We love the proximity to DTD, the pastel colors, the river boat, the beautiful paths for walking, etc.

The decision to buy BLT was based on the fact that it's harder to get during the holidays & that is when we really enjoy staying there for the proximity to the monorail, MK & the MK resorts.

As far as split stays go, I know that's a personal preference thing, but I agree with the PP that said 12 nights at SSR is way better than packing up & having to move during your vacation, especially if you have food & drink. We did it once....never ever again!

 

[meggiebeth]

SSR is amazing and IMHO one of the nicest DVC resorts. It is very quiet but the atmosphere is wonderful and the CMs very friendly. I wouldn't hesitate to book it.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[MEK]

SSR owner here. Love the place because I am a runner. It's so pretty and the quiet pools are
Fabulous. That being said, if I am trying to conserve points I would book OKW, AK standard, or BWV standard over SSR. However, I will never be disappointed with an SSR stay and I live split stays for linger trips.

 

[happyann79]

It is a very large and lovely resort!

 

[Dean]

While SSR is a nice resort and SOME of the availability is due to it's size, it is also in less demand comparatively than the other WDW resorts. It is not simply size that makes it more available.

 

[jade1]

Can't fathom having to take a bus everywhere (we go on vacation so we don't have to spend two hours a day on public transit) - that's why we go to DL so often - everything is "there".

We went to DL last year and noticed how easy your days would be if at a Disney Resort there. Almost bizarre how close. Even the WDW resorts are not nearly that close-but we minimize buses by splitting our stay at BLT and BCV, and usually just over a week-12 days would be a no-brainer. Moving day is simple-we have belle move our bags and we check out of BLT and monorail to EPCOT for lunch and FP's. Then some of us hit SAB and some stay at EPCOT longer. Our kids are older though-so that makes everything easier/smoother.

 

[csharpwv]

OK, I really hate to say this... but I'm going to anyway....

If your only DVC experience has been at the Villas at the Grand Californian - everything else will seem nearly 2nd rate.

The fact that the Grand Californian Resort is the absolute best Disney Resort I have visited - (I have stayed in all three at the Disneyland Resort - and have visited nearly every WDW Resort Hotel).

The Grand Californian is incredible - and the villas there are absolutely stellar.

Saratoga Spring IS a nice resort, and it is a really relaxed, laid back, and out of the ordinary Disney resort. The theme is very understated and the cast members are very friendly.

The resort is extremely spread out - so much so that there really are three feature pool area.

We own a small contract at Saratoga, mainly to book at the treehouse villas at 11 months - but, I wouldn't hesitate to stay at Saratoga for a week or more.

One of the biggest things that impressed the heck out of me is the 3BR Grand Villa at Saratoga Springs. It is gorgeous and very residential feeling - with built in Sony surround sound!

You won't regret staying there, but unfortunately - not every resort can be the Grand Californian!

But you'll like your stay - and it really has a nice feeling!

 

[Cee]

SSR is my love. The proximity to DTD can't be beat and we enjoy being more removed from the parks to "get away from it all".