Questions for SSR goers

[DeeCee735]

Hi all. I am in the thought process of planning yet another trip - the beauty of owning DVC . This time around I'd like to take a couple of my cousins - a girl trip, if you will. They both really enjoy spa's, and I'd like to take them to Cirque, so I was thinking SSR would be the best place to stay, but having never been there, I know nothing about the layout, so I have a couple of questions.

Where is the best room location to be close to the spa, AND to the main area?

How far would this location be from the boat ramp or pathways to get to DTD? I know SSR is big, but really have no perspective on that.

Is it just CS for dining? I do not remember the name of the CS eatery - Artist's something??? Forgive me, as I said I've never really been there.

Is the CS open through dinner time? What restaurants would you recommend for dinner at DTD?

Thanks for any info you can give me. Oh, I'm interested in either a one or two bedroom if that makes any kind of difference.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Hi! SSR is a great place to stay for a spa trip and seeing Cirque.

Closest to the main area/spa is the Springs section - right accross the road. Second choice would be the Grandstand section. A nice walk on a path to the main area and spa.

Three options for DTD: there is a boat dock in the main building that will you take you to DTD, or you can take the path nearest the Grandstand section over to the West Side of DTD, or you can walk from the Congress Park section over to the Marketplace.

The Artist Palette is the CS eatery at SSR. Nice flatbread pizzas, signature sandwiches, soups and such; open B/L/D. The Turf Club is the TS restaurant at SSR. I've eaten there once, not bad - not stellar, but it was a while ago.

1 bdrm sleeps 4, 2 bdrm sleeps 8 - plus you get two bathrooms! That might be the best advantage to a 2 bedroom. Or you could do 2 studios and save some points.

The spa's "menu" can be seen at www.relaxedyet.com - there is a DVC discount for certain treatments but they're not listed on the site. CALL EARLY if you can to book your spa treatments!

If you haven't seen Cirque, know this - there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Even if you have the seat farthest in the back you're only 75 feet from the stage! A lot of stuff happens up high and the people with the "good seats" up front are watching from practically underneath - and breaking their necks.

I hope you love SSR as much as I do - very relaxing, beautiful atmosphere, and great location (IMHO). I'm sure someone has a map they can post.

D4D

 

[janjan713]

Hi, my husband and I are considering a stay at SSR in Nov. '08 and we are a little confused about SSR. We have previously stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter but understand that SSR is much larger. Is there still a transportation service that we could use while at SSR to get to all the parks and attractions? Also, would I be able to receive a discount for the Disney World theme park tickets through the owner of the DVC? Forgive my ignorance but I am new to this point renting of DVC's and I am trying to understand the advantage of renting a DVC over reserving a room at one of the Disney resort hotels? Any and all info. you could share would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Jan

 

[hakepb]

SSR has complimentary bus service to the 4 main Disney parks, 2 waterparks (if operating in Nov, I think one may be undergoing typical yearly renovations)and DTD. There are 4 bus stops in SSR, and each park bus stopes at each. There is also Boats and walking paths to DTD.
The only ticket discount DVC members get is on an annual pass (And only for those with the same address as the DVC member, so that is no advantage for you) You can wait to buy your tickets at the parks or possibly a slightly discounted authorized online reseller.
When you stay on points, you can use ME (Magical Express from ORD) you can also buy the DDP without buying a ticket package, but you must have your rentor add those to your reservation.
You may find the rooms slightly larger than POFQ with a kitchenette in the studios and the 1BR+ units much, much larger. SSR has the only other full-service Spa at WDW (Other is the Grand Floridian) LBV Golf is right there, you might find other resort ammenities to be similiar (One small CS restaurant and one Table service restaurant at SSR) The other big advantage is SSR is much closer to DTD.
Personally I find SSR to be very beautiful and relaxing (seems a little more relaxed than other resorts)
The biggest advantage to renting points is it should be much cheaper than paying Disney's cash rate for the same room category at a Deluxe resort.

 

[vandy]

It sounds like the Springs section is what you may want for your first choice with either Congress Park or Grandstand your second. Cirque is on the West side of DTD so walking from CP to DTD or taking the boat only takes you to the marketplace. From there, you will use the water taxi boat to ferry over to the west side. You will get off very near Cirque. The DTD bus also goes to Typhoon Lagoon. You will get off the bus outside Planet Hollywood and will have to walk to Cirque.

The Springs is just across the street from the main HH area, pool and spa so it matches best with what you say your plans are. CP and GS will have a short walk. The only bad thing about the Springs is that it is the last bus stop so there are times when it could be difficult to get a seat. It might not be that bad in Nov., depending on when you go. There are 5 bus stops now at SSR that go to the parks. In order they are: Grandstand, Carousel, Paddocks, Congress Park and the Springs. The DTD bus has a different order, stopping at the Springs first, then Grandstand, Carousel, Paddocks and Congress Park. (Grandstand building 8100-8400 is our favorite though). Here is a map with some walking distances by Caskbill.

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[clombardi]

Everyone has given you terrific information. I would like to add my 2 cents, too!

The table service restaurant, The Turf Club, is fantastic! I think it is one of the best restaurants on property. A true hidden gem. Excellent service, food, and view.

I prefer the Grandstand. It is the first stop on the bus route, and it it feels a bit removed from the other sections which makes you forget that you are in a giant resort. Also, the walk through the Granstand pool area to the main building is a pretty walk and takes 5-10 minutes. We prefer a room in the 8100-8400 building or 8500-8800.

 

[CareBear05]

I'm at SSR right now. I had originally thought I wanted Granstand, but when we got here we were given Congress Park and we couldn't be happier here. We're in the 2100 building. The quiet pool is right out our "backyard", the bus stop is about a 30 second walk from our buildings entrance, the main area is a 5 minute walk to our left and DTD is a 5 minute walk to our right. It really is a great location!! I would definitely choose it again in a heart beat. You'll love the resort. It is large, but relaxingly so and if you plan ahead and get the right location it's perfect.

Now we've just gotta get rid of Faye

 

[oakmanner]

We're heading to SSR in October and hoping for a Congress Park DTD view! Glad to hear it's so nice!

Dennis-

 

[Ms. WDW]

We're heading to SSR in October and hoping for a Congress Park DTD view! Glad to hear it's so nice!

Dennis-

I'm heading down in October as well and I can't remember if I asked for Congress Park or the Grandstand!! This is my "solo" trip and usually DH and I love Congress Park. But I figured since I was alone I'd try another section. Hummmm.....think I'll have to check the reservation and see what I "requested".

 

[DeeCee735]

Thank you all so much for your information - the map is great!

I'm going to request the Springs first (mind you, I have no idea when this trip will be yet ), but it's great to be thinking of it.

My second request will be Grandstand.

One more question - cab service. Can I get cab service from any of the SSR buildings? I know there's complimentary bus service - been a member for awhile now, but we are spoiled - I admit it
When I travel with the girls and no kids, we choose the less crowded, quicker way around the world - and that's a cab!

Again, thanks so much for the information.l

 

[Nursejilly]

HI all! We are going to be at SSR feb 09 and we will have a dedicated 2 bedroom villa. Does anyone know if the dedicated units are in a specific building? I haven't requested an area yet. Thanks!

 

[hakepb]

Everyone has given you terrific information. I would like to add my 2 cents, too!

The table service restaurant, The Turf Club, is fantastic! I think it is one of the best restaurants on property. A true hidden gem. Excellent service, food, and view.

I prefer the Grandstand. It is the first stop on the bus route, and it it feels a bit removed from the other sections which makes you forget that you are in a giant resort. Also, the walk through the Granstand pool area to the main building is a pretty walk and takes 5-10 minutes. We prefer a room in the 8100-8400 building or 8500-8800.

I agree with most everything, but 10 minutes from Grandstand pool to AP? Not that's an exceptionally slow-relaxing stroll. On the above map, The Grandstand pool (Letter J) is the exact same distance from AP (Letter B) as the Letter D's of the Springs rooms. (Yes, there's a few springs rooms that are closer, but from Grandstand you do not have to walk up the stairs of the pool area)
My Grandstand "nugget" is I find the bus stop to be the most relaxing. The seldom-travelled road disappears while you are looking over the LBV golf course. When you are at the Springs, behind you is a nice pond with fountain and ducks, but when you are watching for your bus, you're looking at a fairly busy road to the backs of the pool area buildings. And from the back, the buildings are not very inviting (just walls, no porches, windows...), it is almost as if the architecture does not want you there.

 

[janjan713]

Hi, THANK YOU so much!!! I greatly appreciate all the information you have given me. I do have another question though. Someone responded to my post via E-mail with the right amount of points that I need to rent for SSR, however, she said she will NOT sign any type of contract and stated that because she requires payment via PayPal (within 24 hrs. of the reservation being made) that no contract is needed and then told me to go elsewhere. Aren't contracts the standard procedure? Did I do something wrong? Just wondering why she was so opposed to signing a contract. That is what is recommended on the DVC boards.

 

[vandy]

HI all! We are going to be at SSR feb 09 and we will have a dedicated 2 bedroom villa. Does anyone know if the dedicated units are in a specific building? I haven't requested an area yet. Thanks!

Dedicated 2br units are in every building in all sections of the resort.

 

[hakepb]

Hi, THANK YOU so much!!! I greatly appreciate all the information you have given me. I do have another question though. Someone responded to my post via E-mail with the right amount of points that I need to rent for SSR, however, she said she will NOT sign any type of contract and stated that because she requires payment via PayPal (within 24 hrs. of the reservation being made) that no contract is needed and then told me to go elsewhere. Aren't contracts the standard procedure? Did I do something wrong? Just wondering why she was so opposed to signing a contract. That is what is recommended on the DVC boards.

Just to keep your question alive, although I think that the rent/trade board might be more appropriate..

I am guessing that contracts exist mostly to protect the owner of the points, especially when the owner does not receive payment in full right away.
Once the owner receives full payment, what does the owner have to worry about?

As a renter, you may have some valid concern. You may have some remediation through your CC company (against the Paypal charge) if this is fraud, but the rentee (you) has to exercise the greatest amount of trust. If you are not comfortable with the relationship, you may want to find a different renter.

 

[vandy]

I agree with most everything, but 10 minutes from Grandstand pool to AP? Not that's an exceptionally slow-relaxing stroll. On the above map, The Grandstand pool (Letter J) is the exact same distance from AP (Letter B) as the Letter D's of the Springs rooms. (Yes, there's a few springs rooms that are closer, but from Grandstand you do not have to walk up the stairs of the pool area)

This is correct, especially if you are in one of the two buildings by the pool in Grandstand. It really is just like HAKEPB stated, a short walk, maybe 5 minutes at the very most and that is a relaxing stroll. Maybe if you were in the other two Grandstand buildings further to the west it may be a longer walk but nowhere near what the Carousel, Paddocks or even the eastern side of Congress Park would be.

 

[janjan713]

Hi, thanks for responding. I read that any questions regarding the planning and questions pertaining to the renting of points and reservations belong on this board which is why I posted here. The rent/trade board is strictly for posting the need for reservations, points, the availability of persons who have reservations and points, etc., etc... I understand about the owner wanting protection re: money and their points but I also understood that the renter needs protection as well. I read where someone paid for a reservation that was never made. Trust is one thing, playing it safe is another. Thank you for your comments.

 

[hakepb]

The renter is giving you your only possible fraud prevention mechanism, credit card to paypal. You, at least, have a chance to get money back (if your credit card has good service) if you do not get the service you paid for. Is it worthwhile if you show up at WDW without a room? That is where the relationship may matter more.

 

[clombardi]

I agree with most everything, but 10 minutes from Grandstand pool to AP? Not that's an exceptionally slow-relaxing stroll.

That is soooooooo funny! My family gets so annoyed with me because I walk insanely quickly. Since I knew I could be at the main building in just a few minutes, I assumed that it would take normal people 10 minutes!

 

[dgaston]

It took DH and I 8 minutes to reach the Carriage House from the 9400 building (one of those farther away, and definitely not near the pool or bus stop) in very hot and humid end of July weather last year. And we're in our late 50's then