Recent stay at SSR vs past stays at BWV

[jekjones1558]

I don't guess anyone caught this but me. This type of abuse contributes to the bus overcrowding. I wish disney would do something about it.

I saw this as well and couldn't believe that the flames weren't flying.

 

[jmondares]

This is my first time going to SSR, which seems to have beautiful grounds and gardens, plus the convenience of being next to DTD. I'm sure we'll enjoy it.

For future reference, which resorts have views of the fireworks?

 

[PinkTink63]

I agree that bus service is a cr-- shoot everywhere at WDW. We always rent a car and only use the buses to go to MK. Only once in 10 years of BWV trips has a MK bus to/from BWV stopped at Beach and Yacht, and that was several years ago. Maybe we have been just lucky. It is bad enough that they stop at Swan and Dolphin. The only happy note has been that BWV has always been the first stop on the return from MK. Again, maybe we have just been lucky.

As much as we love the BWV, I have to say that they have consistently been the worst bus service we have been on!! This past summer it was so bad we would get off at the Swan or Dolphin and walk...it was much quicker to walk back! Every time we have stayed at the BWV they have serviced all four resorts and the buses have been sooo crowded that they have to turn people away! On the other hand we have never waited more than 20 minutes at SSR and usually not more than 10 min. I also had about an hour and 10 min. wait at BLT this summer!

I honestly think it is hit and miss at WDW! Maybe it makes a difference of the time of year! We always go late summer.

 

[hakepb]

This is my first time going to SSR, which seems to have beautiful grounds and gardens, plus the convenience of being next to DTD. I'm sure we'll enjoy it.

For future reference, which resorts have views of the fireworks?

I think top floor in the right direction of most any WDW hotel can see the tops of some fireworks. I've heard about illuminations from OKW and wishes from AKV. I've seen some fireworks visiting a friend at POP, so I'm sure SSR can see some distant fireworks (and DTD when the may do some on Julyb 4th)

Now for quality viewing and hearing from your balcony, the only DVC's would be BWV and BLT in some rooms. Both also have some public viewing areas. (I think BCV and VWL have too many trees for great views) and the others are too far away for quality viewing.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

simply, NO

we just can't imagine how a parking lot, street, some trees, more parking lots , etc can ever compare to that amazing view available at only one place on earth.

count us among the BW view addicts

Oh I beg to differ, Congress Park, the view from our balcony of Downtown Disney both in the daytime and especially at night is equally spectacular.

.... and to each his own, in the end if I can't get my favorite resort (OKW, and it gets picked on a lot just like SSR but yet there's never any room there, I wonder why, maybe it seems good enough when points are low) I'll stay anywhere just to be at WDW! SSR here we come for our pre-Thanksgving vacation (no availability at OKW so I was happy to get SSR)!

Some previous threads have mentioned that DVC may at some point change to having owners stay only where they bought rather than being able to choose from all of the resorts, I wonder how many owners would be happy with the choice they made?

 

[Kathi OD]

Oh I beg to differ, Congress Park, the view from our balcony of Downtown Disney both in the daytime and especially at night is equally spectacular.

.... and to each his own, in the end if I can't get my favorite resort (OKW, and it gets picked on a lot just like SSR but yet there's never any room there, I wonder why, maybe it seems good enough when points are low) I'll stay anywhere just to be at WDW! SSR here we come for our pre-Thanksgving vacation (no availability at OKW so I was happy to get SSR)!

Some previous threads have mentioned that DVC may at some point change to having owners stay only where they bought rather than being able to choose from all of the resorts, I wonder how many owners would be happy with the choice they made?

I sure hope it doesn't come to this because DH and I would not be happy at all, and we own at BWV!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I sure hope it doesn't come to this because DH and I would not be happy at all, and we own at BWV!

Even though I frequent my home resort more than the others, I still like to stay at some of the others from time to time.

I will admit that I didn't read my contract (fine print) with a magnifying glass but I've read on these boards that the DVC Co BY-Laws (?) allow them the possibility of doing this if they so choose.

 

[gstew24]

i always drive when i stay there and parking is much better than bwv

 

[PinkTink63]

Some of the crowding problems at SSR come from guests taking the bus from the theme parks to SSR so they can get to DTD. Or from guests at the DTD Hotels walking over to SSR to go to the parks.

I do think this happens fairly often...I heard people talking about this while waiting for the bus and while riding on it at our last stay at SSR!

 

[CarolMN]

....(snip)......But, please don't flame me for this....while researching our next stay, I found SSR point-wise to be MUCH higher than I expected. I know there's been a huge point shift this year, but their configuration just seems really high (and I'll admit that it could just be the time we're going), but it was close in points to some other resorts that have just as many amenities and a better location. Obviously, just my humble opinion.

Kim

Agree. The relative point cost is what keeps me from booking SSR. IMO, it should cost less to stay there, more in line with OKW than with VWL, BCV or BWV. Just can't give up the BWV location & pay more. SV at the BWV is a bargain!

 

[CarolMN]

Heck, they had a large sign posted at Epcot the last time we were there that told people to take the SSR bus if they wanted to go to DTD. I couldn't believe that one.

If that is the case and I owned at SSR, I'd be sending a picture of that sign to MS & Member Accounting asking if the DTD merchants were paying for part of the bus service. SSR owners should not have to pay the full cost of resort transportation if Disney is encouraging others to use the service to get to Downtown Disney!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We stayed at the Buena Vista Palace last spring and walk over to the Springs to catch the bus because the hotel bus was always jammed, and did not have any of the problems that you had. Maybe it was the time of the year but it was Easter weekend and very busy.

Hmmm. There in may lie the problem. If lots of folks from off site hotels are doing t he same at SSR, I can see why the buses might be jammed.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

You have the perfect room!! I've never stayed in the Crest O Waves section. Did you request it? That pic says it all! Just love BWV!

It's been a long time since I've been on a BW bus that went to all 5 resorts. I am at BWV now, we took the bus to MK this morning. We just missed one and another one came in about 2 minutes. We stopped at the Swan & Dolphin. On the way back, we were the first stop. It's so convenient to Epcot & DHS. We always drive to AK and DTD.

I can't compare because I've never stayed at SSR. Is there anything equal to this picture we took about 5 minutes ago from our balcony?

 

[KLEONARD]

From our last stay at SSR in CP overlooking the quiet pool.

Kevin

 

[jekjones1558]

Just lovely, Kevin!!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Just lovely, Kevin!!

Ditto!!

I sure miss that Virgin Megastore sign. That was my nightlight for many sleeps!

 

[DebbieB]

You have the perfect room!! I've never stayed in the Crest O Waves section. Did you request it? That pic says it all! Just love BWV!

I just requested top floor (and got 3rd). It wasn't the best boardwalk view I've had because it was the last room on the right in Crest O the Wave and the building blocked some of the view to the right. It was room #3009.

One advantage was we enjoyed sitting out on the balcony at night listening to music from the Dance Hall. It was warm so it was really nice. We stayed out there until midnight, which is when they turned the music down. I brought a wireless router so we could even use our laptops out there.

Back home now.....

I wouldn't be happy if DVC restricted members to their home resort but I could live with BWV being my only choice.

 

[fkj2]

That being said, the one time we stayed at BWV, I decided that a return visit was very low on our priority list. By the time you stop at the Swan and the Dolphin and the Beach Club and the Yacht Club, I'd had enough.

When I stay at BWV, I disembark at the Swan, cut through the hotel and walk up the Boardwalk. Between the walk and continuing the bus ride/stops, I'll take the walk.

 

[Sammie]

Hmmm. There in may lie the problem. If lots of folks from off site hotels are doing t he same at SSR, I can see why the buses might be jammed.

its a huge problem. I would say a good 25% of those ridiing SSR buses are not staying there based on our recent experiences.

I really hope everyone staying at SSR is complaining about this.

However we also took some really slow boats from BCV and BW to Studios. I am sorry but I do enough walking in the parks, walking to the parks is not my idea of fun.

I will stick with the buses, nor is it fun to sit on the monorail while it is stuck which I saw happen a couple of times last week.