Resort specific must dos at SSR and AKV

[jgdsoarin]

We also just returned from our first visit to SSR as DVC members. We were there the week before Christmas and stayed in the Grandstand in a 2 bedroom. We were very happy with the resort--we felt so relaxed there. We actually spent 2 days of our trip mostly hanging out at the resort and DTD. My husband and 18 year old son loved the fitness center. My 12 year old son loved the main pool, slide, and hot tubs! We played tennis one afternoon and had the courts to ourselves. Our balcony overlooked the golf course and it was a quick walk over to DTD's west side where my 12 year old fell in love with Disney Quest! I'm sure that will be a "must do" on future trips!! We had my inlaws with us. They are in their 70's/80's and they loved the resort, too. Not that this would appeal to everyone, but my 18 year old reallllly loved how close we were to the outlet mall (3 miles). We spent most of an afternoon there. I spent some time walking all around the resort and think I like the Grandstand area the most. We liked how peaceful it was, the pool, and proximity to the main pool/spa and boat launch.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

One of the things I really enjoy doing at SSR is the boat trip over to DTD. It's a nice, relaxing boat trip with pretty views of both SSR and DTD.

There used to be horse-drawn carriage rides at SSR, but they've been discontinued. They still do them at Port Orleans, though. You can transfer boats at DTD to get there.

There's a pool table in the lounge outside the Turf Club. There are also tennis courts and a shuffleboard court near the boat dock. We've enjoyed these, but be warned that the courts are hot, hot, hot, hot during the summer!

One of the things we enjoy doing at SSR is cooking out. Yes, there are BBQ grills at every DVC resort, but for some reason SSR is the one where we do it most often. You can check out grill utensils at the community hall. (If you're staying in a treehouse, you'll have your own grill and utensils will be in the room.)

We haven't done it yet, but I'll get to it one of these trips. SSR offers a flower decorating class once a week. There's a fee to do it, but you get to keep your arrangement.

 

[rentayenta]

We also just returned from our first visit to SSR as DVC members. We were there the week before Christmas and stayed in the Grandstand in a 2 bedroom. We were very happy with the resort--we felt so relaxed there. We actually spent 2 days of our trip mostly hanging out at the resort and DTD. My husband and 18 year old son loved the fitness center. My 12 year old son loved the main pool, slide, and hot tubs! We played tennis one afternoon and had the courts to ourselves. Our balcony overlooked the golf course and it was a quick walk over to DTD's west side where my 12 year old fell in love with Disney Quest! I'm sure that will be a "must do" on future trips!! We had my inlaws with us. They are in their 70's/80's and they loved the resort, too. Not that this would appeal to everyone, but my 18 year old reallllly loved how close we were to the outlet mall (3 miles). We spent most of an afternoon there. I spent some time walking all around the resort and think I like the Grandstand area the most. We liked how peaceful it was, the pool, and proximity to the main pool/spa and boat launch.

Sounds like a wonderfully relaxing trip. The grounds are beautiful and spacious. I am so excited to be going *home*. Being near the main area will be important I think. Even with a full kitchen we like our cs treats too.

One of the things I really enjoy doing at SSR is the boat trip over to DTD. It's a nice, relaxing boat trip with pretty views of both SSR and DTD.

There used to be horse-drawn carriage rides at SSR, but they've been discontinued. They still do them at Port Orleans, though. You can transfer boats at DTD to get there.

There's a pool table in the lounge outside the Turf Club. There are also tennis courts and a shuffleboard court near the boat dock. We've enjoyed these, but be warned that the courts are hot, hot, hot, hot during the summer!

One of the things we enjoy doing at SSR is cooking out. Yes, there are BBQ grills at every DVC resort, but for some reason SSR is the one where we do it most often. You can check out grill utensils at the community hall. (If you're staying in a treehouse, you'll have your own grill and utensils will be in the room.)

We haven't done it yet, but I'll get to it one of these trips. SSR offers a flower decorating class once a week. There's a fee to do it, but you get to keep your arrangement.

We'll be forcing DH to fill steaks so that's good to know about the BBQs! Right now we have a THV reserved and I am still wanting at least a night or two but it just might not happen this trip. I'm planning on changing to a 2 bedroom at SSR and a 2 bedroom at AKV at the 7 month mark.


They'll love the pool table too. They discovered at my friend's house this past trip to CA? They played for hours. They are old enough now to mosey over together for some non parental time.

SSR is so big, I'm having a difficult time wrapping my head around where everything sits in relation to where we should be.


The new Paddock pool has a bar and food service which is a huge bonus for us but how far is the Paddock area with regards to the main carriage house and the CS at SSR?

 

[jgdsoarin]

The Paddock pool was just a walk across a bridge from the main pool area... not really that far. The pool area there looked really nice. You might want to consider the Springs section: close to both the Paddock and main pool area. We were in one of the 9000 Grandstand buildings, and I wished we had gotten into one of the 8000 buildings, although no one in my family complained about the longer walk. There was food service and a mug refill station at the Grandstand pool, too.

 

[rentayenta]

The Paddock pool was just a walk across a bridge from the main pool area... not really that far. The pool area there looked really nice. You might want to consider the Springs section: close to both the Paddock and main pool area. We were in one of the 9000 Grandstand buildings, and I wished we had gotten into one of the 8000 buildings, although no one in my family complained about the longer walk. There was food service and a mug refill station at the Grandstand pool, too.

How as your view from the 9000's? Do you know where I could find a room number layout? Pool service is a must and one of the reasons the THV got the ax.

 

[jgdsoarin]

We had a lovely golf course view...very peaceful. We could see a couple of treehouses from our balcony. I walked over to Congress Park one night to sit in a rocking chair and check out the DTD view. It was very pretty, but also loud. I don't know if you can hear the DTD sounds from your room or not. I'd love to try out a treehouse, but would want to be in one of the ones we could see from our balcony... Still fairly close to the Carriage House and Grandstand pool.

 

[rentayenta]

We had a lovely golf course view...very peaceful. We could see a couple of treehouses from our balcony. I walked over to Congress Park one night to sit in a rocking chair and check out the DTD view. It was very pretty, but also loud. I don't know if you can hear the DTD sounds from your room or not. I'd love to try out a treehouse, but would want to be in one of the ones we could see from our balcony... Still fairly close to the Carriage House and Grandstand pool.

A golf course would be nice and very resort specific too. We have a THV reserved now and were going to do half at the main part of SSR and half at the THV but we are really wanting to be at 2 resorts so the THV will have to wait. Just gives us another reason to keep going back.

 

[MMrules]

The cultural exchanges scheduled in the library at Kidani are a real hidden gem! They are adult based information and would be too much "talking" for young children, but teens and adults will love it. We only found out about them the second half of our trip, and enjoyed 4 nights of them at least. They are usually at 8:15 in the library following the drum circle for the kids.

I think this is great for adults too!!! I found the talk so interesting and they answered all the questions we had about South Africa (where they were from). AKV has a great children's club I think called Simba's club, so one evening the adults could have a nice dinner and listen to the speaker while the kids are having some fun time in the club (You do have to pay for them there though).

Also there are lots of kids crafts and such during the day that is really fun for the little ones. Also the highlight of AKV is watching the animals and learning all about them from the CM's. There are so many great places to animal watch so make sure you plan the time to just admire them

The pools are AKV are fun and geared towards young ones too so they may enjoy some swimming time as well.

AKV is my home resort and I haven't stayed at SSR so I can't comment on that resort at all.

 

[rentayenta]

I think this is great for adults too!!! I found the talk so interesting and they answered all the questions we had about South Africa (where they were from). AKV has a great children's club I think called Simba's club, so one evening the adults could have a nice dinner and listen to the speaker while the kids are having some fun time in the club (You do have to pay for them there though).

Also there are lots of kids crafts and such during the day that is really fun for the little ones. Also the highlight of AKV is watching the animals and learning all about them from the CM's. There are so many great places to animal watch so make sure you plan the time to just admire them

The pools are AKV are fun and geared towards young ones too so they may enjoy some swimming time as well.

AKV is my home resort and I haven't stayed at SSR so I can't comment on that resort at all.

That's my thinking, to leave plenty of time to really enjoy and explore the resorts. AKV is a fabulous resort- great choice.

Which pool at AKV is geared towards little kids/toddlers? I would like to stay away from that one.

 

[majortom1981]

That's my thinking, to leave plenty of time to really enjoy and explore the resorts. AKV is a fabulous resort- great choice.

Which pool at AKV is geared towards little kids/toddlers? I would like to stay away from that one.

Kidani villages pool has a splash area for the kids but also has a bar for the adults thats by the savanah area of kidanis pool. ITs a good mix of being fun for the kids but relaxing for adults also.

The firepit does start at dusk. The naan bread plate if i remember correctly has 3 types of naan and 3 dips to go with it. One being mango chutney.

ps I am going to kidani sunday so i will try to remember to take pictures for you.

 

[rentayenta]

Kidani villages pool has a splash area for the kids but also has a bar for the adults thats by the savanah area of kidanis pool. ITs a good mix of being fun for the kids but relaxing for adults also.

The firepit does start at dusk. The naan bread plate if i remember correctly has 3 types of naan and 3 dips to go with it. One being mango chutney.

ps I am going to kidani sunday so i will try to remember to take pictures for you.

Photos would be great! The Kidani pool sounds great.

Thank you for the fire pit and bread service info. Both sound great.

Have a magical trip!