Springs or Congress Park?

[sara74]

Ok, so I know this is like another stroller thread on the families board but I really can't decide!!! And DH is no help as he doesn't really care - he's just glad to get away on vacation.

Our first trip Home will be next year for 10 days in May with 3 kids ages 6, almost 4 and 20 months. And of course it needs to be perfect as I talked DH into the whole DVC thing. So where should we stay - Congress Park or the Springs? You tell me...

And thank you in advance!

 

[disneykid4ever]

I would say The Springs. You would be close to the main pool with the slide, zero entry etc . . . Also close to Artist's Palette, boat to DTD, ME bus stop, check-in, etc . . .

 

[DVC Grammy]

I voted "other".

Given the ages of your kids, IMO, the Grandstand would be great. Overall, it seems quieter, and the pool area is terrific for younger kids (someone posted some pics on the "Mousellaneaous" board). Also, that's the area where the movies are shown and it's conveniently located nearer to the villas than the main pool is.

Another plus for Grandstand is its proximity to Carriage House and the restaurants/big pool/boat launch. And Grandstand is the first bus stop to/from all the parks, which usually means a seat going and a shorter trip coming back. With three kids that may be a consideration.

 

[halld6479]

keep in mind getting on at the springs stop is the last stop so in the morning when buses are full you will with 3 kids and a folded up stroller be trying to get on a already packed bus. The plus is if you are the last to load the bu you might be the first few off the bus at the parks. Grandstand is the first stop, Paddock is the second stop both usually have spots to set on the bus. Also hint try not to "grab" those flip up seats on a bus because you might be setting but as soon as a scooter comes on board you will be forced to get up and let that space store the scooter.

 

[Kewz1]

Ok, so I know this is like another stroller thread on the families board but I really can't decide!!! And DH is no help as he doesn't really care - he's just glad to get away on vacation.

Our first trip Home will be next year for 10 days in May with 3 kids ages 6, almost 4 and 20 months. And of course it needs to be perfect as I talked DH into the whole DVC thing. So where should we stay - Congress Park or the Springs? You tell me...

And thank you in advance!

I think you just need to go and enjoy yourself and not worry about picking out the "perfect" spot beforehand. Afterall, just because I like something doesn't mean you will. And this way you will have to plan another stay to try the other areas!

Have fun!

Kristen

 

[jpolak]

I voted for other spot and here is why. We stayed in the Paddock, and at first I was disappointed that we weren't in the springs. It was maybe a 5 min walk to the main pool. The best part was we were the first bus stop going and coming home. So no worries about trying to find a seat or having a full bus pass us by. Also getting dropped off first was great. Now with the granstand section open (and the pool area over is suppossed to be great) you are right there. The night we went to dtd we drove the car to congress park, and walked from there.

 

[IndianaMouseLover]

I'll tell you and vote when we return from SSR in July. I can't wait to stay there for the first time.

 

[tamu91]

With little ones, definitely Springs IMO. Springs section is close to the main pool, carriage house, restaurants, community hall, etc. Congress park has the DT Disney view but little far the rest of the resort. We just came back from a 5 days trip to SSR and I have to say, this resort is huge. We stayed in the Grandstand section right next to the new pool and it was great for the kids. You might consider the Grandstand esp. the 2 bldgs close to the pool. Not too far from the Carriage house, restaurants, 1st bus stop!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I was interested in this thread because this will be my first trip "home" as well. I was under the impression that Congress park was closest to the walk way to DTD, is that correct?

 

[ebenmax]

I voted Grandstand. . .brand spanking new, close to a cool pool, first bus stop pickup and dropoff, gorgeous views, only a five minute walk to main pool and food but still very quiet. But if you want to be in the heart of the action - The Springs or closest to DTD - Congress Park.

I think they all have their perks!

Good luck and have the time of your life! We did!

Ellen

 

[sara74]

Thanks for the responses!

I showed DH some photos last night and he liked the look of the Grandstand pool. So now I am leaning Grandstand or Springs. Since the kids will be so very small I want to be close to everything, but then again I love the thought of being the first bus stop too...

Of course I realize that I could make all the requests in the world and then have none of them granted. And that would still be good - because it will be our first trip HOME!!!

So now I have to flip a coin and decide whether to request Springs or Grandstand this time.

I'll update when I make the reservation.

Can anyone tell that I am indecisive?

 

[ebenmax]

Can you request one or the other - put in both areas - and then leave the rest to fate? Or are you only allowed to make one area request?

I felt the same indecisive feeling before we went because everyone had so many different opinions. We originally asked for Congress Park for the DTD view and location, but then switched our request to Grandstand when it officially opened. As it turned out, when we arrived, they had us booked in CP, but the CM asked if we had any requests. I told her we would like the Grandstand and luckily there was a 2BR clean and ready to go! It was really our best choice anyway since we never did make it to DTD!

I got to thinking though, the main pool has the zero entry which is WONDERFUL for little ones and moms/dads who don't want to hold them the entire time. However, we were in the Grandstand and went to the main pool twice (in 2 days). But those seats on the bus are priceless - especially with little ones!! See? I'm indecisive too!

I really think you can't go wrong.

Ellen

 

[spiceycat]

grandstand - the kids stuff is definitely worth it.

 

[Snookies]

Here is another vote for the Grandstand.

 

[DVCKennyD]

Hello,

Having just returned from a wonderful trip to SSR, I would have to register another vote for the Grandstand area. Hard to beat the convenience: First bus stop at the resort, wonderful new pool area etc... We originally requested the Springs, but after hearing the growing praise here on the DIS for the new Grandstand area, we decided to give it a whirl. We were located in the building directly adjacent to the pool area(room #8814). This location was perfect for us! The main common areas of the resort were a short 2 to 3 minute walk away, yet it was very peaceful and serene

Ken