SSR Advice please

[mykidsintow]

I would like help deciding what area to request on our first trip to SSR.

We are going to be traveling for a week. We have a studio reserved. My daughter will be with us. She is 4 yrs old and in a power wheelchair. I like to use the bus system and getting her onto the bus is of course a priority. I guess that means we need one of the first bus stops? I would also like to be close to the main pool (doesn't it have beach entry and splash area?? She will love that!) and the main food/buildings.

I have been reading as much as I can.... I am thinking the Grandstand would be a good area for us? Is this correct? Is there a specific building that woud be easiest/best for us?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

 

[msabol01]

I would recommend the Springs. Depending you will be right across the street from the main pool and Artist Point. There is also a bus stop outside the building as well. Our last visit we were in the 4400 building and it was as close as you can get to all the resort amenities.

 

[mykidsintow]

I guess my concern is that if we aren't at the first stop then people will have piled on the bus and we would not be able to load Julias power wheelchair. I am sure you know how crowded the buses typically are when they make it to the Springs stop? Can you still load a chair?

Thanks again!

 

[dcamdad]

If loading the bus first is your main concern then by all means Grandstrand area would be your best bet. I would bet no matter what area you stay the bus driver will make any occupants in the area for wheelchairs relocate themselves for your daughter. My family and I have on several occasions made room by getting off and waiting for the next bus.

 

[mykidsintow]

My only experience with not getting on busses was at PORS in 2006. We had to wait on 2nd buses numberous times because there would already be 2 wheelchair/ECV users. That vacation was very frustrating. Since then our trips have been POLY (no problem with monorail) and AKV. Again, we never even loaded with another wheelchair at AK and it was not a problem at all!

I just picture SSR as a much larger similar more to POR with multiple stops where it can potentially have many WC users. Maybe they have more buses during peak times and it wouldn't be an issue at all? Anyone paid much attention to the buses and/or loading?

Thanks!

 

[lsutigerita]

You would want to choose the Grandstand section which picks up first before going to the other sections. Ask for the 8000 section as it is closer to the bus stop.

 

[Mr Man]

Grandstand is probably best if you really want to be on and off the bus first.

I also recommend staying at The Springs because of it's central location at SSR. Easy access to the bus stop too.

It has been our experience that WDW drivers do a pretty good job making sure that those in wheelchairs get a spot on the bus. I think the risk is low that a bus would leave you stranded if there was room for a wheelchair (regardless of whether able bodied people are sitting there). IIRC, they put up signs that those seats are reserved for wheelchairs anyways.

Regards,

 

[toocherie]

What does "IIRC" mean?

 

[Mr Man]

What does "IIRC" mean?

If I Recall Correctly.......

It's a lazy internet slang thingy.....

 

[mykidsintow]

So the Springs maybe better. If we get too put out with the bus situation we can walk to grandstand or we can drive I guess.

What about to pools. I am not sure which will be best for DD. I *think* the will like the beach style entry and the splash area at the main pool. However, she gets upset if its crowded because she is afraid she will be trampled. So when its crowded we may move to the quiet pool. Is there a building that is centrally located to te main pool ad quiet pool?

And a big thanks again! I appreciate the extra help! Its hard never having been there!!!

 

[castleri]

I think the Grandstand section in the building nearest the pool would be good. The walk/ride to the bus stop is not that long and it is the first stop. The distance in the other direction to the main pool is about the same so you could have the best of both. We used both GS and Springs bus stops when we were in that building and it was great.

 

[vandy]

I would still suggest the Grandstand area for you. You have the first bus stop, you will have a nice themed pool and if you get your building of choice, you are still very close to walking to the main pool and hospitality area. The Springs bus stop can be very crowded and we have been on buses that don't even stop at the Springs because we were already full. Here is a map with the building room numbers for you to plan as well as some walking distances (per Caskbill).

[/IMG]

 

[mykidsintow]

Oh wow! Thanks for posting the map! I am trying to read the numbers... I must be getting old! So what bldgs in grandstand should we request?

Thanks again! I totally realize we may not even get our requests, but here's hopin!

 

[mykidsintow]

Oh I saved the map and zoomed in. It gets blurry-ish, but it looks like the 8000's are closest to the pool....

Is any one bldg the best, or is it easiest just to request the 8000s?

Thanks again!!!

 

[castleri]

Either of the buildings would be fine but to be midway between the GS bus stop and the main pool area by AP I would try for the 84-88 builidng but think if you just list the 8000 buildings on your request you should be okay.

 

[toocherie]

If I Recall Correctly.......

It's a lazy internet slang thingy.....

thanks--I've seen it several times and just could not figure it out! thought it had something to do with Intervals International or something!

 

[DVC 1998]

I use a wheelchair too. I found that the bus drivers will move people on the bus to accomodate your needs. Only if there are already 2 wheelchairs on the bus will they not be able to accomodate you. You should wait near where the driver can see the chair and near where the rear door will stop. You will board first through the rear door.

 

[mykidsintow]

Thanks! We have used the bus system a few times with her chair. However, when the bus is completely packed it can be challenging. I think the grandstand area will just be easier since we will be some of the first ones on the bus.

I appreciate everyones help!

 

[54fab5]

While this is out of my experience, I know there are handicapped access rooms available at SSR and I would think they will be conveniently located. Perhaps someone here knows more about them. It would certainly be worth a call to the front desk of SSR for more info. Have a great time!

 

[mykidsintow]

I am sure they do have accessible rooms. However, we don't need one. My DD does much better with a tub and even ones with grab bars the bars are much too high for her. I prefer to leave those rooms for individuals that actually need the accessability. I am sure one day we will need accessible rooms, but we aren't there yet.

Thanks for the suggestion!