SSR and Bummed

[cpdwiz]

We are staying at SSR this Thanksgiving and excited to take the whole family to WDW for a week. We booked SSR but were hoping that our wait-list would come through for BWV or VWL. After speaking with member services, it sounds like both of those are fat chances to come through. I'm not really "fired up" about staying at SSR. We've never stayed there (only Jambo AKV and BLT) and I don't really know what to expect. I could use a little encouragement.

SSR wins hands down. We liked Jambo, but, how long can you stare at animals? SSR is big, roomy, quiet, close to DD, themed fantastically. You will NOT be disappointed!!

 

[lugnut33]

If you have a car you'll be able to head off property to eat and save yourself tons of money. There are tons of really good restaurants that you can be to in 5-10 minutes, like Sweet Tomatoes that is located in the Cross Roads shopping area. You could also buzz right over to the Hess gas station across from DTD and order up pizza for the whole family. We fed a group of 8 for $25!!! Try that at any Disney restaurant.

 

[Monte Cristo]

What are your dates of travel?

 

[lugnut33]

Also, I'd much rather be at SSR than here at work.

 

[mamaprincess]

If you have a car you'll be able to head off property to eat and save yourself tons of money. There are tons of really good restaurants that you can be to in 5-10 minutes, like Sweet Tomatoes that is located in the Cross Roads shopping area. You could also buzz right over to the Hess gas station across from DTD and order up pizza for the whole family. We fed a group of 8 for $25!!! Try that at any Disney restaurant.

This is one of the top reasons we love SSR. It is so centrally located. If you have a car, it's easy to get off property for food, shopping, emergency trips to walmart . It's also easy to get anywhere else from SSR. Plus if you have ADR's at the resorts, you can walk to DTD and catch a bus to any resort and back. You don't have to catch a bus to a park then transfer to the resort. There are so many reasons why SSR is wonderful. If you need to be around a lot of people with lot's going on just walk or boat on over to DTD. When you need to decompress and I find that I do quite often during a hectic WDW vacation, SSR is so relaxing and calm.

 

[DeeCee735]

Take heart...you are in DISNEY for Thanksgiving!! That's AWESOME!!!! What could be bad

Have a GREAT vacation!

 

[Alexander]

We love SSR, but it is going to be much different than BLT or AKV Jambo--both of those have more of a hotel feel to them. SSR has more of a condo feel to it.

We honestly prefer the condo feel of SSR and OKW, but there are many DVC members who prefer that hotel feel.

The resort is beautiful and yes, it is big, but it is truly beautiful. One of the advantages to having such big resort is there is more landscaping and water features to enjoy.

 

[lanand3]

We stayed for the 1st time in May and LOVED it!!! We had a 2br downtown disney view.One of our favorite things to do while away is relax on the balcony at night after a long day.We could hear the music from downtown playing,along with the view of the water and sights of downtown,it was perfect!!! Walking along the water was so peaceful, I just can't wait to go back there!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

This time tomorrow we will be there, and I feel very happy about that prospect!

Bobbi

 

[Luv4Disney]

Rent a surrey bike and take it around the property. It's beautiful.

 

[kikiq]

We've been staying there ever since it was the Disney Villas, then Disney Institute, and now the lovely Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Even though we will stay elsewhere from time to time, SSR is "home". I can never stray too far from it for long.

I think that's why my DH loves SSR. Our very first visit was to the Villas. He still loves his Poly BUT SSR is home.

Chris

 

[kikiq]

SSR wins hands down. We liked Jambo, but, how long can you stare at animals? SSR is big, roomy, quiet, close to DD, themed fantastically. You will NOT be disappointed!!

I had to chuckle because that's exactly what my DB and DSIL said when we were planning our 2012/2013 WDW trip. I was trying to talk them into Jambo/Kidani with more bathrooms and animal views. They said we can deal with the bathroom situation, and how long can you look at the animals. PLUS where can you rent bicycles and where can you run? sighhh, I've converted my family to be SSR lovers and didn't know it.

 

[csharpwv]

Don't worry - you will like Saratoga!

It does have a totally different feeling - I think it has a laid back and comfortable but sophisticated feeling.

Be sure to take your time to enjoy relaxed strolls around the property. The landscaping is beautiful, and the paths are so beautiful as they weave in and out of the buildings. The views are so picturesque!

The rooms are identical to Boardwalk actually (as far as floor plan) but the decor is a little more whimsical.

The restaurants are great - and far more health focused than most others on property!

 

[starbox]

We've never gone to Disney w/Christmas decor and not ended up spending time at DTD! Plus, we love to resort-hop to look at all the decorations. SSR is a great location for this time of year.

 

[FindTheMickeys]

SSR is my home and the only resort I have stayed at and I love it!! After a long day at one of the parks, it is a quiet retreat to unwind and relax on the balcony.. Water views of DTD makes for a great backdrop in the evenings as the lights shimmer on the water and make it even more magical. You will love it and a family gathering at Disney is great no matter what resort you are staying in...

 

[mouseketeer70]

We have spent the past several Thanksgvings at SSR and we love it! The community hall is my children's favorite. The proximity to Downtown Disney is nice, and we enjoy the boat ride there. Always have found the bus service to be wonderful. The resort is beautiful and very relaxing. And there are Christmas decorations up (tree, wreaths, etc.) I think you will be pleasantly surprised : )

 

[LoveKermit]

OP--

Just got back. Stayed at SSR because there was no other availability. We have only stayed at BWV before. What else would you like to know to prepare for your trip?