SSR - Conflicted about section request

[jacksmommy]

Hi - we are headed down to SSR next month and are excited/anxious about our first visit there. We are a party of 6: DH, me, DS 6, DD almost 3, my FIL and MIL. This will be our 3rd time in 2 bedroom villas in the world, Kidani and BLT last year.

I have looked over the pros/cons of each section as has my DH and we are thinking about different sections we feel would fit our family best. Would love some of the experts of SSR to weigh in as I would like to get our request in.

I am favoring the Paddock and he is favoring the Grandstand.

We want to be relatively close to transportation, food and a fun kid-friendly pool.

I just read in another thread that the Paddock is undergoing renovations starting on 9/21 and we arrive on 9/22. My DH thinks that the Grandstand being first on the bus routes, to and from the parks is a big plus. There is something about the Paddock that really draws me in - mainly the fun pool.

Help!

 

[wdrl]

Hi - we are headed down to SSR next month and are excited/anxious about our first visit there. We are a party of 6: DH, me, DS 6, DD almost 3, my FIL and MIL. This will be our 3rd time in 2 bedroom villas in the world, Kidani and BLT last year.

I have looked over the pros/cons of each section as has my DH and we are thinking about different sections we feel would fit our family best. Would love some of the experts of SSR to weigh in as I would like to get our request in.

I am favoring the Paddock and he is favoring the Grandstand.

We want to be relatively close to transportation, food and a fun kid-friendly pool.

I just read in another thread that the Paddock is undergoing renovations starting on 9/21 and we arrive on 9/22. My DH thinks that the Grandstand being first on the bus routes, to and from the parks is a big plus. There is something about the Paddock that really draws me in - mainly the fun pool.

Help!

The only renovations I've heard of lately involve "rejuvenations" (Disney's word, not mine) of the parking lots at some of the parking lots in the Paddock and Springs sections. Unless you will be parking a car, it shouldn't interfere with your trip. Disney is also making a soft goods change in all the SSR villas, but I doubt that would disrupt your stay at all.

We are in the Paddock section right now and think its a great location. We are right next to the Paddock Pool and the Paddock bus stop. We are also a short 5-10 minute walk to the High Rock Pool and Carriage House, which has the lobby, Artist Palette, and The Turf Club.

Both the Paddock Pool and the Grandstand Pool have great water play areas for little kids.

Paddock Pool Play area:

Grandstand Pool Play area:

Right now, there is some construction being done of the exit lane at the main entrance to SSR. Because of this, the normal bus route within SSR has been tweaked. The sequence of stops has temporarily changed to Springs, Grandstand, Carousel, Paddock, and Congress Park last. I don't know how long the construction will be going on, or if it will be over before your trip in September.

Hope you have a great time no matter which section you get at SSR!

 

[Girlie1]

I agree with you husband and would suggest that you request Grandstand. If you are using the bus system, you are guaranteed a seat on the bus. The bus usually fills up by the second or third stop. The Grandstand pool area is very nice and you can always take the bus to the Paddock area if you wanted to check it out.

 

[Pakey]

I have stayed at SSR 6 times and the only time I've experienced full buses was Easter week and that was only at the last stop. We were in Congress Park that week, the 4th stop, and didn't have an issue.

Paddock is my favorite section although I have not really been unhappy in any of them.

The refurbishments going on at SSR are soft; meaning an update in bedding and decor, not actual construction. Congress Park was the first section done; I believe Springs has also been started. The refurbs are very nice.

 

[hakepb]

I've seen a few full busses at Congress Park but never Paddock.

I'm a fan of Grandstand for its proximity to the main food area, but with the new Feature pool and food area, I would like to try Paddock.

 

[castleri]

With children the ages of yours the new paddock pool might be more fun but the convenience of the grandstand to the main pool, gift shop and food area is also good along with the first or second stop for the buses. You really can't go wrong with either location. Boat to Downtown Disney is convenient from GS but it is easy walk from Paddock. Have a great time whichever location you get.

 

[wdrl]

Right now, there is some construction being done of the exit lane at the main entrance to SSR. Because of this, the normal bus route within SSR has been tweaked. The sequence of stops has temporarily changed to Springs, Grandstand, Carousel, Paddock, and Congress Park last. I don't know how long the construction will be going on, or if it will be over before your trip in September.

Last night, I went by the SSR front desk and asked the CMs when the construction would be finished and the bus route resumes its normal sequence. One CM said it was initially announced that the work on the entrance way would be over by August 16, 2012. However, he didn't know if that date was still good.

 

[jacksmommy]

Thanks so much for all of your input. I think I am leaning towards Grand Stand now too.

 

[Cee]

The main pool is great, but the Grandstand pool is awesome! I don't think you can go wrong with either....and I'm a Congress Park girl!

 

[Mjkre]

I have stayed in both areas with my husband and three young girls. I liked the paddock better, but both are great. The reason I liked the paddock better is because of the water playground, water slide, decent snack bar and bar (the grandstand has one but it is seasonal and was not open when we visited), zero entry pool, pool games, crafts and afternoon DJ. It is really an alternative to High Rock Springs Pool. Busses were never full when they got to us. The Paddock stop is half way around resort. Both areas are about the same walk to the main pool, depending on what building you are in. Grandstand was nice, too. The pool is more of a quiet pool then Paddock. Which may be what you are looking for. Really, both are great...just for different reasons. You could list a request for either (or Springs) and simply take which room is available first....or which room is closest to the pool!

 

[iluveeyore]

We are in the Grandstand now - love the pool here, but no kids this trip. But...it really is only about a two minute walk to the main pool at the Springs, so you could use both. There is a fun 'spray and play' area here at the Grandstand pool, and a refill station as well. And our room is steps from the bus stop and a quick walk to the ferry - really the best of everything in the Grandstand

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Check out this post for my FAQ on the "which section is best" question.