SSR Grounds Question

[utahkennedys]

For those who have stayed at SSR or seen it, how are the grounds? In the pictures I have seen that do not look as "lush" as I would expect, and the pools look kind of plain compared to the other DVC resorts? Is this just because it is new and things haven't grown in yet? There is part of me that would like to convince myself into buying at SSR because of the extra years (that could be a separate post), but when I see the pictures it doesn't seem to have the charm the others do.

 

[kimszath]

I've stayed at SSR and at OKW, and visited a couple of the others. I think it's obvious that Disney invested ALOT of bucks int he landscaping, but yes, it's NEW! They just officially last summer, and during both of my visits, we were obliged to notice the construction of all the new buldings going on, but they've spared no expense putting in some really nice trees, plants, vegetation. I think it's gorgeous, and will be quite charming once everthing matures. Keep in mind that they didn't cut a space into the woods and build this where they could keep large stands of mature trees in place--this resort was built on the grounds of the old Disney Institute, so the ground had already been cleared. It's a classy resort--you would NOT be wasting your money. And yes, the 50 year offering is another thing entirely... we were pretty happy with that!!!

 

[kimszath]

Sorry--forgot to address the pools! The Highrock Springs pool is wonderful--my 5-year-old learned to swim there last year! The huge rocks, waterfalls, slides (inside the rocks!), zero-entry area, and hot tubs were fantastic! We really loved the pool, and the kiddie area was really cute, too. The food was surprisingly NOT overpriced at the pool bar, either. We did visit the quiet pools on property, too--very nice, and QUIET. They had little frogs spouting water into the pools from the corners--nicely landscaped, and spotless.

 

[MarylandPirate]

I've stayed at SSR and at OKW, and visited a couple of the others. I think it's obvious that Disney invested ALOT of bucks int he landscaping, but yes, it's NEW! They just officially last summer, and during both of my visits, we were obliged to notice the construction of all the new buldings going on, but they've spared no expense putting in some really nice trees, plants, vegetation. I think it's gorgeous, and will be quite charming once everthing matures. Keep in mind that they didn't cut a space into the woods and build this where they could keep large stands of mature trees in place--this resort was built on the grounds of the old Disney Institute, so the ground had already been cleared. It's a classy resort--you would NOT be wasting your money. And yes, the 50 year offering is another thing entirely... we were pretty happy with that!!!

well said!

 

[DrTomorrow]

We've been twice - and are heading down for a third time in (see below for number of days). We feel the place is beautiful; there is actually quite a bit of landscaping. The grounds between the first four buildings and the DTD waterway (by the pool & gazebos) are very lush. However, it's like others have said - it's new! It'll take some time, but - if you use your imagination (and a little pixie dust) - you can see the shady, tree-lined streets....

Also, I saw on another thread that some of the SSR trees had been planted 3 times! The original planting, then two for the hurricanes!

 

[KennyK]

Also, I saw on another thread that some of the SSR trees had been planted 3 times! The original planting, then two for the hurricanes!

We spent our first stay at SSR during Labor Day weekend and can atest to what DrTomorrow has stated. Hurricane Francis hit with vengenence, many of the newly planted trees were laying on their sides after the hurricane, The horticultures were busy at work that following morning picking up all the trees to replace them. A corner of Congress Park parking lot looked like a mini nursey with all the trees and shurbs which needed to be replanted. What a big job and expense, ouch!!!!

Even so, It is so surprising how Disney turns bare dirt and a construction area into a beautiful resort. When we were there in September the Springs section was under construction, no landscaping at all, Here it is 7 months later and the recent pictures of that area are amazing. lush lawns, trees, shurbs, flowers and the such. Just the Disney pixie dust at work I say.

It is definitely not a waste of $$$, as we added on there right after our trip and will be going back very soon for a family reunion.


ENJOY!!!

Kennyk

 

[mrsminniemouse]

The food was surprisingly NOT overpriced at the pool bar, either. .

I didn't know they served food at the pool bar. Is this new?

Mandy

 

[bartty]

The foliage will get better. SSR is beautiful, clean, new, and lasts longer!! Can't beat that!

 

[Daitcher]

I didn't know they served food at the pool bar. Is this new?

Mandy

They don't and what a watse that is. You must haul it up to the limited menu of AP.

 

[Daitcher]

For those who have stayed at SSR or seen it, how are the grounds? In the pictures I have seen that do not look as "lush" as I would expect, and the pools look kind of plain compared to the other DVC resorts? Is this just because it is new and things haven't grown in yet? There is part of me that would like to convince myself into buying at SSR because of the extra years (that could be a separate post), but when I see the pictures it doesn't seem to have the charm the others do.

You are correct the grounds are not that charming or lush. This will improve as trees and plantings mature I am sure. As Dr.T pointed out the hurricanes set back the growth here, many things had to be re-planted. I personally don't like the look of the landscape. I live in Saratoga Springs, NY by the way. Who wants to go to tropical Florida and see plantings from the Northeast? Not me! Give me Palm trees and flowers!

DAVE

 

[DrTomorrow]

[...] Who wants to go to tropical Florida and see plantings from the Northeast? Not me! Give me Palm trees and flowers!

DAVE

Well, I see Palm Trees and Flowers every day - so the Northeast is a welcome change of pace!

 

[megrod74]

Who wants to go to tropical Florida and see plantings from the Northeast?

Me! (I'm from the NE but don't live there anymore).

 

[Sammie]

You are correct the grounds are not that charming or lush. This will improve as trees and plantings mature I am sure. As Dr.T pointed out the hurricanes set back the growth here, many things had to be re-planted. I personally don't like the look of the landscape. I live in Saratoga Springs, NY by the way. Who wants to go to tropical Florida and see plantings from the Northeast? Not me! Give me Palm trees and flowers!

DAVE

People from Florida who are sick of seeing Palm trees.

Actually SSR has some beautiful flowering shrubs and plantings.

 

[RobDoc]

Like all DVC and WDW resorts, SSR is consistent with it's intended theme. Guests at the resort aren't expected to feel like they are in FL, since the theme is upstate NY. (There are other resorts that encompass a more tropical feel for those looking for it.) Most DVC resorts do not have palm trees as they would not fit in with the resort's theming. HH, BWV, VWL and BCV (as well as SSR) do not have any palms in their theming - only OKW and Vero Beach employ the use of tropical palms- consistent with the theming of those resorts.

Here are a <a href="http://disneydoc.homestead.com/ssr504.html">few early photos from SSR</a> - the landscaping has continued to expand and develop since these pictures were taken way back in the spring of '04 .

 

[Alexander]

Heck, I live in Upstate NY and I don't mind seeing the same kinds of foliage in FL as I see here. Now if the white stuff starts falling on SSR then I'm going to get a little irritated!

Yes, Dr. T. Marni, the guide who toured us around SSR told us that the trees had been planted three times due to the hurricanes. They will grow however, they just had a rough start!

I don't imagine OKW had such lush vegetation when it first opened. It takes a few years for the trees and shrubs to look like they belong where they're planted. Not like they've been stuck in the ground in the middle of no where.

 

[goofyforlife]

We stayed at SSR the weekend after they opened. The pool was beautiful. (Because only one building was open...I think if 15 people were in the pool it was a crowd.)

I loved the zero entry.....great for sunbathing and being in the water at the same time. The kids loved the waterslide...I even tried it out once.

I am concerned about the potential for crowds in the main pool once the resort is fully open though.