SSR it is, Jan 4th to 11th

[DisneyPhD]

We are going to WDW Jan 4th to 11th, but were trying to decied between borrowing points (we are in a constant state of borrowing) or getting a good room rate for AKL with AP. Wasn't too happy with the BRP and since our friend who "might" come with us are still on the fence I called member services today.

For that time every other resort had no studios for that week (a few had a room for the 4th only, all others were booked.) 95 points for the week, that seems like a deal to us.

So SSR it is for us! This will be our 1st time there. I requested non smoking in the springs (looked close to pool and food). I think I will call the resort the week before and ask for 1st floor too (we have 2 kids who will be 4 years old and 17 months.) Will we need 1st floor, or should be go for higher for the view since they have elevators?

I am a little concerned about bus issues. Many people say the busses can get really full with people who aren't staying at SSR, but comeing from DTD. Any info on this?

Is there a little kiddy pool at SSR main resort? I remember seeing something about this, but never see it in pictures. My 4 year old would love that. Is there a playground there too?

Thanks everyone, really looking forward to the trip. This will be trip #3 for these AP, they expire in Feb.

 

[laceemouse]

First I have to say, your kids are adorable!! We started out with 2 girls too! We have not stayed at SSR yet, but we did go swimming there last October when we stayed at OKW and the pool there was closed. It is a beautiful resort and a great pool. We look forward to staying there sometime. No, there is not a kiddie pool, but the main pool has a zero depth entry (you know, it gradually slopes in like the beach.) My kids are older and still loved this area. There is a place with a Donald Duck fountain for the kids to run around in but it was not open when we were there. I have heard it is often not working but maybe someone else has more recent experience. There are 2 slides into the pool. Your oldest should have no trouble with the smaller, straight one, and if she is brave she may even enjoy the bigger one that curves. Neither of them drop off into deep water, the smaller slide especially lands in very shallow water. I am not sure about a playground, I don't recall, but I would bet they have one. We also enjoyed the whirlpools, and we all got fruit smoothies from the poolside bar! Enjoy!!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks laceemouse, we think they are cutie pies too! Not sure if we are done or not, time will tell, but hopefully not any time soon!

The pool and slides sound good. She likes slides, but not squirting water (in her face, as long as it isn't in her face she is ok so DD should be fine.) The priate ship slide at Vero Beach wasn't as much fun as it should of been because of the spashy water in her face.

Does the pool have life jackets you can borrow like many of the WDW resorts do?

I always enjoy any resort with a hot tub, feels so good on sore feet after a long day.

We tried to visit SSR on the pre opening May 2004, but we were on the way to the airport from Vero Beach and the cm wouldn't let us in the car, we needed to go from DTD and take a boat over. Well we didn't have enough time before we had to leave for the airport, so we had to skip it. Since then we have had AP and never made it over to DTD to check it out.

Looking forward to it, always nice to try the newest resort.

Is most of it down now, or does it still feel under constructions like it did the 1st year?

 

[laceemouse]

I am not sure about the life jackets, you could call and ask to be sure. We will be at VWL for Christmas, hope it is warm enough to maybe swim when we are there. Here is some pixie dust to you that you have a great trip with fantastic weather in Jan.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I am not sure about the life jackets, you could call and ask to be sure. We will be at VWL for Christmas, hope it is warm enough to maybe swim when we are there. Here is some pixie dust to you that you have a great trip with fantastic weather in Jan.

WL is great over Christmas. Wonderuful decortations, cozy and fun. It really has a great Christmas feel (we are DVC members WL is our home, but we normally stay at BCV.) Dec 2001 it was really great weather when we were there (before Christmas at Poly) and then Jan 1 to 7th 2004 WL it was also great weather. We got to swim many times. It was in the 80's until Jan 7ths when a cold frount came int. Of course being from Michigianin Jan, anything over 65 is very good!

 

[tjkraz]

I requested non smoking in the springs (looked close to pool and food). I think I will call the resort the week before and ask for 1st floor too (we have 2 kids who will be 4 years old and 17 months.)

All requests need to be noted on the reservation. Disney resorts have universally declined to acknowledge requests made via fax or phone. Note it on the reservation with DVC.

Will we need 1st floor, or should be go for higher for the view since they have elevators?

With small children, I would think first floor is the last thing you would want. In a first floor room, there is no barrier surrounding the patio. If they get out the patio door, they can wander endlessly. Upper floor balconies are well protected from any potential mishap.

I am a little concerned about bus issues. Many people say the busses can get really full with people who aren't staying at SSR, but comeing from DTD. Any info on this?

I've read one or two posts stating that bus drivers were suggesting that people use the SSR busses to visit DTD. But those were isolated reports. Most of the posts I've seen (and my personal experience) indicate that the busses are rarely crowded.

Is there a little kiddy pool at SSR main resort? I remember seeing something about this, but never see it in pictures. My 4 year old would love that.

The main pool has a zero entry area and a hot springs play area with water jets.

Is there a playground there too?

Themed playgrounds are located at the two Leisure Pools--not at the main pool.