SSR - Just Returned: Notes and Observations

[CarnotaurDad]

What a fun, quick trip we had. We surprised our daughter for her 6th birthday with a WDW vacation: SSR in a 1 BR for four nights.

Previously, we have stayed at BCV, BWV and OKW and we own at BCV, OKW and SSR (we bought points during the Friends and Family). This was our first trip to SSR.

We had a room in the Paddock (5703) with a really nice water view looking towards the main area.

Overall impression was that it is a great resort that will grow nicely into itself, and, with some tweaks, has the potential to be a great resort.

Pros:

* The room itself. The decor was very upscale and nicely done. In previous posts where I gave one word descriptions like OKW is "relaxing" and BWV is "fun" I would have to say that SSR is "genteel". Especially since one of the dictionary's definitions of genteel is "Striving to convey a manner or appearance of refinement and respectability". That really, to me, sums it up in a nutshell.

* The beds. Wow! The King Bed was really comfortable (as we expected) but the sofa pullout was way beyond what we thought it would be. That was a fantastic place for our DD to sleep.

* The busses. I know, we went in late January so the crowds weren't really there, but the busses were nowhere near the horror stories we had previously read. We did not rent a car so we relied solely on them to get around and we never waited more than 15 minutes. Maybe it was the crowd or maybe they have improved their service?

* The pools. The quiet pools at SSR are probably the nicest quiet pools at any of the resorts. Great size and they have fantastic views from them. Really nice job on the pools. The main pool has a really great waterslide for younger children just learning to use a waterslide. Nicely done!

* Artists Pallete for lunch and dinner. This was really a fantastic place to eat lunch and dinner. Great options (for us) and great prices (especially with DDE). They had chicken nuggets for our extremely picky DD, so she was happy as well.

* The staff. What can we say. Everyone was fantastically nice, accomodating and efficient. There were a number of "Earning our Ears" employees and they did a great job as well.

Cons (as with everything in life, improvements could be made; here are some things we noticed that could be better):

* Lack of whimsy: Yeah, I know this goes against the whole "genteel" thing, but I sometimes couldn't tell if this was a nice resort that happened to be at Disney or if it was a Disney resort that forgot that they were part of Disney. It just didn't have that "I'm staying at Disney" feel that we have gotten at BCV, BWV or even OKW. Not sure why this was, but it just wasn't always there. Don't get me wrong, it is a fantastic resort as is. It just felt like something was missing for us.

* No breakfast options early in the morning: Again, maybe our family is in the minority, but we do not like to cook on our vacations. As such, the Artists Pallete opening at 7:30 AM for breakfast was way too late if we wanted to do an EMH park. Just 30 minutes would make a huge difference to be able to eat breakfast and then hop on the bus to be there for the EMH opening.

*Unclear paths to DTD. We walked twice to DTD from Paddock and it would be really nice if there were signs both to DTD and back from DTD directing you the best way to your building. It was a little confusing (maybe because we were tired) to figure out the way back. There were maps along the way, but they also were a little unclear.

To reiterate, the cons do not make this a bad resort at all. It was a very nice resort that needs a bit of time to grow into itself and improve. We are very happy to have points here and look forward to many more vacations.

If there are any questions, let me know and I will be glad to answer.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

I'm so glad that you had a great trip!

We've been to SSR and love it!!

 

[AOPI57]

Thanks for the report. We just added on at SSR, too ( we own at BWV and VB). We're going in April and are looking forward to it.

Did you happen to see the pro shop?

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Hi aopi57,

No, unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to see the pro shop. Our BIL is a big golfer so we will have to check it out the next time.

 

[cobbler]

Great report! I agree about the paths. But give my hubby 2 days tops and he will know the shortest route to anywhere like the back of his hand.
It must be a gift

 

[shantay1008]

Thank you so much for the great report! We leave in 5 days for Saratoga Springs and can hardly wait. Could I ask if you specifically requested the Paddocks? I'd been thinking the Springs for us because of the proximity to the main pool, thinking it might be easier to manage four kids that way. Do you have any suggestions on which area to stay in?
Thanks!
Shannon

P.S. And what a great birthday surprise for your lucky daughter!!!

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Hi Shannon,

We did not specifically request any building, but you are right about requesing the Springs for the proximity to the main pool. The Springs is also closest to Artists Pallette, Community Hall and the Main Lobby.

One thing I failed to mention, especially for the size of the resort, is how quiet it was. It was amazing to have so much around us but to enjoy the quietness and the sound of the fountains in the ponds and the birds. Really great!

 

[muskokagirl]

and we also think it is a fabulous resort ! We also stayed at Paddocks and thought it was terrific ! Next time I will try to request the Congress building because of the gorgeous view of Downtown Disney, the quiet pool and the bbq pits. We bbq twice, and ate our dinner at the pool. It was lovely. We had a car and found all of the parks were a breeze to get to. We walked to DTD and absolutely that it was such a treat ! Loved it !!!!

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Congress does seem to be a great location. Close to DTD, close to the main building, great Quiet Pool.

I think we would request Congress Park next time.

 

[shantay1008]

Are quiet pools actually supposed to be quiet? I've never really thought about going to one because my kids are remarkably loud, and I thought maybe quiet pools were a place where people went when they really wanted it to be quiet. Am I right about this?

 

[sz9144]

I would think the quiet pools are meant to be quiet- or else they would call them the unruly, undisciplined children's pool.....

 

[shantay1008]

Ha, ha...you've obviously met my children. But seriously, I guess what I'm trying to get at is whether or not we'd be welcome at a quiet pool. I'm trying to get us in at the Springs, but let's say we end up in Congress Park. From what I understand, SSR is quite spread out, so if we didn't want to drag four little ones and all their Stuff over to the main area, would we feel awkward at a quiet pool? Would I have to constantly be shushing them because someone is trying to nap by the pool? Or do families visit the quiet pools, too?

It's really not a big deal because I think we'd always be able to manage getting over to the main pool no matter where we stayed. I'm really just mildly curious about this.

Thanks!

 

[Sammie]

For any future guests to SSR.

Easy way to get to Downtown Disney. Walk toward any of the Congress Park Buildings, there are 4 of them. Once there you have 2 options. Go the quiet pool and the walkway around the lake. Once at the lake, hang a left and follow the walkway to DD.

option 2. Go to Congress Park's parking lot, proceed on the walkway in front of the building toward DD, as you come to the end of the parking lot in front of the last building the walk curves to your right, toward the lake, where it merges with the water front walkway. Hang a left and follow it to DD.

To the OP, glad you have a good time we really like SSR and agree with your assessment except for the nonDisney feels. I can't imagine anything at OKW that would make you feel like Disney over SSR.

What at OKW feels like Disney to you? I guess at BW and BCV having a park in view adds to the feel; but OKW does not have that. To me having DD in view feels very much like being at Disney.

Just curious

 

[Sammie]

Ha, ha...you've obviously met my children. But seriously, I guess what I'm trying to get at is whether or not we'd be welcome at a quiet pool. I'm trying to get us in at the Springs, but let's say we end up in Congress Park. From what I understand, SSR is quite spread out, so if we didn't want to drag four little ones and all their Stuff over to the main area, would we feel awkward at a quiet pool? Would I have to constantly be shushing them because someone is trying to nap by the pool? Or do families visit the quiet pools, too?

It's really not a big deal because I think we'd always be able to manage getting over to the main pool no matter where we stayed. I'm really just mildly curious about this.

Thanks!

Ok, I will try to be PC on this. I think during the day noises made by supervised, happy children are to be expected. Families definitely visit.

I don't think it is appropriate by anyone to let young children cannon ball into the pool near others, skriek like some banshee is after them, play football in the pool, or run around the pool deck.

I think at night everyone; adults and kids alike should swim without being heard or at least quiet voices.

So I guess it depends on how loud your kids are.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Hi Sammie, maybe it's just more of the "Florida" feel at OKW that makes it seem more Disney to us as opposed to the "Upstate New York" theme. I might be equating "fun" with "Disney" vs. anything specific about the resort itself.

Don't get me wrong, this in no way means that I dislike SSR. In fact, one HUGE advantage that SSR has over OKW is Artists Pallete. OKW with their combo of Olivias and Goods to Go doesn't even come close to the offerings of food or the ability to get something quick at SSR.

Also, as we get old and crochety, the elevators at SSR are a huge plus so that we can still enjoy our resort without worrying about stairs!

 

[lisareniff]

Thanks for the great report and your observations!

I have only experienced SSR though the eyes of others.

 

[agnes!]

I have never taken the term "quiet pools" to mean that noise was frowned-upon or that children in general were banned, but more to mean that the pool is sort of plain and doesn't have any bells and whistles - no slides, no pool bars, no theming... Usually the people in or at the quiet pools are swimming laps or lounging/reading books or I see families with little ones there, since the themed pools can get a little hectic and can also be intimidating/spread-out.

Plus at the non-DVC resorts there is usually a laundry room near the quiet pools(like at PO/R, PO/FQ, CBR, etc...) They're a great place to swim and relax while getting some laundry done!

agnes!

 

[LoveToDisney]

We haven't stayed at SSR yet, but plan to this year. How many quiet pools are there? I wondered if we stayed in the Paddocks if there would be a close pool. Since we are two adults, I hated to ask for anything but non-smoking so the families with little ones would get their pick first which would fill up the Springs and Congress Park....so I figured we would get Paddocks. Since we don't have a car this next time, can you catch a bus to go other places inside SSR like the artist's pallete?
Thanks!

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Hi LoveToDisney,

There are two quiet pools right now, with a third to be built. Paddocks does have a quiet pool close to it. You can definitely use the busses to get from Paddocks to Springs, where you can hop off to go to Artists Pallete.

It took a while, but we finally understood which bus to take when. To get from Paddocks to Springs, you can get onto any park bus. It will go to Congress Park and then Springs.

To get from Springs to Paddock, you have to take the Downtown Disney bus. The park busses all leave SSR after Springs. DTD, however, goes to Carousel and then Paddocks.

Hope that helps!

 

[shantay1008]

Thank you, Sammie and Agnes! for weighing in on the quiet pool issue. My kids are actually incredibly adorable and will be heavily monitored...since my parents are coming along, we have a 1:1 kid to adult ratio. Yes!!!

And I just have to say that LoveToDisney is soooo thoughtful! To put other people with special needs, like kids, ahead and be happy to maybe be a little farther away...I think that is just really, really kind. You are in for some good karma!!!

Shannon