SSR love it or hate it

[Madame]

I like the room to walk around At Sarasota springs. My stay last September was at the BRV. i love it there, but now that they have taken out the walking /biking path to fort wilderness, and with the boat not running, after a few days, I felt trapped.

That “trapped” feeling is why AKV was a one & done for us.

 

[disneyfan123]

Where did you purchase from?

One of the brokers that is blocked here, but they are “experts” in resale.

 

[DSLRuser]

was super afraid of SSR until we finally stayed there. It was great. It has that 90's Florida time share feel, (in a good way). Busses were fast and efficient, never really needed to walk out of our building neighborhood.

 

[mrsdoubie]

I’m staying there for the 1st time in July for 3 nights in a standard deluxe studio. I’m going solo and am not doing DS. So the only thing that makes me nervous about staying at SSR is getting stuck the furthest away from the carriage house.

 

[Stargazer65]

I’m staying there for the 1st time in July for 3 nights in a standard deluxe studio. I’m going solo and am not doing DS. So the only thing that makes me nervous about staying at SSR is getting stuck the furthest away from the carriage house.

If you're standard view, ask for Grandstand. It's pretty close to the Carriage house.

 

[Jennasis]

We love it. The Paddock section is where it's at.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Since I hear often about the appeal is how close it is to Disney Springs, I can't help but wondering if you need to be one who loves shopping, loves the malls, to really enjoy Saratoga Springs. The only thing I like to do at Disney Springs is eat my Ghiardelli Sundae and leave. I've been to WoD and the other stores, just doesn't appeal to me. So I'm wondering-any other non-shoppers who are still SSR fans?

 

[Madame]

Since I hear often about the appeal is how close it is to Disney Springs, I can't help but wondering if you need to be one who loves shopping, loves the malls, to really enjoy Saratoga Springs. The only thing I like to do at Disney Springs is eat my Ghiardelli Sundae and leave. I've been to WoD and the other stores, just doesn't appeal to me. So I'm wondering-any other non-shoppers who are still SSR fans?

I do *not* shop. We like the restaurant variety. Getting to DS from other resorts is a PITA, but a pleasure from SSR.

One night before Xmas last year we were waiting for a bus to DS when DH decided to fetch the kids’ hoodies for the restaurant. Of course 1 minute later a bus came. He caught the next bus and literally arrived 10 mins after we did. Lots of last minute restaurant availability on Open Table too.

We also drive to WDW from Canada frequently and use our van a lot while on property (DH golfs - yet another reason to love SSR - and he drops us at the parks). It’s nice not to have to fight for parking every time we go out!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I do *not* shop. We like the restaurant variety. Getting to DS from other resorts is a PITA, but a pleasure from SSR.

One night before Xmas last year we were waiting for a bus to DS when DH decided to fetch the kids’ hoodies for the restaurant. Of course 1 minute later a bus came. He caught the next bus and literally arrived 10 mins after we did. Lots of last minute restaurant availability on Open Table too.

We also drive to WDW from Canada frequently and use our van a lot while on property (DH golfs - yet another reason to love SSR - and he drops us at the parks). It’s nice not to have to fight for parking every time we go out!

The proximity to golf is one reason I'd consider it-my DH also loves golf. Typically we stay at OKW-it appears have better views of the golf course and is a really short drive to SSR.

 

[Brian Noble]

I can't help but wondering if you need to be one who loves shopping, loves the malls

I don’t care much about shopping. The big draw for me is a large slate of better-than-Disney-average restaurants. The entertainment venues are a draw as well. I saw a 311 concert at House of Blues in March. I only paid $25 on the secondary market and easily walked to/from the show. Especially now in the absence of APs it is nice to have some alternatives to day tickets to the Parks.

 

[Lisa P.]

We're not shoppers but we love long walks in pretty places. So a big appeal of SSR for us is that the resort is lushly landscaped and we can walk completely around the lake at Disney Springs, as well as walk/bike through the Treehouse area and even to/through OKW. At DS, we may get coffee, a Dole Whip, or a meal at the one of the restaurants, maybe browse a cute boutique shop or Christmas trees in season, and stop for entertainment (especially at night). But we rarely shop. We really mostly walk by the lake or take a boat ride up the rivers from DS when we're there at DS.

SSR also has very nice rooms since the most recent refurbishment. The Paddock pool is our favorite, especially when we're there with kids. We live in the mountains so we usually like a more tropical vibe on vacation. But our son's family currently lives in Tampa. So they get a more "vacation" feel, different from their home, when we've stayed with them at SSR. The resort is so nice that we all enjoy it.

 

[Greyhound22]

Just returned from a 4 night stay at SSR. Stayed in the Grandstand. No way would I stay again at SSR and not stay in this part. We went to all 4 parks and returned for a "cool-down" session 2 days. Each time we got on the empty bus at the Grandstand, by the time we swung around to all of the other bus stops it was completely full. I felt terrible for the people waiting and not able to get on when the bus they had been waiting on arrived. Also a first for me, was a couple of times a "charter bus" from a non-Disney company picked us up. I was happy to not have to wait any longer, but it was weird.

As far as the resort goes. SSR is nice, quiet, spacious. But, I enjoy being close to everything (aka - Riviera, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, etc.). For the amount of points the four nights cost, it was definitely worth it if your looking to get a point value.

Haven't stayed since 2009....but we check in Monday for a 4-night stay. Our 1st ever non-children stay for my wife and I. The easy availability and reasonable points make it very alluring. I'm nervous about the transportation issues I read so much about. Going in with a positive attitude!

Just returned from a 4 night stay at SSR. Stayed in the Grandstand. No way would I stay again at SSR and not stay at the Grandstand. We went to all 4 parks and returned for a "cool-down" session 2 days. So, that's 6 bus-trips. Each time we got on the empty bus at the Grandstand, by the time we swung around to all of the other bus stops it was completely full. I felt terrible for the people waiting and not able to get on when the bus they had been waiting on arrived. Especially the Springs. Also a first for me, was a couple of times a "charter bus" from a non-Disney company picked us up. I was happy to not have to wait any longer, but it was weird.

As far as the resort goes. SSR is nice, quiet, spacious. The rooms were very nice. For the amount of points the four nights cost, it was definitely worth it if your looking to get a point value. But, I enjoy being close to everything (aka - Riviera, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, etc.). So, I would say that SSR would be the resort if I'm looking to save points only... To each their own though, it was a great stay!

 

[Johtull12]

One of the brokers that is blocked here, but they are “experts” in resale.

Why are they blocked? Not sponsors maybe?

 

[Sandisw]

Why are they blocked? Not sponsors maybe?

Many businesses that are not sponsors can be discussed. This is a privately owned site and the reasons for things are up to the owners of the site.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Just booked two nights at SSR before the DVC member cruise.

 

[zavandor]

We have only ever stayed at The Springs, and we really like it. And I agree, the proximity to the Springs Pool, and the main building amenities are the attraction. I have never really cared about the view at SSR.

DS view from Congress Park (high floors) is one of the best views on property, maybe second just to BW view. It's a shame it's not a guaranteed booking category like BW view at BWV, it would be a highly sought after category and give owners a little 11 months advantage.

 

[Wakey]

Love SSR. Yes you can get parking lot views if on the end of some buildings.
Ironically the Grandstand building next to the Grandstand Pool is virtually as close to the main Carriagehouse and High Rocks pool as any building in the Springs. its also closer to the boat dock and bridge to the Disney Springs path on that side. And it’s Standard points.
We love SSR because:

1. The grounds and theming are very nice. It has vibes of Vero (same architect), Wilderness Lodge, even Boardwalk depending on what you look at. Love the racing horn every hour.
2. Pools are some of the best on property.
3. Great standard points values.
4. Best gym.
5. Good quick serve.
6. We like to walk to Disney Springs and restaurants on an evening.
7. Quiet and more relaxed.
8. Some of nicest rooms.