SSR Lovers and/or Owners Thread!

[mackeyapp]

Hi Neighbors!!

We just came back from our first trip home (Dec.28-Jan 11) and fell in love with SSR. We had a one bedroom in Congress Park and the view was amazing. We were able to stand at the kitchen counter and watch the boats go by and New Year's Eve was wonderful. We stood on our balcony and watched DDT firework in awe. What a wonderful experience. Love looking at all the pics. For some strange reason DH neglected to take many pics at the resort. Counting the days until we meet again!

 

[Treacle44]

Hi

I thought I'd add some photos of the studio and views I took when we had our tour in May.

Well we were sold!

T
x

 

[Treacle44]

1.As far as location, that's an individual taste. Each has it's own set of pro's & Cons. We like the Springs. close to the main pool, AP and checkin. but last on the bus route.
2. Yes all studios have balconies.
3. We like artist Pallette. Nothing fancy, great to get something and go.
4.SSR has it's own bus routes. Except for ME, that may stop at a couple different resorts.
5. sorry can't help you with any golf questions.

I've been looking into Congress Park, seems quite popular with most. I'm not too worried about being near the pool, we're happy to have a walk to it. Just fancy that DTD view!

Thanks for your reply.

T
x

 

[Treacle44]

You have your choice of three areas:

The Springs (3 buildings directly across the road to AP, Carriage House (Check-In Lobby, the main pool which is zero entry and has a slide, and Community Hall where there are activities and games). The path to the ferry boat to DTD is behind AP as well.

Carousel Park (4 buildings on the lake across from DTD, to the East of the Springs, has its own nothing-fancy pool, views of DTD and a walking path to DTD Marketplace).

Grandstand (4 buildings to the West of the Springs set to open sometime this spring, has its own themed pool, closest walkway to the ferry boat dock, and to Carriage House).

Only areas that may see you walking farther are the Carousel and Paddocks, though distances aren't that bad.

Study the map and when you check in you'll see what's available. I had requested Carousel Park in December, was to be given the Paddocks but asked sweetly if there was anything closer and got the Springs.



Or patios. We had a ground floor unit so that was a patio, ala Polynesian style.



A combo gift shop and cafeteria. They specialize in flatbread sandwiches, which seemed like mini-pizzas but with cheese, potato and meat. A bit unusual and very tasty. I think I enjoyed the breakfast most though. I got a kid's-size portion of Mickey waffles with sausage. Under $5 I believe. My dad got the whole shebang for $10 which included eggs, bacon, potatos, bread, etc.

The decor strikes me as a tad art noveau, rounded corners, jeweled mobiles hanging from the ceiling, wood and steel furniture in that funky artisty style. Oh, and every table has a drawing easel with paper and crayons to entertain the kids. They'll hang up some of the artist renderings as well.

AP is in the main building, down the hall from the Carriage House and separated by a comfy hallway with couches and conversation areas, and bathrooms. AP is also where you can buy your emergency food supplies for your unit: milk, juice, bread, microwavables, alcohol, etc. But it will come at a premium as all vacation club stuff does.

The new sit down restaurant (Turf Bar & Grill) is supposed to be very good. I've heard raves about the cheeseburgers. It's behind AP.

I thought Congress Park was supposed to be near DTD? Thanks for the detailed info though, as yo usay I need to have a look on a map. Don't suppose you know where I can find one online?

Ap sounds good, especially the breakfast! DH fancies The Turf Bar, but I think we'd rather use out TS credits on park restaurants mainly.

Thanks

Can't wait!

 

[bpmorley]

I thought Congress Park was supposed to be near DTD? Thanks for the detailed info though, as yo usay I need to have a look on a map. Don't suppose you know where I can find one online?

Ap sounds good, especially the breakfast! DH fancies The Turf Bar, but I think we'd rather use out TS credits on park restaurants mainly.

Thanks

Can't wait!

Congress Park is directly accross the water from DTD. It is the closest to DTD. Maybe 5 minute walk into the market place. You can also walk from the main bldg(AP, carraige house) to the west end of DTD.
AP is good. But we also prefer to eat at other places while we are there.

 

[TreesyB]

So I just booked today: March 1st 2007 - just a quick overnight, and then we will be on our way to Ft. Myers from there. I love that I can do that and not feel bad or guilty that I'm wasting a stay.

And then the big trip will be Dec. 30/07 to Jan. 3rd /08 I'm looking forward to NYE at Disney!

 

[CinderellasSister]

Thanks to all who have posted such beautiful pictures of our beloved SSR!!! I'm really looking forward to our first trip home in May, just a mere 91 days from now! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and return the favor when I come home. Wishing safe trips to you all and wonderful, happy vacations!!!

 

[Glorydaz]

found some more of our SSR photos to share...can't wait to go back!

Michelle

 

[ansky922]

Great pics

I can't wait until April 1st 1st time at new home

 

[bpmorley]

Great pics

I can't wait until April 1st 1st time at new home

That's cool, you're going on my birthday.

 

[sammax]

I rented points on the DIS for our first trip to SSR Dec.1-7/06. Fell in love with SSR and bought in. We're planning our fisrt trip as owners in Oct. with our grown son and daugher in law. They've never been to WDW, and I'm so excited to show them my new second home!!

Peggy

 

[Starr W.]

Whoever posted those pictures, no fair! It's -4/-20 Wind chill here in lovely Perrysburg OH this morning.

 

[MinnesotaChill]

Doesn't ANYONE have more pictures of the new area? I guess when there's so many pretty things to take pictures of, a construction area isn't priority...

I am really curious as to what the views will be like. I am thinking it will be mostly golf course, but from the map I have in my hard bound book, the only view I see is that of the map key to DTD!

I will be able to book our GV at the end of Feb for the trip my DH and I are hosting for my cousin and her family. They've never been down there and she and her DH are so excited it is making me crazed with excitement too! I am stressing over booking CP, because it is close to DTD and has amazing views and Grandstand because it seems to have great amenities, not too far from stuff and close to ferry bridge. Decisions, decisions...

With my luck in booking views, we will have the only GV with a view of the AK composting area (just kidding, I am pretty sure that doesn't even exist). I honestly seem to get really subpar views when I am bringing other people for whom I really want to make a special memory. When my dh and I are alone, we get amazing views! Oh well, it is STILL Disney and I am STILL on vacation and of course, it is dvc, my one true home! Besides, they won't know what they are missing even if we don't get a great view!

By the way, here in MN, it isn't supposed to be above zero degrees until sometime on Tuesday (has been below zero since Fri). Can't even tell you how cold the windchill is!

 

[MinnesotaChill]

I hope it is okay to post this here, it does have to do with SSR and people seem so willing to help here.

For those of you who book at 11-months. Do you call daily? Does it make a difference?

I know at BWV, I call daily to request standard view because those go first, but not sure if I am looking for DTD view in a GV if I will have to call daily. I know there is more inventory at SSR, but any idea how they place you in your rooms by preference? Is it by when you book or when you check in? Do they use room ready? Am I going to suffer if I don't check in on Sat (ie: lose out to those who do check in Sat- Sat?)? We plan to be in the GV Sun-Thurs, but could be convinced to check in Sat if it meant a better overall experience. Currently we plan to do a value the first night as everyone arrives so that we will all really be blown away when we check into the GV together on Sunday. This also means I can get over to SSR early, early on Sun to "check-in" and then spend the day at the pools or DTD while we wait for it to be ready.

Just when I'd figured out the BW, now I've decided to challenge myself with a new resort!

 

[summergolf]

Like Sammax we went to SSR first time just 3 weeks ago bought and made ressies for our first trip in October as well. Also going with grown child (a daughter)....parallel universe

 

[summergolf]

I have heard a few posts that have said different things about requesting certain buildings on your ressie. Can you request and receive a certain bldg at SSR?

 

[tomandrobin]

I have heard a few posts that have said different things about requesting certain buildings on your ressie. Can you request and receive a certain bldg at SSR?

You can request, but there are no guarentees. The only room request that is certain is for special needs, like ADA and such.

 

[BroganMc]

I thought Congress Park was supposed to be near DTD?

Oops, it is. I was half right. I got the initials correct.

It's Congress Park. The Carousel is on the opposite side of the resort by the main entrance. Two buildings there.

For maps, well here's one:

 

[BroganMc]

For those of you who book at 11-months. Do you call daily? Does it make a difference?

I haven't and I've booked 4 trips in the last year. One was for New Year's Eve. Availability seems to more than match owner demand at SSR.

Now there are limits. For instance, when I tried to book an accessible studio for early December at just under the 7 month window, none were available. Since these can be in limited supply, I see similar things happening with Grand Villas. A one bedroom was available though. And when I went to book an accessible studio for New Year's, booking a 3 night stay to include Jan 2, availability was fine. I booked at the 11 month window there, but for an all inclusive stay.

Keep in mind BWV is much smaller than SSR and those standard rooms are in high demand for the cheap points. I believe SSR has 36 GV whereas BWV only has 7; OKW has 27 GVs.

but not sure if I am looking for DTD view in a GV if I will have to call daily. I know there is more inventory at SSR, but any idea how they place you in your rooms by preference? Is it by when you book or when you check in? Do they use room ready? Am I going to suffer if I don't check in on Sat (ie: lose out to those who do check in Sat- Sat?)?

I believe they use the "what's being checked out that day and who arrives first to claim it.

Sunday is a huge check-in day for the resort and Friday is a huge check-out day. Not sure how Sat works, but I can't imagine it makes much difference because the point count is so high, especially for a GV.

I think I would just stay at the Value resort and send someone over early to check-in at SSR. When I was checking in on a Sunday in December, I requested Congress Park. I had stopped by the night before on my way home from MK to drop off a scooter. The front desk gal told me it was very busy so my best bet was to get there as early as possible... by 9am. I was staying offsite so I sent my party into a mad dash to check-out and check-in at SSR.

I didn't get Congress Park and they were going to assign me the Paddocks, but I just asked them to look again and see if any other rooms were available that day closer. They ended up giving me the Springs (room 3545, I believe?). I was more than happy with it as it was so close to the main buildings.

Disclaimer: I was booking handicapped rooms and it was December, the busiest time for DVCers.

 

[bpmorley]

Whoever posted those pictures, no fair! It's -4/-20 Wind chill here in lovely Perrysburg OH this morning.

-1 here in philly today