SSR Lovers and/or Owners Thread!

[Dizny Dad]

Thanks Dizny Dad & Cee for your help. We will bring my DD2's swim vest and leave the beach towels at home! As far as the cold after the pool, my DD2 and DD6 both have terry cloth cover-ups. I'm sure they will come in handy.

Thanks Again!!

Another tip - during December and January visits, do the pool first THEN the hot tub. I know that if I did it the other way around there would be a large object floating face down in the pool. There may be a smile, but no bubbles.

 

[bpmorley]

I just have a couple of questions about SSR. We are renting points there for our stay 12-6/12/09 (Thanks Don for the point rental - you've been awesome!) Since it is December, are any of the pools heated? (We stayed in December 2 years ago at POP and it was more than warm enough day and night to swim without heated pools - but heated would be great.)
Do the pools have those swim vests for younger kids? I've seen some on photos for other resorts, but nothing for SSR. Also, do the pools have towels? Didn't know if we should pack our beach towels.

I appreciate any help you can give.

There was another thread on here about a year or so back and it was all about none of the pools being heated. So I don't believe they are. But we go every december and it's always nice enough for a dip at the end of the day.
the pools @ SSR always have plenty of towels and I think you can get swim vests at the community center. If you bring your own you have to be careful that it's a certain make. I've seen the lifeguards not allow kids to wear certain ones in the pools.

 

[shawnh199]

Disny Dad - Thanks for the tip! I have been there and done that (pool - hot tub- pool) and I thought I was going to die! Never Again!

bpmorley - I appreciate the info. We bought a speedo swim vest. Hope that will do in case they don't have anything at the community center. We will definitely check. I would hope the lifeguards wouldn't bother us. She is 2 1/2 and won't let go of me in the pool regardless of whether she has a vest on or not. So, I always have atleast one hand on her at all times. She's not much of a "swimmer", but more of a " I like to be in the water as long as Mommy holds me."

Thanks Again for the info!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

There are no lifeguards at the quiet pools, such as at Grandstand, Congress Park, and the Paddock.

At High Rock Springs (Main Pool) the guards are GREAT, don't worry! they will help you and and DD have a great time in the pool!

Have a great time!

 

[wendydarling826]

We added on at SSR several years ago, but only stayed there once when construction was not yet finished. We are staying at SSR next month with extended family - we have a 2BR and a 1 BR. I requested that the two rooms be close to one another but didn't request a specific building and now I'm thinking I should requesta building close to the restaurant, store area since we won't have a car with us. I'd also like a nice view. Any suggestions of what building I should request?

 

[Sheribo]

We added on at SSR several years ago, but only stayed there once when construction was not yet finished. We are staying at SSR next month with extended family - we have a 2BR and a 1 BR. I requested that the two rooms be close to one another but didn't request a specific building and now I'm thinking I should requesta building close to the restaurant, store area since we won't have a car with us. I'd also like a nice view. Any suggestions of what building I should request?

We just returned from a stay at SSR and we had a beautiful room at Congress Park. Unfortunately, we have had no luck at all with any of our requests in the 5 times we have been there. They have always managed to move us to the section we want but the CM's always look baffled and tell me that they don't see my request on file. But that is another story.

Having said that, if you want to request something near the Carriage House & main pool, I would say the Springs is the place to be with a water view which is actually little man made lake with a fountain. It's very nice and close to the bus stop.

The Grandstand is also not far from the Carriage House if you get the first building. It also has a nice pool with features for kids and a bar with a refill station. Added bonus is the bus stop which is usually the first stop when returning from the parks. It's easy walking distance to Artists Palette and the Turf Club.

We have stayed in 4 of the 5 sections. The Carousel is next for a mom/dad solo trip although the CM told me that they close parts of the Paddock and Carousel during low occupancy dates. Makes sense I guess.

 

[toocherie]

The Grandstand is also not far from the Carriage House if you get the first building. It also has a nice pool with features for kids and a bar with a refill station. Added bonus is the bus stop which is usually the first stop when returning from the parks. It's easy walking distance to Artists Palette and the Turf Club.

We have stayed in 4 of the 5 sections. The Carousel is next for a mom/dad solo trip although the CM told me that they close parts of the Paddock and Carousel during low occupancy dates. Makes sense I guess.

Keep in mind however, that the refill station at the Grandstand pool has very limited hours and has limited drinks (basically the Coke fountain drinks--no tea or coffee or hot chocolate). So if it's important to you try to get the Springs. Personally, I love the Paddock area.

 

[pnyltwk]

We added on at SSR several years ago, but only stayed there once when construction was not yet finished. We are staying at SSR next month with extended family - we have a 2BR and a 1 BR. I requested that the two rooms be close to one another but didn't request a specific building and now I'm thinking I should requesta building close to the restaurant, store area since we won't have a car with us. I'd also like a nice view. Any suggestions of what building I should request?

We just spent a couple nights in the Tree House Villas. They sleep nine. Don't know if that would have been large enough for your group. I also know that sometimes going to WDW with family is better if you have separate rooms. We have stayed at Congress Park on three different trips. It is only a five minute walk to the Carriage House and 10 to DTD. Have fun and hope your request are honored.

 

[stopher1]

We added on at SSR last year, but just recently (I say that, but actually it was several weeks ago) had our first stay there. When we first toured DVC SSR was the primary new resort for sale. I loved what I saw, but my DW wasn't as thrilled. The 2nd time we toured AKV was available and she fell in love with AKV, which is where we bought first, but after a while we added SSR too.

Anyway, we stayed for my birthday weekend in a 1 BR in Congress Park. That was actually not a Disney stay for us though, as we ventured off and enjoyed our first visit to Sea World enjoying their "2nd Visit Free" promo (had done San Diego before, but never Orlando). We enjoyed SW on a Sat & again on Mon, with a visit to RF Cafe over at AK on Sun...didn't go to the park after lunch, but rather went and spent a couple of hours enjoying our other home resort looking at the animals & such...followed by swimming & a visit to DTD. We also experienced Medieval Times (again, never in FL before, only CA). It was an awesome trip. While my wife still wasn't blown away by SSR, she did say afterward that it was quite enjoyable. (She's the type that will definitely let you know when she is not having a good time...not in words, but subtle little ways - and none of that came out while there, so I was happy). We had a DTD view, and really enjoyed the quiet pool. We walked over to High Rock springs and the Community Hall and enjoyed those as well. Everyone liked being able to walk to DTD and riding the boat back.

I'd read so many things, both positive and negative about SSR - but was determined not to let any of it cloud my thinking until after I'd experienced it for myself. I will say I really like it, and am very pleased that the rest of the family enjoyed it too. Yesterday at dinner, my DD5 said, "Daddy, when are we going to stay at that hotel that we stayed at for Sea World again? I really liked that place". That took me by surprise, but thought it was pretty cool. So I had to share.

We're booked into a THV in January (doing a split stay with AKV). We're having a family reunion of sorts there with my folks coming in from Oregon & my brother flying in from Hawaii. My mom says she can't wait to stay amongst the trees.

Now we're trying to determine when our next regular SSR stay will be...

 

[Missytara]

I was very lucky to be have been upgraded from POR to SSR with the 4/3 deal. I am looking forward to staying some place different, but with the same amentities that I love at POR; i.e. the water taxi to DTD, the water view rooms, etc. But now we are in a Studio and we will have a bit more room; oh and the kitchenette will be great too!

I am also glad we had added the water parks and more options when we purchased our ticket, because my two traveling companions can go over to Disney Quest a few late evenings....

Cannot wait to go; we leave next Saturday.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm just posting as a new SSR owner. We've closed on 100 points, but points not in the account yet. Looking forward to reading more about our newest home from people who love it.

Bobbi

 

[Flyerfan]

I'm just posting as a new SSR owner. We've closed on 100 points, but points not in the account yet. Looking forward to reading more about our newest home from people who love it.

Bobbi

Welcome to SSR Bobbi. We are here now and cannot say enough about it. It all depends on what you like in a resort, I guess. We started off this trip with one night at AKV Jambo SV. The theming there is fantastic and we loved
the animals right outside our window. But what we love about SSR that AKV does not have is the wide open space for walking/running. I love my morning walks and we both love to stroll in the evening and having DTD close is a major plus. SSR is perfect for these things and more.

We our SSR

 

[bobbiwoz]

Welcome to SSR Bobbi. We are here now and cannot say enough about it. It all depends on what you like in a resort, I guess. We started off this trip with one night at AKV Jambo SV. The theming there is fantastic and we loved
the animals right outside our window. But what we love about SSR that AKV does not have is the wide open space for walking/running. I love my morning walks and we both love to stroll in the evening and having DTD close is a major plus. SSR is perfect for these things and more.

We our SSR

Thanks for the welcome, and I hope you continue to have a great, great stay!!!

Bobbi

 

[Sonnyeclipse]

I just bought in at SSR with 200 points and am looking forward to our first stay in January.

I'll have to go through this thread to read all of the advice about staying there.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I just bought in at SSR with 200 points and am looking forward to our first stay in January.

I'll have to go through this thread to read all of the advice about staying there.

Welcome home! We're going to be at BLT for the marathon weekend. Is that when you're going?

Bobbi

 

[Sonnyeclipse]

Welcome home! We're going to be at BLT for the marathon weekend. Is that when you're going?

Bobbi

Yes, running my first half marathon..........

 

[Dizny Dad]

I'm just posting as a new SSR owner. We've closed on 100 points, but points not in the account yet. Looking forward to reading more about our newest home from people who love it.

Bobbi

Welcome to SSR!

DW and I just love it. It was our first DVC home and we always visit it when staying at our other beloved home, VWL. (And when staying at SSR, we always find time to visit VWL!)

SSR really offers a more private feel and doesn't have that "hotel" feel with long inside hallway.

We love the various quiet pools, the rocking chairs overlooking DTD near the Congress Park quiet pool, Artist Palette, and of course, being able to walk to DTD. (Shopping is the most important thing says DiznyDi!)

I know you will find your time at SSR relaxing. It's motif is wonderful but not quite your typical "hit you over the head" Disney eye candy. That can be a relief some of those long days.

 

[tea pot]

I'm just posting as a new SSR owner. We've closed on 100 points, but points not in the account yet. Looking forward to reading more about our newest home from people who love it.

Bobbi

Welcome to SSR!

DW and I just love it. It was our first DVC home and we always visit it when staying at our other beloved home, VWL. (And when staying at SSR, we always find time to visit VWL!)

SSR really offers a more private feel and doesn't have that "hotel" feel with long inside hallway.

We love the various quiet pools, the rocking chairs overlooking DTD near the Congress Park quiet pool, Artist Palette, and of course, being able to walk to DTD. (Shopping is the most important thing says DiznyDi!)

I know you will find your time at SSR relaxing. It's motif is wonderful but not quite your typical "hit you over the head" Disney eye candy. That can be a relief some of those long days.

Hey I know you Guys...

SSR Lovers
I just wanted to share that we just go back from a Family Weekend at the TREEHOUSES
We Fell in LOVE with them
We had 6 Adults It was just perfect the extra bed room was great for the extra privacy. the living room /dining is big and roomy and that deck I would of slept out there if I could.. I had booked on the first day and requested water view We needed to wait till 3:30 to check in but so well worth it.. I must of waved at every boat and they all waved back.
I need to upload the photos to photo bucket and them I'll post them.
We Bought SSR sight unseen and have never been disappointed and boy am I grateful for the 11 month booking advantage for the tree houses.
I don't think I'll be able to get the kids to stay anywhere else.

Be back with photos

 

[DiznyDi]

Hey tea pot
I know you, too!

We're considering the Treehouses for a family trip next December. Can't wait to see your pictures!

See you soon!

 

[tea pot]

Enjoy!