Hello all! Just wanted to share a few things from our wonderful trip 10/19 - 10/29.
We checked in about 1:00 on 10/19 to find the resort just about at capacity. They had to search a bit for a room for us. I had requested a DTD view, and none were available. That turned out fine for me, since I am 26 weeks pregnant, I was much happier with the much more convienent Grandstand room we received.
4th floor, my favorite, with a view of the pool. It was wonderful. Studio. Had plenty of room for the 3 of us to spread out. Me, DH, and DD4. Glimpses of the boats on the Sassalouga (sp) river, and fireworks over the other Grandstand building accross the parking lot.
Tons of frogs downstairs, but we liked them and took home some pictures of them.
Short walk to AP and such. Had many a good meal there, and two nice meals at Turf Club. My DH said it was the best food at Disney, and one of the big reasons for staying there. We even extended our stay, we were supposed to do a small split stay at POR to catch up with my Mother, but decided against it in leu of using points and staying at a wonderful resort. Note: however, my little one must have eaten something that was either spoiled or just did not aggree with her, because she suffered a terrible stomach ache - worst I have ever witnessed, followed by hours of getting sick. Not what a packing mommy needed on the last night! I considered mentioning it to the manager the next morning, but no harm was done, she was much better the next day. She's a good eater, and had some of my DH's steak and muscles. He ate them too, though, so who knows with kids??
So close to the bus station! That may have been the best part! At the end of tiring day with a sleeping little one, that short walk and first stop off was the best. We enjoyed being the first stop on, giving us our pick of seats and a tour around the resort. We were not usually pressed for time going out, so it was no problem.
We enjoyed our "quiet" pool a few times. So close and wonderful. Had everything we needed for a quick dip. We tried the main pool one day, but my DH thought it was too croweded for his liking. DD4 did the little slide and played with Donald Duck for a bit, then we moved on to the other pool.
Water temps were wonderful.
Still not used to the no mousekeeping. They did come to replace soaps and some towels/ picked up trash, but not on the day I expected, and it was nearly enough. Next time, I might pay for an additional stop-in. I did find if I bagged my own trash and placed it outside, it was gone in the morning.
I also did not have enough sheets/ blankets for the sofa bed, but we managed. I could have called, but did not.
The closet in the studio was a bit difficult to use, with a lot of space in the back, out of reach of the doors. I had to have my DH get the ironing board out for me, I just couldn't do it, it was set up so strangely. Big though. The little tray table came in handy most mornings for my "princesses" breakfast in bed - juice and muffins from home. She insists on eating right away, while we are getting ready. Perfect to sit on the sofa bed so she could enjoy. We use the little table for laptop and paperwork, so eating there is off limits.
Staff was wonderful, friendly, and accomodating. I liked it so much more than I expected to. I usually like a "more themed" resort, although now staying there, I would say SSR is perfectly themed. It did not feel like a Disney resort on my previous non stay "visits" to eat, use the boats,
DVC presentation, etc. But now staying there, it was every bit Disney that POR seems to be, comparing only because my parents stayed there while we were at SSR. We have stayed at many resorts, WL, AKL, BC, ASM, and this did not feel any different or estranged.
Bus service was excellent - we never waited 20 minutes. Top seven things on TV when you turn it on....What else could you need?
Loved it!
My 4 year old came down with it during our Christmas trip last year. Luckily it was the last day and we had done everything. It was awful,
It's ruined many vacations.
And I also was reminded of the old time 50's family resorts. I was reminded of the movie, "Dirty Dancing." My niece and nephew loved the pool area at Grandstand so much, we never made it to the big pool, which was very relaxing for us! 
