SSR Lovers and/or Owners Thread!

[BroganMc]

Whenever I read about theming that's what I always assume people are wanting. An in-your-face theme. I think the subtle, laid back feel of SSR turns some people off. It's exactly what I love about SSR. When I go back to my resort, I want to relax. The parks are hectic enough.

The theme of SSR is a health spa. Wide open scenery, lush landscaping, shooting springs, wildlife, with sprawling walking paths, a boutique-style counter service restaurant, health club, spa, interwoven golf course and several pools.

It's the sort of place that makes you want to take a nice leisurely walk to unwind then soak in the hot tub.

But some folks just aren't into going to Disney to relax. They want to keep busy, and only judge the quality of a room based on its distance to the nearest attraction.

Old Key West and Port Orleans have similar feels to them, though admittedly not as upscale NY-ee.

SSR comes off as a bit of a cross between GF and OKW.

Now the resort that has the poorest theme, to me at least, is the Contemporary. Once you forget the monorail going through and its proximity to MK, it's really just a rather bland conventioneers' hotel. Even the lobby reminds you of something you'd see in the nearest big city hotel. The lacking theme is the main reason I'm having trouble convincing my dad a CRV investment is worthwhile. But then, I'm only interested for the MK location. Theme-wise, I'd prefer GF's elegance.

Poly is another well-themed resort. Unfortunately it is a 1970's version of Hawaii so feels very kitschy and horribly dated. Plus the Grand Ceremonial House is always unnaturally freezing. (We're in the tropics not the antarctic!)

 

[mamaprincess]

The theme of SSR is a health spa. Wide open scenery, lush landscaping, shooting springs, wildlife, with sprawling walking paths, a boutique-style counter service restaurant, health club, spa, interwoven golf course and several pools.

SSR comes off as a bit of a cross between GF and OKW.

Brilliant and spot-on description!

I agree with all your observations.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

LOVE IT!

 

[wdw4life]

The theme of SSR is a health spa. Wide open scenery, lush landscaping, shooting springs, wildlife, with sprawling walking paths, a boutique-style counter service restaurant, health club, spa, interwoven golf course and several pools.

It's the sort of place that makes you want to take a nice leisurely walk to unwind then soak in the hot tub.

But some folks just aren't into going to Disney to relax. They want to keep busy, and only judge the quality of a room based on its distance to the nearest attraction.

Old Key West and Port Orleans have similar feels to them, though admittedly not as upscale NY-ee.

SSR comes off as a bit of a cross between GF and OKW.

Now the resort that has the poorest theme, to me at least, is the Contemporary. Once you forget the monorail going through and its proximity to MK, it's really just a rather bland conventioneers' hotel. Even the lobby reminds you of something you'd see in the nearest big city hotel. The lacking theme is the main reason I'm having trouble convincing my dad a CRV investment is worthwhile. But then, I'm only interested for the MK location. Theme-wise, I'd prefer GF's elegance.

Poly is another well-themed resort. Unfortunately it is a 1970's version of Hawaii so feels very kitschy and horribly dated. Plus the Grand Ceremonial House is always unnaturally freezing. (We're in the tropics not the antarctic!)

Exactly!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

We chose SSR as our home resort because we felt this was a resort we could go to for a vacation....and relax, and not have to do parks if we so chose. Also, DTD...makes this resort more of a vacation destination with WDW Resort!!

 

[BroganMc]

I have a question. Does it strike anybody else odd that the second pool bar is at the Grandstand and not in Congress Park?

I love Grandstand but it is really the closest pool to Artist's Palette next to the Springs. Seems a bit overkill to have a pool bar there while CP and Paddocks feel more isolated.

Also, why on earth are there playgrounds only at Paddock and Congress Park? Surely the Springs and/or Grandstand draws more kids.

It is as my mother said, bass ackwards.

 

[vandy]

I have a question. Does it strike anybody else odd that the second pool bar is at the Grandstand and not in Congress Park?

I love Grandstand but it is really the closest pool to Artist's Palette next to the Springs. Seems a bit overkill to have a pool bar there while CP and Paddocks feel more isolated.

Also, why on earth are there playgrounds only at Paddock and Congress Park? Surely the Springs and/or Grandstand draws more kids.

It is as my mother said, bass ackwards.

Good question. I have wondered why the pool wasn't put in the Paddocks so both ends of the resort would have a themed pool. Maybe it was easier to come up with a theme to go with "Grandstand" (starting gates, racetrack) rather than Paddocks (horse barns and prep area)? Having it at the Paddocks would have made the Carousel a better spot to stay and lessened the dislike some have for the Carousel as well as the Paddocks.

 

[yaksack]

When is "love bug" season?

 

[TenThousandVolts]

When is "love bug" season?

I think September and May? I totally agree that there should be a drink refill station and pool bar at Paddocks.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I think they wanted another "desirable" spot. It would feel pretty isolated back there without any amenities.

 

[Wigit12]

I thought the same thing about the pool bar!! At least they could have moved it to the back side of Grandstand. It's almost right next to the main pool. This part was definitely poorly thought out.

 

[MinnesotaChill]

We have a GV and a 1BDR reserved for a Sun-Thr in Jan. I asked for CP, and am just wondering the building layouts. Are all the GV close to each other? Since we are a GG, they will try to have the 1bdr near by, but I'm wondering what that means in terms of layout.

Also-Do all GV have nice views? I think i saw an overhead layout once and it looked like the GV were all placed to have views away from parking lot areas, but not sure.

Not that it really matters, it is just that I have all of my other planning done and need something else to think about!

I am planning to go over to SSR from POR Saturday late to sweetly ask if all or any of the GV are booked the night before we check in. That should give me a little time to plan an alternative solution if we may not get in until late, late. If I know they are all booked, I won't even think about getting into the room early, although I will check in early.

 

[tjkraz]

You can find building layouts on Doc's website here:

http://disneydoc.homestead.com/SSRFloor.html

Each building is identical and houses two grand villas. They appear in red, spanning the second and third floors. They each have large 2-story picture windows that look away from the building. The windows are on the opposite side of the building from the entrances, so there's no chance of seeing parking lots or roads.

One Bedroom villas appear in green and, as you can see, are scattered throughout the building.

There are 36 Grand Villas in the complex. I doubt they will all be booked for a Saturday night in January. Have fun!

 

[soozaay]

When is "love bug" season?

I think it's mostly in September but we still had them the week of October 7th....but not as bad as they were on a trip we did in September. I hate those things!

 

[mamaprincess]

I found this link for those of you interested in knowing more about the town of Saratoga Springs NY:
http://www.discoversaratoga.org/guide/topTenPages.htm

 

[kritter]

Anyone, decide to add on due to the new current incentives???????

 

[wdw4life]

I am getting so excited! I leave on Saturday night and it can not come fast enough! My first two nights are at AKV and now I am wishing I had just done SSR the entire time.

 

[edk35]

Anyone, decide to add on due to the new current incentives???????

I wish we could add on but WE JUST BOUGHT IN JAN. LOL I am still curious as to what the incentives are though?

 

[edk35]

Sounds like she caught the stomach flu (rotovirus). 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, but only lasted a day like your daughters. Thankfully, none of the rest of us came down with it because I've read many a thread about whole family's getting sick with it and folks coming down with it for days as oppose to it just being 24hours. It's ruined many vacations.

I'm glad that you all enjoyed the rest of your trip and glad that your vacation wasn't ruined by it.

I have very good friends that THIS HAPPENED TO TWICE WHILE AT WDW. Once was this year and once about 2 years before I believe. This past time was while at SSR and the other was at AK. IT literally ruined their trips. They have 4 kids and everyone got it. I get so paranoid now about that happeneing to us. UGH

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Hi EdK- The current incentive is $10 off (bringing AKV to $96pp and SSR to $94pp) and developers points:
Buy 200 points get 270 dps
Buy 160 points get 160 dps
Buy 110 points get 100 dps
Very tempting.