SSR Lovers and/or Owners Thread!

[lwilliam]

Saratoga is our home - but I NEVER, EVER wanted to stay there - was spoiled by Boardwalk and Beach Club! Well, we could only get a room at Saratoga for Dec. 24th-Dec. 31 (just returned last night) - I WAS SO WRONG ABOUT THIS RESORT.

Loved it - fortunately we had a wonderful location. Grandstand, first floor. Near main building, right next to quiet pool, near bus stop.

You are so right about the bus system - but I expected delays during the holidays. The only problem we had was Downtown Disney busses, they were quite slow, but of course we could have walked. The last night there I used the boat system back to resort and could kick myself for not using it more often. Yesterday, 12/31, we DID wait at least 30 minutes for a bus, but of course we were all depressed about leaving, it just added to the day!

I will be the first to admit - I WAS SO WRONG ABOUT THIS RESORT....

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Just got back from a wonderful first visit home for christmas. What I noticed on the buses at SSR is that it is all luck and timing. We stayed in the Grandstand and loved the short walk to the 1st stop on and off. Sometimes the buses arrived when we got there, and others we had to wait no longer than 20 min. It was our first time since 2001 using Disney transportation, and, we really enjoyed the extra time spent with our children as opposed to driving a car. Also a short walk to the main complex for the High Rock Springs pool, Artists palette, etc.. The ferry boat launch to DTD is also very timely.

Ditto Loved Grandstand, the proximity to the bus top, and the short walk!

 

[granmaz]

Hi all. We're just about to close on our contract - signed up when over in early December. It was a huge surprise as my never thought my husband would agree - I just got him to go along to the preview centre to have a look!!!!

I have been reading this thread because as soon as we got back to the UK I began thinking I should have tried for resale elsewhere as I kept reading so many negatives about SSR. However, you have me all enthused again!

We had a referral name, so got some extra use once points for this year which we will try and use for our DL stay in May as I am not sure how we would use them with the 7 month booking rule.

Planning on booking our first trip to SSR for Nov/Dec once we have closed and the 11 months are here. Would have liked to stay part of our 2 weeks elsewhere, but that is a busy time for booking anything 7 months out, but I will see.

Keep up encouraging!! I have learned loads and know where to put our request in for.

 

[mamaprincess]

It's wonderful to see all the new SSR owners stopping in!

Home!!!

Thanks for everyone on this thread that has been answering questions and posting positive experiences at SSR. I bought sight unseen like some of you and I can tell you that if I had come to the DVC boards and seen all the negative comments prior to our first stay at SSR, we probably would have never tried our home resort and would have missed out on so many wonderful memories. We also may have been very worried and stressed about our decision, so thanks to all those SSR owners who have made this thread a place where all SSR members can share all the great things about SSR.

I have read negative things about every DVC resort and I suppose that's part of the reason that we always stay at SSR. I know from experience that it is a gorgeous, wonderful, well maintained resort. We have a trip coming up in May. This time we have opted to try the BCV and I can tell you that the paranoia that surfaces as I remember all the negative threads about the BCV makes me want to do the comfortable and familiar thing, however, we are sticking with this decision in hopes that all the negative posts are just a few unusual instances. I have to remember how amazing SSR is and how many negative comments it gets and many from people who just refuse to even try SSR. Most people come back and post how wrong they were about SSR once they've stayed there. If you would read some of the comments about the BCV's, you'd think it was a slum. The same with OKW and BWV. AKV has been called to dark and remote among other comments about the problems with check-in etc. I've read complaints about the staff at the VWL's.

There will be negative comments about every resort, but many thousands of people own DVC and I am sure they are very satisfied with their home resorts however, you may not hear from them on this board.

 

[Arizona Rita]

Hi MamaPrincess!
First, thanks for starting this thread. When we got home from DLC to the Med
my DH hooked me up on this because we purchased on June 1st while on that cruise. I have been reading these sites especially this one for the past 6months and especially your posts. You have always been very knowledgable, without even knowing how helpful you have been!
Being from AZ we bought site unseen and as you may have read Ive gone from being very excited to buyers remorse.
Most responses have been positive but some of the complaints Ive read Ive had to ask myself are these standard complaints that you would even have had at a hotel, most have been a yes. No, of course you should never stay in a dirty room, does housekeeping have "off" dys, yes, can you get a parking lot view and not the one you ask for, yes, but with all of this, the nicer you are, hopefully the nicer the other party will be (more flies with sugar than vinegar?).
I am very much looking forward to going "home"! I have yet to go there but I find myself wanting to defend SSR.
By, the way, there was a thread about those who eat vs those who do not eat in their rooms-VERY helpful!TA!
Anyway, you say you are going in May. We will be there May 31-June 6th.
Any chance of meeting my new neighbor?
Again, thank you for being so knowlegable and helpful and I look forward to reading more!
your new neighbor,
Rita

 

[Flyerfan]

I am very excited about our first trip home next week! However, when I read the negative reviews, I start feeling apprehensive. DH has told me in the past that I shouldn't be reading them and to just go and enjoy and whatever happens happens. Que Sera Sera! So I guess for the next 8 days, I'm better off sticking to this thread and enjoying all the positives. Will give a quick report when I get back!!

 

[lwilliam]

Did you read my thread - my DH also told me to STOP reading those negative reviews (like that would stop me!) and I insisted on him calling everyday for another DVC....I WAS SO WRONG! BUT, try to prefer Grandstand...to me that was the best location for the bus and main building and quiet pool.
Views really don't matter to me, but we had a nice quiet view of the golf course (crazy golf cart drivers though! - just kidding).
Enjoy.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Are there pictures of the Carousel section anywhere? Can anyone tell me anything good about this area? Thank you

 

[BroganMc]

Hey everyone,

So my dad, cousin and I are just back from our first ever New Year's at SSR. Except for the airline breaking my powerchair trying to take it off the plane (Orlando baggage handlers can be daft at times), our trip can be summed up in one word... AWESOME!

We arrived Sunday 12/30. Saw Osborne Lights then hopped to Magic Kingdom for the test run of the NYE fireworks. Closed that park up around 4:30am thanks to EMH. (Got to ride a whole bunch of things including Dumbo, the Carousel and Peter Pan with no waits.) Saw early bird fireworks at EPCOT NYE, enjoyed the parties there and then went back to SSR for the private pool party. (Had the best view of ALL the World's fireworks, including PI and the three parks.) Hopped over to MGM and closed that park at 3:30am with EMH. 1/1 we headed to EPCOT to do the countries. Got in a 90 minute wait line for Soarin' at 8:30pm and ended up closing the park after around 9:30pm. We left today and hung out at the Carriage House. It's downright bitter there with a low of 28 tonight. So no walks for us around the resort this time (my powerchair wasn't up to it and it was way too cold), but we enjoyed all the decorations and the pleasant Christmas music in the background.

If you ever do NYE at Disney, use the EMHs for rides and head to SSR for the midnight party. We never had many problems with crowds.

Can't wait to return in April when it is a lot warmer. I can't stand a cold Florida.

Oh and we stayed in the exact same studio room as in October (3512 in the Springs). Busses were good, drivers exceptionally attentive to guests, but all the cast members are exhausted. My cousin saved quite a few by helping with the chair tie downs. By New Year's Day they were grateful for any pleasantness guests could offer. Good spirits just really tired.

 

[Flyerfan]

BUT, try to prefer Grandstand...to me that was the best location for the bus and main building and quiet pool.
Views really don't matter to me, but we had a nice quiet view of the golf course (crazy golf cart drivers though! - just kidding).
Enjoy.

I did request Grandstand or Congress Park but the more I read, Grandstand is the way to go. I bet the drivers made for some interesting entertainment.

 

[tomandrobin]

So my dad, cousin and I are just back from our first ever New Year's at SSR. Except for the airline breaking my powerchair trying to take it off the plane.

Sorry to hear that, we were looking for you guys at the baggage claim to say goodbye.

It was nice meeting all of you!

 

[mamaprincess]

Anyway, you say you are going in May. We will be there May 31-June 6th.
Any chance of meeting my new neighbor?
Again, thank you for being so knowlegable and helpful and I look forward to reading more!
your new neighbor,
Rita

Hi Neighbor!

We wil have to try to arrange to meet since we will be there during the same time frame. Do you have your schedule worked out yet? I'm still trying to get my dining squared away. I'm being so indecisive.

Thanks for all the wonderful compliments. There are so many knowledgeble SSR lovers that post on this thread. It's really a great informational thread and a place where you can come to ask your questions about SSR and receive answers quickly,thanks to all the wonderful SSR Lovers.

Are there pictures of the Carousel section anywhere? Can anyone tell me anything good about this area? Thank you

The Carousel is just as pretty as the rest of the resort. We stayed there during our Christmas trip of 06. It is a place that you will want to be driving if you are there. Since we always drive, it wasn't a problem for us. I don't believe we took any pictures of the outside of Carousel. The only problem with the Carousel is that it is not close to the carriage house or any pools.

 

[loribell]

Hey everyone,

So my dad, cousin and I are just back from our first ever New Year's at SSR. Except for the airline breaking my powerchair trying to take it off the plane (Orlando baggage handlers can be daft at times), our trip can be summed up in one word... AWESOME!

We arrived Sunday 12/30. Saw Osborne Lights then hopped to Magic Kingdom for the test run of the NYE fireworks. Closed that park up around 4:30am thanks to EMH. (Got to ride a whole bunch of things including Dumbo, the Carousel and Peter Pan with no waits.) Saw early bird fireworks at EPCOT NYE, enjoyed the parties there and then went back to SSR for the private pool party. (Had the best view of ALL the World's fireworks, including PI and the three parks.) Hopped over to MGM and closed that park at 3:30am with EMH. 1/1 we headed to EPCOT to do the countries. Got in a 90 minute wait line for Soarin' at 8:30pm and ended up closing the park after around 9:30pm. We left today and hung out at the Carriage House. It's downright bitter there with a low of 28 tonight. So no walks for us around the resort this time (my powerchair wasn't up to it and it was way too cold), but we enjoyed all the decorations and the pleasant Christmas music in the background.

If you ever do NYE at Disney, use the EMHs for rides and head to SSR for the midnight party. We never had many problems with crowds.

Can't wait to return in April when it is a lot warmer. I can't stand a cold Florida.

Oh and we stayed in the exact same studio room as in October (3512 in the Springs). Busses were good, drivers exceptionally attentive to guests, but all the cast members are exhausted. My cousin saved quite a few by helping with the chair tie downs. By New Year's Day they were grateful for any pleasantness guests could offer. Good spirits just really tired.

Sounds like another wonderful trip. Sorry about your power chair though. Are doing something to take care of the damage?

I thought about all of you New Year's Eve. Wish I had been there.

 

[loribell]

Are there pictures of the Carousel section anywhere? Can anyone tell me anything good about this area? Thank you

We stayed in the Carousel for three nights last December and loved it. We did not have a car and walked to the pool ever night. It was really very refreshing. It was nice and quiet too. But the best part of it is that it is in Disney. You just can't go wrong there.

 

[Paulieuk1969]

Are there pictures of the Carousel section anywhere? Can anyone tell me anything good about this area? Thank you

Here are a few

 

[mamaprincess]

Paulieuk1969:Those pics of the Carousel are gorgeous. Thanks!

The Carousel is every bit as lovely as the rest of SSR although not as conveniently located. If you don't mind some walking through beautiful SSR, you will be fine. If you drive then the location isn't an issue.

BroganMc, Your Trip sounds like it was amazing. The temperatures were crazy. Was that just for a couple of days or was it for the majority of your trip?

 

[50 years Too!]

SSR Lovers and Owners,

Do any of you have a map layout of the resort to post?
We are trying your home this June. Plan to just relax with another couple--men will golf, we ladies will spa, and we all will dine, dine, dine! No parks. Thought that would be the perfect time to try SSR.
I'm excited about the "newness" of the resort.

Thanks, Deb

 

[BroganMc]

Sorry to hear that, we were looking for you guys at the baggage claim to say goodbye.

Believe it or not I glimpsed your daughter pushing Robin out the door at BWI, but I was too far away to catch up to you. Southwest took some time getting my chair up to the gate but it did come off in one piece. And with just enough power to make it home last night. Fully charged today. I'm having my guys come out to give it a once over Monday to see what wasn't fixed.

It was an adventurous trip!

It was nice meeting all of you!

Ditto. We never would have found the Southwest desk at MCO. Thanks for waiting for my cousin to fix the bus lift at SSR. (Isn't he handy to have around?) Hope the kids made it back to school ok. I'm still exhausted from our trip. Time for the mid-winter hibernation, I think.

 

[RachelTori]

SSR Lovers and Owners,

Do any of you have a map layout of the resort to post?
We are trying your home this June. Plan to just relax with another couple--men will golf, we ladies will spa, and we all will dine, dine, dine! No parks. Thought that would be the perfect time to try SSR.
I'm excited about the "newness" of the resort.

Thanks, Deb

Try this link: http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/SSMap.pdf

I hope you all enjoy SSR as much as we do!!

 

[MinnesotaChill]

BroganMC -

Glad you had such a great trip. Neat trip report, although I can't imagine all of those late nights. What time did you get going in the morning?

Did I read correctly that you saw all three parks' fireworks from the SSR pool or did you mean that you got to see all of the park fireworks on various nights? I can't imagine you could possibly see MK from SSR, but I could be wrong... it has happened before. Once.