SSR Lovers and/or Owners Thread!

[BlakeNJ]

Hello all,

I am a first time post(ee or er) and Ihave run into aposibble snag in my families plans to go to SSR on 25JUN09.
I am stationed in Afghanistan and I was just informed by my chain of command that they need me to push back my dates moving around to get out of my base until a few days befire I should arrive back in the states.

I talked to a cast member on the phone and they said they can help with little more than 24 hours notice but I am wondering about all the dining plans we made.
Does anyoe have any alternatives to dining areas around SSR on or off property that I might be able to walk into w/o a reservation?

I am sure I am just stressing about something trivial but truth be told I really miss my family and I want this to be an awsome vaccation for my wife son and daughter.

Any suggestions help and tidbits would be very much appreciated.
Thank You

The best part about SSR is it's proximaty to DTD. There are tons of places to eat down there that don't require a ADR. We have eaten at both Wolf Gang Puck Express (excellent, table service quality food at a counter service eatery) and TRex. TRex has huge portions--certainly enough to split, and you can make a "call ahead" reservation a few days beforehand. We just went around 5pm and were dat right away. I have never walked any further than DTD so that is all I can speak of. Every Disney restaurant will take walk-ups. You can walk over to DTD and catch a bus to any WDW resort. Your best bet would be to eat at off times--early dinners/late or early lunches.

I am sure you will have a wonderful trip no matter where you eat! Thank you for your service to our country and allowing my freedom.

 

[KeepSwimmingDory]

Hello all,

I am a first time post(ee or er) and Ihave run into aposibble snag in my families plans to go to SSR on 25JUN09.
I am stationed in Afghanistan and I was just informed by my chain of command that they need me to push back my dates moving around to get out of my base until a few days befire I should arrive back in the states.

I talked to a cast member on the phone and they said they can help with little more than 24 hours notice but I am wondering about all the dining plans we made.
Does anyoe have any alternatives to dining areas around SSR on or off property that I might be able to walk into w/o a reservation?

I am sure I am just stressing about something trivial but truth be told I really miss my family and I want this to be an awsome vaccation for my wife son and daughter.

Any suggestions help and tidbits would be very much appreciated.
Thank You

Thank you for serving our country!

We do thank you and appreciate your service and all the sacrificies you and your family make for our country.

As for meals, my kids always love their Dad to grill at the resort. They swim and play and we eat at the picnic table. We enjoy that more than eating out. There are places to eat at Downtown Disney and that is not too far from SSR. We like Earl of Sandwich and have heard a lot of good things about Wolfgang Puck Express and would like to try it sometime.

There are good counter service places but we have found it harder to get in the table service restaurants without an ADR now that the dining plan has become so popular. You might check with the concierge when you check in and possibly get ADRs for later in the week.

I bet your family will be so glad to have you home & with them at Disney that they will be happy no matter where you eat. We have had lots of trips with our kids where we ate all counter service or cooked in our room and had a great time. It's easy to get obsessed with ADRs on this board and think our trip is ruined if we don't get them, but we have had awesome trips even when we ate sandwiches in our room some.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[bpmorley]

Hello all,

I am a first time post(ee or er) and Ihave run into aposibble snag in my families plans to go to SSR on 25JUN09.
I am stationed in Afghanistan and I was just informed by my chain of command that they need me to push back my dates moving around to get out of my base until a few days befire I should arrive back in the states.

I talked to a cast member on the phone and they said they can help with little more than 24 hours notice but I am wondering about all the dining plans we made.
Does anyoe have any alternatives to dining areas around SSR on or off property that I might be able to walk into w/o a reservation?

I am sure I am just stressing about something trivial but truth be told I really miss my family and I want this to be an awsome vaccation for my wife son and daughter.

Any suggestions help and tidbits would be very much appreciated.
Thank You

First, THANK YOU.

Second, I'm fairly certain in your situation that disney dining will work with you.

As far as alternatives there are many especially around SSR. If you have a car it's even easier. If not, there are some of the bell hops that will drive you over in a disney van to whereever you want to go. If you head east on Hotel plaza blvd there is a mall that has a few chain restaurant. And on 535 going either way there are many place. If you want a more detailed list just send me a PM and I'll try to be more specific.

Thanks again for you service

 

[zinkfamily]

wow thank every one of you for your replies....... I am very lucky to have a loving wife and kids that know that there is a job that needs to be done over here.
Thanks for the ideas for Trex and Wolfgang Pucks. Being pretty much a first timer to WDW (last visit the were building EPCOT) all the ideas and tidbits help out a lot.
In fact I am hoping that if we like SSR we might try to become members in Disney Vaccations.
I don't have much of a clue about the program only that it exists and that people tend to sell point from anywhere from 80 to 120 bucks a point. Also most 1 bedroom week long vaccations will take close to 300 points.
Can anyone break down what makes doing the DVC a deal?
Once again thank you all for replying and your thoughs and well wishes are so greatly appreciated.
PS The DIS Unplugged podcast is what i listen to a night before i go to sleep...... it's like being able to drift off to sleep thinkin of what I want to do with my family while listening to a great group of people who are helping people like me.... I dont know if that makes sense so I will sum it up by saying Thank you to the podcast crew.... For 45+ mins a week you make me feel a lot cloaser to home,

 

[tomandrobin]

I don't have much of a clue about the program only that it exists and that people tend to sell point from anywhere from 80 to 120 bucks a point. Also most 1 bedroom week long vacations will take close to 300 points.

A little over on the 1 bedroom requirements at SSR. In the Adventure season - 182, Choice - 192, Dream - 225, Magic - 243 and Premier - 316 points.

As far as resale, I paid $63.75 per point. There are several contracts listed at $65 and most can be had for $70 at SSR.

Can anyone break down what makes doing the DVC a deal?
Once again thank you all for replying and your thoughts and well wishes are so greatly appreciated.

If you need larger accommodations or want more then a value resort, and plan on going to WDW at least every other year, the pay back will be about 10 years (give or take a few)

 

[BlakeNJ]

wow thank every one of you for your replies....... I am very lucky to have a loving wife and kids that know that there is a job that needs to be done over here.
Thanks for the ideas for Trex and Wolfgang Pucks. Being pretty much a first timer to WDW (last visit the were building EPCOT) all the ideas and tidbits help out a lot.
In fact I am hoping that if we like SSR we might try to become members in Disney Vaccations.
I don't have much of a clue about the program only that it exists and that people tend to sell point from anywhere from 80 to 120 bucks a point. Also most 1 bedroom week long vaccations will take close to 300 points.
Can anyone break down what makes doing the DVC a deal?
Once again thank you all for replying and your thoughs and well wishes are so greatly appreciated.
PS The DIS Unplugged podcast is what i listen to a night before i go to sleep...... it's like being able to drift off to sleep thinkin of what I want to do with my family while listening to a great group of people who are helping people like me.... I dont know if that makes sense so I will sum it up by saying Thank you to the podcast crew.... For 45+ mins a week you make me feel a lot cloaser to home,

I did a lot of reading here on the Disboards before I bought into DVC. I was very skeptical of timeshares and wanted to make sure I knew all there was to know before I even called a guide. I would first figure out where you want to stay. As they say, "Buy where you want to stay". This will allow you to book your vacations at your "home" resort (where you buy your points) at 11 months out. Any other resort can be booked, but you have to wait until 7 months before your travel dates.

If you know where you want to stay, then decide when you want to stay. Do you normally try and travel the same time each year? If so, that will help you determine how many points you will need. Most 7 night stays do not require 300 points. For example, we travel each year for 6 nights in a 2Br at SSR for 214 pts. We currently have 150 pts and for the most part, make a big trip every other year, with a small trip sometimes in that same year.

I would say the resale market is perfect right now for first time buyers. If you want to buy resale, checkout the large aadvertisement at the top of this page for the TimeShare Store. It will give you an idea of what resale contract are selling for. Disney currently sells for around $112/pt. at AKV, BLT and SSR. There are incentives and in fact, the new incentives start around June 15 so keep your eyes open for a new deal. If you need more info, feel free to PM me.

BTW, I listen to the Pod Cast while warming up at the gym! I think they would love to hear when/where you listen to them!

Blakely

 

[kikiq]

Hello all,

I am a first time post(ee or er) and Ihave run into aposibble snag in my families plans to go to SSR on 25JUN09.
I am stationed in Afghanistan and I was just informed by my chain of command that they need me to push back my dates moving around to get out of my base until a few days befire I should arrive back in the states.

I talked to a cast member on the phone and they said they can help with little more than 24 hours notice but I am wondering about all the dining plans we made.
Does anyoe have any alternatives to dining areas around SSR on or off property that I might be able to walk into w/o a reservation?

I am sure I am just stressing about something trivial but truth be told I really miss my family and I want this to be an awsome vaccation for my wife son and daughter.

Any suggestions help and tidbits would be very much appreciated.
Thank You

First, thank you for your service!!!

Second, I know you are stressing but you'll be surprised at what CMs can do when asked politely plus when they know you are servicing your country overseas and vacationing with your family. My godson recently had his leave from Iraq and came to Disneyland with his family. He was so surprised at the lengths the CMs went through to make sure his plans came through.

Enjoy the magic!!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Try DownTown Disney. There is a restraunt called Earl of Sandwich which is usually busy but very effiecent and on the cheaper side. There is also a Wolf Gang Puck express by the Christmas store. Sit down or take out service is available. Oh if I have mislead you please forgive me I am on muscle relaxers and things are fuzzy...
Take a cab ride... should only be a ten minute ride from SSR to Fuddruckers over by the Goodlings grocery store at the intersection of Hotel Plaza and RT 536.
If you don't care for Fuddruckers there are several dinning options in that shopping center. A mexican place, CiCi pizza, I think taco bell and I believe a seafood place there too. I am sure you will find some place to dine at in that location.

Good luck and most important HAVE FUN!!!

Hello all,

I am a first time post(ee or er) and Ihave run into aposibble snag in my families plans to go to SSR on 25JUN09.
I am stationed in Afghanistan and I was just informed by my chain of command that they need me to push back my dates moving around to get out of my base until a few days befire I should arrive back in the states.

I talked to a cast member on the phone and they said they can help with little more than 24 hours notice but I am wondering about all the dining plans we made.
Does anyoe have any alternatives to dining areas around SSR on or off property that I might be able to walk into w/o a reservation?

I am sure I am just stressing about something trivial but truth be told I really miss my family and I want this to be an awsome vaccation for my wife son and daughter.

Any suggestions help and tidbits would be very much appreciated.
Thank You

 

[Goofygirl17]

We just got an RCI exchange for SSR next April I've tried for months to exchange for DVC, We are sooooo excited. We usually stay off-site so we can have a kitchen etc. We stayed at POFQ a few years ago and loved it but missed being able to make meals etc. The exchange we got is a studio which I think is about the same size as our hotel room at POFQ but we'll have a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and sink. I would love any advice or info about SSR. We can't wait to go!!

I have some questions:
1. Can we use DME if we don't rent a car?

2. Are there parking spaces near the rooms if we rent a car?

3. Can we take the boat to EPCOT from SSR? (I remember taking the boat from EPCOT to DTD and passing SSR).

4. Do we have to pay for parking at the parks if we stay at SSR?

5. I read something about character meet and greets in the lobby- are they still doing that?

I would love any other information or advice you have to offer!!

Thanks!!
Goofygirl

 

[bpmorley]

I have some questions:
1. Can we use DME if we don't rent a car?

2. Are there parking spaces near the rooms if we rent a car?

3. Can we take the boat to EPCOT from SSR? (I remember taking the boat from EPCOT to DTD and passing SSR).

4. Do we have to pay for parking at the parks if we stay at SSR?

5. I read something about character meet and greets in the lobby- are they still doing that?

I would love any other information or advice you have to offer!!

Thanks!!
Goofygirl

1. yes you can use DME
2. there is plenty of parking at all SSR buildings
3. there is no boat from SSR to EPCOT. Maybe you're thinking you took a boat from EPCOT to The Boardwalk.
4. parking is free at the parks when staying at a disney resort
5. I've never seen any character meet & greets @ SSR, but that doesn't mean they don't have any. Just means I haven't seen any.

 

[bellaphia]

will be visiting our Home resort for the first time in Feb-can't wait it will be myself DH, DD8, DD5 and my parents...we will have a car and put in a request for the Springs as to be close to food, pools and such but am seeing some info regarding the grandstands and am second guessing our first request...what are the pros and cons of both also was trying to find out some food choices at the Artist's Pallette as my mom is vegetarian and dad has a very restricted diet-can anyone give me some info on this and is it true they do not have french fries??? we usually on first day hang at pool with our fries as a snack...any info would be appreciated!

 

[ELKHUNTER]

We will also being going for our first trip home in Feb 13-20 at SSR, but have booked at the Tree House Villas. It will be myself, DW, and our three youngest children DS12, DS5, DS5. Can't wait!, maybe well see you there.

 

[oakmanner]

The THV should be awesome! Can't wait to stay there some day.

 

[scarletlancer]

Hi all, I am going to SSR with my wife and five year old daughter for three weeks from August 3rd and I have a couple of rather odd questions.

My little princess is rather obsessed with the colour pink and constantly asks if we can stay in a pink hotel. Now I know from looking at pictures that there are some pink buildings at SSR, would anybody know if they are in a particular section (eg are the sections colour coded?) or if there are pink buildings in each section? Told you it was odd!

Secondly does anybody have a picture of the sofa bed in bed mode?

Cheers

 

[OrlandoMagic]

Hi all!

My GF and I are staying at SSR for the first time in September (first time on-site at Disney in fact!) and we can't wait!

Just have a couple of questions if someone doesn't mind answering them.

We won't be driving out there so would really like to be as close to DTD as possible, does anyone know what studio building numbers are best to ask for? Are they in Congress Park (looks the closest to DTD on the map)?

Which is the best bus stop to get on for the parks? There seems to be quite a few around the resort.

Many thanks for the help!

 

[polyhm83]

will be visiting our Home resort for the first time in Feb-can't wait it will be myself DH, DD8, DD5 and my parents...we will have a car and put in a request for the Springs as to be close to food, pools and such but am seeing some info regarding the grandstands and am second guessing our first request...what are the pros and cons of both also was trying to find out some food choices at the Artist's Pallette as my mom is vegetarian and dad has a very restricted diet-can anyone give me some info on this and is it true they do not have french fries??? we usually on first day hang at pool with our fries as a snack...any info would be appreciated!

They don't have any fried type food, but a good selection of healthier alternatives and some different things. Should be no problem for a vegetarian.
We enjoyed the food.
Menu Date: March 2009


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roast Beef and Bleu Sandwich or Toga Wrap $9.19 / $8.39
Chicken Cordan Bleu Panini $7.19
Smith Stack or Turkey Brie $8.89
Half Sandwich and Soup or Chili $7.19 / $7.79
House or Chicken Caesar salad $7.49
Asian Chicken Salad $8.69
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad $3.19

Buffalo or Pepperoni Flatbread $8.29 / $7.39
Chicken and Artichoke Flatbread $8.29
Vegetable or Cheeseburger Flatbread $7.99 / $8.99

For Young Artists 9 and Under:

Peanut Butter and Jelly or Mini Hotdogs $4.99
Chicken Nuggets or Mac n Cheese $4.99


This is the lunch menu.

 

[bpmorley]

Hi all!

My GF and I are staying at SSR for the first time in September (first time on-site at Disney in fact!) and we can't wait!

Just have a couple of questions if someone doesn't mind answering them.

We won't be driving out there so would really like to be as close to DTD as possible, does anyone know what studio building numbers are best to ask for? Are they in Congress Park (looks the closest to DTD on the map)?

Which is the best bus stop to get on for the parks? There seems to be quite a few around the resort.

Many thanks for the help!

The closest bldg to DTD is 1100-1400, but the one next to is is 1500-1800. That would be slightly closer to the bus stop and the pool

 

[bellaphia]

thanks polyhm83 for the menu if you don't mind me asking what is on the cheeseburger flatbread is it a pizza with ground meat on it??
elkhunter we will be leaving the day you arrive but enjoy the treehouses, can't wait to hear all about it-maybe next trip we will book them..

 

[stephensmum]

The closest bldg to DTD is 1100-1400, but the one next to is is 1500-1800. That would be slightly closer to the bus stop and the pool

Can you have a DTDview from these locations?

 

[bpmorley]

Can you have a DTDview from these locations?

yes there are DTD views. I just don't know which rooms