SSR Lovers and/or Owners Thread!

[Summer-Caitlin]

Okay I am bringing this thread back to page 1

I have a few questions and I am hoping that you can all convince me to book SSR.

My husband and I have booked to stay at OKW for 16 nights next September in celebration of our 3 year anniversary (we were married at WDW). Now I booked OKW based on the theming, I think the grounds look wonderful there but it seems that most of the other things like rooms, restaurants, pool and location is better at SSR.

We do not hire a car when at Disney and rely solely on disney transport. We have the DDDP booked so intend to be having meals at different resorts and parks most every day. My main concern about SSR is the grounds, I have only seen a few pictures of the resort but as I am looking for a romantic backdrop, I am not sure if SSR can deliver??, please tell me I am wrong!!

We have a studio booked at OKW, don't think we can stretch to the one bed and as the kitchen will likely remain unused, don't really see the need for all that extra, although the jacuzzi would have been nice

I love the interior of the rooms and I don't mind having to walk to my room. Please someone convince me to book SSR.

 

[amykay9377]

Hi there! I am also one of the lucky Value folks who were Pixie Dusted with an SSR Upgrade--we'll be there in 37 days and we can't wait to share your 'home' for a week.

The photos look great and I'm pretty sure I'd like to stay in the Congress Park section, but I have a few questions.

1--We have a studio, which comes with the mini-fridge. Is there a small freezer section in the top (like dorm fridges) or is it strictly a fridge?

2--If we get to SSR at 9a.m. can we 'check in' at the desk even though a room may not be ready? (We did this last year at Pop--we checked in, got keys and our tix and stuff, but had to call back and find out where our room was later that day).

3--(I'm showing my ignorance here )--What is Bell Service? I'm thinking it's a Bellhop? If we check in, but no room is ready, will he take our stuff and hold it until a room is ready? I have no idea here.

4--I've read a few different things--I see that studios DON'T have a washer/dryer, but read a few places that the laundry by the pools are complimentary? Is this correct?

5--We have 3 different ADRS that are between 8 and 8:15 (obviously on seperate days)--will busses run with enough time to make it to CRT, Chef Mickey and PSB? Would you suggest driving instead?

6--(I think this is the last one)--I am thinking I'd like a room on the 3rd or 4th floor (for balcony privacy), but hubby would like a ground floor (bc his feet will hurt at the end of hte day)--are ground floor rooms quiet and still private? Can we get a good view of DTD from a ground floor room? (I admit, I kind of like the idea of ducks on the patio, like I saw on this or another thread!).

Thanks so much for all of your help, we CANNOT contain our excitement--we are surprising our DD11 with this trip, so she has no idea we're going, so all of my planning and talking about it has to be kept hush hush and I'M DYING!!!! Thank God for DIS!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Okay I am bringing this thread back to page 1

I have a few questions and I am hoping that you can all convince me to book SSR.

My husband and I have booked to stay at OKW for 16 nights next September in celebration of our 3 year anniversary (we were married at WDW). Now I booked OKW based on the theming, I think the grounds look wonderful there but it seems that most of the other things like rooms, restaurants, pool and location is better at SSR.

We do not hire a car when at Disney and rely solely on disney transport. We have the DDDP booked so intend to be having meals at different resorts and parks most every day. My main concern about SSR is the grounds, I have only seen a few pictures of the resort but as I am looking for a romantic backdrop, I am not sure if SSR can deliver??, please tell me I am wrong!!

We have a studio booked at OKW, don't think we can stretch to the one bed and as the kitchen will likely remain unused, don't really see the need for all that extra, although the jacuzzi would have been nice

I love the interior of the rooms and I don't mind having to walk to my room. Please someone convince me to book SSR.

Just the layout of the SSR studio compared to the OKW studio would make me choose SSR for a romantic trip. OKW studio has 2 Queen beds, one of which hopefully you will not be using
SSR has a Queen and sleeper sofa, so you have a sitting area and it feels more like a small apartment.

SSR grounds are gorgeous. You walk thru most of the landscape as opposed to around it at OKW. OKW is very lush, but the walkways are not integrated into the resort because of the canal and golf course layout. SSR has paths along and around the lakes that have gorgeous views. SSR is the only DVC resort that DH and I look forward to walking together. I always feel like one of those old married couples walking thru the park at SSR

OKW is very nice, but I dont want another bed in the room when there is just Dh and I. It just takes up space and takes away the sittting area.

16 nights will be awesome!

 

[Sammie]

Hi there! I am also one of the lucky Value folks who were Pixie Dusted with an SSR Upgrade--we'll be there in 37 days and we can't wait to share your 'home' for a week.

The photos look great and I'm pretty sure I'd like to stay in the Congress Park section, but I have a few questions.

1--We have a studio, which comes with the mini-fridge. Is there a small freezer section in the top (like dorm fridges) or is it strictly a fridge?

2--If we get to SSR at 9a.m. can we 'check in' at the desk even though a room may not be ready? (We did this last year at Pop--we checked in, got keys and our tix and stuff, but had to call back and find out where our room was later that day).

3--(I'm showing my ignorance here )--What is Bell Service? I'm thinking it's a Bellhop? If we check in, but no room is ready, will he take our stuff and hold it until a room is ready? I have no idea here.

4--I've read a few different things--I see that studios DON'T have a washer/dryer, but read a few places that the laundry by the pools are complimentary? Is this correct?

5--We have 3 different ADRS that are between 8 and 8:15 (obviously on seperate days)--will busses run with enough time to make it to CRT, Chef Mickey and PSB? Would you suggest driving instead?

6--(I think this is the last one)--I am thinking I'd like a room on the 3rd or 4th floor (for balcony privacy), but hubby would like a ground floor (bc his feet will hurt at the end of hte day)--are ground floor rooms quiet and still private? Can we get a good view of DTD from a ground floor room? (I admit, I kind of like the idea of ducks on the patio, like I saw on this or another thread!).

Thanks so much for all of your help, we CANNOT contain our excitement--we are surprising our DD11 with this trip, so she has no idea we're going, so all of my planning and talking about it has to be kept hush hush and I'M DYING!!!! Thank God for DIS!

There is a very small freezer area.

You can check as soon as you arrive, but it is very possible it will be after 4pm before it is ready and yes they will hold your luggage for you.

Bell Service are the same as bellmen, luggage assistance, bell hops etc. You will have to be in your room and call for them to deliver it. If you have your car I would do it myself to save time.

The use of the machines is complimentary detergent is not.

Buses will run early enough but driving is always faster, as you will have to go to a park and transfer. However you will not be able to leave your car and go to a park after you eat, you will be given a 3 hour pass to dine.

Only one section has views of DD and that is Congress park. The first floor rooms are quiet but you still hear guests above and depending on how noisey they are to what extent there is noise.

As to private you will be able to see other guest's patios from your room except for some landscaping, but it does not block the views completely. You will be close to the patios for the one bedroom's as these two rooms are connected by a lock out door. Balconies are somewhat more private due to the railings. Requests are never a guarantee. There are elevators in every building so upper floors will be as convenient as lower floors.

Here is a photo showing balconies and patios.

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/0d/b7/55/our-complex-building.jpg

And please please do not feed the ducks they are cute but duck crap all over your patio is not and the next guest after you would appreciate it greatly if the ducks did not expect a handout.

here is the link to the thread on the Resorts forum with lots of info for planning a first stay at SSR and OKW.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2238431

 

[Gina35]

Hi there! I am also one of the lucky Value folks who were Pixie Dusted with an SSR Upgrade--we'll be there in 37 days and we can't wait to share your 'home' for a week.

The photos look great and I'm pretty sure I'd like to stay in the Congress Park section, but I have a few questions.

1--We have a studio, which comes with the mini-fridge. Is there a small freezer section in the top (like dorm fridges) or is it strictly a fridge?

2--If we get to SSR at 9a.m. can we 'check in' at the desk even though a room may not be ready? (We did this last year at Pop--we checked in, got keys and our tix and stuff, but had to call back and find out where our room was later that day).

3--(I'm showing my ignorance here )--What is Bell Service? I'm thinking it's a Bellhop? If we check in, but no room is ready, will he take our stuff and hold it until a room is ready? I have no idea here.

4--I've read a few different things--I see that studios DON'T have a washer/dryer, but read a few places that the laundry by the pools are complimentary? Is this correct?

5--We have 3 different ADRS that are between 8 and 8:15 (obviously on seperate days)--will busses run with enough time to make it to CRT, Chef Mickey and PSB? Would you suggest driving instead?

6--(I think this is the last one)--I am thinking I'd like a room on the 3rd or 4th floor (for balcony privacy), but hubby would like a ground floor (bc his feet will hurt at the end of hte day)--are ground floor rooms quiet and still private? Can we get a good view of DTD from a ground floor room? (I admit, I kind of like the idea of ducks on the patio, like I saw on this or another thread!).

Thanks so much for all of your help, we CANNOT contain our excitement--we are surprising our DD11 with this trip, so she has no idea we're going, so all of my planning and talking about it has to be kept hush hush and I'M DYING!!!! Thank God for DIS!

Hi and congratulations! You absolutely can check in as soon as you arrive
and they will hold your luggage, etc., until the room is ready. (You're right:
Bell Services = Bellhop.) The buses will run early enough for your ADR's. I would suggest driving to the resorts if you can; for example, going to Chef Mickey's means going to DTD & taking another bus to CR. It's always faster to take a car. You'll love SSR; it's a beautiful resort.
(Sorry; not sure about the freezer. I do believe you are able to use the washer/dryer by the pool.)

 

[dizney4us]

Just the layout of the SSR studio compared to the OKW studio would make me choose SSR for a romantic trip. OKW studio has 2 Queen beds, one of which hopefully you will not be using
SSR has a Queen and sleeper sofa, so you have a sitting area and it feels more like a small apartment.

SSR grounds are gorgeous. You walk thru most of the landscape as opposed to around it at OKW. OKW is very lush, but the walkways are not integrated into the resort because of the canal and golf course layout. SSR has paths along and around the lakes that have gorgeous views. SSR is the only DVC resort that DH and I look forward to walking together. I always feel like one of those old married couples walking thru the park at SSR

OKW is very nice, but I dont want another bed in the room when there is just Dh and I. It just takes up space and takes away the sittting area.

16 nights will be awesome!

I totally agree. SSR is the ideal place to be on a long stay like that, and it is romantic and luxurious. The rooms are so tasteful, the bed very, very comfortable, and the grounds are so scenic. There are walking trails, water springs, lush greenery. We would love a long stay like that! Lucky you!

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

Thanks ladies, your two comments alone have made me decide to change my reservation. I will try and do that when I get home from work tomorrow, I hope there will be vacancies, there should be as it's not until Sept 2010!!!

So would I be right in thinking that Congress Park, upper floor would be the best request? I would love a DTD view should I ask for that too? Do you know if studios are available on the higher floors?

16 nights away and I am looking for a wonderful, relaxing vacation! Hoping to try out the spa too.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thanks ladies, your two comments alone have made me decide to change my reservation. I will try and do that when I get home from work tomorrow, I hope there will be vacancies, there should be as it's not until Sept 2010!!!

So would I be right in thinking that Congress Park, upper floor would be the best request? I would love a DTD view should I ask for that too? Do you know if studios are available on the higher floors?

16 nights away and I am looking for a wonderful, relaxing vacation! Hoping to try out the spa too.

Even with the new areas, Congress Park is still our favorite area. There are studios in each building on every floor so you can request what you like.

The views are awesome, the pool is huge and gorgeous, theres a hot tub and we love to take midnight swims and be so close to the room.

Congress Park is a quick walk to the Marketplace section of DTD and the Marketplace bus stops for easy access to all the other resorts. Love walking to DTD to catch a movie or have a drink at Bongos or WP.

You could easily walk to the Marketplace bus center, and catch a resort bus to your ADR. I would still allow 1 hour travel because the bus has to stop at PI and possibly Typhoon Lagoon but you would be well on your way as opposed to going to a park first and then trying to transfer.

SSR also has Turf Club Bar and Grill. You can have drinks and apps in the lounge area.

The spa is wonderful and so is the fitness center. www.relaxedyet.com lists all the services/prices and they offer couples massages. THe pedicures are awesome

We purchased SSR with the thought that once the kids were gone, we would still enjoy visiting SSR as a couple. Our plan is to retire, take golf lessons and travel.
We previously would take a romantic holiday to Vegas each year, but once SSR opened, we started spending more time there and have not been to Vegas in years as a couple.

SSR will always be on our list because it is very luxurious and beautiful.

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

Thank you LIFERBABE.

I think I am pretty convinced that SSR would be the best solution for us. I actually love the fact that it is a big resort. One regret that my husband and I have is that we didn't actually explore any of our resorts as we didn't have the time. This vacation is more about taking it easy and although we are defintely doing all the parks, we intend to slow down a bit and all those ADR's will force us to!

Definitely going to look into couples massages, he has never been for a professional massage and I keep trying to convince him. I think I will book one so he has no choice

I am going to call today to see if their is availabilty at SSR and will be sure to ask for a high floor in Congress Park with view of DTD if possible. I will also mention it is our anniversary, just in case!

 

[dizney4us]

If you want to be close to DTD or have DTD views, then yes, Congress park is where you'd want to request. We also love Grandstand is it is on the golf course, has a great pool, close to Artist Palette, and is the first bus stop. We've also stayed in the Springs with a beautiful Spring view. Have a great time!

 

[AirGoofy]

Summer-Caitlin - My main concern about SSR is the grounds, I have only seen a few pictures of the resort but as I am looking for a romantic backdrop, I am not sure if SSR can deliver??, please tell me I am wrong!!


There are two absolutely wonderful views at SSR. One is at Congress Park that overlooks DDP. You have a view of the lake, Fulton's Crab House, volcano at RainForest Cafe. If that is full, then the other view I enjoy is from the Paddock that overlooks the lake at SSR. The night views are pretty as well.

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

Well as you can see from my ticker, I changed my reservation yesterday and am now staying for 16 nights at SSR. I have requested the Congress Park area and a high floor. I haven't requested a DTD view yet, but that is what I am hoping for. Was thinking I might do so nearer the time. I have also made sure to mention it is our anniversary, you never know what pixie dust might appear!

I am pretty excited as I love the idea of being ale to walk to DTD, I love that the grounds are huge as I intend to have loads of walks around the property, will need to, to walk off all the food on the deluxe diningRight now the fun part of planning all the surprises

 

[amykay9377]

Thanks everyone for the responses! I look forward to being there in just a few weeks!

(Anyone else out there know if the mini-fridge has a freezer? )

 

[edk35]

Well as you can see from my ticker, I changed my reservation yesterday and am now staying for 16 nights at SSR. I have requested the Congress Park area and a high floor. I haven't requested a DTD view yet, but that is what I am hoping for. Was thinking I might do so nearer the time. I have also made sure to mention it is our anniversary, you never know what pixie dust might appear!

I am pretty excited as I love the idea of being ale to walk to DTD, I love that the grounds are huge as I intend to have loads of walks around the property, will need to, to walk off all the food on the deluxe diningRight now the fun part of planning all the surprises

I love SSR it is one of our home resorts however...have you thought about splitting your 16 night stay into two resorts?? We stayed at OKW last summer for 8 nights then switched to BCV for 6 nights. IT was great because it was like getting two different vacations. I am not a huge fan of split stays unless you have enough time at both resorts. We just did a crazy split this summer and I regret it. We stayed 2 nights in 2 rooms at Poly, then 5 nights at BCV in a 2br. then moved to our new resort at AKV Kidani for 2 nights. I wish we had split between BCV and AKV. Just thought I would throw that at you. We love SSR and have stayed there 3 times but we also enjoy the other resorts. Maybe even splitting between OKW and SSR since OKW was where your first ressie was.

 

[snowbell]

I am so excited.. My friend's mother just booked her a Grand Villa for September 24 - 27th and she invited me to go. How could I stay no Looks like I have two trips in the next ten months at SSR... YEAH!!

 

[Sammie]

Thanks everyone for the responses! I look forward to being there in just a few weeks!

(Anyone else out there know if the mini-fridge has a freezer? )

yes a very small freezer area.

 

[bga2984]

Hi Everyone! I'm new here and very excited to be staying at SSR for the first time next month! This will be our first time back to Disney in 10 years and we are soooo excited! We are staying in a 1 room villa and are considering putting in a request for the Grandstand area. Does anyone know what time the first bus pickup is for that area? We'd like to be at the parks in the morning by the time they open, including those that open early for extra magic hours. Also, can we take a couple bottles of water from our room into the parks with us? Thanks so much for all your helpful tips and information!

 

[amykay9377]

yes a very small freezer area.

Awesome, thanks!

I figure as long as I can stash a water bottle or 2 in there overnight, I'll be fine at the park the next day.

 

[AirGoofy]

Awesome, thanks!

I figure as long as I can stash a water bottle or 2 in there overnight, I'll be fine at the park the next day.

As for the freezer, I don't remember if it was big enough for a water bottle or not. We brought a 24 pack and would put what we needed in the fridge for the next day for the 4 of us. We usually bring a cooler.

 

[Sheribo]

We put 3 or 4 small water bottles in the freezer and take them with us to the parks. The freezer will handle that.

Not sure if everyone knows this but they will give you a glass of ice water at most of the restaurants and food kiosks in the park. They will NOT fill up your bottle for you so we get the glass and pour it in the bottle.