SSR Lovers and Owners Part 2

[disdadIL]

Just put my deposit on an SSR resale. Waiting for ROFR from Disney. Sounds SSR folks are my kind of people!!!!

Just got word that Disney waived ROFR and I am just waiting for closing docs from the title company. Yay!!

 

[dbprimeaux]

CONGRATS!!!

Welcome Home!

 

[Pinkocto]

Just got word that Disney waived ROFR and I am just waiting for closing docs from the title company. Yay!!

Congratulations!!!

 

[AirGoofy]

Just got word that Disney waived ROFR and I am just waiting for closing docs from the title company. Yay!!

Great words to hear. Welcome Home.

 

[Mobley5]

Hi! We leave for a week long vacation in a 2 bedroom at SSR in a few short weeks! I'm wondering if anyone has ever experienced a resort only stay at SSR? We have been to Disney countless times so I'm not sure if we would miss the parks or not. We would like to enjoy some things we never seem to find time for when we are doing are typical park hopping. Typically we tour the parks in the am, use the pool in the afternoon, go to dinner and head back into a park for a few hours. Some of the things we would do instead of going in the parks would be rent bikes, enjoy the campfire at Fort Wilderness, eat dinner at the DTD and Boardwalk restaurants that we have not tried yet, explore some resorts that we would like to stay at in the future, let our girls enjoy all the kids activities at SSR and just relax!!! Our wedding anniversary is during our trip and we currently have breakfast ressies at Kona and dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe planned to celebrate. Are there any additional activities that we could do at SSR or anywhere else on property? I was thinking of looking into a fireworks cruise. Not sure if we are too close to our trip to be able to book something like that or not? My girls seem to be on board with this possible plan. At first they were thinking they would be bored, but the more we talk about things we could do the more they seem to like the idea. We have already budgeted tickets into our trip so if we get there and this plan flies out the window we could still go into the parks.

 

[srauchbauer]

We will be staying at SSR in December (enjoying a different resort with DVC points). We are going to cook and eat in our one bedroom we prefer to eat in then eat out every meal. I am wondering does SSR have crockpots? and also what are the spice supplies like.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We will be staying at SSR in December (enjoying a different resort with DVC points). We are going to cook and eat in our one bedroom we prefer to eat in then eat out every meal. I am wondering does SSR have crockpots? and also what are the spice supplies like.

DVC kitchens do not have crockpots, sorry. If you really want one, you could probably find a cheap one that you wouldn't mind abandoning if you do your grocery shopping at the Super Wal-Mart. A grocery delivery service like WeGoShop could also pick one of these up with your order.

I'm not sure what you mean by your spice question. With the exception of several coffee packs, DVC supplies no food items in the villas. This means there are also no spices in the rooms. If you're asking what spices the resort markets carry, it's a very, very limited selection -- as in salt and pepper.

BTW, if you plan to cook on your vacation often, you may want to investigate an owner's locker. I keep a bunch of spices in mine, and there are quite a few OL users who keep a crockpot.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Are there any additional activities that we could do at SSR or anywhere else on property?

The fireworks cruises are wonderful. We've done it twice, and it's certainly the most relaxing way to see the fireworks. Great fun!

Many of the backstage tours do not require park admission. I've never been on a tour we didn't enjoy. Since you have so much time at your disposal, you could also consider the Backstage Magic Tour -- an all-day, multi-park tour. Check out the options here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tours.htm

SSR offers a flower arranging class once a week, and you get to take your creation with you. I think it's $50. I've always wanted to do it, but haven't ever taken the time.

Speaking of that, be sure to check out the activities schedule they give you at check-in. It's always a very full page of things to do.

We really enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage ride at Port Orleans.

We went to Fantasia Gardens to play mini golf on our most recent trip. That's always fun. I'd recommend it after the sun goes down, though. There's a really good DVC discount both at Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland.

Outlet shopping (off property, but the ones on SR-535 are very close to SSR by taxi)

Pool hopping

Water park / Disney Quest

Check out a board game from the Community Hall (or pack your favorite from home)

Billiards at the Turf Club

Tennis or Shuffleboard (check out gear at the Community Hall)

Picnic/cookout -- Community grills at Congress Park and Grandstand. Check out utensils from Community Hall.

Fishing excursions: http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/fishing.htm

Hire a local photographer to take some family portait shots -- SSR bridge, Grand Floridian or Poly Beach, other picturesque spot

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: http://www.wdwinfo.com/downtown/marketplace/index.htm#bibbidi

Spa day

Ft Wilderness Archery Experience: http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/archery.htm

Disney Transportation: Boat Ride between Epcot and Hollywood Studios / Monorail from Transportation & Ticket Center to Epcot and back / Boat ride to Downtown Disney

Pirate Cruise: http://www.wdwinfo.com/just_for_kids/piratecruise.htm

Wonderland Tea Party: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=227

Welcome Home Wednesday

Downtown Disney AMC Movie Theater -- they have some theaters with in-show dining now

Bay Lake Tower's Top of the World Lounge for fireworks (It will be open to all DVC members while you're there. You don't have to be staying at BLT.)

 

[AirGoofy]

Hi! We leave for a week long vacation in a 2 bedroom at SSR in a few short weeks! I'm wondering if anyone has ever experienced a resort only stay at SSR? We have been to Disney countless times so I'm not sure if we would miss the parks or not. We would like to enjoy some things we never seem to find time for when we are doing are typical park hopping. Typically we tour the parks in the am, use the pool in the afternoon, go to dinner and head back into a park for a few hours. Some of the things we would do instead of going in the parks would be rent bikes, enjoy the campfire at Fort Wilderness, eat dinner at the DTD and Boardwalk restaurants that we have not tried yet, explore some resorts that we would like to stay at in the future, let our girls enjoy all the kids activities at SSR and just relax!!! Our wedding anniversary is during our trip and we currently have breakfast ressies at Kona and dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe planned to celebrate. Are there any additional activities that we could do at SSR or anywhere else on property? I was thinking of looking into a fireworks cruise. Not sure if we are too close to our trip to be able to book something like that or not? My girls seem to be on board with this possible plan. At first they were thinking they would be bored, but the more we talk about things we could do the more they seem to like the idea. We have already budgeted tickets into our trip so if we get there and this plan flies out the window we could still go into the parks.

In addition to Dave's great list, there is a golf course there as well as tennis courts. We did a SSR trip with no parks. It is great to be able to walk or boat to DTD and enjoy all the activities there.

 

[srauchbauer]

DVC kitchens do not have crockpots, sorry. If you really want one, you could probably find a cheap one that you wouldn't mind abandoning if you do your grocery shopping at the Super Wal-Mart. A grocery delivery service like WeGoShop could also pick one of these up with your order.

I'm not sure what you mean by your spice question. With the exception of several coffee packs, DVC supplies no food items in the villas. This means there are also no spices in the rooms. If you're asking what spices the resort markets carry, it's a very, very limited selection -- as in salt and pepper.

BTW, if you plan to cook on your vacation often, you may want to investigate an owner's locker. I keep a bunch of spices in mine, and there are quite a few OL users who keep a crockpot.

thank you for response and suggestions. Yes I think an owners locker is exactly the way to go for us, will start looking into that option.

 

[Mobley5]

Thank you so much BirdsOfPreyDave and AirGoofy!!! So many wonderful suggestions!

 

[srauchbauer]

just wondering what type of coffee pots the one bedroom rooms have; are they single serve or regular coffee pots.

TIA

 

[AirGoofy]

Thank you so much BirdsOfPreyDave and AirGoofy!!! So many wonderful suggestions!

You're welcome. I forgot to add one. For a non park stay, enjoy the boat rides. From SSR, boat to DTD. Get a boat to Port Orleans and eat some some at QS there. Again, boat to DTD and boat to OKW. Eat at Olivia's restaurant and boat back to DTD for dessert. The Turf Club is great at SSR as well, followed by a boat or walk to DTD for dessert. We've done that on our non park days a few times.

 

[AirGoofy]

just wondering what type of coffee pots the one bedroom rooms have; are they single serve or regular coffee pots.

TIA

We had the regular, 12 cup coffee makers unless they changed recently. They give you one serving of coffee (whatever brand), and you will need to remember your filters and coffee for future pots.

 

[srauchbauer]

We had the regular, 12 cup coffee makers unless they changed recently. They give you one serving of coffee (whatever brand), and you will need to remember your filters and coffee for future pots.

sounds like another reason to have an owners locker to keep my coffee supplies on hand.

 

[marinadca]

Sorry to ask this, as I know it is such a common question but I am about to make a request for area to stay in SSR and I am a bit undecided.

It will be just my husband and myself, we're mostly interested in getting to Epcot (F/W) so being near a bus stop is ideal. Would close to the food wouldn't be bad either. We don't mind walking, and plan to go to DTD on arrival day for lunch, the pools aren't a big deal to us.

Where would you recommend we request?

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I thought I had responded to a "which section" question in the past, but I'll be darned if I can find that post, so I'll start from scratch. Here are my two cents on the pros and cons of each section...

The Springs

• Relatively small section of the resort with 3 buildings
  • Original part of the resort when it was part of the Disney Institute
  • These buildings are the oldest at the resort, but with refurbishments really don't look any different than rooms in other sections
• Pro: Closest section to the Carriage House
  • Artist's Palette
    • Quick Service Restaurant for meals and snacks
    • Store for groceries, snacks, and souvenirs
    • Drink refill station with sodas and hot beverages
    • Open late
  • Turf Club Restaurant and Lounge
  • Front Desk
• Pro: Closest section to High Rock Spring pool
  • Main pool / Lifeguard protected
  • Daily pool activities
  • Large water slide and smaller kiddie water slide
  • Location of Arcade and Community Hall
  • Full service bar and drink refill station (sodas only)
  • Fire pit for nightly marshmallow roasting
  • Close to tennis and shuffleboard courts
  • Laundry facility
• Con: No quiet pool for this section.
• Pro: Closest section to golf course and Pro Shop
• Transportation:
  • Bus
    • Pro: Two buildings are very close to bus stop, one is pretty close.
    • Con: Bus stop used as transfer point for Tree House Villa guests and is also the stop for those heading to/from the Carriage House and High Rock Spring pool. This means there's higher-than-normal traffic at this stop.
    • Con: Last stop on theme park route. During crowded times of year, buses may be standing-room-only or completely full when they arrive at this stop. (This usually only happens during peak transportation hours near park openings.)
  • Boat
    • Pro: Very close to the boat dock, which is behind the Carriage House
• Views:
  • Small Lake w/ Fountains

The Grandstand

• Fairly large section with 4 buildings
  • Buildings are clustered around a cul-de-sac, so the section is not too spread out
  • Con: If driving, making the left turn out of the resort's main entrance can sometimes be challenging.
• Pro: Not too far of a walk to the carriage house
• Pro: Not too far of a walk to the High Rock Spring Pool
• Pro: Not too far from Golf Course and Pro Shop
• Pro: Quiet pool
  • Pro: Kid's splash area
  • Pro: Full-service bar at the pool
  • Pro: Drink refill station (Sodas only)
  • Pro: Community BBQ Area with grills and tables
  • Pro: Laundry facility
• Transportation:
  • Bus
    • Pro: First stop on the theme park route
      • First ones onto the empty buses during morning "rush hour"
      • First ones off the bus at night when you're tired and want to get back to your room and go to bed
    • Pro or Con: The bus stop is very close to 1 building, pretty close to another, and moderately close to the other 2. (You need to cross the parking lot to get to the bus stop from the two farthest buildings.)
  • Boat
    • Pro: Not too far of a walk to the boat dock. (Walk behind the Carriage House instead of through it.)
• Views:
  • Golf Course
  • Wooded Areas
  • Small lake w/ fountain

Carousel

• Smallest section of the resort with only two buildings
  • Con: Some say it feels remote and separated from the rest of the resort
  • Pro: Very quiet
  • Pro: Closest section to the resort's main entrance for easy in and out if you have a car
• Con: Long walk to Carriage House
• Con: Long walk to High Rock Spring Pool
• Con: No quiet pool
• Con: No laundry facility
• Transportation:
  • Bus
    • Con: Bus stop is actually across the street in the Paddock Section
    • Con: Moderately far from both buildings
• Views:
  • Small lake w/ fountain

The Paddock

• Largest section of the resort. The Paddock's 5 buildings are laid out in a line, and stretch practically from one side of the resort to the other.
  • Con: Be careful with requests because of the Paddock's size. When requesting to be in the Paddock thinking you'll be close to the Paddock Pool, you may find yourself closer to Carousel or Congress Park
• Pro or Con: Potentially Long walk to Carriage House. (Two Paddock buildings are very close to the bridge, and the Carriage House is not a long walk. Other buildings are farther from the bridge and involve a longer walk.)
• Pro or Con: Potentially Long walk to High Rock Spring Pool (for buildings not close to the bridge)
• Pro: Paddock Pool
  • Pro: Lifeguard protected
  • Pro: Daily activities
  • Pro: Water Slide
  • Pro: Kid's splash zone with small water slides
  • Pro: Paddock Pool Grill
    • Quick service restaurant
    • Hot and Cold drink refill station
    • Limited bottled alcohol
  • Pro:Laundry facility
• Transportation:
  • Bus
    • Paddock buildings are actually served by three different bus stops
      • Paddock
      • Carousel
      • Congress Park
    • Pro: Each building is very close to fairly close to one of these stops
    • Con: Getting to the Congress Park bus stop from the Southern-most Paddock building(s) requires crossing a street
• Views:
  • Lake w/ fountain
  • Bridge

Congress Park

• Fairly large section of the resort with 4 buildings
  • Buildings are clustered pretty tightly, so the section isn't too spread out
• Con: Long walk to Carriage House
• Con: Long walk to High Rock Spring Pool
• Pro: Quiet pool
  • Pro: Playground
  • Pro: Community BBQ Area with grills and tables
  • Pro: Laundry facility
• Pro: Short walk to Downtown Disney Marketplace
• Transportation:
  • Bus
    • Pro: All four buildings are fairly close to the bus stop
• Views:
  • Downtown Disney

 

[AirGoofy]

I thought I had responded to a "which section" question in the past, but I'll be darned if I can find that post, so I'll start from scratch. Here are my two cents on the pros and cons of each section...
][/list]

Great post. If ok with you, I added this to page 1 post 4. I of course gave you credit.

 

[Blondie1973]

That is one amazing list!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Great post. I think I have a post on page 1 with link too old thread. If ok with you, I will copy this there for others to reference. I of course will give you credit.

Sure. Go for it.