SSR Lovers and Owners Part 2

[MinnieTink]

Can anyone with recent experience at SSR comment on the bus transportation? Any issues? What was an average wait for a bus? Estimate of times from SSR to the parks? Thanks

(Sorry if this is answered elsewhere on this thread)

 

[Andrew015]

So I have booked my first stay at SSR for late September. Got a really nice deal renting points from another member (unfortunately, my points are smoked until 2014). In total honesty, SSR doesn’t really “speak to me” (VWL will always have my heart), but I read so many positive things about this resort, I’m certainly willing to give it a try.

Being new to the resort, I’m looking for pointers and a potential recommendation as to a room request. I understand that The Springs are closest to the Carriage House, and probably wouldn’t be a “bad” option due its proximity. I’m also intrigued by Congress Park. I understand that this is quite a hike from the main building, but I wouldn’t mind the proximity to the DTD bus depot. I love resort hopping, and having access to any resort at our doorstep is a nice plus. I’m torn between having close proximity to the Carriage House for quick service breakfasts at Artists Palette, or having the best access to the DTD bus depot. I suppose Earl of Sandwich would be a good alternative for breakfast, and potentially gives me the best of both worlds if we end up in the Springs?

Being totally new to the resort, what are some of the preferred room recommendations and why?

 

[famgel]

We have only stayed in the Grandstand area when we visit WDW. Trick is to get into Building #8501-8836 which is a 3 mins walk to Main Pool, restaurants, etc. Bus stop also 3 min walk, first on and first off. Bonus is having your own private pool directly outside this building. If you cant get into this building when checking in I would go for the Springs area. I would also get an upper floor to avoid any loud noices. They have an elevator I believe there are only 3 floors. Here is a link to SSR Resort map, http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/saratoga.htm

 

[famgel]

We had a rough time getting home from the parks in January which was very surprising since it was after New Years and before Marathon. One night we had no choice but to go to OKW and they take the boat to DD but the Captain heard us talking about it and asked if the other passengers had a problem stopping at SSR, they didnt, we lucked out. I did voice alot of issues with the Manager of the SSR and he was nice enough to give us credit on our bill. I really do feel Disney has cut back on employees across the board and believe you will notice it in someway. Let me know how your trip goes hopefully you will not experience any issues.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

So I have booked my first stay at SSR for late September. Got a really nice deal renting points from another member (unfortunately, my points are smoked until 2014). In total honesty, SSR doesnt really speak to me (VWL will always have my heart), but I read so many positive things about this resort, Im certainly willing to give it a try.

Being new to the resort, Im looking for pointers and a potential recommendation as to a room request. I understand that The Springs are closest to the Carriage House, and probably wouldnt be a bad option due its proximity. Im also intrigued by Congress Park. I understand that this is quite a hike from the main building, but I wouldnt mind the proximity to the DTD bus depot. I love resort hopping, and having access to any resort at our doorstep is a nice plus. Im torn between having close proximity to the Carriage House for quick service breakfasts at Artists Palette, or having the best access to the DTD bus depot. I suppose Earl of Sandwich would be a good alternative for breakfast, and potentially gives me the best of both worlds if we end up in the Springs?

Being totally new to the resort, what are some of the preferred room recommendations and why?

Since you mention VWL, I'll use it to make a comparison. If you don't have a problem with the walk from the VWL to Roaring Fork, I don't think you'd have a problem with walking from Congress Park to get to the counter service locations at either the Carriage House or the Paddock Pool Grill. Is the Springs closer to the Carriage House than Congress Park? Yes. Are buildings in the Paddock closer to the grill? Yes. However, I think the relative distances and general convenience/inconvenience of getting to a counter service restaurant from Congress Park would be similar to what you're already used to at VWL. Granted, walking between sections at SSR involves walking along sidewalks instead of through buildings. And the distances at SSR probably are a little farther, but it isn't like Congress Park is 10 miles from the Carriage House.

Even from Congress Park, the walk to Earle of Sandwich would be farther than the walk to either Artist's Palette or the Paddock Grill.

Check out FAQ#4 in this thread for my thoughts on the pros and cons of each section.

 

[GetGlowing]

Just got an email that the SSR Spa will be reopening July 25 and is now taking reservations. 5 days after I check out. Oh well.

 

[TBLaube]

I am an SSR fan! We have stayed twice, once in Grandstand and once in Congress Park. We loved both. We had a top floor studio in Grandstand with a view of the water and the treehouses. The pool was really fun and had a nice play area for kids. Laundry is available by the pools and was really easy to do while relaxing at the pool. In CP, we had a first floor studio facing DTD. It was so beautiful and an easy walk to DTD. The pool was very nice and we loved the view of DTD at night while swimming. We felt both were not bad walks to Carriage House although it wouldn't be the easiest to keep running back and forth for a drink refill. Grandstand was the first bus stop so was worried about staying at CP. we lucked out and never had an issue with the buses. We fly in from California and always use Disney transportation. Usually there is one time on the trip where we wait for an extended period of time, but that is it. We love the convenience of not having to drive during our vacation.

 

[Pirate4Ever]

We're heading "home" in just 32 short days!

Quick question for you SSR vets as this is out first trip at our home resort: we are having our DD 2 year pics taken at AKL at 8:00 am while we are staying at SSR. We will not have a car- is taking a taxi out best option to getting to Jambo so early in the morning? Or is there another/better way that I'm not thinking of?

 

[DannysMom]

We're heading "home" in just 32 short days!

Quick question for you SSR vets as this is out first trip at our home resort: we are having our DD 2 year pics taken at AKL at 8:00 am while we are staying at SSR. We will not have a car- is taking a taxi out best option to getting to Jambo so early in the morning? Or is there another/better way that I'm not thinking of?

For an 8 AM shoot, I would definitely just cab it.

From SSR, if you call down to bell services to have them call a cab & send it round to your building, sometimes if it isn't busy, and you aren't leaving Disney property, one of them will just grab the van & drive you themselves. Of course they say it is free, but when this happens we always tip them as much as we would have paid the cab, so it is good to know how much to expect to pay.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

 

[Pirate4Ever]

For an 8 AM shoot, I would definitely just cab it.

From SSR, if you call down to bell services to have them call a cab & send it round to your building, sometimes if it isn't busy, and you aren't leaving Disney property, one of them will just grab the van & drive you themselves. Of course they say it is free, but when this happens we always tip them as much as we would have paid the cab, so it is good to know how much to expect to pay.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

Good to know- we'll call them and see if we can't hitch a ride. Thanks for the tip!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

For an 8 AM shoot, I would definitely just cab it.

From SSR, if you call down to bell services to have them call a cab & send it round to your building, sometimes if it isn't busy, and you aren't leaving Disney property, one of them will just grab the van & drive you themselves. Of course they say it is free, but when this happens we always tip them as much as we would have paid the cab, so it is good to know how much to expect to pay.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

Any suggestions as to where to find typical cab fares?
Just wondering in case we ever get a ride from BS...
We're checking on Sunday - YAY!

 

[DannysMom]

I know Mears has a fare estimator: http://www.mearstransportation.com/taxi-services/taxi-fare-estimator/

There may be others out there.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thanks!

 

[MadAlice1025]

Can anyone with recent experience at SSR comment on the bus transportation? Any issues? What was an average wait for a bus? Estimate of times from SSR to the parks? Thanks

(Sorry if this is answered elsewhere on this thread)

We went October 2012 and stayed at SSR. The buses were a little bit slower, meaning fewer and farther between than other resorts like POP Century, but still wasn't horrible. Plus the bus stop areas are really nice to sit and relax while waiting!

 

[tb1972]

SSR owners please help me request a building! DH and I are planning a trip for our 41st birthdays for Nov 3-8. What building do you suggest? We will be eating some evenings at DTD and of course attending F & W.

Looking at the maps, I would say Congress Park is a good choice for adults?

Thanks!
Tabatha

 

[disbound09]

SSR owners please help me request a building! DH and I are planning a trip for our 41st birthdays for Nov 3-8. What building do you suggest? We will be eating some evenings at DTD and of course attending F & W.

Looking at the maps, I would say Congress Park is a good choice for adults?

Thanks!
Tabatha

We just got back and stayed at 2510 Congress Park. Congress Park was nice enough, clean and everything. It had not been updated yet, but was close to everything. Springs are closer to the main Pool and store and restaurant. Pretty sure the Paddocks have been updated and they have an updated pool. All are on the bus line and you would need to consult the bus route, we rented a car. Have fun!!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We just got back and stayed at 2510 Congress Park. Congress Park was nice enough, clean and everything. It had not been updated yet, but was close to everything. Springs are closer to the main Pool and store and restaurant. Pretty sure the Paddocks have been updated and they have an updated pool. All are on the bus line and you would need to consult the bus route, we rented a car. Have fun!!

How long ago did you visit? Congress Park has been updated. It was the first section done.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Anybody know which buildings have been refurbed now?

 

[duffdo]

....vacuum cleaners at SSR, do they have a detachable hose that I could use to suck the air out of a vacuum bag?? (You know, the type you put clothes/bedding in so they take up less space!)

I am going for 21 nights and am wondering how I am going to get everything into one suitcase!!!

 

[disbound09]

How long ago did you visit? Congress Park has been updated. It was the first section done.

We were there last week 6/12-6/19. Our unit 2510 had old cushions on the sofa and bench. They were worn out, I turned them to see if they looked any better and they did until someone sat on them. Unit was clean but looked a bit aged. I would expect it to be newer feeling. What exactly did the updates consist of maybe I set my expectations too high.