SSR Lovers and Owners Part 2

[Dizny Dad]

Well, after much planning and debating, we finally have negotiated a 6 night THV stay for 9 people for October 2011. It is my family, BIL and his family, and MIL. Now, I just have to wait a few months to book it and hope that we don't have to continue the debate. Since it is their 1st time going, we are going to do the Castle for sure, but still debating the others. I usually plan our DVC vacations and enjoy doing so. But, trying to make 3 families happy is a lot more difficult.

Extended Family planning - been there, done that.

Let the games begin . . .

May the magic be with you!

 

[mamaprincess]

Well, after much planning and debating, we finally have negotiated a 6 night THV stay for 9 people for October 2011. It is my family, BIL and his family, and MIL. Now, I just have to wait a few months to book it and hope that we don't have to continue the debate. Since it is their 1st time going, we are going to do the Castle for sure, but still debating the others. I usually plan our DVC vacations and enjoy doing so. But, trying to make 3 families happy is a lot more difficult.

Good luck. Sound's like you guys need a family meeting. You are the expert so let them know what the options are, find out what everyone's most interested in experiencing, then you can formulate the vacation plan.

 

[AirGoofy]

Extended Family planning - been there, done that. Let the games begin . . . May the magic be with you!

Good luck. Sound's like you guys need a family meeting. You are the expert so let them know what the options are, find out what everyone's most interested in experiencing, then you can formulate the vacation plan.

We're off to a good start. We decided on how many days we are doing parks and that we are doing MNSSHP. Now, it's on to dining reservations. We gave them a list of recommendations, and they are deciding on which ones. I think the Castle is a definite. They are debating breakfast or dinner character meals. Also, they are debating if we all stay together or split up. I think the adults are willing to go their own way at times, but all the girl cousins may not be willing to do so. I am willing for MIL to watch all of them .....

 

[BlakeNJ]

Hello,

We are going to be at SSR from 9/25 to 10/2. My Grandson will be turning 2 on the 26th (Sunday ). We have reservations for Chef Mickey's that morning.
I wanted to make the rest of his day at SSR special. Has anyone here done anything at the resort ? Does the resort help with this kind of stuff ? I really need ideas on how to handle this. It is the first time my DD and her DH and my grandson will be at Disney. He just loves Mickey. I don't want to tell them anything is planned so I can surprise him and his parents. I really want this to be special. If you have done the birthday or have any ideas please let me know. Thanks

At 2, kids don't put a monetary value on anything. When we noted on our reservation that it was our anniversary, the resort left us a autographed picture of Minnie and Mickey. To me, it was special. I am sure even more so to a 2 year old! I don't think spending $60 on a special order cake will matter much to him. Maybe a little cupcake from Artist Palate or picking up different ice cream bars and having an ice cream party in your villa. It might be a little leg work for you but I wouldn't rely too much on the resort to do anything other than a picture. That is what I have heard is most common. You could always ship a box with party supplies down and throw your own party!

 

[bigAWL]

Breakfast question:

What are the options for breakfast at SSR? It looks like Artist's Palette servers breakfast. Is it easy to grab something quick in the morning? Is that the only place open?

I'll plan to do cold cereals and fruit in the room some days, especially when trying to rush out for a rope drop somewhere. But was wondering about the days we're not in such a hurry.

What are the best DTD choices?

 

[bigAWL]

...And another question...

Is there a bus that runs to the TTC? Is it combined with the some other bus?

 

[Dizny Dad]

Breakfast question:

What are the options for breakfast at SSR? It looks like Artist's Palette servers breakfast. Is it easy to grab something quick in the morning? Is that the only place open? . . . . . . . . . What are the best DTD choices?

Artist Palette is the only counter service at SSR. Breakfast runs pretty much the same as other Disney Resorts - Breakfast platters of eggs, meats, waffles, etc. There are lots of pastry choices and things out of the refrigerated wall units; fruit cups, yogurts, desserts, etc. Artist Palette can be a "packed house" with long lines at the height of breakfast time.

Have fun!

 

[Coach81]

Artist Palette is the only counter service at SSR. Breakfast runs pretty much the same as other Disney Resorts - Breakfast platters of eggs, meats, waffles, etc. There are lots of pastry choices and things out of the refrigerated wall units; fruit cups, yogurts, desserts, etc. Artist Palette can be a "packed house" with long lines at the height of breakfast time.

Have fun!

Yeah, you'll need to get there early to beat the crowd..

 

[stopher1]

...And another question...

Is there a bus that runs to the TTC? Is it combined with the some other bus?

No bus from SSR to the TTC, but take a bus to the MK, and then hop on either the Monorail or the Ferry to get across the lagoon to the TTC.

 

[tinkerbell2u]

At 2, kids don't put a monetary value on anything. When we noted on our reservation that it was our anniversary, the resort left us a autographed picture of Minnie and Mickey. To me, it was special. I am sure even more so to a 2 year old! I don't think spending $60 on a special order cake will matter much to him. Maybe a little cupcake from Artist Palate or picking up different ice cream bars and having an ice cream party in your villa. It might be a little leg work for you but I wouldn't rely too much on the resort to do anything other than a picture. That is what I have heard is most common. You could always ship a box with party supplies down and throw your own party!

Thanks!

 

[Dizny Dad]

...And another question...

Is there a bus that runs to the TTC? Is it combined with the some other bus?

I'm sure there is a great reason to go to the TTC, but you did know that the concierge at the front desk can take care of anything for you, including all ticket requests, travel arrangements, tours, dinner reservations, etc. Guest Services at each of the parks' front gates can take care of tickets and tours also.

Am I missing something about the TTC? I have never used any services from there, only transferred MonoRails.

 

[bigAWL]

I'm sure there is a great reason to go to the TTC, but you did know that the concierge at the front desk can take care of anything for you, including all ticket requests, travel arrangements, tours, dinner reservations, etc. Guest Services at each of the parks' front gates can take care of tickets and tours also.

Am I missing something about the TTC? I have never used any services from there, only transferred MonoRails.

TTC is where the buses from Shades of Green drop off for MK and Epcot. We used to stay there before DVC reeled us in. Now I'm wondering if there is a convenient way to visit there from SSR in order to use some of their services. (The Hertz desk there is the cheapest place I've found to rent a car for the week we are there.)

 

[catyanna]

Thanks!

We are going in Oct. for my son's 3rd bday. I was going to do the Mickey & Pals Big Birthday Surprise that Disney Florist offers but I saw on Youtube a video of another little boy getting the same thing and it was definately NOT worth the $430 it cost. (Frame, autograph book w/ pen, rice Crispy treats, a dog bowl, place mat, towel, and mini chocolate candy "cake") I decided to go to the Disney store and purchase all the things that I know he likes and I will decorate my own gift boxes w/ tags from his favorite characters and save myself $300. If you don't have a Disney store where you live, you can go online and they have free shipping right now w/ $50 purchase. Can't beat it.
Good Luck and Happy Birthday to your little one.

 

[Coach81]

We are going in Oct. for my son's 3rd bday. I was going to do the Mickey & Pals Big Birthday Surprise that Disney Florist offers but I saw on Youtube a video of another little boy getting the same thing and it was definately NOT worth the $430 it cost. (Frame, autograph book w/ pen, rice Crispy treats, a dog bowl, place mat, towel, and mini chocolate candy "cake") I decided to go to the Disney store and purchase all the things that I know he likes and I will decorate my own gift boxes w/ tags from his favorite characters and save myself $300. If you don't have a Disney store where you live, you can go online and they have free shipping right now w/ $50 purchase. Can't beat it.
Good Luck and Happy Birthday to your little one.

Good call!

 

[mamaprincess]

Breakfast question:

What are the options for breakfast at SSR? It looks like Artist's Palette servers breakfast. Is it easy to grab something quick in the morning? Is that the only place open?

I'll plan to do cold cereals and fruit in the room some days, especially when trying to rush out for a rope drop somewhere. But was wondering about the days we're not in such a hurry.

What are the best DTD choices?

Wolfgang Puck Cafe CS in DTD has wonderful breakfast choices.

 

[Jamian]

I have a question for anyone who has stayed in the Grandstand. I've read there is a little bar and snack area, are there drink stations for refillable mugs there or are the closest ones in the Carriage House? Thanks!

 

[franandaj]

I have a question for anyone who has stayed in the Grandstand. I've read there is a little bar and snack area, are there drink stations for refillable mugs there or are the closest ones in the Carriage House? Thanks!

Yes, by the pool. As I remember it wasn't open very late.

 

[kikiq]

Am I missing something about the TTC? I have never used any services from there, only transferred MonoRails.

We have two bricks there right smack in front of TTC. One is dedicated to my mom. Visit it the first night before heading to the Poly for the fireworks so her spirit is with us as we are enjoying the magic. It is strange to be going out then counting bricks while folks are streaming off the tram. We even caused a husband and wife to have an argument because she paused to step around us as she noticed we were huddled around this brick. Her husband was focused and practically took out the group rushing, she said something to him, he got mad and started yelling at her. We slowly moved away from the brick.

 

[MamaCrush]

We have two bricks there right smack in front of TTC. One is dedicated to my mom. Visit it the first night before heading to the Poly for the fireworks so her spirit is with us as we are enjoying the magic. It is strange to be going out then counting bricks while folks are streaming off the tram. We even caused a husband and wife to have an argument because she paused to step around us as she noticed we were huddled around this brick. Her husband was focused and practically took out the group rushing, she said something to him, he got mad and started yelling at her. We slowly moved away from the brick.

That is very special about your mom's brick. I got chill bumps... As for the wife and husband story... I bet she had a great time on her vacation! NOT!

 

[Coach81]

I have a question for anyone who has stayed in the Grandstand. I've read there is a little bar and snack area, are there drink stations for refillable mugs there or are the closest ones in the Carriage House? Thanks!

Yes there is, by the pool. We had a great time at the grandstand pool. My kids and I had a blast with the water pistols.. I highly recommend the grandstand pool area!