SSR Lovers and Owners Part 2

[dade1196]

My family and I will be heading to SSR the last week of March(next month can't wait) I have a question I have heard that sometimes if you ask upon check-in if there are any upgrades aval that you sometimes can get upgraded for free. Is this true? Has anyone out there had this happen? Already staying in a 2 bedroom suite, not sure what can be bigger then that. Should I request a certain building? Family consist of a DH29 DW 27 (2)DD's 5 and DGM 60. Any info from you all out there would be great. Thanks



http://www.**************/id/1331881233.jpg

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

On extremely rare occassions when a resort is completely booked and they need to take a room out of service unexpectedly, a member on points may be upgraded. However, the chances of getting upgraded from a two-bedroom to a grand villa during check-in simply by asking are nil. If there was a grand villa available, they may offer to upgrade you to it by charging you the extra points.

 

[Linda67]

We absolutely love this restaurant. I much prefer the dinner menu to the lunch menu, though. The lunch menu is mostly sandwiches, but dinner has lots of choices. Prime rib, steaks, seafood, pork chops, lamb chops, burgers. Oh my gosh, I wish I were there right now. (Well, not right right now, because that would be the lunch menu. But tonight... I wish I could be there tonight.)

We've always had good luck getting seated, even without a reservation.

You've just described pretty much the entire resort.

There are benches everywhere - views of everything from Downtown Disney across the lake, to beautiful landscaping and ponds, to the golf course. You'll also hear people speak of the rocking chairs outside the Artist's Palette.

There are bars at three of the pools -- the Main Pool (High Rock Springs), the Paddock Pool, and the Grandstand. These are great for grabbing something cold to relax during the heat of the day. In the evening, there's the Turf Club Lounge. There's a fireplace and several comfortable seating areas. There's also a pool table.

I agree with BirdsOfPreyDave, but would specifically direct you to the Rockers found at lakeside just across from the Congress Park Quiet Pool. A great view of DDT, Boats gracefully sliding by, people strolling thru; a great place to relax and "watch the world go by"!

Thanks so much for the tips guys
As I am sure you can tell we are so excited about our first stay at SSR

 

[njtinkmom]

I can't wait for my upcoming trip in 15 days! I just made the plans on Tuesday so I am short on planning time! I do have a question our flight arrives at 840 pm and we are taking ME. Will anything be open for dinner?

This thread s amazing!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I can't wait for my upcoming trip in 15 days! I just made the plans on Tuesday so I am short on planning time! I do have a question our flight arrives at 840 pm and we are taking ME. Will anything be open for dinner?

This thread s amazing!

The Turf Club closes relatively early (9:00), but Artist's Palette is open until 11:00, so you'd have a shot at getting there before it closes. Most of the restaurants at the Downtown Disney Marketplace also close at 11:00, although some at the West Side may be open later.

 

[ree123]

We stayed at ssr 4 years ago and loved it. But, I'm not sure about where to request ... My ONLY request is a no parking lot view. That's all. I'm from Chicago and I look out our home front window and see cars. I look out my bedroom balcony , I see cars. That's my worst hotel nightmare is view. Am I crazy ? Don't remember seeing balcony facing lots or the roads, but can you guys refresh my memory ? Thanks again

 

[Doug7856]

We stayed at ssr 4 years ago and loved it. But, I'm not sure about where to request ... My ONLY request is a no parking lot view. That's all. I'm from Chicago and I look out our home front window and see cars. I look out my bedroom balcony , I see cars. That's my worst hotel nightmare is view. Am I crazy ? Don't remember seeing balcony facing lots or the roads, but can you guys refresh my memory ? Thanks again

I would ask for a Downtown Disney view. Another option is a lake or golf course view. There are locations with views of parking lots and roads so if you don't want one of those views I would ask for one of the above views. There are so many units at SSR, I suspect anyone who makes a request has a good shot at getting it.

 

[ree123]

Thanks for your quick response Doug !

 

[AirGoofy]

Having never stayed at the resort previously I would love to hear some of your hints and tips

How's the food at Turf Club and could we just get a walk up (2 adults)

Any nice peaceful areas to just sit and watch the world go by?

Are there any nice pool bars or a lounge for an evening drink

TIA!

Tip - Get to know your bus route. Depending on where you are located and where you want to go, it can be a good walk. The bus system has a set order - one for Theme Parks and one for DTD. Know it and you can take any bus from one stop to another for convenience.

Turf Club is awesome. The Prime Rib was excellent - cooked well and seasoned wonderfully. It has indoor and outdoor seating, and table for 2 is usually not difficult.

Peaceful area - the rockers overlooking DTD.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We stayed at ssr 4 years ago and loved it. But, I'm not sure about where to request ... My ONLY request is a no parking lot view. That's all. I'm from Chicago and I look out our home front window and see cars. I look out my bedroom balcony , I see cars. That's my worst hotel nightmare is view. Am I crazy ? Don't remember seeing balcony facing lots or the roads, but can you guys refresh my memory ? Thanks again

If that is your main priority, I would call member services and add that as a request. Also mention it again at check in. Because of the building designs, the majority of balconies face away from the parking lots. But there are still some rooms with that "lucky" asphalt overlook.

 

[ree123]

Dave, I will take your advice and call tmro and make a request ... Should I specifically say " no parking lot" or just say "water or golf" ? I don't care what section. We will be staying at resort during am , have lunch then head to a park for the rest of day into pm. Sat early pm we have res at Fultons- that's the only solid plan. We don't mind walking to Artist P in the am or to the feature pools. I am very excited to see that new Paddock pool, tho. Looks nice! Another " small" request is no ground floor. With it just being me and my youngest, I have nightmares about someone coming thru sliding doors. I know, I know I'm paranoid but it truly is a concern.

 

[CarolynMink]

Okay, all my friends out there, we have been planning our stay at the THV for almost 2 years. We drove to the world last year and that was the plan for our stay at the THV's. Now, we are flying instead.

We usually do not rent a car and are use to taking Disney buses.

So, here is my thinking, request a villa near a bus stop. Plan on at least an hour to get to any park. Is this about the usual time or is it longer?

Now, here is another dilemma: my DH wants to be at rope drop at HS on SWW and I am afraid the buses will not start early enough. (he want to be at HS at 7am - park opens at 9) Has any one taken a cab to HS from THV's? About how much is the cost? (there will be just 3 in the cab)

I really do not want to rent a car for just that one morning.

All advice will be helpful. Are party will be 2 adults and 3 teens.

 

[dbs1228]

Leaving tomorrow 10 nights THV cannot wait!

 

[AimKo]

Hi all

We are brand new SSR owners....our resale went to Disney for ROFR on 1/3, we passed on 1/31 and everything was quick and smooth thereafter! We were in the system and able to book on 2/15 and will be arriving on 5/15!!!

We are staying in a 2 bedroom....the CM says it's dedicated, so I'm assuming that means we get 2 beds in the 2nd bedroom?

We are taking my sisters family and are going to be on the dining plan....can they split the points between the families or are we going to have to track that ourselves?

Also, I like putting a credit card on my KTTW and so does my sister...can we have separate cards for charging for each family?

We asked for the Springs in hopes of being close to a themed pool did I do ok?

another q...I want to bring an airmattress for the kids....will there be room for it in the living room with the sleeper sofa out?

TIA!

Aim

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Hi all

We are brand new SSR owners....our resale went to Disney for ROFR on 1/3, we passed on 1/31 and everything was quick and smooth thereafter! We were in the system and able to book on 2/15 and will be arriving on 5/15!!!

Congratulations, and welcome home!

We are staying in a 2 bedroom....the CM says it's dedicated, so I'm assuming that means we get 2 beds in the 2nd bedroom?

That's correct. It means you're in a room that cannot be split into two separate smaller villas. You'll have a single front door and two beds in the 2nd bedroom.

We are taking my sisters family and are going to be on the dining plan....can they split the points between the families or are we going to have to track that ourselves?

You'll have to keep track of this yourself. There will be one pool of dining credits that everyone's keys will pull from. If your brother in law wants to sneek off one night and use up all the snack credits on 30 Mickey ice cream bars, there's nothing to stop him from doing it. (Other than your sister's wrath, that is.)

Also, I like putting a credit card on my KTTW and so does my sister...can we have separate cards for charging for each family?

Yes you can do that now. It's somewhat new, so be patient with the cast member if it takes a while. You can have multiple credit cards on the room, and assign individual room keys accordingly.

We asked for the Springs in hopes of being close to a themed pool did I do ok?

The Springs section is closest to High Rock Spring pool, which is the resort's main themed pool. You'll also be closest to the Carriage House, which is where the front desk and 2 of 3 restaurants are located. So in those regards, you did good. The only cautionary thing to say about the Springs is that it is the last bus stop on the theme park routes. During the morning rush hour, busses at the Springs bus stop can often be standing room only.

Other themed pools are in the Paddock and Grandstand sections of the resort.

another q...I want to bring an airmattress for the kids....will there be room for it in the living room with the sleeper sofa out?

Possibly for a few twin air mattresses, if you don't mind someone being in the kitchen. It would be very tight with a full or queen size, though.

 

[AimKo]

Thanks Dave! I'll have to keep an eye on my brother-in-law....he does like Mickey Bars!

A

 

[donmil723]

Which section would you request if you wanted to be close to the boat transportation and one of the main pools? Which pools have pool bars?

 

[Dizny Dad]

Which section would you request if you wanted to be close to the boat transportation and one of the main pools? Which pools have pool bars?

Close to the Boats? - The Springs and The Grandstand

Pool Bars? - All pools except the Congress Park quiet pool have pool bars.

Best Hot Tub to sip your beverage and watch the boats? - Congress Park Quiet Pool Hot Tub! (just thought I would throw that in . . . )

 

[Dizny Dad]

I found this post at the bottom of page 2 . . . we must have fallen asleep in the Rockers . . .

Anybody spent any time in the hot tub at the new Paddock Pool early in the morning?

 

[AimKo]

Getting sooo excited for our first trip home in May!!!

Can anyone tell me what is available in the Community Hall. We are totally new to DVC and don't know if there are worthwhile activities there...or if this is something to pass on.

We've requested Springs b/c it seems pretty central. How is the walk to DTD from Springs?

How is the walk from Springs to the newer Paddock pool??....I'm sure the kids will want to compare the waterslides!!