SSR Lovers and Owners Part 2

[jamn]

We are SSR lovers too. We have stayed in the other resorts but never feel as at home as we do at SSR. We have teenagers so the location is great for us. They can go down to the marketplace by themselves and we don't need to worry about them being too far from the resort.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi everyone! Just got back from our first stay at SSR and absolutely loved it! We asked for Congress Park and got it, so were really pleased. Initially we were on the ground floor, but our second night had people sitting outside using our chairs and smoking - they left cigars on the table! I know I'm silly but that made me feel a bit weird knowing people were that close when we were sleeping, so we asked to move and were put on the 3rd floor which was much nicer - had a lovely garden view.

The walk to DTD was only 5 minutes which we really enjoyed.

The kitchenette was a real bonus for quick breakfasts when we wanted to get to ropedrop.

I had heard terrible things about the bus service at SSR but we had no problems - the longest wait we had was 10 minutes.

The grounds were beautiful and we really enjoyed having a fitness centre to use.

My only criticism would be the size of the foodcourt - its ludicrously tiny! The line for breakfast the one day we did use it was massive!

Overall though really really pleased and would happily stay here again!

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . our second night had people sitting outside using our chairs and smoking - they left cigars on the table!. . . . .

I'm sorry, but that is where I would become "the A**hole next to us" in their story at home. MY chairs? Smoking outside MY room? No, not on MY vacation. I would have immediately called the front desk and asked for security. I suspect your neighbors were cash guests; the "no concern for other's property" kind of people.

And don't you just love those you meet with the attitude that "there are people paid to clean up after me", and proceed to make themselves king?

Sorry . . . I feel better now.

 

[Teach08]

We returned this past weekend from our stay at SSR, and it was WONDERFUL!

Despite the Dining Plan Fiasco (48 hrs notice that we did not give), the First Phone fiasco (in the pocket and into the pool), and the Second Phone Fiasco (backlight went out with two park days left), we really enjoyed our Saratoga Springs stay!

CMs were GREAT with the kids--including my husband--who were avid pin-trader/collectors this time around. The front desk had a printout of all the sets, and were always willing to let the boys check it out.

Came back with mostly clean laundry, thanks to our location right next to the Paddock pool and FREE washer/dryers! It was SO easy to take the kids to the pool and let them swim while working on the clothes!

The walk to DTD is super easy, even from the Paddock. Took the bus home the first time we went, then missed a bus the second time and decided to walk...now we know!

Took a little while to order food, but the smaller CS food court turned out just fine...the kids only want snacks and Mickey waffles anyway...and the breakfast was particularly good.

The views were GORGEOUS, especially in the early morning sunrise walking across the lake. My youngest named the turtles that always swam up to the bridge as we walked across.

Bus service was incredibly good...only one "crowded" bus the whole week.

I thoroughly enjoyed our SSR stay. Next visit will be several years from now, and we will probably try another resort out of a desire to diversify, but I highly recommend Saratoga to anyone!

 

[bisenhart]

Friends are traveling in dec. And are staying at ssr. Does congress park have the best views in the evening? Thanks.

 

[PSC]

Friends are traveling in dec. And are staying at ssr. Does congress park have the best views in the evening? Thanks.

Welcome to the DIS boards!

Yes Congress Park has some terrific views in the evening, but not every room is guranteed to be a Down Town Disney view. Tell your friends not to worry - they'll have a great time no matter what the view.

 

[tjhsr]

Friends are traveling in dec. And are staying at ssr. Does congress park have the best views in the evening? Thanks.

Yes CP has two br villa's in each of the 4 buildings.

 

[Coach81]

We returned this past weekend from our stay at SSR, and it was WONDERFUL!

CMs were GREAT with the kids--including my husband--who were avid pin-trader/collectors this time around. The front desk had a printout of all the sets, and were always willing to let the boys check it out.

The views were GORGEOUS, especially in the early morning sunrise walking across the lake. My youngest named the turtles that always swam up to the bridge as we walked across.

Thanks to my wife, we have become avid pin-traders/collectors as well. I was not too excited about it at first, but watching the boys interact with all the CMs for pins was a nice reward.

I love the resort!!! All the colors, and all the springs.. fantastic.. glad you had a great time!!!

 

[Jay2009]

I bought into SSR in September and just reserved a THV for the end of september beginning of oct. I want to be there for the 40th anniversary of the MK!

 

[Dizny Dad]

I bought into SSR in September and just reserved a THV for the end of september beginning of oct. I want to be there for the 40th anniversary of the MK!

Oooooooooooooooooo, good timing!

 

[missesdisney]

Hi - happy to find this thread- am an SSR owner!

We are planning for next year's trip already (we will make the call to DVC from WDW!) and want to try the tree house villas for next year. I would like to see what info is out there and how hard it has been for SSR owners to get in at the 11 month window.

Thanks for any info you have!

 

[mamaprincess]

Hi - happy to find this thread- am an SSR owner!

We are planning for next year's trip already (we will make the call to DVC from WDW!) and want to try the tree house villas for next year. I would like to see what info is out there and how hard it has been for SSR owners to get in at the 11 month window.

Thanks for any info you have!

December I have found is the most difficult time even at 11 mos. It also depends on how many days you need. You may be able to get 1 - 3 nights vs 4 or more nights if you are pretty far past the 11 mos window. I was able to pick up 3 nights in July at 8 mos out had to waitlist one additional night. If you need them for more than 3 nights and aren't flexible with your dates I'd just be on the phone when member services opens on the day of your 11 mos window. You should be fine.

 

[missesdisney]

Just realized I didn't put what dates I was going to be going - I think it will be check in around 10/30 for 7 nights or whatever is available at 11 month window. I am doing offsite at Marriott for first few nights so I could push it out if I had to and do less at treehouse. And if we don't get it we don't get it but I would love to be able to do it this one time!

 

[pnyltwk]

Just realized I didn't put what dates I was going to be going - I think it will be check in around 10/30 for 7 nights or whatever is available at 11 month window. I am doing offsite at Marriott for first few nights so I could push it out if I had to and do less at treehouse. And if we don't get it we don't get it but I would love to be able to do it this one time!

The Tree House Villa's are nice . We really enjoyed them on our trip to WDW last October. Good luck and hope you are able to reserve one.

 

[mamaprincess]

Just realized I didn't put what dates I was going to be going - I think it will be check in around 10/30 for 7 nights or whatever is available at 11 month window. I am doing offsite at Marriott for first few nights so I could push it out if I had to and do less at treehouse. And if we don't get it we don't get it but I would love to be able to do it this one time!

I think you will be fine, just be on the phone first thing in the morning.

 

[Coach81]

Hi - happy to find this thread- am an SSR owner!

We are planning for next year's trip already (we will make the call to DVC from WDW!) and want to try the tree house villas for next year. I would like to see what info is out there and how hard it has been for SSR owners to get in at the 11 month window.

Thanks for any info you have!

We had no problem reserving them last summer at the 11 month window..

They are fantastic, you will love them!

 

[tjhsr]

Just booked for next Oct. Asked about pools for next year and was told the system was showing Paddock pool down until 2012. No real date given for completion. No other pool closings at least until then.

 

[supersuperwendy]

I would love to stay in a treehouse sometime. We stayed at SSR last summer we loved it. The treehouse would be great since it has 3 bedrooms! I'm jealous of all you SSR owners!!

 

[tjhsr]

Received my Oct. SSR confirmation by E-mail today.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We're the DGP and our family has a night in a treehouse THIS WEDNESDAY! a 3 night DCL cruise beginning the next day. It will be the extended family's first SSR stay, and I expect them to love it!

Someone before in this thread mentioned pin trading with the CM's. I've noticed at registration the CM's were very friendly and helpful regarding pin trading. I hadn't any of my pins with me, but I sure saw some I would have traded for!