SSR Lovers and Owners Part 2

[AirGoofy]

We just purchased 250 points from the resale market from SSR. Last year we stayed at OKW on our first Disney trip since the late 70s. Had a blast and decided to purchase DVC. We loved OKW (where we stayed last April), but we purchased at SSR because they points are good until 2054 for about the same price...

My question: how would people compare SSR to OKW? We toured units at SSR when we looked into the DVC. I also played golf and saw the pro shop, etc. We see that the rooms are slightly smaller than OKW, but they look nice had a similar feel to OKW.

As soon as we close on our purchase (hopefully next week), we want to make a reservation at either SSR or OKW. Since this is the SSR lover section, I thought that it would be helpful to hear advice that might make our decision more informed.

Thanks,
Andy from Deer Isle, ME

Congrats on the purchase. I think SSR and OKW are real similar in their resort style lay-out, boat to DTD, and bus only service to the theme parks. Both OKW and SSR have a really good restaurant - Olivia's and Turf Club - although I prefer the Turf Club. SSR also has a CS restaurant with indoor seating. The rooms are smaller at SSR and all the studios at SSR do not have 2 queen size beds. Also, the balconies are smaller. But, you cannot get a view of DTD over the water from Congress Park at OKW. I like the lighthouse water slide better at OKW, but the Paddock is renovating their pool, and I am excited about that. And, as an SSR owner, you have a 11 month window to book a TreeHouse Villa, if you ever choose. Again, congrats on your purchase and welcome home.

 

[stopher1]

Cool! When will you be there? We plan to be there (arriving at Disney) October 27-November 4th. Hmmm we said after our last trip that 10 days was too long to be away from the furkids, but somehow this trip has become 11 days long....

24-30. Have to capitalize on my son's fall break.

 

[I Book He Pays]

AirGoofy:

Grandstand is the first bus stop going to the theme parks, but the area is big. It is also the furthest from the boat to DTD. If you can get a view at Congress Park overlooking the water into DTD, it is beautiful. The Carousel is the most isolated section and it was really quiet for us. It was also the second bus stop (between the Carousel and Paddock) and far away from boat launch. We were there in May a few years ago in the Paddock and did not have any problems with the buses.

Thank you very much for your response and providing me with additional information. Do you know how long the walk is from the Grandstand/Springs/Congress Park to the water taxi? We plan on spending some time in DTD since we'll be so close. I like all three sections at SSR and each of them has pros.

Since you went in May, how was the weather? Parks real busy? Hard to get a dinner reservation (signature restaurants)? Any other information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

 

[AirGoofy]

Thank you very much for your response and providing me with additional information. Do you know how long the walk is from the Grandstand/Springs/Congress Park to the water taxi? We plan on spending some time in DTD since we'll be so close. I like all three sections at SSR and each of them has pros.

Since you went in May, how was the weather? Parks real busy? Hard to get a dinner reservation (signature restaurants)? Any other information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

Spending time at DTD is one of the benefits of staying at SSR. The Springs is the closest to the boat launch. I think CP is the next closest; however, there may be a part of the Grandstand (furthest from Grandstand bus stop) that may be closer than CP to the boat launch. It is not a long walk at all. Our children this year are 8,6 - so when they were younger - it was still a short walk. And, we stop to look around, chase children, etc. You walk outside until you get to the Carriage House, but then you can walk thru that building and go back outside for the boat. So, there are places to stop and sit if you need to.

When we went in May, we had really bad rain a few days, but were told that was unusual for that time of year - and will have to defer to others. We tend to make dining ADRs at the earliest point (now at 180 days) to make sure we get what we want. However, we continually change plans and reservations, even after we have arrived. BTW, we do not book multi-reservations for the same meal on same day. If you are flexible with location and times, you can still make some late reservations.

Also, the Turf Club at SSR is not a signature, but really good. I would put the Prime Rib at the Turf Club up against the filet at Le Cellier.

 

[mamaprincess]

I can not remember the number of the building in the Grandstand that is closest to the Carriage house. It may be 8800? That building is great for getting to anything near the Carriage house, such as the boat launch or the main pool etc. We walked through the Carriage House to get to the boat launch and it was really quick and easy, also we walked to the pool. All we had to do was walk right across the street. It's a great location and it's right by the Grandstand pool as well. We don't do buses, but there was a very convenient bus stop near by.

 

[I Book He Pays]

AirGoofy:

Spending time at DTD is one of the benefits of staying at SSR. The Springs is the closest to the boat launch. I think CP is the next closest; however, there may be a part of the Grandstand (furthest from Grandstand bus stop) that may be closer than CP to the boat launch. It is not a long walk at all. Our children this year are 8,6 - so when they were younger - it was still a short walk. And, we stop to look around, chase children, etc. You walk outside until you get to the Carriage House, but then you can walk thru that building and go back outside for the boat. So, there are places to stop and sit if you need to.

I'm glad there are places to stop if DH needs to rest for a while. I've been doing a lot of research on SSR since this is our first time staying there and I narrowed it down to GS, Springs or CP. I'm not sure if any of my requests will be met but can't hurt to ask.

When we went in May, we had really bad rain a few days, but were told that was unusual for that time of year - and will have to defer to others. We tend to make dining ADRs at the earliest point (now at 180 days) to make sure we get what we want. However, we continually change plans and reservations, even after we have arrived. BTW, we do not book multi-reservations for the same meal on same day. If you are flexible with location and times, you can still make some late reservations.

I'm currently doing research on all the restaurants on WDW property, reading menus/reviews, taking lots of notes and deciding which restaurants stands out the most. Also trying to calculate if the DDP is worth it for us. DH can eat anything where I have a sensitive system. I would like to make reservations now but we are waiting to see what property will be at for our second week. I have an Ongoing Search with RCI now with four DVC properties so until we know where we'll be the second week I can't make any specific plans yet.

Also, the Turf Club at SSR is not a signature, but really good. I would put the Prime Rib at the Turf Club up against the filet at Le Cellier.

We were interested in trying the Turf Club since it's on property and I'm glad that you provided some input on it. I love prime rib!

If you can think of anything else I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you very much!

 

[I Book He Pays]

mamaprincess - I can not remember the number of the building in the Grandstand that is closest to the Carriage house. It may be 8800? That building is great for getting to anything near the Carriage house, such as the boat launch or the main pool etc. We walked through the Carriage House to get to the boat launch and it was really quick and easy, also we walked to the pool. All we had to do was walk right across the street. It's a great location and it's right by the Grandstand pool as well. We don't do buses, but there was a very convenient bus stop near by.

I'm looking at the SSR property map now and the section closest to the Carriage house is labeled 8501-8836. If we do end up at the Grandstand, that section would be first choice since it's close to the water taxi, pool, and Carriage House. Second choice would be 8101-8436. Closer to the bus but further away from everything else. We'll be relying on the bus/water taxi's for our transportation. If we end up at the Springs or CP then I have to figure out what sections would be best for DH/I.

If you can think of anything else please let me know. Thank you very much for responding.

 

[wdrl]

We were interested in trying the Turf Club since it's on property and I'm glad that you provided some input on it. I love prime rib!

My wife and I are big fans of the Turf Club and its one of the restaurants we always try to eat at when we visit WDW. The Turf Club has outdoor seating (perhaps the only resort table service restaurant that has it) and the weather in May might be ideal for eating outside. Be sure to check it out if you get the chance. Have a great trip!!!

 

[I Book He Pays]

My wife and I are big fans of the Turf Club and its one of the restaurants we always try to eat at when we visit WDW. The Turf Club has outdoor seating (perhaps the only resort table service restaurant that has it) and the weather in May might be ideal for eating outside. Be sure to check it out if you get the chance. Have a great trip!!!

Thank you for your feedback re: the Turf Club. I just viewed the menu and it looks great. If the outdoor seating area is open we'll definitely take advantage of it. DH/I are really looking forward to this vacation. Last time we were there was in 2003. Thanks again.

 

[AirGoofy]

AirGoofy:

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I'm currently doing research on all the restaurants on WDW property, reading menus/reviews, taking lots of notes and deciding which restaurants stands out the most. Also trying to calculate if the DDP is worth it for us. DH can eat anything where I have a sensitive system. I would like to make reservations now but we are waiting to see what property will be at for our second week. I have an Ongoing Search with RCI now with four DVC properties so until we know where we'll be the second week I can't make any specific plans yet.

We are all happy to give our 2 cents. As for the DP, there are many threads you can read. Some swear that it saves money and some say that it does not. We have done DP, Deluxe DP, and just OOP and really prefer the OOP. As DVC members, we have a % discount at some restaurants, but that is really not the main reason.

If you add up prices on DP vs non-DP, then DP always saves $. But, I found that I would not normally eat that much food at that specific time. And, I am a big eater. Thus, instead of eating that restaurant's desert right after the meal, I would prefer an ice cream cone 2 hours later. But, on the DP, you have to get the desert then. Also, there are some restaurants that I enjoy at WDW that are not on the DP. There are lots of opinions and calculations on the Restaurant DP board. Either way - your on vacation and having fun - so enjoy!

 

[franandaj]

We are all happy to give our 2 cents. As for the DP, there are many threads you can read. Some swear that it saves money and some say that it does not. We have done DP, Deluxe DP, and just OOP and really prefer the OOP. As DVC members, we have a % discount at some restaurants, but that is really not the main reason.

If you add up prices on DP vs non-DP, then DP always saves $. But, I found that I would not normally eat that much food at that specific time. And, I am a big eater. Thus, instead of eating that restaurant's desert right after the meal, I would prefer an ice cream cone 2 hours later. But, on the DP, you have to get the desert then. Also, there are some restaurants that I enjoy at WDW that are not on the DP. There are lots of opinions and calculations on the Restaurant DP board. Either way - your on vacation and having fun - so enjoy!

I will have to agree. I am not a big eater, we find that between two of us, we like to order an appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert and split them all. This works out to be the perfect amount of food. We are full but not stuffed and generally don't have leftovers piling up in the fridge. We also do not eat at that many CS restaurants to make the DP worth it. I would consider the deluxe, but only with the new system that you could have it for two days of your stay. I also prepare a fair amount of meals in the villa. I especially like making bacon and eggs on two mornings. Having a hot breakfast in the room really makes me feel like I'm on vacation because it means that I've had the leisure time to prepare it! We always eat at least one dinner in the room, next trip I have at least two planned.

 

[I Book He Pays]

AirGoofy:
I greatly appreciate all of your advice. I do thorough research before any vacation and since so much of this is new to us (staying on site/Saratoga, DDP, using ME/transportation) its a lot to absorb. DH/I are extremely excited and looking forward to our upcoming vacation. In the meantime... I'm researching and learning as much as possible.

I spent several hours on DIS yesterday reading about the DDP's, looking at menus, reading reviews, viewing photos, etc. and my head is spinning.

DH is a big eater and I'm the opposite. DH lost 60 pounds on NutriSystem this year so even though we'll be on vacation... he needs to proceed with caution. Trust me he loves food and loves to eat so working on a balance will be a challenge. Me... I'm the opposite along with having a sensitive system. Not sure what to do as far as the DDP is concerned. Did you try the wine/dine plan? The only thing that I'm disappointed in is that there aren't many restaurants participating in the DDP located at DTD. Since we'll be staying at SSR... it would be nice to have more dining options. I'm so lost at this point.

If you can provide me with any DDP tips that would be appreciated. You are more than welcome to send me a PM since DDPs would be off topic for this thread.

Thank you again!

 

[I Book He Pays]

franandaj:
Thanks for your response.

Like you, I'm not a big eater and not sure if the DDP would work for me. DH... yes, me... I don't know. I'm confused about the Deluxe that you can only have it for two days. Could you please explain.

As of now we are staying one week at SSR and hoping to be at SSR or another DVC resort for the second week. Due to having a full kitchen at SSR it's nice to have meals in. Breakfast will definitely be in our villa since I take forever to get done. By the time I check e-mail, get ready, call my mother, etc. it's at least two hours. And with my luck I will have lots of leftovers even with the standard DDP.

If you have any tips/ideas re: the DDP please PM me.

Thank you!

 

[mamaprincess]

One thing I like about the DDP while staying at SSR is that the best counter service is located in DTD. I really love Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express. Cookes of Dublin is also nice. For Table Service, there is Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Raglin Road which are both great as well as Captain Jack's (meh).

 

[tjhsr]

Thank you for your feedback re: the Turf Club. I just viewed the menu and it looks great. If the outdoor seating area is open we'll definitely take advantage of it. DH/I are really looking forward to this vacation. Last time we were there was in 2003. Thanks again.

We enjoyed some great prime rib while sitting out on the patio this past May. It was the best dinner of the trip.

 

[franandaj]

franandaj:
Thanks for your response.

Like you, I'm not a big eater and not sure if the DDP would work for me. DH... yes, me... I don't know. I'm confused about the Deluxe that you can only have it for two days. Could you please explain.

Thank you!

I don't remember from your original post if you are a member or are trading in from RCI or some other thing...DVC members can "split" their reservations into periods and only take the DP for certain periods of time. This is new with the "enhancements" to the system. But even with that consideration I probably would not do it. What does work for us is the TIW card. If you have an AP you can purchase a TIW card and it gives you 20% of most TS restaurants. As long as you spend $300 throughout your stay it will save you money. It also counts towards adult beverages.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . . What does work for us is the TIW card. If you have an AP you can purchase a TIW card and it gives you 20% of most TS restaurants. As long as you spend $300 throughout your stay it will save you money. It also counts towards adult beverages.

Adult beverages? Do the ones with an umbrella, a blinking light, and served in a hollow pineapple count as adult beverages?

That aside, we also find the TIW card a good deal over the DDP.

 

[KerTggr]

What does work for us is the TIW card. If you have an AP you can purchase a TIW card and it gives you 20% of most TS restaurants. As long as you spend $300 throughout your stay it will save you money. It also counts towards adult beverages.

Adult beverages? Do the ones with an umbrella, a blinking light, and served in a hollow pineapple count as adult beverages?

That aside, we also find the TIW card a good deal over the DDP.

I didn't know the TIW card counted towards adult beverages. That's awesome!

We will be getting the TIW card for our trip next year as this is the first time we'll have an AP holder in our midst. I know the AP holder has to pay the bill. Are there any other restrictions? How does the TIW card work - do you have to tell the server before ordering like the DDP?

Thanks - love all the insight this thread is giving me!!

 

[I Book He Pays]

One thing I like about the DDP while staying at SSR is that the best counter service is located in DTD. I really love Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express. Cookes of Dublin is also nice. For Table Service, there is Wolfgang Puck Café and Raglin Road which are both great as well as Captain Jack's (meh).

Thanks for the info. on the restaurants at DTD that's included with the DDP. Definitely a lot of places to choose from. I'll have to check out the menus and see what they serve.

 

[I Book He Pays]

We enjoyed some great prime rib while sitting out on the patio this past May. It was the best dinner of the trip.

I already convinced DH to have dinner at the Turf Club. I'm now craving prime rib. Thanks for the feedback!