SSR Lovers and Owners Part 3

[LorrieAnn5]

Thank you but I actually meant at the Magic Kingdom where does the SSR bus drop off and pick up. I wondered if it was one of the closer rows or further away ones.

SSR pucks up on bus loop A at MK. That is the closer of the 2 loops. In my recollection of August 2015 it was towards the end of that loop, but even so, being at the end it was far closer than the B loop. Just be aware that you may not get dropped off in the same place where you will be picked up.

 

[Nanajo1]

Hi we own at Ssr and have stayed many times, we love the peaceful relaxing feeling of the resort. However since our last visit there (2011) I've developed health problems including inflammatory arthritis . I was wondering if anyone could help answer some questions-
1 we will be booking a studio ( preferred ) for our 2017 visit from what I remember the shower is above the bath - do all bathrooms have grab rails as I find climbing into a tub difficult
2 or alternatively is there any disabled studios available that have walk in showers?
3 we won't have a car so rely on wdw transportation - in the past we've always requested springs section could grandstand also be an option ( thinking it's near boat docks)

If any one has any advice or photos of disabled studio ( if they exist) ) I would really appreciate any help.

When you book tell MS you need a handicapp accessible studio.

 

[Nanajo1]

When you book tell MS you need a handicapp accessible studio.

You should be connected to special services to determine what your needs are. Is a tub with grab bars enough or do you need a roll in shower. Ask for a shower chair if you need one. Have a great trip.

 

[EasternShoreGal]

Call Member Services and add "high floor" as your first request. Ask again when you check in. You'll be able to tell if you got your request by the 2nd digit of the 4-digit room number. If it's a 1 or a 5, you're on the ground floor. 2,3,4,6,7,8 are higher floors. (Buildings at SSR are numbered in pairs. The 1st digit identifies which pair of buildings, the 2nd digit indicates the floor (1-4 for the first building and 5-8 for the second), and the 3rd & 4th digit identify the specific room on that floor.)

Thanks for the info on the room number particularly. I always request high floor and I actually do it using the member services contact form to email them. I find that way nothing gets lost in translation. There have only been a few times when my request wasn't met for at least a room off the ground floor and both times it was when we arrived late. My suspicion is that others arriving earlier don't like their assigned ground floor rooms and have it switched when they arrive, leaving those who haven't arrived yet with what's left-which was a handicapped room one time and we were left with putting our toiletries on the floor as there was no vanity, just a sink in the bathroom. I know we have certainly been on the other end of that and had a ground floor room switched to a higher floor upon arrival. Since I know we will be arriving late I am trying to minimize the chances of that happening. are we better using the online checkin?

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Thank you but I actually meant at the Magic Kingdom where does the SSR bus drop off and pick up. I wondered if it was one of the closer rows or further away ones.

SSR pucks up on bus loop A at MK. That is the closer of the 2 loops. In my recollection of August 2015 it was towards the end of that loop, but even so, being at the end it was far closer than the B loop. Just be aware that you may not get dropped off in the same place where you will be picked up.

Oh, I see. Sorry.

The bus stop assignments at the parks change from time to time, but my recollection is the same as Lorrie Ann's. When we were there at Christmas, the bus stop for SSR was on the row closest to the path to the Contemporary, but either the last or next-to-last one from the end.

This only applies to when you're heading back to the resort, though. When you're arriving at the Magic Kingdom, they can drop you off at virtually any spot in the bus depot. The buses don't run a set route, so the bus coming from SSR probably won't be heading back to SSR when it leaves the Magic Kingdom. The dispatcher gives the driver an assignment when he arrives for the resort that needs the next bus. So the stop you arrive at usually isn't the same stop you'll go to later that night to get home.

 

[ArielSRL]

Oh, I see. Sorry.

The bus stop assignments at the parks change from time to time, but my recollection is the same as Lorrie Ann's. When we were there at Christmas, the bus stop for SSR was on the row closest to the path to the Contemporary, but either the last or next-to-last one from the end.

This only applies to when you're heading back to the resort, though. When you're arriving at the Magic Kingdom, they can drop you off at virtually any spot in the bus depot. The buses don't run a set route, so the bus coming from SSR probably won't be heading back to SSR when it leaves the Magic Kingdom. The dispatcher gives the driver an assignment when he arrives for the resort that needs the next bus. So the stop you arrive at usually isn't the same stop you'll go to later that night to get home.

Good to know! Thank you!

 

[MrsJobba1]

You should be connected to special services to determine what your needs are. Is a tub with grab bars enough or do you need a roll in shower. Ask for a shower chair if you need one. Have a great trip.

Thank you for the information. Does anyone know how many handicapped studios there are at SSR? What about location is springs the best do you think?

 

[jaysmom4285]

I am hoping this hasn't been answered a million times, I read much of the thread and much of the links and information. But there is just so much on this thread, I'm trying to take it all in for our first stay.

My question is this: is there any "firework view" section of SSR, or is it not positioned right?

Looking forward to our first DVC (renting points) stay in January!

We were in room 8830 in the Grandstand section (fourth floor, facing the parking lot). From our balcony, we could see the higher fireworks from Illuminations to the left and most of Wishes to the right.

 

[js]

There's only a limited amount of the world you can reach by boat from SSR. The blue flag boats run between the SSR Carriage House, Tree House Villas, and the Disney Springs West Side dock. At Disney Springs, you can catch a red-flagged boat, which Disney calls the "Water Taxi." These boats make a circle of the three docks at Disney Springs: the Marketplace, The Landing, and the West Side. You can also connect to separate boats that service the Old Key West (Green Flag boats) or Port Orleans resorts (Yellow Flag boats). The Old Key West and SSR boats load at the Disney Springs West Side dock. Port Orleans loads at the Marketplace.

The waterways around Disney Springs do not connect to those at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios. It's not possible to catch a boat from SSR or Disney Springs to those destinations.

Hi. I just booked Treehouse Villas for December 26-January 1. SOO excited!
We will have a car but I have been over Easter and Christmas so know traffic is a horror. Would you still suggest taking the bus?
I have never stayed in the Treehouses. I'm guessing they are very remote since I have never seen them LOL
Is it correct that you say there is a boat from Treehouses to DTD?
Would the bus stop in the Treehouses always be very full since it would be a last stop? Would you suggest we walk to another stop?
We are a family of 5 but older children/twenties and 18.

Birdsofprey, what did you do on NYE?
I'm looking for suggestions from those that stayed over Disney during NYE at SSR or at DTD? My 18 year old won't be able to get into the bars so we will need to out outside in
DTD or at SSR. What have you done during NYE?

Is there a treehouse I would want to request over another? Is there a dedicated Treehouse thread?

Thanks so much!

 

[LorrieAnn5]

Hi. I just booked Treehouse Villas for December 26-January 1. SOO excited!
We will have a car but I have been over Easter and Christmas so know traffic is a horror. Would you still suggest taking the bus?
I have never stayed in the Treehouses. I'm guessing they are very remote since I have never seen them LOL
Is it correct that you say there is a boat from Treehouses to DTD?
Would the bus stop in the Treehouses always be very full since it would be a last stop? Would you suggest we walk to another stop?
We are a family of 5 but older children/twenties and 18.

Birdsofprey, what did you do on NYE?
I'm looking for suggestions from those that stayed over Disney during NYE at SSR or at DTD? My 18 year old won't be able to get into the bars so we will need to out outside in
DTD or at SSR. What have you done during NYE?

Is there a treehouse I would want to request over another? Is there a dedicated Treehouse thread?

Thanks so much!

Look at the maps on page 1 of this thread. They will help you understand the bus stops and layout of where the Tree houses are.
You might want to consider driving from Tree Houses to a bus stop to get to the parks. The bus stop at Tree Houses will only bring you to the Springs bus stop (main resort pool, Artist's Palette and front desk). You can transfer there to get on the park buses. When you get on a park bus at The Springs you will go directly to the park. When you come home from the park you will go to 4 other bus stops before you get to the Springs. Then you will have to get on the Tree House bus to get back over there.

 

[js]

Look at the maps on page 1 of this thread. They will help you understand the bus stops and layout of where the Tree houses are.
You might want to consider driving from Tree Houses to a bus stop to get to the parks. The bus stop at Tree Houses will only bring you to the Springs bus stop (main resort pool, Artist's Palette and front desk). You can transfer there to get on the park buses. When you get on a park bus at The Springs you will go directly to the park. When you come home from the park you will go to 4 other bus stops before you get to the Springs. Then you will have to get on the Tree House bus to get back over there.

Thanks so much! The THVs are a little more complicated than I thought but I guess its better than a two bedroom. I really dont want to have to be driving to bus stops gggrrrr. The youngest in our group is 18 and we are all healthy so hopefully we will be okay with the walking.

 

[DVC4US]

Hi. I just booked Treehouse Villas for December 26-January 1. SOO excited!
We will have a car but I have been over Easter and Christmas so know traffic is a horror. Would you still suggest taking the bus?
I have never stayed in the Treehouses. I'm guessing they are very remote since I have never seen them LOL
Is it correct that you say there is a boat from Treehouses to DTD?
Would the bus stop in the Treehouses always be very full since it would be a last stop? Would you suggest we walk to another stop?
We are a family of 5 but older children/twenties and 18.

Birdsofprey, what did you do on NYE?
I'm looking for suggestions from those that stayed over Disney during NYE at SSR or at DTD? My 18 year old won't be able to get into the bars so we will need to out outside in
DTD or at SSR. What have you done during NYE?

Is there a treehouse I would want to request over another? Is there a dedicated Treehouse thread?

Thanks so much!

We stayed in the THV last July. I think we were in unit 7043 or 7048 and we walked up to the Carriage House and to DS several times. It is a bit of a walk but definitely doable.

We have been at Disney several times over NYE with a teenager. We usually like to go to Epcot - it's a great place for the adults to drink and they have DJs at different locations around World Showcase. My then 18yo daughter loved the DJ in Italy the last time we were there. Plus the NYE fireworks are awesome! HS usually has a DJ with a great dance party too, but not sure of their fireworks.

As far as I know, DS doesn't usually have anything special for NYE anymore but there could be a couple of bands or DJs there too. Also, I don't think any of the bars are 21 and over just to get in. She wouldn't be able to drink but she could be there with you guys.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

You should be connected to special services to determine what your needs are. Is a tub with grab bars enough or do you need a roll in shower. Ask for a shower chair if you need one. Have a great trip.

Booking accessible rooms is now available online or handled by MS. No need for special services.

 

[iheartdisney44]

I'm gonna start this by saying that I am super annoyed with the "preferred" vs "standard" designation for SSR! Of course this is because I usually request Congress Park! We love staying at SSR for the sole reason of walking to DS. Having said that, our next trip is January 2017 and with 3 2BR's booked, I couldn't afford the extra points to do Preferred. I am looking to you SSR experts to help me decide what my 2nd best should be! Should I try for south Paddock? I've been reading that people really like the Grandstand and I'd like to understand why! I know there is a path from the Grandstand but I'm not sure where that is and it seems like a loooong walk. Any help is appreciated!

 

[jaysmom4285]

I"m not a DVC owner, but we're stayed at SSR a few times. We prefer the Grandstand building that's closest to the Carriage House and also right beside a pool. It's a very short walk down to the boat dock - there's a path behind the Carriage House that goes by the golf clubhouse. You can see on a map of SSR how close the boat dock is. The boats come along every 15-20 minutes, and it's a nice ride across the water to Disney Springs. Another advantage to the Grandstand is that it's the first bus pickup point, so you're practically guaranteed a seat on a busy morning. And it's the first drop off point upon your return from the parks.

 

[ArielSRL]

Can someone tell me where the elevators are located? It kind of looks like there are two walkways up to the backs of the buildings...one on left and one on right (unless there is also a center one I am missing). Are the elevators in the middle, closer to left walkway, or closer to right walkway from the back of the buildings? TIA

ETA Never mind! I found it on the first page!

 

[js]

We stayed in the THV last July. I think we were in unit 7043 or 7048 and we walked up to the Carriage House and to DS several times. It is a bit of a walk but definitely doable.

We have been at Disney several times over NYE with a teenager. We usually like to go to Epcot - it's a great place for the adults to drink and they have DJs at different locations around World Showcase. My then 18yo daughter loved the DJ in Italy the last time we were there. Plus the NYE fireworks are awesome! HS usually has a DJ with a great dance party too, but not sure of their fireworks.

As far as I know, DS doesn't usually have anything special for NYE anymore but there could be a couple of bands or DJs there too. Also, I don't think any of the bars are 21 and over just to get in. She wouldn't be able to drink but she could be there with you guys.

Thank you very much for this information! I will talk to my dh this weekend. I like the information you gave me about Epcot for NYE. It sounds like a great place
to spend NYE. Did you have to go early in the morning and stay all day/night? Did it close for capacity?
Thank you.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Can someone tell me where the elevators are located? It kind of looks like there are two walkways up to the backs of the buildings...one on left and one on right (unless there is also a center one I am missing). Are the elevators in the middle, closer to left walkway, or closer to right walkway from the back of the buildings? TIA

ETA Never mind! I found it on the first page!

The elevators are in the center of the buildings, directly under the signs that read (The Springs, The Paddock, etc.) If you look at the building maps in FAQ 7b, post #2 of this thread, you'll see the two purple boxes that represent the elevators. If you look at photos of the buildings, you notice each has a tower or turret in the middle that sticks up higher than the rest of the roof. There are several different designs. These are actually the elevator shafts.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I'm gonna start this by saying that I am super annoyed with the "preferred" vs "standard" designation for SSR! Of course this is because I usually request Congress Park! We love staying at SSR for the sole reason of walking to DS. Having said that, our next trip is January 2017 and with 3 2BR's booked, I couldn't afford the extra points to do Preferred. I am looking to you SSR experts to help me decide what my 2nd best should be! Should I try for south Paddock? I've been reading that people really like the Grandstand and I'd like to understand why! I know there is a path from the Grandstand but I'm not sure where that is and it seems like a loooong walk. Any help is appreciated!

You're not the only one who's disappointed in the way this was implemented. I expect we'll see additional changes in 2018 once they've listened to a year of complaining.

As you mention, your two closest "standard" alternatives to Congress Park for Disney Springs access will be the Southern buildings in the Paddock or the buildings closest to the Carriage House in the Grandstand.

There's a crosswalk that leads from the Southern-most building in the Paddock to the Congress Park bus stop. (In fact, that's the bus stop we used when staying in that building.) From there, it isn't too much farther to Disney Springs than some of the Congress Park buildings.

From the Grandstand, you can walk to either the boat or the golf course cart path that crosses the water behind the Carriage House. During daylight hours, this path will lead you to the Disney Springs parking lot near Cirque du Soleil. After dark, though, there are parts of this path that aren't lighted. You'd want to rely on transportation instead of walking at night. While this isn't officially a walking path, I've never heard a report of someone being stopped from using it. Check back a page or two in this thread, I posted a Google Earth photo of the two walking paths and their distances.

 

[ArielSRL]

The elevators are in the center of the buildings, directly under the signs that read (The Springs, The Paddock, etc.) If you look at the building maps in FAQ 7b, post #2 of this thread, you'll see the two purple boxes that represent the elevators. If you look at photos of the buildings, you notice each has a tower or turret in the middle that sticks up higher than the rest of the room. There are several different designs. These are actually the elevator shafts.

Yes, thank you! I found it after I posted that question, so I edited the post to say that I found it. Sorry if you didn't see that. But that is interesting to know about the "turrets". I always wonder about that kind of stuff/design.