SSR Lovers and Owners Part 3

[E2ME2]

This is my favorite thing about SSR as well. For me, the hotel is a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks so I don't want to come home to a place that feels almost as crowded as the parks. SSR provides the most peaceful and serene setting for relaxing downtime. My second favorite thing is the close proximity of Disney Springs, which is great for when we want to do a resort-only day (or whole trip). This way, we still have lots of good options for dining as well as easy access other resorts via the bus loop.

I've also never been one to get hung up on the distance between my hotel and the parks. Granted, I've never stayed at a WDW hotel that was within walking distance of the parks, but we did stay one year at the Royal Pacific at Universal Studios and I ended up dreading the walk between the hotel and the parks! My feet were already tired by the time we got into the actual park, and don't even get me started on how the walk mysteriously doubles in length when you're headed home at the end of the day, haha!! So for me, I'd honestly rather have a hotel that involves having to take a bus because it means I get dropped off so much closer to the gates than if I had to walk from my hotel room door.

I agree with your sentiments about SSR - we have taken several trips without going into the parks, and being close to Disney Springs is a great central location for the reasons you listed. We're going to spend 19 nights in January (10 in SSR/9 just off property in an SPG resort), and are just looking forward to the Rest & relaxation.

 

[Tink10]

We too have fallen in love with Disney Springs to just hang out & listen to Mitch at Dockside Margaritas, grabbing appetizers at T-Rex & Rainforest (Love Landry Select) and our favorite restaurants are now off-property.

We actually really don't ever take busses anymore, so Uber & Lyft are our main methods of transportation around WDW, to/from the airport and dining off property.

All I can say is that SSR has really transformed the way we vacation.

(The only thing that could make it any better would be if Disney let DVC members purchase the Epcot After 4 pass)

 

[ksibrel]

This is my favorite thing about SSR as well. For me, the hotel is a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks so I don't want to come home to a place that feels almost as crowded as the parks. SSR provides the most peaceful and serene setting for relaxing downtime. My second favorite thing is the close proximity of Disney Springs, which is great for when we want to do a resort-only day (or whole trip). This way, we still have lots of good options for dining as well as easy access other resorts via the bus loop.

I've also never been one to get hung up on the distance between my hotel and the parks. Granted, I've never stayed at a WDW hotel that was within walking distance of the parks, but we did stay one year at the Royal Pacific at Universal Studios and I ended up dreading the walk between the hotel and the parks! My feet were already tired by the time we got into the actual park, and don't even get me started on how the walk mysteriously doubles in length when you're headed home at the end of the day, haha!! So for me, I'd honestly rather have a hotel that involves having to take a bus because it means I get dropped off so much closer to the gates than if I had to walk from my hotel room door.

I'm so happy to hear this. We are staying at SSR for the first time next month with my still-napping toddler. I wanted a hotel with a one bedroom suite so we can close her off while she naps and we can watch TV or whatever without waking her. Since we are somewhat budget-conscious, I figured the DVR resorts were out of the question and we booked at AoA. I knew it would be noisy but was hoping to be somewhere away from the main pool to try to mitigate noise. After the AP discounts came out, I looked into the DVR resorts again and found SSR wasn't that much more than AoA. It just looked so peaceful and serene, I didn't even question cancelling AoA and booking there instead. Reading your posts has just reinforced that I made the right call.

 

[arminnie]

I own contracts at BLT, SSR and just sold an OKW contract. I've stayed at many other DVC resorts back when it was fairly easy to book at a non home resort.

But my DH and I almost exclusively stay at SSR as it's our favorite. We splurged with 2 nights in a Poly Bungalow last year as I had points that were going to expire, and it was too late to rent them out. The bungalow was fantastic - but we were happy to move on over to an SSR 1 BR afterwards.

We drive to WDW and love the convenient parking by our room. As we have a van with a lift for my power chair we often drive to the parks. But as we tend to go and leave other than park opening and closing the buses are never a problem if we do use them. We like to go off property to eat sometimes so enjoy the easy access to exit Disney as compared to BLT.

By my very, very favorite reason for staying at SSR now is Disney Springs. I love the ease of hopping over there to have a nice meal, pick up good QS food, have a drink, enjoy the nighttime entertainment, and shop for souvenirs. We like to stay at Congress Park which is so close. My DH loves to walk around at night and just enjoy the serenity.

Our New Orleans home is a high rise condo without a square inch of grass - so we especially enjoy the open landscaping at SSR.

 

[drjackal31]

This is my favorite thing about SSR as well. For me, the hotel is a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks so I don't want to come home to a place that feels almost as crowded as the parks. SSR provides the most peaceful and serene setting for relaxing downtime. My second favorite thing is the close proximity of Disney Springs, which is great for when we want to do a resort-only day (or whole trip). This way, we still have lots of good options for dining as well as easy access other resorts via the bus loop.

I've also never been one to get hung up on the distance between my hotel and the parks. Granted, I've never stayed at a WDW hotel that was within walking distance of the parks, but we did stay one year at the Royal Pacific at Universal Studios and I ended up dreading the walk between the hotel and the parks! My feet were already tired by the time we got into the actual park, and don't even get me started on how the walk mysteriously doubles in length when you're headed home at the end of the day, haha!! So for me, I'd honestly rather have a hotel that involves having to take a bus because it means I get dropped off so much closer to the gates than if I had to walk from my hotel room door.

SSR owner here who has also stayed at Royal Pacific, we only walked the distance once. The boat that takes you back and forth to the parks is a godsend.

 

[mannym]

We are looking forward to our stay this coming March. This is our home resort and have never stayed. We are excited to check it out.

 

[SL6827]

Well I switched to SSR from OKW for our trip in June. Got three nights booked in a standard veiw studio, going to add one more night on either with renting extra points, or possibly a cash reservation. With two teens in my party they would rather be at SSR vs. OKW. With room request I put down first, close to a pool and second close to the Paddock. I know the renovations will start next year so we could end up in the Carousel, but I really hope not. I will need to rent an extra 12 points for a standard view for the fourth night, but 20 points for the preferred view. If for some reason we don't add on a fourth night, I might switch it up to a preferred studio reservation as long as I can see that the Springs section will not be under renovations then.

 

[Franrose]

Having just gotten home from a two week stay, I want to say, "shh! Stop saying it's that good!" - because it really is that good. Don't give away its secrets! It was truely the ideal location, we had a quiet spot with a tranquil view but we walked (both ways) and boated to DS often and it was always an easy trip. Busses to parks ran so incredibly well compared to other resorts we have stayed at. And in our actual building, in a two week stay we saw two other (guest) parties ever, despite it being pretty full at the time (the holiday period!). Daily housekeeping was thorough and unobtrusive. Besides the stress we had at check-in (which would be easily sorted with a bit of extra training and Disney going over their own systems), I think it is a winner. But I don't necessarily want too many people to know that lol, and nor do you guys probably, so shhhhhhhh

 

[Wakey]

 

[RobinEJ]

Hi! Going to visit Saratoga Springs the end of the month and want to watch one of the movies under the stars, trying to figure out where the Disney vacation club courtyard is where they show the movie? Does anyone have experience doing this… Do you need to bring a blanket or are there chairs? Any help would be appreciated thank you

 

[madchatter]

Hi

Circled in the photo. Probably no chairs.
This is near the main buildings.

 

[RobinEJ]

Thank you, this is super helpful!

 

[DizDaD7]

Hi! Going to visit Saratoga Springs the end of the month and want to watch one of the movies under the stars, trying to figure out where the Disney vacation club courtyard is where they show the movie? Does anyone have experience doing this… Do you need to bring a blanket or are there chairs? Any help would be appreciated thank you

From what I remember, the movies were inside of the main pool area, near the 1 HOT tub...

 

[Bev J]

We are staying in a Deluxe Studio in May I am wondering whats included in the kitchen? will I need to bring coffee filters and some paper dishware?
I am planning on using Prime Now for some groceries will we have to carry them all from Bell Services or will they deliver to our room? First time at Saratoga Springs so not sure what to expece, but can't wait to find out!

 

[DizDaD7]

We are staying in a Deluxe Studio in May I am wondering whats included in the kitchen? will I need to bring coffee filters and some paper dishware?
I am planning on using Prime Now for some groceries will we have to carry them all from Bell Services or will they deliver to our room? First time at Saratoga Springs so not sure what to expece, but can't wait to find out!

It'll have the basic stuff that you need. But remember it is a kitchenette, not a full kitchen...Has a microwave, sink, small fridge toaster and coffee maker (With Pods I believe) not kuerig kind. If you happen to run out then you can always ask for more..
Also Bell services will bring them up to the room for you.

Just curious, where did you request to be in?

 

[Bev J]

Thanks for the info, we just want to be able to have coffee and light breakfast in the room- I'm on vacation, not cooking
I requested Grandstand upper floor, we reserved a non prefered room. Celebrating our 45 anniversary, our usual resort is POP, so really looking forward to a more relaxing resort

 

[DizDaD7]

Thanks for the info, we just want to be able to have coffee and light breakfast in the room- I'm on vacation, not cooking
I requested Grandstand upper floor, we reserved a non prefered room. Celebrating our 45 anniversary, our usual resort is POP, so really looking forward to a more relaxing resort

Grandstand is a very good section...Stayed there twice....But Might I suggest To add to your request, Close to Carriage House. That first bldg. is real close to all the amenities...Our view and floor was not that important to us. Plus you'll be near the quiet pool if you get that 1st bldg...It's also nice to have Grandstand as the 1st drop off after coming back from the parks....
Generally, we would walk to Artist Pallette to grab some goodies & then just hop onto the bus at the Springs section, and then off to the parks...

Heres a map of it ...I was suggesting 8501-8836 bldg..

https://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/saratoga.jpg

 

[arminnie]

Thanks for the info, we just want to be able to have coffee and light breakfast in the room- I'm on vacation, not cooking
I requested Grandstand upper floor, we reserved a non prefered room. Celebrating our 45 anniversary, our usual resort is POP, so really looking forward to a more relaxing resort

Congratulation on your anniversary! Many of my friends are celebrating 45 and 50 years of marriage. I married very late in life so my marriage is much shorter - but I love this time of our lives. My DH and I really enjoy our time at SSR. I also enjoyed POP too in the past before DVC, but SSR is just so peaceful.

 

[SL6827]

The close to Carriage House room request was not one I selected because I have a standard view. I figured that would mean if you had booked preferred view and wanted the Springs section. Am I wrong here?
I chose close to a pool and then close to the Paddock.

 

[SwanVT2]

How long (on average) is the bus ride from SSR to MK...to Epcot? I just read it can take up to 45 minutes because this resort is farthest from the parks. Thank you!