SSR or POR? UPDATE QUESTION

[MontanaMouse]

We are planning our first trip to WDW as DVC members. We had hoped to stay at our home resort (VWL), but it is all full. We're on the waitlist, but want a back up plan. In the past we have always stayed at POR and have enjoyed it. We are comfortable with it because we know what to expect. However, we have the urge to try a DVC property to see what it is that we are now a part of. SSR is the only property with availability at this time. We have heard such mixed reviews on SSR that we would like to hear what you all think. For those of you that have stayed at both, should we stick with POR, which we know, or go to SSR and try out DVC?

Thanks for your input!

THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR REPLIES. OVERWHELMINGLY YOU ARE SUGGESTING SSR! OUR CONCERN IS THE SIZE OF THE PROPERTY. ANYONE KNOW HOW IT COMPARES TO POR? OR BETTER YET, WHERE SHOULD WE "REQUEST" TO BE TO LIMIT TRAVEL TO THE MAIN BUILDING AND A BUS STOP? WE HAVE A LITTLE ONE AND WON'T HAVE A CAR, SO WE WOULD WANT TO LIMIT OUR TRIP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. (WE KNOW IT IS ONLY A REQUEST.)

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I'd suggest trying SSR and use your points. That's what you bought them for so give it a try. You will read something negative on here about every DVC resort from time to time. See what SSR is like for yourself and save the cash you would have spent at POR (I'm assuming you didn't mean to sepnd points there).

HBC

 

[sajetto]

I would definitely do SSR without a doubt

 

[Sammie]

Definitely SSR and here is why:

1. The staff
2. the outside decor of the buildings, I love the colors.
3. the grounds. I like wide open spaces with places to fish.
4. the pools, the quiet pools are some of the best at Disney and I really like the main pool with Zero entry.
5. Artist's Pallette, we are not burgers and chicken tenders people, so we liked what they offer.
6. park near your building. I am not a fan of long hallways and even further removed parking lots
7. Outdoor exits and hallways. I love the fresh air.
8. Individual buildings, not a fan of hotel resorts when staying in a condo/villa.
9. Turf Club, like the decor and atmosphere.
10. the interior decor of the villas, very upscale, like the counter tops, the desk in the master bedroom, the colors.
11. The children's area at check in, love the Disney horses.
12. The sitting area between the main lobby and Artist's Pallette, a nice area to wait for friends or read a book.
13. The light fixtures in Artist's pallette, truly outstanding.
14. the art worked in the lobby from Saratoga artists.
15. the Downtown Disney location, restaurants and shops.
16. easy access to other parts of Orlando
17. bus stops close to the buildings. We did not find any of them to be a long walk from any building.
18. carriage rides
19. peace and quiet, the quietest rooms we have stayed at in a DVC building.
20. wonderful comfy beds, comparable to the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian.
21. great views at night of Downtown Disney, this is a fun resort to jog
22. the lifeguards were great, playing games etc. with the kids
23. the Spa, oh my this is a wonderful treat and within walking distance
24. the new sofa beds
25. the gift shop, we felt they had a nice selection
26. bottled Saratoga natural spring water

 

[La2kw]

We are planning our first trip to WDW as DVC members. We had hoped to stay at our home resort (VWL), but it is all full. We're on the waitlist, but want a back up plan. In the past we have always stayed at POR and have enjoyed it. We are comfortable with it because we know what to expect. However, we have the urge to try a DVC property to see what it is that we are now a part of. SSR is the only property with availability at this time. We have heard such mixed reviews on SSR that we would like to hear what you all think. For those of you that have stayed at both, should we stick with POR, which we know, or go to SSR and try out DVC?

Thanks for your input!

Take a deluxe resort over a moderate every time. SSR is much nicer than POR (and we are POR fans!). SSR is a great resort, regardless of what the SSR-haters say.

 

[La2kw]

Definitely SSR and here is why:

1. The staff
2. the outside decor of the buildings, I love the colors.
3. the grounds. I like wide open spaces with places to fish.
4. the pools, the quiet pools are some of the best at Disney and I really like the main pool with Zero entry.
5. Artist's Pallette, we are not burgers and chicken tenders people, so we liked what they offer.
6. park near your building. I am not a fan of long hallways and even further removed parking lots
7. Outdoor exits and hallways. I love the fresh air.
8. Individual buildings, not a fan of hotel resorts when staying in a condo/villa.
9. Turf Club, like the decor and atmosphere.
10. the interior decor of the villas, very upscale, like the counter tops, the desk in the master bedroom, the colors.
11. The children's area at check in, love the Disney horses.
12. The sitting area between the main lobby and Artist's Pallette, a nice area to wait for friends or read a book.
13. The light fixtures in Artist's pallette, truly outstanding.
14. the art worked in the lobby from Saratoga artists.
15. the Downtown Disney location, restaurants and shops.
16. easy access to other parts of Orlando
17. bus stops close to the buildings. We did not find any of them to be a long walk from any building.
18. carriage rides
19. peace and quiet, the quietest rooms we have stayed at in a DVC building.
20. wonderful comfy beds, comparable to the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian.
21. great views at night of Downtown Disney, this is a fun resort to jog
22. the lifeguards were great, playing games etc. with the kids
23. the Spa, oh my this is a wonderful treat and within walking distance
24. the new sofa beds
25. the gift shop, we felt they had a nice selection
26. bottled Saratoga natural spring water

Great list. I would have to add the golf course and the great cm's at Community Hall.

 

[rparmfamily]

No brainer. SSR. You'll be spoiled by deluxe!

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

SSR, the best use of DVC points is at the DVC resorts and you bought the points so you might as well use them. All of the DVC resorts are great in their own way.

I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[tomandrobin]

Stay at SSR, better use of your DVC membership.

 

[MdmMim]

SSR, definitely! You'll be getting so much more than at POR!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I think it's all been said here---If I were you and had this choice, I'd go with a deluxe and book SSR.
BTW, may I ask what dates you're planning on staying since you mentioned all resorts were booked except SSR ?

 

[TinkGirl]

No question--SSR! We love POR and would have happily continued to stay there if we had not joined DVC. We took our first trip as DVC members in Jan. and won't look back! SSR is a beautiful, peaceful resort. The accommodations are so much nicer than just the hotel room POR is. We stayed in a one bedroom and got very spoiled by the kitchen, spa tub, lots of extra space, and the washer and dryer. The kids loved the pool/water slide every bit as the one in POR. The whole resort is very quiet--a nice change from the bustle of Riverside. If you were going to use points at POR it doesn't seem like you'd get your money's worth compared to using it at a DVC resort.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

Curious about this myself...

 

[dianeschlicht]

We just stayed a night at PORS before our OKW ressie earlier this month, and I agree...it's a no brainer! I'd take the deluxe SSR and a queen sized bed over the small rooms and bathrooms and double size beds at PORS any time! You'll love it, and it will be more point cost effective!

 

[Disney Doll]

SSR. Even if you stay in a studio, you'll have a little kitchenette with a fridge, microwave etc. It's a deluxe, and despite what boat3 and Daitcher say, it really is a lovely resort.

 

[cobbler]

Oh yeah, SSR all the way. I like POR and FQ too, but I would go SSR over either of those!

 

[drakethib]

I am a DVC member but I have stayed at POR on several occasions. It will always be one of our favorite resorts as that is where we stayed during our honeymoon.

With that being said, I think you will get more bang for you buck at SSR.

Just because someone else doesn't like SSR, that doesn't mean that you won't love it.

It is Disney, how bad can it be?

 

[cobbler]

THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR REPLIES. OVERWHELMINGLY YOU ARE SUGGESTING SSR! OUR CONCERN IS THE SIZE OF THE PROPERTY. ANYONE KNOW HOW IT COMPARES TO POR? OR BETTER YET, WHERE SHOULD WE "REQUEST" TO BE TO LIMIT TRAVEL TO THE MAIN BUILDING AND A BUS STOP? WE HAVE A LITTLE ONE AND WON'T HAVE A CAR, SO WE WOULD WANT TO LIMIT OUR TRIP AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. (WE KNOW IT IS ONLY A REQUEST.)

I would guess SSR is pretty darn close in size of Riverside. They have bus stops frequently through out the resort. Last time we visited there were 4, not sure if they have added any since.

The main area is pretty centrally located. Springs is the section where the main pool/food court is. The Paddock is above it (if looking at the map) and there is a nice foot bridge to go across to make more direct access. Congress Park is to the right. The area to the left I don't believe is even done yet.

Just remember whatever you request its just that - a request and not guaranteed.

You should be fine. The blgs are closer than they seem.

 

[dvc_john]

I can't believe that this thread hasn't been hijacked into a SSR bashing thread by now. How did they ever miss it?!!!

Another vote here for SSR over POR.

 

[Jen D]

I have to say that is rather depressing to me that the over-the-top, hysterical SSR bashing had such an influence on the resort's reputation that it has gotten to the point that a DVC member thinks a moderate might be a better choice. Nothing against POR, but sheesh.

OP, SSR is a beautiful, world-class resort, and despite what might have heard, very similar to all the other onsite DVCs. You'll have a great trip, enjoy.

I agree that the size of the resort is probably comparable to Riverside. Do a little homework and request the area that appeals to you... Congress Park is great for views, and proximity to DD, the Springs is close to the main buildings.