SSR or WL?

[Don12]

Hi,
I'm new to DVC and have recently purchased at SSR and AKV. Our first trip is coming up from 3Jun-14Jun. As of now, we are staying in a studio at OKW from the 3-9 and SSR in a studio from 9-14. However, I just got called by MS and they said that my wait list came through for the 9-14 at Wilderness Lodge. I have until tomorrow afternoon to accept or decline it.

I have 2 sons (5&6) and wanted to know the pro's and con's for each resort. This is the last half of the big vacation (once again, we'll be at OKW for the first couple of days) and have heard that SSR is showing Disney movies at the main pool at night and thought that the kids might really enjoy that as well as the closeness to Downtown Disney. What does the Wilderness Lodge have to offer (never been there, for that matter, I've never stayed at SSR either) other than the proximity to Magic Kingdom? Which pools do you think the kids would like more? etc...

We all have annual premium passes, so we plan on hitting the 4 main parks as well as the water parks.

Once again, excited about our first trip and just wanted to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

 

[Granny]

As this is your first post, let me start off by saying welcome to the DIS Boards!

And as you are a new DVC owner, WELCOME HOME!!!


You will have a great time at either SSR or VWL, but I'd vote for SSR since it is your home resort and you should get to know your home resort and start "bonding" with it. At least, that's my thinking.

I think SSR's zero entry main pool is very nice. Both pools (VWL & SSR) have slides that will entertain your boys I'm sure.

SSR has a Community Hall....VWL does not.

There is no guarantee SSR will be showing poolside movies when you go. Disney has been known to do that for a little while at various resorts but never for a long time at one.

VWL has easy access to FW with the animals and other activities there that are great for kids that age.

Really...you can't go wrong here. Like I said, the tip of the scale is I think you might want to start to get to know one of your home resorts better and building some memories there.

 

[kahluacream]

I've never been to SSR, but visited VWL last spring with a 5-year old boy. The big pro to VWL with young kids is its proximity to MK. We found it very easy to get back to the resort for breaks, naps, etc.

The WL is close to Ft. Wilderness where there's lots for young kids to do. Your sons might enjoy the evening campfire sing-along with Chip and Dale and Disney movies they show there.

You can also view the Electric Water Pageant from the beach at the WL at night.

We also really loved taking the boat to the Contemporary to have dinner at Chef Mickey's as well as eating at the WL's family-style restaurant, WCC.

That being said, our next Disney trip will be to SSR b/c my son is now such a Lego fanatic that Downtown Disney has become the "must do"!!!

Good luck. I think you'll be happy with either one!

 

[loribell]

If the pools are your primary deciding factor then I would go with SSR. The feature pool at SSR has zero entry, a childs slide & bigger kid/adult slide & nice water feature area with a Donald fountain. There is also a new pool in the Grandstand section that has a water play area that looks terrific.

I have also heard that Community Hall at SSR is terrific.

VWL's feature pool is the shared pool the lodge. It does not have the zero entry area. My DD enjoyed the slide there when she was 3-4 but doesn't really like it now.

There are activities behind the pool bar for the kids to make crafts most days that are hosted by the life guards.

If being close to the MK is not a big factor for you then I say SSR. I think the kids will enjoy the pool much more there.

 

[jaysue]

Here is a thought - you will always be able to get into SSR since you own there and it is a big resort so there is almost always going to be rooms available. VWL is the polar opposite - smallest resort, can be the hardest to get into. Recommend you take advantage of the VWL opportunity and stay there then use your home resorts for your next trip.

Cheers
jaysue

 

[BroganMc]

Wilderness Lodge is really a beautiful resort. I especially love it in the springtime when the flowers in bloom. (Oddly, I didn't care so much for it at Christmastime when most everyone and their brother swear by it.)

As for what it offers, well it is a mountain retreat type of resort. There's a beach along the lake and a woodland sandy walking/biking path to Fort Wilderness. There's also a geyser that erupts every half hour. And the landscaping in the main courtyard is impressive. (A stream begins inside the hotel lobby and flows out and down a waterfall into the main pool.) There's also Whispering Canyon Cafe, one of the better and zanier restaurants. (I love the ireference of the waitresses there and the games for the kids look like a lot of fun. Horses races around the restaurant and other things. They also get the adults involved in activities... like singing to newlyweds and birthday folks.) And there's a "Hidden Mickey" scavenger hunt you can do (the Front Desk staff have a sheet with hints and you go on your own hunt.)

The Villas are in a building off to the side and have their own restaurant and quiet pool. There's also a 1st floor lounge called the Iron Spike to hang out. Views from the rooms are of the trees with a bit of the lake and possibly the Contemporary in the distance. Some rooms are known to have "dumpster views" though.

Oh and there's the night time Electrical Water Parade that comes through to entertain folks along the beach. It's a lighted float that plays animations in tune to a list of music. Cool in a kitschy way.

And of course, you have the ferry access to Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary. (Fort Wilderness has the Hoop Dee Doo Revue and a petting zoo, I believe.)

My only concerns for this resort center around the pool. Last I heard it was been renovated so it's not in use and the central courtyard isn't as pretty. I'm not sure when that's supposed to finish. Maybe someone here can update us.

Now SSR is a much bigger complex. You can basically fit VWL inside it's smallest section (the Carousel). It has 5 sections and 4 pools: 2 quiet and 2 themed. The main themed pool has a waterfall, waterslides and is also zero-entry. It sits in a central courtyard by the food court and Community Hall (where you can do craft projects, scavenger hunts, arcade games, and other activities). This is the pool they have taken to erecting a screen and showing nightly Disney movies (Toy Story, Finding Nemo, etc.). The movie thing is new, just since the last month or so.

There are waterplay areas in both the main pool and the new Grandstand pool. They seem to be big winners with the kids. And there are playgrounds like VWL has.

And of course, you have the walking path to DTD (about .35 miles to .5 miles depending which path you take). And there are ferries that run to DTD (Marketplace, West Side and I believe Pleasure Island) and OKW. Since you have Premium AP's, you might want to go to DisneyQuest in WestSide one day. I understand schoolage kids love it. Never been myself.

The main difference between SSR and VWL is size. VWL is very intimate nestled in the woods. SSR is spread out and has a lot of paved nature walks. SSR Lovers love going wildlife hunting for swans, eagles, bunnies and whatever else we can find. I'm going to hunt down a few salamanders when I go next month (3 weeks actually).

If only you weren't starting out at OKW I would say to definitely stay at SSR, but you're going to be in the area. It seems like more of the same to me. Ideally, I'd vote for starting at SSR and then moving to VWL (and saving your MK days for that part of the trip). Either way, if you're at OKW you can pop over to SSR and soak up the atmosphere. Both the daytime walking path and ferry take you to the center of the resort where the main pool is.

 

[loribell]

The main difference between SSR and VWL is size. VWL is very intimate nestled in the woods. SSR is spread out and has a lot of paved nature walks. SSR Lovers love going wildlife hunting for swans, eagles, bunnies and whatever else we can find. I'm going to hunt down a few salamanders when I go next month (3 weeks actually).

If only you weren't starting out at OKW I would say to definitely stay at SSR, but you're going to be in the area. It seems like more of the same to me. Ideally, I'd vote for starting at SSR and then moving to VWL (and saving your MK days for that part of the trip). Either way, if you're at OKW you can pop over to SSR and soak up the atmosphere. Both the daytime walking path and ferry take you to the center of the resort where the main pool is.

Don't forget to look for my otter friend while you are there too! He is just so cute!!!

And staying at SSR then VWL is a great idea!

 

[BroganMc]

Don't forget to look for my otter friend while you are there too! He is just so cute!!!

And staying at SSR then VWL is a great idea!

Oh I will, where did you last spot him? I'm half tempted to take one of those pocket wildlife books with me so I can identify all the critters. Just hope I don't encounter any snakes or gators. I'll be the one running and screaming like a little girlie girl.

It's the love of SSR that makes me put OKW on the bottom of my stay wish list (just above BCV). For me it is short trip elsewhere and then home to SSR.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Im not guaranteeing movies will be at the SSR pool, but I doubt they will suspend them anytime soon.
We will be there late June and we are looking forward to the poolside movies.

I have to agree with BroganMC that I would split between SSR and VWL.

We enjoyed our stay when our boys were small, and I have nothing negative to say about VWL, but we really have no desire to stay there again. I wouldnt turn it down if that is all that was available but for us, SSR and BCV are better choices.

 

[loribell]

Oh I will, where did you last spot him? I'm half tempted to take one of those pocket wildlife books with me so I can identify all the critters. Just hope I don't encounter any snakes or gators. I'll be the one running and screaming like a little girlie girl.

It's the love of SSR that makes me put OKW on the bottom of my stay wish list (just above BCV). For me it is short trip elsewhere and then home to SSR.

I think he was in the pond that is between the Carousel & the Paddocks. If not there then it is the next little small pond that is in front of the Paddocks. When my DD & I were walking to AP one morning we saw hime playing at the edge of the water. He had his head stuck in doing something and it took us a while to figure out what it was. It almost looked like a duck with his rear sticking up out of the water until he got all the way in and started swimming around. He was just to cute!

 

[vbarry]

I have taken young children to WDW several times and I would suggest VWL for this trip. The boat access from MK at night or any time is a great option with little onces...especially when they are very tired from a long day. Leaving MK at night can be a nightmare...but I have never had to wait that long for a boat over to WL! You can also take the boat over to the Contemporary and hop on the monorail. You have several restaurant choices on the monorail loop. You can watch Wishes from the Poly beach and the Electric Water Parade (not sure of exact name) does come right by Wilderness Lodge.

You will already be at OKW and this will give you easy access to DTD.

Give VWL a try....I bet you will love it! We are trying OKW this trip and cannot wait!

 

[Treacle44]

I should say SSR as is our home resort as well, BUT you're already staying at OKW which looks similar to SSR, so I'd say VWL as you are near to MK then and can get the monorail from there to Epcot as well.

BUT you'll have a wonderful time at either!

We're doing 10 days at VWl then 10 at SSr and are thrilled with that!

T
x

 

[ddoconnell]

Welcome Home!

I have stayed at both resorts and with kids that age I would recommend VWL. The ferry to MK is great...and if you time it right, you can see the firworks over the castle from the ferry. There is also the movies at FW (I think that they still do those) where you can sit around and make smores, sing camp songs and watch movies. But you wold have to check on that.

I hope that you have a great time wherever you choose to stay!

 

[jaysue]

The main pool at VWL/WL has reopened just recently

There is no separate restaurant at the VWL - in the WL, there is Whispering Canyon Cafe - for sure you have to go once, Artist's Point - a smart casual very nice dining restaurant and Roaring Forks for CS.

BroganMc did a fabulous job of summing and comparing the two

Let us know what your choice was

Cheers
jaysue

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

I love my SSR, but I think I might take the VWL. It is smaller, as far as # of Villas, and I don't know if you will normally travel at busier DVC times, but if you will, I would take it while I could get it just to try it out.

My DH would say "Dont do it" because last time we tried a different resort, I bought an add-on.

We may end up as VWL and OKW owners by next March.

 

[dvc-NE]

The poolside movies sound like fun, but I don't think that DTD should be a factor for your sons at their age. I would personally go for VWL and I don't even own there.

 

[starbox]

The poolside movies sound like fun, but I don't think that DTD should be a factor for your sons at their age. I would personally go for VWL and I don't even own there.

DTD rocks with kids that age - they Rainforest Cafe, the Lego Store, World of Disney with its entire Pirate room, 10$ and under Disney store, Goofy's Candy, and the supreme pin trading outpost - plus water play areas and spitting Stitch. AND, there's a McDonalds with a full menu.

There's also Disney Quest - which has been DS's favorite place since about age 6.

I think it would be nice to stay at your home resort - but I also think VWL is more different than OKW and would make for a better split stay. It seems sort of pointless to move from OKW to SSR, since they are both in the same area and have a condo-layout. Ideally, I'd suggest splitting between SSR and VWL - since you'd get to visit BOTH your home and get a taste of something completely different.

 

[dvc-NE]

DTD rocks with kids that age - they Rainforest Cafe, the Lego Store, World of Disney with its entire Pirate room, 10$ and under Disney store, Goofy's Candy, and the supreme pin trading outpost - plus water play areas and spitting Stitch. AND, there's a McDonalds with a full menu.

There's also Disney Quest - which has been DS's favorite place since about age 6.

My apologies, starbox, great points. My family just is not that DTD oriented, I guess. DS has stayed away from Disney Quest so far, amazingly.

 

[starbox]

My apologies, starbox, great points. My family just is not that DTD oriented, I guess. DS has stayed away from Disney Quest so far, amazingly.

We just love DTD because, when the kids were littles, we took quite a few very-tight-budget trips where we had to watch closely how many park admissions we burned, so we ended up using DTD quite a bit and got attached to it.

With a son, it may be wise to keep Disneyquest a secret for as long as possible . I think DH is still recovering from riding the virtual rollercoaster DS built last year.

 

[BroganMc]

DTD can be great for families. You all that starbox mentioned plus Ghiradelli's Ice Cream Shoppe and activities throughout. Last May PI had an outdoor Cinco de Mayo party that was very family friendly. People walking on stilts, others passing out beads, and free concerts doing line dances and whatnot. I had some great fun watching a pair of 6 year olds get called up on stage with the band to become dancing girls and lead the crowd in the Macarena.

Meanwhile, my family made DTD a meeting place for our first night. Turned out it was a Friday and pouring down at the time. But all six kids (8 and under) had a ball playing with the Lego's. We had to drag them away to dinner.