My family (me, DW, DS4, DD4) just got back from a week (10/25 to 11/1) at SSR and had a wonderful time.
I am not a DVC member but got it via an II exchange. I wanted to post a quick review of the resort and DVC from an "outsider". I think we really lucked out by getting an exchange into any Disney property.
Initial impressions: SSR is a great and beautiful resort as I'd expect from Disney. I've stayed at the Boardwalk (hotel) and Wilderness villas. SSR is much more spread out, which I knew that going in but the magnitude that it is spread out still surprised me.
We lucked into a room in the Grandstand overlooking the pool (more on the luck part later). The location was great, just steps to the pool or the bus stop or the parking lot. From a totally selfish perspective, the only thing missing from the Grandstand area would be a playground for the kids to play on, but that is just being picky.
We had a 1 bedroom which was almost identical to the Wilderness villa we stay in last year. The room was spotless and very well setup. Does Disney also own a door company? there are alot of them. I have to say the extra door to the toilet that the Wilderness does not have is nice. The kitchen has everything you need for simple meals in the room and is setup quite nicely. Having a washer/dryer in the room is great for a week stay.
The Disney buses were great. This was my one concern, I had been reading about some issues. I don't think we ever waited longer than 10 minutes for a bus.
It is really cool that the Grandstand has a horseshoe pit right next to the bus stop. It is a great diversion for the kids as opposed to waiting for the bus, except the couple of times the bus came too quick and they wanted to play longer (go figure).
SSR does seem far from the parks, especially noticable was the transit time to the MK where we spent most of our time. It was far enough out that we wouldn't leave the park to rest and then go back. With smaller children that go to bed pretty early, you just waste too much time in transit.
I've always experienced the longer transmit time to the AK so that didn't bother me but the time to the MK was more than I thought it would be.
The buses were never crowded. I think there was only 1 occassion where I or anyone had to stand.
We did rent a car and were glad we did. We used it primarily to get to other resorts or offsite to grab something to eat. Having the car certainly opened up the possiblities for other dining options. We normally came back from the parks, rested for about an hour then got in the car for dinner. We definately wouldn't try to go to another resort without a car.
One morning DW slept in and I took the kids to breakfast, one benefit of the SSR location is the poximity to get off-site. We found a Denny's about 5 mintues away (thankyou TomTom) which had less than 5 occupied tables. There is alot to be said for the quick access to the less crowded restauants off property. Yes, I know I am contradicting my statements above about closeness to the parks but there are tradeoffs and sometimes the negatives turn into positives.
Another positive of the buildings being spread out is the fact that the parking lots are very close to the buildings. It makes "running out" so much easier. With there being so much open space having multiple lots does not hinder the appearance at all, in my opinion.
Overall, the SSR was a great place and a great exchange for us. Based on its location within the park, it wouldn't be our first choice again though. If we were back in our child-less days, I bet my opinion would be different.
A few comments/observations about DVC....
When I made the reservation, I requested the Grandstand based on the information that I had read here. Since we were doing an exchange in, I figured that I'd be the lowest priority to get my request but why not ask. When I checked in they did not 'show' the request and I was in the Carousel. Again, not expecting anything to happen, I said that I had requested the Grandstand and if there was anything available. I was told that they were booked but after the CM talked to her manager we were moved. I want to stress that I did not push her to talk to her manager nor was I causing a stink, I just tried to be polite and ask because it couldn't hurt. Needless to say I was very happy and very appreciative.
It does get me to wonder what the pecking order is for getting requests.
In my previous stay at the villas of Wilderness Lodge, we had what would be considered a good room as well. In that instance we were paying cash.
Maybe we are just lucky, but it almost seems like DVC gives priority to non-DVC members to lure them to buy in.
During our stay, I was surprised that DVC did not call us to try and get us to take a tour of properties and sales presentation. I realize there are DVC information booths everywhere, but we seemed like prime targets for a phone call at a minimum. I've stayed at other timeshares where a recorded message calls everyday to tell you of an upcoming presentation. Don't get me wrong, I find it refreshing that there is no pressure.
I should also say that I've looked into DVC in the past and it just isn't for me. I love Disney but I really don't think I'd go more than once everyother year.
I totally understand those SSR lovers and owners out there. You have a great resort.
Hopefully in a couple of years, I'll be lucky again and get another exchange.
Jeff.
I am not a DVC member but got it via an II exchange. I wanted to post a quick review of the resort and DVC from an "outsider". I think we really lucked out by getting an exchange into any Disney property.
Initial impressions: SSR is a great and beautiful resort as I'd expect from Disney. I've stayed at the Boardwalk (hotel) and Wilderness villas. SSR is much more spread out, which I knew that going in but the magnitude that it is spread out still surprised me.
We lucked into a room in the Grandstand overlooking the pool (more on the luck part later). The location was great, just steps to the pool or the bus stop or the parking lot. From a totally selfish perspective, the only thing missing from the Grandstand area would be a playground for the kids to play on, but that is just being picky.
We had a 1 bedroom which was almost identical to the Wilderness villa we stay in last year. The room was spotless and very well setup. Does Disney also own a door company? there are alot of them. I have to say the extra door to the toilet that the Wilderness does not have is nice. The kitchen has everything you need for simple meals in the room and is setup quite nicely. Having a washer/dryer in the room is great for a week stay.
The Disney buses were great. This was my one concern, I had been reading about some issues. I don't think we ever waited longer than 10 minutes for a bus.
It is really cool that the Grandstand has a horseshoe pit right next to the bus stop. It is a great diversion for the kids as opposed to waiting for the bus, except the couple of times the bus came too quick and they wanted to play longer (go figure).
SSR does seem far from the parks, especially noticable was the transit time to the MK where we spent most of our time. It was far enough out that we wouldn't leave the park to rest and then go back. With smaller children that go to bed pretty early, you just waste too much time in transit.
I've always experienced the longer transmit time to the AK so that didn't bother me but the time to the MK was more than I thought it would be.
The buses were never crowded. I think there was only 1 occassion where I or anyone had to stand.
We did rent a car and were glad we did. We used it primarily to get to other resorts or offsite to grab something to eat. Having the car certainly opened up the possiblities for other dining options. We normally came back from the parks, rested for about an hour then got in the car for dinner. We definately wouldn't try to go to another resort without a car.
One morning DW slept in and I took the kids to breakfast, one benefit of the SSR location is the poximity to get off-site. We found a Denny's about 5 mintues away (thankyou TomTom) which had less than 5 occupied tables. There is alot to be said for the quick access to the less crowded restauants off property. Yes, I know I am contradicting my statements above about closeness to the parks but there are tradeoffs and sometimes the negatives turn into positives.
Another positive of the buildings being spread out is the fact that the parking lots are very close to the buildings. It makes "running out" so much easier. With there being so much open space having multiple lots does not hinder the appearance at all, in my opinion.
Overall, the SSR was a great place and a great exchange for us. Based on its location within the park, it wouldn't be our first choice again though. If we were back in our child-less days, I bet my opinion would be different.
A few comments/observations about DVC....
When I made the reservation, I requested the Grandstand based on the information that I had read here. Since we were doing an exchange in, I figured that I'd be the lowest priority to get my request but why not ask. When I checked in they did not 'show' the request and I was in the Carousel. Again, not expecting anything to happen, I said that I had requested the Grandstand and if there was anything available. I was told that they were booked but after the CM talked to her manager we were moved. I want to stress that I did not push her to talk to her manager nor was I causing a stink, I just tried to be polite and ask because it couldn't hurt. Needless to say I was very happy and very appreciative.
It does get me to wonder what the pecking order is for getting requests.
In my previous stay at the villas of Wilderness Lodge, we had what would be considered a good room as well. In that instance we were paying cash.
Maybe we are just lucky, but it almost seems like DVC gives priority to non-DVC members to lure them to buy in.
During our stay, I was surprised that DVC did not call us to try and get us to take a tour of properties and sales presentation. I realize there are DVC information booths everywhere, but we seemed like prime targets for a phone call at a minimum. I've stayed at other timeshares where a recorded message calls everyday to tell you of an upcoming presentation. Don't get me wrong, I find it refreshing that there is no pressure.
I should also say that I've looked into DVC in the past and it just isn't for me. I love Disney but I really don't think I'd go more than once everyother year.
I totally understand those SSR lovers and owners out there. You have a great resort.
Hopefully in a couple of years, I'll be lucky again and get another exchange.
Jeff.
There is soooo many doors.
