SSR Review!Where is the magic? I could have had this view at home...

[Hunclemarco]

I didn't think that going from the grandstand to the main pool was all that long of a walk. Taking the trail by the grandstand pool to the carriage house wasn't more than 5 minutes at best...and another 2 or 3 to the boating dock to go to DTD.

We were there when the main pool was closed, and thought that the grandstand pool was just as good.

I have no problem with SSR. But i can see where some may. I think that SSR is more of an adult resort...one of relaxation, spas, and of peaceful, serene views. The kids may have fun, but they may not get the "wow" factor as you may in some of the other resorts.(although the kids that were with us 3, 5, and 7 years had a blast!)

I also think that kids will adopt the same thoughts and attitudes that their parents have of a resort. If the parents like it, and find ways to enjoy themselves there, the kids generally follow suit...kind of a "appreciate what you have" mentality. If the parents don't have fun there, kids will sense it and follow suit.

There is a community center there, and different events that take place at SSR, you just have to take advantage of them. What also may help is that if you are looking for a playground area, ask to be put in congress park that has a pool and a playground. (not sure where the other playground is...if there is one elsewhere).

I'm not saying that SSR is my first choice, but i wouldn't mind staying there if it came to that.

 

[bonybroad]

I stayed at SSR for the first time in Nov. I took my boss (and a good friend, not just a boss) for a conference in Orlando. I was nervous that it wouldn't be what either one of us expected, and I didn't want to be responsible for a horrible trip with my BOSS! Guess what? She absolutely LOVED it. She's a fitnes buff and loves golf. We had a beautiful room overlooking the course. The quiet pool was literally outside our door. She went to the fitness center and could not believe the quality of the place. She took power walks around the grounds.
As far as the room, we both loved it. One-bedroom. She kept saying she could move in and be happy there for the rest of her life.
We didn't do any parks while there, but needless to say, I wasn't embarrassed! I hope my kids like it when we go in December.
On the other hand, my husband and I stayed at VWL for our 10th anniversary, and if I could sell my points and buy there, I would do that in a heartbeat. We loved it. It was very peaceful and perfect to us.
So there is an example of different strokes for different folks. I've never golfed in my life and have no interest in doing so.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I stayed at SSR for the first time in Nov. I was nervous that it wouldn't be what either one of us expected, and I didn't want to be responsible for a horrible trip with my BOSS!

For us, even if we don't get to stay at our favorite resort or we don't get the resort we would prefer for a particular stay, it's still going to be a great vacation, trip, week-end because at the end of the day each resort has something to offer, maybe not all that you want. Hey, it's still time off with friends and/or family, at Disney, utilizing better than average accomodations, and short of breaking your leg or having 7 days of hurricane weather, how could that ever result in a horrible trip?

 

[BlakeNJ]

My two favorite resorts are SSR and OKW. The reason I like them so much is for the same reason some people don't like it. Concerning SSR:

1) The room decor is exactly what I like. It is manlier than the other resorts in an upscale sort of way. Boardwalk and BCV are not in my opinion. They have more of a woman's touch. That's fine. But I'm a single man and feel more comfortable at SSR. Also, I don't live too high in my "LOD" (life outside of Disney). So my Disney life at SSR is something I'm not use too. And different is what I'm looking for in a vacation.

2) Some say it is not "Disney" enough. But every morning when I wake up and see DTD I know I'm at Disney. Yes! It isn't themed "Disney." But AKL is themed Africa, VWL is themed Yellowstone, BCV is themed, well, beach house, Boardwalk is themed carnival (or scary clown horror movie) OKW is themed Florida. Each has a little Mickey thrown in somewhere. Let's face it, the best Disney themed resorts are the value resorts.

3) I'm a big walker (usually around 30 miles a week). So, SSR being big and "open" is great for me. Although to get a real walk you are going to have to go to DTD. And the size of the resort is only big if you get a room that is distant from the things you need to walk to. Really, a person can only complain about the physical size of SSR if they get stuck in the Carousel section and maybe some of the Paddock section. Other than those two sections the resort is pretty much the same size of the others in regards to distance to the AP, pools and places to eat.

4) I have only eaten at Artist Pointe once. It was good. I also have eaten at Turf club once. It was better. But for an eight night stay at Disney, I will probably eat 7 meals at DTD. I also enjoy walking in the stores and the street entertainment is fantastic (haven't been there since the closing of Pleasure Island - do they still have the street entertainment?) Obviously DTD is a "main" attraction to me. That makes SSR even better than all the other resorts (except maybe OKW). I will go to DTD several times more than to EPCOT on each stay. For those of you that like the entertainment around the Boardwalk, well, IMO DTD is soooo much better.

5) Bus stops? Well, if I will have to go through 7 of them with the opening of the THV then it might start to bother me. But some of my best memories of Disney have been meeting people on the bus (or even the bus driver - how else am I going to get the info on DVC's next BIG Plan in advance of everyone else?). And I especially like OKW and SSR bus rides because most of us are DVC owners! It is great to share with those I share my home with. I have had one bad wait for a bus (50 minute wait). After that all my waits have been no longer than 15 minutes. Not bad odds in my opinion. But I'm also one of those extremely patient kinds of people.

6) The grounds are open. The views of the lakes and fountains are relaxing. Everything is so quiet, laid back, peaceful. After several hours in a crowded park, it is kind of nice to be able to kick back and relax. And nothing is more beautiful than a late night walk around SSR. The walkway lamps are so beautiful and the lighting so peaceful. Thinking about it makes me want to be there right now.

7) I was afraid that SSR was too close to the "real world." But honestly that has not been a problem. My views have been away from the roads so far. And I don't hear the traffic at all. Actually, I hear more traffic when I'm at OKW.

8) I like the condo! I like being outdoors and not stuck in a long hallway. I like the fact that I don't hear slamming doors during the night or people walking by my room making all kinds of noise. True, I don't get immediate air conditioning by entering my halls at SSR. But usually I have been out all day. A few more steps to my room in the heat/cold aren’t going to ruin my experience. BUT I really like not having to pay maintaince fees for air conditioning those hallways.

9) Door placement on the Studios attached to a one bedroom is VERY ATTRACTIVE. I have had noisy neighbors at OKW. You can hear every baby cry and yelling family members!! BUT SSR's door is by the front door. I have never heard my neighbors at SSR. I can, however, smell their food cooking. Wow! That makes me hungry. But my studio room has always been very quiet. And THAT is probably one of my most important preferences of any place I stay at.

Well said, Casper. For all the same reasons, we choose SSR. We want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks when we come "home" at night.

To each his own.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I was not going to comment on this thread because everyone has a right to their opinion and it is not my job to convince them otherwise.

But Casper, your post was AWESOME!!!! I could have written it and I truly feel the same way about SSR. You should just copy and post it all the time

We own at several DVC's and I could have booked our Family Reunion at any of them but I chose SSR because it offered the most for a varied group of people. My family of 42 loved it!! So much so we are doing it again this Christmas. Every one does not need all that stuff in their face all the time to feel like they are at Disney. If that was all that DVC offered, I would not own as many points as I do because I often take people who want a vacation not just a theme park vacation. My family was awed by the beauty and quality of SSR and how well we were all treated by the castmembers. I had to consider all the different ages and budgets and individuals.

SSR has 2 playgrounds, 1 main pool, 3 satellite pools, 2 splash areas, 5 Hot tubs, a Community Hall, Basketball, Tennis, Shuffleboard, Horseshoes, 3 BBQ Pavilions, a counter service, Table Service, and 3 bar windows and 3 self serve refillable mug stations. An AWESOME Fitness Center, onsite spa, onsite golf pro shop. The pools stay open all night (minus the slide), and it is walking and boating distance to DTD which offers, watercraft rentals, Flights of Wonder, DisneyQuest, AMC theaters, RFC and T-Rex and Ghiardellis, WOD, hosts special events etc.

Plenty to do and never felt like we were too far from any of the amenities to enjoy them. Same walk different view is the difference between SSR and the other DVC resorts.

 

[Sammie]

I definitely think everyone is entitled to have a favorite DVC or even feel that certain DVC resorts do not appeal to them.

However I do find these discussions interesting when people state they do not care for SSR because it lacks that Disney feel. I really wish I knew what that meant. The only truly Disney resort is Movies.

SSR has a wonderful, very accurate theme, Saratoga Springs, NY. And in my opinion to state that it has no theme, to me is almost insulting to that area as if it does not exist.

While many might not be familiar with Saratoga Springs, NY that does not mean it is not a beautiful area of the country.

As to parking lot view, I would be interested in where you were located that your only view was a parking lot. With the way the buildings are located at SSR I am not aware of any parking lot views which is certainly not the case at some DVC resorts where your balcony view will be definitely facing a parking lot.

If someone prefers a hotel layout to condo layout then Yes, that person is not going to like SSR or OKW and that is understandable. I prefer it myself.

My favorite thing about SSR is the interior room decor, I like it so much I find it very hard to stay anywhere else because I find the other room decors to be less appealing to me now.

I guess to me stating SSR has no theme would be like me stating AKV has no theme simply because I do not like it or never been to Africa. That would be kinda ridiculous. It would be more accurate to state I appreciate greatly the attention to detail at AKV, it just does not appeal to me personally.

I think it great that there are different choices for everyone, I know many will love AKV and BLT, I won't be one of them, but that does not diminish from the fact that AKV and BLT are great resorts.

I guess I just wish that reviews would be more factual and less vague, I can relate to a statement such as; I prefer a resort with enclosed hallways, instead of the resort did not have any pixie dust.

Pixie dust is not a tangible object and is found everywhere that one wishes to find it.

 

[fishermouse]

I sometimes wonder how well the thin and snarky would do if they headed out early in the morning with 100 pounds strapped to their backs. I wonder how quickly they would complain that their feet or back hurt. How would they feel if others criticized them in their predicament. Would they get up and run a few laps around the boardwalk?
.

I have many times put a 60lb pack on my back and walk up and down a mountain for a days or a week, does that count? Run 3 or more miles in the sumer and you'll see what sore feet are. Most of us thin and snarky people get up early and exercixse to stay that way, we want the choc covered cheese cake but resist (most of the time) We have sore legs from running and sore backs from lifting, Thin and snarky does not come EASY to most of us I'm 55 and close to my "ideal" weight, I get up at 4:30 every day to stay that way and I resent your comments.

 

[skoi]

We must be really lame and easy to please. We thought every DVC resort we've stayed at has been amazing, and we've been at them all except BLT (hoping for Fall 2011) and Vero. In fact, we've liked all the Disney resorts we've stayed in except AS Sports- and of the ones we've missed (AS Movies, Pop, Coronado- but we're staying there this Fall, and GF) we're hoping to get to most of them some day.

Julie

 

[5 for WDW]

We couldn't disagree more..we absolutely LOVE SSR (our home resort). We love the feel, the colors, the relaxed atmosphere. We have stayed at other DVC resorts and, just recently, spent 10 days at OKW and really disliked it and even tried to move to SSR but it was all booked. That is what is great about the DVC, something for everyone. And secretly, I always chuckle a little when I hear someone doesn't like SSR because I think "more room for us!".

I feel the same way about our home resort! Love SSR!!

My husband and I are going next week for a 3 day mini trip and are giving OKW another try. (Nightmare stay last June) I know I am probably going to be missing SSR!

 

[Buckeye Fan]

...However I do find these discussions interesting when people state they do not care for SSR because it lacks that Disney feel. I really wish I knew what that meant. The only truly Disney resort is Movies...

I think people say "Disney theming," and what they really mean is the "WOW" factor for them. What's interesting to me is how people define wow.

Is it the rustic nature of WL, and the soaring ceilings that takes your breath away (doesn't matter how often I visit, it does it to me EVERY time)? Is it the classy look, view of Epcot and the great pool at BCV? Or, is your idea of heaven lush landscaping and being swept away to OKW (since I don't live where palm trees sway, OKW, even in Orlando, is heaven to me!)? How about a romantic, moonlit night with DTD or the BW as the backdrop? Oh! How about those animals??? They are pretty WOW, not to mention the resort! And, unless you grew up with an ocean in your backyard, nothing says WOW like the ocean. And...I could go on and on...

I have found something I love in all of them, but for some, one resort really does (or does not) move or inspire them. I read a PP that said because he/she lives out west, WL really doesn't do that much for him/her. That's so hard for me to imagine, because I don't live out west. Or in Africa, or in OKW, or in NY, etc. So, each resort's theming knocks it out of the ballpark for me. I guess you folks just need to move to OHIO and lower your standards! Just kidding, I've lived in OH all my life, and it's a great place to live! But, none of these places are anything like C-bus!

That's my best interpretation of "theming."

 

[BroganMc]

I was wondering why this thread had reached 5+ pages over the last two days. So we have another anti-SSR fest going? Um, didn't we beat this horse to death so often we've made fashion belts and hats out of it?

Ok since we're trodding out our batons again...

-- Someone on the thread (I forget who now) suggested we all imagine Saratoga Springs, NY and see what we muster in our imagination and can't. Now imagine an upstate NE health spa resort, what does it look like? Cuz this is what Saratoga Springs is. Another one of those upstate retreats for the upper crusties slaving away in hot & congested cities like NYC. Add in the Treehouse Villas and you bring in the Adirondack style as well.

-- When I brought my sister and her boys down for a visit we visited DTD one day. We missed the ferry so walked back from LegoLand to the Carriage House. 4 perfectly healthy (compared to me who can't walk 30 feet without a powerchair) people who couldn't stop complaining about their feet. Even my 70-some yo dad who loves the long therapeutic walks through SSR was surprised by the complaints. But I learned that is the way some see it. Walk forever in a park, but walking 30 feet in a resort is too far.

-- AKV will survive or die on its own, just like every other resort. I visited the Contemporary yesterday and found myself feeling a twinge of buyer's remorse over my BLT add-on. Why? Because I waited forever for an elevator to get from the concourse to the ground floor exit. I don't fancy waiting for the elevators at the 16-story BLT 30 minutes before park opening or 30 minutes before fireworks.

... Baton down.

 

[Deb & Bill]

... I visited the Contemporary yesterday and found myself feeling a twinge of buyer's remorse over my BLT add-on. Why? Because I waited forever for an elevator to get from the concourse to the ground floor exit. I don't fancy waiting for the elevators at the 16-story BLT 30 minutes before park opening or 30 minutes before fireworks.

... Baton down.

I was thinking the same thing. BLT must have some great views, but I'm not one to constantly wait for an elevator. I can walk 16 flights down, but 16 flights up? No.

That was one reason we really like the South Wing at the CR when we stayed there. No need to use the elevator except to bring the luggage up or down.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think people say "Disney theming," and what they really mean is the "WOW" factor for them. What's interesting to me is how people define wow....

But to some, that theming is giant Big Wheels or Yoyos. Subtle is my first choice in theming.

 

[MrsNick]

Someone on the thread (I forget who now) suggested we all imagine Saratoga Springs, NY and see what we muster in our imagination and can't. Now imagine an upstate NE health spa resort, what does it look like? Cuz this is what Saratoga Springs is. Another one of those upstate retreats for the upper crusties slaving away in hot & congested cities like NYC. Add in the Treehouse Villas and you bring in the Adirondack style as well.

Hi BroganMc, hope you're enjoying your SSR retreat this week

Anyway, I've refrained comment on this thread until now (since really, most everything that's been said here has been said before anyway). But I think your comment (quoted above) actually hits the nail on the head as to why DH and I love SSR when so many others don't.

Our daily lives are hectic and busy. We work (slave, in your vocab ) in NYC (lived there, too until 6 years ago), tho' I'd say we're far from upper crusties . And nothing appeals to us more than a quiet and relaxing retreat. We absolutely do not need (nor do we want) "hustle" and "bustle" at our resort. We do like to be able to have quiet when we want it (particularly when we are trying to sleep). For us, the soundproofed rooms at SSR offer that, and it is for us one of those features that make SSR our favorite at WDW. (As a note, if anyone is familiar with either the Mohonk Mountain Resort in New Paltz, NY or the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT, we have had wonderful stays at both resorts. This may explain why we appreciate the laid back Upstate theme at SSR.)

The greenspace at SSR affords the resort tranquility and it never feels crowded, even when the resort is filled to capacity. We cannot abide a crowded and chaotic atmosphere when we are trying to relax at our resort. If I want some excitement, DTD is a short walk away. If I want to be entertained, the parks are a short drive or reasonable bus ride away. And then, I can come back to my nice resort "away" from it all. I can then choose to relax at the pool(s) or watch a dive in movie, have a cocktail at the Turf Club lounge or do activities at the Community Center.

For comparison, we enjoyed our short stays at BCV's but we wouldn't go out of our way to stay there, necessarily. Certainly, the location is convenient to Epcot and HS, and we liked that. But, this isn't a make or break feature to us. To DH, the spa and fitness center at SSR beats the fitness center at BCV, and that's more important to him.

Our one night stay at BWV's was just okay - for us. The room was nice enough, and I didn't even mind the long hallway (DH and I thought that was pretty funny, actually). We did not enjoy the BW View (we felt a lack of privacy on the balcony) and hated the pool. It felt overly crowded (it was literally people soup that day). We drove over to SSR to use the pool there. HRS pool was more crowded than usual (although nowhere near BW level that day), so I went to the Grandstand pool and quite happily lounged there and kicked back with a cocktail from the pool bar. We wished we had stayed at SSR for that night.

Haven't had the opportunity to stay at WLV. I'd like to try it sometime.

Stayed at AKL, not the AKV's. I happen to be quite fond of this resort, too. Would definitely book a DVC stay there in the future. It offers something unique, and the lobby is just breathtaking. Not to mention we're huge fans of Jiko.

Stayed at OKW once before we were members. Was not crazy about it, but then again, did not know that we would be staying condo style, so that fouled us up. I think that knowing what to expect, we'd get much more out of a stay at OKW now, but everytime I think I want to try OKW again, I end up booking SSR because of the soundproofed rooms, spa, fitness center and proximity to DTD. Also, I think we like the CS and TS setup better at SSR.

Jury is out on BLT. I can understand the convenience of the location and this may prompt me to book a stay there once my little one is along with us(although the little one's first visit will be in a THV). But, I detest what I perceive to be the Grand Central Station hustle and bustle of the Contemporary. I could be way off on this, and so I will try to keep an open mind. In addition, just as SSR feels un-Disney to some, the Contemporary's theme really doesn't do it for me. (Although, I have to admit, the monorail through the lobby thing is very cool).

Love love love both HH and VB. Again, the relaxing natures of these resorts hold a lot of appeal to us. I think it's telling that we really enjoy these resorts even though they're nowhere near the theme parks, and it may shed some light on why we aren't bothered by the fact that SSR doesn't have walking, boating or monorail access to the parks. It just isn't that important to us. I do, however, understand that there are people who bought into DVC for the parks. We really didn't. We wanted a quality resort with quality service that we could afford when we have the rare opportunity to take a vacation.

Just like any resort, SSR could be improved. The layout of Artist's Palette is atrocious. In bad weather or if a family member is sick, yeah, a short walk to the Carriage House can be a PITA (but can be worked around if you have a car). I wish they would do something with the movie theater. I think the Carousel was poorly thought out and poorly executed (and is why I am in favor of being able to reserve at SSR by location). The location of the Carousel within the resort is inconvenient, and possibly noisy since it's near the fire station. It is the furthest location from the Carriage House, but has none of the amenities of the sections closer in (no quiet pool, no nothing). Those items aside, we think SSR is a lovely resort, and it is definitely our home at WDW. I'm glad that other members appreciate the other resorts as much as we appreciate SSR, and enjoy their vacations as much as we enjoy ours. It would truly stink at the 11 mo mark if we all preferred the same resort!

 

[MrsNick]

I was thinking the same thing. BLT must have some great views, but I'm not one to constantly wait for an elevator. I can walk 16 flights down, but 16 flights up? No.

But to some, that theming is giant Big Wheels or Yoyos. Subtle is my first choice in theming.

Totally agree on both points. I've lived in a highrise and still work in a tall building. The elevator waits can be a PITA, especially if one elevator is taken out of service.

As to theming, to each his own. We prefer subtlety, but can appreciate that others enjoy the in your face Disney icons. We all have different taste.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

But to some, that theming is giant Big Wheels or Yoyos. Subtle is my first choice in theming.

Me, too!

 

[dsneygirl]

But to some, that theming is giant Big Wheels or Yoyos. Subtle is my first choice in theming.

I'm the total opposite, I like the theming to throw up on me. When I am at VWL I want the trees, the music, the paw prints in cement. Again SSR is nice, love the colour theme etc but just doesn't beat you over the head like I want.

 

[DVC Mike]

I'm the total opposite, I like the theming to throw up on me. When I am at VWL I want the trees, the music, the paw prints in cement. Again SSR is nice, love the colour theme etc but just doesn't beat you over the head like I want.

Agreed. I enjoy the immersive theming of AKV and VWL.

 

[amandelba]

To each his own . . . It is clear that there are a multitude of different likes/dislikes among DVC owners and that's why the smart folks at Disney have built different resorts with different decors and themes. Go with what you like.

 

[dsneygirl]

Agreed. I enjoy the immersive theming of AKV and VWL.

Imemrsive, that was the word I was looking for. BCV is another one of my favourites and as soon as you come through the doors it feels like you're stepping into grandma's old beach cottage. That's what I love about Disney resorts.