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

[jamie&Greg]

and been closer to the pool!

OK so we just returned from a stay at SSR. We own at VWL but this was our first SSR stay. I have to say – I went into this with a positive attitude! I wanted to like SSR – I truly did. Here are the good
- The busses were actually really good! We stayed in the Grandstand section near the golf course so were the first stop. I have to say we NEVER waited long for a bus and them seemed to have that under control.
- The main pool, although far, was very nice! Loved the zero entry and baby slide! Also, nice that you can stand all the way around pool!

Bad – well it is kind of boring and nothing special about it compared to other resorts. The theme, or lack of one, just didn’t get me. Ya, the resort is pretty – it is fine just doesn’t seem like Disney. It isn’t special! I honestly felt like I was staying offsite – and might as well of – other then the busses. It felt to me like a normal ‘timeshare’. We have stayed at RCI/Fairfield resorts before and that is how this felt – just fine, but not special! How this hotel can be called a deluxe and compared to VWL, BCV, BWL, BLT or AKL is beyond me!

Where we stay is very important to us, that is why we bought DVC. We have an almost 2 YO DD and being able to hang at the resort is key. We came back to our room one night and our DD got a burst of energy and we wondered what we could do for an hour there! Well, nothing really. We literally had to take a bus 2 bus stops away for a playground and walk clear across the resort to get back – UGH!

Well anyway – sorry to be negative! We still had a good trip just can’t wait till next month when we stay at AKL!

On the upside – crowds seemed low and the weather was AWESOME!!

 

[dsneygirl]

I feel the same way about SSR. It's nice, pretty, new but it just doesn't WOW me like some of the other DVC resorts.

 

[plymouthmom]

SSR was my first DVC stay. I thought it was beautiful and a HUGE step up from All Star Music where we stayed before we were owners. I am anxious to see how the other DVC resorts are.

 

[barlitz]

If you didn't like SSR I doubt you'll like AKV, there's nothing to do there other than look at animals, we're founding members at AKV and we're going to sell those points and get more SSR points, for us it makes sense, less annual dues and maintenance costs, and SSR is the only resort we like. We just spent 8 days at BWV 2 bedroom suite and that place needs a major overhaul and forget about the bus service it was horrible.

 

[jamie&Greg]

barlitz - sorry about your BWV stay - we loved it there!!

Decor has a lot to do with it! It is just those little extras that go along way with me. At VWL the rocking chairs with the fireplace, lots of cool places to walk, awesome lobby, nice playground, great themeing! BWV, just happy fun place, good people watching etc.

 

[barlitz]

We love SSR for the location to DTD and because its so open, its kind of quiet and relaxing.
We liked AKV but as soon as it gets dark there's not much to do, we haven't stayed at Kidani yet though so that may have changed.
BWV was great for its location to Epcot and its restaurants and I'm sure we'll stay there again but we always seem to go back to SSR, we're hoping to try a tree house villa next Spring, that's what makes DVC so unique, almost every resort has something somebody will like.

 

[starbox]

Where we stay is very important to us, that is why we bought DVC. We have an almost 2 YO DD and being able to hang at the resort is key. We came back to our room one night and our DD got a burst of energy and we wondered what we could do for an hour there! Well, nothing really.

Um - go swimming? Go to the Artist's Palatte and let her draw on easels? Take a boatride down the canal (boats run LATE thanks to DTD)? Walk to DTD and tire her out? Walk the paths and spot bunnies?

I actually think SSR is one of the best places for night-time "stuff to do" thanks to DTD. Other than the boardwalk, I'm not sure what night activities (other than swimming) the other resorts have.

Sorry you did not like SSR - the great thing about DVC is there's a place for everyone. We love AKV too.

 

[Inkmahm]

If you didn't like SSR I doubt you'll like AKV, there's nothing to do there other than look at animals, we're founding members at AKV and we're going to sell those points and get more SSR points, for us it makes sense, less annual dues and maintenance costs, and SSR is the only resort we like. We just spent 8 days at BWV 2 bedroom suite and that place needs a major overhaul and forget about the bus service it was horrible.

I would disagree. AKV will be wonderful for the OP. LOTS of things to do, especially if you have kids with energy to burn. I haven't seen the great new play area at Kidana but Jambo has a childrens play area right near the pool. The pool also is zero entry and it beautiful. There are lots of programs with things to do for all ages.

BWV is also a favorite. You can't beat the Boardwalk view! Well, maybe the view of the animals at AKV...

 

[Sammie]

Let me get this straight, since you stated you could have had this view at home, you obviously live in Saratoga Springs, NY. Of course the resort would not appeal to you as much as something different than what you are used to seeing on a daily basis.

I would suggest next time you try a resort different from your home town.

 

[Juliet25]

If you didn't like SSR I doubt you'll like AKV

I don't care for SSR but I fell in with AKV.

I felt the same way about SSR as the OP. It's pretty; it's immaculate; it's just feels so ... sterile.

 

[jamie&Greg]

Sammie - I meant of the parking lot . I can tottaly see how some people could like SSR - just not me.

For night life - ya prob. good (minus the long walk to the boat). With a two year old - night life and long walks don't work . We were a FAR way from anything and as I said it was boring! I think AKL will be AWESOME with all the animails and neat places to sit!

As I said it was fine! Clean, pretty etc. just not Disneyish IMO! Could stay at any resort offsite and get bigger room's with same feel!

 

[casper]

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.

 

[gkrykewy]

It is manlier than the other resorts in an upscale sort of way.

I'm sorry, but this is hilarious. Great, but hilarious. Do they serve cigars or something? Poker tables? Do they spray you with aftershave?

I have not stayed at SSR, but one thing I think I'd like is being able to walk to DTD.

 

[fishermouse]

Maybe I'm just easy to please but I have never met a DVC I didn't like. I have my favorite and I guess least favorite, SSR still number 1 maybe because I feel at home there. Funny since I don't live in Saratogo or a condo. All the resorts have things some people like and others hate, maybe that's why DVC has made them so varied, something for everyone.

 

[SaratogaShan]

I'm sorry, but this is hilarious. Great, but hilarious. Do they serve cigars or something? Poker tables? Do they spray you with aftershave?

I have not stayed at SSR, but one thing I think I'd like is being able to walk to DTD.

Yes! When you enter the lobby, you have to dodge the "cologne girls" with the tester bottles! LOL

I think the Turf Club area and the area just off the lobby is "manly" with the overstuffed club chairs and the horse pictures. The color
schemes are not too "fru fru" either - greens, burgendies, etc.

 

[casper]

I'm sorry, but this is hilarious. Great, but hilarious. Do they serve cigars or something? Poker tables?

OK. Let me explain better. VWL and AKL also seem to have manly decor but in a more rustic way. I could really go for some poker tables. Wait! That won't work. Disney gets all my money.

 

[La2kw]

and been closer to the pool!

OK so we just returned from a stay at SSR. We own at VWL but this was our first SSR stay. I have to say – I went into this with a positive attitude! I wanted to like SSR – I truly did. Here are the good
- The busses were actually really good! We stayed in the Grandstand section near the golf course so were the first stop. I have to say we NEVER waited long for a bus and them seemed to have that under control.
- The main pool, although far, was very nice! Loved the zero entry and baby slide! Also, nice that you can stand all the way around pool!

Bad – well it is kind of boring and nothing special about it compared to other resorts. The theme, or lack of one, just didn’t get me. Ya, the resort is pretty – it is fine just doesn’t seem like Disney. It isn’t special! I honestly felt like I was staying offsite – and might as well of – other then the busses. It felt to me like a normal ‘timeshare’. We have stayed at RCI/Fairfield resorts before and that is how this felt – just fine, but not special! How this hotel can be called a deluxe and compared to VWL, BCV, BWL, BLT or AKL is beyond me!

Where we stay is very important to us, that is why we bought DVC. We have an almost 2 YO DD and being able to hang at the resort is key. We came back to our room one night and our DD got a burst of energy and we wondered what we could do for an hour there! Well, nothing really. We literally had to take a bus 2 bus stops away for a playground and walk clear across the resort to get back – UGH!

Well anyway – sorry to be negative! We still had a good trip just can’t wait till next month when we stay at AKL!

On the upside – crowds seemed low and the weather was AWESOME!!

Other than trashing SSR, what is the point of this post?

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Maybe I'm just easy to please but I have never met a DVC I didn't like...

Ahhhh!!! Me, either!!! I have fallen in love with each resort for very different reasons. My problem is that I want to own points at all of them!

This was discussed a while back, but I think it sometimes has to do with resort "bonding," too. For example, my BIL and SIL are OKW owners. They've only stayed at OKW, and only WANT to stay at OKW. They went with us one year, and stayed at SSR. The entire time they were talking about how small the rooms were. How the resort didn't have enough pools. How it just wasn't their "OKW." But that's okay! I'm really glad they love their home resort. I do, too. In fact, I think that's where we're going to add on!

To the OP, sorry you didn't enjoy SSR, but glad you tried it and had a GREAT time! It's definitely different from your home resort, and I think AKV will feel more like home to you. We just got back from AKV, and I told my husband, "This resort feels like WL, with animals!" It's a beautiful resort, and you'll have a great time.

 

[mearshon]

I would have to agree with some of the other folks on this post. If you didn't like SSR then you are probably not going to like AKL. There are no close bus stops at AKL, there is 1. No matter where you are in that great expanse of a hotel there is still only 1 bus stop that you have to walk to a minimum of once to and fro if not multiple times. If you didn't like so much walking at SSR you are really going to be in for a surprise. With the new Kidani village I don't know how this has changed, this is the main lodge. AKL is a very nice resort and the animal watching is great. We had the savanna view and it was great to see them every morning.

 

[kaffinito]

I'm glad you wrote your review. It is true that each resort appeals to someone. We're staying there this summer on our DP's, and I'm looking forward to having my own bedroom with my own bathroom. (Something I don't have at home. )

I'm not looking forward to the sheer size of the place and trying to find my way around. I'm also not looking forward to the buses. The pool looks really great though, and I do like the colors of the place and the lack of foo-foo frilly stuff.

Anyway, thanks for posting! I understand that not every review is going to be glowing, that's why I never posted one about AKL or POFQ. It's good for me to read the good reviews and the bad reviews on a place so I can make up my own mind when I get there.