SSR visit - somewhat disappointed.

[sajetto]

Its too long of a walk if I'm going to be carrying shopping bags back, but not if I'm just going to stroll along and grab a bite to eat. Thanks for the info

 

[Flyerfan]

I own at SSR and have visited for spa treatments, but have never stayed there. I've heard people say that DTD is a plus, but how long does it actually take to walk over there?

Depends what section you are at. We were in Grandstand (next to last farthest building) and it took us 20 minutes. We don't mind the walk at all. If you are at Congress Park it would probably be 10 minutes or less.

 

[disney-super-mom]

DH and I very much enjoyed the simple elegance of SSR. The theme pool is very nice, but we felt the quiet pools were lovely as well.

I do agree about the set up at AP though in regards to the location of the cash registers, plus the fact that they service both the restaurant and the store. It created some significant traffic flow issues, and that was before the Grandstands were even open. I can't imagine how it is now, but I'll assume it's a bit worse.

Great to hear about the new patio furniture.

 

[disney-super-mom]

DH and I very much enjoyed the simple elegance of SSR. The theme pool is very nice, but we felt the quiet pools were lovely as well.

I do agree about the set up at AP though in regards to the location of the cash registers, plus the fact that they service both the restaurant and the store. It created some significant traffic flow issues, and that was before the Grandstands were even open. I can't imagine how it is now, but I'll assume it's a bit worse.

Great to hear about the new patio furniture.

 

[robinb]

My wife remarked that the exteriors were POP without the POP!
Ouch.

This is probably the most inflammatory thing you said ... but I have to kinda agree with you . We were at SSR in the Congress Park section in December 2006. While I thought that the buildings were perfectly OK from a distance, they did have a cheap textured plater-y kind of feel to them up close. Now that I think about it, POP walls look very similar up close. Plus, the floors were filthy with a blackened track from the entrance into the building and around to our door.

However, that won't stop me from staying there again. For me, the pluses outweigh the minuses. It sounds like you simply prefer a more "hotel" type of DVC resort. That's OK as DVC offers something for everyone.

 

[mlayton14]

Totally agree about the POP references ..

Also .. would it have cost THAT much more to enclose the interiors walkways of the buildings and lay down some carpet? Its like a motel in that respect ..

 

[Simba's Mom]

2 observations

#1 you were in a studio. I think if you are like most people and are staying in
a one or two bedroom, your whole outlook changes about your surroundings.

I'm just curious-how does a one or two bedroom change your view of your surroundings at SSR? Do the views change?

 

[Jimdvc]

I'm just curious-how does a one or two bedroom change your view of your surroundings at SSR? Do the views change?

I think it just puts you in another mind set. Not only at SSR but all all DVC resorts, or any vacation rental at any location.

I know when I stay in a 1/2 bedroom at the BW I enjoy my time there much more then when I am in a studio. I just feel like I am at a nicer place.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Depends on where you are walking from- we stayed in Paddocks and it was definately under 10 minutes to the Marketplace entrance. (As I recall, I think we were almost equidistant from AP as the Marketplace gate.) LOVE that location.

 

[TisBit]

Also .. would it have cost THAT much more to enclose the interiors walkways of the buildings and lay down some carpet? Its like a motel in that respect ..

This is one of the big reasons they say MF's at SSR are lower....not AC cost for interior hallways, or maintenance costs for carpeting, etc. Not saying it is worth it or not, but definitely one of the main reasons for cost differences in MF's from other resorts.

 

[sajetto]

Totally agree about the POP references ..

Also .. would it have cost THAT much more to enclose the interiors walkways of the buildings and lay down some carpet? Its like a motel in that respect ..

I actually like NOT having enclosed walkways. OKW is my favorite resort and the layout of the buildings with the open walkways is something I really like about it.

 

[KevGuy]

I love my SSR, and unlike some others I doubt I'll EVER have a problem getting a reservation when I want.

 

[RLRDA]

Also .. would it have cost THAT much more to enclose the interiors walkways of the buildings and lay down some carpet? Its like a motel in that respect ..

This is one of the big reasons they say MF's at SSR are lower....not AC cost for interior hallways, or maintenance costs for carpeting, etc. Not saying it is worth it or not, but definitely one of the main reasons for cost differences in MF's from other resorts.

I would much rather have lower MF's and not have the carpet (materials & maintenance) and AC costs. With the number of buildings/floors in a resort of that size it seems that it would have cost THAT much more to enclose the hallways.

 

[Sammie]

Totally agree about the POP references ..

Also .. would it have cost THAT much more to enclose the interiors walkways of the buildings and lay down some carpet? Its like a motel in that respect ..

No, actually it is like a condo in that respect. Many condo resorts have exterior hallways and personally we prefer them.

I think it is fine that not everyone likes SSR, I don't like BWV. But just because I don't like BWV, I have no desire to try and change it.

There is no way this photo of the outside of SSR,
SSR photo

in any form resembles the outside of Pop. Pop Century

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I really dislike enclosed hallways in hotels. They give me the willies.

 

[Cruelladeville]

I really hate those exterior hallways, but they sure are much easier to keep clean. I love the Grandstand , I like it better than Congress Park! Actually, I didn't like SSR until they opened the Grandstand, and then I was hooked! I agree that they need to enlarge Artist's Palette, but any place that has a massage available is OK by me I'm sorry you didn't like it over there at SSR. Perhaps you might like one of the other areas, like Congress Park or the Springs.

 

[vbarry]

We just returned from a 2 night stay at SSR before our cruise. I have to say it is not my favorite resort. We stayed the last night at VWL and I this resort.

For me, it is the proximity to the parks that makes the resort stay soooo magical. I love to sit out on my balcony and catch a glimpse of the fireworks over the castle!!

Everyone has their own opinion but we will be sticking to BCV for VWL for our future trips~

 

[robinb]

No, actually it is like a condo in that respect. Many condo resorts have exterior hallways and personally we prefer them.

I think it is fine that not everyone likes SSR, I don't like BWV. But just because I don't like BWV, I have no desire to try and change it.

There is no way this photo of the outside of SSR,
SSR photo

in any form resembles the outside of Pop. Pop Century

I thought that POP comments were about how the buildings looked close up rather than the exterior hallways. As your photos show, they look NOTHING alike from a distance. Maybe TigerFreak and mlayton14 did mean that both had exterior hallways and can weigh in and say exactly what they meant.

I personally don't mind exterior hallways.

 

[castleri]

We just returned from a 2 night stay at SSR before our cruise. I have to say it is not my favorite resort. We stayed the last night at VWL and I this resort.

For me, it is the proximity to the parks that makes the resort stay soooo magical. I love to sit out on my balcony and catch a glimpse of the fireworks over the castle!!

Everyone has their own opinion but we will be sticking to BCV for VWL for our future trips~

This is of the fireworks from my SSR studio in Congress Park. Am not sure if they were MK or EPCOT but the view was great. It overlooks the bus stop also which was fun for people watching while having our morning coffee or evening wine.

Am so glad there are so many options with DVC that almost everyone can find one that suits them. Read on another board this AM that they are renovating the Tree House area and that it is actually shown as the land being part of SSR. Wonder if we will see sales of SSR continue longer than originally expected or if they are in fact going to still be for the college program interns. If SSR I am glad I've got a 150 point 11 month advantage there as well as my OKW and BCV contracts as I have always wanted to stay there.

 

[Brenle]

Great photo castleri.