Tell me the Best way to experience SSR

[TwingleMum]

We are staying at SSR for the 1st time in a few months. Where do you like to stay?? How is the pool?? Whats your ideal day at SSR?? Any other tips I should know??? Let the bragging begin...

 

[LeahA]

I don't remember what building we were in but we were in section F if you look at the map, our bus stop was Congress Park. Our patio was nice, we could sit out at night and stare directly accross the lake at Downtown Disney Westside. You could see all the lights from the whole Downtown Disney area. It wasn't too much, it was nice and relaxing and something fun to look at. This area was a short walk to the main pool/restaurant area and there was a quiet pool that was even closer. It's a huge resort, so taking the bus, you never quite know until the end of your stay the bus route. I heard that they made improvements to the bus service there.

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks. I'll have to check a resort map. I get confused between Congress , Grandstand and Springs.

 

[mom2rb]

I love to stroll around the grounds. My favorite is the walk to Downtown Disney. It is just so peaceful.

 

[daisyduck123]

We always request, & have stayed in "The Springs", although next time I think we'll try for the Grandstand.

We love to hang out by the pool & play "Bingo" in the afternoons...well DD & I anyway. DH & DS don't play Bingo.

 

[iluveeyore]

We love Congress Park as well for it's closeness to DTD to walk there (so quick, only about 2-3 minute walk) and the pool there is very nice. Our favourite part of SSR is the Spa and fitness center. I haven't paid for a spa treatment, but just using the change rooms after a quick workout feels like a spa - they have fruit and ice water to enjoy, a hot tub to relax in (all in the privacy of the woman's change room - men's too), nice showers, lockers for your things, even pre-pasted toothbrushes if you need one.
The Community hall is great too - lots to do there, including video games for the kids. We like to grab a free DVD rental at the end of the day to enjoy instead of watching the usual tv programs.
And the Turf Club restaurant has amazing food - not a lot to choose from on the menu, but what they do offer is top notch.
You can also enjoy the DVC ferry to DTD if you're near the main area of the resort and don't want to walk or take the bus.
Enjoy - we'll be there Mar. 23-27 and can't wait!

 

[kikiq]

Last summer we didn't go to Epcot until dinner time, so spent the whole day at SSR. My DH walked all over, then rented a bicycle and rode over to OKW. My DSIL, DD and I spent the morning at DTD and the afternoon in the spa. My DB and DN spent all day in the quiet pool. My other DD spent most of the day in the community center playing video games and taking classes. We all agreed it was nice not to rush to the parks, but enjoy all the facilities.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

We are staying at SSR for the 1st time in a few months. Where do you like to stay?? How is the pool?? Whats your ideal day at SSR?? Any other tips I should know??? Let the bragging begin...

Ahhhhh...where to begin!!! We love SSR, and hope you enjoy your stay as much as we do.

Where to Stay
Our personal favorites are the Springs or Congress Park sections. CP is closest to DTD and right beside the main pool, and the Springs is right across the street from the main pool. My third choice (though I'd be happy with any of the three) would be the Grandstand section.

The Pool
SSR's feature pool is nice, but IMHO, nothing super special. It's nice for little kids, because there is a zero entry and a cute Donald water spout area. However, I LOVE the pool at Congress Park. It's nothing special either, but the view certainly is!

Feature Pool

Congress Park Pool & View

Dining & Tips
I REALLY like Turf Club. Make reservations if you plan on going, because it's not very big. It's one of my favorite places to eat on property. You're also a rock's throw from DTD, which has tons of options.

If you enjoy working out, they have the best workout facility of any place I've ever stayed. The grounds are also a beautiful place to walk/run.

 

[Topo Bella]

We stayed at the Springs and although I loved the location in relation to the pool and main buildings, it is the last bus stop and so there were a couple of times that the buses were full by the time they got to the Springs stop. That being said, that probably wouldn't stop me from staying in the Springs again ... I liked the location.

As for the pool, we all liked it very much, more so that the pool at VWL. As things go, there was nothing "incredible" about it, but it had a nice layout and the water slide was a huge hit with my sons.

I really enjoyed the serenity of SSR. The theming is mild and although it doesn't hit you over the head, there is enough of it that you certainly know you are on a Disney property. The grounds are beautiful, light and airy and it is worth taking a walk around. We also liked the proximity to Downtown Disney.

I also would mention that the Turf Club was great, much better than we expected. The menu was limited, but the food was really good. I think this restaurant is really under-rated.

 

[alice99]

I stayed in the Congress Park section which was quiet, had great views of Downtown Disney and was 3 minutes walk to Downtown Disney.

It was a bit of a walk to the Carriage House, the main pool, convenience store, which are all together near the main entrance.

I don't have experience with other sections.