Just back from a six night stay at SSR and thought I would report back with some comments on the resort and the trip in general. We had a lovely 1 bedroom villa, loved every minute of our stay and (sniff-sniff) were sorry to have to head for home.
SSR is a lovely resort. It is large and a lot of walking is involved but knowing that ahead of time allowed us to plan ahead. The accommodations were top-notch, housekeeping was more than adequate (we are not DVC members), and the tranquility of the resort was a welcome relief from the crowds in the parks.
SSR does need to re-think the food options available. The food at the Artists Palette was good but it did get crowded and a separate check-out for food service would have been nice. It was awkward checking out with everyone buying everything from groceries to band-aids to souvenirs.
We did not find the bussing issues that others have complained about at SSR. We generally found that the every 20 minutes just about right. We heard from others who complained that they had waited for more than an hour for this bus or that, but did not personally experience any difficulties ourselves.
Enough on the resort now some general comments.
I wish Disney would consider some changes to the entry process into the parks. I understand the need for the bag check but found that some of the longest lines all day were at the entry turnstiles. I wish there was an express line for grown-ups without strollers, wheelchairs or with older children that do not need assistance with the card reading, finger-printing process through the turnstile. We waited 43 minutes to get through the turnstile at Hollywood Studios making it officially the longest line we waited in all week.
I know that the POLY is a popular favorite of many, but frankly wouldnt stay there if Disney paid me. We stayed there years and years ago and werent all that impressed (considering the price) but I was literally disgusted by what I observed there this time around. We had reservations for dinner at Ohana and arrived about an hour early so enjoyed a couple of fluffy drinks at the bar. We took a walk around the lobby and some of the grounds which were much as we remembered, however, the common areas in the lobby were loud, crowded, and there were literally lines for every womens restroom! When we finally got in to use one it was a mess! The floor was wet, toilet paper and paper towels were all over the floor, soap was gunked all over the sink area and two of the toilets were apparently not functional that is, not flushing. I realize that the housekeeping/janitorial staff cannot be responsible for patrons who are thoughtless slobs, but it was the only restroom that grossed us out during the entire trip including our resort, the parks, gas stations, and rest stops (we drove from Chicago).
We ate at Chefs de France and loved it, at Hollywood & Vine which was okay but probably wont eat there again (nothing wrong with it nothing particularly special about it). Loved Ohana, Tusker House was very nice and we really enjoyed our dinner at Raglan Road. These were all new restaurants for us.
Cirque de Soleils La Nouba was great!
Tomorrowland Terrace is a great place to wait out an afternoon thunderstorm although it would have been nice if they had been open and serving before evening that day.
Watching the fireworks from behind the castle was a great tip it was delightfully un-crowded, as opposed to the swarms of humanity in front. Because they launch from the sides of the castle and the back of the park we were actually in the middle of the show! Awesome and we had a seat and a snack to boot!
All in all a great trip already mentally planning the next will likely be in January or February (it was hot, hot, hot this time around) and will return to my all-time favorite resort POR (we all do have our faves, dont we?).
SSR is a lovely resort. It is large and a lot of walking is involved but knowing that ahead of time allowed us to plan ahead. The accommodations were top-notch, housekeeping was more than adequate (we are not DVC members), and the tranquility of the resort was a welcome relief from the crowds in the parks.
SSR does need to re-think the food options available. The food at the Artists Palette was good but it did get crowded and a separate check-out for food service would have been nice. It was awkward checking out with everyone buying everything from groceries to band-aids to souvenirs.
We did not find the bussing issues that others have complained about at SSR. We generally found that the every 20 minutes just about right. We heard from others who complained that they had waited for more than an hour for this bus or that, but did not personally experience any difficulties ourselves.
Enough on the resort now some general comments.
I wish Disney would consider some changes to the entry process into the parks. I understand the need for the bag check but found that some of the longest lines all day were at the entry turnstiles. I wish there was an express line for grown-ups without strollers, wheelchairs or with older children that do not need assistance with the card reading, finger-printing process through the turnstile. We waited 43 minutes to get through the turnstile at Hollywood Studios making it officially the longest line we waited in all week.
I know that the POLY is a popular favorite of many, but frankly wouldnt stay there if Disney paid me. We stayed there years and years ago and werent all that impressed (considering the price) but I was literally disgusted by what I observed there this time around. We had reservations for dinner at Ohana and arrived about an hour early so enjoyed a couple of fluffy drinks at the bar. We took a walk around the lobby and some of the grounds which were much as we remembered, however, the common areas in the lobby were loud, crowded, and there were literally lines for every womens restroom! When we finally got in to use one it was a mess! The floor was wet, toilet paper and paper towels were all over the floor, soap was gunked all over the sink area and two of the toilets were apparently not functional that is, not flushing. I realize that the housekeeping/janitorial staff cannot be responsible for patrons who are thoughtless slobs, but it was the only restroom that grossed us out during the entire trip including our resort, the parks, gas stations, and rest stops (we drove from Chicago).
We ate at Chefs de France and loved it, at Hollywood & Vine which was okay but probably wont eat there again (nothing wrong with it nothing particularly special about it). Loved Ohana, Tusker House was very nice and we really enjoyed our dinner at Raglan Road. These were all new restaurants for us.
Cirque de Soleils La Nouba was great!
Tomorrowland Terrace is a great place to wait out an afternoon thunderstorm although it would have been nice if they had been open and serving before evening that day.
Watching the fireworks from behind the castle was a great tip it was delightfully un-crowded, as opposed to the swarms of humanity in front. Because they launch from the sides of the castle and the back of the park we were actually in the middle of the show! Awesome and we had a seat and a snack to boot!
All in all a great trip already mentally planning the next will likely be in January or February (it was hot, hot, hot this time around) and will return to my all-time favorite resort POR (we all do have our faves, dont we?).
