VWL vs. SSR

[Marc_L]

My wife and I are debating over the merits of a two bedroom at VWL vs. SSR. In the room will be my wife and 8 month old daughter, my mother in law, sister in law, and my 4 year old nephew. I am looking for feedback where we should stay and why.

 

[doodle]

Hi Marc_L, Welcome to the DIS!!! We have never stayed at SSR but we love the VWL. I think you would like it there because of its proximity to MK. With 2 little ones you will probably want to spend a good amount of time at MK. Also, we love the themeing, restaurants and surroundings of VWL. I know you would enjoy it there.

Have a great time planning!

 

[crisi]

When are you planning on going. I love VWL, but it does book up much faster than SSR, so if this is short term planning, it may not be an option. If its longer term planning you can do either.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

WELCOME TO THE DIS!

Personally, I'd choose VWL so you can have quick access to MK. With an 8mo, that would be preferable. Plus, you can always monorail to Epcot from MK area. I just think transportation would be better and easier for you with a youngin'.

But both resorts are beautiful!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Hi Marc_ L, welcome to the DIS! I've never stayed at SSR but have toured it and it is a beautiful resort. I have stayed at VWL many times, and it is my very favorite DVC resort. I think where you stay should be based on your daily plans. VWL is a boat ride away from the MK, and also a boat ride away from Fort Wilderness where you will be able to visit the stables which house the Disney horses, and also the petting zoo. You can also take a nice walk to Fort Wilderness. The pools are in closer proximity to the rooms, as is Roaring Forks and Whispering Canyon Cafe. If all this appeals to you, along with darker furnishings and a wilderness setting, then this is the resort for you.

On the other hand, SSR is so close to Downtown Disney( great shopping for the girls, the Lego store for the nephew) and also has lots of meandering paths to walk the baby in her coach enjoying all the lovely scenery, everything is shiny brand new, and is much more bright and colorful than VWL.

Anyway, if it was me with an 8month old and a 4year old, I would probably try to book VWL just because it's more convenient with small children. Happy planning!

 

[Marc_L]

Thanks for the all the guidance. If the pool was the focus, where would you choose?

 

[Ambifins]

Welcome!
I've stayed in both places (my home resort is SSR). Both pools are pretty spectacular; it's possible the SSR main pool may be a little farther away from your room. But both resorts have main pools that are great pools for kids.
However, if you're just looking to get in the water, it's possible SSR will have a quiet pool closer to your room. The quiet pool at VWL was a longer walk than the quiet pool at SSR (but not by much)
I agree with those other posters--it's pretty convenient to hop on a boat and get to the Magic Kingdom. So if it's about the kids, then WL is key.
But, I went with my girlfriend, her teenagers, and my mom, and being so close to Downtown Disney was great. We went to the Cirque show, then dinner at the House of Blues, then took a boat back to SSR. Pretty cool.
Have a great trip.

 

[Slakk]

I own at SSR and am waitlisting for VWL so that will tell you I like them both.

As pools go I love the SSR pool it has a zero entry and also a smaller kids area that is really wonderful for the little ones.

DTD is great with little kids to give them a break from the parks - Legoland is still a must do for us after all these years.

Honestly you cannot go wrong at either - I prefer SSR but obviously like VWL as well.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Thanks for the all the guidance. If the pool was the focus, where would you choose?

That's a tough one, but I think if it were up to the pool, I'd go with SSR.

 

[2goofee]

Thanks for the all the guidance. If the pool was the focus, where would you choose?

SSR's zero entrance main pool would provide your young children with an option other than the kiddie pools.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

SSR's zero entrance main pool would provide your young children with an option other than the kiddie pools.

And don't forget the squirting Donald fountain. There is also the nice area with the playset, too!

 

[JimC]

Welcome to the DIS Marc

We have stayed at both and like both. They are very different resorts. If you like a Pacific Northwest theme, proximity to MK and two fine restaurants (one a top notch -- particularly the plank salmon, and the other a real hoot for fun and food) then VWL is the pick. If you prefer proximity to DD and golf as well as an Upstate Saratoga Springs theme then SSR is your pick. Both have nice pools and plenty of walking/running opportunities. Ah heck -- split your stay and enjoy them both!

 

[DVCJEN]

We own at SSR but have stayed at both. We were at VWL in January. The closesness to MK and "coziness" are big pluses for VWL. The better lighting, better matresses, proximity to DTD,Spa and more pool options are a great plus for SSR. Just depends on what is more important--but either way you win--both are great in different ways.

 

[DrTomorrow]

One other consideration: if you will have a car, SSR allows you close-to-the-room parking, easier to get the little ones (and big ones and strollers) to/from the car.

 

[Johnnyfairplay]

Hey Marc,

Welcome from a newbie on the Dis. I prefer VWL but I just added on at SSR for the golf, 12 extra years and DTD access. Why not try both resorts? I am a firm believer in trying them all to really see what fits your travel needs and wants. Both offer something completely different so this would be a great opportunity to try two different worlds, so to speak. From a pool standpoint, I'd give the nod to SSR. If you choose to try both, book VWL first and then book SSR. Setting your dates at VWL is the tougher part because it such a small resort. SSR almost always has availability. Post a review upon your return and good luck.


johnny

 

[littlestar]

If you will be spending a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom, definitely stay at the VWL. You can take a boat or a bus to get to the Magic Kingdom. The VWL is also attached to a Walt Disneyworld deluxe hotel (the Wilderness Lodge) so you would have 3 restaurants, room service (if you wanted it), and all the services that come with a hotel. FYI, some of the top floor units at the VWL have cathedral ceilings. They are gorgeous.

If you want to be close to downtown Disney, then SSR would be nice. They have a zero entry pool. The building is condo style, exterior hallways, and parking close to your building.

Good luck!

 

[juliehry]

If it is a great pool you are after I would do Beach Club Villa first choice, second choice wouldbe SSR. VWL is my home but the pool is better for an 8 month old a a 4 year old at SSR & BCV.

 

[SaratogaShan]

One other consideration: if you will have a car, SSR allows you close-to-the-room parking, easier to get the little ones (and big ones and strollers) to/from the car.

YES!

This is the number one reason that SSR is our first choice at the moment. We love being able to just stroll the kids right into the room!