We're back from SSR and AKL

[ADisneygirl]

We returned last week from our first trip ever to SSR and our third trip to AKL. SSR is a beautiful resort. The studio we had was spacious and elegant. We really appreciated the little wet bar area. Even though we didn't use them, there were handy appliances there -- a microwave, a toaster, some dishes, a can opener, etc. The grounds are lovely. Each set of buildings seemed to be around a lake with water spouting from them. I walked around on the paths a bit and it was scenic and peaceful.

Not a complaint but rather an observation really on our part was that we enjoy a resort that is all in one building better. Even though BWI, AKL and WL, etc. have some very long hallways, you are inside, in A/C and out of the sun's direct hit while walking them. SSR is a huge resort. We were in the closest section - The Springs section - to the main buildings and still it was a distance from the back of the farthest building, across a parking lot, down some sidewalks, across a street, through the pool area and up some stairs to get to the restaurant. Not a problem for walkers already used to the parks, but it seemed a long way for my 77 y.o Mom.

AKL was lovely as ever. We had a pool view room. It was not far from the lobby. Mousekeeping was great. I love the ambiance of this resort. I love how they themed it and the cool, dark feel to it. We ate at Boma twice and loved it.

We did not have any exceedingly long waits for buses at either resort. The only bad thing that happened was on a bus from DTD to AKL. A thunderstorm was brewing in the area. Then the torrential rains started. The driver tells the bus "bad news guys -- we are headed to Typhoon Lagoon to pick up and they closed the park, so there will be a lot of soaking wet people on here soon". OMG is all I could think. Anyhow, the lot was so jammed with people trying to leave that we didn't even get around the driving loop to stop at the bus stop in there for 20 minutes! 20 minutes of inching along the loop. Finally pick up some people and then it was at least 40 minutes of inching to get out of the lot! We were on that bus over an hour. It was hailing outside, which provided our only entertainment since I have rarely seen hail.

Any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

 

[Trekker]

LOL!

Darn Disney for not controlling the weather! LOL!

Sounds like you had a good vacation - thanks for sharing!

 

[disneyfanUSA]

Thank you so much I’m going to ssr in august and have heard nothing but good reviews about it!! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I really want to try AKL I have never been to deluxe but it is 1st on my list!!! Did you ever have trouble getting on the bus at ssr because springs is the last section to be picked up? Also I remember when I stayed at POR there were no railings or any form of line to get on busses. People who just got out there would walk to front of the line and get on bus. They would cut the people who were standing there for 15min. Is it like this at ssr or is there ropes or bars to keep people in line like at values?

 

[ADisneygirl]

We didn't leave for the parks first thing in the morning, so we were lucky to always get seats on the bus. One morning about 8:15am on the way to eat at Artist Palette (we pass the bus stop) we saw quite a crowd.

There are no ropes or lines to mark where to wait. It is a covered area and shady. There are a few benches to sit on, and a few of these benches at the bus stop face the opposite way so you can look at the pretty fountain in the lake. You are right though; people who had been waiting awhile did get on the bus after those who had just walked up and been near the curb.

 

[cocowum]

Did you experience any construction related issues while at AKL? TIA

 

[ADisneygirl]

Did you experience any construction related issues while at AKL? TIA

No, not much. We heard construction noise during the day we spent out at the pool, but other than that it was quiet by our room.

 

[cocowum]

Thanks.

 

[wdwthreethiels]

Thank you so much I’m going to ssr in august and have heard nothing but good reviews about it!! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I really want to try AKL I have never been to deluxe but it is 1st on my list!!! Did you ever have trouble getting on the bus at ssr because springs is the last section to be picked up? Also I remember when I stayed at POR there were no railings or any form of line to get on busses. People who just got out there would walk to front of the line and get on bus. They would cut the people who were standing there for 15min. Is it like this at ssr or is there ropes or bars to keep people in line like at values?

nope, no ropes at SSR, so be ready for inconsiderate folks to simply step in front of you after you have clearly been waiting.