What buildings/sections are open at SSR?

[kfields1]

What sections are open? Any recommendations for one-bedrooms that are close to the main pool and buses? Thanks!

 

[athenna]

There is only 1 secion open at this time-Congress Park. The 2nd section-The Springs will be open 4/1 (I believe).
I don't have a room recommendation for you though, since I haven't been home yet.

 

[kfields1]

I want to be near the main pool and bus stops. I would prefer a second floor one-bedroom. Any suggestions?

 

[tjkraz]

There are multiple bus stops on the property. IMO, the difference between the closest building and furthest building from a bus stop is about 20 seconds of walking time. The bus stops are well-placed to service all guests.

If your stay occurs before April, then your room will be in Congress Park. Again, with the way the buildings are situated, they are all about 5 minutes (on foot) from the main pool and 1-2 minutes from the Leisure Pool that overlooks Downtown Disney.

If your stay is April or later, the buildings in The Springs will be open. These will give you easier access to the main pool (perhaps 1-2 minute walk), but they do not have the balcony view of Downtown Disney, and it will take you longer to walk to DD on foot (if you are so inclined.)

 

[madonna31]

and it will take you longer to walk to DD on foot (if you are so inclined.)

But there is also the boat you can opt to take to DTD not unlike from the other DTD resorts - correct?

 

[tjkraz]

But there is also the boat you can opt to take to DTD not unlike from the other DTD resorts - correct?

Yes, there is a boat. Unfortunately the dock is in a pretty inconvenient location. And, right now, service is only hourly until 4pm--every 30 minutes after 4pm. Indications are that service will increase as more of the resort opens.

Let me clarify my comments about walking.

From the closest building at Congress Park you can reach Downtown Disney easily in 5 minutes on foot. It really is that close. The way the path is laid out, each successive building takes a little longer. From even the furthest building in CP, you should be able to reach DD in no more than 15 minutes.

In The Springs, the closest building will probably be a 15 minute walk, with the furthest taking about 20 minutes.

SSR also has bus service to DD, so there really are many options.

 

[mrsminniemouse]

I second what tjkraz said, last September we were in the furthest building from DTD and it still took less than 10 minutes to make the walk. The Congress Park buildings are great all round, they have the views plus the central location. The walk to the main pool is just a few minutes, nothing on a WDW walking scale really. (Anyone know the average distance walked in a day at MK?, would love to know)

I didn't think there was a bus from SSR to DTD, but tjkraz knows everything about SSR so I am sure I must be wrong. You don't need the bus though. Especially with a stroller it is easier to walk.

Mandy

 

[madonna31]

Ok - since I seem to have come across a couple of SSR experts (finally; thank you) I have another question.

Is it true that SSR is set up more like a motel in that the doors to your room are on the outside (not unlike a moderate level resort) oppose to that of a hotel, where you walk along the inside of the building hallways to get to your room (not unlike a Deluxe property resort)?

 

[tjkraz]

Is it true that SSR is set up more like a motel in that the doors to your room are on the outside (not unlike a moderate level resort) oppose to that of a hotel, where you walk along the inside of the building hallways to get to your room (not unlike a Deluxe property resort)?

I personally wouldn't call it a motel, but the rooms do have exterior entrances. Disney used to call these "Home Away From Home" resorts, and I think that sums-up the design philosophy well. It's more of a condo-style developement with the big advantage (IMO) being the ability to park right outside of your unit.

Much as I like the Boardwalk (which does have the interior corridors and hotel-feel you mention), my big beef with that resort is that the self-park lot is a loooooong way away from the rooms (assuming you can even get a space later in the day). BWV does offer valet service, but that always seems to be a hassle to me (wait for your car, tipping, etc.)

Some folks prefer the hotel feel...and there's nothing wrong with that. Variety is one of the big plusses of DVC.

Old Key West has the same condo-style construction as Saratoga Springs.

And finally, understand that the accommodations are still first-class. There is nothing "Moderate" or "Motel-like" about the rooms, amenities and landscaping at Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. I've stayed in 4 of the 5 DVC resorts at WDW, and the rooms at SSR have the most luxurious furnishings and fixtures, IMO.

 

[madonna31]

understand that the accommodations are still first-class. There is nothing "Moderate" or "Motel-like" about the rooms, amenities and landscaping at Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. I've stayed in 4 of the 5 DVC resorts at WDW, and the rooms at SSR have the most luxurious furnishings and fixtures, IMO.

Oh I completely understand that. Believe me, I wouldn't of bought into SSR had I not seen that for myself...lol

I've stayed in all categories of Disney resorts in the past; including HAFH. I used the 'motel'/'moderate' ONLY in comparison for the entrance portion to the rooms in hopes of explaining my question better.

I agree in that having your car right at your door is a HUGE plus - that's the reason I asked, didn't want to get all excited for nothing. Thanks

 

[spiceycat]

most timeshares are this way.

DVC is only one I have stayed that has the inside corridors too in some of their resorts...

besides if they did the inside corridors - someone would get a parking lot view - think of the complaints....

thanks - I am staying here in May - your post has been a great help!!!

 

[madonna31]

besides if they did the inside corridors - someone would get a parking lot view - think of the complaints....

I missed the part where I was complaining?!? I only asked if the 'outside door' situation were true is all. Like I said - I think that being able to park your car right outside your door is a GREAT thing!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Well, you can't actually park right outside your door. The rooms are in a complex -- you park in front of the complex and will have a room on 1 of 4 floors in that complex. It's a very short walk from the parking lot to the rooms -- using either the stairway or the elevators. The hallway is technically an exterior hallway, but it essentially becomes an interior hallway in a good portion of each complex with rooms on each side of the hallway.

 

[ColoradoBelle1]

OK SS experts...
Looking at photos on another thread of SS, I was smitten by the opp to watch Pleasure Island fireworks from my studio unit.

My question: will this only be possible from the congress park buildings? And are MOST of the studios in the Congress Park buildings offering a view of the fireworks? And after SS gets built out...do you think that requesting Congree Park will be difficult?

Thanks!
CB

 

[magicmouse2]

Thats excellent being able to park outside your unit!! I didnt know that!
I cant wait to stay there