We just stayed there for the first time in December so would like to tell you a couple of things that I wish I had known. We were in a 2br in the Paddock section. It was me, DH, 4 kids and my parents (mid 60's - no problems walking far). I had read on these boards that the resort is spread and boy is that ever true. I wish I had studied the resort map before our trip because for the first 2 days I felt a little lost. The multiple bus stops make all the sections convenient for getting to the parks but the fact that the buses make several stops does add time so keep that in mind if you have ADRs to get to, etc. And the Paddock was a bit of a walk to the main buildings.
Personally, if I stay there again I would request a room in the Springs to be closer to the main pool and the restaurants (with kids it would definitely have been easier). We like to go into the parks early and then go back to our resort in the afternoon for a little break and a swim. I felt that the distance from our room to the main pool made that not as convenient as we've had in the past at other resorts.
One problem (or situation) we had which was also made worse by our distance from the main building was when we took ME on the way home. When we arrived it was late evening - around 10 pm - and the bellman gave us and our bags a ride to our room (in one of those large golf carts). So the day before we were leaving I went to bell services to make similar arrangements for our departure. Our flight was early (9:15 am) so the ME bus was at about 6:30 or so. And when I asked to arrange to have our bags picked up at our room in the morning I found that the bellman have a schedule and the only time left was 5:15 am. Way too early! So I had them get most of our bags the night before and we walked over with the rest of our things the following morning. If I had known, I would have made those arrangements much sooner than the day before. Or, if our room had been closer to the main building it wouldn't have been so bad. I mean, it wasn't terrible but it was just one of those little inconveniences that nobody wants on their last day. So if you are using ME ask about those checkout arrangements when you arrive!
And I would stay there again because overall we loved the resort, the kids loved the main pool, both Artist's Palette and the Turf Club Bar & Grille were excellent (if you weren't planning on eating at the Turf Club, you should!), and I loved the proximity to DTD. We have never spent much time in DTD before and we really enjoyed it. I was looking forward to being able to take the boat there but the two mornings that we went over, we had to take the bus because the boat service doesn't start until 11:15 am. - but then we took the boat back. But again, if you are in any section other than the Springs, the bus really is the more convenient way to go (because of the location of the dock).
So overall, I'd tell anyone going to SSR to try and familiarize yourself with the layout before you go and you might want to considering requesting the Springs if being near the main pool, restaurants, and boat dock is important to you. But like all things Disney you'll have a great trip no matter what!
