What do you like about SSR?

[TracyK]

We had the choice between OKW and SSR and I was torn between the two but decided to go for SSR because it was newer and also walking distance to DD. I have to say that I actually prefer the look of OKW and now feel like I made a mistake after hearing less than glowing comments about SSR, particularly the buses which we will be using daily. Please reassure me that I made a good choice. Thanks

 

[little1kry]

We love SSR. The rooms are beautiful and we can't wait to stay there again. There was only one time that we had to wait a long time for a bus (we used them multiple times a day) and it seems that the bus issue can happen anywhere. The resort is big, but we are an active family, so the walking to the main building wasn't a big deal (and it's really not that far). Plus there were enough bus stops that we were never far from one. The counter service is pretty good as well - nothing too exciting to report there.

I think SSR is a beautiful resort. Some people think that there isn't enough themeing or that it's not "Disney" enough, but I like that it is a place to get away from the activity of the parks. The proximity to DTD is also great. A couple of us made the walk a few times and taking the boat across is fun too.

Go and enjoy. I hope you love SSR as much as we did.

 

[vicki_c]

Love SSR! We own there. The rooms are beautiful, the grounds are beautiful, the pool is very nice -- lots of things. I really don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[micheleq]

We loved SSR! The pools are fantastic, the theming is very understated, and we ejnoyed the food options -- esp. the Turf Club had outstanding food.

I think OKW is actually a bigger resort, or at least the same size. We were in the Grandstand section which is the first stop for the buses, so we never had any issues. In fact, there were dispatchers out so if there was a later stop that got passed by, they would radio and divert buses to begin a little later on the internal loop so no one had to wait too long.

We had a 2BR and Bell Services delivered our groceries from Garden Grocer with no issues. Overall, the staff was excellent and we'd stay there again.

There's a SSR lovers thread over on the DVC Boards (Mousellaneous Board I think) -- take a look there and you'll find detailed pictures and trip reports.

 

[HelenParr]

We are usually YC/BC people, but we have stayed at SSR three times for a change of pace, loved it every time. CMs super nice, great layout, quiet pools very nice. We liked the walk to DTD. We liked just exploring the landscaping at the resort with morning walks around after grabbing coffee at the counter service. The view of DTD at night is fantastic, and the boat ride is fun for a change of pace. Even though it is big, it feels like, well --- a resort!

We had zero trouble with the bus service (I know others have had less luck), but really -- zero trouble in three trips. I hope you have a great time.

 

[aidtrismommy]

Don't even worry about your choice. You will love SSR. Request Grandstand, it is the first stop. It is also a short walk to the main building and food court. The decor is not so "Florida" like OKW, but still casual and very nice. I love SSR, so much that I am a little nervous about staying at Kidani in Jan. I love the freedom to be able to walk to DTD or take the boat to OKW to eat at Olivia's, etc. Trust me, go and have a great time.

 

[rowbear]

I can't bring myself to stay at SSR over OKW. I love OKW even though the Turf Club at SSR is much much better than Olivias.

 

[NYTiz]

We have stayed at OKW 3 times and, although it is a beautiful resort, each time we enjoyed it less and less. The last stay was enough and we requested a change and ended up at SSR. We absolutely loved it and would never hesitate to go back again! The theming is comparable to OKW in that it is not very "Disney", but we get enough of that at the parks. The pool is great and the rooms are a little smaller than OKW (we had a 2 br). But, OKW is in desperate need of a rehab and SSR isn't. I know there are alot of OKW lovers and I would go back again if they rehab but the last visit was just awful. The one downside of SSR was the dining, but we tend to eat breakfast in our room when we stay at a home away from home resort and eat the rest of our meals at the parks/hotels. Give it a try - I don't think you'll be disappointed!

 

[sabrecmc]

We stayed at SSR in Oct. 2007 in a 2 bdrm villa. The resort was gorgeous, clean and new. I liked being able to walk to DTD. We were in the Springs section, almost right behind the bus stop, so close to the main pool and restaurant. I think it would have been harder to be in one of the buildings further away, because we do not cook breakfast. We'd send one poor soul over to the restaurant to bring back breakfast for everyone and that would've been quite a walk if we were in another section.

I liked the resort a lot. It was quiet, the CMs were friendly...it did not feel as "Disney" as other resorts, but I think that can be a nice break from the constant theming. The bus service was fine. I think any resort can have occasional bus issues.

 

[TracyK]

Thanks so much everybody. I am feeling much happier about my choice now

Tracy

 

[mrsannb]

We stayed there with kids in the Grandstand, and they loved the close pool that has a kiddie area, and they loved the main pool with the waterslide. The boat to DTD is fun--Wolfgang puck express... It's nice having the washers and dryers too.
It's a nice resort and has a relaxing sunny feeling. Also the check in was one of the best we've had. They actually took us to our room rather than just showing it to us on a map.
We did have a couple long waits for buses during daytime hours, but if you start waiting for more than 15 minutes, tell the next bus driver you see to radio in and ask for the one you need.

 

[TracyK]

Thanks