What is the Reason Why SSR is Considered the Last Resort?

[Girlstar30]

So on our last trip, we decided to finally check out the grounds of our home resort, SSR!

And I have to say that we both really actually liked what we saw! I loved that its by Disney Springs which opens a ton of dining options and leisurely boat rides. We loved the pastel colors of the buildings, the fountains, the bridges, statues, seeing wildlife we've never seen before, the stately frog pool we passed, and the fact that it has a lot of land to meander and stroll through!

We admittedly peeked thru some windows and thought the rooms actually looked pretty fancy and we liked the overall vibe. I guess my question is, why so much hate? I was really expecting to walk into something rundown, plain or undesirable with the way its talked about

Is it really just the internal bus loop or is there something im missing? I wonder if perhaps it was smaller it would be more popular and thats the reason for it to be considered one of the last resorts on people's list?

 

[SL6827]

Its a beautiful resort. I loved staying there.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I think it’s because a lot of people don’t like how sprawling the resort is, not park adjacent and isn’t over the top Disney.

We personally love it and actually use our AKV points for sleep around rather than our SSR point. Heading there next week as part of our 3 way split stay and very excited! I miss it!

 

[Girlstar30]

Its a beautiful resort. I loved staying there.

I believe it could be a family favorite especially with extended family with the low point charts. Ofc I have to stay there to really know!

I notice my dvc preference evolving so rapidly. I was convinced I wouldnt like large, sprawling resorts but it actually felt really nice and peaceful to be away from the hustle and bustle of the resort we were staying in

 

[Girlstar30]

I think it’s because a lot of people don’t like how sprawling the resort is, not park adjacent and isn’t over the top Disney.

We personally love it and actually use our AKV points for sleep around rather than our SSR point. Heading there next week as part of our 3 way split stay and very excited! I miss it!

Seems like it could be our hidden gem too!

Disney has taught me a lot of patience, we did go on the bus loop just to try it out and it didnt bother me, but talk to me after a long park day and we will see if I feel the same

Regardless, it seems like a great way to end a busy trip! We went to the abandoned spa and it really is a shame its not opening, this resort could be my resort for pure relaxation

 

[MICKIMINI]

It is our last resort for sure. DIL and son feel the same way. It just doesn't have the charm OKW has IMO. We don't like the rooms, don't like the grounds or location at all. OKW is a favorite of our family if we can't get BWV or Poly at 7 months. It feels like a resort, villas are spacious and quiet pools are well, quiet for the most part. 30 year DVC (OKW) owner.

 

[Girlstar30]

It is our last resort for sure. DIL and son feel the same way. It just doesn't have the charm OKW has IMO. We don't like the rooms, don't like the grounds or location at all. OKW is a favorite of our family if we can't get BWV or Poly at 7 months. It feels like a resort, villas are spacious and quiet pools are well, quiet for the most part. 30 year DVC (OKW) owner.

On paper, i am more attracted to the okw theme! But I do like the grounds and location of ssr. I believe I will like okw too!

Thats the only resort I havent seen in person and id love to do an ssr and okw split stay and see how I feel about the two! I have yet to stay at a dvc resort that I would never stay at again

 

[DeeBee3]

We stayed there for the first time over the summer. We loved it. The buses don't bother us, but we are also not rushing around trying to do everything on our trips. We will definitely stay there again and are looking into contracts.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We've owned (and sold) SSR contracts because they were inexpensive. We have stayed there exactly twice over 30 years (don't remember when SSR was built). I did stay there many years ago when doing a gig for WDW at EPCOT but that was on their dime and I had a 2 BR for just me.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

SSR doesn't have the location advantages monorail or Crescent Lake resorts have. It's size can be a turnoff as well...especially if using Disney transportation. But we stayed there right after the refurbishment in a 2br and a studio with extended family and loved it. I thought the rooms were well appointed and the pull down in the living room was a big hit with the 15y old niece who is usually assigned the worst bed. I also personally like the more subtle Disney art and decorating choices some of the refurbs like SSR have ushered in versus the shove it down your throat decorating of previous years.

The pools are well themed and the kids have always enjoyed them. For us, who pays for these trips, the point charts are very economical for the 2 and 3 bedrooms. SSR, OKW, and to some extent AKV will never be as sexy as some of the newer resorts. But I always thought their pros have always outweighed their negatives.

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

Seems like it could be our hidden gem too!

Disney has taught me a lot of patience, we did go on the bus loop just to try it out and it didnt bother me, but talk to me after a long park day and we will see if I feel the same

Regardless, it seems like a great way to end a busy trip! We went to the abandoned spa and it really is a shame its not opening, this resort could be my resort for pure relaxation

Requesting Grandstand section (if granted) as I do, eliminates the loop.

 

[Girlstar30]

SSR doesn't have the location advantages monorail or Crescent Lake resorts have. It's size can be a turnoff as well...especially if using Disney transportation. But we stayed there right after the refurbishment in a 2br and a studio with extended family and loved it. I thought the rooms were well appointed and the pull down in the living room was a big hit with the 15y old niece who is usually assigned the worst bed. I also personally like the more subtle Disney art and decorating choices some of the refurbs like SSR have ushered in versus the shove it down your throat decorating of previous years.

The pools are well themed and the kids have always enjoyed them. For us, who pays for these trips, the point charts are very economical for the 2 and 3 bedrooms. SSR, OKW, and to some extent AKV will never be as sexy as some of the newer resorts. But I always thought their pros have always outweighed their negatives.

Very well said and really touches on all the aspects, I agree with all of this 100%

The new resorts rooms are very modern and sexy But I found this resort to be upscale yet charming

 

[Girlstar30]

Requesting Grandstand section (if granted) as I do, eliminates the loop.

Is the grandstand the first stop when returning from the parks? That would be what I prefer! I dont mind looping around in the morning, we are ap holders and never in a rush to get to the parks

 

[Dodgerburt8]

So on our last trip, we decided to finally check out the grounds of our home resort, SSR!

And I have to say that we both really actually liked what we saw! I loved that its by Disney Springs which opens a ton of dining options and leisurely boat rides. We loved the pastel colors of the buildings, the fountains, the bridges, statues, seeing wildlife we've never seen before, the stately frog pool we passed, and the fact that it has a lot of land to meander and stroll through!

We admittedly peeked thru some windows and thought the rooms actually looked pretty fancy and we liked the overall vibe. I guess my question is, why so much hate? I was really expecting to walk into something rundown, plain or undesirable with the way its talked about

Is it really just the internal bus loop or is there something im missing? I wonder if perhaps it was smaller it would be more popular and thats the reason for it to be considered one of the last resorts on people's list?

Haven’t stayed there but I love the look/vibe from video. I think the horse racing theme is fantastic. Point charts are great and as an “always have a rental car” family, buses are not a big deal. Also I think Disney should bring an actual racetrack and sponsor some major races, double down on the Saratoga theming and vibe.

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

Is the grandstand the first stop when returning from the parks? That would be what I prefer! I dont mind looping around in the morning, we are ap holders and never in a rush to get to the parks

yes

 

[Girlstar30]

Haven’t stayed there but I love the look/vibe from video. I think the horse racing theme is fantastic. Point charts are great and as an “always have a rental car” family, buses are not a big deal. Also I think Disney should bring an actual racetrack and sponsor some major races, double down on the Saratoga theming and vibe.

I am all for themeing and more things to do!

I wasnt thinking that renting a car is always an option, which would eliminate the need for the bus altogether!

 

[VGCgroupie]

Bus only, but not only that its bus only but with an internal bus loop. Who wants to take 15-20 minutes (more if people getting on have scooters) just to finally get on the main road to get where you are going? Not me. Want quick service in the rain thats a bus ride and a walk. Get off the bus and walk to your room in the rain. Animal Kingdom is bus only but at least it's sort of a main hub for buses. And there's animals outside your balcony.

Finally I know some love SSR, but these are the reasons it is a hard pass for us. So much so that I just wouldnt go to WDW if it were my only option. The only other place I would consider lower on our list at WDW is OKW. Because at least SSR has Disney Springs and a drone show if they ever bring it back.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Also want add... yes I can rent a car and avoid buses. But that is just not how we travel when visiting WDW.

 

[BlovesC]

It was the second WDW resort I ever stayed in, and I thought it was beautiful and peaceful at the time. But somehow as I get older, something about the buildings themselves feel too much like an average FL apartment complex to me. Do have fond memories though!

 

[tx911]

So on our last trip, we decided to finally check out the grounds of our home resort, SSR!

And I have to say that we both really actually liked what we saw! I loved that its by Disney Springs which opens a ton of dining options and leisurely boat rides. We loved the pastel colors of the buildings, the fountains, the bridges, statues, seeing wildlife we've never seen before, the stately frog pool we passed, and the fact that it has a lot of land to meander and stroll through!

We admittedly peeked thru some windows and thought the rooms actually looked pretty fancy and we liked the overall vibe. I guess my question is, why so much hate? I was really expecting to walk into something rundown, plain or undesirable with the way its talked about

Is it really just the internal bus loop or is there something im missing? I wonder if perhaps it was smaller it would be more popular and thats the reason for it to be considered one of the last resorts on people's list?

I stayed there for 1 night once (solo) and loved it.

Stayed again with the fam for a 5 day trip and didn’t love as much. I find I don’t like the outdoor hallways, the long trek to the QS, bus route, and proximity to parks. We did see the drone show from our balcony which was awesome.

All in all I would stay again for sure , but wouldn’t be my first few choices.