Who stayed at SSR recently and wished they wouldn't of

[wisbucky]

After reading so many posts of people who are dissapointed in SSR I am wondering if I shouldnt change to a different resort. We leave in exactly three weeks. I am having serious second thoughts on staying there. Construction wouldnt bother us. But noise and constant distractions will. We wanted to stay at SSR since we are constantly down at DTD every night just walking and shopping. We own at SSR and OKW. We love OKW. Bought into SSR due to the 50 years and being next to DTD. What is everyone's opinion on this. I am hoping I can get honest opinions from everyone on if we should change our resort. If we do change we would go to OKW. That is of course if there is an opening.

 

[DISNEY4FUN]

We were at an SSR in a two bedroom from 6/7-6/12. We had a great time. The construction never bothered us as far as noise.

I can tell you two advantages of staying at SSR this summer. We were always alone at the bus stops. And the pools were never crowded.

The walkway to the marketplace wasn't open when we were there. But we did use the walkway to the Westside. It is not long.

The rooms are also very clean because everything is new.

I would definitely stay there, if I were you.

 

[lillasmom]

I have read many of the posts about SSR but haven't stayed there yet myself. I don't own there, but I wouldn't worry about staying there right now. Everyone has an opinion. Some people thought it was great, others didn't, but that doesn't mean that you won't have a good time. If you think changing would help your piece of mind, that I would at least try. But regardless, it's WDW! I'm jealous just knowing your going!

Have a great time!

 

[CRobin]

I echo the sentiments of DISNEY4FUN....

We had a very enjoyable 3 nites @ SSR.

All of the guest-occupied buildings face away from the construction, so the noise is not noticeable.

True, you cannot walk to DTD the short way (you risk getting hit by a bulldozer), but we found the bus service to be fantastic, not only to DTD but to all of the parks as well.

Don't change your ressie based upon a couple of comments found on this board. Experience it yourself. We had a blast there. The pool is fantastic.

 

[RobDoc]

We stayed at SSR during it's opening week. The rooms are quiet and the construction, while visible, was not a detraction for us.

The landscaping is beautiful and the CMs went out of their way to help with anything they could.

You can walk to DD right now (there is access around the construction barricade) and the walk will be shorter once the promenade walkway opens with the last buildings in Phase I (probably by early this August- if not sooner).

We found the bus service similar to other WDW resorts (very much like OKW) and there is a DD bus every 20 minutes or so as well as service to all parks.

We dined at Artist's Palette for one meal and found the menu to have a nice selection. We tried the flatbread pizza and it was great. The restaurant area is very comfortable and should have no problem handling the needs of the resort as it is completed- even with the extra 6 buildings from the original plan.

I agree that the boat dock is not convenient, but it is accessible and offers another option to get to DD. Check the schedule before heading over there to save some wait time (it runs hourly from 11:00am-4:00pm and then runs every 30 minutes until 11:00pm).

The pool is delightful and should also be adequate to comfortably handle the needs of the resort when completed. The "leisure" pools are also nicely themed and developed with play areas for children as well as the laundry area and seating.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[lightningcoach]

Right now is the best time to stay. We stayed in May for 4 days and it was wonderful because the resort was so quiet. After the parks in the evening it was nice being the only ones on the bus. We felt sorry for those in lines 20 feet deep waiting for the hotels.

 

[sheryl0521]

We have a ressie at OKW and are waitlisted for SSR, so if you want to trade, let me know!

Sheryl

 

[LucyLou&BobWho]

We stayed from 5/22-29 and had a great time. Had a 1 bedroom 2734 and really enjoyed it. The grounds were beautiful, the kids got a kick out of looking for lizards and toads. The main pool was a lot of fun, relatively empty (one day we acutally had the whole things to our selves). The quite pools were great as well. Bus service was wonderful we were the only ones on the bus the majority of the time. A lot of jealous people at the parks when we would just walk on to our bus with no wait and had our choice of seating, while they were crammed into their busses.

Never noticed the construction...all in all had a great time, can't wait to go back.

 

[bounceytigger]

My trip "home" to SSR isn't until December, so I can't speak from personal experience yet.....but I think the reviews overall have been fantastic! I think you'll have an AWESOME time at SSR, and I wouldn't worry at all if I were you!

Have fun, and it'd be great to hear your impressions after your trip...

 

[stacy6552]

Go! Its wonderful and has all the things you were glad to buy in for.

 

[kweaver]

We're here now, and I wouldn't hesitate to come back in a heartbeat. We've heard no construction noise. We've taken the bus to DTD just to make it easy...and they have been frequent and quick. The drivers are happy to have customers rather than an empty bus. Many of them have been very pleasant to talk to (we've had the busses to ourselves quite a bit). I'm not sure what distractions are being referred to....we certainly haven't experienced any.

There do seem to be more people using the pool and common areas now...I'd say there were 20 families at HRS on Sunday afternoon. We've spent our time at the parks and waterparks since then...so not sure if that is normal or not.

We can see the construction fencing which is across the street from the bus stop. We did not mind it a bit. It is screened...and of course my boys loved seeing the equipment. I'll try to take a picture of that before we leave. If you are the type of person who just cannot stand to have anything but a perfect view surrounding you (this seems to be the case of the allearsnet reviewer...that and the fact that SSR isn't DI reincarnated)...you're better off staying at OKW this time and checking out SSR next year when it is relatively complete.

FYI...not a lot of construction going on at the moment...some exterior siding going up. According to one bus driver whose grandson works for the construction company, there is a shortage of concrete and they cannot get any until next week for further work on the foundations, etc. You know those bus driver stories though...take them with a grain of salt!

 

[G8RFAN]

We were there a week and a half ago and had a great time. Going back home to stay at WLV in July. Starting to wish we had booked SSR instead.

 

[eporter66]

Go and form your own opinion. It is a DVC resort, so how bad can it really be?

We stayed during opening week (5/17-5/21) and loved it. It was quiet, we had the pool(s) to ourselves for the most part. The constuction did not bother us at all, but we cant wait to see it again when the resort is completed.

We loved being able to head over to DTD, and went every night to eat or just walk around. We watched the Pleasure Island fireworks and had a ball.

We love SSR and cant wait to go back, but I would say definitely DO NOT cancel your reservation. Give it a try. You said you read negative comments, but all the responses here have been positive.

Enjoy your vacation

 

[princess girls]

One thing about the SSR, it is not very busy yet. Definitely not overcrowded during our stay and they had just opened Building two. Rooms were very clean and new!
Dh and I had with a CM at the Turf Club at SSR last week. He mentioned that there was a huge building near the Spa not really being used much right now and how in 2005 when Phase II was done that it could very well turn into a seated dining area. I think with the 828 units in 2007 they will definitely have the demand then.
I did not find the construction to be that bad. Just look the other way! Noise was very minimum. Fireworks last 4 minutes only!
Did not wake me up at all!
Dh did have that Caeser Grilled Chicken salad at Artist's Palette that Deb(ALLEARS)tried as well. Yes it was poorly presented, cold chicken was not grilled and lettuce was whole and just laying there. Not worth 7.50 he said. My Turkey and Brie sandwich was more than enough for 7.50. Half went home with me.
Another conversation with a lifeguard brought up the subject of the hot surfaces around the pool. He said that the more people complain then the sooner they will change out the tile. As for now the lifeguards spray it down with water hoses to keep it cool. Even my 2 yr old went tip toe around the pool saying "hot". However the slide is excellent! Thumbs up!
We also went to the 1st MEMBER update meeting there. It was great and very informative. Many OKW members were there. I recommend to go if you can, Wed at 4pm and make your opinions known to them, we did!
Bell hops were super nice! Even helping to take luggage up to third level on arrival and departure. Several people did not know of that option so they were carrying their own up and down.
All in all, SSR is a work in progress!!! We will be back in Dec 2005!
Can not wait to see the changes then!
So my opinion is to go and have an open mind with a smile!

 

[wisbucky]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I feel much better now and will give SSR a try. I am really excited about the new resort. Just starting getting cold feet after reading so many people's negative comments. Guess I should know better than to listen to others before giving it a try myself. I certainly will post when we get back.

 

[Granny]

I think that overall, there have been many, many more positive comments about SSR on this board than negative ones.

It's the negative ones that we tend to remember though. If we used only the negative ones to form our opinions, we'd never stay at any Disney location again!

I'm glad you decided to stick with your SSR reservation. We're considering making SSR at least a part of next year's vacation plans.

 

[DisneyMim]

If there's one thing I have learned from reading this Web-site (or any site for that matter) is that the negative comments seem to really outnumber the good ones. I think the people who post more are the ones who have had the problems. Makes sense, they are mad and want an outlet for themselves. I have been a member since 1991, have gone many times, way too many to count, stayed at DVC resorts, non-DVC resorts, value, mod, deluxe, concierge, and have NEVER written a report. If I took to heart everything that is said on these boards I would never go. Sometimes I find myself reading something that I know is just a post from someone having a bad day and I get nervous. When I talk to my husband he just reminds me to not get caught up in it. Yes, there will be many negative reports on EVERY Disney resort, every cruise ship, every hotel in the universe, but the botton line is you have to go yourself and find out if YOU like it. What bothers some people won't bother others. I never post what bothers me because I don't want to get into an argument with people. Why bother?? I've been there enough to know what is right for my family, and you will too. Sometimes it just takes a few trips to find out what really works for you.

Have Fun, Relax, you will have a good time no matter where you stay.

I will now go back to lurking. LOL!!

 

[Pinnie]

We are going in 4 weeks with an open mind. I guess if we **EXPECT** to find flaws, we will. Personally, I am going to have a good time and not sweat the small stuff.

There are plenty of options for dining in the area at DD and at CROSSROADS. Our group has a couple of cars and are doing a couple of Drum Corp shows at the Citrus Bowl, so the parks are NOT our main focus. A couple of us ladies already have reservations at the SPA.

pinnie