With all of the questions on rooms at SSR,

[thepops]

very nice pics... thanks

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Great pictures KennyD!!! What a beautiful resort---it's nice to see some color (instead of the brown, brown, brown everything is here right now )

Thanks ChelleinNC for the picture of the sofabed! I could only dream that my 2 year old would stay in bed until 10 AM !


Now, who has a picture of a bus stop?

 

[dismorgh]

Here's two from our trip a few weeks ago.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Thanks ChelleinNC for the picture of the sofabed! I could only dream that my 2 year old would stay in bed until 10 AM !

That would be my DD14, getting her out of bed is the problem

Both of my kids found the sofa bed comfy and took turns sleeping on it.

 

[rstackjd]

That's EXACTLY what I was looking for ! Thanks so much!

 

[gppnj]

I haven't yet stayed at SSR. However, I went there to take a look back when it was still under construction. I was turned off by the suburban sprawl look, but I knew that it would look much better as soon as all the plants grew in (which doesn't take long in Florida). These photos show I was correct. The place is quite lovely.

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Thanks for the picture of the bus stop Kevin! It will be a nice change from the value resort bus stops that have no cover from the sun or seating!

Next up, how about a picture of the inside of a studio refrigerator (weird, I know!)?

 

[ChelleinNC]

Weird and silly Don't have a pic of that, but can tell you that it's pretty much a standard dorm fridge. We kept water bottles & sodas in there and leftover pizza

 

[BroganMc]

I haven't yet stayed at SSR. However, I went there to take a look back when it was still under construction. I was turned off by the suburban sprawl look, but I knew that it would look much better as soon as all the plants grew in (which doesn't take long in Florida). These photos show I was correct. The place is quite lovely.

To my horror, I think the word may be getting out that SSR is actually a nice place to stay. I just hope its big size allows it to keep pace with demand better than some of the older resorts.

I know. I shoulda just kept my mouth shut about all the good things about SSR. But when you fall in love silence is not golden.

Ah well. Now you know why I recommend all SSR guests take at least one early morning stroll around the resort. When the temps aren't too hot that a cup of java is scorching and the resort is just waking up. You'll see gardeners finishing up their landscaping work, the scruffy but cute male guest going on a refillable mug run, birds getting a morning snack and other native animals scurrying about before those big awful humans take over. It's just so darn invigorating. I never ever want to pry myself from bed at 6-7am at home. But in SSR, I can't wait. They did an exceptional job with all the resort walkways and landscaping. Hardly any face the parking lots and clutter but are "on stage" facing lakes, golf courses and flower beds.

That's EXACTLY what I was looking for ! Thanks so much!

You're welcome.

 

[smep013]

I would like to offer my insights on the Paddock, since I was just there for 5 nights in room 5101. This building was adjacent to the Paddock pool, which is near the Paddock busstop.

Returning from the Parks, it was the third busstop. Going to the parks, we only stopped at the Springs before leaving the property.

Because of the location of our room, we walked out a side door and strolled to the pool and busstop in 1 minute flat. We also picked up the path to the bridge to walk over to the main area and main Springs pool. That walk took 5 minutes.

We really enjoyed the Paddock location. It was quiet and very easy as far as the busses went.

We are two adults, no kids, who like walking, so there were no issues there!

Our view was of a lake and said bridge.

The downside was (and this did not bother us, so not really a "downside") we did not take advantage of the path or boat to DTD. Never close enough to do it do so. We took the bus... next time at SSR, I'd like to be closer to DTD.

Hope that helps!

If I knew how to post photos, I would

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Thanks for the Paddock info smep013! This area sounds great!

So the refrigerator picture request was kind-of strange , so how about a picture of the boat landing?

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Boat....anyone....

 

[PIERCEDRN]

could we just compile a list of the pros and cons at each of the areas?

Congress Park
The Grandstand
The Springs
The Paddock
The Carousel

examples: best view, easiest bus stop, best for families with little ones, best for teens, best for those who need HA, best pool area, etc...and the worst view, bus stop, etc.

Help us SSR newbies out!

None of SSR was very convenient for our kiddies 4 and 1.5 it is pretty spread out and tough to make the trek to get the overly early coffee if the toddlers get up at 6:00.
Still Grandstand with its fun pool and proximity to the food is the best for lil ones IMHO
Now when they are in their teens and I can wake up and walk up to LBV golf course... thats when I will really dig SSR.
BOB

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Thanks for the info Bob! So far, the Grandstand seems to be the favorite of everyone.

Anyone have more pictures? Keep 'em coming....

 

[CheapMom]

from the ssr lovers/owners thread:

Since "best place to stay" is so subjective-I will give you a pro/con list to the sections as I see them

1. Congress Park: PRO- close to DTD Marketplace walkway, fairly close to Carriage house, many units have great DTD views. CON: Oldest section so has most wear/tear, If you are on the far end (close to Marketplace) it can be a hike to Carriage House.

2. Paddocks: PRO- Many have beautiful water views. Very quiet. Some buildings are very convenient to DTD Marketplace. CON: A bit removed from Carriage House

3. Grandstand: PRO- Newest Rooms, 2nd best pool at SSR (themed with play area & bar/refill station) Many buildings are very convenient to Carriage House, (Think but not sure: Convenient to water ferry stop? Convenient to DTD west side walkway? Also-I think something is a plus regarding the bus service- 1st stop maybe) Golf Course views. CON: Far buildings are a hike from Carriage House and feel isolated.

4. Springs: PRO: Most Convenient to Carriage house and the High Rock Springs Pool. CON: last bus stop?- a bit of a hike to DTD maybe

5. Carousel: PRO- easiest in/out access if you have your own car. VERY quiet. CON: ISOLATED, No pool in section (walk to Springs or Paddocks) Farthest distance from Carriage House and DTD.

HOPE THIS HELPS

Also- I listed "ISOLATED" as a con- some may feel that is a pro- diffr'nt strokes, ya know.
(Fellow SSR lovers/owners/experts- feel free to copy my post and add to it or correct what is wrong- or insert your opinions...)

Totally off-topic: Kenny- what kind of camera do you use? I love your photos!

 

[DVCKennyD]

from the ssr lovers/owners thread:


Totally off-topic: Kenny- what kind of camera do you use? I love your photos!

Thanks!! As far as my camera goes, I'll tell you if you promise not to laugh... I'm still in the "dark ages" when it comes to my photography. I am firmly stuck in the 35mm film age and I shoot with my trusty Nikon N70 and Nikkor lenses, then wait for them to be developed

I do have my sights set on a new Nikon D300 though... Although with the $$ I would spend on the D300 body, some new glass and a new speedlight, I could purchase a decent sized add-on


KennyD

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

How about a question instead, what is the one thing about Sarasota Springs that really "does it for you" as opposed to the other DVC resorts?

 

[starbox]

How about a question instead, what is the one thing about Sarasota Springs that really "does it for you" as opposed to the other DVC resorts?

Well - outside of Disney - I'm a Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons fan, and the interiors and landscaping at SSR reminds me a whole lot of the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lodge (we gave up our annual 4th of July stay at the Reynold's Plantation when we bought DVC). It's just the type/style of resort I'd want to stay in with or without Disney access. I'm a Jane Austen fan, and while the century is off - I do still get into the whole "to the manor born" vibe. In my fantasy-world - I'd rather be strolling among the flowers at a country manor with Mr. Darcy than in a castle with Prince Charming.

We really enjoy DTD at night, and it's a pain in the behind to get to via. Disney bus transportation - so the walking access and ferry are great for us. I like being able to easily use Disney transportation to get to dining at other resorts.

I also really, really love the food at the Artist's Palate. I've actually gone there just to eat.

All in all, SSR is one of my favorite DVC resorts.

 

[ChelleinNC]

It's an interesting question. When we went for the 1st time last June, we had wanted to do a split stay, BCV & SSR. We were renting points and weren't able to get BCV for any of our days, so we said fine and decided to try SSR for the whole 10 nt trip. I'm a BC girl, love love love staying at the BC and walking to Epcot so I was really worried that it would be too far away from everything. We arrived on Sunday and signed our paperwork on Wednesday

Why did we fall in love with SSR? It was so relaxing! We could be at the parks in no time flat, or DTD but as soon as we got back to SSR there was a calmness . We decided that we would go to this resort for week even if it wasn't at Disney, that it could easily stand on its own. DH,DS & I all play golf, DD plays tennis. There's something for everyone. We love the pools, especially the Grandstand pool. We spent several afternoons relaxing by the pool with books & drinks from the pool bar and for late night swims after being at the parks. We met the most friendly people in the hot tub at 11pm , we truly felt at "home". We also used to live in the real Saratoga Springs, so we already felt a connection

 

[ADAMANDLISA]

Well - outside of Disney - I'm a Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons fan, and the interiors and landscaping at SSR reminds me a whole lot of the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lodge (we gave up our annual 4th of July stay at the Reynold's Plantation when we bought DVC). It's just the type/style of resort I'd want to stay in with or without Disney access. I'm a Jane Austen fan, and while the century is off - I do still get into the whole "to the manor born" vibe. In my fantasy-world - I'd rather be strolling among the flowers at a country manor with Mr. Darcy than in a castle with Prince Charming.

We really enjoy DTD at night, and it's a pain in the behind to get to via. Disney bus transportation - so the walking access and ferry are great for us. I like being able to easily use Disney transportation to get to dining at other resorts.

I also really, really love the food at the Artist's Palate. I've actually gone there just to eat.

All in all, SSR is one of my favorite DVC resorts.

I loved your answer! My husband wants the close proximity to DTD for nighttime activities. Apparantely he forgot we have kids....

It's an interesting question. When we went for the 1st time last June, we had wanted to do a split stay, BCV & SSR. We were renting points and weren't able to get BCV for any of our days, so we said fine and decided to try SSR for the whole 10 nt trip. I'm a BC girl, love love love staying at the BC and walking to Epcot so I was really worried that it would be too far away from everything. We arrived on Sunday and signed our paperwork on Wednesday

Why did we fall in love with SSR? It was so relaxing! We could be at the parks in no time flat, or DTD but as soon as we got back to SSR there was a calmness . We decided that we would go to this resort for week even if it wasn't at Disney, that it could easily stand on its own. DH,DS & I all play golf, DD plays tennis. There's something for everyone. We love the pools, especially the Grandstand pool. We spent several afternoons relaxing by the pool with books & drinks from the pool bar and for late night swims after being at the parks. We met the most friendly people in the hot tub at 11pm , we truly felt at "home". We also used to live in the real Saratoga Springs, so we already felt a connection

Being a control freak with OCD, I am usually in commando mode at all times. Reading your post reminds me that we need to slow it down and enjoy the resort a little. I would love to sit by the pool reading a book.... fruity drink in my hand....hot guy rubbing sunscreen 75+ on my back....