SSR Lovers and Owners Part 4

[BPPHL2002]

Just wanted to share a delightful recent experience at SSR and with the CMs. We had a minor issue with room access last Tuesday night after an evening flight in.

When we arrived to our room via the online check-in/direct to room feature, my phone wouldn’t unlock the door. Green light, but the lock wouldn’t release. I had not been successful in getting my magic band connected in the lead-up to the trip, either.

I called Guest Services and spoke with Kevin and while he was sending a CM to help us, he stayed on the phone and could see my band. Then, he was able to have it connect to our room and it opened the door.

Very kind and quick resolution, and I left a cast compliment right away in gratitude! Once inside we were all able to get the bands to reconnect to our phones and had to upgrade to the newest firmware level.

The next day when we got back from DS, we found a couple of lovely gifts in our room, an SSR magnet and an SSR travel cup with the business card of the guest experience manager with housekeeping. I never expected to be pixie-dusted like that!

It touched me and made me feel even more connected with SSR, a place I’ve really fallen for. We own a small contract there and love the room décor, the buildings’ design, and the grounds. We even got to see a beautiful great egret hunting in the grass outside our patio. He's next to the tree trunk:



So, that’s my “why SSR is the best” tale

 

[SwanVT2]

There were five or so tables that seat four, and you should be fine at 5pm. It was a bit chaotic for me because Turf Club Resturant was closed (currently Mondays and Tuesdays), and the weather was too cold to sit outside (45 degrees and raining), Credit to the staff, though…they pulled additional tables in from the Resturant to seat newcomers!

This is good to know because we fly in on a Tuesday

 

[smrice95]

We are going to have a big family trip in March 10 people in a 3 bedroom grand villa. Never have done a grand villa so super excited. When we stayed at SSR on a previous trip we were in the farthest Grandstand building from the lobby. We are debating if we should do a request for grandstand again, just doing 1 day at the park out of 4 day trip. With 2 young ones, I thought either that or the paddock as it is close to the pool there. Wondering if there have any previous experience

You can't go wrong with either. If I remember right, the Grandstand has the kid splash pad area (pr are your kids older and beyond the splashpad?)

 

[han22735]

Do we know if there is a site that shows the happy hours, who has and what the offers are?

Just saw this posted by disney food blog.

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025...and-every-place-to-find-them-in-disney-world/

 

[ilovebassets]

Just wanted to share a delightful recent experience at SSR and with the CMs. We had a minor issue with room access last Tuesday night after an evening flight in.

When we arrived to our room via the online check-in/direct to room feature, my phone wouldn’t unlock the door. Green light, but the lock wouldn’t release. I had not been successful in getting my magic band connected in the lead-up to the trip, either.

I called Guest Services and spoke with Kevin and while he was sending a CM to help us, he stayed on the phone and could see my band. Then, he was able to have it connect to our room and it opened the door.

Very kind and quick resolution, and I left a cast compliment right away in gratitude! Once inside we were all able to get the bands to reconnect to our phones and had to upgrade to the newest firmware level.

The next day when we got back from DS, we found a couple of lovely gifts in our room, an SSR magnet and an SSR travel cup with the business card of the guest experience manager with housekeeping. I never expected to be pixie-dusted like that!

It touched me and made me feel even more connected with SSR, a place I’ve really fallen for. We own a small contract there and love the room décor, the buildings’ design, and the grounds. We even got to see a beautiful great egret hunting in the grass outside our patio.

So, that’s my “why SSR is the best” tale

We had issues once with room access at SSR, and housekeeping were so helpful with actively calling over maintenance and management. They would not leave until we were all set up and easily able to get into the room. They were fantastic. I couldn't believe they spent so much time helping us.

 

[nedlanders]

Looks like the house of blues is the best bet for happy hour in DS. Hard to beat a $8 Moscow Mule in WDW! Eats look solid, too.

 

[nlenguyen]

I did a quick solo trip for Moonlight Magic in a studio room at the Springs. I can say that this is a nice section of the resort. It was quick to the carriage house and close to the main pool or quick walk over the bridge to the paddock pool. Even though Congress Park is closer to Disney Springs, I would choose Springs over that because the pool is much smaller. Loved the convenience of walking around the resort and it made me fall in love again and why it is nice to own here. The sprawling resort allows for peaceful walks, beautiful landscaping. I think that is more deluxe than a tower with minimal landscaping. Cannot wait for my family to join me next month

 

[Tink_83]

I have a 2 bedroom non-preferred book for Easter Sunday through Saturday (April 20 through 26). I requested Paddock because of location near the pool. Any other recommendations for the trip? I will have a car since I'm driving down and plan to drive to most parks/meals so I don't have to worry about waiting on Disney transport. Is there anything that is recommended we try to do while at the resort? I'm traveling with my mom, DH, DD-12, DS-7 and DS-2 and looking forward to the space!

 

[CastAStone]

I have a 2 bedroom non-preferred book for Easter Sunday through Saturday (April 20 through 26). I requested Paddock because of location near the pool. Any other recommendations for the trip? I will have a car since I'm driving down and plan to drive to most parks/meals so I don't have to worry about waiting on Disney transport. Is there anything that is recommended we try to do while at the resort? I'm traveling with my mom, DH, DD-12, DS-7 and DS-2 and looking forward to the space!

Sounds like you’ve got a plan! I’d suggest that the Disney buses will be faster (and probably a lot faster) to Magic Kingdom, vs waiting in line at the parking booths, walking to a tram, waiting for a tram, walking to the boat or monorail, waiting for a boat or monorail, riding the boat or monorail, etc.

The other parks, by all means, use the car.

 

[Tink_83]

Sounds like you’ve got a plan! I’d suggest that the Disney buses will be faster (and probably a lot faster) to Magic Kingdom, vs waiting in line at the parking booths, walking to a tram, waiting for a tram, walking to the boat or monorail, waiting for a boat or monorail, riding the boat or monorail, etc.

The other parks, by all means, use the car.

I was wondering about that, thank you!

 

[CarolynFH]

I was wondering about that, thank you!

Yes, we almost always have a car and drive to the parks, except for MK. Bus to MK is much more convenient as well as faster, unless you just want an excuse to ride the ferry or the monorail!

 

[Tink_83]

Yes, we almost always have a car and drive to the parks, except for MK. Bus to MK is much more convenient as well as faster, unless you just want an excuse to ride the ferry or the monorail!

The ferry is one of the most magical parts of that trip! Something I distinctly remember as a child - but probably not worth the added time to the parks... Although my fondest childhood memories are of standing on the ferry with my grandmother as a child - she would pick me up and make sure I saw the castle as we were approaching and was just as excited as I was. That and evening fireworks at the magic kingdom. And now we all know why I am spending tons of money taking my kids to Disney this year - those memories!

 

[CarolynFH]

The ferry is one of the most magical parts of that trip! Something I distinctly remember as a child - but probably not worth the added time to the parks... Although my fondest childhood memories are of standing on the ferry with my grandmother as a child - she would pick me up and make sure I saw the castle as we were approaching and was just as excited as I was. That and evening fireworks at the magic kingdom. And now we all know why I am spending tons of money taking my kids to Disney this year - those memories!

I'll confess that DH and I enjoy riding the ferry too, and since we have a car it's not unusual for us to eat offsite and then drive to TTC to ride the ferry and spend the evening at MK!

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

The ferry is one of the most magical parts of that trip! Something I distinctly remember as a child - but probably not worth the added time to the parks... Although my fondest childhood memories are of standing on the ferry with my grandmother as a child - she would pick me up and make sure I saw the castle as we were approaching and was just as excited as I was. That and evening fireworks at the magic kingdom. And now we all know why I am spending tons of money taking my kids to Disney this year - those memories!

When taking the grandkids, I always suggest to the parents that we take the ferry on the first trip over to the MK. Next trip, we'll be walking from the PIT to TTC for just that reason. Monorail or boat the following day.

 

[CarolynFH]

When taking the grandkids, I always suggest to the parents that we take the ferry on the first trip over to the MK. Next trip, we'll be walking from the PIT to TTC for just that reason. Monorail or boat the following day.

Yes, that reminds me that it's the way Walt wanted guests to see MK!

 

[zackiedawg]

I'll confess that DH and I enjoy riding the ferry too, and since we have a car it's not unusual for us to eat offsite and then drive to TTC to ride the ferry and spend the evening at MK!

When I stay at Saratoga, I almost always go to Magic Kingdom by walking over to Disney Springs, and hopping a bus to Wilderness Lodge, then take the boat to Magic Kingdom. While it's not the ferry, I love boat transportation, so I'll use any excuse I can to take a boat to a park.

 

[melvin1970]

We are booked in a 2 bedroom preferred villa. Thinking of switching to a standard view villa. I know the preferred is closer to the main building for food and such but are there benefits to booking standard beside saving some money. There are 6 of us and everyone is in good shape so walking isn't an issue. We do take afternoon breaks and spend time at the resort. Our group has never stayed here before so don't know the resort very well other than what I've looked up.

 

[jess2022]

We are booked in a 2 bedroom preferred villa. Thinking of switching to a standard view villa. I know the preferred is closer to the main building for food and such but are there benefits to booking standard beside saving some money. There are 6 of us and everyone is in good shape so walking isn't an issue. We do take afternoon breaks and spend time at the resort. Our group has never stayed here before so don't know the resort very well other than what I've looked up.

We book preferred if we plan to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs. If not, Paddock is great. We had the building by the pool and it was only a 5 minute or so walk across the bridge to the Springs pool and dining. Paddock has its own pool and pool bar too.

 

[melvin1970]

We book preferred if we plan to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs. If not, Paddock is great. We had the building by the pool and it was only a 5 minute or so walk across the bridge to the Springs pool and dining. Paddock has its own pool and pool bar too.

We don't usually spend too much time at Disney Springs. Thank you for the information!

 

[SwanVT2]

I requested to be near the pool and put in a Paddock request with room numbers through Touring Plans. However, our DD is older now and has just asked to be closer to DS, which would be Congress Park. She previously loved the Paddock slide, and I liked being near their food court; however, we have a number of meals arranged at DS and we love to shop there. We arrive Tuesday. What is the best way to change this request? Should I just ask at the front desk when we arrive? I wouldn't mind being close to the Congress park pool either. However, we are fine with walking so I would be happy with Paddock, too. Thank you!