TeresaNJ said:
I am so impressed! Never in my DIS life have I ever started a thread that's gotten this many replies. Who would have thought?? I just thought I'd add my .02 and say that when I originally started this thread I was disappointed about having to stay at SSR, but now I'm genuinely excited. It is a huge resort, but the more I look at it, the more it grows on me. I think the decor is beautiful, and the landscaping will be awesome when the resort is finished.
The only reason I was initially disappointed is because I wanted to stay at either VWL or preferaby BCV because of their proximity to the parks, especially since we'll be there during the Food & Wine Festival and MNSSHP, but now I really don't care. We'll have a great time no matter where we stay.
Don't worry, you will be fine. You will be in WDW, for goodness sake and on vacation--those two definitely add up to great!
I do understand your disappointment in not getting BCV because of the super location for F&W. VWL, though really would not be any more convenient than SSR will be to get to Epcot.
We felt the same way when our wait list did not come through and we had to stay at SSR. We even went as far, to call MS in SSR's front desk parking lot before we checked in, to see if anything at BWV, BCV or VWL was available.
We ended up staying at SSR and had a villa with a fantastic view. We were right across from PI. At night it was beautiful. We enjoyed our trip at SSR very much. It will never be our first choice of DVC resorts because we are a "in the middle of the action" family. So, we prefer the park DVC resorts. For us, there is nothing more magical than sitting on our balcony and seeing Spaceship Earth, various parts of WS & of MGM. Being able to hear and see Illuminations and Fantasmic. We also like the resorts that are all in one building with the hotel atmosphere. These resorts also have the added plus of being very much conveniently located to many things and yet still provide a beautiful DVC villa, just behind your door.
We did miss these things when staying at SSR. But we still had a great trip and liked SSR just fine.
There were new changes at SSR that we liked, that are not available at the other DVC resorts. The zero depth entry pool and the much more comfortable lounges at the pools are among them. We also loved the furniture and decor of the villas. All the other DVC resort (except VWL) have the beachy, airy feel and style of furniture. Which we also love. But we also found the furniture at SSR to be a refreshing change. It felt like fine antique furniture. We did not find it 1970's at all. We found it elegant.
You have to go into SSR with the understanding, that no, it will not be as convenient to get to parks as BCV, etc will be. But it is still a very nice resort, as are all WDW resorts. I am sure you will enjoy your stay there.