Is It Possible To Stay At SSR Without A Car?

Thank you for your suggestion on that.

Definitely possible without a car. Of course I'd make that argument for every resort. Worst case if short on time you can always Uber/Lyft.

SSR to me is not quite as bad size wise as people think it is. Paddock close to the Springs rooms aren't really that far to the CH but kind of a decent walk to DS. Grandstand is nice but I do like Paddock better for the pool and just how easy it is to walk to each spot. We had a great room at Paddock but close to Carousel. The bus stop was right by our building. Easy walk to the rest too.

I definitely say no to BW with kids in a 2 bedroom. The lock off issue is big for us and honestly BWV lacks a lot of quiet and green space for the down days. Much better for on the go days. The Community Hall and such at SSR is much better as well so that's my pick with little kids especially if having down days.

I've been going to WDW for more than 20 years and I NEVER rent a car....my DS does; he likes the extra mobility it gives him. But I like being "chauffer'ed"....and the buses are generally just fine (there are, of course, the occasional long waits and crowded conditions--just as there are occasionally the times when the bus arrives right when I do, and/or I'm the only one on the bus--one tip: if you're bussing to one of the parks, either avoid going to arrive at opening and leaving at park closing--both those times mean crowded buses--altho also more frequent ones). I own at SSR and have probably stayed there more often than any other resort (altho I do "sleep around"). I've never understood the "slam" on SSR's Carousel section--two of its buildings are directly across the street from the Paddock pool and nothing is more than 10-minutes or so (strolling) to the Carriage House....yes, it can be a "long" walk if you're tired after a full day in the park....but so can the corridors at AKV, BWV, BCV....or the walk to either the parking lot or the buses at the parks!

Anyway, you'll have a bit of a challenge getting a 2-BR std view at BWV (unless you can (1) find an owner willing to rent right at the start of the 11-month mark, and (2) that owner gets lucky--those std views go VERY fast .... but some times are easier than others (and sometimes luck is in your corner)....it's worth trying for sure....but know that SSR is a great "back-up" if you do choose to try BWV first. It's beautiful, relaxing, full of great amenities, and the proximity to Disney Springs is a plus....

The closest to the Carriage House std view section of SSR is Grandstand (which is the first bus stop, and also has a fun splash pad for the littles). Next stop is Carousel, then Paddock, then Congress Park and finally the Springs. Some of the Springs buildings are as far from the Carriage House as the closer Paddock buildings, and which building you get is a crap shoot. The "campus" can be confusing--worth a close look at the map before you get there (or before you set out for a walk w/a destination). There are lots of short cuts; you don't have to follow the main roads, which will shorten your walks considerably once you figure them out.

I'm a huge fan of SSR (altho my favorite WDW resort is always the one I'm staying at). BWV certainly has its pluses--walking distance to HS and Epcot among them....but SSR will be a marvelous place to take your family (what a lovely gift!)....you'll love it wherever you stay, and in whatever location at your resort you wind up in...and you'll be doing a lot of walking whether you rent a car or not--that's the nature of WDW! Have fun!

Thank you!! And another wonderful thing is the recent SSR refurb look gorgeous. Even though my screen name has BWV ( I used to be an owner), I was really only considering it for walking distance to the parks. But really, that whole grounds at SSR are so beautiful. We are walkers! I need to look up a map of SSR. Thank you for all your positive comments.

Ignore all the haters about SSR being too large. People have no problem walking miles on a beach, or miles in theme park, but ask them to walk to the pool and they start clutching their pearls. I prefer the Springs pool over the Paddock pool. It's bigger, the slide is better and the Springs section is closer to the "hub" of the resort. And the Springs is also closest to the boat ride to Disney Springs. Yeah, it's a short boat ride, but still a fun one.

Thank you! Yes I have been disappointed in the available food offerings at BWV, and you bring up a great point about the protein. I have eaten several times at Artists Palette and have been very happy with the offerings and quality of food. I will be taking full advantage of that kitchen in the two bedroom though!! So good to hear the Paddock pool has some food offerings as well.