I stayed at SSR in 2012, and will be going back there this November.
As others have said, the occasional person might have a bad experience, just like at any hotel, but overall it's a great property. But you need to know what to expect, especially if you're going in expecting the convenience of the Polynesian.
A few of my thoughts, many of which echo what others have already said above:
-In my opinion, it's the least "Disney immersively themed" of the Disney resorts. There are plenty of Disney touches, and everything is nice and beautiful, but I just don't get the same "wow" factor as I do walking through the Wilderness Lodge or Port Orleans Riverside.
-Since you usually stay at a hotel and will be staying in a timeshare, be ready for not having daily housekeeping. (Unless you choose to pay extra for it) You'll get a "trash and towel" service halfway through your week, but that's it. If you want clean towels every day, you'll have to clean them yourself in the washer in the unit (or the laundry room if you're in a Studio).
-The property is *very* spread out, perhaps one of the most expansive of the Disney resorts, except perhaps OKW. Look for a property map online and see where the various sections are located. Then call Guest Services back and ask for a location request to be noted on your reservation.
Do you want to be near Downtown Disney? Ask for Congress Park.
Do you want to be near the main checkin area and restaurant? Ask for The Springs.
Is proximity to a pool important?
If you don't need to be near the checkin building and restaurants, being close to a bus stop might be most important. Where on the route do you want? Grandstand is the first stop on the loop, Springs in the last stop on the loop.
When we were there in 2012, we were in The Paddock, but in the building immediately adjacent to the Carousel bus stop. It was the second stop on the route, and we were back in our room less than a minute after stepping off the bus.
This coming trip we've requested a unit in either the Springs or the 8000 buildings of Grandstand. We probably won't go to Downtown Disney more than once, and proximity to the main building and bus stops is most important to us.
-Because of its location in the corner or property, be prepared for longer bus rides. You can walk to Downtown Disney or take a boat from behind the Carriage House. I know the walkway from Congress Park to the Marketplace had been closed for construction, but I think it's reopening soon. Lesser known is that you can walk from the Carriage House to the West Side. Just follow the golf cart path toward the putting green and the walkway then hugs the water.
-As for the wear and tear on the rooms, all units just went through a refresh with new soft goods within the past year or two.
-Rob
