My wife and I are DVC members and we own at both SSR and AKL Villas and while SSR is a very nice resort(beatiful grounds, attractive and spacious rooms) it can in no way be compared to the beauty and grandeur of AKL...no comparison at all...whatsoever. We really like SSR, we'll be staying there again for the holidays in just a few weeks, but it was way down on the list as far as resorts we wanted to stay at on this trip. SSR is based around an equestrian theme and that theme is carried out very well at the resort but I also feel that SSR lacks the Disney "magic", the only blatant Disney reference I can think of at all is the pictures of famous Disney horses hanging in the lobby of the resort.
Also, be forewarned that the resort is MASSIVE and incredibly sprawled out creating very long bus rides back to your room and a very long walk to the main lobby, pool, dining and shopping area depending on which building you end up staying in. If you do decide to go with SSR, DEFINITELY request a room close to the main lobby. If you have the financial means I encourage you, with all of my heart, to switch over to AKL. I could could gush for days about the many joys of AKL but I won't, just trust me when I say that it is worth every single penny...at least IMHO.
Regardless of your choice you'll still have a great time...YOU'LL BE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD!
Have a great trip!:wave: