Going to SSR in 30 days and very uneasy about the reports we have heard

[twinand01]

Well we are heading to SSR for the very 1st time and to be honest I have heard so many reports about mousekeeping, room thieft, car thieft, a lady being mugged on the way back from Down town Disney, 7pm check in times, etc.. Our family is uneasy. I am going with a positive attitude and will have a great time. I am taking all the precautions that I have read and will learn from others I hope.
I am sure that others have gone recently and have had a smooth ride.
I will let y'all know when we return and a great report!!:thumbsup2

[PADISFAM]

7pm check in times??? what's up w/ that?? We are in the process of buying SSR as Newbie DVC members......... this makes me a bit anxious. Help anyone.

[tjkraz]

Without even bothering to address specifics, there are between 800 and 1200 families enjoying Saratoga Springs at any given time and the resort has been open for 3 1/2 years. The number of incidents reported is in no way representative of the experiences shared by the overwhelming majority of resort guests. And that's true of any Disney resort.

Few people take the time to post "just got back from ____ and everything was perfect."

[Muushka]

I got back from SSR last week and everything was perfect!:thumbsup2

Really, a great resort. There are times that I prefer to live in LaLaLand. Like when I am going on vacation. I don't like to think that the worst is going to happen to me. And thankfully, it usually doesn't!:wizard:

[PADISFAM]

thank you- this makes me feel better. I found a tread for SSR lovers- so I'm hangin' out over there. :)

[KevGuy]

Wow you must be reading some outdated threads, I never hear anything like that in recent memory. SSR rocks and is awesome!!:cool1:

[pirateparrot]

I have stayed at SSR 5 or 6 times and other than very minor issues that were quickly resolved or were not serious enough to worry about except to report at checkout for the next guest (light bulb etc.) it is wonderful. I would gladly take guests there and would not be worried about the stuff you may have read here.

[dvcnewgirl]

I love SSR, I think it is beautiful, great pool, etc. I have never had a problem there. Good Luck! Also it is the only resort that I have ever checked in that usually has a room for me on arrival.

[lovinthemouse]

We stayed at SSR over spring break this year and it was awesome. Check in was a breeze. The pool was great. It is a large resort, but that was not even any big deal for us. We are going back for New Year's in a couple of months and are very excited to stay there again. Have a great trip:goodvibes

[NemoMOm]

We were there in Feb and will be there again in 3 days. The check-in time is 4p.m. I believe. As far as everything else it is an amazing resort. I had told DH all the horrible things I had read about about SSR so he would not be disappointed. It was our 4th day at the bus stop and he looked at me and said "Why don't people like this resort again?" After I told him said it was so beautiful and relaxing that he loved it. I agree.

[HUFF590]

We have stayed at SSR 7 trips now, and it has been perfect.

[maraki527]

Isn't check in time for all the dvc resorts like 3 or 4 pm?

I got in early when we were at SSR this past spring and was able to check in at 10:00 in the morning...It just depends on the room category that you are in.

[Twingle]

We've stayed at SSR three times, leaving for number four in six days! We love it there :)

Never had a problem with theft, but, we don't drive there so we don't leave things in our car, and anything that I would be concerned with theft wise I put into the safe.

The only time I've had a check-in after 7p.m. is when I've arrived after 7p.m. This past June we arrived around 9:00 a.m., and they had a room ready for us.

I'd not heard about the mugging, but I walk to Downtown Disney almost every night during our trips, and the walkways that you are SUPPOSED to use are very well lit. That being said, there are walkways that you are not supposed to use after sunset - because they are dark. Also, I always walk with someone, usually my Mom or DH.

Now, that being said, our first trip to SSR in December '05 started out not that great, but once I talked to a manager and my DVC rep, things got straightened out in a hurry. IF anything comes up, speak up right then, not when you get home. No flames please, but if something happens at your resort (and I'm not talking theft or mugging here, I'm talking rude front desk staff for example), tell management. If management doesn't care, contact DVC, because our rep sure cared! Both the manager and our rep were AWESOME, and really came through for us. It helps no one if you wait to compain until you get home.

[TiffanyW1]

Well we are heading to SSR for the very 1st time and to be honest I have heard so many reports about mousekeeping, room thieft, car thieft, a lady being mugged on the way back from Down town Disney, 7pm check in times, etc.. Our family is uneasy. I am going with a positive attitude and will have a great time. I am taking all the precautions that I have read and will learn from others I hope.
I am sure that others have gone recently and have had a smooth ride.
I will let y'all know when we return and a great report!!:thumbsup2

I totally understand where you are coming from. We recently bought at SSR & feel it was a mistake. I don't think we will ever actually stay there & never be able to take advantage of the 11 month booking perk :sad2: I am just too scared after reading about the bad things that have happened there & the "gang-like presence" I read about at Downtown Disney.

[jpolak]

Stayed at SSR in Feb. and loved it!! My only complaint was I that I gained five pounds from eating those amazing chocolate chip cookies they bake at AP.:thumbsup2

[Twingle]

I totally understand where you are coming from. We recently bought at SSR & feel it was a mistake. I don't think we will ever actually stay there & never be able to take advantage of the 11 month booking perk :sad2: I am just too scared after reading about the bad things that have happened there & the "gang-like presence" I read about at Downtown Disney.

I'm so sorry you feel like that, especially after making your purchase. You should try to stay there at least once, you may be surprised.

The news on the DisBoards at times can be very like the news you see on television every night. Good news rarely makes it, the bad stuff always does.

The only gang-like presence I've ever seen is the hordes of shoppers at Downtown Disney. :goodvibes

[dvcnewgirl]

I totally understand where you are coming from. We recently bought at SSR & feel it was a mistake. I don't think we will ever actually stay there & never be able to take advantage of the 11 month booking perk :sad2: I am just too scared after reading about the bad things that have happened there & the "gang-like presence" I read about at Downtown Disney.


I am sorry you feel that way also, I understand because I bought at BWV sight unseen and I really wish I had gotten something else but I have been able to use the points at other resorts. SSR is one of my family's favorites. I hope things work out for you!

[DVC Grammy]

One other nice thing about SSR is that any time we've stayed there, we always notice that the CMs are some of the friendliest and most welcoming among the various DVCs in WDW! :thumbsup2

[ChelleinNC]

We stayed at SSR in June and decided to buy while we were there. We arrived around 10am Sunday morning and our room was ready. Every CM we encountered there was great, helpful, friendly. We only had one issue with our room, one afternoon the power went out in half of our studio. Called for maintenance and they came down in no time flat. Seems a circuit breaker tripped in the 1br unit. Other than that, everything was great.

We were there at the time of the alleged "carjacking" at DTD. From the moment it was reported on the news something didn't seem right about it and within a week it was shown to be a false report. As far as a "gang presence" at DTD, what we saw and heard while we were there was that Disney was cracking down on local teenagers that were loitering in groups around DTD and making people feel uncomfortable. Never did I feel unsafe or threatened. That's not to say that bad things never happen at WDW, but as a former CM, I know that Disney security is so much more that what you see in the parks.

I'm sorry to hear that anyone feels they made a mistake buying or staying at SSR because of a few bad reports. It really is a wonderful resort, as are all of the Disney Resorts! :love:

[Big J]

...

[MikeyNS]

We went 3 weeks ago and loved it even more than the AKV's.. nothing like SSR! I'm sure SSR won't be some people's choice and that's their perogative. You have to try it to really appreciate it. I'm really glad we purchased SSR and don't regret having it as our home resort at all. We have never felt unsafe at any Disney resort or DTD. Just heavenly!

[disneyfan2kids]

I totally understand where you are coming from. We recently bought at SSR & feel it was a mistake. I don't think we will ever actually stay there & never be able to take advantage of the 11 month booking perk :sad2: I am just too scared after reading about the bad things that have happened there & the "gang-like presence" I read about at Downtown Disney.


FWIW, I think SSR is great! Honestly - IMHO the comment about the "gang-like presence" is laughable. Unless the "gangs" are referencing screaming toddlers running around, I've never seen anything like that.

Don't let some posts on a bulletin board force you to never try something out and form your own opinions.

If I read long enough through these threads... I could find "valid" reasons to never visit ANY resort.

[vabeth]

We stayed at SSR for the first time in August and had an amazing time. The resort is beautiful, we were able to check-in at 10am, the CM's were all extremely friendly, we had no problems and certainly didn't encounter any crime or 'gang presence'. We always felt totally safe walking to and from DTD at night.
Please, please, please don't let the odd bad report stop you from going to such a wonderful resort. I can't wait to go back again in February!

[lovethattink]

We stayed at SSR in July. We had a fabulous time. Here is my trip report with some pics http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1525906

[vandy]

Those reports you read can be true at any other resort, Disney, DVC or whatever brand. We always reduce our risk of being victims by following our common sense. We don't leave valuables and electronics in plain view when we are not in our room. At any hotel, many people have access to your room. We don't walk alone. always in at least pairs. We don't go to DTD/Pleasure Island late at night. DTD is not just for Disney guests so you need to be aware of your surroundings as you would at any nightclub or place after dark. Again, just use common security sense. If you search hard enough, you can dig up enough 'dirt' on any Disney resort that will make you wonder how you ever survived visiting here.

Having said that, we have never had any problems at SSR and LOVE IT! We love it to the point that we feel guilty when we stay elsewhere, and hope SSR never learns of our little trists to other DVCs! EGAD, cheating on our home resort! Give your home a try!

[Wilsonfamily4]

I went to SSR and LOVED it! I had wanted to stay at BCV but some family crisis made us redo our schedule and we were forced to SSR. I wasnt looking forward to it but we love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. SO peaceful and still looks so new. Don't worry about those who have had a bad stay. They are a minority.

[bobbiwoz]

I went to SSR and LOVED it! I had wanted to stay at BCV but some family crisis made us redo our schedule and we were forced to SSR. I wasnt looking forward to it but we love it. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. SO peaceful and still looks so new. Don't worry about those who have had a bad stay. They are a minority.

I'm glad you had such a great time!!
Bobbi:goodvibes

[CarolAnnC]

We have enjoyed all our SSR stays - the last one being last December. No problems on any trip!

[kimberh]

My daughter and her husband just returned from a stay at SSR. They loved it. She said the CM's went out of their way to Welcome them and continued to make them feel welcome. She had her some of the negativaity and asked, "What's up with that?"

[jwfla422]

We recently returned from our 2nd stay at SSR and I am trying to sneak away again to stay there in December. I really like it there. It has a real "homey" feel to it. Not sure what "gang like presence" you could be referring to there, maybe DTD, but definitely not there. I can see PI being that way but it wasn't when we were there.

We were lucky enough to be upgraded from a studio to a 1 bedroom villa both stays. I think I have gotten the best sleep ever the last time we went as our villa was so nice a quiet. Even though the location I requested (CP) was not available they gave us a villa the Paddocks which was just across from CP so it was not a bad walk to the main area or CP.

The grounds are very lovely. I had no problem with the car and can't quite understand how there would be car thefts with this being a secured resort. I would think any resort has this possibility then? I've heard about the park parking lots having this problem on occasion.

I do have to admit I was a little apprehensive walking back from DTD with dd myself one night when we did stay at CP. We took the trail which was lite up but I wasn't real comfortable walking by the street just prior to entering DTD...but that may just be the "city" girl that's still left in me. I do find it hard to believe there was a mugging at SSR, maybe it was somewhere near DTD? I do remember seeing lots of security in the DTD parking lots.

I highly recommend SSR. We loved the boat rides and had dinner at the "the keys" one night (really at Olivia's at OKW)...but it felt like we were pulling into a little dock at the "keys". I parked the car by the boat dock at SSR to take the boat because it was a bit of a walk for dd that time of night back to our villa however it were dd and I, we would have just walked.

[JW9DVC]

Glad you enjoyed your trip, EVERYONE, the gang situation exists no matter where you go. Im sure they even own vacation shares with us. As long as they are not commiting any criminal activity, they have every right to be there. Im all about public safety, im in law enforcement. I think if you don't feel comfortable walking alone along the trail, either don't do it or walk with a group. You could and should always call the security and report any suspicous activities who would then report those findings to the local law enforcement department. Know what to do to avoid and/or protect yourself in a dangerous sitiuation. JW

[andreadoiron]

I don't know where anyone heard about muggings or thefts but we stayed in SSR right after easter this year and felt perfectly safe! the SSR is a wonderful resort and we are going back again in november! in fact when we go in jan for a family trip, we are staying in OKW and I'm wondering if we'll like it as much!
here are some facts to counter the alleged issues people have heard about
checkin is 4pm - we checked in at 1pm at one of the peak vaca times and got a fantastic location (the springs) in a 1 bedroom villa that was lovely
muggings/theft - we weren't out til 2am but we did walk to DTD in the dark w/our kids and did not have a saftey concern at all
don't take other reports to heart - everyone has a different opinion about everything so go to the SSR, give it a chance and if you don't like it, OKW is large and should be easy to get into next time

[UConnJack]

I wouldn't be surprised if criminal activity is more "prevalent" at SSR than other WDW resorts because of its proximity to DTD. Being a busy public place that is free to access, DTD is probably the easiest target in WDW for car break-ins, pick-pockets, muggings, etc., when compared to the other areas of WDW. That said, I can't imagine it being anywhere near a common occurence or prevalent enough to really be concerned about.

[jaurban]

We just returned from our first stay at SSR and had no problems whatsoever - the resort was beautiful and quiet, and we had no issues walking to DTD from the CP area - and saw no activities of concern at SSR or DTD. (And I am from a big city, and would be able to see it.) We also took the boat back at night and I walked alone to Artist's Palatte, with no issues.

[summergolf]

I will also add my endorsement of SSR...We just got back from 7 glorious days
at SSR..it was peaceful..relaxing..everybody was friendly and nothing...I mean nothing made us feel uncomfortable...I even left my laptop plugged in out in the open in my room...I wasnt worried.

[mrmom456]

We have stayed at SSR several times since they have opened. I have read about some of the incidents and the response by Disney and the Sheriff's Dept. I have walked to Downtown Disney at night with others and alone with out incident. I have walked through both paths to Downtown around 1am on weeknights and weekends alone, met some of the locals, but encountered no resistance. We have had vehicles in the SSR parking lot each visit with no problem. Security is always prevelant during the night hours.

People seem to think that once they arrive at Disney, the real world is left behind. Disney is wonderful (my favorite place) but, this is 2007 and people need to remember that you still need to be cautious of your surroundings where ever you go. I tend to wonder if some of the problems are caused by the people staying at SSR as guests as opposed to "outsiders".:coffee:

[jwfla422]

I wouldn't be surprised if criminal activity is more "prevalent" at SSR than other WDW resorts because of its proximity to DTD. Being a busy public place that is free to access, DTD is probably the easiest target in WDW for car break-ins, pick-pockets, muggings, etc., when compared to the other areas of WDW. That said, I can't imagine it being anywhere near a common occurence or prevalent enough to really be concerned about.

That being said we did notice quite a security system going on at DTD when we were there a few weeks back. I'm talking Orange County police, not just WDW security. We saw lots of coverage in the parking lots near PI.

As for SSR, it is still a gated resort. I'm sure people could walk over that don't belong there but I wouldn't be overly concerned about that.

The times we've stayed there we've enjoyed very much and plan to return. Of course, you always need to keep aware anywhere you go, unfortunately even WDW is still a public place so you should always be aware of your surroundings regardless and use common sense.

[Lexxiefern]

I just stayed at SSR over columbus day weekend (a week and a half ago). I checked in at 9am and a room was ready for me! It was in the carousel, which I had read not so good reviews of. But we were on the top floor and had a beautiful view of a pond with a fountain and the golf course beyond that. It was better than a room I had in Congress Park. It was a short walk to everywhere and very very pretty. I really enjoyed my stay there and would stay there again in a heartbeat! We had no issues with our room or theft or anything.

Enjoy your trip!!

[tfc3rid]

Back from SSR about a week and a half ago... First trip there... We love it... Were able to check in by 1:30, no problems... Car was left alone...

There is crime everywhere... With constant staff turnover, sadly, people slip through the cracks...

[ldo]

Checked in on a Sun--got a room right away at 10:00 AM! Wonderful stay, felt very safe, friendly staff, kids loved it!

[DisDaydreamer]

I totally understand where you are coming from. We recently bought at SSR & feel it was a mistake. I don't think we will ever actually stay there & never be able to take advantage of the 11 month booking perk :sad2: I am just too scared after reading about the bad things that have happened there & the "gang-like presence" I read about at Downtown Disney.

Tiffany.... take a breath... I can tell you that Disney is on top of things when it comes to security... We have been visiting Disney resorts for over 20 years... We have withnessed very special things when it comes to security... truly... We have seen the real underlayer of security... Disney is not ignorant and is pro-active in every sense.

There is no place on earth that watches you're children like Disney does. Some people don't like the surveillance, but Disney uses it like a brother...