A Glorified 800 Unit Apartment Complex?

[JimFitz]

I like the themed resorts and I agree that SSR is an apartment complex.

VWL is where it's at for me.

 

[spiceycat]

mjtm610 - why did you buy (add-on) at a place you don't like????

sorry but this doesn't make alot of sense.

Now I brought at BWV -it is not my favorite- but because of the easy access to Epcot.

if you kids are teenagers give them awhile. PI is for 20 to middle 30's (in my opinion).

 

[Beca]

.

I had not heard it was 8 times bigger than the other resorts.

Actually, that was an exaggeration on my part...not intentional, just being plain lazy.

Let me do the math...
VWL 136 units
SSR 828 units

It is actually just over six times larger. Still a big difference.

Let's look at these numbers
VWL 136
BCV 208
BWV 383
OKW 531

That totals: 1258
SSR 828

For a total of 2086 units...over 800 of which are one resort. That's 40% of the available rooms at SSR. That could be a significant number of people trying to switch at the 7 month window. I predict a lot of people calling day-by-day to switch once that resort gets full.



Beca

 

[KNWVIKING]

The lodgings don't bother me, it's the common area I don't like the look and feel of.Just reminds me of a warehouse district.Too many unused buildings. I also don't totally agree with the rumor that there are no sit down restaurants because there was some kind of agreement made with DTD. Did Seasons hurt the business at DTD ? Or discourage potential business from coming onboard there ? Don't think so. I think DVC intentionally left it out to because they anticipated it would be a loser because SSR guests would rather eat at DTD.

For those that love the place and are happy to call it "Home" all I can say is "Great" because I'm truely happy you feel that way. Place just didn't do a thing for me.

 

[RobDoc]

We have stayed at SSR and totally enjoyed the experience. Our 1BR villa was great with a view of DD (and the midnight fireworks- when we hadn't already fallen asleep). The grounds and landscaping are stunning- we like them as much, possibly more, than any other WDW resort.

The dining was fine, we never eat more than one meal at the resort restaurant regardless where we stay, so that is nornal for us. We usually eat a couple of times at DD restaurants- regardless where we're staying. We did enjoy the menu and ambiance at Artist Palette and had no problem finding other full service places to enjoy. I don't really think the lack of a full service restaurant is because of not competing with DD, but more because of the failure of the full service restaurant formerly on that site when DI was open. It (Seasons) was an elegant restaurant with a creative menu, but with all of the other choices nearby, it was very under-utilized. I think that fact had more influence on what was chosen for the resort than anything. (Olivia's at OKW has undergone similar experiences with it's utilization and none of the other onsite DVC resorts even have their own restaurants.) I'd guess that having a dining option that is well utilized most of the day is more desirable than having one used a fraction of it's capability.

Exposed "hallways" were also a non-issue for us. We enjoy similar access areas at OKW, HH and VB and haven't found any detriment to our enjoyment of those facilties either.

I'm not sure where the 47 year figure comes from. OKW, VB, HH, BWV, VWL and BCV all have just over 37 years remaining (January 31, 2042) and SSR has just over 49 years remaining (January 31, 2054). The exact difference is 12 years.

I agree that the eventual size of SSR will likely impact the 7 month reservation priority and will place more importance on the 11 month priority for owners at their home resorts. It could cause a change in the current 11/7 setup if members find difficulty in reserving at their home resorts. However, I suspect that DVC has volumes of data showing EXACTLY what our reservation habits are, how often members reserve at 11 months and keep those reservations or switch to another resort at 7 months and will utilize that information in tailoring the priority to match the way the system is being utilized already.

I disagree with the concerns about the pool facility being undersized. It is similar in size to the main pools (except SAB) at all other resorts. Even when the resort is built out, I expect that the main pool , along with the other neighborhood pools, will be more than adequate to service the resort.

As with all of the DVC and WDW resorts, there are many things to be enjoyed at every resort. By nature, we will all have our favorites and that will drive the reservation needs for the program. The caveat- "Buy where you want to stay" will very likely take on more significance in the future. Many will still be happy to stay at their home resort and others have made a purchase with the intent of using the 7 month priority to reserve someplace else.

Time will tell ... stay tuned!

 

[HUFF590]

We bought SSR from Disney, and have never stayed at any other DVC resort
so our stay at SSR in June will be the best resort ever, so if you want to love SSR more than any other resort, don't stay anywhere but SSR.

 

[Dean]

We bought at SSR just to get in. It is not our first choice to stay at. We did an add on at BWV just so we could use the 11 month booking window for variety. SSR is ok, but it doesnt have the draw for us the other locations have. I mean OKW has lower points for stays. BWV, BCV and WLV are very convenient to theme parks.

While SSR is convenient to DTD, thats not a *destination* for us.

So if a fair number of the new SSR owners feel like I do, there will be alot of competition for resorts at the 7 month window.

Everyone's taste's are different but I think a fairly large percent of people that bought at SSR were doing to mainly to get in. And I feel strongly that items such expressed in this thread are NOT resort bashing, in spite of some's feeling to the contrary. And I've said many times that SSR as well as OKW will overwhelm the smaller resorts at peak times making the 11 month window paramount.

 

[DisneyDVClover]

We bought our initial contract at HHI with no desire to ever go there. We bought there to get into the system and have the least amount owing for Dues each year plus the buy back at the time was 13 dollars a point and much better than VWL. We have since added SSR without ever seeing it or touring it we again bought because of incentives. We have not yet stayed at the same resort twice.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

All I can say is WOW because I loved SSR and having stayed in other Disney resorts alot this was by far my favorite. BTW just got back from my HHI weekend report coming soon.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I thought I was extreme...but, DH's response was that he would rather not come to WDW than to stay at SSR. I gave him this look like, "Are you serious?". To which, he replied, "This is not up for debate. I don't like it, and don't ever plan on staying here." I was shocked!!! I would stay there before I would not go to WDW...we'll just have to see if his "adamant refusal" holds when he really is faced with the "SSR or not at all" choice...which I am sure will happen at some point.
I suspect we might just want to don our flame retardant suits about now!!!



Beca

Boy, I'm wearing that flame-retardent suit right with you! If DH is smart, he might want to get one too. Why? Because this was his reaction to BWV-"No way! Don't EVER ask me to stay here!" As I've always said, it's a good thing we all like different places, or we'd have quite a fight come vacation time!
Now, we like the apartment complex feel, and (zipping up suit now) I think OKW feels like one. Yes, I said OKW feels like an apartment complex- a very upscale one. Remember-an apartment complex is where people live. When we go there, we feel like we're truly at our vacation home, not staying temporarily in a hotel. Others feel vacation is all about hotels-they spend enough time at home. I "blame" it on the fact that DH travels alot in his job, so maybe he equates staying in a hotel as work. I have yet to try SSR (18 more days), but I'm kind of looking forward to this apartment complex.

 

[Doug7856]

We bought into SSR because we wanted DVC and loved the theme of the resort. We just had a wonderful stay in a one bedroom and found it to be just about perfect. We had planned on staying at a different resort for our next visit, but we decided that we loved SSR so much that we are going back in July.

Things we love about SSR:

1) We love the resort feel — it’s not just a hotel but a wonderful property with many things to do and places to go all contained in the resort. We loved the walking trails that meander along the lake. The fountains throughout the resort just add a special touch that adds to the atmosphere of the resort. The quiet pool at Congress Park is very relaxing and in a very enjoyable setting.

2) We love the High Springs Pool and Carriage House. To us these themed areas add to the resort concept. The pool is wonderful and has something for just about everyone (at least once they get the Donald theme area repaired)! This area and the additional buildings really make the resort seem like a village in upstate New York. This is truly unique to a DVC resort in our opinion.

3) We loved the set up of the buildings and did not find the open “halls” to be a negative at all. It was convenient and really had an open feeling. We felt that there was a simple elegance to each building and we were particularly surprised at how nice the elevators were — they did not cut corners there.

4) We loved being able to park right in front of our building entrance. Combined with the convenient elevator this is one of the easiest resorts to get in and out of.

5) We loved the up to date kitchen with the ceramic top stoves. The decor and furniture in the rooms really fit our taste. We like the décor here better than any other DVC resort.

6) We loved the amazing views from the Congress Park buildings. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony every evening and watching the lights and “magic” happening at Downtown Disney.

7) We loved the “manicured” lawns and gardens throughout the resort.

We find that everyone has different tastes, likes, and opinions on each resorts. For example, we did not like the lobby at the Beach Club and were disappointed in the look of the pool. I’m sure we are a minority on this, but I’ve looked at pictures of the VWL and been very disappointed in the dark look of the rooms. We liked OKW, but prefer the manicured gardens of SSR (and elevators!). Having said that, we would love to stay at any Disney resort because it’s Disney!

So for us, SSR is a great resort. There are downsides (not sure I’ll like the Paddock buildings), but all in all if we could only stay at SSR, we would be very happy. I guess that is one of the great features of DVC: variety, variety, and more variety. Hopefully there is a resort for everyone.

 

[ricapito]

I bought at SSR sight unseen. I semi-regret it after visiting it.

I should have bought VWL but the "extra years" sucked me in like a vortex. I suppose I could sell and buy at VWL with a minimal total transaction cost as SSR points have a higher resale for the time being. But, I have 4 very young kids so the years mean something as "hand me down." I also only go at off-peak times. I suspect most every trip I take I will be at the 7 month window trying to get into VWL, BCV et al, but since I'm an off-peaker I think I'll be alright.

I agree/think it is an 800 unit apartment complex, on too little land, with an industrial feel to it. It is the most un-Disney "like" DVC. It needs:

1. Another themed pool. That's right Disney, cough up the $$$....
2. Some mature landscaping and tall trees to break up the landscape.
3. A full service restaurant.

Honestly, in my opinion this resort was designed by MBA's, not imagineers...small restaurant, small pool, buildings on top of each other with small rooms, one drab check-in area- all for 800!!! units. Can you say profit-center?

Bryan

 

[spiceycat]

if you are that unhappy call your guides. Tell them that you would like another DVC resort at WDW. they may tell you impossible - or they may work with you.

SSR doesn't appeal to me - it is too fancy - like the GF. but an apartment building.....sorry - it is pretty fancy for an apartment building.

you don't know what your guide will say until you talk to her/him. but try it if you are this unhappy what have you got to lose.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I like the themed resorts and I agree that SSR is an apartment complex.

VWL is where it's at for me.

themed as in what? SSR is themed after upstate ny horse racing

 

[crisi]

I haven't been, and perhaps seeing it will change my mind, but I don't like the decor. Which wouldn't be a huge issue if it gave me something else I did want - like great access to the parks, or huge rooms. The point cost is a little lower than BCV/VWL - which is attractive, but we own BWV, so can get SV rooms. And there are a lot of GVs - which is nice. If we bothered with a car, the parking would be nice - but carless, the out of the way location and the need to "depend" on buses makes it a minus. And I'm a little too old to worry about the twelve extra years (and if my kids want and can afford a Disney timeshare, they can buy one).

But most of my downsides are someone else's upsides - decor is entirely personal taste. If we were car people, my opinion on the location would be very different. And if I were ten years younger, the extra twelve years would be tempting. And for DTD people, it isn't in the middle of nowhere.

(Ceramic stovetops - ugh! One of my coworkers is in the market for a new stove and I just said "stay away from ceramic stovetops." For my perferences, it just gets worse. Though the Corian countertops are very nice)

 

[sjdisneywedding]

We just recently bought into SSR. Our main reason was to get into DVC. Resale just didnt cut it between the disney discount, financing, closing costs, and the extra years.

It may not be our favorite resort in WDW, but that means almost nothing to us at this point. First off, we do not spend that much time at the resort at and secondly we do not anticipate that many problems in booking at other resorts. We are 3 for 3 so far in going outside our home resort, with ressies at BWV for 3 rooms made with no problems at all.

I am sure problems will arise eventually, but I also expect this is not the last dvc construction(whether it be add ons at current resorts or new resorts in the future)

Also I feel that as long as you are diligent about your planning you are fairly safe. Undoubtedly there will be many, many non SSR dvc'ers staying at SSR each and every year. This means at that 7 month window there are that many more open rooms elsewhere for SSR dvc'ers. Obvioulsy there will be alot of SSR folks vying for those openings, but of course many of these people will not plan ahead and will not book right at 7 months.

 

[palmtreegirl]

When we bought into DVC we had 2 choices. To buy into BCV/BWV or wait a week and buy into SSR when thay began the pre-sale. Because of all the research I did on these boards we decided to go with the BCV even though the extra years at SSR were tempting. We have no regrets especially after having toured SSR last trip, we didn't like it at all.

 

[mydogdrew]

We just recently bought into SSR. Our main reason was to get into DVC. Resale just didnt cut it between the disney discount, financing, closing costs, and the extra years.

It may not be our favorite resort in WDW, but that means almost nothing to us at this point. First off, we do not spend that much time at the resort at and secondly we do not anticipate that many problems in booking at other resorts. We are 3 for 3 so far in going outside our home resort, with ressies at BWV for 3 rooms made with no problems at all.

I am sure problems will arise eventually, but I also expect this is not the last dvc construction(whether it be add ons at current resorts or new resorts in the future)

Also I feel that as long as you are diligent about your planning you are fairly safe. Undoubtedly there will be many, many non SSR dvc'ers staying at SSR each and every year. This means at that 7 month window there are that many more open rooms elsewhere for SSR dvc'ers. Obvioulsy there will be alot of SSR folks vying for those openings, but of course many of these people will not plan ahead and will not book right at 7 months.

Don't agree with your take on resale. We purchased two separate contracts over the past year with full 2002-2004 points intact (VWL and BWV). We used the VWL extra points but in the case of BWV we rented 2002-2003 bringing our cost down from $76 to $60 (including closing costs). We didn't start paying MF until 2004. In summary we have 2004 points going forward at BWV for $60 vs. 2005 points at SSR for $85. That's a 42% premium for SSR and we get an extra year of points up front.

 

[Desnik]

I have to admit I thought the same thing when driving up to this place!! DH and I were not impressed. We had looked into resale and purchasing via Disney for a long time. DH wanted that extra 12 years! We were turned off by the open stairways and outside corridors. Well, then we walked into the models. We loved them! Then we saw the view, loved it! Then we walked the grounds, ate at artiste palatte, saw the pool, community hall, arcade, proximity to DtD. We were wowed!!! We loved the lobby and sitting areas. We loved and appreciated the theme because we are from NY and from an area where harness racing was born and you could say it is an area with a big appreciation, and history revolved around horses! We really felt at home! I couldn't believe how quickly we looked past the size of the resort and the halls. Realistically, the buildings and parking areas are marked well, and let's face it, I'm not sleeping outside, so who cares how the steps/halls are! I used the elevator!!

We are not the type to be partying at DtD, especially with a 2yo and 6yo!!! we are young and the extra 12 years on the contract really means alot to us. We go to WDW every year in early Nov. and SSR is just perfect for us. Will we stay there every trip? Maybe not, I like to try different places.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

this is a beautiful resort. No question about it.

DVC will do it best to make it a pretty wonderful place.

I agree.

And although I'm not a fan of the outside concrete hallways, I think in the coming years there will be times where SSR will be the ideal location for us.

And each DVC has its bonuses and downfalls depending on the kind of vacation you're looking for.