I'm glad my post has generated this discussion. Some very good points have been made.
I have to agree with the observation of the food smells in the hallways at BWV - not very agreeable, so that is a plus to open walkways. Please note that my objection was not to the openness, but rather to the sparse look. Maybe some artwork or murals would perk it up.
The landscaping looked complete, but it's been pretty dry during May and early June, till just a few days ago, so maybe a couple of months of pm rains will fill it out.
As I said, I love OKW, and do not mind the less formal layout at all. I just felt that SSR was missing those little touches that made me fall in love with OKW the first time I visited - the shell impressions in the concrete, the island music playing, the pretty hanging light fixtures along the covered walk from curb to check-in to Olivia's and the dock. Think of all the texture and details in the cozy lounge next to check-in, with the bookcases and panelling and overstuffed chairs. The sitting area next to SSR check-in was comparatively desolate - some nice couches, but little else.
The observation about the other DVC resorts being attached to luxury hotels is only partly valid. After all, DVC has established some precedent with a certain level of theming, decor and amenities in its resorts. I would like to hear from some members who can compare SSR to Hilton Head and Vero, and hear how those resorts are outfitted. My impression is they have managed to incorporate rustic country or beach decor into a luxury resort feel.
The price for SSR points is not lower than for other DVC resorts. If DVC management economized at SSR because they are re-setting the lifespan clock back to 50 years, that should have been disclosed in some way.
These observations are not meant to imply that staying at SSR will not be great. The views across the water to Downtown Disney are fantastic, and the rooms are as luxurious as ever. Yes, I agree the pool area could be bigger (boy, those pictures made it look twice as large!), but we did buy in and are looking forward to staying there.
I have to agree with the observation of the food smells in the hallways at BWV - not very agreeable, so that is a plus to open walkways. Please note that my objection was not to the openness, but rather to the sparse look. Maybe some artwork or murals would perk it up.
The landscaping looked complete, but it's been pretty dry during May and early June, till just a few days ago, so maybe a couple of months of pm rains will fill it out.
As I said, I love OKW, and do not mind the less formal layout at all. I just felt that SSR was missing those little touches that made me fall in love with OKW the first time I visited - the shell impressions in the concrete, the island music playing, the pretty hanging light fixtures along the covered walk from curb to check-in to Olivia's and the dock. Think of all the texture and details in the cozy lounge next to check-in, with the bookcases and panelling and overstuffed chairs. The sitting area next to SSR check-in was comparatively desolate - some nice couches, but little else.
The observation about the other DVC resorts being attached to luxury hotels is only partly valid. After all, DVC has established some precedent with a certain level of theming, decor and amenities in its resorts. I would like to hear from some members who can compare SSR to Hilton Head and Vero, and hear how those resorts are outfitted. My impression is they have managed to incorporate rustic country or beach decor into a luxury resort feel.
The price for SSR points is not lower than for other DVC resorts. If DVC management economized at SSR because they are re-setting the lifespan clock back to 50 years, that should have been disclosed in some way.
These observations are not meant to imply that staying at SSR will not be great. The views across the water to Downtown Disney are fantastic, and the rooms are as luxurious as ever. Yes, I agree the pool area could be bigger (boy, those pictures made it look twice as large!), but we did buy in and are looking forward to staying there.
