Back from SSR... not impressed......

[DrTomorrow]

Well, we're two empty-nesters (about as far from 1 adult & 3 crumbsnatchers as you can get) but we love SSR! What do we like about SSR?

We love the layout of the place. If we want a big hotel, interior corridors, hallways and restaurants, we drive to Las Vegas. SSR give us easy access to our car, to the rest of SSR, to DTD & to the outside world. Plus, no Rich Hyams-brand endless hallways.

We love the car-friendlyness (friendlyism? friendlyish?). We always have a car, so being able to park a few dozen paces from the elevator is a big plus. So is being able to get off-site - for groceries, meals, non-Disney activities, etc. - in a matter of seconds, not a matter of valet / on-site miles. The buses? We usually drive everywhere except the MK, but if we do decide to 'bus it', we treat it like any other Disney ride and realize that the wait time is variable. I'd never depend on WDW to get me anywhere 'on-time', and that goes for any WDW resort, not just SSR.

We love the size of the place. Yep, that's right. Not cramped, not crowded; we love the walk to DTD (many would give a few toes for that Congress Park room the OP had) and just walking around; a very restful resort in a place (WDW) that isn't known for its tranquility.

We love the pool options. Want noisy fun with a couple of slides? Head to High Rock Springs. Want things a bit more laid back? Any of the leasure pools will do - ITA with Sammie on the CP pool: tres bien.

Being on the water. We took a grand tour from OWK to DTD to SSR & back last trip; at night the whole area is aglow - beautiful. And although the fireworks are going (gone?) from DTD, the DTD view at CP is wonderful, day and night.

What some folks miss but we don't care about:

Room service / dining options. We don't particularly care for ANY WDW TS restaurants (Da Celler at Canada,eh, was good, as was 'Ohana) and we don't even use room service in real mega-resorts, so no loss here.

Buses - see above.

The size. Really don't get this one. We stayed at the Polynesian for our last pre-DVC trip, and that place is big, too - paths all over here and there with some longhouses closer to the TTC than the GCH - but I've never heard that the Polynesian is too big. At any resort, you only have two things to walk to: the main check-in/dining/pool area and access to transportation. I'd suggest that these are not significantly farther at SSR than at, say, the GF, or the garden wings at CR - and then there's OKW....

What some folks complain about that I don't see:

Bell service. Often heard claims it isn't available at SSR, but everytime we check in at SSR I see bellmen with their carts, just like at other Deluxe resorts.

Pool size. I've stayed at SSR four times in various weathers and never seen the pool even close to crowded, yet all the amature Recreational Engineers are certain it's too small.

The one thing I do think they do need to fix at SSR:

Whimsy - pixie dust - magic. The place is beautiful and will only become moreso as the landscaping matures (and survives hurricanes). However, they could "Disney" it up a bit: I'm NOT asking for giant rubik's cubes or bowling pins, but they could play on the "horse" theme a bit (my idea: statues of famous Disney characters on horseback around the grounds). Have a few merry-go-round horses at the entrance of each building. The place needs a bit more 'Disney' than just Donald Duck at the pool....

IMHO, it sounds like the OP - with their current situation - might not be the best fit for SSR; either that, or it was just a perfect storm of unfortunate events (how's that for mixed media, huh?). Of course, that's why DVC is so grand - maybe the OP needs VWL for now, and SSR - with easy access to DTD - will be great when the kids are teens.

IMHO - YMMV

 

[rinkwide]

...didn't feel like we were staying at a delux...

That was our impression as well. It just seemed too much like a Moderate for my tastes.

I think DVD missed a golden opportunity by not going with more square footage per unit ala OKW. Guess they figured the "12 extra years" would be a big enough incentive to move memberships.

 

[cobbler]

We love SSR. A lot of the things Dr Tomorrow mentioned.

We rely on Disney transportation and we take a really relaxed approach to the parks so its ok if the bus isn't there right away or even if we have to wait 15 minutes. Not a biggie TO US.

We love to be able to walk to DTD. I swear I must be weird but it drives me insane to have to stop at PI, then TL on the way back from the Marketplace when returning to a resort. I mean drive me NUTS! Maybe because we always get on a bus where there is a shift change and they wait 10 minutes at each stop on the way back. So this is HUGE for us to walk to DTD.

We also don't care about valet or room svc. I would much rather have my car accessible to me outside my room. And room svc, um we are in a 1bdrm, what do we need room svc for????

So we love our home and if hubby had his way we would be there every trip but I have to try out ALL the other hotels first. Then we can stay at home all the live long day.

 

[Sammie]

That was our impression as well. It just seemed too much like a Moderate for my tastes.
I think DVD missed a golden opportunity by not going with more square footage per unit ala OKW. Guess they figured the "12 extra years" would be a big enough incentive to move memberships.

Just curious in what way does it seem like a moderate? As to room size do you think they should have also made VWL and BCV and BWV larger, or only SSR?

 

[shantay1008]

Um, Mr. OP, you do realize that you were traveling with small children, right? And that the word "vacation" takes on a whole new meaning with said small children? Ha, ha, I'm just kidding. We just got back from SSR/BCV with our four (1.5, 3.5, 5.5 and 7.5) and while it was wonderful overall, logistics were still challenging. As they are every day of our lives at home. But at least at WDW there are rides and sunshine and someone else (mostly) doing the cooking and cleaning.

We bought into DVC two years ago right after a lucky, unplanned stay at the BCV (okay, I admit it, we were escaping from Spring Break-o-Rama with our three kids at the time at the All-Star Music Resort). We purchased DVC because I felt as though we were, like, 60 percent on Vacation. And I wanted to keep this uniquely Disney experience coming over the years. As our kids get older, I'm hoping we'll reach 100 percent true Vacation status.

Here's the point: I didn't fall in love with SSR quite as much as I had hoped I would on our first trip there in Feb. But I'm going to take into consideration the fact that I had the complications that come with small children and give SSR another chance.

 

[offtheice]

I just spent 4 days with my kids and we had a blast! That's easy to do when they are 3, 5 and 7... everything is aweinspiring in their eyes and I wouldn't have traded it for a minute. This was our first trip to SSR, however, and that I hope not to do again if we don't have to. Problem is we bought an add on there and now it may have to be that we go there a few times.
The hotel itself is nice enough. But is not spectacular in the Disney way that I personally have found the other DVC resorts. it's just average. Add to that that it is the size of a small college campus and you can understand that to get to anything with out wheels is no small feat. We were in room 1110 and that is "miles" from anything. The buses take an eternity. For example, we were out and ready at 7:55 to get a bus to MK for the 9:00 opening. I thought it was cutting it close, but try getting everyone out the door with only one adult and 3 kids....well, you get the picture .
Anyway, I thought at least we might get a glimpse of the opening... nope didn't arrive to the park til almost 9:30!!!!!!!! Needless to say, the next day I drove.
I know this has been mentioned on another thread recently, but to add insult to injury, in order for me to even get internet access I had to pay $10.00 a day! Now I get the whole budget arguement and dues blah blah blah.... but that is just plain ridiculous. I had to check on two important issues involving my job and my DD3's medical issue and only used it for about 5 minutes. I guess it's right up there with the crazy prices of everything else in the land of the mouse, but when I hear "Welcome Home", I expect to be treated like I am home. (Within reason, please don't flame me on that one! )
The capper was: my DD3 and DS5 were playing Prince and Princess in the LR and I heard them say something about a frog. I thought, "awww how cute! They are reinacting the fairytales". No!!! I walk into the room and there is my immuno compromised daughter holding a frog.... a real live frog!!!!!!!!! I about lost my mind! Thank God her counts had been good the day before we left or I would have been taking a trip to Celebration for that one.
There were a few other incidents that happened along the way, but again I want to say... it wasn't terrible. Just not the usual DVC great I am used to. I guess I'll just travel off season or gamble on waitlists from now on. Sorry to go on, I am just a little sad about it all. Would I go back to Disney anytime soon????????? Sure!!!! A bad experience at Disney is still better than any other family trip I can imagine!

We feel the same here too . SSR will be perfect when the kids get older ,but the bus stops and wait are brutal . We actually got so sick of waiting ,we walked over to DTD and got the buses from there.On the internet, anyone know how the wireless pick up is in the area without paying that losy 10 bucks ??

 

[Synonymous]

I second OP's feelings completely. We felt SSR was a "near-miss." Didn't seem to have that "specialness" of other Disney resorts. Hated the location. Disappointed with Artist's Palette (yeah, something other than burgers and chicken fingers is nice, but sometimes you WANT burgers or chicken fingers, especially with a 7-yr old), which is neither a full restaurant nor a full store. Didn't like the underwhelming reception at the drop-off ( I can see why some people think there isn't anyone to help with bags). Lobby is just a big empty room, no reason to be in there except to go to the front desk. And the outdoor, concrete corridors- yuck! Why not just call it All-Star Saratoga?

I'm glad lots of others like it, though. I was afraid that all those people buying there would never want to STAY there, thus making it harder for me to go to VWL and BCV when I want to.

 

[rinkwide]

Just curious in what way does it seem like a moderate? As to room size do you think they should have also made VWL and BCV and BWV larger, or only SSR?

Sorry, my bad. SSR is perfect just the way it is.

(Darn it. There's that passive-aggressive stuff my therapist and I have been working on. I better go and take my meds.)

 

[jlieblaw]

We stayed for a week at SSR last Sept. and are booked for a week again this year. I can't remember which building we were in but it was close to the main pool and we used the main bus stop by the lobby. We did have an issue with the fridge not working properly when we checked in but they resolved it and gave us money for the groceries we lost. They even offered to send someone to the store to replace our food but I felt it would be easier to go myself. I don't think we ever waited over 15 minutes for a bus. We also walked to DTD which we liked. We thought about switching this year and staying at BC or Boardwalk. However, we kind of let my mom choose since she's recovering from chemo. About SSR, we like the pool, the zero entry for my DS2 b/c he likes to ease in gradually and my DD5 likes the smaller slide. We also like that the pool was never crowded. My mom likes that the resort was not crowded and it was quiet (except for my kids) which gave her a lot of relaxation time. We spent a lot of time on the balcony overlooking the pond.

We have stayed at AKL and had to wait a long time on the bus and had to walk forever to get to our room. We really like WL but have not done the villas. We like the proximity to MK but there we had to walk forever to our room as well and I always get eaten up by mosquitos due to all the woods around there. Plus, with WL, the bus makes multiples stops when going to some of the parks while SSR pretty much is a straight shot.

That being said, I'd still love to stay at BCV sometimes b/c I love the idea of walking to Epcot or MGM and I want to try their pool. Maybe next year I'll be able to talk the family into staying there.

For those planning a stay there, don't be worried. It's a very nice resort and if there are any problems, disney is usually very good about resolving them, regardless of where you stay.

 

[fishermouse]

Do you ever consider that since this is Disney with all it's magic that maybe you should have KISSED the frog . You may have had a date for the rest of your trip and there would be two adults to handle the kids.

 

[fishermouse]

I second OP's feelings completely. We felt SSR was a "near-miss." Didn't seem to have that "specialness" of other Disney resorts. Hated the location. Disappointed with Artist's Palette (yeah, something other than burgers and chicken fingers is nice, but sometimes you WANT burgers or chicken fingers, especially with a 7-yr old), which is neither a full restaurant nor a full store. Didn't like the underwhelming reception at the drop-off ( I can see why some people think there isn't anyone to help with bags). Lobby is just a big empty room, no reason to be in there except to go to the front desk. And the outdoor, concrete corridors- yuck! Why not just call it All-Star Saratoga?

I'm glad lots of others like it, though. I was afraid that all those people buying there would never want to STAY there, thus making it harder for me to go to VWL and BCV when I want to.

Rainforest and McDonalds are a three minute walk away as well as all the full stores you can ask for. Lobbby is emty now but if you get there during the busy season it gets small real fast. I must be blessed since I can not recall ever waiting long for a bus. Love the condo feel that I'm sure some hate, been said before but I'll say again thats why we have vanilla and chocolate. Which by the way you can get at Ghiardeli 4 minute walk from Congress Park.. I know I spelled that wrong bit the ice cream is great.

 

[Tomskatt]

Um, Mr. OP, you do realize that you were traveling with small children, right? .

That's Mrs.OP to you : Yes I realize I was traveling with small children, since I live with them 24/7, thank you. I have traveled many times with them, so it is just part of the drill to deal with them and their "stuff". I have never had a bad thing to say about the other DVC resorts (and I have stayed at 6 of them so far).I hope the next time I stay at SSR I have a better experience. As far as those sending me messages saying I shouldn't expect a "vacation" til they are older....I don't necessarily have the luxury of waiting until they are a little older, as my DD3 has cancer, so every day is one that I hope is magical.
Thanks to those who sent good wishes and good for you to those who like SSR. Thanks for letting me know what you like about it. Maybe someday we too will enjoy it as much. Maybe not, and that's okay too.
I am a little surprised by the reaction of many, but I guess when you have such a large diverse group, you get all kinds.
Have a Magical day !
P.S. I know the frogs were not a fault of Disney's believe me. It just added to the "experience" for me!

 

[Tomskatt]

thats why we have vanilla and chocolate. Which by the way you can get at Ghiardeli 4 minute walk from Congress Park.. I know I spelled that wrong bit the ice cream is great.

You just changed my mind!!!!

 

[shantay1008]

Oops...sorry, Mrs. OP. One of my kiddos has a heart problem, so I know what you mean about not wanting to wait for "someday." I routinely go out alone with four kids and have even done a road trip by myself with them. If we had been in a room together talking instead of e-mailing, you would have seen my big grin and laughed at the idea of "vacation" as my kids climbed all over me. I love them to pieces, but there's not a lot of down time. But I don't want to rush through these years because I know I'll miss them being little.

Truly, I bought DVC because the few days we spent at BCV last time was wonderful, and I realized that, of all the places we might travel, WDW offered the best shot at rest and relaxation for us. Everything is so kid- and family-oriented, and I don't have to worry so much about the little things.

I don't know why those of us who bought at SSR feel compelled to read negative reviews (and yours really wasn't even very negative at all). I suppose we don't want to feel like we made a huge mistake and we're hoping that the negative posters are wrong. Which is so silly because we're all so different. Of course, if the same issues keep coming up, then we should take it up with DVC so they can get fixed. But wanting 100% validation is pretty crazy. The best thing I read on here was when one of the Carols reminded us that everyone "trashed" BCV when it first opened, so that gives me hope that SSR will work out the kinks and add a little more magic.

 

[Tomskatt]

Oh I totally knew you were kidding!!! That's why I wrote what I did!!

 

[Synonymous]

Rainforest and McDonalds are a three minute walk away as well as all the full stores you can ask

C'mon- you really believe walking to McDonalds at Downtown Disney is as convenient, or as pleasant, as going to your resort's snack bar? It sure as heck wasn't "three minutes" from where we were staying.

Have fun walking to McDonald's- our next stay is at BCV, thankfully.

 

[cncDisney4]

We had our first trip "home" to SSR in December. We stayed 12/21-27 in the Paddocks (right by the Congress Park bus stop). Our DS16 and DS20 were with us on this trip and loved going to DTD every night. Most nights they were at DQ and the music store and walking around SSR was no problem for them. They often went up to get a flatbread pizza at Artist's Palette - located at the front of SSR when we were at the back. However, I can understand how this would be a bit of a hike for a family with younger children.

The bus situation for us was wonderful. We only had a two instances where we waited 30 minutes and one of those was on Christmas day!

We're going back this December and taking my SIL and family. Our sons asked us to stay at SSR again and check out the other resorts when they weren't with us since they liked SSR so much. We were in a 2 bedroom and enjoyed the separate bathrooms and they enjoyed having a bed to themselves.

While my DH and I look forward to checking out some of the other resorts in the future - we are very happy to return to SSR.

 

[Linda/Ohio]

Is it possible that Disney is hoping to appeal to a different crowd with this resort? I will have a first hand opinion after the 15th of this month. But from a marketing standpoint-it seems Disney might be trying to garner another part of the market--people who want a Disney experience--but would like to be more away from the crowds. Perhaps empty-nesters or those with older children.

I stayed at Coronado Springs in February--and it certainly has all of the same issues that the OP stated about Saratoga--and while it wasn't a bad place for kids (we had one 9 year old with us). CS is more geared toward a business crowd and conventions. This is a huge campus type place and we never feel over-Disneyed or over-crowded.

 

[chloe]

As an empty-nester SSR did not appeal to me for the same reasons stated above.
* Lack of Disney WoW factor e.g., "Magic"
* Location: DTD doesn't appeal to me -- too much like a mall.
* Aesthetic: Could be a condo complex anywhere
* Buses: Being a commuter if I can avoid busses and cars on a vacation, it's a good thing.

I'm looking for ESCAPE from the outside world and want to be transported environment different from the every-day.

 

[rinkwide]

...(Coronado Springs) certainly has all of the same issues that the OP stated about Saratoga...

...Is it possible that Disney is hoping to appeal to a different crowd with this resort?

i.e. Those who are just as happy in a Moderate as they are in a Deluxe?

Hope not.