Dissapointed with SSR

[tjkraz]

We love SSR and look forward to a lot of future stays there.

The main pool is great. Our kids loved the water fountain play area and the smaller children's slide (neither of which can be found at any other DVC resort.) The Quiet Pool that overlooks DD is great, too.

The view of Downtown Disney at night is the second best DVC location (to the Boardwalk View) in the program. And the close walking proximity to DD is a huge plus for those of us who like to spend our evenings wandering the shops.

As for claims that the resort is too big, we didn't feel the slightest bit put out by it. All rooms are 2 min or less from a bus stop. And walking 5 minutes from Congress Park to the main pool isn't exactly the end of the world compared to a day spent criss-crossing the theme parks. Speaking as someone who often laments the lack of time spent just soaking in the atmosphere at WDW, on a couple of occasions we found ourselves inventing excuses to walk back to the Carriage House just to unwind and explore the resort further.

And the in-room furnishings are hands-down the best DVC has to offer.

 

[Disney Doll]

Haven't stayed there, have toured it, thought it was quite lovely.

I'm an "OKW-er" though., so maybe that has something to do with it. Liked the furnishings, liked the overall look (although I do agree that the cement hallways could have been done a bit better).

We will certainly stay there, and happily!

 

[russct]

I have stayed at SSR twice so far, and will be staying there in May and June. I kind of like to spread out feel / atomosphere when I want to unwind from the parks etc. The fitness center and spa is absolutely awesome. I have only stayed at BWV so I don't have alot to compare too, but if I had to stay at SSR for the remianing 48 years of my contract, I won't complain. I will try all the resorts over time, and I'm sure they are all great in their own way.

The only thing which needs improvement in my opinion are dining options on site and food service by the pool. Regarding room service, I don't mind this option not being available because based on my experience at many resorts over my 20 years of travel the room service usually stinks for what you pay for it. I'm sure a lot of the negative comments about SSR will be resolved over time once the resort is complete. Disney usually does things right, and have a lot of experience in this industry, so I'm not too worried about my purchase into SSR or DVC. Thanks

 

[SueOKW]

Haven't stayed there, have toured it, thought it was quite lovely.

I'm an "OKW-er" though., so maybe that has something to do with it. Liked the furnishings, liked the overall look (although I do agree that the cement hallways could have been done a bit better).

We will certainly stay there, and happily!

I'm OKW all the way too - however -

I spent a day there on our last trip - the AM at the pool and the afternoon at the spa, then I toured the units.

The AM at the pool was very nice - not too crowded, and I had a great chair right by the whirpool... kids were all around with their parents and everyone seemed very happy. To my sore feet - Artists Point seemed a mile away, so I never did get there. I did buy a drink and enjoyed a nice chat with the barman. (He was wonderful and even figured out how to make a frozen Cape Cod for me - we also discussed the physics of ice. )

The spa was wonderful.

Then I did the self tour - didn't even notice the concrete hallways - so I guess that didn't bother me. The furnishings are very nice - I really like the decor. I was surprised at the size of the rooms and the verandah. Obviously I am spoiled by OKW. I've never stayed at any other DVC resort, so I can't say how they compare in size, but I know my family would feel cramped at SSR. We have a wheelchair kid - so OKW is perfect with all the space.

I think SSR will age gently and prove to be a nice resort. I would like to stay there someday.

 

[Daitcher]

It was all right, but not WOW. I guess there was just something missing. We had a beautiful view of DTD, but other than that, blah!

My head just about exploded when I read this post. Finally others who have the nerve to speak out about this subpar resort. I've been blasted on here for posting less than stellar reviews of this place. It boils down to tastes and this one isn't for our family. It is lacking in so many areas.

DAVE

 

[tjkraz]

My head just about exploded when I read this post. Finally others who have the nerve to speak out about this subpar resort. I've been blasted on here for posting less than stellar reviews of this place. It boils down to tastes and this one isn't for our family. It is lacking in so many areas.

If memory serves, the main reason that you were "blasted" was because your initial posts were filled with misinformation (alleging no bellmen at SSR) and a perplexing ignorance of what you actually bought (no full service restaurant, too big, no room service, etc.) I doubt that anyone ever said you were incorrect for thinking the way that you do, rather most were incredulous that you would actually CHOOSE to buy into SSR with most of your complaints being things that should have been understood before you signed by the Mickey heads.

There's nothing wrong with disliking individual resorts. I don't really care for VWL's design and have no desire to stay there. Fortunately, I also don't feel the need to air my feelings over and over again--I'm certain nobody really wants to hear it.

 

[wtpclc]

My head just about exploded when I read this post. Finally others who have the nerve to speak out about this subpar resort.

It boils down to tastes and this one isn't for our family.

These are 2 different things. Until now, most people with negatives have been able to say why it is just not for them without calling it a "subpar" resort.

 

[Megangel31]

We're big fans of SSR as well, and will be there again in September. Our last trip to WDW we stayed at BCV, and while out to dinner at Portobello Yacht Club, we stared across the water at our other "home" and talked about how much we liked it there.

The condo setup definitely works for us, including the outdoor hallways. As lllovell pointed out, we are also used to vacationing in homes-when I was growing up we had both a camper and a condo in Ocean City, MD and used them for most of our summer trips. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and peaceful; the room furnishings are top-notch. We certainly don't mind if the resort feels "empty"- that's how we like it.

 

[Granny]

There's nothing wrong with disliking individual resorts. I don't really care for VWL's design and have no desire to stay there.

Hey, we're just sitting quietly over here by the shore of Bay Lake, sipping on an adult beverage.

We're a peaceful group....don't drag us into this thread!

 

[lllovell]

We like the townhouse feeling of OKW too, but I disagree that SSR is the same style. When we stayed there, I thought it was too much like a hotel/motel and not nearly as much like a vacation home as OKW is. I did think it was nicely appointed and very quiet, but it made me long for my down and out OKW unit.

I have been thinking about this and I bet a lot of what you feel has to do with the differences in the landscaping too. You feel alone and isolated ...wait - those words sound negative and I dont mean it negatively...but OKW has a very private feel - thats better - that I think comes a lot from the seperate stairs and entranceways (versus any sort of real hall ways) and all that fantastic landscaping. So, I think I agree with what you are saying, but still feel they are similar in many ways.

 

[DVCME]

We walked around SSR during our last trip in October while staying at BCV. I actually like how quiet the place seemed but at the same time I did feel that it was too spread out.

 

[megrod74]

These are 2 different things. Until now, most people with negatives have been able to say why it is just not for them without calling it a "subpar" resort.

I agree; first you say that the resort is subpar, then you say this one isn't for your family, then you say the resort is lacking. I don't think that not having room service makes it sub-par. Anyone who has ever been to 'resorts' like the Jersey Shore or the Catskills or any other timeshare can attest to the fact that DVC resorts (all of them) have more amenities than any of those other destinations.
And as usual, I totally agree with tjkraz, except that I like VWL

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have stayed at SSR, and while there were things I didn't like specifically about the studio room, they are the same things that I also don't like about BWV, BCV, and VWL studios (too many doors). I certainly would not call it subpar or a bad resort at all! In fact, I thought it was very comfortable and exptremely quiet. The front desk was superb! Didn't care for the food "court", but there's no need for more with DTD just across the way. For those of you who don't think it is for you.....Don't buy there! No need to run it into the ground.

 

[JimC]

Hey, we're just sitting quietly over here by the shore of Bay Lake, sipping on an adult beverage.

We're a peaceful group....don't drag us into this thread!

Granny -- sipping????????

Thanks. By the way we did our first VWL stay in January and enjoyed the resort.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Hey, we're just sitting quietly over here by the shore of Bay Lake, sipping on an adult beverage.

We're a peaceful group....don't drag us into this thread!

Our first DVC stay outside of our SSR home will be at the VWL! We added on an arrival night Studio and we think we'll love it (don't worry, though, beloved VWL owners - we still prefer SSR and won't be mobbing your resort ). Of course, we loved the Grand Californian when we were there in 2002....

 

[offtheice]

lol there have been TONS of people that go there and have liked it.

I think the main difference is your vacationing style. If you are the type that likes lots of service and the hotel feel, I don't see it making you happy. If you don't like to cook and want several eating options RIGHT THERE, then its not going to be your style either (although DTD is superclose by - for some, its too far). OKW and SSR are obviously more of the condo style which fits my family best. We have small children and I feel less like they might disturb someone else in this type of atmosphere, plus, I grew up renting beach houses for our summer vacations and am used to the "detached" feeling. I enjoy the other resorts as well (more traditional hotels) and am one of those SSRers that is trying them all out as time goes by.

For every negative, there are probably hundreds of positives that don't get reported. The positive "wow - that was fantastic!" reports don't spend much time on the front page but lots of people like to comment on the negative ones (more interesting I think).

Viva la difference!!! I am glad you all have other resorts that make you happy Its what makes DVC work!

AGree. The ones that want to complain about it. Good ,dont waste time there again. Makes more room for people who go to disney for the Ears and not what a stupid room feels or looks.

 

[llp479]

We toured SSR last summer and the best way for me to compare it is when you go from an established neighborhood to a new home subdivision. At first, the new home subdivision feels kind of empty and sparse. But as the landscapping gets added and matures, in 5 years you don't notice a difference between the two.

I think as the resort "matures" many of these coments will no longer apply. We bought BWV site unseen in '98 after a stay in '96 at OKW. At first, I was dissapointed with BWV, it had the "new neighborhood feel". But now, I love both OKW and BWV for different reasons. (Good thing since we now own both!)

 

[Daitcher]

If memory serves, the main reason that you were "blasted" was because your initial posts were filled with misinformation (alleging no bellmen at SSR) and a perplexing ignorance of what you actually bought (no full service restaurant, too big, no room service, etc.) I doubt that anyone ever said you were incorrect for thinking the way that you do, rather most were incredulous that you would actually CHOOSE to buy into SSR with most of your complaints being things that should have been understood before you signed by the Mickey heads.

There's nothing wrong with disliking individual resorts. I don't really care for VWL's design and have no desire to stay there. Fortunately, I also don't feel the need to air my feelings over and over again--I'm certain nobody really wants to hear it.

Here we go again with the negativity. I didn't buy in ignorantly as you have stated. I am quite well informed about WDW and DVC. Home resort doesn't matter to me. I travel off season and have never had a problem getting what I want where I want it. As for bellman, yes they are there occasionally. There are very few and when they have to travel so far to help guests it often leaves the "bell area" unattended. We also bought in before SSR was built. We took our "tour" at Boardwalk. Our Rep. Doug Rapp stated at the time that " SSR will have the best dining on property. They have really listened to what the members want." I really wasn't all that concerned at the time. I am still not concerned. SSR isn't for us period. Funny how others state this and your posts are nice. I state it and you call me ignorant and uninformed. Relax, it is OK for all of us to like or dislike certain resorts. The common bond we all have is that we love WDW and DVC. Please let people post negative things on this board without bashing them. A board filled with nothing but glowing reviews is worthless. We need to hear the good and bad.


DAVE

 

[DrTomorrow]

Dear Daitcherino!

Well-reasoned comments - good and bad - are useful.

Cracks like "subpar Resort" are not.

HTH!

 

[Daitcher]

Dear Daitcherino!

Well-reasoned comments - good and bad - are useful.

Cracks like "subpar Resort" are not.

HTH!

Sorry my use of subpar wasn't really intended to be a "crack". I guess because SSR wasn't to our tatse it was subpar to us. Subpar is a little harsh. Just not what we look for in a WDW Resort. Now put that place at the beach and I'd probably love it. It still is very confusing to me why people try to "sell" others on their favorite Resort. Others should follow your lead and realize that for every person that doesn't like SSR it means more space for them. I guess my main worry is that people will stop posting honest reviews of properties for fear of being bashed. Thanks for not being one of the bashers even though we don't always agree. Also this belief that if you don't love SSR then you shouldn't buy in there is ludicrous. I bought in before it was built. The idea sounded great but you truly can't get the true picture until it is complete. Do I regret buying in become SSR isn't to my liking? No, DVC is a great program and the 7 month window works great for us because we will never travel to WDW during a peak season. Thanks again for your comments.

DAVE

DAVE