Dissapointed with SSR

[Dean]

Could be, but it's a moot point. Since you read the POS before buying your contract, I'm sure you know that the only thing DVC can do to the Home reservation window is make it smaller. By contract, you are only guaranteed a ONE month advantage at your Home, meaning that the current "7-month" windows could become a "10-month" window.



Cheating implies deception. There was no deception. We each had the same opportunity to read the POS and other program rules, tour the resorts, and understand how things work. Buying into BWV was YOUR choice. You could have easily chosen to buy points at SSR with the longer contracts and lower dues, and used those points to stay elsewhere. You chose not to. You were not deceived in any way, shape or form.



By your definition, I could easily argue that any resort without a Community Hall (which BCV and VWL do not have) is "sub par." I could argue that any resort without an attached golf course (SSR is the only one) is "sub par." I could argue that the spa and fitness facilities at all resorts besides SSR are "sub par."

Different strokes, gang.

By the way, SSR was rated by Conde Nast Traveller magazine as one of the best places to stay in the world. The Grand Floridian and Boardwalk Inn were the only two other Disney resorts to make the list.



As is often the case, it's not the message that matters but how it is delivered.

If you're saying the home resort window can't be more than 4 months, I think you're wrong. It could be as little as one month (10/11) or as much as they want. They can even block booking at other resorts, something that's likely the last couple of years of the contract.

There are lots of lists, some have SSR near the bottom and others in the middle. Conde Nast is not very objective or consistent in any of their rankings. Other groups haven't been so kind in their analysis or SSR or OKW.

I'm not sure the word cheating is necessarily a bad choice in this context. I think what was being said was that DVC was taking advantage of the other owners when selling SSR. While this happens to a degree with all DVC resort sales, I personally think it is and will continue happening to a much larger degree with SSR.

 

[Disney Fanatic]

I think its funny to see people saying the place is empty.

Just try All Star Movies like we did on our last trip and you will be thanking your lucky stars the place feels empty!!!

 

[DrTomorrow]

[...]I'm not sure the word cheating is necessarily a bad choice in this context. I think what was being said was that DVC was taking advantage of the other owners when selling SSR. [...]

Dean, could you expand on this a little, please? It sounds important, but I can't get my brain around it.

Thanks!

 

[DrTomorrow]

Suddenly, the darkness grows a little lighter.

In my mind, I bought into DVC. I get a certain amount of points every February, and there's a chart that says how much it costs to stay a weekday or a Fri/Sat in each of the room types in each of the resorts in each of the seasons. The only reason that SSR has any significance is that I have a longer lead time to book there; otherwise, points is points.

In other folks' minds, however, they bought into a DVC Resort. That's where they want to stay, and if all the other DVC resorts went away, it wouldn't materially impact them. To them, their points are issued by their home resort, to be used there - at least for the most part. And there are fairly bold lines drawn between each of the DVC resorts.

I'll grant that this is somewhat simplistic, but it sure helps me understand some of the sentiments about "other resorts" vs. "the resort I bought into". Are the DVC Resorts sovereign states, or is The DVC the federal power?

Be well!

 

[RobDoc]

Suddenly, the darkness grows a little lighter.

.... Are the DVC Resorts sovereign states, or is The DVC the federal power?

Great analogy!

In my mind, the DVC resorts are sovereign states for 4 months from today - after that DVC becomes the federal power for DVC resorts. DVC is always the federal power for all other aspects and controls our "passport" to utilize those options.

We do still pay "taxes" to our sovereign state (and our "federal" taxes comprise a portion of that expense) but derive full "federal" benefits 11 months in advance for all other options beyond our "sovereign" state. Both "taxing" governments provide certain benefits within our membership and each will play a role in our utilization of the program as a whole.

Long live the Union! (Without it, we are truly sovereign states- with no other rights or privileges!)

 

[childsplay]

I'm not sure the word cheating is necessarily a bad choice in this context. I think what was being said was that DVC was taking advantage of the other owners when selling SSR. While this happens to a degree with all DVC resort sales, I personally think it is and will continue happening to a much larger degree with SSR.

They were using this tactic like a full-court-press towards the end with Vero, it was almost their entire sales pitch.

 

[Dean]

Dean, could you expand on this a little, please? It sounds important, but I can't get my brain around it.

Thanks!

I can't speak for anyone else, but when I read it I got the impression they were saying the following. And if they weren't, it's still likely true. Of course it's based on the premise that a larger percent of owners will buy SSR to stay elsewhere than any other resort on property. HH and VB will be hard to figure but together they are not half as big as SSR. It goes something like this. Disney is selling only one property thus anyone who buys from Disney must buy SSR currently regardless of where they hope to stay. Add to that the enticement of the extra 12 years and the somewhat lower points costs of SSR compared to the destination resorts. While there is no specific proof, I think it's hard to imagine any other on property resort where such a large percent of people have bought in just to get in the system and as such will frequently or almost always try to stay elsewhere. Note I didn't say it was wrong, it's the way the system works.

There is a fine line between members buying for this reason and DVC selling it this way. Even then it's OK as long as they don't manipulate the system accordingly. Reducing the home resort window would fall into that category if done so in conjunction with sales at SSR or EP for that matter. And while it might be within the rules from one aspect, IMO, it would fall under a violation of the fiduciary and other responsibilities to the members. And while SSR and OKW are similar in many ways, the large percentage of members didn't buy in to trade to other resorts unless you just look at resales possibly.

I find it amusing when members can't see the shortcomings (in one sense or another) of their favorite resort. I love OKW and to many people it is definitely sub par. If you don't have a car or like to be in the action; it is not the best place to stay. However, it is comfortable to me and I enjoy it for a number of reasons. I don't really care whether anyone else likes it or not. But I'm reminded of the statement about a bad day on vacation being better than a good day at work, it's not necessarily true but it does convey the message. It's much like talking college football before the season starts, most people are unrealistic in that arena as well.

Or to be plain and blunt. They are selling a lot of points to people that are far more likely to want to book the same unit you want to book at the 7 month window. That will reduce your chances of getting what you want. It will, IMO, make the home resort window paramount for certain resorts for most of the time, far more than has been so in the past.

 

[Dean]

They were using this tactic like a full-court-press towards the end with Vero, it was almost their entire sales pitch.

True, but with the higher dues and beach appeal, I don't think it will be nearly as important. Same can be said for HH.

 

[Daitcher]

I can't speak for anyone else, but when I read it I got the impression they were saying the following. And if they weren't, it's still likely true. Of course it's based on the premise that a larger percent of owners will buy SSR to stay elsewhere than any other resort on property. HH and VB will be hard to figure but together they are not half as big as SSR. It goes something like this. Disney is selling only one property thus anyone who buys from Disney must buy SSR currently regardless of where they hope to stay. Add to that the enticement of the extra 12 years and the somewhat lower points costs of SSR compared to the destination resorts. While there is no specific proof, I think it's hard to imagine any other on property resort where such a large percent of people have bought in just to get in the system and as such will frequently or almost always try to stay elsewhere. Note I didn't say it was wrong, it's the way the system works.

There is a fine line between members buying for this reason and DVC selling it this way. Even then it's OK as long as they don't manipulate the system accordingly. Reducing the home resort window would fall into that category if done so in conjunction with sales at SSR or EP for that matter. And while it might be within the rules from one aspect, IMO, it would fall under a violation of the fiduciary and other responsibilities to the members. And while SSR and OKW are similar in many ways, the large percentage of members didn't buy in to trade to other resorts unless you just look at resales possibly.

I find it amusing when members can't see the shortcomings (in one sense or another) of their favorite resort. I love OKW and to many people it is definitely sub par. If you don't have a car or like to be in the action; it is not the best place to stay. However, it is comfortable to me and I enjoy it for a number of reasons. I don't really care whether anyone else likes it or not. But I'm reminded of the statement about a bad day on vacation being better than a good day at work, it's not necessarily true but it does convey the message. It's much like talking college football before the season starts, most people are unrealistic in that arena as well.

Or to be plain and blunt. They are selling a lot of points to people that are far more likely to want to book the same unit you want to book at the 7 month window. That will reduce your chances of getting what you want. It will, IMO, make the home resort window paramount for certain resorts for most of the time, far more than has been so in the past.

Your are making sense to me. I am one of the offenders here. I will use all my SSR points elsewhere. Be careful with your use of "subpar" it has gotten me into hot water here ))

DAVE

 

[Dean]

Your are making sense to me. I am one of the offenders here. I will use all my SSR points elsewhere. Be careful with your use of "subpar" it has gotten me into hot water here ))

DAVE

Thanks for the warning, I can take care of myself, LOL. You are not an offender, IF there is an offense, it is DVD and I don't think that's necessarily the case either. I also hope I've earned enough credibility with most that if I use words they don't agree with, they look past to see the meaning of what I'm saying. Though I know some wouldn't admit they agree with me if it meant they got free points for the rest of their life. But you are right in that some people are so sensitive about certain issues and resorts that they can't see the forest for the trees.

 

[JimC]

Great analogy!

In my mind, the DVC resorts are sovereign states for 4 months from today - after that DVC becomes the federal power for DVC resorts. DVC is always the federal power for all other aspects and controls our "passport" to utilize those options.

We do still pay "taxes" to our sovereign state (and our "federal" taxes comprise a portion of that expense) but derive full "federal" benefits 11 months in advance for all other options beyond our "sovereign" state. Both "taxing" governments provide certain benefits within our membership and each will play a role in our utilization of the program as a whole.

Long live the Union! (Without it, we are truly sovereign states- with no other rights or privileges!)

Nicely put Doc and DrTomorrow

 

[JimC]

...Or to be plain and blunt. They are selling a lot of points to people that are far more likely to want to book the same unit you want to book at the 7 month window. That will reduce your chances of getting what you want. It will, IMO, make the home resort window paramount for certain resorts for most of the time, far more than has been so in the past.

Dean, I agree with this but wasn't this expected given how DVC has developed over the years? I don't consider it good or bad, just a natural evolution of the program.

 

[JimC]

...I also hope I've earned enough credibility with most that if I use words they don't agree with, they look past to see the meaning of what I'm saying.....

Dean -- you have, easily.

...Though I know some wouldn't admit they agree with me if it meant they got free points for the rest of their life.....

Now there is an offer! I don't need it to agree with you BUT I certainly would not want to deprive anyone from giving me free points

 

[gharrer]

I have to admit after reading all of these posts I am a little nervous as I wait for my paperwork from Disney. I am buying SSR but I thought that I would have a chance to experience the variety of all of the resorts as well. Being a Gemini I get bored easily, and your discussion makes me think that I really did buy only 1 resort. Nancy

 

[Stitch 626]

As a perspective SSR owner, I am not feeling the love here. The general tone seems to be that SSR owner's are not welcome at "other members" home resorts by fellow DVC members. Was I mislead to beleive that DVC was one big family? Its seems to me that there is not a lot of love among the different home resort owners. Do I have to sneak off into the dark corners and speak in hushed voice with other SSR owners so that we are not scorned by the other resort owners?

IMHO the 11 month window provides enough protection for an owner to stay at his or her home resort without having to worry about another resort owner "stealing" their room at their beloved resort. If your worried about increased competition for the 7 month window at the other resorts, are you not being a bit selfish? You want to book at new and different resorts (and for those of you who are shaking your head no, there seems to be a lot of interest in new DVC locations on the Monorail, Eagle Pines, and DL) but do not want any more members to compete with. Those resorts cost $, and its the new blood (like myself) that are financing the new resorts so that you now have a new option at a different location (just like each other resort when it was new.)

How I choose to spend my points is up to me. The rules are in place to protect your rights at your home resort if thats your thing. If you want new resorts to stay at, it comes with the price of increased membership.
Just because you do not like the latest DVC resort does not mean that no other members wants to stay there. I tend to trust Disney's judgement when it comes to measuring interest in a new resort location.

 

[Dean]

Dean, I agree with this but wasn't this expected given how DVC has developed over the years? I don't consider it good or bad, just a natural evolution of the program.

In a way. I don't think the members intended to have a larger than reasonable contingent of owners at a very large resort to compete with.

 

[WOW]

Those of us who ar DVC members are used to great accomodations, especially the size of them. Just think back when you bought, you compared a hotel room to your DVC accomodations and what a difference there is. I would think that anyone buying now would just love SSR. We are used to these DVC units by now and tend to compare them with something new.

I am a creature of habit and just love OKW, so I can compare to other DVC resorts and know that OKW is for me. We stopped at SSR last week and thought it was nice, but once again I have an affinity for OKW.

 

[Daitcher]

As a perspective SSR owner, I am not feeling the love here. The general tone seems to be that SSR owner's are not welcome at "other members" home resorts by fellow DVC members. Was I mislead to beleive that DVC was one big family? Its seems to me that there is not a lot of love among the different home resort owners. Do I have to sneak off into the dark corners and speak in hushed voice with other SSR owners so that we are not scorned by the other resort owners?

IMHO the 11 month window provides enough protection for an owner to stay at his or her home resort without having to worry about another resort owner "stealing" their room at their beloved resort. If your worried about increased competition for the 7 month window at the other resorts, are you not being a bit selfish? You want to book at new and different resorts (and for those of you who are shaking your head no, there seems to be a lot of interest in new DVC locations on the Monorail, Eagle Pines, and DL) but do not want any more members to compete with. Those resorts cost $, and its the new blood (like myself) that are financing the new resorts so that you now have a new option at a different location (just like each other resort when it was new.)

How I choose to spend my points is up to me. The rules are in place to protect your rights at your home resort if thats your thing. If you want new resorts to stay at, it comes with the price of increased membership.
Just because you do not like the latest DVC resort does not mean that no other members wants to stay there. I tend to trust Disney's judgement when it comes to measuring interest in a new resort location.

Make no appologies for staying where you want when you want. This flexibilty is the main reason I bought in. I would NEVER buy any timeshare that offered me only one option. DVC is a great program, don't sweat the program, sweat the expense.

DAVE

 

[JimC]

As a perspective SSR owner, I am not feeling the love here. The general tone seems to be that SSR owner's are not welcome at "other members" home resorts by fellow DVC members. Was I mislead to beleive that DVC was one big family? Its seems to me that there is not a lot of love among the different home resort owners.....

I don't think that is the meaning of the posts. Many of us enjoy staying at a variety of resorts (look at my signature for example). Rather I believe it is our experience that getting into the smaller resorts at 7 months for busy DVC times of the year can be a challenge and the larger DVC becomes the more challenging those types of reservations will become. We are just trying to manage everyones expectations.

I added on at BCV to make sure I could book at 11 months for December as that is where I want to stay that time of year. I may do the same at VWL but as yet have not as I am willing to risk not being able to switch in at 7 months. I enjoy where I own and if I would like to switch and can not it is no big deal.

Maybe to extend my earlier comment, if you buy SSR thinking that you will never stay there, that might be a bit of a challenge unless you only travel in off peak times.

 

[Granny]

As a perspective SSR owner, I am not feeling the love here. The general tone seems to be that SSR owner's are not welcome at "other members" home resorts by fellow DVC members. Was I mislead to beleive that DVC was one big family? Its seems to me that there is not a lot of love among the different home resort owners. Do I have to sneak off into the dark corners and speak in hushed voice with other SSR owners so that we are not scorned by the other resort owners?

Whether you are "welcome" at "other members" home resort is pretty much a moot point. When you stay at a non-home DVC resort, no one there will know if you own there or not unless you tell them. So, on-site this is not much of an issue.

As for feeling welcome on these boards to other resorts, well that is up to each individual. I bought DVC with the clear understanding of the rules, and as long as people are within those rules I welcome them whereever they choose to vacation.

I think that holds true for the vast majority of the people posting on this board, as well as the general DVC owner population.