Does anyone else sense an undercurrent of negativity on these boards surrounding ssr?

[Sammie]

While VWL does share the WL lobby. etc. VWL also has its own swimming pool & hot tub. I do think this entire discussion jumps off-stream at some critical points -- & I'll take the rap for having moved it in a "wrong direction" re. the size of SSR. However BCV continues to take big-time heat in the complaint department. Not certain of all negative details, but we heard complaints loud-and-clear at WDW in January. We did not hear negatives about SSR -- in fact, on the contrary -- a lot of happy customers!

While they did build a pool and hot tub it is still shared by the total number of rooms for the villas and WL. In fact I think of all the resorts including SSR, this resort VWL has the most crowded pool situation of all.

 

[John Dobbertin]

Sammie: WL has huge pool area directly east of main lobby. While WL guests might find their way to the VWL pool & hot-tub, that has not been our experience -- the pool/hot-tub nestled next to the VWL tends to be about 90% or better used by VWL guests.

 

[ArRzrbk]

Do people wish they could buy some other location and still have the extra 12 years?

Are people worried about these future problems because ssr is only in phase 2?

I do wish that we had been able to get the 12 years at another location. And it was location that ended up winning out with us - we bought at BCV. But if you've ever read any of my other posts, you probably know that I can make arguments for all the DVC resorts and why they are great - this despite the fact I haven't even taken my first trip home yet

To answer your second question, I think that SSR will only get better as it gets bigger. DVC will realize what the resort needs as it grows. And I think the 7 month window worry truly seems to only be holding water for folks who want to stay at a particular place in a particular room type at a very busy time of year. If you have an ounce of flexibility in your body, I think you'll continue to be fine and very, very happy.

Hope this helps.

 

[tjkraz]

I sense that many people wish that the current offering from dvc was something other than ssr.

<snip>

We have stayed at many many locations and like ssr as much as any other...

Each as unique pros and cons.

You should have been reading about 6-12 months ago. Before any large number of people had stayed at the resort there was a lot of fur flying over impressions solely based upon DVC sales materials and construction photos.

To their credit, a lot of people who prematurely criticized the resort have since come back to offer their own first hand impressions.

To some SSR will always be considered a second-tier resort. Some feel that being 15 minutes' walking distance from a theme park is more important than any other criteria. I don't happen to agree, and I know there are many who share that feeling.

Ironically enough, I still remember the mild uproar when DVC first started selling points at SSR in mid-2003. They had just recently sold out the Beach Club Villas at $84 ea for a little under 40 years of ownership. Then along comes SSR at $79 ea for 50 years. There were quite a number of people upset with DVC for pricing the points in that manner. The prevailing attitude from some was "if I'd have known that I could get 10 more years for less money, I certainly would have waited!!!"

Anyway, try to remember that just because you see 2 positive reviews and 8 negative reviews in the same timeframe doesn't mean you can conclude that 80% of people who stay at SSR hate it.

In the end if YOU like the resort...any resort...that's really all that matters. I take everything I read with a grain of salt. Often times I'll comment on others' experiences, but I TRY (not always successfully) to limit my comments to correcting factual errors or providing a "reality check" if it seems justified. But I'm not about to let anyone else's fear, uncertainty or doubt about pool size or bus service taint my impressions.

 

[JimMIA]

Another factor you have to weigh is human nature. We all tend to comment more on things we perceive to be negative. Especially with Disney, if something is wonderful, I tend to just take it for granted. So I would expect more negative posts about any subject.

 

[sheryl0521]

Do people wish they could buy some other location and still have the extra 12 years?

We would buy an add on at BCV in a heartbeat if the same offer was available.

 

[SoCalKDG]

I'm one who thinks SSR is too large, but not in the sense of actually staying there.

For me I wish DVC was building three resorts of 300 rooms instead of 1 resort with 850 rooms. This would give every DVC member three additional places to stay or try out each vacation, as opposed to just one.

An analogy would be I like Splash Mountain, its my favorite, but I also like Haunted Mansion and Pirates. Having the choice of all three is better than the one choice of an awesome Splash. I wish they were buiding SSR at 400 rooms, 250 rooms at the Contemporary, and 125 rooms at DL's Grand Californian.

The more choices the better.

 

[CarolA]

I seem to recall a whole host of threads on how horrible BCV was too...

Too far from the pool
That view of the road
No food court
etc.....

And now it is amoung the most popular resorts. LOL!

If rumor is true CR will be next.
Too small
Old units remodeled not as nice as SSR
All those convention folks
People parking in the lot who aren't staying there
and so on.....

I really did not think I would like it as much as I do. Stayed there for a few nights not too long ago and LOVED it. Loved the pools (not just the big one, but the little ones) and the food court. Really enjoyed the easy wallk to DTD. Rented a bike and took a nice ride to OKW. All around a great experience and I can't wait to stay there again.

 

[John Dobbertin]

CarolA: We're members at VWL. Spent January there. Talked with many-many DVC members. Never heard one positive comment from anyone about BCV -- in fact, nothing but negatives. BoardwalkVillas, on the other hand, high marks. And mostly good things about SSR.

 

[lllovell]

Dr. Tomorrow seemed to hit it on the head with what I feel is happening - - - - lots of speculation about the what ifs and things that had no basis yet. Now that people are staying at the resort, we are finally seeing more positive feedback.

Want to know the truth? I have only ever SEEN one other resort than SSR and its OKW where we are staying next week. Do I think I would love the rest? Goodness yes!!! I can't wait to try them all while the kids are young enough that we have flexibility to go during off peak times. (going to my home of SSR in December and I cannot wait!!!)

All the negative posting about made me have a heart attack when I first bought in. I was SURE we had made a mistake as we bought having only ever seen OKW. Toured a few months back and I know it will be a wonderful place to stay. If I toured the other 3 I haven't seen, I would be equally thrilled.

Change scares people. The concern over possible tightening of availability really has some people worked up. I think that a lot of the negatives and "too big" talk are also from this. SSR members bought in knowing there are more choices available so as of right now, most of us seem to be wanting to try them all. Thank goodness for the 11/7 rule and hopefully people will realize that no matter what, with a bit of planning, they will never lose the ability to stay at their home.

*SSR ogre out*

 

[Safari Queen]

I'm not sure why some people feel the need to trash resorts other than their favorites. Reading angy posts about the bad BCV maintenance, BWV looooong hallways, slow buses at OKW, etc, really takes a lot of the fun out of reading these posts. I think most of us come here to share a little bit of the magic that brought us all to DVC with people who understand. The emphasis on the problems and sometimes raging paranoia about how SSR will negatively impact access is annoying and unnecessary. As several mature posters said, each resort appeals to some more than others. I give Disney credit for knowing what they're doing and not shooting the golden goose that DVC has become. Enjoy your favorites, buy where you want to stay, report REAL problems to management and rally "the troops" only when necessary.

 

[CarolA]

CarolA: We're members at VWL. Spent January there. Talked with many-many DVC members. Never heard one positive comment from anyone about BCV -- in fact, nothing but negatives. BoardwalkVillas, on the other hand, high marks. And mostly good things about SSR.

Too funny! I have heard some really bad things about VWL. (Mainly transport related) However, based on getting a reservation I would think that BCV, BWV and VWL are pretty popular, plus look at thier resale asking prices

 

[John Dobbertin]

There can be no question that WDW's biggest critics are its greatest fans!

 

[Sammie]

Sammie: WL has huge pool area directly east of main lobby. While WL guests might find their way to the VWL pool & hot-tub, that has not been our experience -- the pool/hot-tub nestled next to the VWL tends to be about 90% or better used by VWL guests.

Believe me the Villas pool is well discussed on the Resorts board by Non DVC guests as being a great alternative to the noise and crowds at the main pool. What do you base your 90% usage on? The pools are also frequently discussed by those staying at the campgrounds.

 

[John Dobbertin]

Sammie: First-hand experience. We know a few of the WL campground folks as well as the WL guests "find" the VWL pool & hot-tub. However, not that many of them. It's not that easy to find. You have to know where you're going & don't tell them!

 

[mikayla'sMom]

Let me start by saying this is JMO!

Although I have never posted ill comments of SSR, I was sure that I would never stay there. Last year we took a tour with our guide. The grand villa was outstanding and the furnishings of all were top notch. Although I have not stayed there, my husband and I agreed that maybe when my dd is not traveling with us anymore, we might try this resort. It was very nice, but not where we would want to stay now. I do feel that it is too large. We own at the BCV, but have stayed at BWV and VWL also. The VWL are very popular and the grounds & resort are awsome. But, they are not my favorite. It is a little dark for me ( I do realize that is the theme). BWV are my second choice. We have stayed there 2 times. The last time was in Dec. 2004. I have had a room very far from the elev./ front desk. I actually did not mind it at all and I do have a small child in a stroller. I love the theme and it's location. In my opinion it is very lively. We did have a few issues with staff and mechanical problems this last trip, but I would stay again. We absolutely LOVE BCV! I can not stress this enough. Of course, I have never stayed by the road, or where the garbage beep, beep comes 5 am. It is connected to BC & YC, but I like the access to more services. I also do not feel like part of them, unless I am in those areas. Other than lack of water pressure, which will eventually be everywhere, I have had no complaints! That said, any of are free to hate it there, so that I can always go home. I love having access to all the BW, BC & YC have to offer (without being on the BW). And eventhough I have a small child I like that we only have to bus to 2 parks. We always walk to Epcot & MGM. I have yet to stay at OKW, I would like to, but my dh says no for now. I agree with the prior poster, we all will like and dislike things about each resort. It is what makes us human. Keep in mind, yes most people will post unhappy things more often than happy. Also it depends on so many factors that change with the time of year, time of day, where your room is, who your mousekepper was, etc. To end, I am also one of those people that fear do to SSR's size that it impact the availability at other smaller resorts. Unless every SSR member always stays at there home resort, this will be an issue at the 7 month window. Especially at BCV, because it is so small. Bottom line is it does not matter, because it is done. We all know to buy where you want to stay. That is why I will wait for BCV & not add on at SSR.

This is why , we can all express our opinions. Although our positions may be differnt, we all love the mouse!

Flame away!

 

[Sammie]

Sammie: First-hand experience. We know a few of the WL campground folks as well as the WL guests "find" the VWL pool & hot-tub. However, not that many of them. It's not that easy to find. You have to know where you're going & don't tell them!

My first hand experience, is the opposite. While I did not poll the guests to obtain an accurate percentage I did converse with several and many were not DVC and the pools, both of them were packed and no where to sit.

My point being, I find the pools at other DVC resorts except for OKW just as crowded as many forsee SSR's to become when the resort is completed.

2 pools at WL and VWL is just not enough.

 

[DizneyNutz]

There are truly so many great posts on here that I cannot even begin to compare, but I want to applaude you all. Yes we ALL share a common interest (WDW). We all also have our opinions of how WE think things should or shouldn't be. I truly feel that I/we/mine would stay at any one of them and be no less dissapointed than any other, just for the fact that I am there and not sitting behind a desk (you could be in an office with snow up to your chin outside your window!). These discussion boards (no matter what type) seem to divide people wanting to be on one side of a fence or the other. The fact is that no one is faulting any one for their tastes and please don't fault any one else for their's. Let's all just accecpt that everyone is different and have different tastes of what they expect and not fault DVC or anybody else for not making it perfect. To us (wife and I) they are all perfect in their own ways, because it allows us an escape and something to look forward to (which you can see there is no shortage of here by the countdowns). If we have a bad experience at one, we are not going to say it is anything less just because of one experience. So I again, applaude all of you who have not kicked one resort over another, just because a particular resort is not designed to fit your particular desires. I think we are all extremely lucky just to have the chance to bicker over such petty things, instead of realizing we could be one of those that are not even fortunate to have a computer yet or even see WDW. Let's all lift up the best of ALL resorts and forget about our own petty dislikes about a particular one, because we are all on this site to enjoy a piece of the "WORLD" and share it with others while we cannot physically be there and I truly think we have lost focus of that. If anybody should have a particular "COMPLAINT" I personally feel it would be better addressed elsewhere, because it certainly is not going to benefit to haggle it out here! BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR DVC FAMILY!!!!!

 

[DrTomorrow]

[.... the DVC Resorts] are all perfect in their own ways, [...]

And we're not going sit here and listen to you badmouth the Walt Disney World Resort!

[an "in" joke, sadly all.too.obscure, that HBC will appreciate.]

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

I sense that many people wish that the current offering from dvc was something other than ssr.

I see postings including topics such as:
Pools too small/not enough pools
Too large(as in the entire complex)
Long walk to boat
Long walk to theme pool
Unavailability of other DVC resorts at 7 month window
Construction noise
Limited availability of view of DTD
Outside walk ways

But even beyond these topics that I have seen posted, there seem to be an undercurrent--even from owners of ssr that the resort is not as good as the others.

Do people wish they could buy some other location and still have the extra 12 years?

Are people worried about these future problems because ssr is only in phase 2?

We have stayed at many many locations and like ssr as much as any other...

Each as unique pros and cons.

And so far we have had good success trading in at the 7 month mark.

Even if we can't ssr will be great for us.

Anyway, anyone else feel this?

I don't feel it myself. We loved SSR. It was everything we hoped for actually since we bought before it was open.

I do see alot of negativity on the boards but that has to be expected when someplace new opens.