If you are not sold on SSR, what changes WILL sell you on it?

[rutgers1]

I am an SSR owner, but if I had to do it again, I wouldn't be. It just isn't my thing. With that said, I think I could like it more in the future. I've engaged in a few posts like this in the past on these boards, and I thought I'd bring it up again. Here are my thoughts:

Things that have to change with me and my family for me to like it more:
1) My kids have to get a bit older. At their current age, being near a park makes the trip much more enjoyable. Maybe I will enjoy being near DTD once they are out of the house.
2) I have to embrace golf, the spa, or simply relaxing in a more "open" setting.

Things that have to change at SSR and DTD for me to like it more:
1) Downtown Disney has to become more "special." Right now, it is a glorified mall. It is a place I like to visit when I am in Disney, but it isn't something that I would enjoy being near from a hotel standpoint.
2) The resort needs more. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it needs something. Perhaps it is because the theming isn't so strong, as the resort doesn't quite feel as "Disney" as some of the others. If they want that spa/resort feel, then I think they need to play that up more. More walking trails, running trails, driving range, mini golf.

I always go back to my core belief that a tee-pee right next to Magic Kingdom would be more popular than a 4-star resort that required a bus ride to get to a park. With that said, I am surprised they didn't put more creativity into the theming and recreational options at Saratoga Springs.

They also could have countered the "It's too big" argument by making it into two resorts - like Port Orleans Riverside and and Port Orleans French Quarter. Having two separate check-in areas would have done wonders for the "It's too big" problem.

From my seat, that resort was a total money grab. They saw a market for DVC and they figured they could build a monstrosity near a golf course and the people would come flocking. Now they have a problem where a good percentage of the owners stay anywhere but SSR. It would have worked as a smaller resort catering to people who want to be near shopping and golf. However, at its size, there just isn't THAT many people who find it appealing.

 

[delmar411]

I love it just as it is. Changing it would take away some of my affection for the place. I like that it doesn't scream DISNEY!!! at me constantly. That is annoying IMO.

It's quiet which I love
It's away from the parks which I like
The color scheme is calming to me
The decor works for me
I like the condo style setup instead of the hotel style setup
I like I can boat to DTD
I don't golf or go to the spa but I like that it's there if I ever wanted to

I own at SSR and I prefer to stay there over all other resorts. I have met plenty of SSR owners that won't stay anywhere else and I find it hard to believe the majorityof owners don't like the place.

 

[Granny]

From my seat, that resort was a total money grab. They saw a market for DVC and they figured they could build a monstrosity near a golf course and the people would come flocking. Now they have a problem where a good percentage of the owners stay anywhere but SSR. It would have worked as a smaller resort catering to people who want to be near shopping and golf. However, at its size, there just isn't THAT many people who find it appealing.

Just to let you know, these kinds of threads can become inflammatory with those who agree and those who disagree...mostly vehemently.

Your post supports the "buy where you want to stay" axiom that many here espouse.

I think every DVC resort that has been built is a "money grab" for Disney. That's what they're in business to do. The fact that SSR was on some developed land laying idle made the decision pretty easy for Disney. And those that own and enjoy SSR have a low point structure and low annual dues.

We really don't have any way of knowing what percent of SSR owners want to consistently book outside of their home resort compared to the other resort owners. So this will become, I'm afraid, just a couple of passionate groups disagreeing with each other.

 

[ldo]

I pick OKW over SSR, b/c it seems to have more theming (I feel like I am in Key West--or at least tropical FL), and the unit are really big. However, I do think that the new pool is a very good addition to SSR--the SSR main pool deck space was inadequate for the number of units. And, I really like that DVC tied THV to SSR. I think that is a big plus for families---THV are "special" vacation experience. I think an in-house small scale "movie theater" playing kids WDW movies during the day and PG/R movies at night would be a great addition--I am sort of surprised that no DVC has this. I know of another non-DVC timeshare that has a movie theater like this.
For those who own at SSR and are less enthused, I would say, the great thing about DVC, IMHO, is that you are not tied to one resort--you can, most times, switch at 7 months---what if you had bought another TS that you don't like? And, your only option is to join RCI or II for $100 a year and then try to trade for another Orlando resort with a $179 trade fee each year. At least at DVC, you don't have almost $300 in fees to try to stay at a different place.
Also, we bought where we wanted to stay (VWL)--but now we really like AKV. But, I have traded in at Christmas, Easter, etc. for no additional cost---that is really cool! Elaine

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW is my favorite. But if I can't get OKW or I'm looking for something different, SSR is my choice. It's perfect just the way it is. It doesn't need any more changes. It doesn't need any additions. It doesn't need to be shrunk down into two resorts. It's perfect.

 

[tjhsr]

I love it just as it is. Changing it would take away some of my affection for the place. I like that it doesn't scream DISNEY!!! at me constantly. That is annoying IMO.

It's quiet which I love
It's away from the parks which I like
The color scheme is calming to me
The decor works for me
I like the condo style setup instead of the hotel style setup
I like I can boat to DTD
I don't golf or go to the spa but I like that it's there if I ever wanted to

I own at SSR and I prefer to stay there over all other resorts. I have met plenty of SSR owners that won't stay anywhere e lse and I find it hard to believe the majorityof owners don't like the place.

I agree with you on everything. Except for taking the family to VB a few time's for a split stay we always end our trip at SSR. And we have been going on average 3 times a year starting Oct. 04 when it opened. We enjoy the walk over to DTD get some ice cream do some people watching maybe some shopping. And those rocking chairs are the best.The change at the Paddock pool will be great but would not have made bit of difference to us if it stayed a small quiet pool. As they say often here buy where you want to stay and please leave my home alone.

 

[FindingFigment]

I really love it as is. But if I didn't, I'm pretty sure I could find things wrong with it from a logical standpoint. I have somewhat of an emotional connection to it so I probably just overlook anything that isn't logistically perfect for me and my family. You like what you like.

 

[zalansky]

We are SSR owners and I do love the resort, but I admit we stay all over. Depends on our mood. We definitely stay at SSR less than the other resorts. I agree with the OP about Downtown Disney. If I am not in the market to shop, why head over there? The restaurants are just so-so...at best. And then just a bunch of gift shops. That being said, its always packed during high season, weekends and holidays so for the average tourist its probably fun.

 

[TEK224]

SSR is my home resort and I'm happy with it the way it is. I also like that the theming is low-key. When I get back from the packs I just want to relax.
I have stayed at BWV and enjoy that location as well. Depending on what I plan for the trip, somewhat determines where I decide to stay.

 

[kikiq]

More walking trails, running trails, driving range, mini golf.

SSR has the walking/running trails that most other resorts don't except for OKW and VWL. Driving range, maybe but SSR is the home of one of the golf courses and it is a short ride to the mini golf courses.

Remember SSR was built on an existing resort area originally Club Lake Villas and Vacation Villas along with the Treehouses. Our first trip was in 1988 and a stay in the Lake Villas, and then a stay in 1998 in the Disney Institute. For us, there is Disney theming there just a different kind of Disney theming. If there was anything I would "change", it would be that they offer some of the Disney Institute classes/seminars in the old buildings.

 

[kdzgon]

I am an SSR owner, but if I had to do it again, I wouldn't be. It just isn't my thing. ...

I tend to agree with your first statement, but it is mostly due to our experiences with check-ins (incl room assignments and lack of accommodation, especially considering my husband's limited mobility) and with the CMs in general. I will say THV has gone a long way to helping our opinion of SSR.

Generally speaking, I feel the point cost of SSR is too high for the value received (THV not included). While the location and size are similar to OKW, the rooms are much smaller and point cost is significantly higher. That, however won't change so no need to put it on any list.

DTD is a one-time visit for us, so lack of changes has little effect for us right now.

I suspect the new pool will help significantly, especially if there are food options there.

The Community Hall program could stand some improvement.

However, the one change I need to see before we will stay at SSR again is bookable locations a la Hospitality House at OKW. Only then will we consider booking SSR in a non-THV stay again. (We usually choose off-site or staying home rather than overpay points at SSR right now.)

 

[bumbershoot]

Isn't the point of DTD is that it's a glorified mall? And I'd even take glorified away from it...it's a mall plain and simple.

 

[littlestar]

We sold our original hotel-attached DVC points and now only own at SSR. My first picks are actually SSR and OKW. I like calm and the DVC's that sit on golf courses with plenty of walking paths and pretty landscaping are wonderful after being in a busy theme park.

I don't want them to change SSR (but I do think the new themed pool at Paddocks will be neat).

I'll go as far to say that if DVC didn't have SSR or OKW as a choice I wouldn't own any DVC points anymore. I'd be staying at the Marriott Vacation Clubs that sit on golf courses.

 

[Granny]

Isn't the point of DTD is that it's a glorified mall? And I'd even take glorified away from it...it's a mall plain and simple.

It used to be a nightlife location too with Pleasure Island. And then there were the fireworks each night (while they were selling SSR).

I'd say that DTD has become a shopping & restaurant destination. Nothing wrong with that but it used to be more.

 

[FindingFigment]

It used to be a nightlife location too with Pleasure Island. And then there were the fireworks each night (while they were selling SSR).

I'd say that DTD has become a shopping & restaurant destination. Nothing wrong with that but it used to be more.

Do we know what the new Hyperion Wharf section will be about? Anything other than more stores and restaurants?

 

[starbox]

I actually really, really like DTD - and I'm not a big shopper at all. But we are night owls and I like having a place to walk around, low-key after the parks close. I mean, AK and DHS will close at 6 or 7. I love being able to go to DTD and look at the Lego windows, get an adult beverage, maybe a ghiradelli treat.....And WOD always has the AP discount.

 

[Sandisw]

Right now, it doesn't appeal to me for one reason, and that is because it is not within walking distance to a park.

Our main focus of the trips are the parks at this stage of the game and we really enjoy being able to walk to/from them. That is why we bought BLT but enjoyed our stay last summer at BCV. We have tried the Disney buses and we just don't like them. We realized that a split stay, between an Epcot resort and BLT is the ideal situation. It allows us to rent a car for only a few days--the move day so we can go to DTD and a day to visit AK, which saves us quite a bit of money.

If, at any time, we decide we want to do a WDW trip and not take in the parks that much, SSR would then be the choice for me. Or, if I wanted to go on a trip and take advantage of the spa on site, then maybe.

My son, who does golf, really liked the resort and said that if we ever buy him points, that might be the home resort for him.

Of course, seeing the price of the contracts, I am so tempted to pick up some points there just to supplement my trip at the 7 month window.

 

[mouseaider]

Of course, seeing the price of the contracts, I am so tempted to pick up some points there just to supplement my trip at the 7 month window.

That's what we just did. We just signed the contracts for a 55 point contract with all 2010 points and 2011 points coming in June.

Now to pass ROFR !

 

[rutgers1]

I figured I'd upset some SSR people just as I submitted my original post. That wasn't my intent. However, I'd bet every penny that I own that SSR has the lowest owner satisfaction rating of all of the DVC resorts. I've been reading this board long enough, and I know enough owners personally, to jump to that conclusion.

Part of the problem seems fixable -- such as adding the second feature pool and perhaps offering a bit more in terms of recreation. However, the other part - proximity to parks - isn't.

The proximity to parks thing, in my opinion, is the strongest factor. Think about it -- Although a lot of people love AKV, can you imagine how popular it would be if you could walk to a park from there? You'd NEVER be able to get a reservation if you didn't own there.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

I've been an SSR owner for 6 years. We've never stayed anywhere else. We love the quietness, the away from it all feeling of it. As far as Disney theming, we (DH, DD 10, and I) find it to meet our needs--particularly after a full day at the parks.
As Granny said, I <do> miss the old DTD -- in particular the Adventurer's Club -- KUNGALOOSH. We used to love to spend our nights bopping amongst the clubs there. Based on the description of its replacement, we don't think it will fit our needs.
We're off to AKV this April with a 2BR Savannah view, and while I could see it causing addonitis, I certainly don't see it changing our opinion of SSR.
Which is I guess a long way of saying, buy where you want to stay.