Just for fun... how to drive demand for SSR

[twinsouvenirs]

I have been wondering this recently as SSR is one of our home resorts and we actually really like it. We have a goal to try all of the properties, so we haven't booked it again since our first trip, but we have no issue with it. However, it is interesting to me that SSR is often available while people are indicating they are not able to get the reservation they want.

We here generally respond that you should buy where you want to stay, and don't be shocked if you 'have' to stay at SSR.

So that got me thinking. How could they drive traffic more evenly? Obviously this in and of itself is not the objective of any particular DVC resort because they have sold the points and can't sell more or less than they already have--so there is no incentive to 'compete' with each other except perhaps with regards to cash reservations. They can't 'discount' further because the point totals are fixed for the resort per year, so dropping point values isn't really an option. The buy in is relatively low and the easy DVC exchange system allows the points to have intrinsic value even if you don't put SSR at the top of your list, so I'm not worried about actual point 'value'. So I guess you could say if it ain't broke, don't fix it...

But from a membership and SSR owner perspective, how can SSR's management drive member desire/satisfaction with SSR, assuming they wanted to? More programming? They already have three feature pools. I hear complaints about transportation but I don't think it's any better or worse than OKW or AK where you also rely on bussing and have layouts that are very spread out. Upping food, i.e. having a 'destination' restaurant there?

We thought the state of the rooms were very similar to BWV/OKW so I can't think a renovation would make the difference.

I am having trouble with this but I am also sort of obsessed with this question. What about live horse events that are open to guests only, sort of like the AKV sunrise safari? What would make you choose SSR over other DVC resorts if you don't already?

 

[jen2207]

I like SSR. We don't own there but have stayed there a few times. I think a destination dining would help, but honestly think it's proximity to DTD doesn't make that likely. But also it is the proximity to DTD that has me choosing it as a resort too.

 

[hakepb]

More guaranteed booking categories

It may be as much of a curse as an advantage..

I think some would prefer guaranteed categories like "DTD view", grandstand (1st bus stop), Springs (more like OKW HH)

I think those categories may book up faster, resulting in "shortages"...ultimately resulting in more advanced booking.

The disadvantage of categories is the categories will result in more orphaned days as not everyone's check-in/check out is the same. and the categories may mean "last minute" bookers may no longer get the location they prefer.

 

[hakepb]

What sort of a crazy wizard are you, thinking there should be live horses in a place called Saratoga Springs.



Yes, there should be actual live, equestrian activity in SSR.
I'm not sure it would be enough to increase demand, but I think it would improve guest satisfaction...if there were a horse drawn trolley that you could ride to breakfast. I almost like the idea of trail rides..but that almost sounds too hot.

 

[tjkraz]

Biggest "problem" with SSR is simply it's size.

If 500 people want to stay at BLT, 200 won't get a room.
If 500 people want to stay at VGF, 350 won't get a room.
If 500 people want to stay at BCV, 300 won't get a room.
If 500 people want to stay at BWV, 100 won't get a room.

But if 500 people want to stay at SSR, there will still be 300+ vacancies remaining.

Disney could add amenities to help improve demand but then you're charging owners extra dollars for something they may or may not use. They have added a feature pool and more dining options in recent years.

A la carte services like carriage rides have come-and-gone because there wasn't enough demand from guests willing to pay.

SSR would be more right-sized if it were around 350-450 rooms rather than 800+. Don't think there's much else Disney can do to improve demand for a condo-style property with an obscure theme which is not walking distance to a theme park. (And I say all of this as an SSR owner who actually likes the resort.)

 

[com_op_2000]

If staying at SSR, how about a golf discount since it is on a course?
A horse riding trail that goes to FWC and back?
I think DVC bosses believe that by renaming DTD to Disney Springs will tie the resort to the shopping area and make it more appealing.

 

[hakepb]

If staying at SSR, how about a golf discount since it is on a course?
A horse riding trail that goes to FWC and back?
I think DVC bosses believe that by renaming DTD to Disney Springs will tie the resort to the shopping area and make it more appealing.

Its possible Disney Springs will help provide some more SSR demand.

I never stayed at SSr when DTD had its nightly fireworks. I would appreciate something like that.

 

[disneynutz]

It is what is and I don't see any way to change that unless Disney changes the rules and forces everyone to stay only at their home resorts part or full time.

Since that doesn't benefit Disney, I don't see it happening.

Bill

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Love these ideas! I totally agree--the equestrian trail, firework views, golf discounts, categories... all great ideas.

I also agree there are simply a LOT of rooms at SSR. Which is good!

 

[ercrbc]

I agree with tjkraz, that it's not a demand issue so much as a size issue with SSR. I am glad SSR is as large as it is because if the opportunity for a last minute trip comes up, we are very happy to reserve a room there. (we rank it in our top three favorite WDW DVC resorts)

In fact, I was THRILLED just a few weeks ago when I very sadly had to cancel our trip to HHI next week (scheduled 11mo ago) due to my DD8 breaking her wrist and being in a cast. We called MS (less than 30 days from check in) and there was availability at SSR. YAY!!! Vacation saved

I think SSR fills a need in DVC, a need for the last minute planner to find a room almost anytime of year. And for those that own outside WDW to find rooms at 7mo at the busiest times of year.

We love the beautiful grounds, parking right outside the room, fantastic pools, proximity to DTD and on and on. I wish the points for the THV hadn't gone up so high or we would love to try them sometime. Who am I kidding, we will probably still try them eventually

 

[lovin'fl]

We stayed there once, for about 2 nights, in 2007 (bought DVC in 2006). We did NOT like it. The busing was awful...the rooms were small-ish and the theme was bland and like any condo we might live in. So, we've focused on all the other resorts since then. But I have a stay coming up in Aug (3 nights with my 2 DDs and my mom) and I am looking forward to it. Here is why:
1- my DDs are 15 and love to go to DtD (for treats, shopping, lunch, bowling...etc) and are old enough now to go on their own.
2- we requested Congress Park (did not know about where to request back in 2007) and hopefully the bridge will be open by then
3- if we get CP, we might get a view of DtD which is neat to see at night (I once was at SIL's room there at night and she had this view...was really nice).
4- we'll go to TL one day and it's not bad to get to from DtD and pretty quick ride back to SSR
5- we'll finally get to try out dinner at Raglan Road
6- Ghiradelli's
7- can park my car right there
8- saw the room updates and they look really nice

And one DD really really wants to try the Treehouse Villas someday...so maybe we'll be back.

I do think they should add another dining venue...something really interesting. And it's a shame they can't lower the points it takes to book...it's more than OKW, some AKV rooms and I think BWV-standard view...it shouldn't be.

 

[hakepb]

I got it!

A Frozen Character meal, including A&E that can be booked first by guests staying 3+ nights at SSR.

 

[DVCMomBLT]

1) Change the entire theme and name. Put a Star Wars skin over the entire resort. Or make it more like a Hard Rock Hotel theme. Make it more attractive to teens due to proximity to DTD.

2) Change bus routes so you don't have to stop 5 times within the resort.

3) Install a rollercoaster/ride on site.

Is that too much to ask?

 

[hakepb]

1) Change the entire theme and name. Put a Star Wars skin over the entire resort. Or make it more like a Hard Rock Hotel theme. Make it more attractive to teens due to proximity to DTD.

2) Change bus routes so you don't have to stop 5 times within the resort.

3) Install a rollercoaster/ride on site.

Is that too much to ask?

No
In comparison, I just want Disney to bring back the monorail

 

[twinsouvenirs]

I got it!

A Frozen Character meal, including A&E that can be booked first by guests staying 3+ nights at SSR.

Um, brilliant. BRILLIANT.

1) Change the entire theme and name. Put a Star Wars skin over the entire resort.

This made me think of those Nemo/Pirate/Mermaid suites at AoA... this is brilliant too. If they had some themed villas, I bet those would FLY off the metaphorical shelves. Not sure what theme if you wanted to keep it Saratoga-ish... but they could charge premium points for those themed villas and thus be able to charge less points for other units, driving demand.

But I also love the Star Wars idea. And even Avatar

 

[DVCMomBLT]

Basically, SSR should be to DTD what Hard Rock is to Universal. A place to go with older kids. SSR is currently themed to attract senior citizens (no offense meant to those that like SSR....).

 

[tjkraz]

I got it!

A Frozen Character meal, including A&E that can be booked first by guests staying 3+ nights at SSR.

Um, brilliant. BRILLIANT.

I realize this is all for fun but Disney has never tied dining reservations to length-of-stay or resort booked. Very, VERY dangerous precedents involved there.

Anyone really think we would be best served if BLT owners (with stays of 3+ nights) should have first crack at Chef Mickey's and California Grill? How about Grand Flo and Victoria & Alberts? Or BC/YC guests with Beaches & Cream?

This made me think of those Nemo/Pirate/Mermaid suites at AoA... this is brilliant too. If they had some themed villas, I bet those would FLY off the metaphorical shelves. Not sure what theme if you wanted to keep it Saratoga-ish... but they could charge premium points for those themed villas and thus be able to charge less points for other units, driving demand.

But I also love the Star Wars idea. And even Avatar

There is very little Disney/DVC can do at a timeshare resort. They cannot make significant changes to the product which was sold to owners.

With all due respect, as an SSR owner, I have absolutely no desire to stay in a Star Wars room...or a Nemo room...or a pirate room...

Every SSR owner is entitled to the stylings that were displayed at the time of purchase.

 

[twinsouvenirs]

[as] an SSR owner, I have absolutely no desire to stay in a Star Wars room...or a Nemo room...or a pirate room...

Every SSR owner is entitled to the stylings that were displayed at the time of purchase.

That is the great part. Say they do a few themed rooms at SSR and charge a premium.... your price points for the regular rooms go down so you can stay at the regular SSR MORE.

And yes, this is totally just for fun

The ADR advantage might not be needed... proximity to a great character meal might be enough. I know when we stayed at GFV, we snagged 1900 Park Fare. We didn't book BECAUSE of Park Fare, but the choice of resort definitely influenced our ADRs. For a high demand ADR, it might actually steer people to stay at the affiliated resort just because of ease of travel. This time we are staying at BLT, and I'm going to try to snag Chef Mickeys one morning.

Like I said in the original post, and it seems consistent with your perspective--there is nothing actually 'broken' here.

 

[hakepb]

I realize this is all for fun but Disney has never tied dining reservations to length-of-stay or resort booked. Very, VERY dangerous precedents involved there.

Anyone really think we would be best served if BLT owners (with stays of 3+ nights) should have first crack at Chef Mickey's and California Grill? How about Grand Flo and Victoria & Alberts? Or BC/YC guests with Beaches & Cream?




There is very little Disney/DVC can do at a timeshare resort. They cannot make significant changes to the product which was sold to owners.

With all due respect, as an SSR owner, I have absolutely no desire to stay in a Star Wars room...or a Nemo room...or a pirate room...

Every SSR owner is entitled to the stylings that were displayed at the time of purchase.

Yes it was mostly fun. I'm sure Disney knows they could instantly make any restaurant the most popular restaurant be adding A&E.

Although the idea that, as a resort's guest, you can walk up to Your resorts concierge and book a dining reservation at Your resort for a ADR "sold out" to the general public. Now that should be restricted to 10-20% of that restaurants capacity.

 

[SaratogaShan]

I do like the idea of equestrian related activities.....but I am afraid the smell would be horrible during the hot summer months

We did take a horse drawn carriage ride around the grounds when the resort first opened...it was beautiful!

I would like to have a substantial spa discount when staying at SSR.