Just got back from SSR - Disappointed - Long

[gmboy95]

listen....there has to be some adventure in everyones life....i mean have you ever tried to find the ice machine at BWV....I believe there should be a guy at the ice machine who gives out t-shirts that say "I found the ice machine at boardwalk villas"......DVC resorts are spread out, it goes with the territory, but it also allows people to feel like thry have more space and privacy.....I mean, you can actually get your entire morning workout from the end of VWL to the snack bar to get a coffee and back again....good mile walk i'd say

 

[tjhsr]

I will be making my first trip home to SSR in oct. We were down in may before they open things up and it already looked great. We knew going in that things might not be complete but I would never think I wasted my money.From all of the pictures i have seen it now looks better.Hurry up oct.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
I still wonder how it can take any healthy adult 15 minutes to walk from the CP area to the main area. We timed it several time and it never took us more than 5 minutes (and that was during the heat & humidity of late May).

I couldn't agree more. The walk takes you through a parking lot that has about 4-6 rows of cars, across a bridge (maybe 50-75' long, if I had to guess), and then the distance of about one city block (in fact it looks like a city block.)

We made nearly that entire trek 4 times in May--someone directed us toward the model rooms without giving us the actual room numbers--and there is no way on Earth it took us an hour. I figured 6-8 minutes per trip, and we were REALLY tired at the time.

With regard to the size of the resort, this issue really surprises me everytime it comes up. Given the larger number of guest rooms in each building, I can't believe that the SSR property is any larger than OKW. I wouldn't dream of walking from the back of OKW up to Olivia's, and the same may hold true here.

If all else fails, hop on one of the theme park busses and ask to be dropped at the Carriage House on the way out. Problem solved.

To MickeyB426, you might want to rethink the opinion that criticism is "tempered and at a minimum" here. I've found the folks here to be some of the most enlightened, grounded people on the Disboards. Nobody here is afraid to share their impressions. But realize that one or two trip reports doesn't provide a fair representation of a resort. If that were the case, people would be taking cans of Raid to BCV by now.

Do a forum search and you'll find pleanty of positive reports over the past 2-3 months. There will always be people who don't like things like the vaunted exterior hallways or the size of SSR. Frankly if that bothers you, you probably shouldn't have purchased there.

As the resort continues to open and the staff gets a few months under its' belt, the positive reviews will be more pleantiful.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by las3888
I couldn't agree with you more on this. We went for a visit and to tour the models during our last stay. I just about died in the heat walking from the main area to the models, and they are some of the closest units to the main complex.

Not true.

The three buildings in The Springs are right across the road from the main pool. These should be the next buildings to open, either late this year or early 2005.

The buildings in Congress park all ring a "Leisure Pool", obviously by design. The Paddock will also have its own Leisure Pool. A couple of the farthest buildings in The Paddock will probably be the longest walking distance from the main pool. The rest of The Paddock and Congress Park are all about the same distance.

If the walk is too far, the theme park busses could easily be used to get to the Carriage House area.

Saratoga Springs was clearly designed to mirror the spread-out, condo-style development originally used at Old Key West. Anyone who thought otherwise just wasn't looking at the maps and sales materials too closely.

 

[alexant]

We were there in July. I really find it hard to believe that it took 15 minutes to get from Congress Park to the main pool area. I walked it several times, along with our 2 year old and 5 year old. It took 5-8 minutes tops. I also walked to DTD several times due to the fact that I'm addicted to the hockey puck like cookies they sell at the candy store (anyone have a recipe for these??). The walk to DTD took my 5 year old son and I 10-15 minutes.

I think that the initial impression is that things are farther away than they really are. Once you get out and walk the distances they're really not too bad.

 

[DVCPAT]

Originally posted by chrismiss56
I guess my response to the ten mile hallways which I have walked several times are at least they are inside. It makes the hike that much longer when you are outside juggling some sort of package and/or drinks and it starts to rain.

Will take the ten mile hallways everytime

I agree. I like the continuity of an integrated resort. I don’t mind walking off a good dinner and not having to worry about weather is a plus.

It’s less expensive to build in pods and it reduces risk if sales begin to decline. The separate building design saved Disney a lot of money at Vero Beach. Disney can essentially tailor the size of the resort to meet sales.

 

[FOTM_Ring_Bearer]

I've haven't been to SSR, but I stayed there several times when it was the Disney Institute. And I also stayed there before it was the DI. (Remember the Club Lake Villas). The walk around the resort is not bad. I took my dd's to the marketplace all the time. It's a short walk. When I took the Institute classes, it never took very long to get anywhere. I loved getting up in the morning and walking across the bridge to get coffee at Reflections. It was such a peacefull resort.

But I really think, no matter what resort you stay at, you're going to walk.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Here's the good news about all the recent negative reports associated with the DVC resorts -- everything is an easy fix. Maybe it's just more training for the CM's or something simple like putting up a few more signs.

Let's just be grateful that we have ownership in some of the most beautiful resorts in the country, where we can still take our families and enjoy things many people all over the world can only dream of.

 

[bounceytigger]

quote by mickeyB426:

I'm going home for the first time in 12 days. I have this nagging fear that I'm going to hate SSR. And I'm going to feel that I wasted over $30K.

mickeyB426--My guess is that you'll be very happy with your purchase. You have to figure, you've read most of the common "complaints" people have about SSR already...so you'll be prepared for them:
--No food court
--Spread-out resort (although some certainly view this as a good thing)
--Not "close" to any of the theme parks
--Signage (there seems to be plenty of people who feel there's no problem here, though)
--CM's still being trained...
--Slow boat service to DD
--long walk to boat service

I personally don't see how any of these things can make a purchase at SSR a total waste of money. These are just things that people need to be prepared for, is all. And there have been a WHOLE LOT Of positive comments written about SSR to balance the negatives out, IMHO:
--Beautiful landscaping
--Impeccable rooms (compare this to the recent BCV room condition reports...and people still obviously love BCV!!!)
--Great theme pool
--Walking distance to DD
--GOOD bus service!!!! (And hopefully it'll stay as such.....)
--Very friendly CM's (I haven't read a rotten report about a CM being rude at SSR, yet!)
--Great quiet pool
--Awesome Grand Villas (which you'll probably get to enjoy at some time with all your points!!!) LOL!

I haven't stayed at SSR yet, but the reports I've read seem overwhelmingly positive. It's just going to be what one makes of it, overall.

I honestly don't think you need to worry about your purchase. If anything, maybe you'll just find that you end up making a lot of 7-month ressies at the other DVC resorts!

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts of SSR after you go. Overall, I hope you have a great time! (despite the 'already-known' downsides to the resort.) Just enjoy the good parts to it, and enjoy those 400 points!!!!!!!

(PS--If you end up finding you don't like those SSR points.....I'll happily take them!!! LOL!!!)
Sarah

 

[las3888]

tjkraz,

Thanks for posting the map. Please note that I said that the models are 'some of the closest units to the main building', and while the units right across the street are technically 'the closest', they weren't even open. The models are still arguably some of the closest units to the main area.

To each his own...I am a very healthy 30 something and walk VERY VERY FAST. I know we hit SSR at the hottest time of the day and it was VERY HOT in late May (record-breaking), but I was really not thrilled with the walk. I didn't state that it took 15 minutes I think somebody else posted that, but it definitely felt like that.

Maybe once one makes the walk several times it becomes more familiar and quicker. It wouldn't be a problem earlier in the AM or later in the PM when the weather is cooler, but I still feel it isn't too convenient.

BTW, we stayed in probably the most remote room at BWV from the main lobby and out of curiosity timed the walk from the lobby to our room. For the record, it took us 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Of course it is in a/c, and in fact, the a/c is a touch too cold for me in there!!!

 

[Cruelladeville]

I have to agree about the signage And I hate how the rooms are numbered--the walk from OKW wasn't bad, but we wandered around FOREVER trying to find the display units, and finally followed a sales rep

The worst problem I noticed was that the doors at the top of the handicapped ramps were locked My DH had to open them from the inside while I waited. Then, once inside, he moved furniture in order for me to get thru in a wheelchair Once I complained, a CM walked with me everywhere I went in the main building I'm not a permanently disabled person, but surely that's not how the disabled are usually treated, is it?

These are probably just very bad growing pains. I am going back as a guest the end of August--once again able to walk, but if you really want to see what your resort is like, try it at wheelchair level. You suddenly become a "ghost" of your former self, and it's dehumanizing.

 

[MickeyB426]

Originally posted by bounceytigger

mickeyB426--My guess is that you'll be very happy with your purchase. You have to figure, you've read most of the common "complaints" people have about SSR already...so you'll be prepared for them:
--No food court
--Spread-out resort (although some certainly view this as a good thing)
--Not "close" to any of the theme parks
--Signage (there seems to be plenty of people who feel there's no problem here, though)
--CM's still being trained...
--Slow boat service to DD
--long walk to boat service

I personally don't see how any of these things can make a purchase at SSR a total waste of money. These are just things that people need to be prepared for, is all. And there have been a WHOLE LOT Of positive comments written about SSR to balance the negatives out, IMHO:
--Beautiful landscaping
--Impeccable rooms (compare this to the recent BCV room condition reports...and people still obviously love BCV!!!)
--Great theme pool
--Walking distance to DD
--GOOD bus service!!!! (And hopefully it'll stay as such.....)
--Very friendly CM's (I haven't read a rotten report about a CM being rude at SSR, yet!)
--Great quiet pool
--Awesome Grand Villas (which you'll probably get to enjoy at some time with all your points!!!) LOL!

I haven't stayed at SSR yet, but the reports I've read seem overwhelmingly positive. It's just going to be what one makes of it, overall.

I honestly don't think you need to worry about your purchase. If anything, maybe you'll just find that you end up making a lot of 7-month ressies at the other DVC resorts!

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts of SSR after you go. Overall, I hope you have a great time! (despite the 'already-known' downsides to the resort.) Just enjoy the good parts to it, and enjoy those 400 points!!!!!!!

Sarah

I appreciate the support, Sarah, I really do.

And I'm usually the optimist in my family. So this is a strange feeling for me.

But when a new resort opens up, and it's only, say, a THIRD completed, there's no excuse for there being an uninformed CM. None.

Not having signage, though solvable, is also inexcusable.

Your other points about the positives are well taken, but I just never, in this world of my looking through Disney-colored glasses, have seen so much negativity for a new place. For all the positives, I can't recall a place that scored this negatively for a DVC'er when it first opened.

So SSR scores an 89 or 90 in its first three months. That might be good, but when you're used to seeing 98's,99's and 100's, it's a step below what a Disney-phile is accustomed to seeing.

I already booked three nights at BCV in February as a prelude to the cruise. I hope I don't have to rely on 7-month windows the rest of my contract.

I'll definitely report what I see.

Thanks!

 

[DrTomorrow]

Originally posted by MickeyB426
I appreciate the support, Sarah, I really do.

And I'm usually the optimist in my family. So this is a strange feeling for me.

But when a new resort opens up, and it's only, say, a THIRD completed, there's no excuse for there being an uninformed CM. None.

Not having signage, though solvable, is also inexcusable.

Your other points about the positives are well taken, but I just never, in this world of my looking through Disney-colored glasses, have seen so much negativity for a new place. For all the positives, I can't recall a place that scored this negatively for a DVC'er when it first opened.

So SSR scores an 89 or 90 in its first three months. That might be good, but when you're used to seeing 98's,99's and 100's, it's a step below what a Disney-phile is accustomed to seeing.

Whoa! A bit harsh! I sent you an email suggesting that you shouldn't worry, that you'll have a great stay at SSR, but after reading this perhaps I should retract that. "No excuse", "inexcusable". Hmmmm. While I've never opened a new DVC resort, I've opened new retail stores, new restaurants, new satellite offices - and IMHO there are always growing pains. I just can't accept the concept that a new CM, who's only been there a few months, can have the breadth of knowledge and/or experience of someone who's been at a resort for years - nor should they be expected to. Add to that the fact that the resort itself is new, and there are - again, IMO - bound to be things for all CMs to learn.

As for the negativity, I believe that is due to the spotlight - and the magnifying glass - being focused with laser-like intensity on SSR; I'm willing to bet that thing quiet down as people go from remarking on "what they've read" to actually experiencing it for themselves ::grin::.

As for 98s, 99s and 100s - I'm guess that you and I have been visiting different WDWs; while I love the place (enough to buy in for the next 50 years) I can't say that I've ever felt that everything (or even most things) was consistantly perfect (100s) or pretty.near.perfect (98s, 99s). Heck, take a look at the beloved Polynesian Resort, which consistantly has the highest guest-return percentages on-site - yet still there are threads about "that smell" or "the mildew". And scan the DVC forum for BCV maintanance issues, VWL front.desk.attitude issues, OKW pool/no-pool issues, and so on.

Guess it's mostly expectations; we expected to have a great time, and we did! And I sincerly hope you do too - and thanks for the promise to report back.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by MickeyB426
I already booked three nights at BCV in February as a prelude to the cruise. I hope I don't have to rely on 7-month windows the rest of my contract.

Well, only you can answer that for yourself. As long as you focus on the negativity, you're going to be....well....negative. There's a great thread from Sammie, who is at SSR now, indicating how happy he is with the resort.

Regarding the CMs, it's hard telling what external forces might have been at work. SSR is opening in phases, one building at a time. This could have been a CM who just recently started at SSR.

Also, Disney resorts have used a call center as a virtual "front desk" for years. Assuming that SSR is part of that call center, that staff may need a bit more SSR training.

On the signage issue, I'll agree that the building numbering is confusing. But each building is labeled out front to indicate the units contained within. And the resort passes out maps at check-in (just like any other resort) which also shows the numbering for each unit. I'm not sure why the OP ended up wandering from one building to the next when armed with this info.

On the issue of pool signage, during our first stay at BWV, we didn't see any clear indications as to where the pool is located. Common sense took us down to the floor and, without out much effort, we did stumble across the the pool.

Again, with a readily-accessible map of the property, it's kinda hard to miss an entire pool.

 

[Claudia1]

I am sitting in villa 2411 as I type this and have found this post very interesting.

(BTW, please excuse any typos that I fail to fix. I'm on the laptop and the keys are not comfortable or easy for me.)

Yes, signage is a huge problem. I was trying to find my way from Congress Park to the main shop/pool area and I found a sign with the typical "You are Here" arrow. Problem was that it was backwards! Usually, when you look at such signs and where you want is left of your mapped position, you turn left. I was facing the sign with Congress Park on my left and I knew that the main area was to my right but the map showed it just the opposite. (It was exactly like the map on page 2 of this thread.) If I had not known anything about SSR, I would have gone the wrong way.

The buses are great but I think that is only because the resort is not completed. Once it is close to completion, it will be like OKW.

The resort shopping is extremely limited, as is the menu in the food court.

We are long-time DVCers and have stayed multiple times at all DVC resorts (BWV is our home) and we don't feel the Disney magic just yet. The resort is just not "fully cooked" yet. I can't quite put my finger on it, though. Our personal perference is hotel/resort feel and to be in the middle of the magic. Even at OKW, there is always a CM around, smiling or chatting it up with you. Not here.

Two things that I certainly do not like is 1) no hair dryer in the second bedroom of a 2 BR villa and 2) the sensored heatiing/cooling system.
The clicking as you walk into a room at night is annoying. Didn't notice that at our BCV stay.

I don't see any problems in the future, though. Service will improve with time and guests who love OKW will love SSR. The dining/food court choices must improve, though, to maintain the standards of all the other DVC resorts. The villas are smaller, like the Beach Club villas and I miss the walk-in closet (a personal preference).

All in all, if the SSR was my only choice available, I'd come back again.

 

[manning]

Maybe that rumor is true. The one about DVC selling or renting GPS units to find your way around. Picture that, everyone walking around with their heads down looking at their GPS or hearing "turn right in another 25 feet" or ding ding "turn right now".

 

[MickeyB426]

Whoa! A bit harsh! I sent you an email suggesting that you shouldn't worry, that you'll have a great stay at SSR, but after reading this perhaps I should retract that. "No excuse", "inexcusable". Hmmmm. While I've never opened a new DVC resort, I've opened new retail stores, new restaurants, new satellite offices - and IMHO there are always growing pains. I just can't accept the concept that a new CM, who's only been there a few months, can have the breadth of knowledge and/or experience of someone who's been at a resort for years - nor should they be expected to. Add to that the fact that the resort itself is new, and there are - again, IMO - bound to be things for all CMs to learn.

As for the negativity, I believe that is due to the spotlight - and the magnifying glass - being focused with laser-like intensity on SSR; I'm willing to bet that thing quiet down as people go from remarking on "what they've read" to actually experiencing it for themselves ::grin::.

As for 98s, 99s and 100s - I'm guess that you and I have been visiting different WDWs; while I love the place (enough to buy in for the next 50 years) I can't say that I've ever felt that everything (or even most things) was consistantly perfect (100s) or pretty.near.perfect (98s, 99s). Heck, take a look at the beloved Polynesian Resort, which consistantly has the highest guest-return percentages on-site - yet still there are threads about "that smell" or "the mildew". And scan the DVC forum for BCV maintanance issues, VWL front.desk.attitude issues, OKW pool/no-pool issues, and so on.

Guess it's mostly expectations; we expected to have a great time, and we did! And I sincerly hope you do too - and thanks for the promise to report back. As for the negativity, I believe that is due to the spotlight - and the magnifying glass - being focused with laser-like intensity on SSR; I'm willing to bet that thing quiet down as people go from remarking on "what they've read" to actually experiencing it for themselves ::grin::.

I didn't mean to come off as a nervous Nellie...it's just that when I have this much invested $-wise, I don't like to see simple things get so screwed up. To me, it only means that bigger things may get screwed up later.

As far as your talking about current problems at the Polynesian et al, what I was referring to with the "98's 99's and 100's" was when each resort first opened.

Anyway, we shall see. As I said before, I'm always the optimistic one in my family, so let's hope I come away happy!

Thanks again!

 

[Figment56]

1st timers to DVC and going home to SSR in a few days! I can't wait. One of our favorite places to stay is, forgive me, I still call it Dixie Landings. We like the way it is spread out and not crowded. My all time favorite so far has been AKL, which is also spread out. We, DH,DD and myself like to feel we are there but not yet in the middle of things. After a LONG day at the parks, we like to go back and relax and be more peaceful than the hectic paces of the parks. Some of the other resorts still make you feel like you are still at the park. I guess it is different for everyone. We like adventure and can't wait to explore our new home! As many people have stated, there are bound to be bugs when something is new, but I think things will straighten out within the 1st year after SSR opens. :thewave:

 

[profdsny]

Just got back Friday night from a short stay there, opening a new room also Monday. Overall, it was okay, not OKW. Had no problem with CMs with one exception I'll mention in a minute. Directions were okay. Room was ready at 1pm. A little disappointed in that we faced out onto part of the wooded area. However, we aren't big fans of DTD anyhow, so it didn't matter that much. If we leaned out over the balcony, we could see the Disney Store. Room was nice enough but did not care for the lighting in the main room. Extremely bright and harsh. We found the quite pool by looking at the map, and had no problem getting there. Once there, at 10pm, thre were no clean towels. Called housekeeping and someone was over in about 5-10 minutes with a stack of them. Also, I think the bathroom is in serious need of more shelf space and clothes rings or hooks.
Food court, I thought, was nice, but with a limited selection, though a good one. The only problem we had, I thought, was that it was very very hard to understand the order taker, and I think, vice-versa. Then, this was for breakfast, waited a very long time for waffles. This while the rest of the order was sitting out. They were hot when they got back to the room, but still....
I agree about a long walk. Or seemingly a long walk. Particularly in August temps. I drove back and forth all the time.
Now, no one mentioned the health club, which I thought was fabulous. Much bigger than the little room at OKW. I ' m sorry we didn't get to go back again. Much better stuff than at the club we belong too.
Overall, other than the fact that it was not OKW, we would give it about at 95.

 

[Paul G in the UK]

I'm just back from a 12 night stay, and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I have a six-year old girl, and we walked the walk from AP to room a number of times in certainly no longer than 10 minutes, and that was after a long day at EPCOT. I think it only FEELS like a long walk when you are tired. It only ever felt like a short stroll in the morning, especially if you cut through past the preview centre and past the back of the spa, and up the pool area steps. There in no time!

The new Springs area when opened will have some buildings directly opposite the pool and AP, so there will be no walk to speak of at all. Personally, I would pick Congress Park everytime, as I like the DTD view and the feeling of space between the main area and my room, but that's jus me. Walking from the main area to my room is the only exercise I get anyway!!!!!!!!