Looking at SSR with a critical eye.

[DVC Sadie]

If or when DVC ever builds CRV then we'll be buying another 500 points. That is the only place that I would want to do an add on. I enjoy SSR but still stay a week at one of the monorail resorts just for room service and the ease of MK and Epcot.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Daitcher, you darned fool, you are so wrong.....

Kidding

Actually, thanks very much for the well thought out and well supported comments; even if you hadn't said it, I would have never considered your post to be of the ignorant bashing kind.

I too have been curious as to why OKW gets a pass on the same things SSR gets skewered on; your reasons - older, cheaper, theme-ier - aren't the most convincing, but well within the realm of "one person's opinion".

The only thing I'd ask you to think about is this: do you really think that your expectations of SSR are truly representative of the vast majority of non-DIS DVC owners? As KLEONARD said

"My brother and his family stayed in a GV with friends in Nov. He is not a DVC member, he had no preconceived thoughts. He said it was amazing. His wife and kids loved it. They rented a car and had no problems at all."

In all the time I've gone to WDW (1973-present) I've stayed at both Deluxe & Moderate Resorts, yet I've never had the desire to eat by the pool ("Would like a little more chlorine smell with your burger, sir?" ). And I think we ordered room service only once - a very disappointing pizza.

So - perhaps a little naively - I figure that Disney/DVC took a look at current resorts, determined that food by the pool and room service were items of minimal value to the vast majority of DVC/WDW guests and decided not to waste $$$ on them. That, of course, can be turned around and used as evidence that "Disney took the cheap way out", but ....

A question for those who have been doing this longer than I (and who didn't make the same mistake Daitcher did in 1992 ): Did all the other resorts that are so well-loved - BCV, BWV, VWL - spring forth fully lovable within the first year after they were complete? (Noting, of course, that SSR isn't even done yet). Or did it take a while for these resorts to evolve and grow into their current status?

Finally, let me state for the record that I intend on spending the vast majority of my DVC days at SSR, with only an occaisional visit to the older resorts - I really did buy into SSR with the intent of staying at SSR. Honest, I did!

Once again, Daitcher, thanks for the informative post. Of course, the fact that you spend so much time thinking of SSR, where the faults are and how they could be improved means that, deep down, you have a secret fondness for the place....

But I do have to point out one comment you made:

I thought resorts encourage people to spend money.

This may the first time I've ever seen anyone complain that Disney/DVC didn't try hard enough to squeeze even more money out of their guests!

Be well!

[ETA: After I posted this, I read Daitcher's unfortunate comments in a thread where the OP was happy with his purchase at SSR, and Daitcher had to use sarcastic humor to remedy that. I now see that, in this thread, what I thought was constructive criticism on Daitcher's part was just more whining that DVC didn't build SSR to his specifications. Oh well, some folks see the glass as half full, some as half empty, and the OP here seems to enjoy pouring the contents of the glass over others' heads. Thought that there was going to be reasoned discourse - Daitcher's comments about "did you get the [SSR] section near Tampa?" proved me wrong. ::sigh:: ]

IMHO - YMMV

 

[PinkTink63]

Well, Dave, you have brought up some very valid points and concerns. You seem to be up on your timeshare information, where as I am not. This (SSR) is a first for us.

Although, some of your dislikes about the resort are not the same as mine.... We always have a car and have never used valet parking. That may change over the years!
Like I said, we always have a car and stop at the grocery store on our way from the airport. May try the grocery delivery one of these times, though. I think we have bought some milk once at Disney's store.
We never have ordered room service-so no biggy there!
We don't order at the pool. I take that back-my DH has ordered a beer twice! I guess he will have to walk to the room or AP!
The pool area looks nice, it doesn't scream Disney, but it does have Donald, which happens to be my DS's favorite character.
The buildings are more subdued, yes, but I find the room decor quite appealing.
The landscaping is not as lush as some of the other properties, but I think they will mature with time. I think SSR has a serene quality about it.
We don't go out to eat that often, so our meals out are a treat for us. It is also a good learning experience for DS to learn to sit still and use the best table manners that he does posess! We do eat partly in our room, partly for convenience and the other part cost. (I do realize some people on these boards do not have to worry about cost, but I am not one of them )

With all that said, I did buy SSR, because it is DVC and I liked the flexibility it offered. IMO that my guide did not sell me on the other resorts, in fact, he didn't even mention it. I knew about the booking details from this board.
I do hope that in the future, I will be able to book at other resorts, because that was one of the reasons I purchased here. If down the road, I won't be able to do that, I might just have to add on!

It does seem that Disney has some things to work on to get the approval of more people like yourself. I do respect your opinion and always look forward to reading your "words of wisdom". After all, I am merely a newbie!
Thanks for all of your wonderful insight!

Stephanie

 

[PinkTink63]

Remember that these 3 resorts were already established deluxe resorts added on to! That is just not the case with SSR, whether you like it or not!

 

[LisaS]

...OKW is just so beautiful, it is like a neighborhood and it feels like you are on vacation. I would stay there if it was located elsewhere. The low points are another reason. Lower points means lower expectations. Also OKW has food by the pool, food by turtle pond area, and a sit down restaurant.

The other thing you didn't mention about OKW is that the 1 BR and 2 BR villas are huge by comparision and the verandas are large enough that a family of four can have a meal out there.

As a few others have posted in other threads about SSR, I think Disney should have made the SSR villas similar in size to the OKW villas. Then the choice would be whether to stay within walking or boating distance to a park but in a smaller villa or a bus ride away in a huge villa. It would be a bit like, do you want a small place in town or a bigger home in the suburbs.

 

[Sammie]

No flames because it's your opinion.

The things you listed are available at the hotel type DVC resorts and do not appeal to us. We don't want or need food pool side. While you might like that, we don't see any need for it. At the pool we swim in the pool, when we are finished we leave. Food around the pool attracts birds, and insects both of which I can do without. Not sure about the comment about a few tables though. At the main pool there were plenty during the summer when we were there.

We like what Artist's Pallette offers and could care less if they don't change it.

The size does not bother us. There is no way at this time to predict the booking situation. I respect Dean's opinion as much as anyone, but it is speculation. Only time will tell what will happen.

Actually most of your complaints seem to be based more on complaints about your sales rep and less about SSR. You might want to vent your complaints in that area.

I would never purchase anything sight unseen. Therefore I never have to come back later and say it was not what I expected or was lead to believe it might be and then try to change it. I buy a finished product and then have no regrets.

As to the theme, I can see where it would not appeal to you, but again that is personal preference. I personally do not care for AKL but am sure many do. I don't want them to change it, I just don't stay there. There is nothing wrong with the theme at SSR and it won't appeal to everyone and truly shouldn't have to. People from Florida probably don't appreciate OKW either. I know many from mountain areas don't see the appeal of VWL. I have to wonder though. You are very familar with the region, and the resort was named Saratoga Springs Resort when you bought it, what did you expect?

I have no problem with improvements to SSR, but who gets to decide what is improvement and what is just personal preference.

There are things at the other DVC resorts I don't care for. I would never expect those things to be changed though. I am sure others really like them and that is good.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Dave, it would be a lot easier to read your post if you broke it up into smaller paragraphs. I can't even begin to read it as much as I'd like to.

 

[RoutemanDan]

Remember that these 3 resorts were already established deluxe resorts added on to! That is just not the case with SSR, whether you like it or not!

BWV was not added on to. The Inn and the Villas were built together and opened together.


Each resort has had it's share of bashing when they came to be. I believe the Contemporary Villas, if built ,will have it's cheerleaders and critics just the same.

 

[Daitcher]

No flames from me. As I tried to express in the other thread my complaint was not about your opinions but the way they were expressed in that thread.
I do agree poolside food would be a nice option. And I'm glad the restaurant is being added. I think this resort is still a work in progress and there is certainly always potential for improvement.

I don't agree that positive SSR reviews have only come from people who have never experienced other DVCs; that's just not true.

Thanks Jen D and in hindsight my humor attempt might not have been appropiriate for that thread. Poitive SSR reviews haven't ONLY come from people who hav enever experinenced other DVC's but those reviews are the majority on this board.


DAVE

 

[Daitcher]

Dave, it would be a lot easier to read your post if you broke it up into smaller paragraphs. I can't even begin to read it as much as I'd like to.

I feared that might be the case and I apologize for that.


DAVE

 

[Daitcher]

Thanks for the comments, flames and other wise. My real hope here is that SSR will grow into the resort it should have been from the beginning. I know people use different features at resorts. While poolside food may not be a necessity or want for some it is for many. Resorts should offer a wide variety of options to fit a broad range of needs and wants. Keep the thoughts coming. SSR can become a viable option if it changes a lot.


DAVE

 

[Rozzie]

Mnnn........do I dare respond to another anti-SSR thread?

With all due respect Dave, I will disagree with your judgements on SSR. I do appreciate you sharing the full story behind your purchase. I can see why you feel the way you do. I can see finally where your anger toward DVC managment is coming from.

I know there are things about SSR than can improve. But room service, poolside dining, and valet are not my negatives. We are not room service people. We are not eating at the pool people. (drinking at the pool, heck ya!) We are not valet people. If those are someone's desires, of course they won't be happy at SSR.

BTW, question for you, in all honesty, why don't you sell SSR and buy a resale at the resorts you love?

Best of luck in your battle with DVC. If you ever are brave enough, I'll buy you and B3 your first drink at the Turf Club.

 

[boatboatboat]

I'll buy you and B3 your first drink at the Turf Club.


did you know that wine can be shipped?

 

[HUFF590]

Im sort of new to DVC but I love SSR, But then again I love all the resorts, and Im glad they are all different, thats what makes DVC ownership so cool, but my family will be staying at SSR 99 per cent of the time , oh and HHI love the big laid back resorts.

 

[keys2kingdom]

BTW, question for you, in all honesty, why don't you sell SSR and buy a resale at the resorts you love?

I agree, you seem EXTREMELY disappointed with your purchase. You said that your wife and MIL were as well. When we make a major purchase we want those who are close to us to approve of it, it's simple psychology. You didn't like your purchase and then when DW and MIL "hated" it that probably just magnified it 10 fold. It seems to me that you would be much happier cutting your losses and buying a resale at BCV. Those extra 12 years at SSR won't do you any good if you end up not being able to book elsewhere at 7 months in the future. Resistance is futile, the BCV is calling your name.

 

[PinkTink63]

BWV was not added on to. The Inn and the Villas were built together and opened together.


Each resort has had it's share of bashing when they came to be. I believe the Contemporary Villas, if built ,will have it's cheerleaders and critics just the same.

Sorry! That is what I was told before. I guess I should not have taken it as fact!

 

[Sammie]

Sorry! That is what I was told before. I guess I should not have taken it as fact!

Don't worry about it, if that is the only thing you misquote you are doing really good.

BWV and the BW Inn actually had a very unique situation in that they were designed and opened as DVC and nonDVC at the same time, and completely finished.

OKW and SSR were and are being built in phases which makes the initial opening a little harder as the product is not finished.

VWL and BCV were added on to exisiting resorts. But even that is not ideal as they built the BCvillas in the parking lot and tennis courts and therefore no great views. VWL has it's own issue with a crowded main pool and food court area that could barely service the needs of a full Lodge much less the additional guests from the villas.

 

[tomandrobin]

I read people complain about lack of food service at the pool. The AP is right across the street from the pool. Seems silly to me to have two restaurants next to each other in the resort, unless one was sit down the other counter service. They did err on not having a sit down restuarant, but are fixing that problem.

From what I read, the resort was originally suppose to have about 550 units. Sales were so good in the begining that they added the additional units. Which could also explain the pool size, which seemed fine to me. There is suppose to be four pools total when done. At least that gives you a choice. You may not want to be around all the kids with the water slide.

I also think Disney misjudge the need for the sit down restuarant since it is located next to DTD. How many restuarants are there? At least with DTD you don't have to pay admission to get to the restuarants like EPCOT. But again, Disney listened and is fixing that problem.

It also seems that the first poll you mentioned was tainted. I think that alot of the first phase buyers were existing DVC members who took advantage of presales to get additional points to use. Hence, the original poll indicated alot of non-staying SSR owners. The current poll seems to show a shift reflect the existing resort polls on how members use their ownership. Most of the Phase 2 owners are first time buyers and love their new home, its thier first at Disney. Original OKW owners love thier home resort, since it was thier first.

I have seen 4 of the 5 WDW DVC Resorts. SSR rooms has best upscale furnishings and finishes. Nothing cutsy, real nice. It may not be the biggest in size. It has great appeal to DTD lovers. Even though you may not go there, many do......for free! No cost, no tickets, just walk or ride on in. I think Disney has done a great job with all of the WDW DVC resorts. They are all unique and have their own appeal.

Personally, I love them all! If I wanted to, I could find something about every resort to complain about. Too big, too small, too crowded, too noisy, too old, too close, too far............where does it end?

 

[Mississippian]

Oh I am sure that is the case HERE on the boards. But we are just a very few skewed % of people that own at SSR.

Another reason I posted the poll on SSR, seems as though a lot has changed in a year since it was polled last.

Also - serious legit questions. Why is one of the items that makes SSR "good" and not "great" - or whatever - is the lack of room service when OKW doesn't have room service and there aren't any gripes on that?

Why is one of the other items that makes SSR "good" and not "great" is the lack of valet when OKW doesn't have it either and there aren't any gripes on that?

Why is one of the other items that makes SSR "good" and not "great" is the fact that it has exterior hallways when OKW has exterior hallways and there aren't any gripes on that?

Why is one of the other items that makes SSR "good" and not "great" is the lack of being close to a park when OKW isn't close to a park and there aren't any gripes on that?

Seriously, I am really trying to understand why its bad for SSR and not OKW. I would honestly appreciate an explanation. Is it because OKW was the first? Or is it because it requires fewer points so it can be tolerated for such cheap points? Would the complaints be there if SSR's points were on the same line as OKW? I just don't understand.

First, I personally met several people on a trip to WDW who told me that they were buying into SSR in order to stay elsewhere. I realize that some people actually WANT a resort that essentially has nothing, and SSR provides that in abundance.

Second, OKW is much cheaper than SSR and has larger rooms.

 

[NYMomof4]

Last year (pre-DVC) we went from a week at POR and spent a night at POP. I complained aloud, we all felt like we went from lush greenery to concrete. I am an obsessive planner and decision maker so I checked out all the DVCs before buying SSR. Liked them all!LOL The deal at the time was for SSR so that's where I purchased. One of the selling points for me was the 2 bdrms for my crew of 4 kids. They will never know room service but I know that they will have a kitchen to save lots of $$ on food. Room service and valet are not on our list.

One thing that SSR offers is that resort feel, which does appeal to many. I tried AP in February and both my sister and I were thrilled to have the option of something other than the normal burger fare. I had a great salad with about 6 different greens and all kinds of things thrown in and she had a sandwich (Caesar something I think). We ate at the pool (lol) but we were the only ones doing so and that was really only poor planning on our part for skipping lunch. The jacuzzi was awesome!

Anyway, I do agree that one should love their DVC. I'd bail and find something that does bring the magic if I was not happy. I don't think anyone in really fishing for compliments about SSR because if I had to post fancy words to promote it-I surely better be a DVC agent!LOL Best of luck