Looking at SSR with a critical eye.

[boatboatboat]

What are you going to do when Disney exercises this right?


I can't imagine this will ever happen.

But if they did, I would stay at BWV once a year, and HH every other year.
Then I would buy some SSR re-sale at 50 dollars a pt. and rent the pts on ebay for 17 dollars each.

 

[connorlevismom]

I try to stick to the glowing review but low and behold.....you and BBB are in those as well telling everyone how much you hate SSR. You both obviously have nothing better to do with yourselves.

As far as BBB's last comment. I will be happy with whatever I get. Why? Because I am a glas is half full kind of person. I am at WDW for godsake, what can be better than that? I get to go there on a regular basis and there are some people that will never get to WDW in their ENTIRE LIVES! I consider myself to be blessed to be there in the first place.

 

[boatboatboat]

I will be happy with whatever I get


IMO you are EGG-ZACT-LEE who DVC was looking for when they built SSR.

I hope someday they excede your expectations. You paid a premuim price for DVC, you deserve the best.

 

[Daitcher]

These replies have been a good give and take and for the most part very constructive. Not much name calling as of yet but one poster here deserves the flames. I've gotten a few laughs here as well.

To all of the posters who state they don't eat poolside, don't drink poolside, don't order room service, etc. I don't get how that is relevant at all? Many do use those services so why not offer them? I don't use the spa, should they do away with that?

DVC makes the critical mistake of trying to guess what people will want. They felt that with DTD being so close people would eat there or at the parks. WRONG assumption. Is it so crazy to offer a resort that people don't have to leave? Every DVC Resort should be built to stand on its own. With a resort the size of SSR, it ups the ante so to speak. They had an obligation to make it the best DVC Resort to date and so far have let the owners down. We now will begin to see the strain on the system with many SSR owners staying elsewhere at 7 months. This simply isn't fair to theowners of other DVC Resorts. DVC should forget what else is there. Poolside food, enough seating around a pool to accomodate the resort at capacity, room service, sit down restaurant or two, etc. There is plenty of business at SSR to support these things that would make the resort infinitely better. Any resort should offer basic things to meet a variety of tastes. Whether some don't use some of the services offered is irrelevant.


DAVE

 

[Dean]

Not to be rude but it is not everyone else's problem that you cannot plan ahead. You knew the rules when you signed up. If you don't like them, sell!

I would agree, one should know the rules and plan accordingly. And while the "if you don't like it, sell" approach usually rubs me the wrong way, in the case I think it has some validity since this is related to info one knew, or should have known, at the time of buying. Everyone has to decide what they are comfortable with and some have sold because of how things are going.

 

[Tinky]

Blah, blah, blah.... its the same thing over and over.

 

[boatboatboat]

I would agree, one should know the rules and plan accordingly. And while the "if you don't like it, sell" approach usually rubs me the wrong way, in the case I think it has some validity since this is related to info one knew


true, except when many bought in to dvc, they assumed (insert joke here) that if they didn't plan at 11 mths, they would get "stuck" with ANOTHER out of this world resort....... but as it turns out they are left with SSR, because the SSR owners have booked stays at the other resorts.

Once again, I don't blame SSR owners, heck if i owned there i would stay somewhere else too. I do BLAME DVC for building a resort where ownership looks to other resorts as the #1 option when booking a trip.

To put it simply, how many BCV owners do you think book at 11 mths at BCV and then HOPE they can call SSR at 7 mths and get in? We both know the answer.......

 

[cobbler]

Question -
If SSR lowered their point requirements to about BW Std or OKW would that make people feel better about it??

Basically, instead of saying what is wrong with it, what would you (B3 or Dave or anyone) say what they would do to change it, or make it better. I think just by doing that it would be accepted more than what is constantly wrong with it. Remember you attract more bees with honey than vinegar.

ETA:
So if I am reading correctly, what would make this resort a true DVC resort, or a 5 star or whatever is adding;

Room Service
Pool side dining
and
Lower point cost (because of it being a condo type resort and location)

Is my assumption correct? These really seem to be the biggest areas of concern. If these things were added do you think people would still want to trade out at other resorts as much?



Oh and my dear ol hubby claims he heard at our annual meeting that they were going to add another mini-themed pool to the newer area. I swear I don't remember hearing this. Anyone??

 

[NMW]

We agree with many of your opinions about SSR. We almost purchased SSR 2 years ago. Our guide assured us of lots and lots of dining options after I told him that is why we liked the BC and BWI so much. When we told him that we really didn't ever want to stay at SSR and our fav resorts and favorite time to vaction was early Dec, he said "no problem." He told us flat out that he sold SSR to many people who only ever wanted to stay at the BCV, for example. We trusted him and almost bought...until we discovered this board. That's when we found out that early Dec is a busy DVC time and we might not always get BWV and BCV at 7 mos.

What we didn't like about SSR was that it was not really close to a park. Also when we saw it, I did not see all these dining choices our guide promised. AP as the only choice for such a large resort seemed really dumb to us. We like resort TS breakfasts and felt that we would have to leave the resort every morning just to get a sit down breakfast. The main pool seemed small for the ultimate size of the resort. I know others disagree with that, and it's just our opinion. DH claimed it looked like a "gigantic apartment complex" and I have to agree. DTD does not hold much appeal for us, we do it maybe 1 or 2 times a trip tops. The 12 extra years means nothing, nothing to us. Why would we buy something we didn't really love just to get 12 extra years out of it? We bought a BWV resale and are thrilled.

I think SSR can be better. The additon of a TS restaurant is a huge step in the right direction I think. I agree with the OP about the poolside dining and a big fun pool bar. How can people not want that? I too like the option of room service, that would be nice. As far as the themeing, I have to say it was a pretty resort, but I didn't really notice ANY theme. I think POFQ/POR had more of a theme and it's a moderate. So does CS for that matter, another moderate.

 

[hallam5]

I'm sure we have all heard the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".
SSR is true to that phrase. That is what makes this a great discussion. Everyone has their beliefs and no matter how long this goes on, we can't change someone's opinion. I think it's wrong to say SSR owner's are out to make it difficult for the "old" owners of other resorts impossible to get reservations at their home resort. We all bought into the DVC membership for that exact reason....to explore ALL of what DVC has to offer to EVERY member who has made the financial decision to invest. I'm sorry that some of you feel SSR owner's are only buying for that reason......I on the other hand truley enjoy my ownership and everything that it entails! :rolleyes

 

[Daitcher]

I try to stick to the glowing review but low and behold.....you and BBB are in those as well telling everyone how much you hate SSR. You both obviously have nothing better to do with yourselves.

As far as BBB's last comment. I will be happy with whatever I get. Why? Because I am a glas is half full kind of person. I am at WDW for godsake, what can be better than that? I get to go there on a regular basis and there are some people that will never get to WDW in their ENTIRE LIVES! I consider myself to be blessed to be there in the first place.

You call it glass half full, I call it glass with a hole in the bottom. I am going to build a resort that is subpar, charge top dollar right in the middle of nowhere. Where can I find a group of glass half full people to sell to? I'm sure you would want in, after all why not? Everything is great right? Sorry but I demand more for my dollar.

 

[boatboatboat]

When we told him that we really didn't ever want to stay at SSR and our fav resorts and favorite time to vaction was early Dec, he said "no problem." He told us flat out that he sold SSR to many people who only ever wanted to stay at the BCV


See now that is just wrong......... but I have spoken with people with the SAME story.

Wouldn't be so bad if the owners of BCV were given a resort to switch to that was on par with what the BOUGHT, but what they are left with is SSR.

DVC has taken advantage of us all.......

 

[Daitcher]

Question -
If SSR lowered their point requirements to about BW Std or OKW would that make people feel better about it??

Basically, instead of saying what is wrong with it, what would you (B3 or Dave or anyone) say what they would do to change it, or make it better. I think just by doing that it would be accepted more than what is constantly wrong with it. Remember you attract more bees with honey than vinegar.

ETA:
So if I am reading correctly, what would make this resort a true DVC resort, or a 5 star or whatever is adding;

Room Service
Pool side dining
and
Lower point cost (because of it being a condo type resort and location)

Is my assumption correct? These really seem to be the biggest areas of concern. If these things were added do you think people would still want to trade out at other resorts as much?



Oh and my dear ol hubby claims he heard at our annual meeting that they were going to add another mini-themed pool to the newer area. I swear I don't remember hearing this. Anyone??

The things you mention would help a ton and that is exactly what I'm trying to do. VB, as small as it is, has all of these features. It has 2 sit downs, and poolside dining as well as room service. All resorts should have this. With the current price per point is it really too much to ask? I mean they blew the theme thing so that is out of the question but lets get it up to par.

p.s. The DVC guides know it is subpar and this is exactly the reason they had to start selling staying at the other resorts to have any shot of moving SSR points.


DAVE

 

[Dean]

true, except when many bought in to dvc, they assumed (insert joke here) that if they didn't plan at 11 mths, they would get "stuck" with ANOTHER out of this world resort....... but as it turns out they are left with SSR, because the SSR owners have booked stays at the other resorts.

Once again, I don't blame SSR owners, heck if i owned there i would stay somewhere else too. I do BLAME DVC for building a resort where ownership looks to other resorts as the #1 option when booking a trip.

To put it simply, how many BCV owners do you think book at 11 mths at BCV and then HOPE they can call SSR at 7 mths and get in? We both know the answer.......

I don't know what people assumed other than than myself and to a degree, what people have posted. I personally assumed I needed to count on buying a resort I'd be happy with. Let me related a story. I owned 502 points and was doing occasional rentals because I didn't need all the points. I went out and bought 333 BWV points. Someone on this board asked me which would I buy BWV points when I already had more than I truly needed. My answer, home resort priority. I don't think SSR is a bad resort though it would be my least favorite for WDW. To be honest, I like HH the least for a number of reasons not the least of which is location.

The truth is SSR is a great resort, just not as great as some other choices in my book and apparently some agree and other disagree. Same for HH and that goes beyond DVC IMO. But one thing I do see as fact, though not truly provable at present, is that a higher percentage of SSR owners bought there to stay elsewhere compared to other DVC owners. And that given the size of the resort, even a percentage or two differential will be huge at the 7 month window for many options.

 

[Dean]

Question -
If SSR lowered their point requirements to about BW Std or OKW would that make people feel better about it??

IMO yes but only to a degree. If they made it the same level of points as OKW it would be a more reasonable purchase IMO.

 

[boatboatboat]

a higher percentage of SSR owners bought there to stay elsewhere compared to other DVC owners. And that given the size of the resort, even a percentage or two differential will be huge at the 7 month window for many options.

Dean comment

nail head

hammer hit

And that my friend is the point egg-zact-lee. When i bought BWV I assumed that if I didn't book far enough in advance, i might not be able to stay there. Fine no problem, all that means is that my family would be staying at some other out of this world resort. Heck it's Disney after all.............right?

Well as it turns out DVC builds it's largest project to date in the middle of no where, and gives ALL OF US OWNERS less bang for our buck in many respects.

Shame on them.........

Disney has run out of prime land and is now building resorts off site and using the prime land as the tool to mkt them.

Oh well........

Maybe as I get older it won't matter. I'll just be happy to be in WDW, rather then dead.........

perspective is a wonderful thing.

 

[cobbler]

The things you mention would help a ton and that is exactly what I'm trying to do. VB, as small as it is, has all of these features. It has 2 sit downs, and poolside dining as well as room service. All resorts should have this. With the current price per point is it really too much to ask? I mean they blew the theme thing so that is out of the question but lets get it up to par.

p.s. The DVC guides know it is subpar and this is exactly the reason they had to start selling staying at the other resorts to have any shot of moving SSR points.


DAVE

Hay, I am all for improving any resort. While these things may not be important to me it wouldn't hurt to have them just in case I would like to use them in the future.

So why don't we all request these things? Write constructive NICE letters and say hay, you know, this resort could really use some improvement and here are things I would like to see available at my home (since this is your home Dave ) and so on and so forth.

You know that is how the Turf Club turing into a full restaurant came to be. Even non-owners write something that tells them that you want to see this resort come to its full potential.

Like I said, I view it as a great resort now, just more of an awkward teenager who still needs to grow and come into its own. Adding more ammenities would only make it better.

Heck it might become a destination then with the spa, which I hear is better than the spa at the GF so WOO HOO for SSR!


As for lowering the point costs, I am sure it would make a lot of people feel better but I guess I don't see that happenening, it's already inbetween OKW and the others and maybe they felt the need to do it that way not only because they learned from OKW but also because they do offer things like the Spa and more upscale decor.

However lowring down to BW view wouldn't be bad. However maybe they keep this structure for Congress Park and Springs area and lower to BW std for the Paddocks and whatever the other phase will be called. Unless of course you add another theme pool to that area and make the current points for Congress Park only and lower for the rest.

 

[RobDoc]

...
p.s. The DVC guides know it is subpar and this is exactly the reason they had to start selling staying at the other resorts to have any shot of moving SSR points.
DAVE

Wow!! To me that sounds like something somebody just made up and not something that can be verified in any way! What is your source for that statement? A link would be great so we can all evaluate the comment in context.

 

[boatboatboat]

how can he provide a link to a conversation between a guide and a potential buyer?

 

[cobbler]

But one thing I do see as fact, though not truly provable at present, is that a higher percentage of SSR owners bought there to stay elsewhere compared to other DVC owners. And that given the size of the resort, even a percentage or two differential will be huge at the 7 month window for many options.

Ok, this may be the case I am sure, I have no question that it is but most people assume ALL and that is just not the case.

I know there are others that buy VB and HH and even OKW because it costs less up front to stay elsewhere so the problem isn't exclusive to SSR.

Ok anyway my point is at the 7 month window it doesn't matter really if SSR owners are trying to get into other places. And what I am about to type I know that you know Dean, but I am just stating it to others who I am sure who know it so bear with me

It doesn't matter if SSR owners are trying to go elsewhere at 7 months. The program of trading out was incepted long before SSR came into play. Everyone knew it - or should have known it - when they bought. And as anyone who reads these boards looking for advice buying in knows that DVC is for those that can plan out their vacations at 10/11 months out. Given the fact that owners elsewhere have a 4 month window this is really something that shouldn't even be an issue, honestly it shouldn't even be a concern because everyone has their home window.

I know that some can't plan out that far ahead but again, we all knew the circumstances when buying in. I do see the disappointment about having a home at BC/BW/WL and at last minute getting SSR (and honestly probably OKW too but lets just say SSR for now). BUT again, if we try to make the resort better instead of tearing it down (not literally of course, tearing it down by the dislike) then it can be a better place.

Again I still wonder if DVC took this direction to "take a step back and make it like OKW" because a lot of people were trading into OKW for the cheaper points and that is what DVC thought the people wanted.