Looking at SSR with a critical eye.

[Daitcher]

How can you say SSR is in the middle of nowhere? It's in Disney World, a 5 minute walk to Downtown Disney (which is also the main Disney transport hub).

On one hand you say that you are trying to provide constructive critisism to get things improved, then on the other hand you go way overboard and talk a load of rubbish.

I spent quite some time trying to show in my post how those of us that like SSR might feel about the things that you dislike. It was a complete waste of time me thinks...

Sorry for the confusion. I didn't mean to imply SSR is in the middle of nowhere. I certainly view SSR as an on site option. What I was trying to get to was that the poster seems to think everything is great. We are at WDW, right? I just don't see a problem with asking more for our dollars. That example was not a dig towards SSR.


DAVE

 

[RobDoc]

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

Well, he didn't say it was one conversation. He stated it as a fact that the DVC "guides" (plural) know this and therefore have taken a different sales tact (DVC has used that as a selling point since 1995 when VB opened and has used it for each DVC resort - including BWV, VWL. BWV, HH, VB and SSR). I highly doubt he has heard this personally from multiple guides and furter doubt he has any specific inside knowledge of the reasons for the tactics employed by DVD regarding SSR sales. If he does, I'd appreciate seeing the source so I can evaluate those comments for myself instead of depending on his interpretation of them. If it was based on one conversation, then just say that instead of indicting the entire sales staff with one broad brush.

If it was just a fabrication, I'd appreciate that admission too since it would certainly affect the way others might regard comments made by the same person in the past and in the future. There's nothing wrong with stating that something is your own opinion , but when it's presented as a fact why not just supply the source for the comment so everyone can evaluate the actual statement.

Ahh- now I see- it was based on third hand information from someone who has not been in the loop since shortly after the resort opened.

 

[allshookup]

Well I have to agree with Dave that DVC should have made SSR the best resort yet, learning from past experience, and that they may have dropped the ball....somewhat. I think poolside dining would be a nice offering along with a sit-down restaurant & I agree the rooms should've been just as big as OKW.

What I don't agree with is calling SSR sub-par. I think it has a lot to offer such as the Spa, my kids loved the pool & I like the feel of it being set up like a small town. I imagine if I lived in Saratoga Springs, NY, I'd feel differently. I also agree with other posters that SSR is still developing & has not reached it's full potential yet and will only become more beautiful as time goes on.

We were NOT sold on SSR because we could GET IN other DVC places. Maybe because of the DIS boards, our guide knew we were very knowledgable about DVC so he did not even mention the other resorts. We bought at SSR because of the proximity to DTD, which we happen to spend a lot of time at. Portabello Yacht Club is our favorite eatery on property, my kids love Lego Land & I love to grab a Margarita at Capn' Jacks & just stroll around. The extra 12 years & F&F promotion were the icing on the cake. I imagine that most people that bought at SSR did their homework & are also very knowledgable about the product they purchased. It's rather insulting to insinuate that we deserve the best but instead have received the shaft.

That being said....will we stay at other DVC resorts? Absolutely, in fact I got BCV for August, and it was less than the 7 month window with no problem at all. But once we've tried them all, I will be happy to book my home resort because that is where I will feel most at home. I'm sure a lot of people prefer their "home" resort for that reason. I'm not saying that some people didn't buy at SSR with the hopes of staying elsewhere all the time, but I don't believe IMHO that this is the majority. Without a "real" poll of all SSR members, it is impossible to know for sure.

 

[Deb & Bill]

So I guess Eagle Pines is really not going to succeed with some of you - not near any theme park or any Disney attraction (not even DTD), condo environment, only golf as the attraction.

 

[Daitcher]

That doesn't make any sense. They built other places prior to SSR because they hadn't built SSR yet...

The Swan was built years ago, long before they even started to plan SSR.

BBB at least you bought where you wanted to stay. Dave bought SSR knowing full well where it was, yet he complains constantly about it

WOW! Paying the buy in money certainly gives me the right to complain. Sorry but I earned that right. I've never had a problem with where it is located, that is B3's thing. I made some cracks about how spread out it is but that is it. It is an on site option for some. I also clearly spelled out how I had much higher expectations for the resort based on a guides statements. DVC has let us all down with this ill concieved project. Sorry that we all can't agree with that. I encourage all happy SSR to continue to stay there.
I do not regret buying there, yet, but I fear I will. At least I've enjoyed many great trips at other DVC Resorts. One bad trip out of 8 isn't bad.

DAVE

 

[SimplyMagical]

Sarnia my point is that DVC built up other locations FIRST because they were in BETTER locations.

To deny that SSR isn't in as good of a location is silly. Heck if the location were so good, DVC would have been built there prior to the other resorts.

As a result of being in a location that is not as desirable, DVC needs to make SSR better in other ways. They haven't.....

SimplyMagical what are SSR's pro's?

SSR is not our home resort - and we have never stayed there - so I probably wouldn't be able to name any - however, my point was - just because there are some people out there who don't like SSR, there are many out there that do! Its very simple - if you don't like it - sell! Why would anyone be interested in keeping a timeshare that their family stated they hated

 

[Daitcher]

We have to agree - if you are that unhappy with your SSR purchase, you should be spending more time researching selling your points and purchasing a resale at a resort you are happy with. Every resort has its pros and cons.

WOW! One gain someone who can't see the differences here. I can still be happy with DVC and not like a certain resort. 7 months has worked well so far. I do not regret my SSR purchase at all. Can't I ask more of a resort? This sell if you don't like it attitude is too much.


DAVE

 

[Tinky]

Daitcher Quote Well I alraedy let the cat out of the bag on another thread so here goes.

kitty wants back in the bag.....

 

[SimplyMagical]

WOW! One gain someone who can't see the differences here. I can still be happy with DVC and not like a certain resort. 7 months has worked well so far. I do not regret my SSR purchase at all. Can't I ask more of a resort? This sell if you don't like it attitude is too much.


DAVE

No one said you can't stay involved in DVC - wouldn't it be less hassle owning at a resort you can book 11 months out - wasn't there just a little discussion about not be able to get what you want at 7 months. You should be talking directing with DVC regarding your recommended changes. The people who do own at SSR and are happy, certainly don't appreciate your resort bashing.

 

[Daitcher]

Sarnia, thank you for your well thought out, positive response. I really appreciated hearing it. My family and I purchased into SSR for many of the same reasons you stated, and it was very refreshing to hear something so nice about SSR.

Dean, thank you for replying to my post. It is nice to know that other DVC resorts had some growing pains at the beginning, and that in reality SSR is not that different in having some type of problem in the beginning that it appears DVC is attempting to fix (I'm talking about the TS here).

Dave, the nicest thing I can say is that your comments really make me think. From what I can gather from your posts, you want SSR to offer the following things: pool side food service, room service, additional theme pools, and more TS and CS resturants. I won't mention the location, as SSR can't move. I doubt highly there will be another park built close to SSR, and I believe I heard they won't add additional monorail lines.

I know from other posts you've made on other threads that you don't seem to be a negative type of a guy, it seems like SSR is just really chapping your buns. I have to wonder, even if SSR built the things YOU require in a DVC resort, wouldn't you still find things to complain about? I just don't see you being happy here at all.

Good post. Yes adding the things I've requested would make it much better. The theme would still be lacking but oh well. The location isn't my thing that is others views. The spread out nature is too much without a second theme pool with food. They expanded this resort too much. It screams of greed.

Thanks for your thoughts, I've enjoyed all of my trips and love DVC as a program. I need to be clear about this. I have a problem with the biggest DVC Resort( and the newest) being the least desirable option. Things should get better not worse.


DAVE

 

[jarestel]

The people who do own at SSR and are happy, certainly don't appreciate your resort bashing.

I don't mean to speak for Dave, but I don't think he was bashing anything in this thread. Just stating why SSR doesn't work for his family. I own at VWL and love it there. Guess how much I care whether anyone else shares my opinion about VWL? Yep... absolutely nada! I'm happy and that's all that matters... to me anyway!

 

[drakethib]

Maybe it will open some eyes.

I will say that we are OKW (which we love) owners but plan on staying at SSR just to see what it is like.

The place is beautiful IMHO, but something is just missing there.

I do like the fact that it is close to DTD but the place seems just to big. The landscaping is not to Disney Standards. I don't know, something just is not right.

I also agree with you saying that many people are buying there just to get in the system. In fact that is what my sis-in-law did last month.She has already stated that they have no intention on staying there.

With that being said, many people may like SSR, I seem to see a good many of them saying so. To each his own I guess. Many people love BCV and I hate the place. The people are great but just don't like the place.

I will be intrested see where this thread goes.

Edit. Was doing some reading on the other threads and it seems that you and BBB really don't like the place. While I understand your views and how you want to make SSR a better place (I think we all want that from every resort), making negative comments about the place on every thread is not a good way to fight a battle IMHO.

I am sure you two will do what you want, but try to realize that everyone does not agree with everything you say.

 

[Sarnia]

WOW! Paying the buy in money certainly gives me the right to complain. Sorry but I earned that right. I've never had a problem with where it is located, that is B3's thing. I made some cracks about how spread out it is but that is it. It is an on site option for some.

I said that in response to your 'offsite' comment, which you've since said you didn't mean in that context....keep up man!

Sorry, I guess I confused you and BBB a little there, in no time at all you've become a team it seems

 

[Daitcher]

that would be me - I admit that I said that. But I meant it in the context for ME during MY STAYS. It's not important to me, but I know that it is important to others, and I agree with you that those items hsould be available at a 'deluxe' resort.

I think that I also acknoledged that SSR in it's current state won't meet the needs of some of the poeple I travel with, so I stay at SSR alone. And I was also one of the ones who moaned about the outdoor corridors and doubted that I would stay. But I did enjoy my stay...

I think that you arre definitely within your rights to lobby for more at SSR ie better FandB etc, but I wonder if it will happen. I'd like to see an Olivia's type restaurant there (it's coming, we are told) but look at the change in takeawyay options at OKW lately. Whether or not they were driven by the dining plan, I see that as a negative change.

While I don't use the theme pool at OKW, I see it as a positive change for the resort where I own points.

So yes, I don't use some facilities/outlets, but don't think that they are not required. A deluxe resort should have those facilities/outlets (except for valet parking - I don't think it's a 'must have' at OKW and SSR)

So if you ever need a supporter in that battle, here I am.... (hope that was clear, I'm sitting in an airport waiting for my flight to board so not much time to think clearly)

Finally, someone else who gets it. It isn't just about my wants. The things I've mentioned addding have a broad appeal and would simply make the resort better. You've hit the nail on the head here, DVC is always compared to a deluxe. Deluxe SSR isn't.


DAVE

 

[conciergekelly]

So you read 7 pages just to tell us you're bored and sleepy? Nighty Nite!

My post was joke. A way to lighten things up.

 

[jarestel]

My post was joke. A way to lighten things up.

Good one!

 

[tomandrobin]

Sarnia my point is that DVC built up other locations FIRST because they were in BETTER locations.

To deny that SSR isn't in as good of a location is silly. Heck if the location were so good, DVC would have been built there prior to the other resorts.

As a result of being in a location that is not as desirable, DVC needs to make SSR better in other ways. They haven't.....

SimplyMagical what are SSR's pro's?

You forget the Disney Institute was there.

 

[Daitcher]

So I guess Eagle Pines is really not going to succeed with some of you - not near any theme park or any Disney attraction (not even DTD), condo environment, only golf as the attraction.

Of course not and thus the reason DVC scrapped it. We really shouldn't bring up EP anymore because it does not exist.


DAVE

 

[boatboatboat]

I guess I confused you and BBB a little there, in no time at all you've become a team it seems


Well I could give a rats behind about SSR, I own the 2 resorts i enjoy. I simply thought if I gave him a hand with his SSR fight he would assist me with my pts renting crusade.

Once again, I am left holding the bag........

 

[boatboatboat]

You forget the Disney Institute was there.

Don't be using the logic stuff on me.