Questions- RCI Trade into SSR

[MissManda]

I'm so excited. Its a bit more last minute than my prior Disney trips and so I have less planning time, but we were able to snag a 1bdrm at SSR for the week of Sept 10th through RCI. It will be my DH, our 20 month old and myself. So a 1 bedroom will be fantastic for us.

This is our first time staying at a DVC resort (thus our first time going through RCI as well into DVC) and our first trip since 2012. I know a lot has changed and I have a ton of questions. I was hoping to get some help/guidance here (hoping I posted this on the right board).



I'm really excited about staying at SSR resort. I've always thought that it looked really beautiful in pictures I've seen. I also heard its a really large resort. Here are some of my questions and I would love any input/advice that anyone who has stayed there before might have:

1. The RCI confirmation gives me a DVC Member Services phone number to call to confirm the guests, but for the life of me I can't seem to get through to a human being on the phone. Also they keep wanting your DVC member number (even when I select that I'm through RCI). I keep getting lost in the phone loop and feel like I'm not doing something right. Any tips for getting through to speak with someone? Is there a better time of day or day of week maybe?

2. Rent a car/Use Disney Transportation- DH and I are torn on this and we keep going back and forth. There are pros and cons to both. I think we are leaning towards renting just due to having a little one with us and not having to wait for the bus or being crammed in on a busy bus while trying to deal with strollers and a tired toddler. But, there are certain pluses to just using the transportation as well...Magic Express, not having to keep up with car keys at the parks, let off near front of the park, etc. I think we'll be spending a lot of time at Magic Kingdom and I've always read that its better to use Disney buses so you skip the ferry/monorail. For those that have been there, done that. What is your advice? Is the resort so large that having a vehicle to get around would be helpful?

3. If I can ever get through the Member Services number, can you make room requests? For instance, away from elevator, top floor, a certain building/section? If you were staying at SSR, what would your room request be? It seems like each section has its own pros/cons. I like Congress Park since it is near Disney Springs and I see us going there a lot. We also plan on doing a lot of relaxing/pool time (our first trip with a baby and we are trying to slow ourselves down...we are usually go/go/go until our heads hit the pillow. We want this more easy going/relaxed).

4. Magic Bands didn't exist the last time we were there and so that all seems a bit overwhelming. I'm trying to figure out how all of this works. I'm scrambling to make some dining reservations (which is difficult this short notice) and I want to set up some fast passes as well. How do I tie all of this to my room reservation (I'm assuming that someone at Member Services can help me if I ever get through, right?).

5. Will they try to talk you into attending a timeshare/DVC presentation? I know that we can't afford to buy right now (on top of the 20 month old coming with us, we also have an 18yo starting college this fall. So we are tied up financially for a while). I'm just wondering what to expect from this aspect.

I'm so looking forward to this trip. Ugh..I usually plan for 6 months or more...and now I have two months to figure everything out. It will be hard to concentrate on anything else

 

[com_op_2000]

4. Do you have a MDE account? If not you will need to go to the website, create an account, then place your confirmation reservation # in there to start with. At that point you can then customize your MBs, add a CC to your account, and create a PIN number for when you use the MB for purchases. If you have APs or ticket to the parks already, you can add those to your account; if they are valid for travel/use during your stay at 60 from the first day of your stay you can add FPs to your days (NOTE: you must have the ticket attached to your MDE account before you can make FP arraignments).

 

[bwvBound]

#2: If you can afford a comfortable car/van for your family and gear, do it. While we've used (and enjoyed) the free Disney transportation for the past many years, we aren't traveling with child, stroller and support gear. Having the rental car gives you more options. You can try the Disney transportation system between resorts/parks but you won't be tied to Disney transportation. You'll also find the car handy for grabbing groceries, etc.

#5: There is ZERO requirement to attend a timeshare presentation. You might be invited by the various DVC kiosks -- but you will NOT be arm wrestled by sales people just to get a parking tag for your car! (I'm guessing you might know what I mean?) If invited, a simple, "No," is more than sufficient.

EDITED to ADD: Congratulations on your exchange!

 

[MissManda]

4. Do you have a MDE account? If not you will need to go to the website, create an account, then place your confirmation reservation # in there to start with. At that point you can then customize your MBs, add a CC to your account, and create a PIN number for when you use the MB for purchases. If you have APs or ticket to the parks already, you can add those to your account; if they are valid for travel/use during your stay at 60 from the first day of your stay you can add FPs to your days (NOTE: you must have the ticket attached to your MDE account before you can make FP arraignments).

I do have a MDE account. I don't think that I have the appropriate confirmation # though. What I have is from RCI. I've been calling the Member Services number to try and get an official Disney confirmation # but I can't seem to get through to a person. I waited on hold for over an hour the other day (the recording said a 20 min wait). So, I'm just having some bad luck in that regards. I need to try earlier in the morning or something I think.

#2: If you can afford a comfortable car/van for your family and gear, do it. While we've used (and enjoyed) the free Disney transportation for the past many years, we aren't traveling with child, stroller and support gear. Having the rental car gives you more options. You can try the Disney transportation system between resorts/parks but you won't be tied to Disney transportation. You'll also find the car handy for grabbing groceries, etc.

#5: There is ZERO requirement to attend a timeshare presentation. You might be invited by the various DVC kiosks -- but you will NOT be arm wrestled by sales people just to get a parking tag for your car! (I'm guessing you might know what I mean?) If invited, a simple, "No," is more than sufficient.

EDITED to ADD: Congratulations on your exchange!

Great points with the rental and I do think we are leaning that way. I think I also feel more comfortable with having the LO in a car seat as well. But...it sure would be nice to ride the Magic Express bus and not have to worry about luggage or anything like that when we get off the plane.

And yes....In regards to #5, I know what you mean all too well!!! I didn't think DVC would be like that but wanted to be prepared just in case. Good to know that is not a worry. Thanks.

 

[Gillyrose779]

We have stayed at Saratoga Spring through RCI at least 4 times now- it's great! We love it there- we prefer Congress Park b/c it's an easy walk to Disney Springs and the main building-- plus views of DS is fantastic.

You will need to call DVC and just ask to speak with a customer service rep- if you tell them your reservation is through RCI they know what to do- you do not need a member number. Once they give you the proper number you add it to your MDE. From there you can make a room request, order magic band colors, etc... PS- it does take 7-10 days to show up in the Disney system from RCI so be patient.

A car is nice but we usually rely on Disney transportation and have no issues. A car is not a must for us.

You have to have tickets to get fastpasses- and you can only do it beginning 60 days from your visit.

Def. no timeshare presentation- they will not even push it. Don't forget there is a $95 fee that they charge to your card at check-in- it's a RCI thing. RCI states it when you book but it seems like most people are surprised.

 

[Brian Noble]

1: How to get a person. Right now the DVC reservation system is down, so I can't give you specific instructions. But, if you follow the prompts to "Member Services" and then "Worldwide Exchange" you should get someone. If it still asks for your Member Number, just hit #, and then when you get a person, tell them you have "an inbound RCI exchange reservation at Saratoga Springs." They will be able to help you from there.

2: Unless I am staying in the Epcot area (BWV/BCV), I nearly always rent a car. If I have a car, I tend to drive myself unless (a) I'm going to/from MK, (b) I'm planning a second BEvERage with dinner, or (c) I just don't feel like it. SSR has the advantage that you can park quite near your unit, so the car is easily accessible. It makes getting offsite easier if you need to for some reason, and it's much easier to do a resort-to-resort trip for dinner at a different resort. If you are on the fence, get the car. Worse comes to worst, you will use it less than you thought you would. But, you won't regret having it unless you'd miss the cost of the rental.

3: I'd request "near a pool." I suspect you'll be at the Springs less than you think you will with a young one.

4: As answered above, you'll need tickets; you can buy those in advance and link to your account.

5: No. DVC is pleasantly unlike many other developers in this way. No "guest survey," no calls to the room, no "please pick up your parking pass at the desk" charade. It's like HGVC, but even more so.

 

[Cee]

We are staying there the same week! Howdy, neighbor! With a 20 month old, you might be happier closer to the main area. The Springs or Grandstand(or is it Carousel? I can never remember which is the closest to the main area.). Enjoy your stay, you will love it!

 

[CarolynFH]

I'd also vote for a rental car. You'll have to fold the stroller to ride the parking lot trams (although you have the option to walk to/from the park gate instead), but you won't have to stand on a bus holding your toddler and a folded stroller. And at MK you can roll the stroller onto either the ferry or the monorail to travel between parking and the MK gates.

PS if you want to use DME from/to the airport, arrange to pick up the rental car at the WDW Car Care Center.

 

[MissManda]

We are staying there the same week! Howdy, neighbor! With a 20 month old, you might be happier closer to the main area. The Springs or Grandstand(or is it Carousel? I can never remember which is the closest to the main area.). Enjoy your stay, you will love it!

How exciting! We are planning this trip sort of short notice and I guess its also a free dining week. Yikes...having a hard time getting some of the dining reservations that we want. But that's okay. We will survive.

We are still in debate about what building/section to request. DH seems to think we'll be going over to Disney Springs most evenings (I think we'll be in the pool). Maybe I won't request anything and let the chips fall where they may!

We definitely decided on renting a car!

It will be here soon!!!

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

For easy access to Disney Springs, either Congress Park or Grandstand would be my recommendations. High Top Springs at the main area has the zero entry pool and Donald splash area while Grandstand has water gun horses and a step entry pool. We love building 8 in Grandstand. Enjoy!

 

[mkarizona]

We have an RCI exchange for SSR also. I just called to add a room request that I forgot yesterday. If you select 1 for member services you will have the option to press # when asked for your member id.

 

[bbak30]

Hi all! We just matched with a 1 bedroom at SSR last night through my in-laws timeshare. I'm having trouble linking my reservation number to MDE. Any insight?
Also, it says I need to call to add names of people on the reservation, do my in-laws have to do this or can I? Since it's in their name right now. Thanks!

 

[Jkpark]

Congratulations on the trade! We were lucky enough to trade into a 1BR at SSR back in May 2011. It changed the way we vacation at WDW - and we now own at SSR. We didn't attend any presentation there, but several months later I was invited to an online presentation and receive a $40 Disney gift card. Yup - I was hooked.

 

[JimMIA]

On the question of timeshare presentation, you will not be hounded to attend one like you would at many other timeshares. There will be an info desk in the lobby at SSR and you'll see numerous kiosks at the parks, but you will not be asked to take a tour unless you inquire. You won't have any of the "parking pass," "survey," "welcome gifts" traps that you get with other timeshares.

You do realize that you will pay a $95 or $190 fee to DVC at checkin...right?

And on the car question: especially with a toddler, RENT a car. You'll be very glad you did. You'll be able to whiz back to the resort for nap/pool time and you'll be able to go offsite for more reasonable (and better) dining.

 

[Brian Noble]

Hi all! We just matched with a 1 bedroom at SSR last night through my in-laws timeshare. I'm having trouble linking my reservation number to MDE. Any insight?
Also, it says I need to call to add names of people on the reservation, do my in-laws have to do this or can I? Since it's in their name right now. Thanks!

They will need to add an RCI Guest Certificate to the exchange in your name---there is a nominal fee for this. After they do that, it will take a week or maybe two for the information to make it to DVC Member Services. About 10 days after they add the Guest Certificate, call Member Services via the toll-free number in the confirmation to get the Disney reservation number (for MDE) and to add the names of your travel party. You can also set up Magical Express (if you are using it; like JimMIA, I rent a car) and add the Dining Plan if you are so inclined.

 

[bbak30]

They will need to add an RCI Guest Certificate to the exchange in your name---there is a nominal fee for this. After they do that, it will take a week or maybe two for the information to make it to DVC Member Services. About 10 days after they add the Guest Certificate, call Member Services via the toll-free number in the confirmation to get the Disney reservation number (for MDE) and to add the names of your travel party. You can also set up Magical Express (if you are using it; like JimMIA, I rent a car) and add the Dining Plan if you are so inclined.

Thank you, very helpful!

 

[Dean]

Hi all! We just matched with a 1 bedroom at SSR last night through my in-laws timeshare. I'm having trouble linking my reservation number to MDE. Any insight?
Also, it says I need to call to add names of people on the reservation, do my in-laws have to do this or can I? Since it's in their name right now. Thanks!

I agree with the info provided. You'll have an additional expense when you check in, likely $190 in addition to the exchange fee. If neither you or your spouse are on their timeshare, you will need to pay for a guest certificate, I think they're currently $69. Once DVC has the info on the guest certificate, they'll give you the DVC reservation #. They might be able to get the number now since it's under their name and it's possible you'd be able to link it to your MDE account with that.

 

[bbak30]

They will need to add an RCI Guest Certificate to the exchange in your name---there is a nominal fee for this. After they do that, it will take a week or maybe two for the information to make it to DVC Member Services. About 10 days after they add the Guest Certificate, call Member Services via the toll-free number in the confirmation to get the Disney reservation number (for MDE) and to add the names of your travel party. You can also set up Magical Express (if you are using it; like JimMIA, I rent a car) and add the Dining Plan if you are so inclined.

Just wanted to update on this. I called the DVC number and gave my reservation number. The CM gladly changed the reservation from my Inlaws to us. No fee or anything. I honestly expected that my FIL would have to call and put us on the reservation, but she didn't ask. I told her who I was. I did confirm a bunch of information.
She gave me a confirmation number and I was able to link to MDX!

 

[Dean]

Just wanted to update on this. I called the DVC number and gave my reservation number. The CM gladly changed the reservation from my Inlaws to us. No fee or anything. I honestly expected that my FIL would have to call and put us on the reservation, but she didn't ask. I told her who I was. I did confirm a bunch of information.
She gave me a confirmation number and I was able to link to MDX!

This is against their policy, you lucked out. I've had them demand guest certificates even when I was present but had more than one villa. There is always a chance they could come back later but it's easy to do on the fly if needed. Just make sure you have the emergency number for RCI available, esp if you're checking in late or the inlays wouldn't be able to take action immediately if you did have a problem last minute or at check in.

 

[bbak30]

This is against their policy, you lucked out. I've had them demand best certificates even when I was present but had more than one villa. There is always a chance they could come back later but it's easy to do on the fly if needed. Just make sure you have the emergency number for RCI available, esp if you're checking in late or the inlays wouldn't be able to take action immediately if you did have a problem last minute or at check in.

I was surprised as well. Thanks for the advice, will do!