SSR did not look too good

[princess&tig]

I went down to Orlando on business and stoped at DTD then I went over to SSR (I am an owner) just to check things out.

The first thing I noticed was to terrible transportation. I was at the Market Place in DTD and it is like 40 miles from SSR. They need a walkway on the Marketplace side of DTD to SSR. They told me to take a bus. The bus took 30 minutes and make like 4 stops (Typhon Lag...) before getting to SSR.

The pool and lobby looked fine, slightly better than BWV. The overwelming feeling of construction was everywhere. I would have been upset scheduling my first trip in a construction zone. The only restaurant, Artist Pallet is just not that nice. It is like a fast food place. But you are supposed to be able to walk back to DTD. I tried it, it is much harder than I expected. Took about 20 minutes to get to anything worth seeing. Not a fun route either.

The boats were 30 minute waits and the docks seem to be inconveyant as well.

The buildings were beautiful and the place seemed well landscaped but I smell disapointment. I am sure they will work on the place and correct things with new walkways, more boats and buses. If your staying there before the place is fixed, I hope you have patients, you will need it.

 

[wdwstar]

there is a walkway to DTD, its just not open yet, and as far as the contruction, that should be as expected since there are 14 building to complete this resort. this resort should be very nice once done, even if we have to wait until 2007, maybe that is why they extended the years owned.lol

 

[OneMoreTry]

Cheery, aren't we?

 

[Disney4ever4569]

I am very glad I bought into DVC. My home location is SSR. I just got back from a fantastic vacation at OKW. I took a tour of SSR while I was there and I agree that I would have been disappointed if I had booked my trip at SSR at this time. The statements are correct. The main area is beautiful (main building, spa, pool), but I also got the feeling like I was in a construction zone. I can understand that it is a construction zone, but I just wouldn't want to stay there maybe until another year goes by and the construction is further along and things are more settled. In the mean time, I am perfectly happy staying at other resorts like OKW.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I have to say that I stayed there earlier this month. I knew about the ongoing construction and it did not bother me at all. All of the amenities are open and operating. I am actually glad that they are opening buildings one at a time. I think it gives the staff time to get acclimated.

I would expect that anyone that has a reservation during the early stages of this resort fully knows what to expect. If they don't, they haven't done their research.

 

[LucyLou&BobWho]

I'm really sorry you felt that way. We spent the week there after it opened up and have a very different perception of it. Our family loved it. Maybe because we were on vacation we were more relaxed about things, but we had no problems at all. The pool was great, bus trasportation never waited more that 15 minutes, boat was a bit longer , but the kids enjoyed themselves looking for lizards. So all in all it is a beautiful place and the couple of things that we brought up to the front desk, which were by no means urgent, were handled within 2-3 hours.

Overall we had a great first experience and hope that it will continue that way!

 

[brivers222]

I can understand the issues that are arising. But, to me, that is all growing pains and construction that is only Temporoary.

I compare that to Woodward Ave. in Detroit. It is pretty ripped up right now (so much so that the World Champion Pistons victory Parade ) has been re-routed down different streets. While it looks pretty devistated right now, it is going to absolutley awesome when the super bowl finally hits Ford Field.

I am going to the cut the resort some slack, afterall it is my 2nd home now , and look forward to the finished project.

 

[badelves]

Originally posted by Disney4ever4569
I am very glad I bought into DVC. My home location is SSR. I just got back from a fantastic vacation at OKW. I took a tour of SSR while I was there and I agree that I would have been disappointed if I had booked my trip at SSR at this time.

Same with us! We were originally trying to stay at SSR for MH, but waited to long to make our reservations. We opted for OKW instead, and were so happy that we did. Now we are booked to stay at SSR for DD's birthday in October, and DH and I are really thinking of changing it to OKW. There's just something so peaceful about OKW, and I'm hoping that SSR will have that too. (I sure hope so!)

 

[badelves]

I guess what I really should say is that I will gladly give it time- it is our other home!

 

[Cris]

Originally posted by princess&tig

I was at the Market Place in DTD and it is like 40 miles from SSR.

with a statement like that you lose total credibility with me!!

 

[RoyalCanadian]

I am constantly amazed by posters who are either surprised to learn that SSR is a resort under construction; or who, like the OP, is surprised that they noticed construction while visiting a resort under construction; or don't like an architectural feature that was quite evident in the artist's drawings available in the offering package. DVC never hid the fact that SSR would open in phases -- yet it seems that every week we have a new owner who is completely oblivious to this fact.
Oh well, if they don't like it and never want to stay there -- different strokes for different folks, I guess. It will just leave more room for the rest of us who are looking forward to our 1st trip to SSR or who are returning to SSR. I, for one, have appreciated the honest reporting we've had from those DVC members who went in to SSR with their eyes open and without preconceived notions of perfection.

 

[princess&tig]

Hey guys, I am just telling you what I saw. I know they will fix the problems. My only point is: If you are going to be staying there in the next few months expect -

1. A construction zone for a view
2. Very Bad transportation - expect it to take about 45min to get to DTD by bus about 40 min by boat. It comes every 30 minutes. I figure 15 min avg +10 minutes to get to the dock + 10 minute ride +5 minutes at DTD.
3. The normal growing pains with a new resort
4. A super long walk to DTD which takes you to the parking lot
5. No signs to tell you where anything is
6. Really not much in the way of restaurants to choose from

I own there as well. I am sure it will be fine in 2 years. But if you are renting there now, it is a pain in the you know what to get anywhere!!

Have you guys stayed there? You seem very defensive.

 

[kashkdz]

Originally posted by RoyalCanadian
I am constantly amazed by posters who are either surprised to learn that SSR is a resort under construction; or who, like the OP, is surprised that they noticed construction while visiting a resort under construction; or don't like an architectural feature that was quite evident in the artist's drawings available in the offering package. DVC never hid the fact that SSR would open in phases -- yet it seems that every week we have a new owner who is completely oblivious to this fact.
Oh well, if they don't like it and never want to stay there -- different strokes for different folks, I guess. It will just leave more room for the rest of us who are looking forward to our 1st trip to SSR or who are returning to SSR. I, for one, have appreciated the honest reporting we've had from those DVC members who went in to SSR with their eyes open and without preconceived notions of perfection.

I couldn't agree more with you. When it comes to a resort still being built (ie., under construction) people expect things to be running at 100% as soon as it opens. As stated, SSR was planned to open in phases, and you have to expect that not everything will be operating perfectly. It will take some time for the resort to be open and operating, until the 'kinks' get worked out.

That's why this year we're doing HHI, and saving SSR (our DVC home) for 2005 !!!

 

[sgtdisney]

When we bought into DVC, OKW was still under construction. We stayed there a couple of times when there was still construction going on around the complex. We expected it though, and didn't let it detract from our vacation. 12 years later, look at what an awesome place OKW is.

I think if people can go to SSR with the understanding the the resort isn't complete yet and there will be some disruptions of one sort or another there will be less disapointment. With any new development you have your growing pains until it is built out.

 

[mrsminniemouse]

I think it is important to remember that this resort has been open less than a month! There have been lots of positive comments and naturally a few complaints. Even Disney couldn't make something brand new run perfectly immediately.

We will be staying at SSR for 14 nights with our friends in September, it will be our first trip as DVC owners. Sure we hope all will be perfect but we will try to be forgiving if it isn't. Many people have reported that cast members tried really hard to iron out problems quickly once they were reported. That's the best they can do right now.

I have every faith that Disney will come up with a winning resort, they just need a bit more time. I have never been unhappy with any other WDW resort so I trust it will all come good in the end.

Just my 2 cents...

Mandy


P.S I visited SSR on the Open Day in May and it looked great, the construction did not seem obtrusive at all, but maybe it isn't fair to judge until you stay there.

 

[debbiedoo]

Just got back from SSR and loved it!!

Here are some things for everyone to know. The bus from DTD to SSR to OKW takes 1 hour. After 4pm there is only a 30 minute wait. We had t sometimes share with OKW. You can not expect a new resort to be running 100% until everything is fully up and running.

One of the bus drivers did tell me because of popularity that they are going to be 18 instead of 14!!!! I am ready to purchase more points!!

About the food court. The flatbread pizzas were yummy. They are suppose to start making the dvc areas like that one. If we are not happy we need to tell MS. This is per the same bus driver.

 

[DVC Jen]

We toured while we were there and although I really did like the look of the rooms (the decor) and I think the pool area is really cool as well as the look and feel of Artist Palette.. my overall impression was not horrible, but not great either.

BUT this was NOT based on construction. It is a purely personal feeling and I am sure many of you feel the exact opposite. We love the hotel feel of VWL as well as BCV. I like to have inside hallways... not doors that open to the outside.

We also would like to have more dining options right there and not have to go looking for them..especially since we usually stay in a studio.

The entire place just felt too large and spread out for our taste as well... I think that is why we love VWL and like BCV. Things are much closer at hand.

I think when it is all finished it is going to be a very pretty resort...but not our cup of tea. Isn't that why there are so many different types of DVC resorts for us to choose from?

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by RoyalCanadian
I am constantly amazed by posters who are either surprised to learn that SSR is a resort under construction; or who, like the OP, is surprised that they noticed construction while visiting a resort under construction; or don't like an architectural feature that was quite evident in the artist's drawings available in the offering package. DVC never hid the fact that SSR would open in phases -- yet it seems that every week we have a new owner who is completely oblivious to this fact.
Oh well, if they don't like it and never want to stay there -- different strokes for different folks, I guess. It will just leave more room for the rest of us who are looking forward to our 1st trip to SSR or who are returning to SSR. I, for one, have appreciated the honest reporting we've had from those DVC members who went in to SSR with their eyes open and without preconceived notions of perfection.

I have to agree.

 

[pirateparrot]

Originally posted by princess&tig
Hey guys, I am just telling you what I saw. I know they will fix the problems. My only point is: If you are going to be staying there in the next few months expect -

1. A construction zone for a view
2. Very Bad transportation - expect it to take about 45min to get to DTD by bus about 40 min by boat. It comes every 30 minutes. I figure 15 min avg +10 minutes to get to the dock + 10 minute ride +5 minutes at DTD.
3. The normal growing pains with a new resort
4. A super long walk to DTD which takes you to the parking lot
5. No signs to tell you where anything is
6. Really not much in the way of restaurants to choose from

I own there as well. I am sure it will be fine in 2 years. But if you are renting there now, it is a pain in the you know what to get anywhere!!

Have you guys stayed there? You seem very defensive.

I have stayed there and I did not experience all of the issues that you describe.

1. Construction - I knew what to expect so I was not surprised.
2. I found the bus transportation to be pretty good. The longest wait I had for a bus was 20 minutes. Once the second walkway to DTD opens later this month (I think) it will be much nicer.
3. I found that the growing pains were with some new staff learning the computer system etc. but you can have that at any resort. The staff was very attentive and helpful. I thought we were going to have to chase the bellman out of our room because he wanted to help us and tell us all about the resort.
4. See #2 about opneing second walkway.
5. Did not find this too difficult but I took some time when I first arrived to explore so if I was in a hurry to take a quick look around maybe I would have noticed this.
6. SSR was built with only a food court and that was described in all of the literature that I received prior to buying. With DTD nearby, I don't think there will be much interest in an on-site restaurant and it is not an issue for me.

As I siad, I stayed there and it was very nice. Sure the boat may not be the best method to get to DTD but when I am on vacation, I am not usually in a big hurry anyway. Like all of WDW, transportation can vary at time and maybe you just experienced a bad day.

I hope others don't take the OP's comments and worry about staying at SSR because it is very nice and I enjoyed it.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by debbiedoo
Just got back from SSR and loved it!!

Here are some things for everyone to know. The bus from DTD to SSR to OKW takes 1 hour. After 4pm there is only a 30 minute wait. We had t sometimes share with OKW. You can not expect a new resort to be running 100% until everything is fully up and running.

Perhaps you meant to say "The BOAT from DTD to SSR to OKW takes 1 hour." ??? It has the same schedule for OKW.

The boat runs hourly beginning at 11:00am and then switches to every 30 minutes from 4:00pm until 11:00pm. The bus to DD comes about every 20 minutes and takes only about 10 minutes to get to Marketplace. As at all WDW resorts, the buses sometimes get behind in that schedule due to traffic, loading/unloading issues(wheelchairs, etc.) and the occasional dispatch delay, but they were no more than 20 minutes apart on our stay at SSR.

Glad you enjoyed your stay!