SSR: Empty, Vacant feeling upon arrival?

[CRSNDSNY]

I was just reading someone's review of SSR and got to thinking about something. First of all, I'd like to say that I am a proud SSR owner and have already stayed there twice since its' opening last year. I think the grounds and units are lovely and I also like the location of the resort. That being said, I always felt that there was something 'missing' from the overall feel of the resort. I guess I just assumed that this vacancy in my mind and heart would just begin to fill in over time when the resort is more seasoned.

So, in my mind I got to thinking about this resort and regular hotel-like DVC/WDW resorts. Just trying to really put my finger on what it was that was missing. Comparing and contrasting...the feelings I get when I'm at each resort.

Then it hit me.

I think the emptiness I feel when I'm at SSR has to do with the reception and checkin area -- the initial impression in the first minutes of arrival. When you check in to a place like BCV, BWV or VWL there are valets at the entrance, someone greeting you in the lobby and people practically everywhere. Hustle and bustle. But when you check in at SSR (as has been my experience), it is quiet. No themed valets greeting you as you drive up, no greeter in the lobby, no hustle and bustle. Just vacant. Now, I'm not saying I do not like the quietness of SSR, but what I'm saying is that it is missing that 'personalized' feeling. That warm welcome in your first few moments of checking in. To me, that is important as it could help set the tone and mood of the resort and your overall impression.

Does anyone understand what I'm trying to say? Anyone feel the same way?

 

[pumpkinboy]

My guess is, that'll all change when the Phase II buildings start to open this spring and summer!

 

[spiceycat]

you are right.

Even OKW has bell services (when they don't have a greeter) to meet the guests coming in....

 

[Chuck S]

I do imagine there will be more "hustle bustle" and greeting as the resort opens more and more units. In fact, you may miss the quiet feel that the resort has now.

 

[athenna]

I'm actually looking forward to the piece and quiet and lack of hubbub.

 

[Plus4206]

I know the feeling you're talking about. For some reason, in my mind, what the place is missing is mature trees. Probably sounds weird - and maybe I'm just not remembering the trees that are there - but the place just feels totally unfinished, like a new housing developement that no ones moved into yet. We'll visit SSR again in May and hopefully I'll feel a little different about the resort. I love the quiet pool area though. So far it's my favorite part of the resort.

 

[LucyLou&BobWho]

I know exactly what you're saying. I really would attribute it to the "vacancy" of the resort. I think what it is is that when you check in at other places you feel as if you've arrived somewhere. The one time that we've done check in at SSR, well it was almost anti-climactic (sp?). I think you always want that "I'm in Disney world feel, but the more I think about it the more I feel like that was missing. YOu know that I didn't even think about it until you brought it up?! Oh well, we'll see how it is when we go back there in Dec and compare it to our checkins at VWL and OKW in May.

Something to ponder....hmmm

 

[LIFERBABE]

They are themed and wear jockey silks. During MH last may, Ray helped me with my bags and had Bell Services deliver them to my room. They sit right out front.

I've seen them on our 4 trips to SSR, but only used them the one time I was traveling alone.

I do understand about the feeling, although it doesnt bother me, because I know that it is only temporary.

 

[bobbiwoz]

OK, we were there in December and we were excited to be there. DH and I parked our car, and when we walked toward the check in, both he and I said, "This is nice!" There was a pointsettia tree and other signs of the season, so we didn't experience the feeling you're describing.

Bobbi

 

[dallastxcpa]

We were also at SSR in December. We checked in December 19th. There was no one in front of us to check in other than the people already at the counter.

Then on December 24th we transferred to Port Orleans and waited in line for 45 minutes. WOW what a difference.

At some point SSR will be the same, but for now I will enjoy it's newness.

 

[DrTomorrow]

First, to CRSNDSNY and others - you are correct inasmuch as SSR is indeed unfinished: the trees haven't reached maturity, all the buildings aren't finished, and the current size and capacity of the common areas greatly exceeds the current resident population. All of those will change with time.

We too have seen the wonderful "jockey" bellmen at the entrance to The Carriage House; they've always given us a "WH", even when we didn't use their services.

More to the point, though - I for one am VERY GLAD that SSR is a laid-back place where you stroll quietly to the front desk for a low-key check-in; I suspect that's the experience one gets at a "real" private resort or lodge. (Come to think of it, that's what we experienced when we stayed Concierge at the Polynesian. Just a couple CMs at desks, quietly and efficiently making us feel at home). I understand that, for some, the hustle-bustle of a "big-city" hotel is part of what makes a vacation 'special', but that's not for us. DW and I just got back from Las Vegas, and for those of you who want hustle-bustle, I kindly direct you to the front lobby of the MGM Grand Hotel on a Sunday - the place has 5005 rooms, I bet most of them turn over on Sunday. The place brought to mind what Ellis Island must have been like: hundreds of families w/suitcases, shopping bags and cardboard boxes sprawled out everywhere, geared up for a 1-hour wait.

We'll be back "home" in May, and I'll relish the "WH" from the security guard (they haven't missed one yet), a low-traffic drive up to the many parking spaces right in front of The Carriage House, the tip of the cap from the bellmen and a quiet, peaceful stroll - complete with soothing music in the background - up to the front desk, where smiling CM quietly says "Welcome Home".

IMHO - YMMV

 

[tjkraz]

The lobby looked great when decorated for Christmas. When we arrived there were 3 CMs behind the desk and probably 30 people in the lobby (about 5 parties waiting to check-in and a handful of kids in the play area to the side.)

But I can imagine it being a bit spartan otherwise.

With the resort layout the way it is, we're not going to spend much time there anyway. It's not like BCV or BWV where you pass through the lobby every time you want to take a bus or get to your car. In the case of SSR, we were in the lobby exactly once, for perhaps 20 minutes total.

And, as I think someone else mentioned, we saw several Bell Services gentlemen right outside of the lobby when we arrived.

 

[Sammie]

There were bellmen out front when we stayed in August. We were also told that the lobby is still a work in progress and more and more will be added to the decor as the resort gets finished.

I loved the open, airey feel to it. The quietness was wonderful.

 

[Pig Pen]

We did a quick visit to SSR during our Jan trip and I must say I found it very eerie. No people anywhere. Very empty, quiet, kind of felt like an Alfred Hitchcock movie set....the "Stepford Guests."

I had convinced DH to do a small add-on at SSR until we visited. Then he said 'no way.' And this is from a guy who loves Disney and thinks DVC is the best thing we ever did.

I am hoping to drag him back in April when there is more action to see if we feel any differently. It was a beautiful resort, but...

 

[CRSNDSNY]

They are themed and wear jockey silks. During MH last may, Ray helped me with my bags and had Bell Services deliver them to my room. They sit right out front.

WOW! We were there twice and still haven't seen them. Once during MH week and once last month. I hope they become a permanant fixture eventually. I think that starting the theming off right away would be helpful in setting the mood.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We'll be back "home" in May, and I'll relish the "WH" from the security guard (they haven't missed one yet), .......

Nope...with all the coming in and going out, they haven't missed a WH for us either. That was nice.

With the resort layout the way it is, we're not going to spend much time there anyway. It's not like BCV or BWV where you pass through the lobby every time you want to take a bus or get to your car. In the case of SSR, we were in the lobby exactly once, for perhaps 20 minutes total.

VERY good point. Just another difference between the resorts.


I just wanted to add that I totally understand that difference between all resorts and when we choose where we want to stay it is based on the type of vacation we're looking for. If we want more relaxed and laid back, it'll be SSR or OKW. If we want more hustle and bustle, it'll be BWV or BCV. If we want to be closer to the MK, it will be VWL. All set very different moods IMO and are wonderful in their own ways.

 

[kweaver]

The lobby and most of the public areas were very empty when we were there last June (2nd building had just opened). We were the only ones checking in (but it was 9am!). There were 5 or 6 families at the pool on Sunday afternoon...but that was the most we saw at any time.

The bell services folks were out and about to greet us...and all but one of the security guards was great!

If SSR had more, ummm, entertainment/shopping opportunities along the Broadway (the main drag)...I think we would see a lot more people milling around.

 

[DisneyBill]

Back in July last year, the bell service folks were definately present in the jockey attire as was advertised. They and the gate guard provided the welcome homes, the checkin CM was a bit on the timid side, but seemed to be new. There was only I think, 2 bldgs, open at that time. I didn't think even at that time the place felt sparse, in fact all the hustle with DVC tours of units and grounds was a bit too much from time to time.