SSR has great potential...any ideas?

[cobbler]

alright, so I'm just abit curious...what is the Turf Club? according to my guide ( whom I spoke to this AM when I added more points ) he stated that a full service restaurant is on the grounds and open as we spoke....and it is called the Turf Club.

any confirmation on this ?

Turf Club will be a full sit-down restaurant starting this spring or summer sometime. I am not exactly sure what it was before, kind of a bar type thing with limited fare but they are making it a full service restaurant.

 

[lts862]

I am hoping that Turf Club will be full service. After looking at Deb's site and reading the recently added menu offerings, I am disappointed. I am guessing (more like hoping) that this is just the beginning and the restaurant will grow in size and menu? Does anyone know?

 

[CherCrazy]

I love the idea of the real HORSES on the grounds. Great idea!!

I've often thought that the landscaping needs help. Yes, it still has to grow and fill in, but I thought maybe some Disney horse statues thrown into the landscaping would help with the theming. After all, if you really look at the resort, what does it really say to you? It doesn't say New York old time race track resort town to me.

I think the lobby needs help too. The ceiling is soooo high, but it's just plain PLAIN on the walls.

 

[Daitcher]

As I've posted before, although I love SSR, I DO NOT think that a sit down restaurant is all that necessary. One of the things I most love about SSR is the proximity to Downtown D. Personally, I don't think that a high-end sit down would get that much use when faced with all of the other options available at Downtown. I just feel like it would go mostly unused. I'd really rather them expand on the Artist Pallette offerings, which I find tasty, but very limited in scope. Unless of course they make the sit down a "destination type" sit down (e.g., a charachter meal or Boma-like) and I really don't see that happening. Otherwise, it will only be people from the resort eating there, and I picture it being pretty empty. Just my opinion, but I think you really need to factor in the Downtown restaurants when discussing dining at SSR.

Couldn't disagree more with your thinking. Resorts have a captive audience so to speak. A resort the size of SSR means plenty of people. A fair percentage of those don't always want to travel to eat or just want to be waited on as opposed to the food court thing. I personaly would give SSR another try once this is added. Sit down restaurants do well at all of the resorts, why not SSR? Olivia's at OKW isn't hurting for business. The restauarants at DTD are a zoo. Why go all the way over there and have to wait to get in when a good restaurant is right there at SSR. Also if the new restaurant is good enough people would come there to eat. We go to other resorts to eat at good restaurants so it isn't just resort guests as you speculate. Only time will tell who is right but I truly believe it will add a lot to this resort. Now the other thing they desperately need is poolside dining. Why should guest have to go dripping wet into AP to get food? Almost every resort out there today at least offers some type of dining poolside. Kids don't want to be hauled out of the pool to go inside to eat. Tables right there with some type of food would add a lot. Bar is also way to smal for a resort the size of SSR. I would also like to see the theatre utilized for a dinner theatre type situation or a comedy club or show. This could happen when the resort sells out. Thanks for the great post and ideas.


DAVE

 

[Daitcher]

Room Service!!!!

I know SSR & OKW get a lot of flack on these boards for being "condo" styled resorts, but honestly - the only thing my family misses is the occasional room service splurge. I've seen the way the CM's zip around in those little golf carts - I'm sure they could get our food to us while it's still hot!

Agree totally. I talked to our room service guy at BCV and he said that the room service food there is hoofed over from Yacht Club. That is a pretty good haul and they do it on foot. Room service can be done anywhere regardless of distance. Think about your pizza, chinese, delvery at home. It can and should be done. This would also add a lot of business for the sit down restaurant. We order room service at least a couple of times per trip.


DAVE

 

[Daitcher]

wingkng,

There's no guarantee that the Comedy Warehouse and Adventurers' Club will always be there. The Internet rumor is that the Raglan Road Irish Pub, which replaced the Pleasure Island Jazz Company, marks the beginning of what will be a transformation of Pleasure Island from unique, Disney-operated clubs to leased restaurants operated by outside companies.


wingkng,

When Disney sees the opportunity to make money with a table-service restaurant at SSR (either by operating such a restaurant or by collecting rent), there will be a table-service restaurant. Keep in mind that restaurants and shops at DVC resorts are not part of the "condominium," but are operations through which Disney makes a profit or takes a loss.

The theater at SSR is similar matter. The theater is also not part of the "condominium." So the question is, what kind of live events and concerts could Disney profitably run for a limited audience within the gated resort (even by opening the events to non-SSR guests)? Or are you suggesting that the events should be paid for by the SSR members' operating budget — in other words, by an increase in your annual dues?

Retail space falls in the same category as restaurants. Disney resorts each have some sort of combination souvenir and convenience store, but the main shopping for Disney guests is in the parks and at Downtown Disney. I wouldn't expect that to be any different at SSR.

Enjoy SSR. It's a lovely place. But don't count on seeing "SSR mature into a more 'high-end' resort," as you define it.

It wouldn't take an increase in dues. The theatre could support itself by selling tickets for entry and selling alcohol. Even if it did increase dues if would so minimal it would be worth it. What an extra .50 a year going to hurt. Really smal in the big scheme of things. Go theatre!

DAVE

 

[Judique]

I bought SSR as my initial purchase, not only because it was a great bargain with the recent offer, but also because it was a great fit for my vacation needs. I like the Downtown Disney area, especially a visit to the Comedy club and Adventurers Club on PI, and I really enjoy the shops and restaurants there. I also like the access to the spa there, for some time to relax and unwind.

I would love to see SSR mature into a more "high-end" resort, perhaps with some nice sit-down restaurant, or make use of the theater there for some special live events and concerts. Also, they could build some kind of strip shopping center with high-end boutique stores (similar to the real Saratoga Springs) to fit with the spa. I think that Disney can make it into a great destination that people would want to visit.

Any other ideas to make SSR into "THE" place to be?

I think in time SSR will become what you suggest. It just needs more time. It will surpass OKW since it has more to offer, long term. It could become the new 'Boardwalk' with more connection to DT Disney. Geez...I should buy a few points there.......

 

[shantay1008]

How about this: the restaurant should have a Mary-Poppins' theme, with carousels/racetrack decor, and the kicker is that the tables are up near the ceiling, like the tea party in the movie.

We would definitely visit a sit-down restaurant (especially one with a fun atmosphere), would love to have food available at the pool, and would continue to utilize the spa (I had a great pedicure there last week).

I agree with the poster who wasn't crazy about all the parking lots...it makes the resort seem a little motel-y. Could they be hidden a bit more with large bushes or something?

I really was surprised by how close DTD is to Congress Park...could a more direct bridge be built to connect the two areas better? It literally looked like they were just a stone's throw apart.

Here in the upper midwest, we're spoiled by having lots of wonderful coffeeshops to hang out in. I'd love to see one at SSR...

 

[Daitcher]

Here in the upper midwest, we're spoiled by having lots of wonderful coffeeshops to hang out in. I'd love to see one at SSR...

We have them here in the real Saratoga Springs as well. We have 5 including a Starbucks in this small town of 25,000. Seriously, Saratoga is a gambling and drinking town, so I say casinos and free booze at SSR.

DAVE

 

[gothmommie]

I love the idea of the real HORSES on the grounds. Great idea!!

Oh, my yes!!! and pony rides for the kids! (I know FW has them but another location would be cool and who doesn't love pony rides???) Just a thought. I'm sure the dues would increase exponentially though....

 

[dvc-NE]

How about shuttle service for anybody that waits over 1/2 hour for a bus?

 

[BellaBuggy]

I love the Mary Poppins idea - a character breakfast would be great.

 

[Beca]

I certainly think something should be done with that theatre. A while back, someone suggested a "vaudeville" dinner theatre experience similar to the hoop-de-doo. I think that sound really neat!! I also really like the idea of "Victorian themed" shops....an old-fashioned soda shop, bakery, and sandwich shop (similar to Beaches 'n Cream, only "older") would be really cute. Then, there could be boutique-style stores.

The boardwalk idea to DTD is great, too. My only concern is this....so many people seem to like SSR because of its "relaxing seclusion"....every attraction you add will bring more people thru SSR. Is this really want most of the owners want? I know most OKW owners would really NOT like such additions to their "piece of heaven".



Beca

 

[BellaBuggy]

Oh - and a tea room. Or maybe just a tea with Mary Poppins.

 

[wingkng]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I like the horses idea too. I know that they have started having carriage rides. This reminded me of my visit a few years ago to the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island in Michigan. For those who have never been there, you have to ride a ferry over from the mainland. Once you are there, no automobiles are allowed, only horsedrawn carriages. The shops along the main street has various shops, fudge stores, Victorian style souvenirs, etc. At the Grand Hotel, there is a high tea every afternoon. The hotel and the island was featured in the movie "Somewhere in Town" with Christopher Reeve. The island does evoke a much simpler time. Perhaps, SSR can try to emulate that kind of atmosphere.

 

[gppnj]

I think SSR's best days are ahead of it. The exteriors of the buildings are very nice, and from the photos, the insides look lovely. However, as I mentioned in another post, I think right now the outside is very stark and sterile looking. If Disney planted a lot of fast-growing trees, it would make the place look much, much better. It might seem like a minor thing, but I think it will do wonders.

I think Disney should also consider a second themed pool unless Disney is sure that the main themed pool won't be too crowded when the resort os full and the weather is nice.

I bought SSR as my initial purchase, not only because it was a great bargain with the recent offer, but also because it was a great fit for my vacation needs. I like the Downtown Disney area, especially a visit to the Comedy club and Adventurers Club on PI, and I really enjoy the shops and restaurants there. I also like the access to the spa there, for some time to relax and unwind.

I would love to see SSR mature into a more "high-end" resort, perhaps with some nice sit-down restaurant, or make use of the theater there for some special live events and concerts. Also, they could build some kind of strip shopping center with high-end boutique stores (similar to the real Saratoga Springs) to fit with the spa. I think that Disney can make it into a great destination that people would want to visit.

Any other ideas to make SSR into "THE" place to be?

 

[DrTomorrow]

We have them here in the real Saratoga Springs as well. We have 5 including a Starbucks in this small town of 25,000. Seriously, Saratoga is a gambling and drinking town, so I say casinos and free booze at SSR.

DAVE

WE HAVE A WINNER!!! If there was one thing that would help even out the "location location location" situation it would be SSR&S hosting Casino Disney! They could have continuous Disney movies/cartoons for the kids on the lower level while Mom plays the slots hoping to line up three Mickeys and Dad shoots craps while being served free drinks by CWs dressed up like Jessica Rabbit. Dining? No Problem! Goofy's Coffee shop open 24/7, the Ink and Paint club jazz bar, Three Cabaleros Mexican food and, off in a very secluded place accessible only by a old-fashioned Victorian elevator, Walt's Place: a gourmet dining establishment to put V&A to shame....

Want me to add on, DVC? Implement the above ASAP!

 

[DrTomorrow]

Assuming that my new, Daitcher-supplied dream of "Dice, Drinks and Dames at Disney" won't happen, two more practical things come to mind.

1. I've said elsewhere - add some whimsy! It can be subtle: statues of Disney characters on horses would be a nice addition; maybe have Nessie surface in the Springs/Paddock lake ever hour. Make all the DVC Guides at the Sales Office dress up like Disney characters every Wednesday! One of the few things that I dislike about SSR (and OKW from my last trip) is that, if I didn't know any better, when I drive though, there's no sense of Disney at all.

2. There seems to be a demand for a lot more dining and shopping options - DTD offers all that and more - yet it isn't easy to get there. How about a small-scale train (Walt LOVED trains) that runs from SSR to DTD; something like the Conservation Station train at AK. I guess I'd even accept something along the parking tram lines, scaled down and spiffed up to look a bit nicer. But there needs to be something to make it simpler / easier / a no-brainer to arrive home from SSR after a day at the parks, drop your things off at your room and head to DTD for meals, shopping or shows.

Be well!

 

[yitbos96bb]

I bought SSR as my initial purchase, not only because it was a great bargain with the recent offer, but also because it was a great fit for my vacation needs. I like the Downtown Disney area, especially a visit to the Comedy club and Adventurers Club on PI, and I really enjoy the shops and restaurants there. I also like the access to the spa there, for some time to relax and unwind.

I would love to see SSR mature into a more "high-end" resort, perhaps with some nice sit-down restaurant, or make use of the theater there for some special live events and concerts. Also, they could build some kind of strip shopping center with high-end boutique stores (similar to the real Saratoga Springs) to fit with the spa. I think that Disney can make it into a great destination that people would want to visit.

Any other ideas to make SSR into "THE" place to be?

Definately a signature restaurant. They could serve Horse Steaks as a specialty (sorry, couldn't resist)... I like the theater idea... I loved it when it actually showed movies at DI... Maybe set it up to run classic cartoons etc, something that wouldn't need a lot of maintenance. I even like the shop ideas... I would love for them to bring back the ability to rent golf carts like at DI... that was great fun.

I loved DI so SSR is nice to me as well. I think that the biggest mistake with DI wasn't turning it into a DVC at open. I think it would have succeeded with all the classes etc, had it been a DVC. Oh well.

 

[BethA]

I found the shop to be dismal and would like a real table service restaurant too. Limited room service would be nice and something open past 11.

Maybe they could do a mystery dinner theater there.

When the next phase opens the lines for food will be out of control-they were bad at peak times this week.

I just did not feel like I was at a Disney resort and missed that.