SSR Lovers and/or Owners Thread!

[kikiq]

I always get frustrated when reading a thread and statements are made with the idea that staying at SSR is the last place any DVCr would stay. I have read three such innuendos today alone.

There is this never ending rumor out their that wont die. It has a life of its own. It is walking around the other resorts in an old swim suit and flip flops, unshaven with bad breath, that continues portraying the idea that one would only stay at SSR if you needed to blow off developer points (after buying into one of the more exclusive resort), or if you were unlucky enough to be down graded from the "Pop" resort your kids wanted to stay at due to over booking.

And I was frustrated that I found this thread on page three . . . .

My DH loves SSR and really missed it this last week while we were at BWV. He really has no desire to stay anywhere else. His comment about BWV was "Yes, it's convenient to Epcot and DHS, BUT it's still just a hotel." His SSR is his vacation spot where he can walk in peace around the lake and over to OKW with his refill mug.

We had a chance to talk to some AKV hospitality CMs this trip. They told us that they had more than one DVC member ask to be MOVED TO SSR after one night at AKV. There were 2 examples just this last week. One family came from SSR to AKV 1 bdrm, returned to the desk and said the room seemed smaller than SSR. They moved to a 2 bdrm when the new section opened and she later told us that they asked to move back to SSR this week. Another family checked in and immediately came back to ask to move to SSR.

To me, there is NOTHING wrong with SSR. It's not too big, the buses run fine, the theming is just right and the food choices work for us. The people who say SSR is too big, have they not stayed at any other timeshare? SSR is small compared to many timeshare properties. Certainly is small compared to the Colorado timeshares we've rented in the past. And is small compared to the one we stayed at in Palm Springs. And those properties do not have food service, you bring your own food that you bought at the grocery store down the road. And I will say this, at BWV if you have to take the elevators to your 4th floor room after a long day and you have a villa in the farthest building...IT IS A LONG WALK!!!!! Check out my trip report and look at the hallway pictures. If you are in the last building facing the tennis courts/valet parking, you are walking a long way. BUT it doesn't as bad because of the ac.

Why does SSR have to have the hustle and bustle of the "hotel type" DVCs? While the walk from the self park to our BWV was up 4 flights of stairs and near the lot, it was definitely farther than at SSR. My neighbor and SSR owner says, "the parking can't be beat, who takes the bus?" They always rent a car, park right outside their villa and drive to the parks.

And believe or not, SSR does not always have rooms. Originally when I wanted to change from a studio to a one bdrm 2 months ago, there were NO one bdrms at SSR. My choices were Kidani and OKW. But I got lucky and someone canceled at BWV at the last minute and we got one there. I would like to add on a small BWV contract, but SSR is still our favorite.

 

[my3princes]

We are SSR members. I called to make a ressie for a Treehouse villa just under the 11 month mark and only 2 of the 7 days was available. We are wait listed for the other 5, but it just proves that SSR does book up early. We love SSR and if we can't stay there we will have to choose OKW as it is our 2nd favorite. I for one am glad that everyone has different preference, otherwise it would be too hard to get a reservation.

 

[rentayenta]

Gievn the choice between BLT, AKV, GCV, and SSR, SSR was the winner hands down!!! And when I add on it will be at either GCV or SSR.

 

[majortom1981]

We are SSR members. I called to make a ressie for a Treehouse villa just under the 11 month mark and only 2 of the 7 days was available. We are wait listed for the other 5, but it just proves that SSR does book up early. We love SSR and if we can't stay there we will have to choose OKW as it is our 2nd favorite. I for one am glad that everyone has different preference, otherwise it would be too hard to get a reservation.

Trehouse villas fills up quick because you can fit 9 people but only use a 2 bed villa amount of points. I have never had ssr filled up on me yet.

 

[AirGoofy]

When people talk neagatively about SSR, I guess I really do not read much into it. If you look hard enough at every resort, there will be something that you do not like. But if someone is complaining about their vacation, they really need to re-think their position, count their blessings, and simply be grateful. There is a difference in sending food back that was not properly cooked or a room that was not cleaned by Mousekeeping as opposed to the general negativity. Besides, at least I know there will be room for me there and my dues cost are low.

 

[tomandrobin]

We are SSR members. I called to make a ressie for a Treehouse villa just under the 11 month mark and only 2 of the 7 days was available. We are wait listed for the other 5, but it just proves that SSR does book up early. We love SSR and if we can't stay there we will have to choose OKW as it is our 2nd favorite. I for one am glad that everyone has different preference, otherwise it would be too hard to get a reservation.

Sorry to read that you could not get the room you wanted. Which is scary since there are 60 tree house villas.

Best of luck with your waitlist.

 

[PinkTink63]

I always get frustrated when reading a thread and statements are made with the idea that staying at SSR is the last place any DVCr would stay. I have read three such innuendos today alone.

There is this never ending rumor out their that wont die. It has a life of its own. It is walking around the other resorts in an old swim suit and flip flops, unshaven with bad breath, that continues portraying the idea that one would only stay at SSR if you needed to blow off developer points (after buying into one of the more exclusive resort), or if you were unlucky enough to be down graded from the "Pop" resort your kids wanted to stay at due to over booking.

And I was frustrated that I found this thread on page three . . . .

What frustrates me is all the people that keep getting the "free upgrade" to a SSR one-bedroom when purchasing a value resort package with free dining for $1500/week! Meanwhile, I can't get a studio room that I want at my home resort when I am there to check in at 8:30am and perfectly willing to wait all day! I don't even have enough points to stay in a one-bedroom and I can tell you I spent way more than $1500 not counting the initial purchase of DVC!

 

[pnyltwk]

What frustrates me is all the people that keep getting the "free upgrade" to a SSR one-bedroom when purchasing a value resort package with free dining for $1500/week! Meanwhile, I can't get a studio room that I want at my home resort when I am there to check in at 8:30am and perfectly willing to wait all day! I don't even have enough points to stay in a one-bedroom and I can tell you I spent way more than $1500 not counting the initial purchase of DVC!

How far in advance are you calling for your reservation? We have been members since 04 and have never had a problem getting a room.

We have stayed at SSR twice since the resort opened. We stayed in Mar of 05 and again this past year at Christmas. I have read a number of reports where complaints were made about bus service and other issues. I am sure that no place is gonna please all people all of the time. From our perspective SSR is a great place to stay and we will continue to stay there often. We are leaving next months for a few days in THV's and are anxiously waiting for the trip to begin. We have stayed at a number of the other DVC resorts and have enjoyed them all. Is one better than the other? I do not really think so. I think that we are all different and have different perspectives.

 

[disneynutsx4]

We're DVC since '05 and our home resort is SSR. We've also stayed at Boardwalk, Beach Club, Port Orleans, and All-Star Music in previous vacations.

One of the coolest things we've found is that each resort has its own "vibe," much like each of the parks has its own vibe. Boardwalk is always humming with something going on, except for early in the AM when you head for the Bakery. Beach Club seemed a little less frenetic, even on a busy afternoon during Spring Break. Port Orleans had a completely different laid-back feel, one that makes you want to get a mint julep and put your feet up.

And SSR is definitely the most laid-back of all of them, but that's not a bad thing after spending the day park-hopping. What else would you expect from a resort that features a spa? We're really happy with SSR, although we will continue to sample other venues because it's fun!

 

[oakmanner]

I think as of late there has been much less SSR bashing than there was a few years back. Oddly enough it is usually people that have never stayed there that put it down the most.

We love SSR and it's fine with us if some prefer not to stay there. Easier for us to get ressies for those spur of the moment trips!

 

[kgkmom]

We're DVC since '05 and our home resort is SSR. We've also stayed at Boardwalk, Beach Club, Port Orleans, and All-Star Music in previous vacations.

One of the coolest things we've found is that each resort has its own "vibe," much like each of the parks has its own vibe. Boardwalk is always humming with something going on, except for early in the AM when you head for the Bakery. Beach Club seemed a little less frenetic, even on a busy afternoon during Spring Break. Port Orleans had a completely different laid-back feel, one that makes you want to get a mint julep and put your feet up.

And SSR is definitely the most laid-back of all of them, but that's not a bad thing after spending the day park-hopping. What else would you expect from a resort that features a spa? We're really happy with SSR, although we will continue to sample other venues because it's fun!

I agree! We just returned from a week-long stay at SSR, and it was fantastic! We were in the Grandstand (first building closest to the check-in), and it couldn't have been better! So convenient to everything we needed. We'll also still try out other resorts (will be at Boardwalk in January), but for a relaxing time, we'll either stay at Old Key West or simply 'Go Home' to SSR.

Now that SSR is basically filled out with all the amenities, I think it's a great place to stay. Each section of the resort has it's own 'vibe', and I really love it.

My only regret is not buying more points!

 

[PinkTink63]

How far in advance are you calling for your reservation? We have been members since 04 and have never had a problem getting a room.

We have stayed at SSR twice since the resort opened. We stayed in Mar of 05 and again this past year at Christmas. I have read a number of reports where complaints were made about bus service and other issues. I am sure that no place is gonna please all people all of the time. From our perspective SSR is a great place to stay and we will continue to stay there often. We are leaving next months for a few days in THV's and are anxiously waiting for the trip to begin. We have stayed at a number of the other DVC resorts and have enjoyed them all. Is one better than the other? I do not really think so. I think that we are all different and have different perspectives.

I haven't had a problem getting a reservation there, but I made mine at eleven months. I also have found the bus service to be quite efficient there! I have stayed there on two trips and the average wait time for a bus has been about 10 min. I have only waited about a half hour twice! I have stayed at several resorts and find the bus situation to be pretty much the same everywhere. IMO that I have had the longest waits consistently at BWV, but I still love that place!
I like our home resort, because it is very peaceful there and it is close to DTD. I think each resort has something to offer and it is a personal preference.

 

[Flyerfan]

My DH loves SSR and really missed it this last week while we were at BWV. He really has no desire to stay anywhere else. His comment about BWV was "Yes, it's convenient to Epcot and DHS, BUT it's still just a hotel." His SSR is his vacation spot where he can walk in peace around the lake and over to OKW with his refill mug.

We are staying at BWV this trip for something different and then SSR in November. While we love the Boardwalk area and walking to Epcot and DHS, I think we will miss our beloved SSR. I figure if we are not thrilled with BWV we at least have our November trip to look forward to.

 

[PSC]

I'm glad to see so many SSR defenders speaking out. I admit to being worried about SSR from the negative posts I was reading before I stayed there, but I think its a great place for and look forward to going back. When I asked my DW if she wanted to trade out of SSR at the 7 month mark to a resort we've never stayed at, she said no because she enjoys to resort. Count us as a family who is glad for the 11 month booking advantage at SSR.

 

[AirGoofy]

Speaking of the good things at SSR, anybody tried the spa? And, more specifically, any guys try the spa? DW wants both of us to try it together - I am leary. I like the hot tub after a swim in the pool.

 

[majortom1981]

Speaking of the good things at SSR, anybody tried the spa? And, more specifically, any guys try the spa? DW wants both of us to try it together - I am leary. I like the hot tub after a swim in the pool.

My fiancee ,her mom,and moms best friend did it and liked it a lot.

 

[silmarg]

This evening, I am sitting in my Paddock studio in the last of my 10 nite stay - yes, on a Pop upgrade.

SSR is a fine resort. Very very well kept. The Springs Pool is excellent, and the Grandstand pool may well be the best "non main" pool I've ever experienced. Artist Pallette always served good food quickly.

The busses were fine. We had 2 particularly long waits (one to MK to try and make Hoop Dee Doo ressie) and the other for a Typhoon Lagoon visit. Considering we took about 25 bus rides, I suppose that is not a horrible track record.

The location is a bit out of the way so the rides on the busses were fairly long. But not rediculous.

We did the DVC presentation (I mentioned to the CM that I was looking at resales at SSR). The whole DVC pitch was about BLT, AKL and VGC. He did mention THV, but lamented on the bus situation there (I took it as his sublimnal way of saying I should not buy resale at SSR, but I should rather buy at the more convenient and "higher end" resorts - his words not mine). From his presentation one would assume SSR was already sold out (which I assume is not the case).

That said, I think I need to convice the DW that we can live w/o daily room cleaning... and we will soon enough be DVC members at SSR.

For those who already own here. I an envious. And I hope to join your ranks.

 

[tjkraz]

That said, I think I need to convice the DW that we can live w/o daily room cleaning... and we will soon enough be DVC members at SSR.

You can pay for daily housekeeping if you want it. It isn't cheap, but I bet if you factor the cost into your total ownership cost, you'll still pay far less than remaining a cash guest in the long run. Here are the daily prices for full cleaning:

Studio/Inn = $30 per service
1 Bedroom = $45 per service
2 Bedroom = $60 per service
Grand Villa = $75 per service

You can add as few or as many cleanings as you wish.

 

[AirGoofy]

This evening, I am sitting in my Paddock studio in the last of my 10 nite stay - yes, on a Pop upgrade.

SSR is a fine resort. Very very well kept. The Springs Pool is excellent, and the Grandstand pool may well be the best "non main" pool I've ever experienced. Artist Pallette always served good food quickly.

The busses were fine. We had 2 particularly long waits (one to MK to try and make Hoop Dee Doo ressie) and the other for a Typhoon Lagoon visit. Considering we took about 25 bus rides, I suppose that is not a horrible track record.

The location is a bit out of the way so the rides on the busses were fairly long. But not rediculous.

We did the DVC presentation (I mentioned to the CM that I was looking at resales at SSR). The whole DVC pitch was about BLT, AKL and VGC. He did mention THV, but lamented on the bus situation there (I took it as his sublimnal way of saying I should not buy resale at SSR, but I should rather buy at the more convenient and "higher end" resorts - his words not mine). From his presentation one would assume SSR was already sold out (which I assume is not the case).

That said, I think I need to convice the DW that we can live w/o daily room cleaning... and we will soon enough be DVC members at SSR.

For those who already own here. I an envious. And I hope to join your ranks.

Glad you enjoyed the trip. From another DH point of view, the only thing I missed was not having clean towels everyday. Now, were those extra pool towels I saw in the room in the morning?

 

[wdwjan]

Hi, all! We just *today* signed our resale documents, sent in the check, and will soon join you as SSR owners!! I'M TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP!!! Our first trip will be in February, since my husband has a conference then, so I hope we won't be too late to get a studio at SSR. I'll let you know!

Jan