SSR Report...LONG!

RobDoc

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Aug 14, 1998
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We walked over to the DVC sales center this morning and asked to see the SSR Models. We were graciously escorted to the model area and were able to take as much time (and as many pictures) as desired. (I'll post the photos Sunday night, hopefully.)

The rooms are basically the same size as those as BWV, BCV and VWL and the decor nicely reflects the Victorian theming of the Saratoga Springs community in upstate NY. I grew up about 20 miles from there and am very familiar with the area.

The CM who escorted us thru the models was not allowed to discuss any sales aspects of the program (not licensed to do so) so I asked if I could briefly speak with a guide. They were very busy (had 128 appointments scheduled for today!!) as the interest in DVC is really off the charts at this time. As reported on this site, there is very little left to sell except SSR at this time.

Ken Bradshaw was kind enough to spend a few minutes with us and provided me with a packet of information about SSR, including point charts, finance charts, brochures and a POS.

Even though others have provided great information about sales at SSR, I will offer a few comments based on our tour and our discussion with Ken.

SSR will open in May, 2004. Presales are $89 per point, but there are 2 incentives currently available. The resort will have an ending date of Jan 31, 2054. The other DVC resorts still end on Jan 31, 2042 and point costs for those resorts is still $84 per point- MB is also available at other DVC Resorts- but is not currently available (or necessary) at SSR.

The first is a simple discount of $10 per point (not MB) for purchases of 100 points or more. You will still get all of your first years points to use. SSR owners may make reservations at SSR beginning Dec. 1, 2003. Owners at other resorts may make reservations at SSR beginning on February 4, 2004. Points at SSR are not available for Use Years earlier than Dec, 2003. No SSR points may be used at any resort for a date earlier than May 1, 2004.

The second incentive is an offer of "Developer Points" which may be used for reservations within DVC, onsite Disney Collection resorts and II excahnges prior to April 30, 2004. The number of points offered varies by the size of the SSR contract purchased. 150-210 points provides up to 100 Developer Points (DP). 211-261= 160DP. 262-312=200DP. 313-363=250DP. 364-414=300DP. 415-465=350DP. (I'm not sure what is offered for more than 465 SSR points!)

In addition, a combination of DP and $10 incentive can also be accomplished if desired.

There are currently 4 buildings under construction on the 65 acre site for the resort. The first will open May 1, 2004 followed by another each month. (June, July and August, 2004).

Once these four have opened, there will be a five month hiatus for further buidling openings, but the remaining buildings will already be under construction. The following 8 buildings will open (one per month) following the hiatus period. There are presently 12 buildings planned and all are scheduled to open in the next 22 months.

Each building will have 46 villas (there will be 2 GV's included in that total for each building). There will be Studios (355 sq'), 1BR (714 sq'), 2BR (1075 sq') and GV's (2113 sq') in each building.
2BR villas will be both dedicated and lock-off options. There will be interior hallways, but each building will have it's own parking area.

All studios will have a queen bed and double sleep sofa. 1BR's will have the king bed and queen sleep sofa. Dedicated 2BR's will have a king bed, 2 queens in the 2nd BR and the queen sleep sofa. GV's will have king bed in the master and 2 queens in each of the other BR's, plus the queen sleep sofa.

There will be a counter service restaurant on site (called Artist's Pallette). While the name is certainly similar to Artist Point and WL, there will no PS confusion, since none are needed or accepted at counter-serve restaurants.

The pool will be located where the outdoor amphitheater was previously found at DI on the hillside.

The site for the planned portion of the resort previously was home to the DI bungalows and Townhouse Villas. The first four buildings will be on the site occupied by the Townhouse Villas and the remaining 8 buildings will be where the old Bungalows were found surrounding the lake.

While Fairway Villas and Treehouse Villas do still exist, no decision has been made about their status regarding SSR. (Fairway Villas currently house CP-CM's and Treehouses are vacant.)

The point chart is as presented in Caskbill's chart, so I won't reproduce that here.

The POS does more clearly define the policy allowing the ability of members to rent reservations, but otherwise nothing else stands out as a change in my brief scan thru the document.

If anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer them here.

Enjoy!
 
Thanks Doc:cool:






There will be a counter service restaurant on site (called Artist's Pallette). While the name is certainly similar to Artist Point and WL, there will no PS confusion, since none are needed or accepted at counter-serve restaurants.


Any word on a Full Service dining spot?
 

Originally posted by RoutemanDan
Any word on a Full Service dining spot?


There are no plans to have a full service place. With the close proximity (and boat/walking access) to DD and the failure of Season's (the nice DI full service restaurant), I'm sure they feel the counterserve restaurant will provide the dining needs for those staying at the resort. I assume (Ken wasn't sure) that Artist's Pallette will be located where Season's was (adjoining the resort check-in area).
 
I thought it was being said that SSR would have a type of food court area? Any word on that?
Thanks!
 
Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
We walked into the DVC sales center this morning and asked to see the SSR Models. We were graciously escorted to the model area and were able to take as much time (and as many pictures) as desired. (I'll post the photos Sunday night, hopefully.)


If anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer them here.

Enjoy!

Thanks, Doc. Dumb question- where is the DVC sales center? At BCV?
 
/
Artist's Pallette will have the counterserve restaurant and will also be home to some shops (I'll assume resort store-type shops). It is what some have reported as a food court.

The Sales Center is still next to Jellyrolls at the BWV. Once they have enough completed at SSR, it will be moved over there. (No timeframe that I'm aware of- I suppose it could be as late as when it opens in May.)

BCV has a model open daily for members to tour, but there is no sales office at BCV. All sales activity is only at the BW center.
 
Outstanding job Doc! You answered every question I had in my mind.
 
Doc,

What was your personal opinion of the models?

Did you like them? :D

Thanks for all of this information:D
 
Originally posted by floridafam
Doc,

What was your personal opinion of the models?

Did you like them? :D

Thanks for all of this information:D

OUCH!! I tried to keep everything as factual as possible and purposely avoided any opinion... but since you asked... :smooth:

I think the decor is very elegant. The furniture has a very rich feel and look. I like the dining bench and desk in the masterbedroom - both were first introduced at BCV. The wall decoration, carpeting and fabric patterns are all very consistent with the Saratoga theme (Victorian styling, health spa and horseracing).

Since we used to stay in the Townhouse Villas prior to the opening of OKW, I think the location is great and the easy access to the DD area will enhance entertainment and dining opportunities for those so inclined. I'm confident that transportation will not be any different than at any other WDW resort (no better-no worse), so if you enjoy using WDW Transportation you won't feel differently at SSR and if you hate using buses/boats- you'll still hate using buses/boats at SSR also.

The pool appears it will be an asset to the resort and, of course, golf will be very easily accessed since the LBV Clubhouse is right there. The Spa certainly compliments the theme of the resort and is centrally located. Tennis courts already exist next to the Spa and the old DI boat dock is being renovated for increased usage.

I fully intend to stay there as soon as I can find availability- hopefully next May.

... I'll bet you're sorry you asked for that personal opinion?? :smooth:
 
If floridafam had not asked I would have:D . Thanks for the great report.
 
Thank you Doc! Very thorough....as usual.

BTW...128 appointments, Wow! That really is "off the charts".
 
Thanks for the info Doc.
biggthumpup.gif
Do you think the New Years celebration
fest30.gif
(fireworks) at midnight every nite at PI will make some people shy away form owning there if they have young children?
 
Thanks for the info. I have been curious.

Quick questions -
"The site for the planned portion of the resort previously was home to the DI bungalows and Townhouse Villas. The first four buildings will be on the site occupied by the Townhouse Villas and the remaining 8 buildings will be where the old Bungalows were found surrounding the lake.

While Fairway Villas and Treehouse Villas do still exist, no decision has been made about their status regarding SSR. (Fairway Villas currently house CP-CM's and Treehouses are vacant.)"

Does this mean that the overall size of the resort has not been determined? Are they only selling points for the 12 buildings and than taking a wait and see approach? Also, do you know why there is a 4 month break in building?

Thanks
Sandy
 
Thanks Doc! I always enjoy your "live from the scene" reports, and your personal opinion. While I don't think we'll buy pts there, I sure hope to stay there and give it a try. That is one of the best things for DH and I is the ability to change resorts and try new things and visit those we feel comfortable with.

Thanks again and enjoy your trip!
 
Will be checking this out myself in a couple of weeks.

Scratch
:smooth:
 



















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