SSR Restaurant Thought

[tjkraz]

Not sure if this will generate any discussion or not, but I thought I would share anyway.

I had a thought about the dining issues at SSR. Many have posted (unsubstantiated) rumors that SSR will get a full-service restaurant in the future. DVC's official position is that nothing is forthcoming.

Personally, I've always wondered where they would find the space.

What about the DVC sales center? Unlike at the Boardwalk, DVC did not build model rooms within (or adjoining) the sales center itself. The models are 2 actual guest rooms (a grand villa and a lockoff 2B) in the Congress Park area, to which the DVC staff ferry guests in a golf cart. The point being that it doesn't seem like the current system is condusive to DVC refurbishing SSR rooms to mirror another resort as they often did at the Boardwalk.

Once the resort is approaching sell-out and a new property is in the final stages of construction, I think it's only logical to move the sales center to the new site. Then, with the guaranteed audience of +/- 800 sold-out units at SSR, they turn the sales center into a full service restaurant.

From the outside, the site seems large enough to host a restaurant. It already has a parking lot right outside.

Make sense, or am I off my rocker?

 

[lllovell]

Makes perfect sense to me, but is that area large enough? We didn't do a true sales tour (bought over the phone, just asked to see the rooms one day while on vacation, so got the ride over in the golf cart, but no sales pitch), but it didn't look like that area was very big to me. Perhaps more than meets the eye?

 

[tjkraz]

Here's a link to the map at Barry's site:

http://www.barrybedford.com/dvc/ssrresortmap.html

The Spa and preview center share a physical building. If the dividing line in the middle of the structure is accurate, it looks larger than the Artist's Palette / Gift Shop facilities. AP was reportedly designed to seat 120.

And there's plenty of parking right outside.

 

[new_yawka]

I am of the opinion that space is not and will not be a major concern. There is plenty of useably space within which they could build or fit out a full-service restaurant. My bigger question is utility of such a restaurant (and my guess is this is Disney's question as well).

A golf-style grill linked to the LBV golf course may appeal to the golfer/spa visiter...but will a full-service restaurant be a money maker? If and when all phases of SSR are open, I would imagine full-service restaurant could do well (although proximity to DTD's great restaurants will have some limiting impact on its success). Until that time, Disney will likely bide its time.

As for location. What are the plans (if any) for the theatre?

 

[lllovell]

I am too new to the DVC family to really know, but I am betting there are some holes in the current resort restaurant area that need to be filled. The arguement about DTD has never really held water for me because of the ease of getting to EPCOT from some of the resorts, which is chock full of good places to eat. Also, have you tried getting into a restaurant at DTD on a busier night without waiting for EVER? Seems like the same as trying to get into an EPCOT restaurant without a PS. My pooped kids can't wait (if we weren't sure of our earlier plans and didn't make a PS). I know during busy season, you could end up waiting at other resort restaurants as well, but I am thinking not nearly as much as you would over at DTD during "busy" season.

Also, I was about 10 weeks pregnant when we went on our first DVC trip last April, so while I loved Olivia's, I didn't care much for BOMA but KNOW I need to give it another chance - morning sickness is *bleeck*...so - lots of restaurants to try still. I am CONVINCED SSR could have a nitch restaurant to fill a gap in the resorts dining options that are currently available. I will leave it up to those iwth more experience to figure out what that gap might be.

 

[tjkraz]

I am of the opinion that space is not and will not be a major concern. There is plenty of useably space within which they could build or fit out a full-service restaurant.

I know we're splitting hairs, but I'm not so sure. Take a look at the map I posted above. Bear in mind that 3 or 4 more buildings are going into the land in the lower left-hand corner.

I'm of two thoughts:

1. I really don't see a location that fits well into the flow of the resort (wouldn't look like a building just slapped-up because there was enough land)
2. I don't see them investing money into an entire structure at this point.

A golf-style grill linked to the LBV golf course may appeal to the golfer/spa visiter...but will a full-service restaurant be a money maker?

Absolutely a topic for debate. I've had my doubts all along, but more people than I expected have expressed reservations at walking to DTD for meals.

If Old Key West can support a restaurant, then SSR should probably be able to as well since it will ultimately be about 50% larger. Hosting a unique character meal or have some other "draw" would certainly help.

As for location. What are the plans (if any) for the theatre?

You got me.

SSR / DVC do not own or manage the theater. It has been used for special events and the weekly DVC meetings. It's certainly a facility that could be better utilized for resort guests (scheduled film presentations, etc.), but probably not until the resort is closer to completion.

 

[CarolA]

I see no need and have no desire for a full service resturant. I just don't get it.

 

[NMW]

I am too new to the DVC family to really know, but I am betting there are some holes in the current resort restaurant area that need to be filled. The arguement about DTD has never really held water for me because of the ease of getting to EPCOT from some of the resorts, which is chock full of good places to eat. Also, have you tried getting into a restaurant at DTD on a busier night without waiting for EVER? Seems like the same as trying to get into an EPCOT restaurant without a PS. My pooped kids can't wait (if we weren't sure of our earlier plans and didn't make a PS). I know during busy season, you could end up waiting at other resort restaurants as well, but I am thinking not nearly as much as you would over at DTD during "busy" season.

Also, I was about 10 weeks pregnant when we went on our first DVC trip last April, so while I loved Olivia's, I didn't care much for BOMA but KNOW I need to give it another chance - morning sickness is *bleeck*...so - lots of restaurants to try still. I am CONVINCED SSR could have a nitch restaurant to fill a gap in the resorts dining options that are currently available. I will leave it up to those iwth more experience to figure out what that gap might be.

I agree. Even with Epcot so close (with it's many restaurants) the restaurants at the Epcot resorts are always busy and really very good. I also agree about the wait at DTD during busy times of the year. You are competing with locals, park guests, off-site guests. It can and does get crazy even for the ones that take AD's (not all of them do).

I know some on this board don't agree with me, but SSR's lack of on site dining is the ONLY reason I don't want to stay there. I like everything else-the decor, the pool, the furnishings, etc. I just want some place I can have a good sit down breakfast for our family. I hate food court breakfasts and I don't cook on vacation. And no, I don't think that makes me wierd!

I'm sure there would also be times we come back with tired kids and want a full service restaurant for dinner. I for one would hate to trek to DTD in the middle of July, only to wait 90 minutes to eat. Not that I plan to go in July, but Oct can get pretty hot and crowded too! LOL.

 

[pbharris4]

My 2 cents worth: No matter where or how they find the room.....for a resort that's supposed to be the biggest DVC resort when finished,,should have 2 restaurants. Disney could figure out something.

 

[Miffy2003]

Well, I would love to see a full service restaurant at SSR. We liked Artist Palette as far as it went, but I would like an extra option. We would eat there for sure.

I think this would be a good use of this space - when and if they move the sales centre elsewhere (assuming there will be more DVCs which I guess there will be!)

Anyone got a theme in mind?

 

[LIFERBABE]

When I took the SSR tour with my sister last wednesday, my guide said that a restaurant was approved for SSR. I didnt make it to the member meet (where I was going to ask the same question) so I dont know if this is official or not. I speak to my guide often and she has never just thrown out random rumors.

The church-like building has been turned into a pre-view center and could possibly be a location, or they could add it to the golf course Phase with the new pool area. Not sure what they will do with the theater, but they do have some sort of leasing agreement, since they hold the weekly meetings there and last week the hosted NY Film Co and another group there.

Also, the lounging area between the check in and AP is a nice size and may be a possibility. Dont forget all that space behind AP that sits above the pro shop that is now patio. That would have a great lake and golf view. No one said the place would have to be huge, look at Beaches N Cream.

PS, I for one don't really require an additional restaurant at SSR to thoroughly enjoy my visits there. Wait times at B&C are always 45 min. when we visit and try getting into Cape May without a PS, so I think that DTD at least has faster options (Earl, McD, Cheesecake Factory, Goofy's) when sit downs are packed and you don't want to wait.

 

[durango kid]

I know that I'm in the minority amongst most DVCer's but.. The walk to DTD is so short and so nice I don't see why they would ever add a restaurtant at SSR.

Honestly I would rather have a turkey sandwich and a salad from "The Earl of Sandwich" than just about any other meal on the planet (or in this case the "world"). That being said DW and I did have a PR (now AR) at "Wolfgang Puck's and we walked there too. It was a "world" class meal. For desert we went to Ghiradelli. There is no other resort with these type of dining options. By the way, if you don't care to walk, the boat runs every 45 minutes. The only thing we ever get from Artist Palette is an occasional bottle of wine. A little alone time on the balcony if you must know.

 

[flying_tigger]

I spent quite a bit of time in the Turf Club on my last trip (Mar 05). The bartender mentioned a full service restaurant going in, but not a time frame. He thought it would go into the area 'behind the Turf Club, following the line of the back patio. I don't know how big the area is. Patio dining overlooking the boat dock and golf course would be a nice option, though!

We all know how rumors from CMs go, but there's my $.02.

Chris

 

[Doug7856]

I see no need and have no desire for a full service resturant. I just don't get it.

I have to agree! It seems to be a real problem for a lot of people though.