SSR Review from All-Ears

[anniet]

Did anyone see this review? I thought it was very good, but this part bothers me:

***UPDATE-Shucks- Melrosegirl is right,- something about no reprinting without permission so let me paraphrase ***

The writer doesn't really know what SSR is supposed to be since they have never visited upstate New York--they go on to say something to the effect of I'll let you be the judge since I've never been there and they seem to be pining for the old Days of Disney Institute all within the first three paragraphs.


Since this is primarily the "thesis" of the article it makes me question the writers ability to make judgement. (perhaps it's just the English major in me)

The article also complains about the construction and while yes I agree- Construction can very well ruin atmosphere, but don't we know it's there when we make ressies?

 

[llp479]

I just finished reading the reveiw this AM. This site is well known as a site for WDW reviews. I really didn't see very many kind words regarding the resort at all. She didn't care for the food, the hide-a-bed with the new mattress, missed a full length mirror in the studio, and numerous other complaints.

She did point out several times that the resort was under construction, and perhaps when it was done it would feel more "Disney." Plus, she had memories of the old DI and I think that biased her opinion.

 

[Par8hed]

OK I'm an idiot....but where on allearsnet is the review? I can't locate it!

 

[LucyLou&BobWho]

The pull out sofa with the new mattress was actually pretty comfortable. The kids slept really well on it, and I tried it out one night watching a movie with the kids and thought it was great. The food at SS was pretty good. The selection was limited, but with the variety of restaurants available in Downtown Disney it was more than adequate. I think some people aren't happy unless they have something to complain about.

 

[Melrosgirl]

Par8Head,

The complete review is only available to newsletter subscribers as of now. I posted about the review yesterday in a different thread. I didn't post the entire review (or parts of it) b/c I believe it's against the newsletter's rules (copyright violations or something). I'm surprised to see it written here, but in any case, it wasn't a kind review IMO. If I were an outside looking into DVC, I'd stay away from SSR for awhile.

 

[wildcatwmn]

Maybe that's a good thing??? Keep it to ourselves!

 

[JimC]

AllEars reviews are pretty good. I read that one. No big deal. I do agree that DI was a fine operation, but Disney could not sell the concept well enough. I also agree that the removal of the very fine sit down restaurant that DI had is a shame. But Disney wants dining trafffic at DD, hence a food court at SSR.

The construction I took as a passing comment. You can't hide it in projects like this. You ignore it and go about having fun.

The other items were the author's opinions and certainly were far more favorable and rational than at least one other thread on the Boards right now.

It is hard for Disney to open anything -- a theme park, a resort, whatever. We hold them to such high standards. I think SSR will be a fine resort even though I did like the old DI. Let's give it time.

 

[lovetotravel1974]

I feel SSR will be getting a lot more favorable reviews when it is "completely" finished.
Just be patient.

 

[tjkraz]

I don't see reviews like this particularly hurting SSR sales.

Personally, when I read the review, I put myself in the position of someone paying $500-700 cash per night for a 1B or 2B. Would I be thrilled with the resort as it stands now? No, I'd probably be really ticked off at the 'magic' (or lack thereof) I got for my hard-earned cash.

And I agree there seems to be some prior feelings for the DI that taint the review to a small degree.

Now, as a prospective SSR owner...someone driven to the resort in a DVC van...someone laying eyes on a Grand Villa for the first time...someone looking at the resort and seeing the next 50 years, not just a resort that's been open for 4 weeks...I'd have been floored by the property.

Most of the construction equipment will be gone in a year. As was mentioned, the path to the DD Marketplace will be open. There will be hundreds of rooms with different views, locations, etc.

If I were currently staying at a Value or Moderate resort, you'd have to pick my jaw up off the ground during the entire tour. If staying at a deluxe, sure, some of SSR might not quite seem up to par with the Boardwalk or the Wilderness Lodge (if that happened to be more in sync with my personal taste.) But, of course, the DVC Guide still has a trump card left: "you can always get a room at BWV or VWL if you prefer those resorts."

Anyway, yes, as a cash-paying customer, I'd be fairly disappointed in SSR as it stands today. But, as someone who invested $15,000 in the place to vacation until I'm 80, I couldn't care less about a few cranes and bulldozers. In fact, if we were staying there tomorrow, I'd be more worried about the fact that my 3-year-old son would rather sit and watch the construction trucks all day rather than visit the Magic Kingdom.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I remember walking into my WL room and seeing this big construction site and equipment I wasn't too happy until I found out what was being built.... My nephew (he was three at the time and loved the big bulldozers) and I spent one afternoon just watching them build our DVC Home.