SSR: (Update p. 2) Anyone skeptical when they purchased? What was the outcome?

[CarnotaurDad]

We are seriously considering using Home Equity money to purchase 120 points at SSR. We already own at BCV (love the Epcot/DS closeness, the pool and the old time atmosphere) and also at OKW (love the room size and relaxed atmosphere).

When we were thinking about DVC in 2004, we chose not to go with SSR because it seemed too big and too far away from the Disney parks. However, we now think that SSR would be a good investment thanks to the extra 12 years and the fact that it seems to be developing nicely.

Was anyone skeptical when they purchased SSR and then stayed there? I'm curious how people feel now that they own.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kddlm]

We just got back from our first trip home to SSR (10/8-10/15) and could not be any more pleased!!!!!!! Absolutely no regrets, in fact we plan on purchasing additional points!!!

My husband and I both kept commenting on how we couldn't beleive that for such a large resort how quiet and peaceful it was! You rarely saw alot of people at once except down by the main pool area. We were in the Congress Park section and utilized the quiet pool quite a bit which was GREAT!! We also ventured over to the theme pool which was not a bad walk at all and the kids just loved it! So many activities going on all day long at Community Hall! We utilized the barbecue area as well! The bus stop was just one parking lot over from us and there was always a bus there in a very short time whenever we needed it! Enjoyed the walk along the path the Downtown Disney at night! Very beautiful and relaxing! The rooms are spacious and very clean!

We could not be happier with our decision to buy into DVC! As I said...we are now contemplating how many additional points to purchase! Can not wait to go back!

 

[CarnotaurDad]

That is great news. I appreciate the feedback. That's a couple times that I have hear the resort is quiet. I'm quite surprised, based on how close it is to DTD and the "Good Neighbor" hotels, but it must be due to the configuration of the rooms.

 

[kddlm]

I was just as surprised about the lack of noise myself. Expecially for the size of the resort and its proximity to downtown disney! The only downtown disney noise heard was every night at midnight, they set off about 25 sec. worth of fireworks. If you are in your room all you hear is a slight distant boom. I actually thought it was thunder the first night. No music heard at all! I personally didn't even hear any hallway noise (doors closing, etc...)! Was pleasantly surprised!!

 

[kab407]

Spent last week in a 2-bdr at SSR. The look on my family's face when we walked into the room said it all. While SSR is big, it felt very small. We were in the Springs section. No noise from the hallways nor parking lots. Buses ran consistantly. With the exception of the Saturday when we arrived, I did not find the main pool to be crowded the remainder of the week.

Yup, have a call into my Guide. Doing an add-on.

 

[Daitcher]

We are seriously considering using Home Equity money to purchase 120 points at SSR. We already own at BCV (love the Epcot/DS closeness, the pool and the old time atmosphere) and also at OKW (love the room size and relaxed atmosphere).

When we were thinking about DVC in 2004, we chose not to go with SSR because it seemed too big and too far away from the Disney parks. However, we now think that SSR would be a good investment thanks to the extra 12 years and the fact that it seems to be developing nicely.

Was anyone skeptical when they purchased SSR and then stayed there? I'm curious how people feel now that they own.

Thanks in advance!

Up front I'll tell you I am not a fan of SSR or OKW for that matter. I own 350 points at SSR and even though I don't care for this resort I have never regretted my choice of owning DVC. This resort as well as OKW are "condo resorts". They are spread out with exterior hallways. This just isn't my style. I like "hotel like resorts" with interior hallways. I aslo love room service which OKW and SSR DO NOT have. The beauty of DVC is all the choices and felexibility. I'll enjoy BWV, BCV, VWL, and VB at the 7 month window. My space will be freed up at SSR for those that love the resort. The extra 12 years was definitley a factor in my decision to buy there. I'm only 34 ( joined at 31) so, god willing, I hope to enjoy those extra 12 years. For now I plan to add on in the neighborhood of 500 points at VB. Just have to have those beach cottages every year! Good luck with the decision.


DAVE

 

[DrTomorrow]

We bought 300 points at SSR (site/sight unseen) in Fall of 2003 before the even opened. Although I wasn't skeptical (I was pretty well-informed due to research and the DIS) I have kept an eye on opinions. IMHO, the trend has been in the positive direction. There seem to be fewer "it's too big / too far away / the buses stink / the pool's too small" reports and more that start off with "I just stayed at SSR for the first time and was pleasantly surprised...."

Of course, as Daitcher points out, SSR (and OKW) are a different breed of resort, and there are those who simply don't prefer that style (as I've noted before, if I want interior hallways, room service, valet / parking miles away, lots of dining options, I drive to Las Vegas). But it appears that SSR is winning people over....

IMHO - YMMV

ETA: I forgot to mention that we love it! Of the 20 days we've spent at DVC since we bought in, 19 have been at SSR (the other was a VWL; we loved the grounds and main bldg but the decor of the room was for us a big "Eh".)

 

[Beca]

Just here to post an opposing view. We almost bought at SSR (had the contract in our stinky little hands, and decided not to return it). We ended up buying a resale at BWV (which we eventually sold to buy BCV). We had not toured a DVC resort, but we just had a "gut" feeling that SSR would not be for us. We toured SSR on our first visit home, and dh was SO glad that we did not buy there. While I am not a big "fan" of SSR....dh HATED it!! He stood by the door while we were at the GV (I was talking to my VERY sweet guide), and kept giving me "head nods", as if to say "Let's go". He wouldn't even talk to our guide. As we left, I berated him for not talking, and he said, "Well, Mom always taught me if you can't say anything nice...don't say anything at all." I said, "Well, I guess you didn't like it?" And he said, "We wil NEVER stay here...I'd cancel my trip first."

Now....admittedly, dh's reaction is extreme....but, he STILL swears that we will never stay there. I am NOT writing this to "bash" SSR, but rather just to make a point....you have been to DVC resorts, you know what you like. If you think you will like SSR, then by all means go for the incentive...it is great!!! But, if you don't think you will like it, or are pretty picky about where you stay....don't go for it.

Good luck in whatever you decide!!!



Beca

 

[JABEAR]

I have not stayed at SSR but we probably won't be adding points there. There will be another phase II DVC resort eventually and my guess is that it will be a VERY sought after resort. If we ever do an add-on, it will be at one of the next resorts. Hopefully one with monorail service. I know, keep dreaming. And they'll have a DVC dining plan soon too. Who knows?


Edited to say: I do plan on staying there someday as it looks great. But we just won't purchase points there. We'll wait for something else.

 

[DrTomorrow]

So, Beca, if I understand you correctly, you and DH have never actually stayed there; this goes more to Daitcher's comments about not preferring the SSR-type resort as opposed to the OP's question about being sceptical then staying there.

Did DH ever give any specific reasons for not liking SSR, or just a blanket "not for me?"

Be well.

 

[tomerin]

i was also very skeptical when we purchased our SSR contract last year. it really didnt hurt our budget too much, nothing we couldnt handle. when i saw how much my wife loved it, saw the size of the 1 bedroom, i have 2 ever growing teen boys, i said lets do it.

well this last trip we stayed at a 1 bedroom at Congress Park and i became a big fan of SSR. yes, it seems quite large and so very spread out. it was a long walk to the carriage house in the july sun for more food but it really wasnt bad. we loved the quiet pool, the extra events they had there for the 4th of july made a great day even better.

the proximity to DD, walking distance for us, was also a plus for us.

honestly my first inclination before we actually stayed at SSR was to use the points to stay at other resorts but i think that after staying at maybe BW, BC and WLV we are gonna just be happy staying "home" at SSR. its gonna be a long time before our kids get a hold on this contract

 

[russct]

You know what is so funny, is that when I purchased SSR I thought the same thing, I would want to stay at every DVC resort and give them a try. Honestly, (only my opinion) after five different stays as new member I have stayed at SSR 5 times, with one night at BWV. Don't get me wrong I'm sure all the resorts are great, but I love SSR and can't stay anywheres else. Everytime I book a new trip and plan on trying another resort, I book SSR (because I know I love it!).

BWV has great location to EPCOT and MGM, but SSR is great to DTD (if that is your cup of tea). Singel and 41 and love being near DTD. I love the Fitness Center (don't believe you can get better). And regarding Full Service (Room Service Hotel), I have stayed at a lot of great places and not many places have great (and I mean great) room service.

Honestly, not getting defensive, but I don't regret one bit buying at SSR, and if 7 months out SSR is all I can get, that is fine with me.

Good luck everyone, and as long as everyone has something that satisfies their needs in DVC, that's the most important part!

 

[disneynutt1225]

We just got back from our first trip home to SSR (10/8-10/15) and could not be any more pleased!!!!!!!

Where in Congress Park were you staying?? We were there the same time as you, 10/7-10/15. We stayed in room 2136 .

On topic: We were very nervous about staying at SSR, mainly because we're spoiled by staying at BCV for the boat transpo, easy access to the monorail via Epcot, etc. This past trip was our first stay at our home resort since we purchased DVC in '04 and we had a great time. We had a great view of Downtown (we were a hop and a skip away from the fireworks viewing platform for the NYE fireworks at PI). The noise level was practically nonexistent, even being so close to PI - I mean, we could still hear the music at night and hear the fireworks, but it was really negligible when we were sleeping.

The food court didn't really wow me I have to say. We had breakfast a couple of times and no complaints there, but there was a limited selection of food for lunch and dinner, so we decided not to eat there at all for those meals. Other than that, I really have no complaints, and that doesn't even constitute a major complaint for me. The pools were really nice - though one day I think they forgot to turn on the heater in the quiet pool (oops!) but it was a hot day and the cold water felt SOOO good.

All in all, we're really pleased with our decision to buy at SSR. In fact, we added more points to our contract before we had even stayed there, so our stay really cemented our decision for us.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Thanks for all the great info! I appreciate everyone's honesty. I imagine we will add on tomorrow!

Here's to DVC!!!!!

 

[cobbler]

I am anxious for my first trip home now. I want to try all the other DVC resorts of course but I have liked what I have seen so far. I am sure I will be happy with my purchase.

 

[Beca]

So, Beca, if I understand you correctly, you and DH have never actually stayed there; this goes more to Daitcher's comments about not preferring the SSR-type resort as opposed to the OP's question about being sceptical then staying there.

Did DH ever give any specific reasons for not liking SSR, or just a blanket "not for me?"

Be well.

Umm....yes he had lots of specifics. Not necessarily negatives for the resort in general...but, definitely negatives for him. He feels like the resort is a big apartment complex. He was really offended that DVC painted the concrete on the exterior of the rooms that they were showing, but didn't paint the concrete of the other rooms (he felt that if painting the concrete was a necessary step to make the rooms look good, that DVC should paint all the concrete in front of every room). He felt that the parking areas were too far to have the advantages of OKW, but that the resort was so spread out that a car would be a necessity for us (we actually rent a car for "emergencies" anyway....but, we end up parking it for several days). We walked around to see the amenities, and he didn't like the fact that AP seemed to be open to the gift shop. We got the same feeling in this large area that we have in the food court at POR.

He actually had no complaints about the pool area, other than it didn't seem to be as "grand" as our guide made it out to be. But, he said if we were at some of the buildings that were far from the pool, he thought it would be a hassle to drive there, or catch a bus.

Obviously, OKW is not a big pick for him either....the "condo" style is not for him. But, he felt that the lower points made up for the issues he has with OKW.

Now, please do not "flame" me for these views. I would not have gone into detail unless asked (plus, they are not mine....they are dh's....I am JUST a messenger!) And, yes....we have never "stayed" at SSR, but we did tour the building, and got the impressions from there. I didn't have to stay at BCV to know that I LOVED it....I just had to tour there to realize it was the resort for me.

I am also not meaning to say that SSR is a terrible resort, or that there is anything wrong with it whatsoever!! I was hoping to offer a dissenting view to someone who seemed nervous about adding on at a different resort other than the one they own and love. Some people can own, and stay at several different resorts, and some really need to just "stick to the one they like best". I was not meaning to talk anyone out of an SSR purchase.....just allow them views from both sides.



Beca

 

[kddlm]

Where in Congress Park were you staying?? We were there the same time as you, 10/7-10/15. We stayed in room 2136 .

We were in room 1811 (4th floor). If you used the quiet pool, I'm sure you saw/heard my 2 kids. Son is super skinny 10 year old (with a mouth!) and daughter is tiny little 5 yr old with strawberry blonde hair....she used a tube in the pool.

We had a blast!!! Just trying to decide how many add on points to purchase!

 

[cristbaby]

We just got back from a GV at SSR. It was awesome! We stayed in Congress Park and enjoyed DTD very much. It was only a few minutes to the theme pool and not a bad walk at all. We enjoyed the quiet pool in the evenings and the quietness of the entire resort. Bus service was terrific, never crowded like some of the others. I definately would make plans to stay there again.

 

[ACDSNY]

Where in Congress Park were you staying?? We were there the same time as you, 10/7-10/15. We stayed in room 2136 .

We were in room 1811 (4th floor). If you used the quiet pool, I'm sure you saw/heard my 2 kids. Son is super skinny 10 year old (with a mouth!) and daughter is tiny little 5 yr old with strawberry blonde hair....she used a tube in the pool.

We had a blast!!! Just trying to decide how many add on points to purchase!

I guess we were neighbours too! We were in 1812/1814 from 10/8 - 10/15.

 

[kddlm]

I guess we were neighbours too! We were in 1812/1814 from 10/8 - 10/15.

How funny!! Yes, we were neighbors for sure! My apologies if you heard my kids (or us yelling at them!)