SSR visit - somewhat disappointed.

[TiggerFreak]

We just returned from 5 days in a studio at SSR room 9332.
I believe this is the last and most recently openned section of SSR.

On a 1 to 10 scale:
Room - 9
Quiet pool - 7
Building - 5
Ammenities - 6

We really liked the room, nice decor, view of the golf course, very quiet location. While we were there the replaced the cheap plastic table and chairs on the balcony with very nice aluminum/strap furniture replete with custom "SSR" monogram on the chair backs(very comfy).

The quiet pool was not quiet due to the "feature" of water streaming from four posts at each corner of the pool, did not quite get what these were supposed to add in regards to the theme of the resort.

The building was okay, theme was watered down and not what you see in most of the other DVC resort. Note, that ice was only available on the 1st floor. ( although OKW has simmilar ice issue)

Amenities - for such a large resort the on site food options seem small, everytime we were in store/food area is was crowded.

My wife remarked that the exteriors were POP without the POP!
Ouch.

We would probably stay there again, but do not see this resort as a stellar example of DVC.
It seems like DVD was cashing in on demand and did not include as much detail or character in the design in the common areas.
Lets hope that AKV will see a return to details and theme that we have come to expect in a DVC resort.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

 

[Starr W.]

Pass me some Rob.

 

[sajetto]

Sorry you didn't enjoy your accomodations. I'm sure you'll think better of AKV

 

[Jimdvc]

We just returned from 5 days in a studio at SSR room 9332.
I believe this is the last and most recently openned section of SSR.

On a 1 to 10 scale:
Room - 9
Quiet pool - 7
Building - 5
Ammenities - 6

2 observations

#1 you were in a studio. I think if you are like most people and are staying in
a one or two bedroom, your whole outlook changes about your surroundings.

#2 You gave the resort a 9,7,5,6. So in the 4 areas you graded you said the resort was average in one respect, above average in 2 respects and WAY abouve average in one respect. That's pretty good isn't it?

What didn't you like about SSR, and what resort(s) do you think would suit you better and why?

 

[Alexander]

Sorry you didn't find SSR up to your expectations.

The only thing I do agree with you on is that the food/store area does not meet the size of the resort. It was satsifactory until all of the buildings opened up. Now the demand is just too high for the small area.

That's it though! I respectfully disagree with you on all other areas. Leaving it at that, I don't want Rob and Starr to get too full on their popcorn!

Here you go guys, you're bound to get thirsty!

 

[DVC Mike]

It's true that SSR has an understated, subdued theme. You would probably appreciate AKV and VWL more. To each his own.

 

[Starr W.]

Sorry you didn't find SSR up to your expectations.

The only thing I do agree with you on is that the food/store area does not meet the size of the resort. It was satsifactory until all of the buildings opened up. Now the demand is just too high for the small area.

That's it though! I respectfully disagree with you on all other areas. Leaving it at that, I don't want Rob and Starr to get too full on their popcorn!

Here you go guys, you're bound to get thirsty!

I know everyone rags on AP at SSR, but I found myself longing for it after getting stuck a few times at the Marketplace at BCV. The food line at AP works alot better than the one at BCV. Multiple family units trying to order kids meals!

Don't worry I never get full of on one of these threads. Thanks for the drink!

 

[tomandrobin]

Good thing there are 5 other WDW DVC resorts to choose from. The water feature at the Grand Stand pool is there to "drown out" the background noise, like a fountain in a water garden. Most people find the sound of water soothing.

Which DVC resort has a quiet pool that is better then SSR? SSR quiet pool at Grand Stand has a bar the serves lite fare and drinks, has a kids zone away from the pool, has a barbeque pavillion, and has a hot tub. BCV and AKV has a main that is lacking and rely on the hotel pool for its feature pool. BWV has a quiet pool that is adequate. AKV wil not have a quiet pool. OKW has 3 quiet pools also, but none match the amenties of the Grand stand pool.

With the close proximity of DTD there are a ton of food offerings. Pretty much on par with any other DVC resorts, except AKV.

Theming is all about personal preference. We love SSR, VWL and AKV themeing, do not like BCV or BWV themeing at all.

 

[nhdisnut]

Count me as one who just loves the understated nature of SSR, the Artist's Palette, and the theming of the quiet pool in The Grandstand!

"Pop! without the Pop?" Ouch indeed....just don't see that. Have you stayed at Pop Century? I love that resort too, but it's in a totally different style and class than SSR......

I'm pleased to hear about the new patio furniture.....

I've said it before....the beauty of DVC is the ability to find a resort that matches your preferences, and the ability to try all of the DVC resorts.....each has their pluses and minuses for sure.

Enjoy AKV! (One of our favs as well!)

 

[a Really Bad Egg]

Count me in as one who enjoys SSR as one of the many options.

Now, pass that popcorn.

 

[Claire L]

We loved the Grandstand pool, it was nice to have the hot tub, water feature and pool bar without having to go to the main pool. Also we rarely eat at the resort, AKV, will be the exception so to be honest the chocies onsite were of no relevance to us. The rooms decor was lovely and I really liked the different pastel colours used on the exerior of the buildings, it made it feel very tranquil. Oh and the onsite spa was bliss
In all we would definitely go back again if we couldn't get in at AKV, our home resort, or just fancied something different.

Claire

 

[tomandrobin]

Forgot my popcorn!

Brought enough to share!

 

[LIFERBABE]

NEW PATIO FURNITURE!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for posting!

 

[Jimdvc]

would definitely go back again if we couldn't get in at AKV, our home resort Claire

I think that is how many people feel.

 

[Jeremy&Susan]

We also love SSR but it could use a few more food options or quick bite options.

We just returned from BWV and while very nice with a great boardwalk area to hang out at, the hallways felt like miles long and the bus waits were well over twenty minutes.
No flame to BWV just probably not our cup of tea. BCV may be a better fit to our family and the way we like to vacation

On the whole though SSR is still our favorite due to larger rooms, proximity to DTD, close parking to room, many bus stops, many pool options and great outdoor walking access around the site.

Each to his or her own, but our home is SSR.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Forgot my popcorn!

Brought enough to share!

I'll share with you, don't want you to get a tummy ache from eating too much

Thrilled to hear about the new patio furniture! Love the water feature at the Grandstand pool and after having lived in Saratoga Springs, I really appreciate the decorative touches and style of SSR. As for AP, we stopped to get lunch there on our last trip even though we were staying at BWV (and DH loves that he can get his Saratoga water there )

For those that don't like SSR, that's fine, there are plenty of other DVC options for you to stay at.

 

[veenstra56]

I agree that AP can be a challenge because of it's layout. I also feel that SSR could use a Hurricane Hanna's-style walk up counter service eatery.

On the other hand, one could argue that SSR has the most dining options of any resort, if you don't mind the short walk/boat ride to DTD. I know that including DTD is sugar-coating it, but we really do look at DTD as an extension of SSR.

 

[sajetto]

On the other hand, one could argue that SSR has the most dining options of any resort, if you don't mind the short walk/boat ride to DTD. I know that including DTD is sugar-coating it, but we really do look at DTD as an extension of SSR.

I own at SSR and have visited for spa treatments, but have never stayed there. I've heard people say that DTD is a plus, but how long does it actually take to walk over there?

 

[veenstra56]

I own at SSR and have visited for spa treatments, but have never stayed there. I've heard people say that DTD is a plus, but how long does it actually take to walk over there?

I would expect about a 20+- minute walk. Is that too much time to be considered a "short" walk? It depends on the person doing the walking, I guess. I love the walk... very relaxing and scenic.

I would expect about the same time for the boats.