SSR visit

[joepoe]

While we were down at OKW, we drove over to SSR. Sorry, but the ambience did not move me. The builings around the pool looked like converted airplane hangars. The main pool looked about the same size as Luna Park, and the gray rocks made it look very bland.

The sales office was jumping, and they wanted us to sign up to look at the models, but we had to wait for a guide to drive us there on a golf cart. The wait was 10-15 minutes, so we decided to come back another time. Open house was relegated to 5-7 pm. Why they dont have a staff person in the model full-time, I cannot tell you. Many units will overlook the rundown Treetop villas and many downed trees there. That area needs a lot of help. We don't want to add on anywhere anyway, since we are happy with our BWV and OKW points, so maybe we just weren't "in the mood."

 

[russct]

From the maps I have viewed, showing all buildings when completed, it appears that only several buildings look over the Old Tree House Villas. Am I wrong here? You didn't like the view of Downtown Disney?

Once completed I think it will be just as nice as any DVC property. Just a different location. Thanks

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by joepoe
The main pool looked about the same size as Luna Park...

That's probably a fair comparison. Remember the initial development called for a maximum of 550 units. If memory serves, there are more than 700 Villa and Inn rooms at BWV/BWI serviced by Luna Park.

The real test will be to see how DVC handles recreation for the additional 250-300 units they've since announced. I doubt they want people visiting the Sales Center in another 2-3 years and seeing an overcrowded pool area.

Many units will overlook the rundown Treetop villas and many downed trees there.

The last phase will place buildings on the site of the Fairway Villas. Based upon the small map included with the recent Vacation Magic, it looks like four buildings will have a golf course view on the site of the FVs.

If I'm remembering the DI layout properly, some of them may point in the general direction of the Treetop Villas, but I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that they will "overlook" those buidlings. At the very least, you'll have one of the course fairways separating the SSR villas from the Treetop Villas.

 

[kweaver]

Originally posted by joepoe
While we were down at OKW, we drove over to SSR. Sorry, but the ambience did not move me. The builings around the pool looked like converted airplane hangars. The main pool looked about the same size as Luna Park, and the gray rocks made it look very bland.

The sales office was jumping, and they wanted us to sign up to look at the models, but we had to wait for a guide to drive us there on a golf cart. The wait was 10-15 minutes, so we decided to come back another time. Open house was relegated to 5-7 pm. Why they dont have a staff person in the model full-time, I cannot tell you. Many units will overlook the rundown Treetop villas and many downed trees there. That area needs a lot of help. We don't want to add on anywhere anyway, since we are happy with our BWV and OKW points, so maybe we just weren't "in the mood."

Airplane Hangar...I have to admit that the Spa building does have a certain industrial quality to it. I was hoping they would do more of a disguise job...but I don't think it's terrible.

I think Luna Park is supposed to be very natural looking. While we love the Clown slide at BWV...it's nice to be at SSR without the carnival atmosphere. They could liven up the place a bit, though. They definitely need more umbrellas/tables.

The models were permanantly staffed when we were there in June. We just walked right up (first building...third floor, I think...you will see the signs if you are on the right floor. There is a post here somewhere with the room numbers). I wonder if that has changed? I did notice the mention of open house times for DVC members from 5-7 in the evenings in Vacation Magic. Maybe they had too much traffic for their comfort level.

I agree...I would not want to look out on rundown Treetop Villas. Somehow I doubt that Disney would leave them looking the way they currently do. Even if they just clean up the overgrown brush and do basic maintenance to the outside. It will be interesting to see what transpires with this issue in the future. I hope they have plans for the treehouse villas...I think it would be a neat place to stay someday.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Originally posted by joepoe
While we were down at OKW, we drove over to SSR. Sorry, but the ambience did not move me. The builings around the pool looked like converted airplane hangars.

Obviously, Joe, you aren't familiar with the real Saratoga Springs, NY. From "Health, History, Horses" by James Korkis:

"One of the more interesting - and, truth be told, surprising - architectural elements of Saratoga Springs, NY is the re-use of many of the old airplane hangers that were left behind when the Saratoga Aircraft plant closed in 1933. Although they became amphitheaters, hotels, community centers, even spas - and were adorned with the typical filligreed decorations and colors of the time - if one looks closely, one can easily see hints as to their original use."

See, DVC Imagineers are just sticklers for accuracy!

 

[Quadman]

Many units will overlook the rundown Treetop villas and many downed trees there. That area needs a lot of help.

SLIGHTLY OFF TOPIC, but......

On a couple of boat rides this summer from Port Orleans to DD the captains had said that there were plans to renovate the tree top villas....

I for one think that they look like they would be a blast to stay in. BBQ on the balcony just listening to the wind blow through the trees.....

Maybe it's just memories from Wonderful World of Dinsey on Sunday Nights, the treehouse villas were always featured on the tour of WDW.

Hope they do renovate them and make them accessable to DVC'ers

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by russct
From the maps I have viewed, showing all buildings when completed, it appears that only several buildings look over the Old Tree House Villas. Am I wrong here? You didn't like the view of Downtown Disney?

Once completed I think it will be just as nice as any DVC property. Just a different location. Thanks

I thnk the villas with the view of DTD will be great to be in, but what percentage of the total will have such a view? I wonder if they will have "premium" points for that eventually, and standard for some of the outlying buildings?

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by joepoe
I thnk the villas with the view of DTD will be great to be in, but what percentage of the total will have such a view? I wonder if they will have "premium" points for that eventually, and standard for some of the outlying buildings?

I doubt there will be a point differential - more likely to end up as a separate booking category similar to the guaranteed Boardwalk view at the BWV. JMHO. YMMV.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
See, DVC Imagineers are just sticklers for accuracy!

Dr T....that's a great bit of research you shared with us! It is interesting to know the background story of the various resorts. And I don't know anything about Saratoga Springs, NY. Thanks for digging that up!

Or have you just been waiting for the right "airplane hangar" comment for several months so you could whip out that quote?

 

[The4OfUs]

Originally posted by Quadman


Hope they do renovate them and make them accessable to DVC'ers

You can't stay there now?? We stayed there for our first trip with the kids, and it was amazing. They talk about it to this day (although they were 1 and 3 at the time, I think the "memories" are video tape induced halucinations *grin*) and just the other day mentioned going back there. I LOVED those - the decor was so Swiss Family Robinson - the only things I hated? The metal circular stairs were scary for little kids - we blocked them with several kitchen chairs! And the PEACOCKS...screaming at sunrise. It was beyond creepy to hear those.

My in-laws are staying at SSR in Dec. on our points, the deal being I want a full report with photos!

 

[kweaver]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
Obviously, Joe, you aren't familiar with the real Saratoga Springs, NY. From "Health, History, Horses" by James Korkis:

"One of the more interesting - and, truth be told, surprising - architectural elements of Saratoga Springs, NY is the re-use of many of the old airplane hangers that were left behind when the Saratoga Aircraft plant closed in 1933. Although they became amphitheaters, hotels, community centers, even spas - and were adorned with the typical filligreed decorations and colors of the time - if one looks closely, one can easily see hints as to their original use."

See, DVC Imagineers are just sticklers for accuracy!

Not to mention lucky that the spa building (part of the old Disney Institute Resort, right?) was originally built with that industrial "look".