SSR.....why?

[MJ6987]

Hi,
I have been looking into buying DVC, asking some questions on here and trying to work out which would be the best home resort. Each resort has its own benefits, e.g. (as far as I have ascertained so far, excluding the non-WDW options):

AKL - good theming / the animals, concierge, good onsite dining options, range of activities onsite

BW - atmosphere, evening entertainment / activities, huge range of dining options onsite / within walking distance, location for Epcot / Studios, cheap point values for Standard View

BC - dining and location as for BW, best pool

WL - good theming, location for MK, range of activities onsite

OKW - largest accomodations, cheap point values, relaxed atmosphere


However, to me, Saratoga Springs doesn't appear to have any clear benefits that make it stand out from the others as far as I can make out. The only thing I can think of is location for Downtown Disney, but even that is dubious and depends what becomes of Pleasure Island.

But, as it is the largest DVC resort and is (more or less) sold out, many people have arrived at the conclusion that SSR is the home resort for them.

So, SSR owners (or others) what am I missing? Why would I buy into SSR? I am not "having a go" at SSR I am just curious why people picked it. I'm sure I have overlooked something obvious.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[dianeschlicht]

The biggest is the proximatey to the night life and restaurants of DTD.

 

[Rileygirl]

I am not an SSR owner, but some of the Pros I thought about SSR when deciding where to buy

1. Beautiful Rooms and layouts
2. Grand Villas available here (they are not at every resort)
3. Close to DTD and all the dining opportunities there
4. Longer life span then some of the older DVC resorts (2053? I think?)
5. Centrally located in WDW so distance to all 4 theme parks is generally the same
6. A 'quieter' atmosphere, and a feeling of getting away from the hustle and bustle of Disney (note- this can be a pro or a con depending on personal preference).
7. Great, great bang for your buck right now in resells. HUGE consideration.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Hi,
I have been looking into buying DVC, asking some questions on here and trying to work out which would be the best home resort. Each resort has its own benefits, e.g. (as far as I have ascertained so far, excluding the non-WDW options):

AKL - good theming / the animals, concierge, good onsite dining options, range of activities onsite
Some would disagree and say too far from everything, resort is very dark, watching animals gets old after a few minutes

BW - atmosphere, evening entertainment / activities, huge range of dining options onsite / within walking distance, location for Epcot / Studios, cheap point values for Standard View
Cheap "standard view" almost impossible to book. Horribly long hallways, dining options more limited than it would appear (especially CS)

BC - dining and location as for BW, best pool
I've even heard people complain about SAB

WL - good theming, location for MK, range of activities onsite
Not on monorail, themeing can be too similar to where you really live

OKW - largest accomodations, cheap point values, relaxed atmosphere

Too far away from parks, bus transportation, blah blah blah
However, to me, Saratoga Springs doesn't appear to have any clear benefits that make it stand out from the others as far as I can make out. The only thing I can think of is location for Downtown Disney, but even that is dubious and depends what becomes of Pleasure Island.
DTD is not all about PI. Shopping/entertainment and dining

But, as it is the largest DVC resort and is (more or less) sold out, many people have arrived at the conclusion that SSR is the home resort for them.

So, SSR owners (or others) what am I missing? Why would I buy into SSR? I am not "having a go" at SSR I am just curious why people picked it. I'm sure I have overlooked something obvious.

Thanks,
Matthew

I'm not bashing the other resorts, just pointing out that there are many sides to each argument. Each resort has plusses & minuses and personal preferences.
Honestly, I wasn't sure I'd like SSR before we stayed there the first time. We checked in on Sunday and signed on the dotted line on Wednesday. Before joining DVC, the BC was my favorite resort. Loved the BC and still do, but we've had our most relaxing vacations at SSR.

Let's start with the villas, beautiful & understated. Theme apparently isn't obvious enough for some people, but having lived in Saratoga Springs NY, I "get" the Victorian & horse racing theme. The grounds are gorgeous, with the golf course weaving thru.

The pools, tennis courts, basketball, horse shoes, Community Hall, restaurants. There is enough to do at SSR, that you don't need to go to the parks. This resort could stand on its own away from the parks and I would still go for a relaxing vacation.

 

[Chuck S]

All of the reasons in Rileygirl's post, plus convenient parking near your unit.

 

[tjkraz]

SSR is the only DVC resort...really the only resort at Walt Disney World, AFAIK...that has a golf course clubhouse. It also has the best spa/workout facilities hands-down.

And as others pointed out, the contract is longer than all other resorts except AKV. That was a big deciding factor for us. We have had reasonable success booking other resorts at 7 months and I'm glad to have those extra 12 years on the back end.

The dues are also the lowest in the program.

 

[disneynutz]

So, SSR owners (or others) what am I missing? Why would I buy into SSR? I am not "having a go" at SSR I am just curious why people picked it. I'm sure I have overlooked something obvious.

Thanks,
Matthew

They picked it because it was for sale when the members decided to buy and like other new resorts DVD offered incentives.

 

[vandy]

It is all about personal preferences. For us, we like the relaxed atmosphere of both SSR and OKW. (These two are the only total DVC resorts at WDW). We drive to the world so parking right next to our building is big. After running around the parks, it is great to be at a low-key resort that still has a lot going on. Rileygirl said it wonderfully in her post. As far as DTD, we don't go for PI, we go for the Marketplace and Disney Quest, so the proximity to DTD and the boat ride is a plus for us as well. We would have purchased at OKW and had been just as happy, but SSR had more years on the contract.

Others may look at it simply as it was the only resort being offered when they wanted to buy DVC. The fees are the cheapest so some like that as well. Some will do all they can to get other resorts at the 7month window, but at least they will have a room at SSR if they can't get in anywhere else.

 

[Fonzy13]

They picked it because it was for sale when the members decided to buy and like other new resorts DVD offered incentives.

Ummm, yup, that's me.

 

[5forDiz]

If you possibly can, " try before you buy " or at least visit when next at WDW. Many buy sight unseen but nothing can take the place of at least seeing a DVC resort firsthand especially if you are uncertain as to which you may prefer.

Other details, may want to take into consideration:

AKV - 2057 expiration. Opinions seem to be running in favor of pool at Kidani being equal to or surpassing that of Stormalong Bay at BCV. Also, Kidani 1 BR villas will sleep 5 and have 2 bathrooms ( believe in categories above value ). 2br will sleep 9 & some ( or maybe all - not 100% on this detail ) Grand Villas will have pool table &/or fireplace.

BWV - 2042 expiration. Community hall, Jelly Rolls & Atlantic Dance clubs

BCV - 2042 expiration. Campfire (movie) on the beach

OKW - 2057 extended or 2042 unextended expiration. We love it! (it is our home resort !) we think its main pool / sand castle slide / lighthouse is best & most beautiful at WDW; boat to SSR & DTD or walk to DTD too, 3 quiet pools, golf course, community hall, most quaint & tropical & parking outside your villa.

VWL - 2042 expiration. Bike/walking path or boat to Ft. Wilderness Resort (FWR has a variety of activities, campfire, Hoop Dee Do Review) & boat to Contemporary too, Electric Water Pageant sails by evenings on Bay Lake.

SSR - unfairly under rated IMHO . Often overlooked - its Spa !! (Only other Disney owned resort to offer spa is Grand Floridian.) Downtown Disney views &/close proximity, boat transportation to OKW & DTD, counter serve at Artist Palette heads above any other resort counter serve, Turf Club another hidden jewel, golf course, quiet pools (Grandstand's has bar), community hall & High Rock Springs pool & parking outside your villa. Think that SSR just needs some time to 'mature' in its appearance - think that once landscaping & trees have grown it will have even more exterior appeal then it already does (not that it needs it - it is very beautiful).

We don't own there but brother & family do; they & their kids absolutely love it ( kids & family activities are plentiful ). We are considering an add-on here for all mentioned & also for 2054 expiration & because of number of villas. Also, have you noticed its resale prices ?

I wouldn't be concerned as to what will become of Pleasure Island; as it is expected to become a much improved venue.

Best wishes

 

[MikeyNS]

Ummm, yup, that's me.

Me too! I didn't know much about DVC when we purchase, but we are tickled pink to have SSR are our home resort. Tried out almost all the other DVC resorts (except OKW) and still have no regrets about SSR. We find it very calming and not being park commandos anymore the amenities that are offered at, and around, SSR are plentiful. Everyone has different opinions about the different resorts (ie: We'll never be back to the beach club!) so it's really a personal perference. I don't think you really can go wrong anywhere. You are at WDW!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Another thing that I really like about SSR is that you can very easily walk to DTD and get a bus to any of the other resorts. This makes it so much easier to get to evening dinner reservations. At most other resorts I've have to take two busses or drive myself. I know many people like to drive so this is not an issue with them, but DH and I like to have a drink with dinner and we are sticklers for safety. It is really nice to be in a place where someone else can do the driving for you!

 

[emlutz23]

I think SSR is a beautiful resort! I love it for the tranquil atmosphere and the "condo" style way it's set up. My DH are going there for our 10th anniversary trip this May w/o kids. I'm hoping to take advantage of the spa on that trip.

But I also love staying at BWV for "being close to it all". My DH and 2 DS will be staying at BCV (first visit there) for the marathon weekend this January. We like the proximity to the parks since it's a short 4 night stay.

Every DVC resort is great for different reasons and I find that just being in the "world", makes me happy to stay at any DVC!

 

[Jaaron2]

Our favorite resort to date is BCV but we stayed at SSR for 10 days last year and really enjoyed it. It really depends on what you are looking for in a resort if SSR would be for you. Benefits for us were:

1) Very relaxed atmosphere due to size (you never feel like it is crowded)
2) Large layout of resort -if you are looking to just lay back and relax it is a great place
3) Location to DTD- it is a perk we miss when staying at other resorts. It is really nice to just be able to stroll to DTD at night for dinner
4) Pool area, community hall are very nice (which is great for kids). The resort also has a basketball and tennis court

We wouldnt own at SSR but certainly enjoyed staying there and would again. All Disney resorts have different plusses and minuses depending your personal preferences. I would absolutely agree that it is best to try a few resorts out before buying to see what best fits your needs.

 

[janni518]

They picked it because it was for sale when the members decided to buy and like other new resorts DVD offered incentives.

That is EXACTLY why I bought at SSR.

 

[PamOKW]

The spa is a draw for many to SSR. For both SSR and OKW, they are great locations for golfers. SSR you can even walk to the clubhouse of LBV.

 

[Disney_Villain]

Hmm . . . let me share OUR thoughts on SSR with you, that it might help you understand.

• We actually passed over on adding on at AKV and instead added on for the 2nd time at SSR. Obviously, there was something we liked about the place.
  
• To say that SSR doesn't have theming, you're missing something - and no amount of explaining will help. Some see it, some don't. We do (and so do a lot of others).
  
• SSR (like OKW) has 4 pools (1 main and 3 "quiet" pools). As we don't have kids and we don't want to be surrounded by them all the time, we like the "quiet pool" options offered by the "stand-alone resorts".
  
• We also find the company we keep at the "stand-alone" resorts consists of mainly DVC'ers and we enjoy that as well. Bus trips consist mainly of DVCers, not hotel guests.
  
• SSR's main pool has a graduated zero-entry portion great for todders or people with disabilities. Not every DVC resort has this, and this pool feature is very important for many families with this need.
  
• SSR's Grandstand area has a children's splash/play area. Again, not every DVC resort has this. We don't use this, but kids love it. Only AKV will have similar, among the DVC resorts announced to-date.
  
• SSR's counter service has healthy, freshly-made lunches . . . something we definitely do not find any most other WDW resorts (DVC or not).
  
• Finally, SSR has a spa. No other DVC resort does. The Grand Floridian is the only other WDW resort that has this feature - and the SSR spa is much better than the GF's.

I hope that gives you an idea what some people see in SSR.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

We bought resale, so we had the choice of any resort. Here's why we purchased at SSR over other resorts:

* Prefer "condo" feel as opposed to the "hotel" feel
* Points to stay are still cheaper (though not as cheap as OKW) than other resorts (even though I think GVs are a rip-off!)
* We rarely have a car, so SSR is wonderful for us. We can go to DTD, and catch a bus to any hotel/resort, or catch a bus to any park from the resort. This saves so much time (bus-hopping). We just got back from VWL, and while I LOVED the resort, I forgot what a pain bus-hopping is!
* 2054 contract versus 2042 (AKV wasn't available yet)
* Low MFs
* Best workout facility by far
* Turf Club (one of the best restaurants at WDW)

To be perfectly honest, we've stayed at almost every resort, and I like them all for different reasons. If you truly love one resort, then buy there. I think you'll be disappointed if you don't. Otherwise, weigh your options (location, UY, contract details, MFs, etc.), and make the best decision for you. I don't regret buying at SSR at all. In fact, if I had it to do all over again, I'd still purchase at either OKW or SSR and be perfectly happy!

Best of luck!!!

 

[mom of princessx2]

Another thing that I really like about SSR is that you can very easily walk to DTD and get a bus to any of the other resorts. This makes it so much easier to get to evening dinner reservations. At most other resorts I've have to take two busses or drive myself. I know many people like to drive so this is not an issue with them, but DH and I like to have a drink with dinner and we are sticklers for safety. It is really nice to be in a place where someone else can do the driving for you!

Fabulous idea!!! I hadn't even thought of that one.

We just put in our offer last week on a resale and yes you can get more bang for your buck at SSR right now but we mainly picked it because of the Spa (for myself) and Golf (for my husband). When our kids are out of the house my husband and I would certainly go to SSR just for those 2 things. Also we liked the decor second only to AKL.

 

[Mtnman44]

I'll add my two cents. I bought SSR because:

-it was the newest, on sale, longest term
-like the more isolated, condo-style. break from the theme park atmosphere
-close to DTD food and shopping
-the spa

and last but not least:

-I didn't forsee a HUGE need for 11 month booking window at the other resorts due to my normal travel times and desired room types. As such, points are points. SSR had the longest term and still enjoys the lowest dues.