SSR's draw

[UConnJack]

I was just wondering what SSR's draw is or is going to be? The way I see it at the moment (and this is just IMO from what I've read about it so far and not based on actually seeing it yet), is that it doesn't have as much to offer as the other DVC resorts so far. While all being quality accommodations, BWV and BCV have the prime location; VWL has the seclusion, boat to MK, and the WL (a destination in itself); OKW has the size and point advantage; and HHI and VB are unique in their respective destinations. The future Bonnet Creek area resort will have the golf courses.

SSR, however, only has one draw as far as I can tell, proximity to Downtown Disney. Well, I guess the spa there is a pro too. Again, this is just IMO, but I just don't think Downtown Disney is a worthy centerpiece. SSR's points are a little lower than BWV, BCV and VWL, but not significantly, and the room sizes/setups aren't any larger (and in no way comparable to OKW). It just seems to me to be a poor location with average rooms/prices (just in comparison to the other DVC resorts, not in general).


It may be just me that the benefits to staying at SSR elude me, I just don't foresee me ever wanting to stay there (unlike every other DVC resort). I have been excited about every new DVC resort except this one. I'm certainly not trying to start a fight here with anyone, especially new SSRs owners, but I just wanted to start a conversation about this. By all means, tell me I'm wrong and why, I want to be wrong.

 

[happyrebster]

It's a matter of taste. My husband and I don't have kids. I love spa vacations and he loves to golf. Both are far more convenient from SSR. We both love to go out at night and we really love Pleasure Island far more than we enjoy evenings at the Boardwalk. Being able to walk home from an evening at PI is a real treat. Who wants to have a fun evening and then take the bus home? Finally, I like being away from the parks, which is a major attraction of OKW for me (way more so than room size). When I go to sleep at night, I want quiet.
I could never own at Boardwalk or Beach Club because they are too crowded and loud -- too much like a busy hotel. (I could own at VWL, and may add on there someday -- who knows?) Also, the pools at those locations (Boardwalk and BCV) are always too crazy. Great for families, I'm sure! But not what I have in mind. If I want a water park, I'll go to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. For my hotel pool, I want an umbrella, attractive features and a nice bar.

Overall, although I haven't been there yet, it strikes me as a "slightly more grown up" and "more of a complete resort" style option. I wasn't going to buy DVC before they came up with SSR.

Also: I'm a horse nut! Always have been so. So I admit to being a sucker for the theming! I'd say: keep an open mind! Once your kids are grown, you may be thrilled with SSR!!

 

[Granny]

Any time a post speaks of a resort in less than favorable tones, even in the casual manner in which you did, it draws a lot of fire. So put on your asbestos suit, and I'm sure you will be hearing lots of reasons why SSR will be a wonderful resort.

We are thinking of staying there in the next few years, and our reasons are:

1. We like to sample the various resorts.

2. SSR looks like it will have a beautiful layout, a very nice pool and an upscale food court...making it a very cozy place to stay and relax.

3. The theming is interesting...we've never been to the Saratoga area of New York, so we get to see a bit of what that area's like while in Florida.

4. I disagree that the points are a "little lower" than VWL, BCV or BWV Preferred. If we stay at SSR, we will be able to stay one or two nights longer than we'd be able to do at those other resorts. That's quite a difference, IMHO.

5. Many people on this board talk about the great views of fireworks from their DVC resorts. SSR will have a front row seat for the nightly display at DTD without having to leave the comfort of the resort.

6. Many people also like the idea of parking right in front of the villa rather than using valet parking or a distant parking lot.

7. Last but not least, SSR is a DVC resort, and we haven't seen one yet that wasn't first class and themed in a wonderful manner.


I'm sure others will elaborate more eloquently regarding the attraction of SSR.

There's nothing wrong with you not liking a theming or proximity to DTD...that's why they make so many different locations and themes. But they do all have one thing in common.



They all sell like hotcakes!

 

[tjkraz]

Granny touched on most of my reasons. But I'll throw out one more that is fairly obvious--contract length. SSR contracts end in 2054 vs. 2042 for all of the other properties. And even better, when SSR was first offered we were able to buy-in at a price LOWER than that currently being offered for add-ons at the other properties.

Aside from that, I think the entire issue of resort theming really gets short-shrift in the DVC community. It's easy to discuss the resorts in terms of pool quality, parking lots and point costs, but theming is important to people as well. Why do WDW guests choose Caribbean Beach over Coronado Springs or Port Orleans? Why choose All Star Music over Pop Century?

As much as I hear people rave about VWL, that resort does absolutely nothing for me. It's just not my "thing". I could care less about the pool, lobby, parking or amenities because I just don't care for the backwoods theming of the resort itself.

On the other hand, the artist renderings and model room photos of SSR were enough to convince us to buy. Sure, we'll trade into other properties from time-to-time (as we are doing in just about 2 weeks), but SSR will always be Home.

 

[rsschneck]

We are quite new DVC owners and bought OKW resale because of the size of the accomidations and point structure. Purchased sight unseen and with very little investigation. This is where we will always bring our guests.

We bought SSR because of location! The entire family LOVES DTD! The first thing my 7 year old DD wants to do is GO SHOPPING! I love the Spa idea, ready cooked food that I can eat at home and NOT have to cook myself, Fireworks will be nice, the pool with the water slide, the lower points, true DVC without a hotel hooked on, longer contract, etc. This will be our home that we don't share with friends or family! Boy if I keep talking I will talk myself into another 50 points!

I can't wait to stay @ SSR @ Christmas time!

 

[Pa@okw95]

The site was not that popular when they had non-DVC units there on that site, but the added years should be a big plus, it was getting unfair the amount of years left on the other sites when compare to people that bought when DVC first opened up. It is close to DD which may or may not be a plus, we will see what people say about that over time.

 

[PamOKW]

The spa is going to be a big draw to many people. I imagine that's why they picked the Saratoga theme -- to play up the spa connection. Extra years, themeing, DD proximity all the other reasons mentioned above will certainly be draws as well.

 

[jarestel]

Even if you don't care for DTD, I think SSR sounds like a great resort. I'm sure there are people who don't care for MK, but still stay at VWL, or don't like Epcot, bit still enjoy BWV. Having been to WDW as DVC members a good many times now, the parks just aren't as high a priority for us as they used to be. We still go to the parks, of course, but trips are planned more around the resorts rather than the parks they are near. I realize people like what they like, and there's no right or wrong when it comes to preference, but give SSR a stay or two before you decide it's not for you.

 

[mom2rb]

We go during the off season. Everything closes early except DD. I like that it is so close to DD. I love the thought of being able to walk back to our room after going out to eat.

 

[Beth]

On a side note...

People talk about the special "fireworks viewing area," at SSR.

But they're talking about the fireworks at Pleasure Island, right?

Doesn't that display just last for a few minutes?

Do you think they will improve this show to give the guests at SSR more of a show?

 

[Granny]

Beth...yes, it's the Pleasure Island fireworks show. And I'd be surprised if they expanded it much. But even the short fireworks show there will be a nice ending to a day at WDW.

 

[SSRex]

Yes, I am a SSR owner and bought sight unseen early on before there were even any pictures posted. I am not worried and will be waiting for reports after May 17th to hear others opinion, but will wait until July to see it for myself before I form my own ideas.

 

[erikthewise]

I'm not sure whether the OP was thinking of current members or potential members when asking what the draw is.

For current members, "new" + "lower points" will go a long way!

For new members, ditto + "50 years". "It's what we've got" may not be sexy but will probably be effective. But "$95/pt" is a real wet blanket.

I expect the theming will be just as nice as at any other DVC resort.

 

[UConnJack]

Well, it seems to me that SSR is appealing most to adults who aren't focused on going to the parks, like the idea of quiter pools and grounds, would rather spa and golf (although the true golf resort is yet to come), have a more sophisticated theme, and would rather go dining or out for a drink downtown. Sounds reasonable, this is why I asked, just wanted to know why SSR appealed to people since it didn't much to me.

Just out of curiousity, of the people who have bought SSR, how many are you long-time Disney visitors, owners at other DVC resorts, have children, age groups? Just curious, because it sounds like the demographic for SSR is going to be a bit different than the others (e.g., more Disney veterans who have already done the Disney thing for years and aren't as interested in the parks being the focal point of their vacation, may have had kids who are now older and no longer in tow or as interested in WDW vacations). I'm certainly not trying to imply its like a Disney retirement community or something, I'm sure there are many younger adult members too who just prefer a quiter, more adult vacation, and still but it does sound like SSR will have a different feel to it.

Its all good. If SSR been selling so fast, there was obviously a demand for this style of DVC resort at Disney. While it doesn't particularly appeal to me now, it may in the future. At this point in my life, I am a young father with toddlers who want the action and fun of the park-centric resorts. While my wife and I are foodies, I don't want to eat out all the time with kids (expensive!), and touristy resort shopping holds no interest to me (other than my sovenier t-shirt, ears, and some toys for the kids). While I am a golf fanatic, I would rather wait for the new DVC resort near Bonnet Creek. Plus, being from the northeast, the Saratoga Springs theme doesn't do it for me, too close to home.

Thanks for all the responses (and for not getting mad at the question in the first place). While probably not for me, I would like to check it out now.

 

[rsschneck]

We are a family of 3

DH 35
Me 34
DD7

We are pretty new to WDW and DVC, so we will be visiting the parks for quite a few years. However, we love DTD shopping, restaurants, cirque show, DQ and like to relax by the pool and Spa! My DD loves manicures & pedicures! We all like to golf! DD took her first lessons last summer!

Right now we only have 100 points at SSR so we will have to bank and borrow or hope that we have luck at the 7 month window.

 

[thechangingtable]

I have been going to Disney almost annually since 1980, now with a family of my own we go several times a year. We bought SSR because many of the times that we go, the park closes at 7pm, so SSR is perfect for continuing the DISNEY day at DTD by eating, shopping, watching the entertainment AFTER the parks close.

We also bought at BCV (and will be buying 150 more points there) because I like Stormalong Bay for the kids.

The 50 yr SSR contracts I have are perfect for future estate planning for my kids too (willing them).

Both RESORTS are the best for US right now.

christine, divorced with 4 kids (15, 8, 3, 1)

 

[mhochman]

Originally posted by UConnJack
Just out of curiousity, of the people who have bought SSR, how many are you long-time Disney visitors, owners at other DVC resorts, have children, age groups?

Me:32
DW:31
DS: will be just about 2 at his first trip in July
?:Hopefully one or two more in the next 6 years or so.

DW and I have been to WDW three times together before DS was born, stayed on site each time. I had been about 8 times between my birth (1972) and high school (1989). Then the three times after that.

This is our first DVC ownership. We bought SSR because it's what Disney is offering right now, and there were reasons for us to go new vs. resale. DD is appealing to us, but obviously we will be at the parks a lot over the next 15 years or so. We anticipate grandparents putting together family trips over the years, so we expect to stay in the Disney hotels during those stays, while saving SSR for our more relaxed trips.
Michael

 

[MickeyB426]

We just bought 400 points at SSR. We're hoping to go in late July-early August.

Me - 42
DW - 40
DS - 10
DD - 10
DS - 10 (yep, triplets)

WE bought at SSR because we did not want a re-purchased contract, the length appealed to us, and I just might have the only three kids that would rather spend a day at the pool than a day at the park.

Proximity doesn't mean much to me unless I can basically fall out of bed and land there.

Looking at all the DTD lights and fireworks is also appealing to me, and having vacationed at Lake George, there's a definite appeal to me regarding the Saratoga concept.

 

[mom2rb]

We are

DH-35
DW-33
DS-5
DS-5

We love the location. I think if we traveled when the parks were open later it would not be such a big deal.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

We love DTD so it was perfect for us but the main thing was the 50 years rather then the lesser time. The spa is a huge draw also. It is just going to be awesome!
DH 34
me 33
DS 3