Well, it's happening, can't get VWL or BCV at 7month window, and I own at both!!!!!

[Sarnia]

This is the big issue I have with this board in general - so many are willing and waiting to POUNCE on the first thing they can disagree with, and often there are bizarre standards as to what gets criticized and what doesn't. And while I value honesty and the opinions of others, well, unfortunately, I would actually PREFER a little more "political correctness" in the responses. Sorry to say, but on this board, some of the responders are frankly antagonistic and rude and could stand to curb their keyboards. It gets in the way of tranferring real info to people, and turns a thread into one big he said-she said "My opinion is better than yours" debate.

Personally I have no problem if somebody posts that they dislike something about SSR, or any other resort for that matter, as part of a normal discussion. What bothers me is when they make ignorant and sometimes insulting statements at every possible opportunity based on their own view.

There have been people at times on these boards that have seemed on a mission to critisise SSR at every oportunity, antagonise SSR owners and post bizarre assertions and assumptions. Why these people feel the need to go on a vendetta I don't know, but when I see posts by those people I do feel a need to defend SSR and those of us that love it.

 

[Granny]

There have been people at times on these boards that have seemed on a mission to critisise SSR at every oportunity, antagonise SSR owners and post bizarre assertions and assumptions. Why these people feel the need to go on a vendetta I don't know, but when I see posts by those people I do feel a need to defend SSR and those of us that love it.

For what it's worth, you could clip out this quote and substitute BCV, VWL, OKW or BWV at some point or another.

When I started on this board in 2001, VWL was the new kid on the block and the "resort wars" flared up from time to time, mostly between BWV and OKW owners. VWL came under plenty of fire, but for whatever reason us VWL owners don't seem to get upset when people talk about the long halls, remoteness from everything else, dumpster views or dark decor. I guess we're just a laid back bunch of owners!

When BCV came on line, there were plenty of "disparaging" posts and the BCV owners felt tormented.

Now it's SSR's time in the barrel, and because it will be the only DVC resort actively sold and will be for some time, I envision this kind of discussion going on for some time.

shantay1008...you make good points about internet anonymity and people wanting to "defend" their high cost purchase decisions.

 

[beachblanket]

You can't get much closer to the road than part of BCV does. Any closer and there will tire marks on the carpet.

so true - and an excellent point about what I feel is a hugely overrated resort.

Why? well, take away SAB and BVC wouldn't be anywhere near as popular as it is. In terms of overall placement, dining and entertainment amenities, BWV is clearly the superior Epcot area property. It was designed from the ground up as a DVC resort, while the BVC villas are an afterthought appendage to an existing resort, crammed into leftover (read: second rate) space.

 

[Chuck S]

While the "afterthought" comment about BCV is true from the viewpoint it was added to an existing resort, the same is true of VWL, and will also be true if the Contemporary rebuilds the North Wing into DVC unit (not saying it will happen, only that it is a possibility). I'm not sure that even BWV could claim the DVC units are in "first rate" space.

And every DVC resort has something that makes it unique and attractive to a segment of DVCers. For BCV it is SAB and EPCOT location; for BWV it is EPCOT location and the Boardwalk area; for VWL it is the location near MK; for OKW it is the size of the units and the overall condo feel of the resort; for SSR it is the proximity near DtD, the condo style of the resort, and the wonderful spa. Each of us has our preferences, the BWV and BCV area, while both lovely resorts, would be on the bottom of my choice list for exactly the same reasons many people out them on the top of their lists. It is the availablility of choices that makes DVC work for so many people.

 

[crisi]

For what it's worth, you could clip out this quote and substitute BCV, VWL, OKW or BWV at some point or another.

When I started on this board in 2001, VWL was the new kid on the block and the "resort wars" flared up from time to time, mostly between BWV and OKW owners. VWL came under plenty of fire, but for whatever reason us VWL owners don't seem to get upset when people talk about the long halls, remoteness from everything else, dumpster views or dark decor. I guess we're just a laid back bunch of owners!

When BCV came on line, there were plenty of "disparaging" posts and the BCV owners felt tormented.

Now it's SSR's time in the barrel, and because it will be the only DVC resort actively sold and will be for some time, I envision this kind of discussion going on for some time.

shantay1008...you make good points about internet anonymity and people wanting to "defend" their high cost purchase decisions.

And, in those "old days" between Dee and Rich, there was no compromise on BWV and OKW. Rich would bait Dee and she'd fall for it every time. If you believed Rich, the halls at BWV were so long that you needed to train by walking for three months before staying their (the rooms, as I recall, were convienently sized, so you don't need to get up from the couch to grab a beer from the fridge). Dee's response was generally that OKW was in the boonies - an "old folks home."

I actually think we are a little better now than when I first joined - when apparently the hallways were filled with trash because no one knew how to take their trash down to the trash room, and the long debate we had over people hanging their pool towels over the balcony changing the look of the resort. Must be those trailer trash renters, because we owners are all way to classy to do that.

I think that people would be served by learning to seperate fact from opinion and weigh other peoples experiences with both skeptism and benefit of the doubt:

Opinion: BCV has the ugliest couch I have ever seen.

Fact: You can walk to Epcot from BCV and BWV.

Experience: The nightstand drawer was broken on our last BWV trip.

Opinion of experience: From this, and similar issues with stays, I don't think DVC villas are kept up to Deluxe resort standards. But we were fine with it, didn't ruin our stay, it wasn't a big deal and I didn't need to get to the Bible.

People like different things - isn't that great! And if you are a flexible, optimistic, happy person - whatever DVC throws at you is probably going to be just fine. What a lot of people on this board try to do is set a realistic - or even pessimistic - expectation against being constantly delighted. People have high expectations when the Disney name is involved. Maybe its my job - I'm a project manager these days - but I like to manage expectations. I'd rather set pessimistic expectations that you'll be able to book your dream resort after the seven month window opens, that you will always have your non-smoking request met, and that the room you are in will be so clean you can eat off the floor, than have people expect all that, and then allow their vacation to be destroyed when they can't book their dream resort on short notice, get stuck with a smoking room, and discover that the drawer on the nightstand is off its rail and the rail is missing a screw (gee, makes it inconvinent to get to the Gideon Bible!)and the closet bulb is burned out.

It is, however, valid and acceptable to have a different opinion. I'm sorry, SSR owners, but I hate the decor at SSR. Taste is subjective (and mine may be horrible), but no amount of talking to me will convince me those rooms are in the least bit attractive. It is acceptable to say that BWV is too busy for your taste. We don't all have to agree.

 

[gopherit]

Personally I have no problem if somebody posts that they dislike something about SSR, or any other resort for that matter, as part of a normal discussion. What bothers me is when they make ignorant and sometimes insulting statements at every possible opportunity based on their own view.

There have been people at times on these boards that have seemed on a mission to critisise SSR at every oportunity, antagonise SSR owners and post bizarre assertions and assumptions. Why these people feel the need to go on a vendetta I don't know, but when I see posts by those people I do feel a need to defend SSR and those of us that love it.

But it flows both ways - I've also seen innocent opinions stated that were attacked as being "SSR-bashing". We had a lovely stay at SSR, but I feel like if I were to interject with even the simplest statement, like, "the closet was small", I am going to get pounced on by people who NEVER had problems with the closet, found it MORE than spacious, I must be visually impaired to think it was small, why they personally hosted a DVC members cocktail party in theirs just last week, and frankly, my constant SSR-bashing annoys them to no end and MUST be stopped.

I agree with Granny - just remove SSR and plug in any other resort and we've been there, seen that. It goes well beyond that of just DVC's newest resort. And check the community board - it goes beyond DVC! Along with the anonymity of the keyboard, there is the anonymity of a larger website too - I think this site has grown so much the anonymity factor has really increased. Also. there's sort of a Dr. Phil "Let me enlighten the darkness of your ignorance" mission in society today but with a Jerry Springer attitude- more and more people stand behind a "I gotta tell it like it is - sorry if my truths hurt ya, gotta be cruel to be kind" attitude, as if by being blunt they have somehow done you a big fat favor.

I'm not saying we need to live in a daisies-n-daffodils world 24/7 - quite the opposite, I like a good discussion with varied opinions, and can respect what one person feels and not feel threatened by it. I'm also very data driven - so if someone states an opinion (the closet was small) and someone wants to report back with exact square footage of the closets of all resorts, that's not bashing - that's fact, and I love a good piece of data! But even with the data, there should be a certain amount of respect for other's opinions given - after all, even with data, if one closet were 30% bigger than another, that still doesn't determine whether I think it's "big" or "small" or whether it even matters WHAT size it is at all - that opinion is up to me, you respect mine, I'll respect yours, viva la difference, and we will enjoy our memberships in harmony! But instead, it just seems so many of the threads I tiptoe into on the DIS have this element, of people waiting to attack.

I have visited smaller boards where people will pose a question that they were "afraid" to ask here, so sadly, I don't think I'm alone in this perception.

 

[beachblanket]

I'm not sure that even BWV could claim the DVC units are in "first rate" space.

Granted, that a subjective issue, but here's my argument "for':

BW Inn:

Location pluses:

- Inn rooms are a slightly shorter walk to Epcot.
- Some overlook the quiet pool, a benefit to those seeking that sort of ambience.

Location minuses:

- BW view Inn rooms have inferior, limited Illuminations view (tighter angle).
- Most expensive rooms (the two story Garden Suites) have a "courtyard" view of...the backs of the other Inn buildings.
- Some BW view Inn rooms are over the Boardwalk location that attracts the loudest, rudest audience, a.k.a. ESPN.

BW Villas:

Location pluses:

- Slightly shorter walk to MGM.
- BW view viilas inarguably have the best Epcot and Illuminations views, if the not the best views of any Disney property anywhere.
- Closer access to main family pool.
- Quick "short cut" access to/from launches and buses that leave from nearby Swan and Dolphin (saves 5-10 minutes on return trips from parks).

Location minuses:

- Supposed "long" hallways (which in reality have actually been proven to be no longer than those at some other Disney resorts, including GF and AKL).
- Compaints by some of those staying in BW view villas of some late noise from revelers leaving Jellyrolls (most commonly by those in lower floors who sleep with balcony doors open, we've stayed twice on fourth floor in this location with no noise problems whatsoever).

 

[crisi]

You forgot, BWV has better access to the theme pool than BWI....In fact, I think they really did the Inn a disservice having the pool way over on the Villa end....it allowed them to provide those lovely Garden Suites though.

 

[LoveMyDVC2]

I guess my point is that some wonder why SSR owners get defensive,


My guess would be, imagine yourself paying a lot of $$ for something you really enjoyed, then find yourself lumped into a group that is looked down on or being blamed for why everyone who owns at BWV, BCV, and VML can't book at 7 months. Some posters are very good at making SSR owners feel like second class citizens. It like moving to a new neighborhood, only to find out nobody like that you are there!!!

People on these boards put the blame on SSR and the owners. Once in awhile there will be some one who blame the powers that be at DVC for building such a big resort and that is fine with me. A large resort will and does have an impact on DVC reservations, (I get it!!!)

The problem I have is, there are some on this board who think they need to convince others that SSR is not as nice as the rest of DVC. (I don't get it!!)

Think about it. SSR has a spa, lots of dining options within walking distance.(unlike Epcot, you don't need park tickets to get in) SSR also has golf. (if you are into that) and one can't argue that it IS very peaceful. (which a lot of peolpe like). Oh, and just because BCV has SAB doesn't mean all pools at other DVC resorts are bad!!!

....Here I go defending SSR! I'm DONE!!!

 

[beachblanket]

You forgot, BWV has better access to the theme pool than BWI....In fact, I think they really did the Inn a disservice having the pool way over on the Villa end....it allowed them to provide those lovely Garden Suites though.

Note I did point out that BWV villas are closer to the family (a.k.a. "theme" pool). And yes, the Garden suites are lovely...albeit they don't really have a view of anything other than their garden.

 

[Beca]

And, in those "old days" between Dee and Rich, there was no compromise on BWV and OKW. Rich would bait Dee and she'd fall for it every time. If you believed Rich, the halls at BWV were so long that you needed to train by walking for three months before staying their (the rooms, as I recall, were convienently sized, so you don't need to get up from the couch to grab a beer from the fridge). Dee's response was generally that OKW was in the boonies - an "old folks home."

Great post!!! And, I totally agree. I REALLY miss Rich. However, I thought his comments were that you didn't have to get up from the BALCONY at BWV to get your beer. I LOVED watching him get new people "all riled up", only having them realize later that they had been "had". I know more than a few people STRONGLY disliked him on this board...but, just knowing with absolute certainty that if I saw Rich's name on this board....that I'd get a laugh if I read it. And...he was ALWAYS trashing the resorts I liked!! He was just so cute!!!

I guess my point is this....I have read more than a few posts in the last couple of days that refer to BCV as run-down, dingy, dark, stained carpet, etc. Even on this thread, someone posted that BWV has the best Illuminations views of any resort...something that I actually strongly disagree with. But, I am not posting hostile posts in response to them. Why....first of all....I don't CARE what someone I don't know thinks about a resort I love!! It is my money and my vacation...I don't need someone to tell me that my purchase was a good or bad decision. I come here to post and have fun...not to be reassured that I did okay....seriously, no one can know whether I did right or wrong by buying there except for me. Secondly, they WANT me to respond to them....Rich did...B3 did....they thought it was SOO much fun to get people all ....not because they wanted people to feel bad about their purchase, but because posters were to "caught up in the moment" to recognize the satire and irony in their posts. To them, it was an exercise in wit. Rinkwide does the same thing, his wit is just usually

And, finally....I DO believe that SSR owners feel "singled out"...but, that is because they are NEW. I only joined the boards right before SSR opened. I remember trying to decide where to buy, and having issues because ALL resorts were constantly getting praised and slammed....and, you know what...they STILL are!!! It just seems like SSR is getting slammed more because SSR owners get upset and respond in anger...then the post gets heated and goes on and on. Yes, there are usually two or three threads where SSR is getting debated. But, if I wanted to make an issue of what other posters were saying...I could find at least THREE threads where people have said some pretty ugly things about BCV in the last two days, and respond in a way to get those threads going pretty hotly as well. But instead, I didn't even post. Why? I love BCV...I don't really care what they think, and I don't care about attempting to change their opinion (which I couldn't do anyway). Seriously, if a few posters are "ruining your Disney day"...add them to your ignore list, and you will NEVER have to read another post by them again. I'm sure Rich was on a LOT of ignore lists.

But folks, if you are coming to a PUBLIC, ANONYMOUS forum to be "reassured" about your purchase....well, I can only wish you lots of luck, and let you know that you are in my prayers. That is NOT going to happen!!! And, if you let on to others that you are "iffy" about the purchase you just made....boy, are you asking for it!! That is the nature of web boards....they make people VERY brave.

There will ALWAYS be the Richyams, BWVDees, B3's and others on boards...my granddad was just like them...all I'd have to say was, "I have a pimple that is really bothering me," and that was his invitatation to tease me ALL day long!! He'd say, "That cute boy is looking at you....wait...sorry....he was just looking at that pimple." I learned REAL quick what NOT to say around my granddad. He died on my 16th birthday....and, I miss him more than I ever could've imagined....I miss his humor...I miss the way he saw the world. I am so sorry he is not around to "tease" my dd....he would've driven her NUTS!!!

I come to these boards to laugh, joke, and even "discuss". Lately, for me...these boards have been kind of boring. People are too sensitive to "discuss", people are too mindful of the way they word things, it creates NO sense community, and I don't find myself laughing too often on here anymore (Thank God for Rinkwide!).

I just look forward to the day when sales at SSR are OVER, and we can all be friends again....and trash each other like we used to!!!



Beca

 

[starbox]

I just look forward to the day when sales at SSR are OVER, and we can all be friends again....and trash each other like we used to!!!



Beca

Are you kidding, when the new DVC resort gets built, we'll all be busy trashing it. Actually, why wait? We could start CV trashing right now.

Oh my gosh, the new CV resort is so horrible - you can tell that Disney just added it as an afterthought. The monorail service is so slow I think I could walk to the park faster than I can monorail - not to mention how crowded it is with all the traffic and gawkers stopping off just to see the murals or eat at Chef Mickeys (which used to be my favorite restaurant until they ruined it by adding it to the DDP).

I just can't see what anyone sees in this resort. The pool is just way too small for a resort this size. As for the decor - you might say "contemporary" but it reminds me of a bad dream sequence in a Brady Bunch rerun. I almost expected polyester pantsuits on all the CMs. I used to think DVC was elegant until this resort came along. It just proves that DVC is going down hill. What's worse, I could not book my home resort at 7 months during the week of Christmas. I know it's all those darn CV owners ruining my life.

 

[DebbieB]

It's true, when I bought BWV in September 1999, it was always getting bashed on these boards. Small rooms, dirty, poor housekeeping, long halls..... I was worried that I did the wrong thing. Almost 7 years later, no regrets. Once the next resort comes, everyone will leave SSR alone and start on that one.....

 

[Chuck S]

make people VERY brave.

There will ALWAYS be the Richyams, BWVDees, B3's and others on boards...my granddad was just like them...all I'd have to say was, "I have a pimple that is really bothering me," and that was his invitatation to tease me ALL day long!! He'd say, "That cute boy is looking at you....wait...sorry....he was just looking at that pimple." I learned REAL quick what NOT to say around my granddad. He died on my 16th birthday....and, I miss him more than I ever could've imagined....I miss his humor...I miss the way he saw the world. I am so sorry he is not around to "tease" my dd....he would've driven her NUTS!!!

I come to these boards to laugh, joke, and even "discuss". Lately, for me...these boards have been kind of boring. People are too sensitive to "discuss", people are too mindful of the way they word things, it creates NO sense community, and I don't find myself laughing too often on here anymore (Thank God for Rinkwide!).


Beca

But remember, Rich and Dee baited each other, and presented their "arguements" in jovial and fun ways. Reading their posts, would make most folks just smile and shake their head.

The problem lately is that some posters/trolls have just gotten plain, ol' fashioned nasty...no give and take, and would repeat the same drivel from thread to thread in post after post. That has put many normally jovial posters in a defensive mood. And it isn't affecting just the DIS, it seems to be an internet wide thing, affecting most of the forum type sites. How unfortunate that this seems to be the new face of the internet.

 

[Beca]

Chuck...VERY true. But, I seem to remember the last time I saw BWVDee, she had posted something rather innocuous, and someone else angrily responded, "Oh come on now....we al know how you really feel, and what resort you think is better than the others!" That was the last time I personally saw her name on the boards. I'm not saying she didn't actualy "earn" some of that animosity, but I couldn't help but thinking that the person who was so hostile to her really didn't "get" her.

starbox...you are also SOOO right!!! I can't wait to read the "DVC could've done SOOO much with this resort!! I mean, it has probably the best location on property. Too bad the theming is SOOO horrendous!" Then, we'll hear...."Yeah, well...the MK is the park really designed for little kids...I'll take Epcot anyday!" Yep....I'll be sittin' back, laughing....and, having a drink on Rich!!!



Beca

 

[diznyfanatic]

<snip>...
The problem lately is that some posters/trolls have just gotten plain, ol' fashioned nasty...no give and take, and would repeat the same drivel from thread to thread in post after post. That has put many normally jovial posters in a defensive mood. And it isn't affecting just the DIS, it seems to be an internet wide thing, affecting most of the forum type sites. How unfortunate that this seems to be the new face of the internet.

This is very true. I've lurked or particpated at many different type of message boards / forums. Everything ranging from eBay to travel to crafting. Disney is certainly not immune to rude or nasty participants, however, this board is considerably tamer than most. The nasty/negative/insulting type posts here hardly even register a blip on the troll-o-meter.

You haven't seen vicious until you've seen some of the nastiness on the eBay or crafting (hard to believe but very true) boards that I've visited.

The moderators here do an excellent job of keeping most of that away from here and I very much appreciate it.

 

[gjw007]

The problem lately is that some posters/trolls have just gotten plain, ol' fashioned nasty...no give and take, and would repeat the same drivel from thread to thread in post after post. That has put many normally jovial posters in a defensive mood. And it isn't affecting just the DIS, it seems to be an internet wide thing, affecting most of the forum type sites. How unfortunate that this seems to be the new face of the internet.

Unfortunately this appears to be true. I visit and post occasionally on a few boards, a couple sports related, and there is an attitude of "I must win at all costs" in some of the discussion. Some of the comments can be very demeaning.

 

[Beca]

Unfortunately this appears to be true. I visit and post occasionally on a few boards, a couple sports related, and there is an attitude of "I must win at all costs" in some of the discussion. Some of the comments can be very demeaning.

And yet....somehow that seems "natural"....sports people...competitive....nah, you must be kidding??!!!



Beca

 

[BeccaG]

Wow! As a newbie to these boards and to DVC ( I am one of the "those people" who purchased SSR and from Disneyland!!!!!) I was unaware of the anomosity until I tripped upon this thread! I think it is great that people are loyal to their resort, like they would be to there school. But no matter what, others say I just think it is cool to find others who love Disney as much as we all do and who are lucky enough to be able to afford to go to D World on a regular basis!

I guess this is my sorry attempt to say in the infamous words of Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along?"

 

[seabright1]

As others have mentioned, DVC could have used SSR to kind of break the cookie cutter mold they have set for themselves with the curent DVC room design. It would have been nice to see some true imagination instead of the same exact same room layout as the last three onsite resorts.

Disney seems to get in a rut and they take something successful (and highly desired) and copy it until the copies lose all the charm of the original. For example, because everyone loves the Dumbo ride, Disney responds and builds the magic carpets and that Hester and Chester thing at AK. The copies are OK, but I'll take the Dumbos anyday. SSR would have been much better if Disney would have broken the mold. With all the space, bigger rooms, a loft or an upstairs/downstairs layout would have been a nice change.

Because of that, SSR is the DVC of last resort for us.

That is exactly how I see Saratoga Springs.
Others say that it gets the most negative comments because it is the new kid on the block. But to me that is not true. My 1st stay at BCV,VWL...& OKW (the oldest resort) is to me a "new experience" and as such I saw it as a "new " resort. Those resorts were to me beautiful "new" resorts.

Let us say that all the WDW resorts were built all at the same time (and perhaps with the same number of units)and are being sold simultaneously, I believe that Saratoga will ne the last one to be sold out not because it has the most number of units but because it is ugly.