What is going on with SSR???

[drakethib]

Sure I'd listen.

Wouldn't change that I think this resort is the least desirable in the system but I'd love to have something to get excited about with SSR.

Would you recommend a family stay at SSR for there first WDW visit? I know I wouldn't.

I wouldn't recommend someone staying at BCV for there first time vist or VWL, POP, or ALL STARs, or CB, CS, POFQ. All of these places with the exception of BCV have no direct access to any of the parks but draw many people who have a great time every year.

Personal choice.

You hate it, others love it. They are footing the bill so I guess what everyone else thinks is irrelevant.

 

[BroganMc]

Maybe I am wrong in this but I feel that SSR had "gorilla marketing" tactics by Disney to sell the place. I am not sure if the other resorts were pushed as much. Maybe someone can chime in on that.

What "gorilla" tactics are you talking about?

They never solicited me, unless you call having a booth with sign and billboards as a gorilla solicitation. My presentation entailed describing the program, taking me on a tour of the resort, and showing me point charts and prices. Then I was handed a care package and taken to the ice cream parlor. They told me to call back when/if I was ready.

I had way more of a hard sale at my last Marriott presentation. They were calling me up on check-in and trying to talk me into buying a resort in the Caribbean I'd never visit just for "trade value". I was told I had to decide before I left or all incentive deals were off. Then they called me at home Christmas week to see why I hadn't bought. (And no this isn't the norm for Marriott, or at least hasn't been for me the last several years.)

 

[bpmorley]

Sure I'd listen.

Wouldn't change that I think this resort is the least desirable in the system but I'd love to have something to get excited about with SSR.

Would you recommend a family stay at SSR for there first WDW visit? I know I wouldn't.

Yes I would. I happen to love the place.

 

[dumbo71]

Yes I would. I happen to love the place.

Glad to hear it, one more room filled at SSR.

I know I'd recommned a first timer stay at a resort that they can feel the magic. A big part of that magic is the parks, especially a first time visiter so I'd recommned VWL, BCV or BWV for a first timer.

I don't hate SSR by the way, it is fine for many, just not for me. How many times have we all seen posts here about someone couldn't get a ressie at X Resort. They then go on the state that they could have had SSR but didn't want it. They then go on the say "No Offense to SSR, just not what we wanted." Honestly, I've read probably 50 of these in my short time here.

Are they all trolls? Nope, most were experienced owners.

 

[Starr W.]

Glad to hear it, one more room filled at SSR.

I know I'd recommned a first timer stay at a resort that they can feel the magic. A big part of that magic is the parks, especially a first time visiter so I'd recommned VWL, BCV or BWV for a first timer.

I don't hate SSR by the way, it is fine for many, just not for me. How many times have we all seen posts here about someone couldn't get a ressie at X Resort. They then go on the state that they could have had SSR but didn't want it. They then go on the say "No Offense to SSR, just not what we wanted." Honestly, I've read probably 50 of these in my short time here.

Are they all trolls? Nope, most were experienced owners.

My first trip in 20+yrs, first with my own family was at SSR and we loved it. The boys were a little miffed it was too cold to try out the pool, but other than that they enjoyed themselves. The eldest is miffed that we are staying at VWL on the next trip, the pool doesn't look as fun as the main one at SSR. We're happy to own at SSR and if I can call inside 7 months and get a 2br villa for a short inpromptu trip even better!

 

[dumbo71]

My first trip in 20+yrs, first with my own family was at SSR and we loved it. The boys were a little miffed it was too cold to try out the pool, but other than that they enjoyed themselves. The eldest is miffed that we are staying at VWL on the next trip, the pool doesn't look as fun as the main one at SSR. We're happy to own at SSR and if I can call inside 7 months and get a 2br villa for a short inpromptu trip even better!

I'm glad you had a great trip, I truly am. Quite frankly I'm not surprised, SSR is a nice resort.

What I would say is that your view or opinion of the impact of SSR on the system has far less merit than that of an experienced owner. By experienced I mean an owner who has tried all or most of the other resorts. I'm not sure how you can say you'll stay at SSR most of the time. I mean aren't you going to try the others? What happens when you stay at BWV and you find you love having the BW at your fingertips and being able to walk/boat direclty to Epcot/MGM?

In short, who is to say that SSR won't end up being your least favorite resort?

 

[tfc3rid]

My personal story on DVC... 2000 - bought 250 at BWV, 2002 bought 150 at BCV, last week, 150 at SSR.

Stayed at BWV 3 times, 1 time at BCV, 4 times at OKW... While I do like the BC (as it's my favorite resort) it is tough to get into and the points at times are too rich... BW, I just never got into it's vibe... It's very cold and hotel-like... OKW, love it... I love the 'Community-type' resort... Which is why I bough additional points at SSR, in addition to the years and lower dues...

 

[pilferk]

How about some booking advantage? How about a resort that isn't going to have a feature pool that is packed to the gills because they expanded thew rersort and never expanded the main pool? How about DVC stops selling SSR as a means to stay elsewhere? How about poolside food or a direct tie to a theme park?

Seriously this is just reaching but I still haven't seen a good reason to own there. OKW has lower points/largeer rooms. BCV has SAB and direct ties to Epcot/MGM; BWV has direct ties to Epcot/MGM and has the BW right there; VWL has direct access to a WDW Deluxe resort and direct access to a lake and MK.

What exactly does SSR have that makes it a great place to own? You have no direct access to a theme park, you have no true reason to need the 11 month priority to book there, no special features that set it apart, it has relatively high points and small rooms.

Seriously how can anyone dispute this? Really all it has is 12 extra years, that is it.

See, and this is a great example of why there is such a disconnect when you start to discuss SSR.

People rattle off a list of benefits that THEY see...things THEY see as being an advantage...and you simply poo poo them.

Apparently, FOR YOU, you're right...SSR isn't the best choice. You're looking for something that will benefit you IN THE SYSTEM, as much as the resort benefits, themselves. YOU want direct theme park access. YOU want "magic" surrounding you. That's why there are other DVC choices. Sell, and buy elsewhere.

But for you to categorically dismiss the things at SSR that are draws (DTD access, golf access, spa access, grounds, etc, etc) simply because YOU don't think those are important is, well.....the reason you end up arguing constantly with other owners.

 

[tomandrobin]

What I would say is that your view or opinion of the impact of SSR on the system has far less merit than that of an experienced owner. By experienced I mean an owner who has tried all or most of the other resorts. I'm not sure how you can say you'll stay at SSR most of the time. ?

Why do you feel the need to question the way an owner feels towards thier home resort? For example, if you like beer, and you insist everyone else to beer since its the best drink? If liked wine, are you going to insist that I have to drink beer cause its better, in your opinion? I don't need to try beer to know that I already like the wine better. But you'll keep insisting that there has to be something wrong with my taste buds.

I'll give you another example.....I'm not gay, but I don't need to have a same sex relationship to confirm what I already know. Sometimes you just know.

I mean aren't you going to try the others? What happens when you stay at BWV and you find you love having the BW at your fingertips and being able to walk/boat direclty to Epcot/MGM?

Boat to MGM isn't that quick, and lets not forget to mention the worse bus system in Disney to the other parks/DTD from the EPCOT resorts.

 

[tomandrobin]

I know I'd recommned a first timer stay at a resort that they can feel the magic. A big part of that magic is the parks, especially a first time visiter so I'd recommned VWL, BCV or BWV for a first timer.

What is the Magic at those resorts that SSR or OKW does not have?

don't hate SSR by the way, it is fine for many, just not for me.

You don't hate it, but you don't like it. Huh? Do a search on your posts and comes across pretty clear that you hate the resort.

How many times have we all seen posts here about someone couldn't get a ressie at X Resort. They then go on the state that they could have had SSR but didn't want it.

First, poor planning on someone elses part is not SSR or anyother resorts fault.Second, how many actual posts say that and how many are happy to get a room at another resort as a fall back? Are members that shallow that they would not go on vacation if they could not stay at resort "XYZ" on last minute notice, but could of stayed at "ABC" instead? Its going to Disney, I would think the resort is secondary. But thats my opinion, like the above is yours.

They then go on the say "No Offense to SSR, just not what we wanted." Honestly, I've read probably 50 of these in my short time here.

Are they all trolls? Nope, most were experienced owners.

Wow, 50 of them, that is something. And your are really certain that they were "experienced" owners, not like them rookies over at SSR. Cause that really would make a difference to me.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Yes I would. I happen to love the place.

Me too! I just booked our Christmas trip today and my next visit to SSR is a mere 86 days away. (but who's counting...)

I'm glad it has a "bad" rep because then I will never have trouble getting a reservation there when I want one.

It's far away from the hustle and bustle, yet still on property. Just what I wanted in a vacation home.

 

[Questforthemouse]

Glad to hear it, one more room filled at SSR.

I know I'd recommned a first timer stay at a resort that they can feel the magic. A big part of that magic is the parks, especially a first time visiter so I'd recommned VWL, BCV or BWV for a first timer.

I don't hate SSR by the way, it is fine for many, just not for me. How many times have we all seen posts here about someone couldn't get a ressie at X Resort. They then go on the state that they could have had SSR but didn't want it. They then go on the say "No Offense to SSR, just not what we wanted." Honestly, I've read probably 50 of these in my short time here.

Are they all trolls? Nope, most were experienced owners.

I guess this is my customer focused business/marketing background coming through but I wouldn't recommend a darned thing until I've asked the "first timer/customer" numerous questions and listened intently to their responses to understand their stated and unstated wants/needs (ignore the marketing jargon). My responsibility is to apply my knowledge and expertise to meet their needs and hopefully that results in a most enjoyable experience for them.

Possible questions...

1) When are you planning on going to WDW
2) How long are you planning on staying
3) Do you have kids, no kids, young kids, teenagers
4) What are the interests of all your family members
5) Are other relatives coming
6) Do you need multiple rooms
7) Do you want to use WDW transportation or use your own vehicle
8) Are you looking for a busy/commando style vacation or something leisurely
9) Do you plan on visiting all WDW flagship parks
10) Do you want to visit any non-WDW attractions in Orlando
11) Will you spend a lot of time at the pools
12) Do you plan on doing a lot of shopping
13) Do you desire to make use of other amenities like fitness facilities or a spa
14) Is this a golfing vacation or do you want to do some golfing
15) etc...

I think you get the point. The last thing I would do is presume that my idea of "magical" will be someone else's. After getting answers to many questions I may find that the very last thing these "first timers" would want is to stay at SSR. On the other hand, SSR may be the perfect resort for them and my desire to impose my idea of "magical" on them by recommending BWV (or whichever resort) might make their vacation significantly less enjoyable.

Just some food for thought...

 

[tomandrobin]

I guess this is my customer focused business/marketing background coming through but I wouldn't recommend a darned thing until I've asked the "first timer/customer" numerous questions and listened intently to their responses to understand their stated and unstated wants/needs (ignore the marketing jargon). My responsibility is to apply my knowledge and expertise to meet their needs and hopefully that results in a most enjoyable experience for them.

Possible questions...

1) When are you planning on going to WDW
2) How long are you planning on staying
3) Do you have kids, no kids, young kids, teenagers
4) What are the interests of all your family members
5) Are other relatives coming
6) Do you need multiple rooms
7) Do you want to use WDW transportation or use your own vehicle
8) Are you looking for a busy/commando style vacation or something leisurely
9) Do you plan on visiting all WDW flagship parks
10) Do you want to visit any non-WDW attractions in Orlando
11) Will you spend a lot of time at the pools
12) Do you plan on doing a lot of shopping
13) Do you desire to make use of other amenities like fitness facilities or a spa
14) Is this a golfing vacation or do you want to do some golfing
15) etc...

I think you get the point. The last thing I would do is presume that my idea of "magical" will be someone else's. After getting answers to many questions I may find that the very last thing these "first timers" would want is to stay at SSR. On the other hand, SSR may be the perfect resort for them and my desire to impose my idea of "magical" on them by recommending BWV (or whichever resort) might make their vacation significantly less enjoyable.

Just some food for thought...

Nice post!

To bad he paints over everything with a broad brush when it comes to SSR.

 

[bpmorley]

I don't hate SSR by the way, it is fine for many, just not for me. How many times have we all seen posts here about someone couldn't get a ressie at X Resort. They then go on the state that they could have had SSR but didn't want it. They then go on the say "No Offense to SSR, just not what we wanted." Honestly, I've read probably 50 of these in my short time here.

Are they all trolls? Nope, most were experienced owners.

You say in alot of your posts that you don't hate SSR, but for some reason you are obsessed with it. I don't get it. If it's not for you, that's fine, but just leave it alone. Owners like me are getting tired of hearing it. You leave the rooms at SSR for me to book and that's fine with me.
And last year SSR owners were having a bit of a problem getting rooms before 7 month mark. I know we did. We had to waitlist at around 7 1/2 months to get what we wanted. We didn't do the parks much, we pretty much hung around the pool most days and relaxed and we never met a person that said SSR was a second choice.

 

[Questforthemouse]

Nice post!

To bad he paints over everything with a broad brush when it comes to SSR.

Not too bad for Dumbo71 or any first timers that come to him for WDW vacation advice looking for the same "magical" experience as him. Only too bad for those uninformed first timers looking for a different "magical" experience (one of value to them and not Dumbo71). I say "uninformed" first timers because they do not know what the rest of us know...that Dumbo71 is really a Jedi master gone evil (having joined the dark side long, long ago) and has a not so hidden agenda to have all of us join forces with the dark side to rule the DVC universe We must resist! We must use the force! We must not get caught up in his Jedi mind tricks! Ben...we need you!

 

[drakethib]

What "gorilla" tactics are you talking about?

They never solicited me, unless you call having a booth with sign and billboards as a gorilla solicitation. My presentation entailed describing the program, taking me on a tour of the resort, and showing me point charts and prices. Then I was handed a care package and taken to the ice cream parlor. They told me to call back when/if I was ready.

I had way more of a hard sale at my last Marriott presentation. They were calling me up on check-in and trying to talk me into buying a resort in the Caribbean I'd never visit just for "trade value". I was told I had to decide before I left or all incentive deals were off. Then they called me at home Christmas week to see why I hadn't bought. (And no this isn't the norm for Marriott, or at least hasn't been for me the last several years.)

JMHO, but at WDW there were more "Disney's best kept secret" flyers, signs on buses, DVC stands, DVC Vans all over the place.

I don't remember the other resorts being marketed in such a way. Maybe some of the"old timers" can fill us in.

I never said that there was a hard sale because there truly wasn't, just ads all over the place.

 

[BroganMc]

JMHO, but at WDW there were more "Disney's best kept secret" flyers, signs on buses, DVC stands, DVC Vans all over the place.

I guess then the billboards I saw back in '02 were all for SSR's benefit. But then when I got home and called I was marketed BCV as the next best thing. First thing I remember marketing SSR was that "you are here" sign in DTD showing you what the next resort will be as seen from across the lake.