Whats all the complaining about SSR?

[eporter66]

I am really surprised about some of the bad opinions of SSR. It is in its first month of operation, and from someone who visited, we had a great experience. A few thoughts, and I understand everyone has their own personal tastes:

1. Location - It is very close and convienent for DTD. We went to DTD every night, this was a great way to end the day in our opinion. We rented a car and had no problem getting to and from the parks.

2. Construction - Yes, they are putting up other buildings, so it is not complete. It did not bother us one bit. The alternative would be to not open until complete, and I dont see the point in that

3. Noise - Construction Noise was not a factor at the Congress Park buildings

4. Buses - The resort just opened, and it does not have a lot of guests yet. I am sure they will work out the kinks, and get the schedules correct. We did not use Disney Transportation, so I cannot give an honest opinion

5. Landscaping / Buildings - We loved the look of the resort, and being from Saratoga NY - take it from us, there are a lot of nice touches that do remind us of our town.

6. Artists Palette - We really enjoyed the restaurant, especially breakfast. Again, give them time to figure out the guests needs and I am sure the restaurant will adapt to this. We loved what they had to offer, and if not - head over to DTD -

This is a Disney resort, and I am sure it will be top notch. We loved our stay (5/17-5/21) - the rooms were great, the furniture was beautiful, and the staff helpful and friendly. If people take an honest and realistic view - the resort will need time to get things right. It has only been open for a month, so - relax and give it some time. We had no problems or complaints at all.

 

[offtheice]

Originally posted by eporter66
I am really surprised about some of the bad opinions of SSR. It is in its first month of operation, and from someone who visited, we had a great experience. A few thoughts, and I understand everyone has their own personal tastes:

1. Location - It is very close and convienent for DTD. We went to DTD every night, this was a great way to end the day in our opinion. We rented a car and had no problem getting to and from the parks.

2. Construction - Yes, they are putting up other buildings, so it is not complete. It did not bother us one bit. The alternative would be to not open until complete, and I dont see the point in that

3. Noise - Construction Noise was not a factor at the Congress Park buildings

4. Buses - The resort just opened, and it does not have a lot of guests yet. I am sure they will work out the kinks, and get the schedules correct. We did not use Disney Transportation, so I cannot give an honest opinion

5. Landscaping / Buildings - We loved the look of the resort, and being from Saratoga NY - take it from us, there are a lot of nice touches that do remind us of our town.

6. Artists Palette - We really enjoyed the restaurant, especially breakfast. Again, give them time to figure out the guests needs and I am sure the restaurant will adapt to this. We loved what they had to offer, and if not - head over to DTD -

This is a Disney resort, and I am sure it will be top notch. We loved our stay (5/17-5/21) - the rooms were great, the furniture was beautiful, and the staff helpful and friendly. If people take an honest and realistic view - the resort will need time to get things right. It has only been open for a month, so - relax and give it some time. We had no problems or complaints at all.

I have a question for you. Do you have to pay for parking if you rent a car or drive down? (SSR or parks)??

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by offtheice
I have a question for you. Do you have to pay for parking if you rent a car or drive down? (SSR or parks)??

No, you do not. If you are staying on property in a Disney Resort you can park for free at the resorts and at the parks.

 

[bounceytigger]

I personally can't wait to go to SSR in December, and it's reviews like yours, Eporter, that make me even more excited to go!

I have to agree that I am surprised by the negative comments people have made about SSR---at least, the people who haven't actually STAYED there yet. It seems like folks are simply walking/touring SSR while staying at other resorts, and making a judgement based on that. (I have a BIG problem with taking any stock in opinions of people who haven't actually experienced what they're dissing!)

I realize that everyone has their own opinion on which resort they like best, etc., but the SSR-bashing does seem a bit uncalled for at this point, especially when the bashing includes the obvious start-up factors like construction & bus/boat service getting into a rhythm.

This being said, people who have actually STAYED at SSR at this point, and had random negative experiences.....those are certainly helpful to read about, since they seem to have some validity! (But those reviews typically have plenty of good things to say, too!)

Well.....to the people who don't want to give SSR a chance....GREAT, more room in High Rock Springs pool for the rest of us, then!!

 

[crisi]

I have to agree that I am surprised by the negative comments people have made about SSR---at least, the people who haven't actually STAYED there yet. It seems like folks are simply walking/touring SSR while staying at other resorts, and making a judgement based on that. (I have a BIG problem with taking any stock in opinions of people who haven't actually experienced what they're dissing!)

I never intend to stay at SSR. Leaves more room for the people who love it. Moreover, I haven't been there, only seen photos. The decor reminds me of my high school friends parents living rooms - very 1970s Colonial. I know other people love it and and think its very classy looking, it just isn't for me. The location does nothing for me. I haven't been to DTD in ten years and am unlikely to visit more than once a trip. We don't tend to rent a car - so the two park access of the Epcot resort area or the easy hop to the MK from VWL is preferable to SSR or OKW to us. We prefer interior hallways, hotels with sit down restaurants. And I don't go to Disney for the spa - and when I do decide I need a spa day at Disney, it won't make that much difference to me if the spa is within walking distance of my room or I take a cab.

There are some things I do like, the zero entry pool is very attractive. The deli style "restaurant" - while I'd perfer both that and sit down dining, I think its a great idea. The exterior of the buildings are beautiful.

I don't need to stay at the resort to hold any of these opinions. And it isn't dissing SSR to state them. It just doesn't look to be my cup of tea.

 

[stacy6552]

Eric, theyre all just jealous because they werent there opening night.

 

[palmtreegirl]

We definitely want to try it out once the major construction is done. I'm weird though and have this thing about looking at contruction on vacation it drives me nuts, so that's why we're waiting.

 

[las3888]

We didn't stay there, but did check out the models, ate at Artist Palette, and walked around the grounds. It's just not our cup of tea. Way too sprawling for me -- I would never use the amenities at the main building because they are way too far. I also thought the decor was really bland and sparse (in the lobby area). We couldn't figure out what the decor at Artist Palette had to do with horse racing theme at all - it was wierd. The construction was definitely all around and not real inducive to vacation or relaxing. Also, DD walkway is not built so it would be a long haul to get to DD (especially right now with the heat). We thought we would book a trip there sometime, but I will definitely wait until the walkway is built and the construction is done. We are not in any hurry to stay there.

Again, just not our cup of tea. As with everything, there will be those who love, it, those who hate it, and everything in between. They're neither 'right' nor 'wrong'. Do not be so dismayed by those negative opinions, to each his own...

 

[LIFERBABE]

And I thought it was a great Resort.

The staff was top notch, helpful and friendly. The views are well thought out and maximized. (After staying at BCV last week, I cannot say the same)

We all know the saying about opinions............Everybody has one!

I never intend to stay at BWV or VWL, Moderates or Value Resorts as I perceive they are not for us. When those threads start up on the pros and cons of those resorts, I don't comment or list what I perceive as negatives just because it doesnt suit my taste. Just because I grew up in Michigan and never want to see another woodsy view or mosquito as long as I live has no bearing on the merits of VWL. It may not be at all like that, I have never stayed there, that is just what it reminds me of so I refrain from comment.

Does that diminish those resorts in any way? NO! Just not at the top of our list. If I have a last minute ressie and end up having to stay there, I will not be disappointed in the least, as all DVC's are beautiful and provide the level of service we expect, and I'd rather stay at a DVC than anywhere else.

It's one thing to have an opinion, it's another to state matter of factly and express those opinions at every opportunity. Especially when so much information can be gleaned from what we share.

This post was not directed at any individual, just my OPINION of what I have seen occur on these otherwise very informative boards.

 

[poohj80]

Originally posted by eporter66
5. Landscaping / Buildings - We loved the look of the resort, and being from Saratoga NY - take it from us, there are a lot of nice touches that do remind us of our town.

Thanks for mentioning this. While looking at photos of the resort, I have been thinking the style may be NY, but the exterior color scheme looks VERY Floridian. Are such color schemes really used in decorating in Saratoga, NY?

 

[las3888]

I like to add my 2 cents regarding what I think about a resort--whether I like it or not, so people can have a balanced view of a place. If all people hear is positive, glowing reviews of something, they may go and be disappointed. If people's expectations are in 'check', they are more apt to have a good time. I wish I had more balanced opinions before our stay at WL a few years ago. There are a TON of WL fans out there on the boards, so we had really high expectations. We were just really disappointed with it for a variety of reasons. To this day, it is still tough to find a real negative opinion of WL (we didn't hate it, just not crazy about it), so I will usually toss out a comment or two in the mix of all the glowing fans. On the other hand, I will give comment positively on the things and places we felt were great.

It drives me crazy to hear alot of candy-coated comments about some things at Disney, when in reality, everything has it's advantages and disadvantages.

This isn't meant to anger anybody, I just don't think anybody should be given flak for stating negative opinions. I'm not saying that anybody was given flak, just really making that point that negative opinions can be helpful as well as positive opinions.

 

[cgcw]

We knew we were going to love SSR as soon as we heard about it so we added on as soon as it was announced. When we went down for the MH last month, we knew the instant we stepped out of the car that SSR was the resort for us. So much so, that we ended up buying another add on there. We just couldn't resist. And, in order to do that, we're in the process of selling our BWV points.

Up until then, I never understood the passion some have for their home resorts. Other than HH, we never cared where we stayed -- as long as we were at WDW, it didn't matter where our DVC home was. Now we know differently.

As someone said, everyone has their right to opinions. I agree with the poster who stated that some should reserve their opinion until they experience it first hand. What bothers me is the people who will not read the entire post and just assume the resort is bad (or anything else for that matter). Their opinions are then clouded by others points of views -- and, JMO, but it's not fair to all involved.

Just happy we have found our favorite home in SSR. I know for certain where we will be staying for all of our future trips.

 

[crisi]

I agree with the poster who stated that some should reserve their opinion until they experience it first hand.

Why? Do I need to experience Colonial decor first hand to know I don't like it? Does LIFERBABE need to stay at VWL to know the theme does nothing for her?

I agree it isn't fair to say "The Boardwalk is too noisy" unless you've actually stayed there. And even then, you should say "the BW was too noisy for us, but we have little kids, go to bed early and were staying right above the Screen Door - other people are not bothered by the noise." But when it comes to things like decor, location, etc., it really doesn't need to be experienced.

I tend to agree with las3888. We don't need to present everything as perfect - it leads to unrealistic expectations. And someone elses perspective can be quite valuable when you start planning a vacation that involves others (Gee, maybe my 65 year old mother would think BW is too busy? Maybe we'd be better off at OKW. Maybe my brother in law won't like the darker rooms at VWL?) We had a similar experience with Boma - it gets such glowing near perfect reviews over on the restaurant board our expectations were simply too high - and we ended up turning what should have been a perfectly ok meal into one of the worst meals of the trip. I'd rather have threads that present a balanced view (with some people being nothing but ridiculously negative, i.e. Richyams on BWV, and some people being nothing but over the top positive, Dee on the same topic), than a single rose colored view.

 

[linco711]

Let's face it...Disney is very exspensive! The DVC resorts are some of the most exspensive properties to stay at. They should be pretty close to perfect..I for one am glad to hear the negatives if there are any. Most of resorts have a few, it all personal preference. I for one would not find being at a construction site the least bit relaxing. I'm sure the resort will be gorgeous when it is fully finished. I'll wait for that close to perfect experience!

 

[Rash]

These are called DISCUSSION Boards - everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether informed or immature. Those who don't agree are entitled not to, but IMO have no right to ask others to withhold their opinion for any reason. The way a misinformed opinion becomes an informed one is through DISCUSSION, not censorship. (And by the way, let's not rule out the possibilty that it is YOUR opinion that is misinformed).

Would you tell someone at a party whom you felt was misinformed to be quiet? If you have any civility you wouldn't. More likely you would choose to ignore them or perhaps attempt to inform them with your own opinion. IMO, the opinions on these boards should be treated similarly.

Just my two cents.

 

[las3888]

We had a similar experience with Boma - it gets such glowing near perfect reviews over on the restaurant board our expectations were simply too high - and we ended up turning what should have been a perfectly ok meal into one of the worst meals of the trip

SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED TO US. This is what I am saying...after reading all the reviews, I would have thought this place was Heaven or something. When we got there, we were just really really disappointed. In the end, it wasn't something to be that disappointed about, we just had humungous expectations based on the opinions on the boards. We did end up going back to Boma about a year later, expectations in check, and liked it just fine.

 

[Disney Doll]

Haven't been in SSR, but have toured the models, and I thought tey were quite nice. Have seen SSR form both the water behind it (on the boat going from OKW to DD) and the street alongisde it. Looks nice to me. I don't ever have an expectation of perfection though either. I fiugre any DVC resort is going to be way nicer than my starter home Cape Cod!!!!

 

[crisi]

There are two things to balance - the expectations being to high - and getting worried over nothing.

To some extent, you need to read everything, take it all with a grain of salt, and form your own opinions based on your taste and your own experience and the reputation of the poster for giving reasonable information.

Two things can go wrong. Either you read glowing review after glowing review, then get there and when it isn't "heaven on Earth" are disappointed. Or you read over and over again (like twice or three times over six months) that the room a resort XXX wasn't clean at checkin (according to someone else's definition of clean - it might have been fine to you) and you waste a lot of worry "what if I don't like it" and perhaps worse, go looking for mold in showers you wouldn't normally even notice.

 

[offtheice]

Originally posted by offtheice
I have a question for you. Do you have to pay for parking if you rent a car or drive down? (SSR or parks)??

Thanks for the reply ..

 

[MdmMim]

We couldn't figure out what the decor at Artist Palette had to do with horse racing theme at all - it was wierd

In Saratoga, there is an artists' community, called Yaddo, which sits on a 400-acre estate. This, I believe, was the inspiration for the Artists' Palette.

There's a lot more to Saratoga than horses!