What's the deal w/ SSR?

[maxsmom]

It seems as if many don't care for this resort? I've only driven past it. Are they having problems selling them, therefor the deals that are there? TIA

 

[DVC Mike]

 

[DVCSAMNH]

I think economically speaking, a lot of SSR sold from 2004 to 2008 and people used their home equity to pay for it or financed the whole thing. When the economy came crashing down people sold or walked away or are trying to sell. I think that will happen more at SSR than at OKW where a lot of people bought many years ago and paid a lot less money and everything is paid off.

And a lot of people love this resort. I do. I like everything about it. Some people don't like anything about it. A lot of those people who say they don't like it over and over again have never stayed there. It is just a matter of personal preference. We don't all walk into a car dealership and buy the same model car. You need to check it out for yourself.

 

[DVCMikey]

We own at DVC and I have to say we love it. Its alot cleaner and Newer.

The only thing we don't like about it is the location, however we do spend alot of time at DTD.

I don't see the issue with SSR. Its nice, clean, and the rooms are really nice.

 

[DMKEDM]

We're SSR owners and lovers...I think there are two basic reasons why SSR's reputation is what it is:

1. Size: It's BIG. So there are LOTS of points and owners. It has availability long past when other resorts are sold out. I believe this is more because it is so big than because of any negatives. It doesn't have that "exclusivity factor"...

2. Location: It's not connected to a park area or hotel -- one of the reasons SSR appealed when I bought in 2006 was its proximity to Downtown Disney (and the advantages that brings with respect to transportation to other resorts)... BCV and BWV appeal to me because they're walking distance to Epcot & the Studios; and BLT appeals because I can walk to MK. Wilderness Lodge is small and therefore exclusive, but its lack of walkability to any of the parks is to me a big negative. AK has its animals...but I feel almost "imprisoned" there--you can't walk out of the resort at all...so AKV is my absolute least favorite resort, despite the fact that it's gorgeous and the animals are cool and I do like it.

So, I think it's a combination of size (lots of villas means lots points means lots of availability and therefore little exclusivity ... it also means more resales, and the more resales (to a limited number of buyers), the lower the price...

Having said that, there are other reasons: personal taste--SSR is "blander" in terms of its theming. It's condo-style rather than hotel style (outside (tho covered) hallways rather than inside-the-hotel hallways). It's spread-out so you if you don't enjoy walking (strolling the grounds) you won't like one of SSR's key appeals (to me, anyway)...it's also a golf/spa resort--those amenities appeal to lots of folks, of course (I'm not one of them), but it seems there are fewer people who prize Disney and DVC for the golf and the spas (as compared to the parks and "Disney magic")...

Anyway, bottom line is that IMO SSR is a terrific resort, with lovely amenities, great service, and I think the best transportation at Disney (I've never quite "gotten" the appeal of the monorail...the transfer from the MK line to the Epcot line,w/its steep ramps and significant walk on concrete, is to me much less pleasant than a Disney bus...crowding seems about the same--but I admit the trains do seem to come more frequently than the buses)--

But because it's so much more likely that there will be availability at SSR later in the booking year, it's where people who decide to go at 6, 5, 4, 3 months out frequently wind up. Because it feels like they have no choice, it gives the resort an air of "second class"...

Just my thoughts. I have been a huge SSR fan from the beginning of my DVC experience...and don't foresee that changing...

 

[disneynutz]

It seems as if many don't care for this resort? I've only driven past it. Are they having problems selling them, therefor the deals that are there? TIA

Location, size, ease of getting around inside the resort, style of resort, and it's a non co-located resort. These are all reasons why it isn't on the top of some peoples list.

Bill

 

[DenLo]

Some people are fixated on walking to a park versus having to always take a bus. Other's think that SSR looks too much like an apartment complex (albeit a very nice one with better amenities). Personally I like the wide open spaces and golf club feel.

One complaint I hear the most is that it's is not Disney enough. I can't figure out what makes something "Disney", because the complainers are not referring to hidden Mickeys or Disney memorabilia as their own resort looks like something from another part of the country. Perhaps they mean the resort has to look like a hotel from the turn of the century or early 1900s. SSR is similar in looks to old Saratoga, New York and has a horse racing theme. It has hidden Mickeys, a nice main pool with another being built. It also has the Treehouse Villas (THVs) that are the same number of points as an SSR 2BR. And then there is the Spa, one of the highest rated spas in the country. This resort has a lot going for it.

But timeshares are just like in real estate, location, location, location. People will pay a premium for location. That's why the small contracts for BCV, BWV and VWL sell so quickly and BLT is being sold for $120 less some small discounts.

 

[ToddyLu]

SSR is a very large resort. My MIL and I had a spa morning one trip and it was fantastic. The resort was extremely quiet. In fact she commented on it first. Almost "tumbleweeds out of the parking lot, gentle wind" kind of quiet. Of course we were there in the morning hours in Dec. I could not get over the size of the resort. I must say it is impressive to see it on the bus driving in to DTD. I think it looks very rich and exclusive. It was my first choice when we were deciding to purchase DVC. It is such a value for what you get in terms of the resort. It is very clean and relaxing. Alas, DH just HAD to have AKV, so there we are.

I must admit AKV is also a favorite...its decor is so similar to my own home that we are perfectly comfortable staying there. Its being "remote" from other places is a plus to us after a day in the parks.

We are planning a late Feb/early March trip but will not know those dates until the end of the year due to DHs calendar choices for vacation being approved then. I am hoping SSR is the only choice we have....

 

[FindTheMickeys]

Although I would love to stay at BLT just once, SSR is my home resort and I absolutely love this resort! Yes it is large. Yes there is a lot of walking necessary if you aren't in the Springs. Yes it is QUIET and that is why I love it. I go to one of the parks, walk and walk and walk myself silly. I want to go 'home' and just relax. I don't want to hear kids running in the hallways of the hotel style resorts, or the screaming of people enjoying the pool. If I want to enjoy the pool, I'll go down to the pool. If I want peace and quiet in my room, I've got it! I look forward to going to SSR because I know I will return to work relaxed and refreshed, not needing a vacation from my vacation..

 

[ToddyLu]

Yes it is QUIET and that is why I love it.

I would have to agree with you...AKV hallways are not as quiet. But did domeone mention animals??

 

[Deb & Bill]

Something nice about SSR is taking an early morning walk around the resort. You can see different birds, small mammals like rabbits, even a few reptiles (lizards, snakes). And it is so quiet in the morning. Really beautiful.

 

[triciari]

Although I would love to stay at BLT just once, SSR is my home resort and I absolutely love this resort! Yes it is large. Yes there is a lot of walking necessary if you aren't in the Springs. Yes it is QUIET and that is why I love it. I go to one of the parks, walk and walk and walk myself silly. I want to go 'home' and just relax. I don't want to hear kids running in the hallways of the hotel style resorts, or the screaming of people enjoying the pool. If I want to enjoy the pool, I'll go down to the pool. If I want peace and quiet in my room, I've got it! I look forward to going to SSR because I know I will return to work relaxed and refreshed, not needing a vacation from my vacation..

I'll be making my first trip to SSR in November. Staying for 3 days and then moving over to BLT for 5 more. (I'm currently wait-listed for the first 3 at BLT.) Should I request the Springs? I'm travelling with my young 70+ Mom, husband and kids - 7, 5 and almost 3.

Would you suggest that I drop my waitlist? What do you like to do in DTD and can you walk there from SSR?

Thanks in advance!
-Tricia

 

[Sammie]

Different strokes for different folks. SSR is highly loved by many, they just are not as vocal and don't post on here.

It has alot to offer and as soon as that new pool is finished, all those bashers will be wishing they were there.

In fact after the new pool is finished I hope they stop pool hopping to SSR since they don't allow it to SAB or AKL. Seems only fair.

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Different strokes for different folks. SSR is highly loved by many, they just are not as vocal and don't post on here.

It has alot to offer and as soon as that new pool is finished, all those bashers will be wishing they were there.

In fact after the new pool is finished I hope they stop pool hopping to SSR since they don't allow it to SAB or AKL. Seems only fair.

New pool? Is there a thread with details about this? I'd be interested to know what is planned there. I haven't stayed at SSR before because we rarely go to DTD. In fact, it might be downright dangerous for me to have close proximity to DTD since the Ghirardelli store would have my name written ALLLLLL over it. "Evey's Ghirardelli" has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

 

[DenLo]

Different strokes for different folks. SSR is highly loved by many, they just are not as vocal and don't post on here.

It has alot to offer and as soon as that new pool is finished, all those bashers will be wishing they were there.

In fact after the new pool is finished I hope they stop pool hopping to SSR since they don't allow it to SAB or AKL. Seems only fair.

Or to BLT and CR. But all DVC members can still pool hop to GF, Poly, CBR, CSR, POR, OKW, VWL and some others I can't think of right now.

 

[Candy Orlando]

Walt Disney loved horses. He was a great polo player. Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is a reflection of him. He would be proud of it. The theme is perfectly elegant. Of all the Vacation Club Resorts, it is equal to the Grand Floridian because of it's chosen theme and decor.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

I have never stayed at SSR--I had a last minute (2 month) trip and it was the only DVC available. I did not book thinking I would rather save my points and pay to stay at a value. It kind of reminds me of a value the way it is all spread out. OKW did open up and I loved staying there.
SSR does not appeal to me--it just seems dead.
Another thing that amazes me is that it was less points to stay standard at BWV or Kidani and OKW. To me those are much more desirable evidenced in the fact that they sell out quicker than SSR. I have always thought the higher points at SSR do not make sense when you look at supply and demand.

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

DH & I bought into DVC in 2006 and SSR is our home away from home. We love how quiet it is! Sometimes we even forget kids are around - unless we go to the pool.

 

[delmar411]

We love SSR. It's perfect for our family. The hotel style DVCs seem so noisy and closed in. And the elevator dings really drive me batty in the night! LOL

We rarely hear anyone coming through the hallways or outside. Only the occasional noise in the stairwells since they are a bit echo-y.

I'm very glad there is almost always availability at SSR.

 

[BWV2001]

Although we've never stayed at SSR, we visited there about 3.5 years ago and were quite impressed. We took a tour of one of the villas (can't remember if it was a 2 BR or GV), but absolutely loved the decor. Granite countertops in the kitchen, dark wood furniture in the BR. Definitely my favorite-looking DVC choice. However, we are owners at BWV and have only stayed at our home and at BCV because we love the location so much.