Why do so many people dislike SSR?

[LSchrow]

a agree with PPs: the only real way to find out which is "the one" for you, is to stay there.
over the years we've stayed at most of the DVC resorts, as well as many of the resorts connected to DVCs.
every one was beautiful, but we noticed their shortcomings. then came BWVs ~ the resort that makes us say "we're home" every time (we own there, as well as SSR & BCV). we kept trying other DVC resorts, but think we noticed their faults more b/c they didn't give us that "home" feeling (exception being SSR, which is a close 2nd to BWV). we don't see the things about BWV that bother some (long hallways?? use the convenient stairwells for your private entrance/exit, walk to car?? heeeeello...a short stroll to a lot is better than seeing parked cars 24/7).

just find the one that welcomes you home

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The OP seems to have made up his own mind as to what is a "desirable" DVC resort (he's already walked about the complexes of both OKW and SSR and not hated them).

uh huh....yeah right.....ummmmm


hypothetical:

if you were to call every DVC member and ask them to "rank" which WDW locations they liked from top to bottom...

which ones do you think would come out on top?


...I'm just curious....because there is a general perception and feel to each.....and there are also things like this board that tend to act like unofficial polls.....

and there are also the member services phonelines that tell you "yes" to some....practically all the time
and "no" to others....practically all the time

Is my contention that no one likes saratoga?

no....

Is it that it is not even close to being a desirable location as it currently stands?

absolutely.

In two years when Contemporary and Animal Kingdom sells out...here's what we'll see

The unavailables...and therefore most populars:

Boardwalk, Contemp, Beach, Wilderness Lodge

The usual availables....and by default "less preferable":

Saratoga, OKW, and Animal Kingdom


right that down.....that's the way it will remain

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I have never been to SSR and it looks really nice from all the pictures I've seen. My reason why I don't like SSR is not SSR itself but the location of SSR-- I feel it was too far away from the MK- it took 1/2 hour some days. My family used to stay there before SSR was built at the Villas there so I've taken those long bus rides. I bought into the BWV thinking that would be great, but the fact that we stop at 3-5 resorts isn't that great either.

Since SSR is close to DTD and you really like that fact buy where you want to stay. Everyone loves the BCV and I hated them too. No atmosphere and no views---- going out on the balcony and looking at a street is not my idea of a good time. NOW the BWV boardwalk view units---Now that's my cup of tea.

GOOD LUCK with your purchase!!!

 

[dizney4us]

I actually find SSR to be most like a true resort than any of the others, in that it is so beautiful that you could spend time there and not have to go anywhere else. I could stay there for quite a while and be perfectly happy and content. There is less "mouse" there than you will find at other DVC's, but we like that. For us it's Disney on a grown up scale, classy, elegant, tasteful. We also love having DTD right there. Our next favorite is BWV, but the rooms don't compare to SSR, but we love being able to walk to Epcot, but I could not stay there and not do the parks,it doesn't have the nature walks, there is no "green" there. I like the rooms at AKV, but didn't buy there because once you are back to the villa, there isn't much to do, no DTD no place to walk, no shops. Thats been our experience, we love SSR, couldn't care less about those who don't, I agree with a previous poster that it was hated long before the first brick was laid because SSR owners are now the majority and that has effected booking at smaller resorts, but that just the way it goes. Good luck on your decision.

 

[KLEONARD]

My wife and I enjoy SSR. It has been the quietest Disney resort, especially the rooms. I have been told the open hallways help muffle the voices and footstomps of loud residents. The hallways really are not as open as some would have you believe. Look for yourself.

I find the grounds to be first class. The landscaping and views are getting better every year as the vegetation keeps maturing. And lots of water. And nice pools.

For those who believe SSR is a drain on DVC, just keep posting the following pictures with the caption "Beautiful SSR and the boat to DTD".

Me and my better half will be staying at SSR the last week of this October. I will try to get more photos of the Spa and Tree House Villas.

 

[kikiq]

At least the OP has walked the grounds of SSR and OKW. The difference between these two resorts and the others besides size is that they are "condo" style resorts. And unlike OKW, most of the SSR doors open into an open hallway not to the outside. Before we bought, we had visited a friend who was staying in OKW for her yearly visit. She convinced us to check out all the DVC resorts before buying. We discovered after spending afternoons at different DVCs, that we don't didn't like the hotel based DVCs (which is interesting because we LOVE GCV) And we too like spending time at DTD as do our DDs who are older. Love the SSR grounds and if you have an active family, you have a choice of pools, walking the grounds, bike riding, and running paths. BTW love the boat to DTD, you might convince your kids that it's another Disney ride.

When you go to WDW, are you going to use the kitchen for cooking or storage? Other way to look at it is, will you be having CS/park meals or making meals in your kitchen. This last summer with our extended family, we had breakfast in the room (except for the morning everyone wanted Mickey waffles), lunch fixings and made dinner 4 nights out of 7. How much cooking does the family cook want to do?

Count us as SSR lovers, and our extended family loves SSR. Remember people will always tell you what they don't like and people don't always post the positive things, check out the SSR lovers thread for more info, pictures and positive trip reports.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

First of all, welcome to the DIS Boards.

Secondly, I personally wouldn't choose a 50 year contract based on 5 & 8 year olds. Good luck!

Actually, and I know this is not at all what your point was about, but I am now looking into selling BWV and buying SSR so that I have something more to pass on to my kids with DVC. Seems more important to have more years now. Just my current thoughts.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

For those who believe SSR is a drain on DVC, just keep posting the following pictures with the caption "Beautiful SSR and the boat to DTD".

Me and my better half will be staying at SSR the last week of this October. I will try to get more photos of the Spa and Tree House Villas.

Did I miss something? Or am I just dense (likely)... I am confused about these pics and I don't get the message.

 

[moredisneyplease]

I'm an SSR owner and its not that I dont like it but I just didnt feel "Ohhhhh, this is where I belong" like I did at other resorts (AKL, BWV). Plus I'm more of a fan of hotel style DVCs (VWL, BCV, AKL, WV) than the spread out condo style of OKW and SSR but thats because I dont usually have a car. However, once I stayed at OKW w/ a car and SSR w/ a car and loved being able to pull up to my unit (OKW especially!)

 

[BWV Dreamin]

You never should take a boat to EPCOT if you stay at BCV or BWV, and you don't have to take a boat to Hollywood Studios. Furthermore, it's easy and cheap to take a taxi to the Polynesian on days you visit the MK. For your return, you will always take the monorail and walk through EPCOT to your resort. So the only time guests at these resorts ever need to take a bus is to go to the AK.

We most always take the boat to Epcot and DHL! We are in no rush, and it provides a break from all of the walking we are already doing in the park. Why do you say "never" take the boat?

I would love to stay at SSR...I need booking catagories first. I'm too scared I might get put out in the Carousel building. I love SSR decor, very classy.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Did I miss something? Or am I just dense (likely)... I am confused about these pics and I don't get the message.

Same here Rob! Is that a pic of a "drain"?

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We most always take the boat to Epcot and DHL! We are in no rush, and it provides a break from all of the walking we are already doing in the park. Why do you say "never" take the boat?

We're in the same boat.... Just sometimes like to take the boat for a different experience. Just sitting down and taking in the surroundings while the boat gets you there.

 

[tgj]

I think that many DVC members stayed there once when it first opened, formed a negative opinion and never went back. For example one person said earlier:

"It's not our favorite, and this is just us....When we stayed there the only restaurant was the artist pallette thing and it was kind of nuts."

I believe that it is a completely different resort today than it was even two years ago, due to the maturing of the landscaping, the Grandstand, Turf Club Restaurant, and now, the Tree House Villas.

But, first impressions are lasting impressions.....

For me, I see SSR as a resort that we can grow with. When we're there without kids (which will happen faster than the blink of an eye), SSR will still be much more than the parks -- Golf, the spa, walking trails, biking, and DTD.

I think it is a DVC that will offer much over a 50 year span.

 

[Laurabearz]

Lastly, rather than give you the pros and cons of resorts, let me direct you to a thread that has some good discussion from a lot of seasoned veterans about weighing different aspects that are important to YOU and your spouse(the only ones that matter in this decision). Here's a thread on HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME RESORT.

Good luck!

Nice thread there Granny! I didnt see it the first go around.

In two years when Contemporary and Animal Kingdom sells out...here's what we'll see

The unavailables...and therefore most populars:

Boardwalk, Contemp, Beach, Wilderness Lodge

The usual availables....and by default "less preferable":

Saratoga, OKW, and Animal Kingdom


right that down.....that's the way it will remain

I totally agree.

Did I miss something? Or am I just dense (likely)... I am confused about these pics and I don't get the message.

Your not alone. The only thing I can think of is maybe the pictures were taken at the Hawaii location

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm an SSR owner and its not that I dont like it but I just didnt feel "Ohhhhh, this is where I belong" like I did at other resorts (AKL, BWV). Plus I'm more of a fan of hotel style DVCs (VWL, BCV, AKL, WV) than the spread out condo style of OKW and SSR but thats because I dont usually have a car. However, once I stayed at OKW w/ a car and SSR w/ a car and loved being able to pull up to my unit (OKW especially!)

this sums up alot of what i'm thinking (and yes....i have stayed at them all)

and just to elaborate on "feel"....i'll add this:

there is a key difference in the "condo style" (great term...by the way) of okw and saratoga and the others....

quite simply....condo style is moderate style (later relayed to value)....as they are all built this way.....

while the hotel style is the deluxe feel.

that is alot of the reason why okw and saratoga won't feel "As nice"
It's just how they've been handled.

obviously....the exterior entry works well in florida.....and of course the polynesian and grand do conform to that to a certain extent.....but their location and amenities weigh any argument there ridiculous

but the deluxes (which vacation club maintains is their category) don't use the sprawling concrete lodge clusters....

That....and another notable difference in my book is that there is no signature dining at okw or saratoga......unlike the other 4 locations.....
not a small sacrifice...in my opinion.

But you say that VWL, AKV, and BCV were built as add ons.....so they had to conform.....

exactly!!!! they conform to the deluxe style that was firmly laid out in the 90's disney resort construction boom....

it was reinforced by the exterior bungalow units of the values....and even wilderness lodge - designed as the first interior hotel moderate or "tweener" as the categories more firmly shaped out....and was upgraded to a deluxe during construction......offering explanation for artist's point's mercurial room layout and the somewhat crammed (but still nice) main pool area....

The point is this: okw and saratoga are almost designed to be associated with the moderate priced disney locations.....that correlation is unavoidable....as their layouts and amenities are much closer to the moderates than the deluxes...

i can understand that people would prefer okw over saratoga or vice versa.....but it doesn't reach take a stretch to see that there is difference to the other four.....

 

[Granny]

Actually, and I know this is not at all what your point was about, but I am now looking into selling BWV and buying SSR so that I have something more to pass on to my kids with DVC. Seems more important to have more years now. Just my current thoughts.

Rob...sounds like a very valid reason to sell & buy. That's why I have a hard time with "one mantra fits all" when it comes to home resort choices.

 

[Pootle]

that is alot of the reason why okw and saratoga won't feel "As nice"

Using the term "as nice" is nonsense. Substituting "the same" might have been more appropriate. And note, I also own points at, and enjoy, BWV.

but the deluxes (which vacation club maintains is their category) don't use the sprawling concrete lodge clusters....

You use "sprawling" I would use "spacious grounds". And just what materials do you believe the hotels to be built of?

The point is this: okw and saratoga are almost designed to be associated with the moderate priced disney locations.....

You should share this information with Disney so they can market SSR and OKW correctly

Sorry, but despite this part of your final conciliatory sentence: "i can understand that people would prefer okw over saratoga or vice versa ...." your post was just so biased towards your own skewed view of things as to render it meaningless .... from my own skewed point of view

 

[DVCSAMNH]

I think that many DVC members stayed there once when it first opened, formed a negative opinion and never went back. For example one person said earlier:

"It's not our favorite, and this is just us....When we stayed there the only restaurant was the artist pallette thing and it was kind of nuts."

I believe that it is a completely different resort today than it was even two years ago, due to the maturing of the landscaping, the Grandstand, Turf Club Restaurant, and now, the Tree House Villas.

But, first impressions are lasting impressions.....

I think this is very true. I also see a trend on these boards of SSR bashing by people who have never stayed there but it doesn't stop them from jumping on just about every thread and adding their two cents about why they don't like it and why it shouldn't have been built. Which is their right, but it amazes me, none the less.

 

[Dean]

My wife and I are not yet DVC members, but we have been trying to decide between SSR and OKW because there are lots of resales on the market and they are both close to Downtown Disney. We have not taken the "official" DVC tour but have strolled both areas and they seem really nice to us. I don't expect every one to be SSR fans or else Disney wouldn't need to have different themes, but there seems to be a lot more negative posts concerning SSR than any other location.
For my family this is a really big decision and we want to get it right considering the length of the contract.

We have personally walked the ground on almost all of the properties and it is a tough decision. Any advice would be appreciated. BTW- We have a 5 year old and 8 year old that really like the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Don't worry about the cranky posts as the nature of BBS is that the same questions do come up periodically and you would have had no way of knowing. Even searching through, it would have been difficult for you to find a thread that truly answers your questions, even if the search feature were working that day.

There really are two issues. One is the affect to the system of the points added (most threads that are neg to SSR) and the other is the impression of the resort itself. SSR is a fine resort (even though I prefer others) and likely better than OKW for those without a car though I'd prefer not to stay either place and rely on the buses. We prefer OKW overall but then we always have a car. I do think the expiration is an issue to value but not necessarily to ownership. But home resort also determines your reservation priority so I'd generally buy where I wanted to stay and feel this is more important than the variations in expiration date or price per point (within reason). However, given the somewhat lower demand of SSR comparatively and it's large size, it's easy to reserve at the 7 mo window so even if one preferred SSR, there is a consideration for buying at a different resort to have home priority at a more difficult to reserve resort and still be able to stay at SSR. And for those that want to mostly stay 6 or 7 days, travel during the slower half of the year and can do with a 1 BR or smaller unit, owning an Interval International affiliated timeshare and trading in can be a great and cheaper option for some.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

We bought DVC because we stayed at SSR and loved it. We added on at BWV and AKV. We have stayed everywhere at WDW except BCV (never tried to get it). We loved all the resorts...OKW is a close second to our first home. We like them for different reasons, though.

We were supposed to stay at AKV Concierge in October, but were moved to SSR. I was upset more about losing concierge and the fact that my mom and kids could not try a NEW resort. And to be honest, my mom AND my older 2 kids were HAPPY that we were staying at SSR instead because they love it so much.

We have stayed in Congress Park with and without a DTD view, and in the Grandstand. We are from upstate NY, so maybe that's why it has such a home feel to it, but the main street at SSR, with the theater and the traffic circle reminds me so much of Main Street in East Aurora that everytime I drive down it here, I think about SSR.

OKW has nice big rooms and the decor just suits me, I love the pastels, and the golf course views with the fountain were so nice, and those huge balconies are the best DVC has, IMHO. But our first love will always be SSR. Now with the TReehouse Villas, my kids want to stay there next fall when they come down again, instead of staying at AKV like I planned.

Of course, I am an oddball, I didn't think the polynesian was all that when I stayed there either, and I think the Contemporary is cold and really dislike that hotel (not BLT, I have no opinion til that is finished and I see the grounds).

I like BWV, but not for relaxing, I always feel like I should be down on the BW checking things out when we stay there. Not a bad thing, just different. I own a contract there, too.

If you like both resorts equally, I think you should go with the one that gives you what you want otherwise (like the longer contract at SSR or the bigger rooms at OKW). Both resorts are fairly readily available, so you could probably stay at either one for your vacations, regardless of where you own points.

Right now, my personal DVC preference in order:
SSR
OKW
VWL
AKV
BWV
BCV
BLT (this one could move up once I see it in person ).