Why is SSR a "love it" or "hate it" DVC

[crisi]

I'm so glad I stumbled across this thread! DSis and I are going on a quick 4 night trip starting the 18th of April. I have 100 points from 2007 I must use/lose. Guess where was open? Yup, you guessed it! SSR. This will be my first trip "home."

I've been on the fence about staying there. I hear bad things and good things.

We're flying in and taking DME for the 1st time as well. So...no car. I requested close to lobby or a DTD view.

Some of you have made me feel better about staying there, while some have not.

I'm debating about trying to get a cancellation and staying else where. I'm gonna have 22 pts that are going to be lost if I stay at SSR.

If anyone has an opinion on what to do - switch if I can/stay at SSR - please say so!

Give it a try. You have the reservation in hand - its a quick trip. There is no harm in continuing to try and switch if you want - maybe you'll luck into something you'd be more excited to try, but there is some truth to the "you are at Disney, does the room make that much difference?" school of thought. Your attitude going in counts for a lot - and taste is highly variable. So are things like transportation experiences. I've had trips where transportation seems magical - and we've had "we should have rented a car" trips. I don't know that the resort is really the deciding factor - I think that sort of thing is luck of the draw.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Maybe I am odd, but I certainly don't want to visit Epcot or DHS every day. There are two other parks, downtown disney and waterparks that command our attention.

Also, I don't travel from park to park to eat. I plan my meals at the "park of the day" or our resort or downtown disney if it is a "no park" day. Don't assume that everyone has YOUR vacation style. For many folks, being able to "walk" to Epcot has absolutely no meaning whatsoever.

I'm with you SaratogaShan.......we don't have any big desire to eat or even visit Epcot/DHS more than 1-2 times during a whole week's vacation. Honestly, the MK is our favorite park. But our dining preferences are at the resorts and we use our car.

Had our first opportunity to stay at SSR this Feb. While not our fav DVC, it was definitely nicer than we expected. And having an awesome Congress Park room with a beautiful view of DD....well, I just wish ALL the SSR rooms had this location.

Maria

 

[kikiq]

As an owner and a DVC member, the only real criticism I will levy is that DVC shouldn't have built the last 1/3 of the resort. It's a little bigger than it should have been.

But, but, but .. wasn't Grandstand the last section built? I understand what you're saying, but...

 

[JustSayin]

As a SSR lover I strongly suggest that everybody avoid the resort. Demonstrate your dissatisfaction and disdain by staying away. Everybody go stay at BWV or BCV! The more people that stay elsewhere, the better chance I have of getting my room request!

Seriously, some of the SSR vitriol is so absurd as to be amusing. Even before we bought DVC, my wife and I identified SSR as the resort we would prefer over all the rest of the resorts at the World (excluding possibly the Grand Floridian). This does not make us dumb or blind. We just value different things than some. In fact, most, if not all, of the intense criticisms that I read here are actually reasons why we like it. Love the décor, size, location, etc. Did some of you never learn that different people have different perspectives?

I could nitpick and criticize all the rest of the DVC resorts and point out why they don’t measure up IMO, but what would be the point? I think it’s great if you love your BCV, BWV, etc. By far my 2 worst bus experiences ever at the World were at the Beach Club and the Poly. I have never had a serious issue at SSR. Disney transportation is (usually) adequate but not perfect. The problems are not resort specific.

Hope everybody enjoys their home resorts as much as we enjoy ours.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I think like any resort, your always going to have people who don't warm to it for one reason or another. While we do not love SSR, we don't hate it. We just feel like we are away from it all when we are there. Being close to DTD is not a draw for us, especially now that Pleasure Island is gone. The overall size puts us off and the decor doesn't really do anything for us, but if I needed a place to go to where I could get away from it all, SSR would be it. That said, lots of people dislike my own home resort of AKV. I don't get upset or ponder that one, I just take joy in knowing that when I try to book what I want there, it should be so much easier!

 

[eliza61]

It just seems to me that SSR is either loved or hated here? Could somebody tell me why? Is it somewhat that its kind of a "no frills" DVC home. BWV has the Boardwalk, AKL has the savanna, BLT has MK. Or is there more to it then that?

I think in some degree they are all "love it" or "hate it". Wilderness lodge gets it fair number of detractors with "its too dark" or too woodsy. OKW has its "to far out" "not disney enough"

I haven't stayed at SSR but I do think it's very pretty.

 

[Minnie824]

We stayed at SSR in Nov for the first time on Developers points. We stayed at AK (our home resort) this past week, and will be there at Kidani this summer. In the past, we've also stayed at Poly, GF, BC & YC. So we've stayed in all the 'areas'.

We didn't care for SSR. For one, we like the hotel/lobby feel to the DVCs. As others have said, they prefer the condo-style. We don't. I would rather walk a mile in the airconditioned hallways. When we returned from the parks to SSR, I felt like we still had a long ways to go to get 'home'. (we were in congress park btw).

The bus service was also not the best. We really didn't like stopping at 5 stops thru the resort. I know a lot of people say AKL is out of the way, but theres 1 resort stop and our bus service was SO much better. Every bus ride home seemed to take a long time at SSR. And, now this may be the time of year, but we had to stand over half of the bus rides. We weren't there til park close either.

Also didn't like having to walk so far to the main building w/the pool and shop, etc. With littler kids its nicer to have that in a lobby.

The decor was ok. I didn't have an issue with that. Not my favorite. I love AKL and we're thrilled we bought in there. I think it just seemed sort of removed from Disney to me. I grew up staying at the Fairway villas though, and I was kindof used to it. I don't know, would I stay there again? Yes, if other 'hotel-like' dvcs weren't available I would. Just not my favorite. It still was a beautiful hotel, and our DDs loved the pool as well.

 

[Starr W.]

We love SSR for our week long trips, as we prefer the resort style of the resort.
We go every Thanksgiving and found the bus service at SSR to work for us. Last yr I think our longest wait all week last yr was Saturday b4 Thanksgiving at Epcot in early afternoon(20 mins). Made it to MK twice for Rope Drop and other park openings no problem. With WDW bus service sometimes it's all in the luck of the draw.

Now for our long weekend trips, we have done BWV,BCV and VWL. Now we stayed at VWL in early May and it had to be the worse bus experience we have had. Now I was really surprised this MLK weekend at BWV, as the bus service was super, not so super the yr before at BCV. We like the resort DVC's for these types of trips.

 

[spiceycat]

Disney has hurt SSR. first they did away with the nightly fireworks at PI. now they have done away with PI.

which is really unfair for SSR owners. Especially those in their 20's or 30's who really enjoyed the nightlife at PI. Now DD still have nightlife - so there is something.

SSR is big. but it sold well so DVC added to it. Grandstand is lovely and would hate to see SSR without it. they did not go back and add another quick service to say Paddocks or to the new THV. Which would not have been hard - but DVC elected not too.

SSR is a great resort. If you love DD - you will love this place. You can walk to DD instead of having to wait for a bus (DD is the slowest bus service)

really liked that about it. What I really love is the community hall and their activities. Never really participate until SSR - and I did not know what was missing. It can be a lot of fun!!!

now my 2 favorite parks are MK and Epcot - which is why brought BLT. You can walk to MK - and it is on the monrail for Epcot. also the monrail to Epcot is my favorite monrail. the MK monrails are okay - but they have lost some of the magic. the Epcot monrail when it goes to Epcot still has it!!!

Since I go about 3 or 4 times a year - buy an annual pass. So my pass cost is between $10 and $18 - depending upon how many days go to the parks. So yes still go to the parks. (but yea miss those free park passes too - brought in 1993)

 

[movie77]

We went last year on developer points and didn't care for the food, how spread out things were, and the transportation issues. We are staying at AKV for the first time in November and our looking forward to it. Like other's have said SSR doesn't feel like you are at Disney to me. My concern with AKV is just the remoteness of it.

 

[SaratogaShan]

We went last year on developer points and didn't care for the food, how spread out things were, and the transportation issues. We are staying at AKV for the first time in November and our looking forward to it. Like other's have said SSR doesn't feel like you are at Disney to me. My concern with AKV is just the remoteness of it.

I wonder if you will have food issues at Animal Kindom as well. So far there is no mention of any type of "quick service" restaurant or food court in the Kidani Village building. The hike from that building to Jambo house for food will rival the distances traveled at SSR. Sanaa at Kidani Village will undoubtedly be a great place to eat, but not everyone will want a sit down meal, or exotic food.

 

[MiaSRN62]

which is really unfair for SSR owners. Especially those in their 20's or 30's who really enjoyed the nightlife at PI. Now DD still have nightlife - so there is something.

SSR is big. but it sold well so DVC added to it. Grandstand is lovely and would hate to see SSR without it. they did not go back and add another quick service to say Paddocks or to the new THV. Which would not have been hard - but DVC elected not too.

I agree with Pat. Many purchased SSR with PI/fireworks being touted to them. I still have the Members magazine that shows the family at the new SSR looking out at the PI fireworks.

And another comment. Our stay at SSR in Feb was a nice one. We did really like the quick service area. Food good, but service was really pressed during the very busy breakfast and dinner rushes. I just feel another similar quick service like Artist Palette needs to go somewhere else at SSR. The resort is too large to handle the people in that food court area. But at least SSR has one. OKW only has the little window (Good's To Go) with 4-5 outdoor picnic tables. And OKW did away with take out from Olivia's a few years back leaving little options for guests there. This is a gripe of mine in regards to OKW. Because when were at SSR in Feb, Florida was under a freeze warning. The day we arrived it dropped to 28 degrees by dinner time. No way would we want to sit on outdoor picnic tables to eat in that cold....then there are times when it rains etc. At least SSR has a nice indoor quick service---just feel they'd benefit greatly from another one.

movie77 : My concern with AKV is just the remoteness of it.

Well....I think being smack dab in an area like BWV/BCV are, would greatly detract from the ambience of a resort like AKV. After all, it is a very short bus ride to the AK park---people have reported hearing the screams from EE from their rooms----so it's not that remote from at least one of the major parks. Sure it's not walking distance like BWV/BCV, but I really think if it was too close to the major theme parks it would sort of take away something from the whole African savanna theme. I like the idea that I can sit out on my balcony and feel removed from the parks and as if I'm somewhere else. It's why we wanted to do an add-on here. We knew it was not walking distance to parks. For those wanting that, BWV and BCV resales are available. Something for everyone's preferences.

I wonder if you will have food issues at Animal Kindom as well. So far there is no mention of any type of "quick service" restaurant or food court in the Kidani Village building. The hike from that building to Jambo house for food will rival the distances traveled at SSR. Sanaa at Kidani Village will undoubtedly be a great place to eat, but not everyone will want a sit down meal, or exotic food.
Today 01:04 PM

I agree with the above statement from SaratogaShan. So it's not the remoteness of AKV as some put it.......but rather the quick service options that concern me. It's the same situation with SSR. I don't feel Mara will be able to support the amount of guests that will be at AKV and it's quite the hike to Mara if you're in Kidani. Because I agree....we don't want to sit down for every lunch and dinner at Sanaa. I just hope that Kidani offers some sort of quick service in their gift shop as does BCV's shop. Otherwise.....we'll be sending dh out on an African safari to hunt for food over at Mara when we stay at Kidani.

So as this thread is progressing.....one can see there can be complaints about all the DVC's. None are perfect.


Maria

 

[backyardponder]

SSR reminds me of the first apartment complex I lived in when I got married. That doesn't make it a "hated" resort...it just makes it one I'll stay in if I can't get into a different resort. In a few years, when the trees get a chance to grow more, I think SSR will take on a new feel.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I agree that SSR is about 4 buildings too big. The 3 in the Carousel and 1 in the Grandstand. Those bldgs should be reserved for non owners that get shut out of their home resorts and book SSR at less than 7 months

I l do like that we have more choice at SSR because of its size. Rarely do I get put in the last room available or stuck with something I dont like at SSR. Like at AKV when they gave me the 1 bed with no jacuzzi tub and then could not move me because the resort was filled. I was willing to move to SSR at that time, but could not. It was concierge, but I still want my points back!

I like that we can take walks around the resort and see changing scapes. When you walk for excercise, you notice that SSR is not that big. We have to walk to DTD and OKW and back to get anywhere close to 2-3 miles. Caskbill's map of SSR shows really well the size. 5-7 min walk from each section to the main area.

I like that we dont have to wait for people to get out of the hot tubs to use them at SSR. They have so many, and almost in each section that this has never happened to us even on our holiday stays. I dont have to be on top of people all the time to feel like Im at Disney. I dont have to walk down a long hallway to feel like im at a better resort.

I dont want to stand in line and wait for a valet to bring our car everytime we want to go somewhere. And if you saw the valet jump the curb and drive around the gates of the BWV valet lot to park someone's car like we did last year, you would not be so eager to hand over the rental car or pov keys

I also dont call walking thru WS and Future World to get to the monorail, monorail access.

As for transportation issues, After all these years, I am still in awe that WDW offers all the transportation options they have included in the cost of a stay or tickets. There is not 1 other place that I have been to that provides that and I enjoy the relaxing boat rides, meeting people on the busses, and the uniqueness of the monorail. The VWL boat services Contemporary, and the Campgrounds so way more stops than SSR boat service and way more people. The friendship boats at the Epcot Resorts services 6 separate hotels, rarely will you get an express bus ( I know we haven't) either.

So SSR is not unique or singled out for combined services or extended transportation times. As for the food options, again each resort has its limitations. POP has a food court, but it also has over 2500 rooms, so when you compare you have to consider that SSR is 1/3 of the size of POP and does not need a POP size food court. It would be nice, but most likely not sustainable outside of peak season.

 

[DVC Mike]

I don't "hate" any of the DVC resorts. It's just that some are my favorites and others aren't. SSR falls into the latter category. It's a nice resort, just not one of my favorites.

 

[MiaSRN62]

LIFERBABE OP has a food court, but it also has over 2500 rooms, so when you compare you have to consider that SSR is 1/3 of the size of POP and does not need a POP size food court. It would be nice, but most likely not sustainable outside of peak season.

I stayed at SSR in "Dream" season (Feb 4-7). Right in the middle of slow and busy. I can tell you....Artist Palette at breakfast and dinner was a zoo. People bumping into eachother (pushing even).....long lines to pay for food. You compare POP's food court....but their food court is SO much larger and spacious. The space is very confining in the SSR food court. And lines from the gift shop merge with lines for Artist Palette. At POP, there is separation of gift shop and food court so not nearly as claustrophic as SSR was. If Artist Palette was that congested in early Feb, I'd hate to see it in Magic and Premiere season So I wouldn't suggest SSR get a food court the size of POP's, but rather another smaller one on the opposite side of the resort to balance things out.

Just about everything else you commented on Liferbabe, I can agree with. But I feel another quick service is needed at SSR---let them close it during really slow times if they can't justify keeping it open. OKW does this with the snack stand in the Turtle Pond area by the pool. I'd say 30-40% of my stays, the Turtle Shack snack stand was closed (either because it was slower season or due to inclement weather). One afternoon in summer, Turtle Shack closed because of a "threat" of lightening.

Maria

 

[Chim Chiminy]

So I wouldn't suggest SSR get a food court the size of POP's, but rather another smaller one on the opposite side of the resort to balance things out.

I agree with this, maybe add a small window service or quick serve in the Carousel area.

We enjoy our stays at SSR, but do feel they overbuilt. I remember thinking when we bought during pre-sales that size was just fine.
Then they started adding on. I think they could have done without the Carousel area, but maybe I feel that way because we had a stay there last summer and it felt like Outer Mongolia. No services at all, no playground. No pool.
Like it was thrown up as an afterthought.

I don't think the bus service is any worse than the other resorts. At OKW you have to hit all the internal stops and may wind up standing.
BCV you have to share with the other EPCOT area resorts and may wind up standing. Same with the boats.
At VWL you have to share boat service with Fort Wilderness.
We just figure it is nice that transportation is provided and bring our car in case we decide to drive to a park, which isn't difficult at all. Most times we do this.

I do miss the PI fireworks, that was a big draw during the sales period. Also miss PI period!
We still enjoy DTD, but not the same with PI gone now.

 

[Mississippian]

The friendship boats at the Epcot Resorts services 6 separate hotels, rarely will you get an express bus ( I know we haven't) either.

I assume you are counting the Boardwalk and Beach Club Villas as separate hotels. They share a lobby with their hotels. Swan and Dolphin share one stop. So there are only three stops on the Friendship Boats. I certainly wish it were only one, located between the Yacht Club and Boardwalk, or where the Swan's currently is, but the boats operate pretty efficiently.

I always take the Swan/Dolphin boat when going to DHS as it is the quickest.

I've gotten plenty of express buses, but many that weren't. During the first few routes of the morning you will likely get an express bus, but otherwise not. On leaving the parks, there are often separate buses for Yacht and Beach, Boardwalk and Swan/Dolphin. I just take the first available bus since all the stops are right together.

 

[CMOORE185]

Not much talk about THV. I am excited about them because of their uniqueness and you get a 3 bedroom for points of a 2 bedroom! And because I own at SSR I will have a chance to book 11 months out.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think some people like the room service options, interior hallways and being in a single building with the restaurants that the hotel style DVCs offer. Others, myself included, prefer the condo style, true vacation home feel with nearby parking that SSR and OKW offer. It's just a matter of personal taste.

ITA. I think the same could be said about OKW, it's similar in those ways.