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

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I think there are two issues. These are a comparison of the resort itself and the affect of the points on the system. Neither an issue to me other than I enjoy discussing the nuances therein. SSR is a nice resort but it certainly isn't of the same feel and deluxe nature as some of the other resorts. I'd classify it as an almost deluxe resort in a moderate location as I would OKW which is my favorite. These issues don't bother me at all but it does some and that is their view to which I have no problems with. The more choices I have to use or trade in, the better I like it.

The other issue is the affect on the system of all those points. The relative demand for SSR is not to the same level as some of the others thus the percent of total points vying at the 7 month window is far more than the number of points wanting to trade to SSR for any given time. The end affect is that members of other resorts are more likely to reserve earlier, pushing many all the way back to the 11 month window. Also, it means there is less general availability at places other than SSR at 7 months out. Some will point out that this is no different than for VB or HH and I would agree, actually the percentages are worse for VB/HH, the difference is that SSR is so large with so many points and that those points are additive to the points that were already in the system in this capacity. OKW is not in the same boat most likely due to the points differential. Thus you might ask if I think DVC over priced SSR from a points standpoint and the answer would be affirmative.

I really enjoyed your analysis. Thank you.

Now my DH asked me about Whispering Canyon Cafe and why we haven't eaten there. I reminded him that it's in the WL and his response was, "Oh that place, logs, rustic, animal heads, that's why we didn't buy VWL". Now I'm not into VWL's decor and it's a little too wilderness for my city boy DH, but I'm not taking potshots at the resort. Snarky remarks, repeated comments about how SSR is overbuilt, no one wants to stay there because it's so big, let's did I leave anything out?

I believe people if they can, look at each resort in person or online, see if it fits your vibe. The marvelous thing about DVC, there's something for everyone.

I agree about VWL. We had a not so happy stay at WL before we joined DVC. The transportation was very poor at best in early 2005. There is nothing like feeling abandoned in the woods. To each his own. However, VWL IS a very small resort. That goes back to Dean's point.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Dean makes excellent comments. It is just too hard to ignore that there is something lacking that makes SSR a third or fourth choice for some. That something is different for many....CS too small, some building locations too far from pools, etc. The points reallocation is really going to hurt SSR. As has been previously stated, at least OKW has lower points requirements AND larger accomodations. This will always make up for the other things it make lack. Now the reallocation of points puts SSR in direct competition with BWV, BCV, VWL. Not good.

 

[tjkraz]

The points reallocation is really going to hurt SSR. As has been previously stated, at least OKW has lower points requirements AND larger accomodations. This will always make up for the other things it make lack. Now the reallocation of points puts SSR in direct competition with BWV, BCV, VWL. Not good.

Not sure I follow your logic here, Hope. The total points at a resort cannot change as a result of the reallocation. SSR was always cheaper on a per-night basis than BWV (except Standard View), BCV and VWL and that will remain true in 2010.

The points at BWV Preferred, BCV and VWL are no longer identical after the reallocation, so perhaps there are periods where SSR does not stack up as favorably as it has in the past. But if true, that means there are also periods where it compares more favorably than previous years. The same should be true of room sizes as well. If Studios cost more on average after the reallocation, some other unit will cost less.

I've already said that I agree SSR is too big. But the bright side is that the situation is not getting any worse. With each new resort that DVC opens, SSR's relative percentage within the system falls. The Treehouse Villas certainly won't hurt the resort's appeal.

I also wish DVC would consider some form of booking categories within SSR. For a resort that large, making room placement a total crapshoot can only be hurting its overall appeal. If owners could call at 11 months and be GUARANTEED a room close to the main pool / Hospitality House or a view of Downtown Disney, I believe it will reduce the number of owners looking to book elsewhere at 7 months. That twinge of doubt ("what if I get The Paddock or The Carousel?") is enough to prompt people to book elsewhere rather than sticking with their Home resort booking.

 

[casper]

My two favorite resorts are SSR and OKW. Like someone posted before, the reason I like them so much is for the same reason some of you don't like it. Concerning SSR:
1) The room decor is exactly what I like. It is more manly than the other resorts in an upscale sort of way. Boardwalk and BCV are not in my opinion. They have more of a woman's touch. That's fine. But I'm a single man and feel more comfortable at SSR. Also, I don't live too high in my "LOD" (life outside of Disney). So my Disney life at SSR is something I'm not use too. And different is what I'm looking for in a vacation. NOTE TO CRISI: I like VWL decor so you could still do interior decor for my house. Just don't do it in BWV or BCV.
2) Some say it is not "Disney" enough. But every morning when I wake up and see DTD I know I'm at Disney. Yes! It isn't themed "Disney." But AKL is themed Africa, VWL is themed Yellowstone, BCV is themed, well, beach house, Boardwalk is themed carnival (or scarry clown horror movie) OKW is themed Florida. Each has a little Mickey thrown in somewhere. Let's face it, the best Disney themed resorts are the value resorts.
3) I'm a big walker (usually around 30 miles a week). So, SSR being big and "open" is great for me. Although as a previous poster suggested, to get a real walk you are going to have to go to DTD. And the size of the resort is only big if you get a room that is distant from the things you need to walk to. Really, a person can only complain about the physical size of SSR if they get stuck in the Carousel section and maybe some of the Paddok section. Other than those two sections the resort is pretty much the same size of the others in regards to distance to the hospitality house, pools and places to eat. Of course, Dean's arguments about point size is very valid in my opinion.
4) I have only eaten at Artist Pointe once. It was good. I also have eaten at Turf club once. It was better. But for an eight night stay at Disney, I will probably eat 7 meals at DTD. I also enjoy walking in the stores and the street entertainment is fantastic (haven't been there since the closing of Pleasure Island - do they still have the street entertainment?) Obviously DTD is a "main" attraction to me. That makes SSR even better than all the other resorts (except maybe OKW). I will go to DTD several times more than to EPCOT on each stay. For those of you that like the entertainment around the Boardwalk, well, IMO DTD is soooo much better.
5) Bus stops? Well, If I will have to go through 7 of them with the opening of the THV then it might start to bother me. But some of my best memories of Disney have been meeting people on the bus (or even the bus driver - how else am I going to get the info on DVC's next BIG Plan in advance of everyone else?). And I expecially like OKW and SSR bus rides because most of us are DVC owners! It is great to share with those I share my home with. I have had one bad wait for a bus (50 minute wait). After that all my waits have been no longer than 15 minutes. Not bad odds in my opinion. But I'm also one of those extreemly patient kind of people.
6) The grounds are open. The views of the lakes and fountains are relaxing. Everything is so quiet, laid back, peaceful. After several hours in a crowded park, it is kind of nice to be able to kick back and relax. And nothing is more beautiful than a late night walk around SSR. The walkway lamps are so beautiful and the lighting so peaceful. Thinking about it makes me want to be there right now.
7) I was afraid that SSR was too close to the "real world." But honestly that has not been a problem. My views have been away from the roads so far. And I don't hear the traffic at all. Actually, I hear more traffic when I'm at OKW.
8) I like the condo! I like being outdoors and not stuck in a long hallway. I like the fact that I don't hear slamming doors during the night or people walking by my room making all kinds of noise. True, I don't get immediate air conditioning by entering my halls at SSR. But usually I have been out all day. A few more steps to my room in the heat/cold isn't going to ruin my experience. BUT I really like not having to pay maintaince fees for air conditioning those hallways.
9) Door placement on the Studios attached to a one bedroom is VERY ATTRACTIVE. I have had noisy neighbors at OKW. You can hear every baby cry and yelling family memebers!! BUT SSR's door is by the front door. I have never heard my neighbors at SSR. I can, however, smell their food cooking. Wow! That makes me hungry. But my studio room has always been very quiet. And THAT is probably one of my most important preferences of any place I stay at.

Well, this is becoming a book. For those of you that do not like SSR I'm fine with that. I appreciate everything that Crisi said and the way she said it. We all have different likes and dislikes. I wouldn't have it in any other way. For those who HATE SSR so much that you want to "trash talk" the resort I like so much, well, go ahead if it makes you happy. I'm too busy having fun to pay much attention. Espeically when I'm at Disney. 25 more days. Can't wait!!!!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I also wish DVC would consider some form of booking categories within SSR. For a resort that large, making room placement a total crapshoot can only be hurting its overall appeal. If owners could call at 11 months and be GUARANTEED a room close to the main pool / Hospitality House or a view of Downtown Disney, I believe it will reduce the number of owners looking to book elsewhere at 7 months. That twinge of doubt ("what if I get The Paddock or The Carousel?") is enough to prompt people to book elsewhere rather than sticking with their Home resort booking.

This is exactly what is holding me back in booking SSR. It seems there are alot of SSR owners that "don't want" booking categories, so not so sure if that will ever happen.

 

[tjkraz]

This is exactly what is holding me back in booking SSR. It seems there are alot of SSR owners that "don't want" booking categories, so not so sure if that will ever happen.

There was a huge thread here about it and only a very small percentage stated open opposition.

Just to be clear, we're not talking about a point differential. I think THAT is something which would upset many members--lowering point costs for a low-demand area like The Carousel while raising Congress Park or another.

What we've mostly discussed was just putting some select areas in its own category with the same nightly points--much like the BoardWalk View vs. Garden / Pool View. SSR owners are then guaranteed the DTD View or the "close to Carriage House" booking at 11 months and have less desire to try another resort.

I think the biggest hurdle is convincing DVC that there's enough reason to do it. Their perspective is probably that requests for a certain area do not vastly outnumber the block of available rooms. If you have 200 rooms in The Springs and 200 or fewer requests on any given day, then they should be able to meet demand without any categories.

But what I think they're missing is the psychological impact. Again, it's all of that FUD which is causing owners to try and book elsewhere. Would booking categories have a dramatic impact on 11 month bookings? Maybe not. But it should have SOME positive impact and that can only benefit the entire system.

 

[Sammie]

I don't think the views of this forum can be used to state why DVC members dislike SSR. It can be used to state why some DISers dislike it.

Truly does it matter, nope. It appeals to many, we love it and book it over any other WDW DVC resort. Does that mean we dislike the others, nope, just prefer what SSR has to offer over the others.

Love the decor, could move in those rooms and live there. Love the spa. Love the landscaping, the large expansive open grounds. Really like the horseracing theme. Artist Pallette is our favorite counter service. Like being close to Downtown Disney. Love the central location to everything, parks, shopping, dining, water parks. To us there is nothing there not to like.

What I do dislike about these threads is people stating opinions as if they are facts. As to whether SSR has for example a lousy location is strickly opinion, for many such as myself, it is an ideal location. I would never say that BCV and BWV have a lousy location simply because the location does not appeal to me.

I think many forget that not everyone is the same and their wants and needs for a vacation can be very different. We go many times and never visit a park except MK. Taking the bus from SSR is very efficient and enjoyable transportation for us, so it works.

Plus why in the world, would anyone hate a Disney resort, I mean good grief. It is one thing to prefer one over another, but hate, I think is really over doing it.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

There was a huge thread here about it and only a very small percentage stated open opposition.

Just to be clear, we're not talking about a point differential. I think THAT is something which would upset many members--lowering point costs for a low-demand area like The Carousel while raising Congress Park or another.

What we've mostly discussed was just putting some select areas in its own category with the same nightly points--much like the BoardWalk View vs. Garden / Pool View. SSR owners are then guaranteed the DTD View or the "close to Carriage House" booking at 11 months and have less desire to try another resort.

I think the biggest hurdle is convincing DVC that there's enough reason to do it. Their perspective is probably that requests for a certain area do not vastly outnumber the block of available rooms. If you have 200 rooms in The Springs and 200 or fewer requests on any given day, then they should be able to meet demand without any categories.

But what I think they're missing is the psychological impact. Again, it's all of that FUD which is causing owners to try and book elsewhere. Would booking categories have a dramatic impact on 11 month bookings? Maybe not. But it should have SOME positive impact and that can only benefit the entire system.

Not to get OT, but I also read that BWV owner's were actually camping out in the lobby area in order to get BW view. Some really heated exchanges also transpired concerning bookings there. Thats when I think the booking changes happened at BWV. I have no personal experience with this, maybe some other BWV owners who owned "back in that day" can comment more. There may need to be some "physical", "visual" demand for those rooms at SSR before some change actually happens.

 

[tjkraz]

Not to get OT, but I also read that BWV owner's were actually camping out in the lobby area in order to get BW view. Some really heated exchanges also transpired concerning bookings there. Thats when I think the booking changes happened at BWV. I have no personal experience with this, maybe some other BWV owners who owned "back in that day" can comment more. There may need to be some "physical", "visual" demand for those rooms at SSR before some change actually happens.

Yup, that's pretty much what the SSR contingent lacks.

Like I said, as popular as certain areas may seem among those of us on the boards, I don't think that requests often far exceed the number of available rooms. Unless it gets to a point where DVC has 400 requests for "Downtown Disney View" and only about 150 rooms, they probably don't see a reason to change. From their perspective, they are largely able to meet member demand without the hassle of categories.

For the first 5-6 years BWV was open, bookings were just for "Preferred View" and members didn't find out until they arrived whether it was BoardWalk View or otherwise. That lead to a lot of ugliness at the front desk. I don't see SSR ever getting to that point. The question is whether DVC would see the overall wisdom of creating several categories in the absence of excessive front desk confrontations.

 

[Sammie]

Like I said, as popular as certain areas may seem among those of us on the boards, I don't think that requests often far exceed the number of available rooms. Unless it gets to a point where DVC has 400 requests for "Downtown Disney View" and only about 150 rooms, they probably don't see a reason to change. From their perspective, they are largely able to meet member demand without the hassle of categories.

That covers it exactly. We actually enjoy carousel and paddocks, so I don't think SSR has a large enough demand to warrant the changes.

 

[tjkraz]

...I don't think SSR has a large enough demand to warrant the changes.

Probably not but it would be nice if DVC still saw the wisdom. I don't particularly mind where we are placed in the resort either. But I suspect we are in the minority.

For some, the comfort of holding that guaranteed Downtown Disney room booked at 11 months is enough to keep them from trying to book BWV or BLT at 7 months. DVC may be confident in its abilities to deliver the DTD view as a request, but the member's uncertainty is enough to make other locations look that much more appealing.

 

[Dean]

I've already said that I agree SSR is too big. But the bright side is that the situation is not getting any worse. With each new resort that DVC opens, SSR's relative percentage within the system falls. The Treehouse Villas certainly won't hurt the resort's appeal.

I also wish DVC would consider some form of booking categories within SSR. For a resort that large, making room placement a total crapshoot can only be hurting its overall appeal. If owners could call at 11 months and be GUARANTEED a room close to the main pool / Hospitality House or a view of Downtown Disney, I believe it will reduce the number of owners looking to book elsewhere at 7 months. That twinge of doubt ("what if I get The Paddock or The Carousel?") is enough to prompt people to book elsewhere rather than sticking with their Home resort booking.

Actually it is getting worse and will cont to do so until all the points are sold and those new members have a couple of trips under their belt at SSR. It is true that the majority of the impact has been felt but I think the remaining impact will still be significant. The other issue is that it's only the number of points at a given resort that is active at the 7 month window that is important, not the overall # of points. Thus while it might seem that BLT might help to even this out, the reality is that the relative demand is likely to be so different that SSR will have 30-50 times (if not more) the number of points active at the 7 month window even though it is only somewhat over 3 times the size. I don't think THV will have nearly as much affect as some do. Many seem to think it'll increase the demand of SSR, and it likely will but I suspect only minimally and not nearly as much as others believe.

We've had the thread a couple of times of what could be done at SSR to even out the demand. IMO, most of the better options would have had to have occurred up front. DVC did miss the boat in this area, IMO. Booking cat at the same points really are a non brainer at SSR IMO. I'm sure we'll see them some day, no real reason not to as it's large enough to do that and not affect availability for that last room staanding enough to matter.

Plus why in the world, would anyone hate a Disney resort, I mean good grief. It is one thing to prefer one over another, but hate, I think is really over doing it.

No question, a point I've made many times. It's not about disliking SSR but discussing the relative merits compared to the other resorts and the functioning of DVC in general. It's much like the saying about a bad day on vacation beating a good day at work.

Like I said, as popular as certain areas may seem among those of us on the boards, I don't think that requests often far exceed the number of available rooms. Unless it gets to a point where DVC has 400 requests for "Downtown Disney View" and only about 150 rooms, they probably don't see a reason to change. From their perspective, they are largely able to meet member demand without the hassle of categories.

That would be true if, and only if, DVC put real effort into requests. I've said many times that actually taking requests seriously and giving them some order of relative important (date of reservation, owner vs other DVC member); it would solve the problem. Unfortunately DVC has purposefully stopped putting any real effort (as a system) into room assignments. As it stands right now an owner could book day 1 at 11 months out and just as easily get the Carousel as not. There are actually some that believe your chances of getting what you want are better if you don't ask than if you do.

Here's an example that illustrates how you can look at things if you know what to expect. I have 2 units I own at Marriott's Grande Ocean resort in HH and often get at least one exchange unit for the same trip. Assuming they have 3 units for me and my one request is they all be as close together as possible. Those 3 units constitute an Ocean Front unit, Ocean Side unit and an exchange unit. Of the 10 buildings, 8 have OS units and 4 OF units with only 2 having both. I also know that the order of preference for unit assignments is owner, Marriott exchanger then non Marriott exchanger with an additional importance being put on multiple unit or week guests. For this situation I know that I'll almost certainly get 2 units on a higher floor for the 2 owned units and the 1 exchange unit on the 1st floor in the same building. A fair compromise of the various components at hand.

 

[Dean]

I don't think SSR has a large enough demand to warrant the changes.

I do think the demand is large enough to warrant the changes, the difference is that the owners there may not be complaining as much as were the owners at BWV, at least not yet.

 

[Chuck S]

I do think the demand is large enough to warrant the changes, the difference is that the owners there may not be complaining as much as were the owners at BWV, at least not yet.

I don't know about that...it seems we see a lot more people on the boards wanting guaranteed booking categories at SSR than we ever saw for complains about too far away at OKW...yet at OKW they made a "near HH" booking category.

 

[Dean]

I don't know about that...it seems we see a lot more people on the boards wanting guaranteed booking categories at SSR than we ever saw for complains about too far away at OKW...yet at OKW they made a "near HH" booking category.

Maybe, I think those that own there deserve it. I hope those that own there are making their wishes known to DVC on this subject which ever they prefer. If they don't, things will likely not change in this area. It is my impression that the OKW change was spurred more by the request profile than actual complaints, maybe the same will happen at SSR.

 

[hakepb]

I think one of SSR's problems is the DVC sales center takes up too much prime space that could better serve guests. (I think the whole main area takes up prime room DTD view space, but I understand the pre-SSR history to somewhat know why...)

.. with a character breakfast, additional quick service food, Ice cream stand (whats with selling us on a tour to get a free scoup, but you cannot even buy a fresh scoup when you stay there?), OTB (OK It's Disney, they'd never do it (no casino on DCL) but there is really, really a lack of horses for a place "themed" Saratoga Springs...)

 

[culli]

Maybe, I think those that own there deserve it. I hope those that own there are making their wishes known to DVC on this subject which ever they prefer. If they don't, things will likely not change in this area. It is my impression that the OKW change was spurred more by the request profile than actual complaints, maybe the same will happen at SSR.

I for one have said something on the phone and via contact us on dvcmembers.com with MS. Well to put my where my mouth is so to speak I sent another and encourage others to do this too.

 

[CMOORE185]

Not to get OT, but I also read that BWV owner's were actually camping out in the lobby area in order to get BW view. Some really heated exchanges also transpired concerning bookings there. Thats when I think the booking changes happened at BWV. I have no personal experience with this, maybe some other BWV owners who owned "back in that day" can comment more. There may need to be some "physical", "visual" demand for those rooms at SSR before some change actually happens.

We booked BWV, spring break, 7 month window, boardwalk view, 2 br, with no problem, did we get lucky or is there alot of untrue rumors about the difficulty of 7 month booking windows?

 

[toocherie]

This is exactly what is holding me back in booking SSR. It seems there are alot of SSR owners that "don't want" booking categories, so not so sure if that will ever happen.

Actually, I would like booking categories--I like to know where I'm going to be. Although last trip I was in the furtherest out Grandstand building and thought it was a worse location than the time before that I was in the Paddock--I actually think it was further from the Carriage House/AP/Turf Club (at least it felt that way).

I also think that the Turf Club should be used for a breakfast location--there are just too many people in this resort for AP to be able to adequately service that many people.

That being said--I visited BWV and BCV this trip and greatly appreciate the peacefulness and openness of SSR.

 

[Dean]

We booked BWV, spring break, 7 month window, boardwalk view, 2 br, with no problem, did we get lucky or is there alot of untrue rumors about the difficulty of 7 month booking windows?

You got lucky, likely a cancelation or someone who changed to another resort at 7 months out. Given the way the WL has worked in the past, it's very possible, if not likely, that there was a WL for that option and you jumped ahead without knowing it.