SSR owners, help me understand... - The DIS Discussion Forums

macemc12 · 03-20-2013, 09:10 PM

Why all the negativity for SSR around here?

I have heard complaints over decor, size of resort, transportation issues etc... Please tell me what you love about SSR and why you bought there. Do you think the proposed overhaul of DTD will make SSR more desirable a location in the future?

utahkennedys · 03-20-2013, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macemc12

Why all the negativity for SSR around here?

I have heard complaints over decor, size of resort, transportation issues etc... Please tell me what you love about SSR and why you bought there. Do you think the proposed overhaul of DTD will make SSR more desirable a location in the future?

My personal thought is that with the building of a new, huge parking deck...the transportation problems with "Free parkers" will just increase at SSR. Combined with an already huge resort, I think that is where my main concerns would be.

bwvBound · 03-20-2013, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macemc12

Please tell me what you love about SSR and why you bought there.

We purchased in 2004 pre-opening, over the phone, w/out ever seeing the property. What we "loved" at that time:

SSR, unlike all other DVC resorts at that time, did NOT expire in 2042. It had a brand new end date and we could get all 50 years.
Costs, buying direct from Disney, were only a few dollars higher-per-point than the resale BWV contracts we had been bidding on.
No closing costs (at that time) for new direct buyers.
Dues were reasonable ... and have remained such.

We've been pleasantly surprised, since buying, to be gifted with the addition of Treehouse Villas. More to love!

What we continue to love: reasonable dues! While not the lowest, they aren't the highest and have remained fairly steady thus far.

dayvewc · 03-21-2013, 01:36 AM

I bought last summer after the tour, and what I loved about it was the overall reasonableness of cost, dues, etc. I was shown other options, but for what I was looking for SSR was/is pretty much ideal.

Sammie · 03-21-2013, 02:30 AM

We love SSR.

Great pools, Spa, one of the best quick service restaurants with a very nice seating area, very good transportation, centrally located to everything at Disney World, great staff, gym, tennis courts, BBQ grills, children's activities, movies at the pool, beautifully landscaped grounds, comfortable beds, pleasing decor and the quietest resort.

Dean · 03-21-2013, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macemc12

Why all the negativity for SSR around here?

I have heard complaints over decor, size of resort, transportation issues etc... Please tell me what you love about SSR and why you bought there. Do you think the proposed overhaul of DTD will make SSR more desirable a location in the future?

There are 2 types of issues, resort related and system related. SSR is a very nice resort as are all DVC resorts. Some don't like it's size or location and all themed resorts have their detractors. Both SSR and OKW and maybe AKV as well are moderate's in terms of location. While I think there are things they could do to change demand, I think they missed most of their opportunities up front. I think most of the complaint's we've seen are not about SSR but about the affect it's sales had on the system and will have forever I'm sure. In terms of 7 month availability SSR probably has more effect in this area than all of the other resorts combine or very close. I'm not complaining, it's not a big deal to me, but the fact is that for WDW resorts, it's the least in demand per capita compared to the rest. And don't let people you it's just it's size, that would be wrong but does have a smaller impact as well.

tjkraz · 03-21-2013, 07:33 AM

I'm an owner at Saratoga Springs and it's one of my favorites. But Disney did make several mistakes throughout its development. In no particular order:

- It's not close to a theme park. You would think that's not the be-all, end-all, but I wish I had a dime every time someone said "location, location, location!" in a post.

- Condo style development (with many small buildings) rather than a hotel-style facility. It's personal preference, of course, but many guests seem to prefer the hotel-style facilities better. In a hotel-style building you have the front desk, bell services, room service and all other amenities easily within reach. To many, it feels more like a hotel stay / vacation rather than an apartment or condo complex.

- You could argue that rooms are overpriced. Stylistically, the most comparable resort to SSR is Old Key West. However, at OKW the rooms are actually LARGER while the costs to stay a night are LOWER across the board.

- Perhaps most significantly, it's simply oversized respective to member demand. All of the other points above are irrelevant if the resort is sized properly. If SSR only had 300-400 villas--including the Treehouses--we wouldn't be having this discussion. But SSR had plenty of land surrounding it which was suitable for expansion, and it grew to a 900 room behemoth. Disney got greedy.

Disney has made a lot of little moves to improve SSR's appeal. They've opened new restaurants (it had 1 on opening day, now 3), they opened a feature pool, they added the Treehouse Villas. The spa and golf course are amenities with which other DVC resorts cannot compete.

But it's a numbers game. There IS demand for the resort and for many owners, it's their first choice of destination. But there isn't enough demand to fill 900 rooms on a consistent basis.

AnnaS · 03-21-2013, 07:57 AM

We do not own here but have stayed here twice and liked it very much. Many are pleasantly surprised once they have stayed here. We have liked all the DVC resorts we have stayed in. Each one is themed different and that is what is so great about DVC - the flexibility that we really are not tied to one resort. I love that we go often enough to try different ones and don't mind staying in any of them.

For us - one of the main reason I will probably not list it as a first choice is because of its availability. I actually did choose it first for one of my stays before OKW and AKL - but not because I prefer it over the other two - I know I am going back and as long as I have the options of all the resorts, that is great for us.

The only other time as of now where I really, really want my home resort is when I book for F & W at BCV.

You really need to try a resort yourself. One person might love one for whatever makes them happy - but someone else has different taste, priorities, ideas of a vacation and can take it or leave it.

bakerworld · 03-21-2013, 08:08 AM

The location and theme of SSR are reasons we didn't stay there pre-DVC. If we were going to ride a bus then I wanted the resort to have a theme that made me feel like I'd left the country for an exotic local.

When we bought DVC we were given an extra years of pts which we could only use at SSR. It gives you a real chance to explore the DTD area. The CMs are nice and accommodating, the rooms aren't as beat-up as Bay Lake and the pools are generous and plentiful. Wonderful place if you're walkers - which we enjoy. We found SSR to be very relaxing and pleasant.

lisa3635 · 03-21-2013, 08:17 AM

I'm a SSR owner. I bought resale because the maintenace fees are some of the lowest and price per point. I've only stayed at SSR for one night though. I have small children and much prefer BLT and BCV. Fortunately, through waitlisting I've always been able to get one of those. For me the biggest drawback with SSR is the location. I love that you can walk to parks from BLT and BCV. I did like that you could park outside you villa, since we usually get a car. We aren't too much into DTD so that isn't really an attraction for me. I think SSR is a great value via resale and am looking for the right contract to add on more points.

bobbiwoz · 03-21-2013, 08:27 AM

We bought there to book Treehouses, and then they raised the points for them. I like the studios there better than the studios at OKW because they do have the sofa to sit on to watch TV. There are also elevators at SSR, OKW only has 3 buildings with elevators. I like the pools at SSR better than the ones at OKW, and the view of DTD.

Both have great activities in the community room for kids.

I do think that SSR has too high point values for what you get, but still, we book there sometimes. Our next stay there is in May.

ssawka · 03-21-2013, 08:51 AM

I think every DVC resort has its fair share of "haters". Granted SSR seems to have many, but so does BLT. Very often, I see people complain about the perceived lack of themeing at BLT. Personally, I like the boutique styling of the resort.

The wonderful thing about DVC is that there are so many diverse resorts to meet the desires of all members.

dwight16 · 03-21-2013, 09:08 AM

i bought a SSR resale for one thing only and that was price. 58 a point in 2010 BUT when i was making contact about buying the sales person asked me this do you like to book far in advance or more of a 3 to 6 month booker. i said a 3-6 month. then he said it did not matter your home resort then. well i learned the hard way it does to a point. i hope and plan on never actually staying at SSR!

htmlkid · 03-21-2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macemc12

Why all the negativity for SSR around here?

I have heard complaints over decor, size of resort, transportation issues etc... Please tell me what you love about SSR and why you bought there. Do you think the proposed overhaul of DTD will make SSR more desirable a location in the future?

I love the low annual fees and the inexpensive resale cost. I've purchased 2 SSR contracts and have stayed everywhere but SSR. Someday l get there lol

Meggysmum · 03-21-2013, 09:14 AM

I am currently trying to buy SSR and I already own at BLT.

We ended up there last year due to last minute availability and asbolutely loved it. It is a complete contrast to our BLT stays. I like the fact that it is spread out with lots of green areas which makes for pleasent strolls in the evening. The QS offering is good. The location near DTD is great for us as we like the walk. The decor is a bit sickly for my liking but so is BW, I am not a fan of pastel colours and patterns but I have had that problem in a lot of American resorts so I am used to that, it is only a personal taste thing.

Dues are reasonable too and I am just hoping that the ROFR monster doesn't quash my dreams!

03-20-2013, 09:10 PM	#1
macemc12 Earning My Ears Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 61	SSR owners, help me understand... Why all the negativity for SSR around here? I have heard complaints over decor, size of resort, transportation issues etc... Please tell me what you love about SSR and why you bought there. Do you think the proposed overhaul of DTD will make SSR more desirable a location in the future? __________________ Me , DH, DD-8 , DD-6

03-21-2013, 01:36 AM	#4
dayvewc Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Arkansas - White River Delta region Posts: 106	I bought last summer after the tour, and what I loved about it was the overall reasonableness of cost, dues, etc. I was shown other options, but for what I was looking for SSR was/is pretty much ideal. __________________ July 2009, New Years Eve 2009, Spring Break 2011, August 2012 - all off-site

03-21-2013, 07:33 AM	#7
tjkraz DVC Owner SSR Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 12,405	I'm an owner at Saratoga Springs and it's one of my favorites. But Disney did make several mistakes throughout its development. In no particular order: - It's not close to a theme park. You would think that's not the be-all, end-all, but I wish I had a dime every time someone said "location, location, location!" in a post. - Condo style development (with many small buildings) rather than a hotel-style facility. It's personal preference, of course, but many guests seem to prefer the hotel-style facilities better. In a hotel-style building you have the front desk, bell services, room service and all other amenities easily within reach. To many, it feels more like a hotel stay / vacation rather than an apartment or condo complex. - You could argue that rooms are overpriced. Stylistically, the most comparable resort to SSR is Old Key West. However, at OKW the rooms are actually LARGER while the costs to stay a night are LOWER across the board. - Perhaps most significantly, it's simply oversized respective to member demand. All of the other points above are irrelevant if the resort is sized properly. If SSR only had 300-400 villas--including the Treehouses--we wouldn't be having this discussion. But SSR had plenty of land surrounding it which was suitable for expansion, and it grew to a 900 room behemoth. Disney got greedy. Disney has made a lot of little moves to improve SSR's appeal. They've opened new restaurants (it had 1 on opening day, now 3), they opened a feature pool, they added the Treehouse Villas. The spa and golf course are amenities with which other DVC resorts cannot compete. But it's a numbers game. There IS demand for the resort and for many owners, it's their first choice of destination. But there isn't enough demand to fill 900 rooms on a consistent basis. __________________ -- Tim DVC owner at SSR, BWV and VGC

03-21-2013, 07:57 AM	#8
AnnaS The puppy has now left the building and I am exhausted Will you be rolling? I can't wait to try them all Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 6,124	We do not own here but have stayed here twice and liked it very much. Many are pleasantly surprised once they have stayed here. We have liked all the DVC resorts we have stayed in. Each one is themed different and that is what is so great about DVC - the flexibility that we really are not tied to one resort. I love that we go often enough to try different ones and don't mind staying in any of them. For us - one of the main reason I will probably not list it as a first choice is because of its availability. I actually did choose it first for one of my stays before OKW and AKL - but not because I prefer it over the other two - I know I am going back and as long as I have the options of all the resorts, that is great for us. The only other time as of now where I really, really want my home resort is when I book for F & W at BCV. You really need to try a resort yourself. One person might love one for whatever makes them happy - but someone else has different taste, priorities, ideas of a vacation and can take it or leave it. __________________ DVC 10/00 OKW - 6/02 BCV January 2013 - SSR, May 2013 - OKW July 2013 - Disney Fantasy Western OKW Stay too - October 2013 - BCV F&W DCL '01 Eastern, '03 Western, '05 West Coast Cruise ºoº '07 11 N. Med. Cruise WDW - CBR, POR, OKW, BWV, BCV, AKV, VWL, HH & VB, SSR

03-21-2013, 08:08 AM	#9
bakerworld Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 192	The location and theme of SSR are reasons we didn't stay there pre-DVC. If we were going to ride a bus then I wanted the resort to have a theme that made me feel like I'd left the country for an exotic local. When we bought DVC we were given an extra years of pts which we could only use at SSR. It gives you a real chance to explore the DTD area. The CMs are nice and accommodating, the rooms aren't as beat-up as Bay Lake and the pools are generous and plentiful. Wonderful place if you're walkers - which we enjoy. We found SSR to be very relaxing and pleasant. __________________

03-21-2013, 02:30 AM	#5
Sammie DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Fantasyland Posts: 19,416	We love SSR. Great pools, Spa, one of the best quick service restaurants with a very nice seating area, very good transportation, centrally located to everything at Disney World, great staff, gym, tennis courts, BBQ grills, children's activities, movies at the pool, beautifully landscaped grounds, comfortable beds, pleasing decor and the quietest resort.

03-21-2013, 08:17 AM	#10
lisa3635 Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 245	I'm a SSR owner. I bought resale because the maintenace fees are some of the lowest and price per point. I've only stayed at SSR for one night though. I have small children and much prefer BLT and BCV. Fortunately, through waitlisting I've always been able to get one of those. For me the biggest drawback with SSR is the location. I love that you can walk to parks from BLT and BCV. I did like that you could park outside you villa, since we usually get a car. We aren't too much into DTD so that isn't really an attraction for me. I think SSR is a great value via resale and am looking for the right contract to add on more points.

03-21-2013, 08:27 AM	#11
bobbiwoz I'm happy to dance with you I have 2 opinions We had tried usual things to keep them away, including something like coyote urine, it is sold in hardware stores by us Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Washington Township OH and Cape May NJ Posts: 50,832	We bought there to book Treehouses, and then they raised the points for them. I like the studios there better than the studios at OKW because they do have the sofa to sit on to watch TV. There are also elevators at SSR, OKW only has 3 buildings with elevators. I like the pools at SSR better than the ones at OKW, and the view of DTD. Both have great activities in the community room for kids. I do think that SSR has too high point values for what you get, but still, we book there sometimes. Our next stay there is in May. __________________

03-21-2013, 08:51 AM	#12
ssawka DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 3,082	I think every DVC resort has its fair share of "haters". Granted SSR seems to have many, but so does BLT. Very often, I see people complain about the perceived lack of themeing at BLT. Personally, I like the boutique styling of the resort. The wonderful thing about DVC is that there are so many diverse resorts to meet the desires of all members. __________________ Please show your support for GKTW! "A man should never neglect his family for business." -W. Disney "Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea of making money." -W. Disney "Adults are only kids grown up..." -W. Disney (Me) (DW) (DD 11)

03-21-2013, 09:08 AM	#13
dwight16 Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 169	i bought a SSR resale for one thing only and that was price. 58 a point in 2010 BUT when i was making contact about buying the sales person asked me this do you like to book far in advance or more of a 3 to 6 month booker. i said a 3-6 month. then he said it did not matter your home resort then. well i learned the hard way it does to a point. i hope and plan on never actually staying at SSR!

03-21-2013, 09:14 AM	#15
Meggysmum Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK Posts: 220	I am currently trying to buy SSR and I already own at BLT. We ended up there last year due to last minute availability and asbolutely loved it. It is a complete contrast to our BLT stays. I like the fact that it is spread out with lots of green areas which makes for pleasent strolls in the evening. The QS offering is good. The location near DTD is great for us as we like the walk. The decor is a bit sickly for my liking but so is BW, I am not a fan of pastel colours and patterns but I have had that problem in a lot of American resorts so I am used to that, it is only a personal taste thing. Dues are reasonable too and I am just hoping that the ROFR monster doesn't quash my dreams!

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