"destination resort" or a place to relax

[glypnir]

I saw a post somewhere else on the forum saying that some resort, I think it was SSR, wasn't a destination resort, so they were going to turn the pool area into more of a water park.

Personally, I want the resort to be a haven of peace where I can recover from the stresses and strains of the parks. So I like SSR the way it is.

What are other people's opinions on this?

[disneyfreak89]

Personally, I want the resort to be a haven of peace where I can recover from the stresses and strains of the parks. So I like SSR the way it is.

:iagree: A resort should be a place to relax and unwind. There are already 2

water parks on Disney property and the major themed pool at all the resorts

are more than enough to satisfy anyone's mild craving for water adventure.

[AFMom]

Actually - I disagree. While I do think the quiet pools and even the current play pools at the Carriage House and in the Grandstand area should be left alone - there is room there for more of a BCV style pool area. It is a very large resort - and I do think the main pool area can be strained during peak seasons. This would make SSR more of a "destination" resort and take the strain off the current theme pools.
We really like SSR - and kids love the pool - but we always stay off season (the crowds at the pool aren't as much of a problem). So it may not affect us personally - but I think it could be a wise move.

[diva452]

:iagree: A resort should be a place to relax and unwind. There are already 2

water parks on Disney property and the major themed pool at all the resorts

are more than enough to satisfy anyone's mild craving for water adventure.

I totally agree!

I was sick most of our trip last week and coming "home" to a sanctuary was exactly what I needed. DH and I are work hard/play hard and we love that we can have our peace and quiet at SSR but kick it at Downtown Disney in the evenings. Rock On!

The pool at SSR is pretty nice. I just wish it had cabana's for rent or reservation as I like to have some waitstaff when I'm at the pool.....:margarita If there were some kind of cabana's at either the main pool or the quiet pool and the lounge chairs were more like the ones at Grand Californian it would be close to perfect.

We looooove SSR

[carolina_yankee]

I saw a post somewhere else on the forum saying that some resort, I think it was SSR, wasn't a destination resort, so they were going to turn the pool area into more of a water park.

Personally, I want the resort to be a haven of peace where I can recover from the stresses and strains of the parks. So I like SSR the way it is.

What are other people's opinions on this?

I don't think Disney has announced or rumored any plans for a water park at SSR - that was some dreaming on the part of SSR owners on another thread.

That said, I think the pool situation at SSR need to be improved. Grandstand is well served; Congress Park is well served; Everybody else either has no pool, a tiny pool, or crowds into the main pool.

Whatever could be done to SSR to make it more of a destination resort would not take away from it's peacefulness. I agree - I like that, too. I think the question is how to make it more popular with DVC members, especially SSR owners who prefer to stay elsewhere.

The suggestions on this board have been to have better integration with Downtown Disney (surely a fave for those who like to unwind there), and a more upgraded pool situation. From the looks of the plans, both AKV - Kidani Village and BLT will have far better pool situations than SSR has, yet they are smaller resorts (and both have destination appeal).

For me, AKV is the ultimate destination resort that also includes relaxation. That pool is wonderful - even if it doesn't have Stormalong Bay type features.

Dirk

[JimP]

I don't think Disney has announced or rumored any plans for a water park at SSR - that was some dreaming on the part of SSR owners on another thread.

That said, I think the pool situation at SSR need to be improved. Grandstand is well served; Congress Park is well served; Everybody else either has no pool, a tiny pool, or crowds into the main pool.

Whatever could be done to SSR to make it more of a destination resort would not take away from it's peacefulness. I agree - I like that, too. I think the question is how to make it more popular with DVC members, especially SSR owners who prefer to stay elsewhere.

The suggestions on this board have been to have better integration with Downtown Disney (surely a fave for those who like to unwind there), and a more upgraded pool situation. From the looks of the plans, both AKV - Kidani Village and BLT will have far better pool situations than SSR has, yet they are smaller resorts (and both have destination appeal).

For me, AKV is the ultimate destination resort that also includes relaxation. That pool is wonderful - even if it doesn't have Stormalong Bay type features.

Dirk

Count me in with Dirk. SSR needs some more attributes to make it more desirable. I have found that in all resorts... despite how "hustle/bustle" the are... are conducive to relaxation. I think that SSR can absorb a lot more "fun attributes" and still not lose its quiet appeal.

/Jim

[kiapgh23e]

I agree with the previous 2. Get a bigger pool area. You dont have to put it smack dab in the center. Just make close for everybody somehow. I live a big pool with slides and such. Im in for a destination pool.

:dancingba

[mountainjourno]

Saratoga is certainly big enough to be both a peaceful retreat and a destination resort. In the same way as Stormalong Bay has zero impact on the quiet pool at the BCV, adding a waterpark to Saratoga would have zero impact on its quiet pools, or the units in those areas.

You may have no personal desire to go to a waterpark should it ever be built at SSR, but it would clearly make other members happy without having any negative impact on you, and would ultimately raise the resale value of your points.

That said, it's not going to happen. Disney has no need to raise the popularity of Saratoga - it's almost sold out! And people who use cash ressies there are likely there for the Disney parks, not so much the resort. With that in mind, I'm sure DVD would much rather spend their Disney dollars on new resorts, while appeasing us with the booking categories we've requested.

[goldilocks_63]

I own at SSR, and would like

an additional themed Pool (I was told this was going to top SAB, and feel like I was mislead)....

a movie theater in the "movie theater". No, I don't want to take 2 boat rides to go to DD.

Maybe a bowling alley too like lucky strike.

better fast food options (the flow is bad - hard to order /checkout).

+ Love the turf club. Add additional pool tables, and have timers on them....

Would like Tree House villas added to SSR inventory (when they are refurbed).

would like to be able to rent golf carts to get around (like FW).

and would like to see a few actual horses / ponies - a petting are would be nice (like bush gardens).

Just my wish list... GOldi

[cheapmom]

That said, it's not going to happen. Disney has no need to raise the popularity of Saratoga
I agree- ssr operates near capacity- and it serve as a very nice resort non-wdw dvc owners will almost always be able to get a room at 7 months. SSR is probably just what dvc wants it to be.

[carolina_yankee]

a movie theater in the "movie theater". No, I don't want to take 2 boat rides to go to DD.

This would be so nice. When we first stayed at the Contemporary in 1977, they had a small theatre (probably just a convention breakout room) that showed Disney films every night free to guests. This would be so easy to do in the actual SSR theatre.

Maybe a bowling alley too like lucky strike.
It sound like you're suggesting basically making the village area more like a village area - an actual place to gather. What better way to imitate the real Saratoga Springs?!

Dirk

[kiapgh23e]

I own at SSR, and would like
an additional themed Pool (I was told this was going to top SAB, and feel like I was mislead)....
a movie theater in the "movie theater". No, I don't want to take 2 boat rides to go to DD.
Maybe a bowling alley too like lucky strike.
better fast food options (the flow is bad - hard to order /checkout).
+ Love the turf club. Add additional pool tables, and have timers on them....
Would like Tree House villas added to SSR inventory (when they are refurbed).
would like to be able to rent golf carts to get around (like FW).and would like to see a few actual horses / ponies - a petting are would be nice (like bush gardens).
Just my wish list... GOldi


not a bad wish list.
:worship:

[nono]

They did have carriage rides briefly at SSR -- two summers back? I'm not sure exactly when they stopped, but by my next visit to SSR, there was the lame sign that the carriage rides were now available at PO. Yeah. Thanks for the signage reminder of a moderate resort "stealing" one of SSRs bennies.

[dianeschlicht]

I kind of wonder if the reason they have kept SSR more reserved is because if they had a "destination" pool, it might be harder to keep the locals out. I know OKW had a lot of trouble with locals when it was kind of the "edge" of where Disney started. I view SSR as in that position now. It's pretty easy to access from that area across from DTD. Just witness all the issues we see here of people using the SSR buses to avoid parking fees.

[Daitcher]

I agree- ssr operates near capacity- and it serve as a very nice resort non-wdw dvc owners will almost always be able to get a room at 7 months. SSR is probably just what dvc wants it to be.



SSR does not operate near capacity and that is the problem. SSR just what DVC wants it to be? Not even close. They WAY over anticiapted the demand for this place. I've heard from numerous DVC people, including higher ups that SSR has been " a dissapointment" Not from a sales standpoint but from how it has been received by the membership. It needs something to get people to book there so a SAB type pool could help. Bridge to DTD won't help, IMO, but still a nice feature.

Lets recount what I was told about SSR prior to buying in: "We've really listened to the membership and the dining is going to be the best on property." UHHHHH.... I guess their idea of best on property was AP because that was all they had planned. It wasn't until the myriad of complaints filed in that they reluctantly added TC. Still terrible with no food poolside, poor design of AP with very limted menu and no room service.

"The feature pool will rival SAB." WHAT???? Rival SAB? Not even close, in fact they expanded the resort tremendously and didn't enlarge the feature pool. IMO, it is the worst feature pool at DVC. Swimming? Yeah, ok, it is shallow all the way accross and very little actual room when you take away the zero entry area and waterslide end. That dinky spray area is hardly what I was promised.

"SSR is going to be our flagship resort. We are going all out on this one and it is going to be the best DVC Resort to date." Again, not even close. All out? Wow, I hope they don't go "all out" with AKV and CRV.

Seriously, SSR needs something. There is tremendous potential there but it needs more. The new Grandstand area is a nice addition to this resort. Adding TC was a nice feature. Even with these features it still is lacking. I'm all for anything, taking the biggest resort with a relatively low demand and making it a sought after resort by DVC owners.


ETA: I'm not saying that DVC mislead me or anyone else. I truly believe they intended to make SSR all of the things I was quoted above. For whatever reason they just didn't execute and overestimated the draw of DTD.


DAVE

[AFMom]

We're very happy to stay at SSR now as it is - thankfully in low occupancy times!. But I also remember the whole "better than SAB" and "best dining" comments that were made when we approached Disney about adding on.
As for having a hard time keeping out the locals (or just the people walking over from DTD) - SAB is right next to the Boardwalk area, is walkable from Epcot and MGM. Now - not as many non-resort people go there, but plenty do. The pool area is gated and they have someone checking id's. Not too difficult to do. They should probably check id's at the current SSR feature pool - as when we were there we heard many families talk about walking over from DTD just to swim. Now - they could have been "legal" DVC pool hoppers - I didn't ask.

[JimP]

Seriously, SSR needs something...

... I'm all for anything, taking the biggest resort with a relatively low demand and making it a sought after resort by DVC owners.

DAVE,

I would add that this would help "EVERYONE" who owns DVC. If SSR had equal draw as the other DVCs... then every other property would be easier to get at 7 months... and I would bet that most DVC owners like to try new resorts from time to time.

/Jim

[Daitcher]

DAVE,

I would add that this would help "EVERYONE" who owns DVC. If SSR had equal draw as the other DVCs... then every other property would be easier to get at 7 months... and I would bet that most DVC owners like to try new resorts from time to time.

/Jim



Jim, ITA!!



DAVE

[goldilocks_63]

THere is so much they could do....

FOr example, have a Preakness Day at the resorts. Turn all the TVs to the horse race, and serve mint julips at the bars....

THey have tons of ideas, but now that SSR is sold out, will they see the need to do anything?

JMHO, Goldi

[eaglerock]

My first stay at a DVC resort was in Nov at SSR. (dedicated 2 Bdrm unit)

The room was nice but I hated the resort. We were in the first building on the left after entering the complex by Bus.

The building was way too far away from the main pool and reception/restaurant area. It was a far walk with a 3 & 6 year old.

I felt the restaurants/food offerings were limited. The counter area service did not function well and was too small.

I found the overall SSR complex to big for my liking.

I then stayed at Pop Century in Feb. and liked Pop Century better then SSR.

I have since stayed at Beach Club Villas and loved it.

:veryconfuI'm glad I bought on the resale market and bought at Beach Club!

[carolina_yankee]

My first stay at a DVC resort was in Nov at SSR. (dedicated 2 Bdrm unit)

The room was nice but I hated the resort. We were in the first building on the left after entering the complex by Bus.

The building was way too far away from the main pool and reception/restaurant area. It was a far walk with a 3 & 6 year old.
Sounds like you were in Carousel, which is the definition of purgatory for some here (or at least me). I know some folk would enjoy the solitude, but not me.

I then stayed at Pop Century in Feb. and liked Pop Century better then SSR.
Ouch!

I have since stayed at Beach Club Villas and loved it.

:veryconfuI'm glad I bought on the resale market and bought at Beach Club!

Glad you bought where you like, and that you do like DVC overall!

Dirk

[Daitcher]

[QUOTE=eaglerock;155856] I then stayed at Pop Century in Feb. and liked Pop Century better then SSR. [QUOTE]



I thought I logged on to the wrong boards.....:hahahaha:

Those would be fighting words over there so I guess this is mouseowners.

Welcome to MO and you are not alone in your thinking. A while back guests of value resorts were being moved to SSR. Apparently during the "free" dining promotion they overbooked the values. They moved guests over to SSR. I subsequently read reviews of people ripping SSR and saying they were screwed by being moved to SSR. They preferred the values. Go figure.

I'm glad you bought at a resort that you love!


DAVE

[tomandrobin]

Personally, I can't think of too many thing that would put a value resort, over a DVC resort. They do have those really, really large food courts. Could be a plus to some. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, we have neighbors that absolutely love the value resorts. :idontgeti That is where they have always stayed at WDW, it is their comfort zone.

The Golden Coral at the mall is packed on most nights. I have never been, nor do I think I ever will. But apparently, it does have a large appeal to many who eat there.

[Daitcher]

Personally, I can't think of too many thing that would put a value resort, over a DVC resort. They do have those really, really large food courts. Could be a plus to some. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, we have neighbors that absolutely love the value resorts. :idontgeti That is where they have always stayed at WDW, it is their comfort zone.

The Golden Coral at the mall is packed on most nights. I have never been, nor do I think I ever will. But apparently, it does have a large appeal to many who eat there.



Great post!

To each his own I guess. I wouldn't say any value resort is even close to the DVC's but that is just me. Golden Coral...... too funnny! Never eaten there either.


DAVE

[carolina_yankee]

[QUOTE=eaglerock;155856] I then stayed at Pop Century in Feb. and liked Pop Century better then SSR. [QUOTE]

Welcome to MO and you are not alone in your thinking. A while back guests of value resorts were being moved to SSR. Apparently during the "free" dining promotion they overbooked the values. They moved guests over to SSR. I subsequently read reviews of people ripping SSR and saying they were screwed by being moved to SSR. They preferred the values. Go figure.

DAVE
I can see liking Pop Century better if you want more Disney theming, or don't like the SSR theming. I think Food Court would also be an issue. Also, some of these folks may have been the ones stuck in the further buildings of paddock or in Carousel (Gasp!). Truthfully, if I had my own car, I might take PC over Carousel (Nah, I'd get over it - but I'd be tempted!)

If you only want to sleep in your resort, or want hustle and bustle, SSR just isn't for you.


Great post!

To each his own I guess. I wouldn't say any value resort is even close to the DVC's but that is just me. Golden Coral...... too funnny! Never eaten there either.

DAVE
Yeah, but you eat in Texas, right?!! I went back to one of those steakhouses a few years ago (they were all we really had for casual dining for steak in Columbia SC in the '80s - Steak&Ale was it for the good stuff), and was I shocked at how accustomed I've become to better cuts.

Dirk

[cheapmom]

I am a proud ssr owner- but I have to admit I LOVE:corn: Century!
I also LOVE all-star Movies. I think those giant statues totally rock. I think they are the best value at WDW- so I completely get it. I will stay at the values again for sure. I will not, however, eat at the Golden Corral.

The world don't move to the beat of just one drum.... What might be right for you...
(Everybody now...)

[glypnir]

Well, I'm happy to have picked such a volatile issue. I admit that I was just thinking of my pleasure and comfort in visiting WDW, and not about all these other issues, like the value of the points. So it's interesting to hear all of the other stuff.

Maybe I'll make more comments later after I sort all of this out in my mind.

[mkhurley]

Our one trip to SSR we were in the Abyss....I mean Carousel.....we loved the room, but really felt like we were in another country.... If we had been relying on Disney Transport everywhere I'd of lost it, my son traveled off on his own and said it took forever to get somewhere compared to being at BWV or even AKV, talking since getting back from our last trip. It was rather cold (40's) for our trip in Dec/Jan so pools weren't really on the agenda, it seemed like a nice one though. A quiet adult pool out by the Carousel wouldn't hurt things any, might get more people actually wanting to be out there then. It seems to be a very large resort and not much in the way of bringing it all together.

[Rumblebuffin]

SSR is our home resort and we have absolutely loved our four trips there - Congress Park every time.

However, I do agree that something needs to be done with the feature pool - it's far too crowded or at least was on our trips. Thank God for the leisure pools! Also, while we like the food at AP, and have yet to enjoy the TC, more food choices would be nice. I know DTD and it's food choices is a nice walk for Congress Park residents, not everyone can stay there. Here's hoping that some improvements can be made.

:)

[Daitcher]

SSR is our home resort and we have absolutely loved our four trips there - Congress Park every time.

However, I do agree that something needs to be done with the feature pool - it's far too crowded or at least was on our trips. Thank God for the leisure pools! Also, while we like the food at AP, and have yet to enjoy the TC, more food choices would be nice. I know DTD and it's food choices is a nice walk for Congress Park residents, not everyone can stay there. Here's hoping that some improvements can be made.

:)



You know what, your post sums up why I love this board. Here we have lots of people, many SSR fans, talking frankly about the resort. What we don't have is people getting all defensive and labeling anyone who dares to question SSR or DVC a "resort basher". It really is a beautiful thing. Kudos to Kim and everyone else associated with this board!

On the other board I was banned from, I made some critical comments about SSR early on. I saw the potential as well as the future problems for what they were. I refused to simply defend everything SSR and everything DVC. In the end it got me banned. It was a blessing because now I'm here and truly enjoying it. I can't tell you the difference in my mood when posting here versus there.

DAVE

[carolina_yankee]

Kudos also to the members who discuss things so patiently.

Oddly enough, even though we've made a 50 year commitment to Disney, we didn't exactly drink the Kool-Aid. . . .

Dirk

[nono]

Kudos also to the members who discuss things so patiently.

Oddly enough, even though we've made a 50 year commitment to Disney, we didn't exactly drink the Kool-Aid. . . .

Dirk


Yeah, the heck with the Kool-Aid. Now if they would just provide us with free wacky weed.....THAT would be a perk. Hey, wacky weed for all SSR owners....:smoke2:

:laughing: Now that would be a destination resort!

[carolina_yankee]

Yeah, the heck with the Kool-Aid. Now if they would just provide us with free wacky weed.....THAT would be a perk. Hey, wacky weed for all SSR owners....:smoke2:

:laughing: Now that would be a destination resort!

Mellowwwwwwww . . . .