Brian430 said:
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The math is simple on this one, and the numbers just don't add up.
This same concern has been voiced since long before SSR was announced or began sales. It's curious how a resort that is not yet completed and has sold "around" 50% could suddenly have such a dramatic effect on the reservation system. Prior to the Fall of 2003, when SSR presales began (there were not even any SSR points in the system until the first building opened in May, 2004), OKW, VB nd HH were "blamed" for the perceived challenges in making reservations within 7 months. The issue is not at all suddenly unique to SSR and has been rasied by members at the annual meetings for a number of years (again, long before SSR was even announced).
At the present time, there are more owners at both OKW and BWV than SSR- so perhaps the "problem" (if there is one) should be shared by many rather than the few. As bicker already noted, the problem is not caused by DVC, but by members who make the reservations. The comments suggesting in some way than SSR is inferior are far from fact, IMO, although it's fine to express that as a personal opinion. I personally like the theming at the resort- having grown up 20 miles from Saratoga, NY - but I realize others don't care for the theming. Over the years we've seen similar opinions of OKW, BWV, VWL and BCV from those who have some past memory (either good or bad) about some aspect of the decor or location or landscaping. Opinions are great and the unique thing about them is that EVERYBODY has one.
IMO, the increased challenge with non-home reservations is created by the nature of the system itself and not because of any one resort. Certainly the larger resorts play a role, just because they have more members, but presently SSR may have the third largest number of members and every resort contributes to the "problem" in it's own way.
Perhaps it's really the fault of those who own at OKW, VB, HH, BWV, VWL, BCV and SSR.