Polynesian Villas & Bungalow vs. Polynesian Village Resort

[DarthVader]

I think what I have to ask is rather noob-ish but I have some basic questions between these two room types.

We have a reservation for a Deluxe studio at the villas and bungalow. I see from the images, it has a single bed, pull out bed, and a murphy bed. Along with a kitchenette (not sure how ette the kitchen is, i.e., only microwave?)

How is this different then the Village Resort?
Location of the Villas/bungalow vs. the standard village resort. Are we off the beaten path with the deluxe studio?

Is there any incentive to change to the village resort (I don't see us taking advantage of the kitchenette)?

I think I might be able to split my stay and secure a Polynesian Village Resort room for 6 nights and then for the remainder of our stay,at Caribbean. The Poly village resort room that is available is a club level room and so that represents an 800 increase in the overall disney vacation. I thinking we can offset that a bit by taking advantage of morning and some evening snacks as meals. We did this at the contemporary and I think it will reduce the overall premium.

tl;dr
Change to the Poly club level and split the stay for an 800 premium or keep what I have as it will be a magical experience.

 

[dreamfinder]

So the studio is technically a DVC unit, and not a normal resort room. A few years ago they converted rooms in a few buildings to DVC units. It's on property, but on the end nearest the TTC. You can see the buildings here on the map -> https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/di...ney's-polynesian-village-resort-guide-map.htm its the ones on the far right with no numbers.

The kitchenette is minimal at best - micro fridge, microwave, toaster, sink and paper dishes/plasticware. You can see the room layout here -> http://dvcnews.com/images/stories/poly/studio/PVB_S000.JPG The small sink in the "hallway" is the location of the kitchenette area. The studios do have a unique split bathroom setup with two sinks, and a tub/shower and stand alone shower. And that standalone shower has to be the best shower I've ever used anywhere.

Normally, paying out of pocket for any DVC unit doesn't make sense. But a standard view studio doesn't look to be that much more than a standard view room. You could still save a fair amount by looking into DVC point rentals, maybe on terms of like half the cost. If you don't need the second bed, and don't mind a slight walk from the main building, no harm in booking the studio. As I said, the second shower is awesome.

 

[21stamps]

What is the view of the club level room?

The pros of the switch are - better longhouse location- closer to main building, pool, marina, launch.. (imo) better decor in the room..possibly better view, depending..and obviously the food and drinks.

 

[LAKid53]

Disney converted three of the Longhouses to DVC studios. The studios are the largest DVC studios on property - they are the same square footage as the standard cash rooms.

The studio room has 2 bathrooms - one full bathroom with showr/tub combo, vanity and toilet. The other is just vanity and a very nice shower.

The kitchenettes have a larger frig, sink, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, mugs, glasses, paper plates and plastic utensils.

There is no dresser as that space is taken up by the TV stand/Murphy bed combo. And that Murphy bed will sleep an adult - I use it. But there are two large drawers under the bed for clothes, along with drawers in both bathroom vanities. The bed is raised, so your luggage stores easily under it.

I would compare the increase in resort stay for a standard club level room versus a studio and the dining plan. I stayed club level at Grand Floridian. Breakfast was hot/cold cereals, make your own waffles, bacon, bagels, small quiches, pastries, coffee/tea/espresso, milk, juices. At lunch time, they'd put out bread, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, cookies. Happy hour was appetizers. GF also provide alcohol - beer, wine, champagne, whiskey - in the evening. We ate breakfast at the concierge club, maybe a snack in the afternoon, but had dinner in the park. I found what was available in the morning perfectly sufficient for breakfast, but what was available in the evening just wasn't dinner.

In my opinion, it would be a shame to split stay just to afford the club level at Poly. And CBR is undergoing renovations on property with the construction of the new DVC resort. Not sure if they even have an adequate TS restaurant right now, as the building Shutters is in is also under renovation. And Shutters wasn't that great, IMO.

I'd keep the DVC studio at Poly. If you are lucky and get Pago Pago Longhouse, you are a 5 minute walk to the TTC to pick up the monorail to Epcot.

 

[LAKid53]

So the studio is technically a DVC unit, and not a normal resort room. A few years ago they converted rooms in a few buildings to DVC units. It's on property, but on the end nearest the TTC. You can see the buildings here on the map -> https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/di...ney's-polynesian-village-resort-guide-map.htm its the ones on the far right with no numbers.

The kitchenette is minimal at best - micro fridge, microwave, toaster, sink and paper dishes/plasticware. You can see the room layout here -> http://dvcnews.com/images/stories/poly/studio/PVB_S000.JPG The small sink in the "hallway" is the location of the kitchenette area. The studios do have a unique split bathroom setup with two sinks, and a tub/shower and stand alone shower. And that standalone shower has to be the best shower I've ever used anywhere.

Normally, paying out of pocket for any DVC unit doesn't make sense. But a standard view studio doesn't look to be that much more than a standard view room. You could still save a fair amount by looking into DVC point rentals, maybe on terms of like half the cost. If you don't need the second bed, and don't mind a slight walk from the main building, no harm in booking the studio. As I said, the second shower is awesome.

Yeah, that shower is amazing. The shower in the new Copper Creek Villas isn't bad either. But it doesn't have that pebble floor. Soothing on tired feet.

 

[LAKid53]

What is the view of the club level room?

The pros of the switch are - better longhouse location- closer to main building, pool, marina, launch.. (imo) better decor in the room..possibly better view, depending..and obviously the food and drinks.

I've stayed in Pago Pago three times. It's a short walk to the Ceremonial House. Plus you pass a pool bar with the adult Dole whip drink.

 

[LAKid53]

OP, @dreamfinder has an excellent suggestion in renting DVC points.

 

[DarthVader]

ut on the end nearest the TTC. You can see the buildings here on the map -> https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/di...ney's-polynesian-village-resort-guide-map.htm its the ones on the far right with no numbers.

Thanks for the map, that helps a lot in all honesty. I do feel better overall about the Deluxe studio

I stayed club level at Grand Floridian. Breakfast was hot/cold cereals, make your own waffles, bacon, bagels, small quiches, pastries, coffee/tea/espresso, milk, juices. At lunch time, they'd put out bread, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, cookies. Happy hour was appetizers. GF also provide alcohol - beer, wine, champagne, whiskey - in the evening. We ate breakfast at the concierge club, maybe a snack in the afternoon, but had dinner in the park. I found what was available in the morning perfectly sufficient for breakfast, but what was available in the evening just wasn't dinner.

I was blessed to get a fantastic bounceback deal a few years ago and we were able to stay at the contemporary club level, it was fantastic. We saved money in a sense, because we mostly ate breakfast there, so that's like 40 to 60 dollars a day savings. We did eat a lunch or two, and/or a couple of dinners and that helped drive down the costs. In projecting the budget, with a club level stay, I'd hope to save around 300 dollars, but I'm still splitting my stay.

In my opinion, it would be a shame to split stay just to afford the club level at Poly.

I hear ya, and what I'm finding for availability makes me re-think this idea. I have reservations for the Thursday/Friday of our stay, if shorten our stay (but add on another reservation) will this delete those reservations?

OP, @dreamfinder has an excellent suggestion in renting DVC points.

We already have the resort reservation set, with DME, and while I'll not dispute the savings, I don't think I want to revamp my plans so much right now, because I do have those dinner reservations.

 

[LAKid53]

Thanks for the map, that helps a lot in all honesty. I do feel better overall about the Deluxe studio





I was blessed to get a fantastic bounceback deal a few years ago and we were able to stay at the contemporary club level, it was fantastic. We saved money in a sense, because we mostly ate breakfast there, so that's like 40 to 60 dollars a day savings. We did eat a lunch or two, and/or a couple of dinners and that helped drive down the costs. In projecting the budget, with a club level stay, I'd hope to save around 300 dollars, but I'm still splitting my stay.



I hear ya, and what I'm finding for availability makes me re-think this idea. I have reservations for the Thursday/Friday of our stay, if shorten our stay (but add on another reservation) will this delete those reservations?


We already have the resort reservation set, with DME, and while I'll not dispute the savings, I don't think I want to revamp my plans so much right now, because I do have those dinner reservations.

Just call Disney, they should be able to modify your reservation without too much trouble. I've done that before and kept my same reservation number. Resort reservations don't impact dining reservations - they are a separate system. You don't need a resort reservation to make ADRs.

 

[21stamps]

I've stayed in Pago Pago three times. It's a short walk to the Ceremonial House. Plus you pass a pool bar with the adult Dole whip drink.

My favorite longhouse is Tuvalu.. which could be considered a farther walk to the GCH, but it’s a happy trade off for me, I personally prefer that side of the resort, along with the views that come with it. Totally personal preference.

If the OP is comparing a lagoon view CL, I’d jump on it in a heartbeat. But again, I prefer the layout and decor of the resort rooms over the DVC rooms..I don’t need a kitchenette though.
If it’s a standard view CL, I don’t think the building location and decor makes enough of a difference to justify the $800, even factoring in the lounge.

 

[21stamps]

Thanks for the map, that helps a lot in all honesty. I do feel better overall about the Deluxe studio





I was blessed to get a fantastic bounceback deal a few years ago and we were able to stay at the contemporary club level, it was fantastic. We saved money in a sense, because we mostly ate breakfast there, so that's like 40 to 60 dollars a day savings. We did eat a lunch or two, and/or a couple of dinners and that helped drive down the costs. In projecting the budget, with a club level stay, I'd hope to save around 300 dollars, but I'm still splitting my stay.



I hear ya, and what I'm finding for availability makes me re-think this idea. I have reservations for the Thursday/Friday of our stay, if shorten our stay (but add on another reservation) will this delete those reservations?


We already have the resort reservation set, with DME, and while I'll not dispute the savings, I don't think I want to revamp my plans so much right now, because I do have those dinner reservations.

I change my last statement.lol. If the projected difference is $300 after food/drink savings.. I’d make the switch. At least you’d be guaranteed to be close to the pools, beach, and launch.
(Hawaii)

Good Luck!

 

[DarthVader]

If the OP is comparing a lagoon view CL, I’d jump on it in a heartbeat. But again, I prefer the layout and decor of the resort rooms over the DVC rooms..I don’t need a kitchenette though.
If it’s a standard view CL, I don’t think the building location and decor makes enough of a difference to justify the $800, even factoring in the lounge.

The location was one of my initial motivators to be sure, but thanks to @dreamfinder I'm less worked up about it.

I guess the issue boils down to splitting my stay at the end of the vacation. Is it worth the hassle, especially since it will be interrupting our time in the park to check-out/check-in Ensure the luggage will be sent to the new resort. I've split our stays before so I'm not worried, but it does add some complexity

 

[21stamps]

The location was one of my initial motivators to be sure, but thanks to @dreamfinder I'm less worked up about it.

I guess the issue boils down to splitting my stay at the end of the vacation. Is it worth the hassle, especially since it will be interrupting our time in the park to check-out/check-in Ensure the luggage will be sent to the new resort. I've split our stays before so I'm not worried, but it does add some complexity

I think split stays are easy (I was forced to do 2 due to lack of availability).. but if the choice is Poly for the duration, or split with CBR.. I’d stick with the villa room. I’ve never stayed at CBR, but seeing photos of the size of the resort is enough to keep me away.

 

[LAKid53]

The location was one of my initial motivators to be sure, but thanks to @dreamfinder I'm less worked up about it.

I guess the issue boils down to splitting my stay at the end of the vacation. Is it worth the hassle, especially since it will be interrupting our time in the park to check-out/check-in Ensure the luggage will be sent to the new resort. I've split our stays before so I'm not worried, but it does add some complexity

Only you can answer that question. But for me, no. Especially going from Poly to a moderate or value.

 

[DarthVader]

Only you can answer that question. But for me, no. Especially going from Poly to a moderate or value.

I'm not bothered by moderates, though CBR is undergoing renovations and the food court is closed, so I'd not even consider that now.

The wife and I have been going back and forth on this, and one thing we value is whether we're at peace with the decision and splitting the stay in this specific instance is not giving us that.

Yes, the Club Level room is a step up, but I cannot afford the entire stay in a CL room (increases the cost by > 2k) so that leaves me with splitting the stay and going with a moderate or value resort. Sadly the ones I would have picked have no vacancies. I always think if I rush a decision or force a decision, I will regret it, and in this case, I think I'd be doing both of those. I'm stepping back, catching my breath (so to speak) and seeing if something else develops between now and my vacation.

As I've said, we've split our time before, but it was pre-planned so we developed our itinerary around it, this time, I have the itinerary already set and we'd have to disrupt some park time. I don't think either one of us wants that.

 

[21stamps]

To expand on what @LAKid53 said.. 2 years ago I tried to extend our Poly stay while we already staying there.. the resort was sold out. I had extremely slim pickings of where we could move to. I chose POFQ because of the size. We arrive, my son, 5 at the time, says “Oh. It’s a kiddie slide. Can we please go back to the volcano pool?” He ended enjoying it, but it was definitely a let down for him initially.

Had we only stayed at POFQ, he probably wouldn’t have complained at all. I don’t recommend that kind of split stay.

 

[LAKid53]

I'm not bothered by moderates, though CBR is undergoing renovations and the food court is closed, so I'd not even consider that now.

The wife and I have been going back and forth on this, and one thing we value is whether we're at peace with the decision and splitting the stay in this specific instance is not giving us that.

Yes, the Club Level room is a step up, but I cannot afford the entire stay in a CL room (increases the cost by > 2k) so that leaves me with splitting the stay and going with a moderate or value resort. Sadly the ones I would have picked have no vacancies. I always think if I rush a decision or force a decision, I will regret it, and in this case, I think I'd be doing both of those. I'm stepping back, catching my breath (so to speak) and seeing if something else develops between now and my vacation.

As I've said, we've split our time before, but it was pre-planned so we developed our itinerary around it, this time, I have the itinerary already set and we'd have to disrupt some park time. I don't think either one of us wants that.

Sounds like the studio will be the best decision for you.

 

[DarthVader]

Let me also add my thanks and appreciation to those who helped define what I'm getting in regarding the deluxe studio. Thanks to those helpful posts, I'm able to make an educated decision

 

[LAKid53]

Let me also add my thanks and appreciation to those who helped define what I'm getting in regarding the deluxe studio. Thanks to those helpful posts, I'm able to make an educated decision

Always glad to be of help. I don't think you' would be unhappy in the studio. And you won't have to worry about your wife hogging the bathroom.

 

[DarthVader]

Always glad to be of help. I don't think you' would be unhappy in the studio. And you won't have to worry about your wife hogging the bathroom.

I have two daughters, so basically there will be three woman in that room. As is at home, I have little opportinity to be in the bathroom