Polynesian Resort Moana Standard View Room or Villas/Bungalows Deluxe Studio Standard View

[ElizaDarcy]

I’m looking for opinions one which I should choose. The Resort’s Moana standard room and the Villas and Bungalow deluxe studio - standard view are the same price. I’m not a DVC member so would they get assigned better rooms at the Villa/Bungalow side? My husband and two kids (5, 1) will be traveling. This is our first time at Disney as parents. We chose the Polynesian because of location to the Magic Kingdom for the kids.

Are there any advantages in staying at the Villa other than the kitchenette, which seems like it’s just a microwave? Does one have a better location for fireworks, water parade, pool, transportation? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Weather_Lady]

The view you want to pay for is up to you, but the Polynesian has a fairly small footprint: most rooms are just a few minutes' walking distance to transportation, pool, Grand Ceremonial House, etc. Note that DVC studios are located in specific longhouses. (Use the touringplans.com room finder tool to check out locations and views.)

The villas have an extra 3/4 bath (rainfall shower and sink with large vanity) in addition to a separate standard bath (sink, tub, toilet), plus the kitchenette (which isn't just a microwave: it's an extra sink, toaster, microwave, dishware/picnicware, coffeemaker, and mini fridge - you only get the last two in a standard room) but the second bed will be an over-the-sofa queen Murphy, with another twin Murphy under the TV. In a standard room, you'll have just one (non-divided) bath, 2 queen beds and a daybed. Furnishings and storage options are different between the two room types, as well.

Check out photo tours and floor plans online to compare - just be sure that if you're Googling around, you're looking at up-to-date photos/video (e.g., standard room with Moana purple/turquoise makeover instead of green-and-white, villa with olive/turquoise update, instead of red/orange). The links below are to the updated versions of both.

A couple of random links here (video room tours by vloggers);

DVC Studio Tour:

Standard Room Tour:


If you're sure of your dates, you might look into the pros and cons of renting DVC points, and staying in a villa for way less. When we rented points for a Poly villa a few years ago, we saved about $300/night over Disney's rack rate for the same room.