Congratulations to all of you that received the upgrade. You all must be so excited and thrilled to pieces.
Reading your excitement brings back memories for me when we finally, after close to ten years of dreaming, had the money to buy in two years ago. Honestly, I felt like an imposter my first couple of trips. It was so overwhelming.
I think, well I hope, that you are all going to be blown away. I'm going to repeat info I'm sure. But then again I would suspect that you are all so excited you won't care.
I still go to POP to eat sometimes. So sometimes I miss the "energy" and "colours" of the Values. But the rooms....well no comparison.
Studios. You will notice the difference in the details. They have more of a homey feeling. The carpet is much thicker (don't laugh little things you will notice!), the balcony aaah private balcony, the bathroom is out of the way ie. great room planning, the kichenette is well organized and back from the rest of the room as well. There is a nice entranceway. Queen bed (comfort size night and day from Values), double sofa bed (great new...different type of sofa beds). table and chairs (much more high end looking). Iron, ironing board, big storage closet, pack n' play. The decor is very nice. Not casual. Nothing wrong with Values...but once again night and day.
One bedrooms. Lucky, lucky you. Full kitchen as others mentioned. Bedroom with King bed!! Jacuzzi has opening ( with shutters...can be closed!!!) to the bedroom. Full size sofa bed. Balcony. Around high/mid 700 sq feet.
There is a food court. Not anywhere near the size of POP or All Stars. Really just one counter. And healthier food options. What I mean no burgers/fries (unless this has changed). This area has a small gift shop and a small grocery area. Great desserts. Will be absolutely packed I would think. So breakfast options at DD Marketplace area at Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Earl of Sandwich and McDonald's. Plus your kitchens and kitchenettes!!!
Other meals.....TS restaurant Turf Club. Outdoor patio sometimes open. There are pool bars at main pool and Grandstand. Frustrating sometimes because hours aren't always regular. And tons of options at DD. It's also nice to take the boat up from DD to POR.
There are refillable mugs that can be filled at AP (main eating area) . And at the pool bars (main pool and Grandstand pool) I think. I've never bought them but I think I've read that about the pool bars....
No room service at this DVC.
Like others noted you will have daily maid service b/c you are not on points. Booked by CRO.
One negative is I hate seeing garbage bags in the halls (sometimes it is guests fault ...sometimes maids are waiting to pick up their own cleaning) There are garbage/recycling rooms in all buildings...first floor?) if you have something to go out before cleaning.
The resort is based on upstate NY. So foliage (unfortunately for me!) is similar to the area. And obviously not "Florida" like. ie. you might miss the palms of the Values. But I'm sure you can handle it, eh? (insert smile)
All buses except boat to DD (bus, walking too). Boat is at the back of the main building. Internal bus as well. But some can jump on any bus to get to main building. I'd walk but everyone is different.
Condo style rooms. Halls are semi "outside". Ie. open windows and no carpet. Elevators and stairs as Spiceycat mentioned earlier.
Congress Park is closest to DD. But some of the new section (Grandstand) is also easily walkable. Two walking paths to DD. One to Marketplace from CP. And one at the back of the main building to West Side (comes out near La Nouba). There is also bus and boat service.
No boat rentals at the resort.
There is a Community Hall (games, crafts, computer games) and daily activities. There is spa and the largest gym at WDW resorts. Arcade also. One main pool with a popular slide. Two? hot tubs. A children's area. Three quiet pools (CP, Paddocks, The Grandstand ...might not be so "quiet" interactive fun!). Newest one at Grandstand has interactive features and movies at night. Tennis court, bike rentals, carriage rides ($). There are many sitting areas inside main building. Plus, a big screen TV and bar just outside the Turf Club restaurant (main building).
Most rooms have nice views. Most are water sprites and greenery. Some pool (CP and Grandstand). Some golf course (one or more Grandstand buildings). I've had a "tree" view at CP but location is good. Very few with parking lot views.
Large resort. But nothing for walkers. But usually I'm shocked at WDW about what some find "long". Live in a city. Must be why. So to each their own.
There is your novel. Have a wonderful time. The best thing about DVC, to me, is doing absolutely nothing. So enjoy.
Okay. Got to go. Spurs and Cavs now in fourth!!!! And I've been typing and staring.....
