Island tower strategy

[Sandisw]

I’ve read that Sebastian’s is a sleeper gem.

I’m also 50% positive that after I visit RIV next week I will no longer be able to crack wise about it so I am getting it in while I can!

And, the walk around the lake is pretty peaceful in the morning, and so is sitting by the waters edge to enjoy my morning coffee or adult beverage! It does remind me of the peaceful feeling I get when I cruise and look over those Caribbean islands from my balcony!! LOL

 

[Chili327]

LOL; I have never even entered from that direction!

I suspect I will like it as I enjoyed this video:

The fact that public transportation is so great at WDW brings great joy to my heart.

It’s the only way I want to introduce anyone to Epcot… as well as exit out the back. Just magic!!

 

[atthebeachclub]

Riviera has wonderful bus service, for real! Dedicated buses to MK/AK that aren’t shared with anyone. Very prompt for after hours on Mondays and Wednesdays. The buses for HS/EP are a cluster if the Skyliner shuts down, but MK/AK are chef’s kiss.

We found buses at VGF were horrible going to HS/AK. We waited forever.

Don’t fear RR!

Have them expand that bus service regularly to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and I’ll take another look!

 

[tx911]

I’ve read that Sebastian’s is a sleeper gem.

I’m also 50% positive that after I visit RIV next week I will no longer be able to crack wise about it so I am getting it in while I can!

Not to worry, I'm 100% positive that you still will

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

The video I watched that showed that Riv’s “fancy” look was all a facade and that the interior was made of lookalike cheaper components made me like it even less. I feel like it was one you posted?

I don’t think I will ever get on board with Riv. I might have been on board with it if they had regular bus service, but they don’t have that. I’m not interested in using ride shares regularly to ensure I reach my destination in time for my designated lightning lane time or rope drop because of unreliability of the Skyliner.

My preferred transportation so far is: walking > boat > bus > Skyliner
And never private car or ride share as we avoid that while at WDW.

Don’t ask how I haven’t taken the monorail yet. I don’t know myself. That will be rectified in June at PVB. I suspect it will be between boat and bus.

I think maybe that was VDH that had cut some corners on interiors and is slightly falling apart? RIV is beautiful and has never felt cheap or like they cut corners. I think it’s held up remarkably well. I would say it doesn’t even need much of a refresh for its upcoming soft goods refurb. Maybe they could just add some brighter colors so they take ways that particular complaint from people that it’s bland.

I know everyone’s experiences are different and some have had really bad luck but I’ve literally never been delayed on skyliner on the 20 or so times I’ve been on, for whatever that’s worth. I think it’s more reliant than isn’t, but I understand even 1 or 2 times being inconvenienced is too much. That’s why I’m not a monorail fan

As far as buses, unfortunately nothing for HS and Epcot unless the skyliner is down but unlike most of the other deluxe resorts it doesn’t share buses for the other parks. Just spent 3 nights at VGF and it really does have the worst transportation even with bus, boat and monorail access. We ended up ubering to multiple parks and back because the waits were so long or really inconvenient (wouldn’t normally do this we’d just wait it out but we really just kept having the worst luck with timing and delays).

 

[atthebeachclub]

I think maybe that was VDH that had cut some corners on interiors and is slightly falling apart? RIV is beautiful and has never felt cheap or like they cut corners. I think it’s held up remarkably well. I would say it doesn’t even need much of a refresh for its upcoming soft goods refurb. Maybe they could just add some brighter colors so they take ways that particular complaint from people that it’s bland.

I know everyone’s experiences are different and some have had really bad luck but I’ve literally never been delayed on skyliner on the 20 or so times I’ve been on, for whatever that’s worth. I think it’s more reliant than isn’t, but I understand even 1 or 2 times being inconvenienced is too much. That’s why I’m not a monorail fan

As far as buses, unfortunately nothing for HS and Epcot unless the skyliner is down but unlike most of the other deluxe resorts it doesn’t share buses for the other parks. Just spent 3 nights at VGF and it really does have the worst transportation even with bus, boat and monorail access. We ended up ubering to multiple parks and back because the waits were so long or really inconvenient (wouldn’t normally do this we’d just wait it out but we really just kept having the worst luck with timing and delays).

No, the video I mentioned was for Riviera. It’s below. Though I’ve heard of issues with VDH too.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

No, the video I mentioned was for Riviera. It’s below. Though I’ve heard of issues with VDH too.

I see. I think it would’ve been fairer if he understood more about DVC resorts, in general, to really compare. But to me, it seemed like his biggest complaint was the cost/value of the tower studios. That’s fair. As a single person, I see their value (with points, anyway) but for pretty much anyone else a duo studio is always going to be ridiculous, especially at the cash cost.

His complaints also compare 5-star resorts outside of the Disney resorts against RIV. The stuff about lack of water in the room or duvets on the bed or no turn down service is literally all DVC rooms and resorts. I don’t think that should be a specific mark against RIV alone but all of DVC, (maybe all of Disney?). It’s been discussed plenty that Disney deluxe and real deluxe are very different animals.

But I don’t hear him saying much about the material? He just he thinks the marble is fake but didn’t provide proof, just assumption. I imagine if it was cheap material the wear and tear would be significant after 6yrs. But admittedly, I don’t know either. It doesn’t feel cheap to me, Riviera maybe be bland but it’s finished in a way that feels well done and of a higher caliber.

Anyway sorry, don’t want to hijack this thread any more, apologies to the OP.

 

[Mich123]

I see. I think it would’ve been fairer if he understood more about DVC resorts, in general, to really compare. But to me, it seemed like his biggest complaint was the cost/value of the tower studios. That’s fair. As a single person, I see their value (with points, anyway) but for pretty much anyone else a duo studio is always going to be ridiculous, especially at the cash cost.

His complaints also compare 5-star resorts outside of the Disney resorts against RIV. The stuff about lack of water in the room or duvets on the bed or no turn down service is literally all DVC rooms and resorts. I don’t think that should be a specific mark against RIV alone but all of DVC, (maybe all of Disney?). It’s been discussed plenty that Disney deluxe and real deluxe are very different animals.

But I don’t hear him saying much about the material? He just he thinks the marble is fake but didn’t provide proof, just assumption. I imagine if it was cheap material the wear and tear would be significant after 6yrs. But admittedly, I don’t know either. It doesn’t feel cheap to me, Riviera maybe be bland but it’s finished in a way that feels well done and of a higher caliber.

Anyway sorry, don’t want to hijack this thread any more, apologies to the OP.

No need to apologize, I’m glad this has turned into a RIV super fan thread!

 

[Girlstar30]

No need to apologize, I’m glad this has turned into a RIV super fan thread!

I Riv

 

[AstroBlasters]

So, I walked over to the PolyT lobby today (get those RIV people back onto their own thread) and it was beautiful.

I really enjoyed the whole Poly vibe and even enjoyed a little something here…

 

[marmentrout85]

Another big RIV fan here lol!

To the OP I think that's a solid strategy with banking/borrowing and I would definitely consider looking into Poly resale over direct. I guess it really just depends on how patient you are since you don't get your points right away with resale like you do with direct. The resale process can take ~60ish days to get your points loaded, not to mention the time it may take to find the right contract in your Use Year.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

No need to apologize, I’m glad this has turned into a RIV super fan thread!

I know you’re getting a lot of people telling you go resale and normally I’d say 100%, but small Poly contracts are taking such a premium right now that I’d strongly just consider going direct. Unless you get a killer deal (which you definitely should try for at least!), for potentially $2-3K more for direct, you’d have a more flexible product that can be combined with your direct RIV points at 7mos for potential room upgrades in the future. Just another point to consider…good luck!

 

[Patmcpsu]

I think the Poly Tower was a genius move. The original Poly is getting a little long in the tooth, and I don't see it appealing to younger generations. The Island Tower provides a modern option to those people.

In 20 or so years, when Gen X is all retired and millennials are on the cusp (crazy thought), Disney may have to consider a total overhaul of the longhouses. In the meantime, I think the hodgepodge of old and new is just perfect.

 

[marmentrout85]

I know you’re getting a lot of people telling you go resale and normally I’d say 100%, but small Poly contracts are taking such a premium right now that I’d strongly just consider going direct. Unless you get a killer deal (which you definitely should try for at least!), for potentially $2-3K more for direct, you’d have a more flexible product that can be combined with your direct RIV points at 7mos for potential room upgrades in the future. Just another point to consider…good luck!

Very true on the flexibility aspect. Now, just to play devil's advocate, you could also take that extra $2k-$3k and purchase a larger resale contract. But yeah basically looking at more points/less flexibility vs. fewer points/more flexibility.

 

[tx911]

I know you’re getting a lot of people telling you go resale and normally I’d say 100%, but small Poly contracts are taking such a premium right now that I’d strongly just consider going direct. Unless you get a killer deal (which you definitely should try for at least!), for potentially $2-3K more for direct, you’d have a more flexible product that can be combined with your direct RIV points at 7mos for potential room upgrades in the future. Just another point to consider…good luck!

That's a good point about being able to combine with RIV. I'd consider getting direct Poly since RIV is the OP's only other home resort.

I also feel like the further we go into a future of restricted resorts, the more resale points lose their value. Imagine in 17 short years when all the 2042 resorts are gone and there are multiple new restricted resorts.

 

[tx911]

Very true on the flexibility aspect. Now, just to play devil's advocate, you could also take that extra $2k-$3k and purchase a larger resale contract. But yeah basically looking at more points/less flexibility vs. fewer points/more flexibility.

But what does 3K really get you? 20 or so points that won't be usable at their other home resort.

BTW I love your avatar

 

[Girlstar30]

I'm hoping to stay at Polynesian Island Tower in September. I did tour it in person in January and we did love it. I didnt really like that it was added to og polynesian because of the shorter contract, but I know that works for some. I'm getting excited for the Volcano pool and I read that Ohana has an Asian food buffett at night, correct me if I'm wrong. I'm really bummed they got rid of the luau, I think that would be such a fun thing to do there. Who knows if I wait on direct maybe I'll even like Poly better, I just can't get over than points chart tho. 2 bedroom 4 night stay at the cheapest season is going to suck all of our points

 

[marmentrout85]

But what does 3K really get you? 20 or so points that won't be usable at their other home resort.

BTW I love your avatar

Very true, and thanks! I like yours too!

Yeah another 20 points (which would basically get you an additional night in a studio each year) might not move the needle too much for a lot of ppl lol.

I totally get that there's added flexibility with the direct points to use at their (other) home resort (or anywhere) at 7 months. But I guess what I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around is when/how often that scenario (using Poly points specifically at RIV at the 7 month mark) would ever really come into play, especially given that OP mentioned they were looking for Poly points to be used at Island Tower.

Like, in my mind, they'd have what they want already booked at RIV 11 months out with their RIV points. I guess I could maybe see someone booking a RIV studio at 11 months then combining the Poly points to upgrade to a RIV 1BR at 7 months?

Now, where I could definitely see this applied more practically is combining both contracts at 7 months to stay at a non-home resort i.e. somewhere other than Poly or RIV.

 

[Patmcpsu]

I totally get that there's added flexibility with the direct points to use at their (other) home resort (or anywhere) at 7 months. But I guess what I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around is when/how often that scenario (using Poly points specifically at RIV at the 7 month mark) would ever really come into play, especially given that OP mentioned they were looking for Poly points to be used at Island Tower.

Like, in my mind, they'd have what they want already booked at RIV 11 months out with their RIV points. I guess I could maybe see someone booking a RIV studio at 11 months then combining the Poly points to upgrade to a RIV 1BR at 7 months?

Now, where I could definitely see this applied more practically is combining both contracts at 7 months to stay at a non-home resort i.e. somewhere other than Poly or RIV.

Resale restrictions will turn this dynamic on its head for sure, but there will always be value in direct members being able to book the "shiny new hotel". Right now that shiny new hotel is the PIT, and there's a good chance each subsequent hotel will also pique OP's interest (for visiting at least).

At the same time, each shiny new hotel begins with few owners, which makes it easy to book at 7 months. Riviera isn't yet sold out, and it's still pretty easy to book there at 7 months. PIT is an exception because the OG Polynesian owners can book it at 11 months, but even then, it still has some availability at 7 months (albeit, all the O14 resale owners are pouncing on it at the same time). I'm speaking generally, not for specific high-demand dates.

What has the average time been recently for a new WDW DVC resort to sell out? 4-5 years? Whatever that period is, it's a golden opportunity for direct owners from elsewhere to visit. If anything, resale restrictions on new hotels will extend this period even longer.

For me, this is the number one benefit of buying direct.

 

[Girlstar30]

I've thought long and hard about buying direct and for at least 2027 I'm officially declining. Even with the ability to get into the new hotels I don't see the urgency to pay that much. I'm so glad I bought resale first. Resale can still book into pit island tower the same as people that don't own there so that takes care of that. Can't go to fort wilderness (don't care), can't go to riv (i do care) but i don't plan to go there every year so why pay maintenance fees every year if literally I would be buying it just for that. I could buy resale riv, but I don't want to be forced to go there every time.

Whenever I want to go there, renting will actually save me money because I won't have to pay dues every year And staying there every few years in fine by me!

There's no guarantee that I'll like LL in 2027 or the next future hotel 2 years later. They actually did us resale a huge favor by rolling in PIT with Polynesian so we have a shot at some newness, thank you Disney

People create this sense of urgency like the price will be higher in a few years, yeah but think of all the money saved now not paying annual dues every year that will make up for the price hike down the line. So unless I think a lounge is worth $33k or an event I may not get into, for me personally, I just don't see the value at this point, unless blowout fire sale