Checking out tomorrow after a week in a poly tower studio - preferred view.
We were moved here after we had some issues (woke up to a gasoline smell pumping through the vents) at a riviera standard view studio.
Was initially worried about no tub with two young kiddos but it has worked out fine because the shower here is quite large.
Overall we really have enjoyed the stay here. We had always avoided the Polynesian because it’s so dark at night — thankfully, the tower is not. It is bright and lively and we really enjoy that change in comparison to the OG Polynesian.
The overlooks are very cool, a nice concept — and a surprise they didn’t use that space to cram in more rooms. A little surprised that they chose to use fake plants in there but I suppose whatever. I could see using the overlooks more if we were in a standard view, but to our surprise a preferred view (overlooking the new pool) has a great view of MK with a little leaning. So we didn’t use them a ton.
One thing that has been a minor annoyance is that the hallways, particularly on the 5th floor where an are, are constantly packed with DVC tours. Every time we go out and about we’re passing a huge group of people on their way to the overlook with a DVC guide. Gets old after about a day or two.
Wallulu is really great. No more needed to be said there.
Transportation is a bit of a trek, but we’re mostly driving so that has been fine. If going to Epcot we found we actually just walk to TTC to get right on the Epcot line. And for MK, it’s kind of a toss up between going backwards to get the monorail
at poly or walking to GF to catch it there. GF is surprisingly close!
Annoyed about the pools closing at 11. I know that’s how it has always been, but typically leisure pools have been open later. In April, Boulder ridge pool had magicband access well after 11PM, and last month in July we were swimming in Contemporary circle pool at 1AM. We’ve always been late swimmers - even at Grand Floridian main pool at all hours. This trip has been different — every resort is locking leisure pools and kicking people out at 11. Not pleased with that change, but there’s nothing I like more than a quick dip after a long day in the (very hot!) parks.
A few things on the room:
What would make it perfect? Give me the riviera bathroom layout with the rest of the studio layout here. Perfection.
Oh, and give me the fit and finish of Rivieria — not sure how long this one is going to look as nice and neat as riviera does. She’s already showing some age at 10 months old!
We were moved here after we had some issues (woke up to a gasoline smell pumping through the vents) at a riviera standard view studio.
Was initially worried about no tub with two young kiddos but it has worked out fine because the shower here is quite large.
Overall we really have enjoyed the stay here. We had always avoided the Polynesian because it’s so dark at night — thankfully, the tower is not. It is bright and lively and we really enjoy that change in comparison to the OG Polynesian.
The overlooks are very cool, a nice concept — and a surprise they didn’t use that space to cram in more rooms. A little surprised that they chose to use fake plants in there but I suppose whatever. I could see using the overlooks more if we were in a standard view, but to our surprise a preferred view (overlooking the new pool) has a great view of MK with a little leaning. So we didn’t use them a ton.
One thing that has been a minor annoyance is that the hallways, particularly on the 5th floor where an are, are constantly packed with DVC tours. Every time we go out and about we’re passing a huge group of people on their way to the overlook with a DVC guide. Gets old after about a day or two.
Wallulu is really great. No more needed to be said there.
Transportation is a bit of a trek, but we’re mostly driving so that has been fine. If going to Epcot we found we actually just walk to TTC to get right on the Epcot line. And for MK, it’s kind of a toss up between going backwards to get the monorail
at poly or walking to GF to catch it there. GF is surprisingly close!
Annoyed about the pools closing at 11. I know that’s how it has always been, but typically leisure pools have been open later. In April, Boulder ridge pool had magicband access well after 11PM, and last month in July we were swimming in Contemporary circle pool at 1AM. We’ve always been late swimmers - even at Grand Floridian main pool at all hours. This trip has been different — every resort is locking leisure pools and kicking people out at 11. Not pleased with that change, but there’s nothing I like more than a quick dip after a long day in the (very hot!) parks.
A few things on the room:
- really love the new studio layout. Turning the kitchenette sideways adds a ton of usable counterspace and is nice that it’s part of the room.
- really enjoy the dishwasher. Just nice to have with little ones. A bit loud tho - have to run it when we leave for the day.
- Also really like the pull out garbage can. Weird small things—but the kitchenette really is well thought out.
- The fit and finish is questionable. The floor has a ton of seams that are splitting and cracking. Yes I know the building is new and settling, but still disappointing.
- The bench is a big plus, and surprisingly our family of 4 fit comfortably for some meals! Much better than some of the other concepts we’ve seen with the coffee table and benches at Boulder ridge.
- When both beds are down it’s pretty tight, but a small price to pay for the pluses of the new kitchenette layout.
- Carpet has pulls all over it
- The curtains almost feel like they’re on the wrong side? There’s a big open spot by the desk for the to go into during the day, but they only open one way and block the entire door
- The nightstands are nice, but very small for someone with a CPAP. The phone takes up an entire nightstand alone.
- The patio door is extremely hard to open and wouldn’t lock when we got here. Had to call maintenance twice before it was fixed. Still hard to open; but at least it locks now.
- The glass door to the toilet seems unnecessary, but I suppose it’s fine.
What would make it perfect? Give me the riviera bathroom layout with the rest of the studio layout here. Perfection.
Oh, and give me the fit and finish of Rivieria — not sure how long this one is going to look as nice and neat as riviera does. She’s already showing some age at 10 months old!
