Polynesian Stay (Lake view versus Standard view) question...

[Reuben Varzea]

Hey folks;

So we're looking at doing a split-stay at the Polynesian and Boardwalk (our home resort). We have enough points to cover a lake view studio stay, but wondering how "worthwhile" the lake view is over the standard view. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
- Reuben

 

[kappyfamily]

We had a standard view that looked at the marina and sailboats and was gorgeous! This was about 3 years ago so not sure if those are still listed standard or not.

 

[Farro]

We had a standard view that looked at the marina and sailboats and was gorgeous! This was about 3 years ago so not sure if those are still listed standard or not.

They aren't. I agree, we had that view last October and LOVED it!!! Starting in 2018 those are new view categories, no longer standard.

If you can afford it OP, get the lake view.

WAIT! My bad, you are talking about DVC and I was talking about regular resort room categories. Ignore me!

 

[LYSE]

Take a look at another similar thread where we talk about the view, I love the view but all the lake view studios are in one building and you could end up with the bungalows obstructing your view on most of the 1st floor.

Personally I'll continue to book lake view and make requests for 2nd or 3rd floors.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I guess the question becomes: How do you feel about Parking Lot?

There are a handful of A+++ Standard View DVC studios. Everyone and their dog requests them. As you can expect, most people don't get them.

There are some pool view Standard View DVC studios. They are also a top request. There are more of these than the A+++ Standard Views.

There are a bunch of perfectly nice garden view Standard View studios. This is the great majority.

Then there is one full side of Pago Pago that overlooks parking lot.

Lake View are all in Moorea, and all face the lake. 1/3 of them are first floor, which is not the best lake view, but it is a beach/bungalow view.

So, basically, Lake View guarantees you a pretty palatable view. Standard is a bit of a gamble on what you get. Odds are strong you'll get a decent garden view. You might get the lottery and get that handful of high floor units in Tokelau with side-on castle views. Or you might get the Poly parking lot nearest the DVC.

Do you feel lucky?

 

[tnolan]

No Poly standard views available for November, don't know if that's the month you're aiming for.

 

[Sue M]

I guess the question becomes: How do you feel about Parking Lot?

There are a handful of A+++ Standard View DVC studios. Everyone and their dog requests them. As you can expect, most people don't get them.

There are some pool view Standard View DVC studios. They are also a top request. There are more of these than the A+++ Standard Views.

There are a bunch of perfectly nice garden view Standard View studios. This is the great majority.

Then there is one full side of Pago Pago that overlooks parking lot.

Lake View are all in Moorea, and all face the lake. 1/3 of them are first floor, which is not the best lake view, but it is a beach/bungalow view.

So, basically, Lake View guarantees you a pretty palatable view. Standard is a bit of a gamble on what you get. Odds are strong you'll get a decent garden view. You might get the lottery and get that handful of high floor units in Tokelau with side-on castle views. Or you might get the Poly parking lot nearest the DVC.

Do you feel lucky?

I got one of those views in Tokelau. It was great. This was pre DVC. We were on the beach end of the longhouse.
Last stay I won the lottery with 3rd floor volcano pool view in Samoa. So sad they have made this another category. $100 more for a pool/marina view pretty soon they’ll charge for parking lot view and call it monorail view

 

[Reuben Varzea]

No Poly standard views available for November, don't know if that's the month you're aiming for.

No, its for February, which I saw has availability.

 

[Reuben Varzea]

Do you feel lucky?

This made me laugh. Its true, though... so funny how pretty much ALL the Disney resorts have those standard views that aren't all that "standard", so you kind of hope you win the view lottery. If I'm being completely honest, though, I'm most excited about Ohana room service! If we go w/ lake view, will put in a request for 2nd/3rd floor and hope for the best.

Thanks everyone!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

This made me laugh. Its true, though... so funny how pretty much ALL the Disney resorts have those standard views that aren't all that "standard", so you kind of hope you win the view lottery. If I'm being completely honest, though, I'm most excited about Ohana room service! If we go w/ lake view, will put in a request for 2nd/3rd floor and hope for the best.

Thanks everyone!

During my last Poly stay, I got to witness multiple desk tantrums about requests not granted, generally for the unicorns amongst a view category. It was kinda ugly!

They can't change Poly DVC categories until 2020, but they did do the Pool/Lagoon on the hotel side, and based on the desk issues, I completely understand why even as some lament "it's all about money!" Eh, it's about expectations, and clearly a lot of people thought those views were worth something. I don't think adding a third category at Poly DVC with a points realignment is completely off the table, although the point math to make it work is beyond my primitive brain.

 

[Reuben Varzea]

During my last Poly stay, I got to witness multiple desk tantrums about requests not granted, generally for the unicorns amongst a view category. It was kinda ugly!

I understand people wanting to have the best vacation they can, especially considering how much it costs to go to Disney. But, too many times, people have crappy Disney vacations because they come into it with an awful attitude, unattainably high expectations, and a sense of entitlement. In reality, I wouldn't even care about having a parking lot view... because I'd be at Disney!!

 

[vicb]

Speaking of "unattainably high expectations" here is my Poly story from many years back... First trip to Disney with our young children, my childhood dream had always been to stay at the Poly. I told my DH " I want a room where I can whip open the curtains and there is the MK castle". So he booked a "castle view" room which I guess was a thing at that time... we arrived in our room, I whipped open the curtains and there was the castle... a tiny thing on the horizon. I was stunned then we all started laughing and we still laugh about it today (about 20 years later). Clearly in my mind I had imagined a view that really didn't quite exist. Since that trip I no longer sweat the views when I go to Disney. We've had some really great luck and some not so great luck with views over the years.

 

[Shellyred8]

I think part of it depends on how much time you will be in your room utilizing the lake view. if you will be there a lot, then I would go for it. If you aren't going to be in the room much, I would go for the Standard view.

Have a great trip!