PVB Tower Charts, Sales Date and more!!!

[Potigant]

Two things:

1. The construction and sun patterns on that side of the tower.
2. We’ll have a newborn, a toddler, and two elementary aged kids — no chance we’re staying out for fireworks, night parade, etc. Need to enjoy the fireworks and EWP from our room rather than common areas. I have fond memories of my oldest kids falling to asleep to the EWP on the lake view longhouse patio chairs

Thanks for the reply. I switched my September stay from 4nt Poly 2bd standard / 3nt BLT 2bd standard to 4nt BLT 2bd standard / 3nt Poly 2bd TPV. We'll have a 5, 3, and 1 yr old with the 5 adults. I had been trying to conserve points but this specific crew won't get together like this too many more times. Should be a nice view upgrade mid week

 

[HairyChest]

Definitely love the Tower over the longhouses but our biggest preference is that we like a "hotel" experience with amenities inside the building. We stayed in a longhouse over the summer when there were some downpours and we said never again because we hated that we had to go outside to get some food (but did stay there again a week ago because that's all that was available short notice ). The 2nd shower in the longhouse doesn't hold any sway because there are only 2 of us and we're never in the kind of hurry where we need to shower simultaneously (ETA - but it does help that one of us can use the toilet while the other is showering). In the new Tower, I did LOVE having the toilet located behind its OWN door. If we ever have a bathroom emergency, we'd feel ok if one of us had to intrude on the others shower and use the "separate" toilet area because my DH and I are close but not that close LOL. We're ok with the standard views at both the longhouses and the Tower so that's a wash. All that said, we're happy enough with the longhouse rooms themselves - just not their location.

We've stayed in all of the DVC studios at WDW and the Poly Tower studio room is our absolute favorite.

Good to hear! It’s different when you see videos vs actually being there so this is very helpful. I’ve been nervous about the standard view and the room size but I can’t afford more points for a better view or bigger than a deluxe studio so it’s nice to know you prefer the tower and those things aren't an issue or much different than the classic dvc studios when you stay there.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

Thanks for the reply. I switched my September stay from 4nt Poly 2bd standard / 3nt BLT 2bd standard to 4nt BLT 2bd standard / 3nt Poly 2bd TPV. We'll have a 5, 3, and 1 yr old with the 5 adults. I had been trying to conserve points but this specific crew won't get together like this too many more times. Should be a nice view upgrade mid week

Heck ya! Our kids are only young once. I can be a point miser when they’re out of the house.

 

[Amy Krieger]

Anyone watched the penthouse villa tours from DVC Fan?

Very nice, but I am still so confused about the top floor balcony overlooking the penthouse below (at the end of the video you can see over the balcony to the one below)

I can clear this up because I later talked to one of the management cast members (in a shirt and tie). There are two penthouses on each side, two preferred view overlooking the golf course (although right now it’s kind of a crap view of construction), and two overlooking Magic Kingdom (theme park view booking). The ones on the top floor (10) have the balcony situation in the video. The ones right below (really not sure how a floor below the top is a penthouse but it is), have the nicer balcony with the cushioned seats, larger balcony, and table and chairs. I guess the thought was you either got the highest floor or the nicer balcony. Personally, one floor lower doesn’t seem like a whole lot of difference. I couldn’t help but feel the balcony on 9 got a much better deal. If you’re going to splurge on a penthouse, save up for theme park view. Otherwise, a regular two bedroom theme park view is way less points and mostly just a smaller living space. Bedrooms are identical.

 

[Mikey15]

I can clear this up because I later talked to one of the management cast members (in a shirt and tie). There are two penthouses on each side, two preferred view overlooking the golf course (although right now it’s kind of a crap view of construction), and two overlooking Magic Kingdom (theme park view booking). The ones on the top floor (10) have the balcony situation in the video. The ones right below (really not sure how a floor below the top is a penthouse but it is), have the nicer balcony with the cushioned seats, larger balcony, and table and chairs. I guess the thought was you either got the highest floor or the nicer balcony. Personally, one floor lower doesn’t seem like a whole lot of difference. I couldn’t help but feel the balcony on 9 got a much better deal. If you’re going to splurge on a penthouse, save up for theme park view. Otherwise, a regular two bedroom theme park view is way less points and mostly just a smaller living space. Bedrooms are identical.

I know we all had a lot of discussion on this a few months ago back at the ‘informed speculation’ stage, but this setup makes as little sense to me now as when it first became apparent.

That is to say, while I can let the penthouse-balcony-overlooking-a-bigger-penthouse-balcony part go (even though it feels like a 2-floor side by side setup would have made more sense?), the “preferred view” side seems like a points sink that no one is going to want to pay a premium for. It’s 30% more points to book than a 2bd TPV non-penthouse! And 55% more than a 2bd preferred non-penthouse!!

The guaranteed high floor and bigger living room doesn’t do much when the view, even once Floridian Way construction finishes forever from now, is so uninteresting.

 

[JackosinDIS]

I can clear this up because I later talked to one of the management cast members (in a shirt and tie). There are two penthouses on each side, two preferred view overlooking the golf course (although right now it’s kind of a crap view of construction), and two overlooking Magic Kingdom (theme park view booking). The ones on the top floor (10) have the balcony situation in the video. The ones right below (really not sure how a floor below the top is a penthouse but it is), have the nicer balcony with the cushioned seats, larger balcony, and table and chairs. I guess the thought was you either got the highest floor or the nicer balcony. Personally, one floor lower doesn’t seem like a whole lot of difference. I couldn’t help but feel the balcony on 9 got a much better deal. If you’re going to splurge on a penthouse, save up for theme park view. Otherwise, a regular two bedroom theme park view is way less points and mostly just a smaller living space. Bedrooms are identical.

Thanks Amy.
I’m sure that when Disney first marketed the PH villas they said they had an extra large balcony (I.e. floor 9 size), but they seem to have removed that language now! You are right the balcony on floor 9 gets a much better deal (as long as they don’t mind being overlooked by the floor above!)

 

[Electron_si]

We are moving from BRV to PIT on the 24th into a standard view deluxe studio so I will be sure to post pictures of the view here.

Downsizing from 6 nights in a 1 BR at BRV to a studio is always rough but our kids wanted to spend Christmas at the poly. Didn’t have enough points for the 1BR in the tower for this trip.

 

[maui22]

Sunset from the larger terrace facing the monorail is pretty good. (At least at this time of year). The colors of the wall fit really well. Picture doesn’t do it justice.

 

[skier_pete]

Hey all - thought everyone would appreciate the Table I compiled that contains the number of rooms in each category and the sizes and occupancy. Interesting that the distribution of rooms makes the middle category the smallest for the most part, as most DVC resorts the "Preferred" view is usually the largest category. (See Boardwalk, BLT, Riviera, Grand Flo, Saratoga) In this case, Preferred view is basically the rooms overlooking the pool. Let me know if you see any mistakes here - I had to correct it a couple of times before I posted.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Hey all - thought everyone would appreciate the Table I compiled that contains the number of rooms in each category and the sizes and occupancy. Interesting that the distribution of rooms makes the middle category the smallest for the most part, as most DVC resorts the "Preferred" view is usually the largest category. (See Boardwalk, BLT, Riviera, Grand Flo, Saratoga) In this case, Preferred view is basically the rooms overlooking the pool. Let me know if you see any mistakes here - I had to correct it a couple of times before I posted.

View attachment 922487

You are a treasure, Good Sir.

 

[maui22]

We did the tour yesterday. DW wants 1BRs and I fell in love with the TPV. Considering a direct add on because we may be selling out BLT points. That would put us in a bind for unrestricted points (RIV, CFW, VDH, and all future resorts). Less concerned about the restrictions until 2042.

There are things we like about every resort we have stayed at (AKV (Jambo and Kidani), AUL, BCV, BLT, BWV, CCV, GCV, OKW, PVB ( RIV, SSR, and VB). Future BRV, CFW, HHI, and VDH.

There are 3 resorts that blew us away during our stays.

• GCV (Christmas and had a view into the park despite not owning there).
• AUL is our top resort but Hawaii is a long flight for us.
• PVB Island Tower absolutely stunned us. I really thought we would be good with longhouses, but it is a completely different vibe. As someone who has over 50 years of Disney trips, being able to see so much of WDW was unexpected. Convenience and small tower with a restaurant was perfect for us. Neither of us had stayed on this side of Poly. It was so easy to get to/from the GCH. Not as convenient for the bus and TTC, but we found the monorail to be easy to get on/off. First 3 days and many influencers stayed there, so it doesn’t represent what will eventually happen. However, even Wailulu was easy to get into after the first day.

Island Tower wi not be for everyone. That is the beauty of Disney and their different DVC options. We are in the camp of buy where you wouldn’t mind staying. Unfortunately, Island Tower for us changed things. I can’t emphasize enough that everyone is different. In our case Island Tower became the place where we will be judging all WDW DVC against.

They offered 45 day delay of first payment and the 3 payments 30 days apart. After first payment, points would be loaded. End result, if we purchase end of December, our contract will not show up until April deeds. This information was presented to us when I simply asked about delayed closing. That is dramatically different than our experiences in 2009, 2011 (or maybe it was 2012), and 2015. Times change and so has DVD sales tactics.

Also, wanted to mention they are overbooking the tours through the GCH. We were scheduled for the tour starting at GCH. Happened to ask at IT and they fit us in. They are very busy with tours, so it seems they are fish nibbling on the bait. Whether people buy is another story.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

We did the tour yesterday. DW wants 1BRs and I fell in love with the TPV. Considering a direct add on because we may be selling out BLT points. That would put us in a bind for unrestricted points (RIV, CFW, VDH, and all future resorts). Less concerned about the restrictions until 2042.

There are things we like about every resort we have stayed at (AKV (Jambo and Kidani), AUL, BCV, BLT, BWV, CCV, GCV, OKW, PVB ( RIV, SSR, and VB). Future BRV, CFW, HHI, and VDH.

There are 3 resorts that blew us away during our stays.

• GCV (Christmas and had a view into the park despite not owning there).
• AUL is our top resort but Hawaii is a long flight for us.
• PVB Island Tower absolutely stunned us. I really thought we would be good with longhouses, but it is a completely different vibe. As someone who has over 50 years of Disney trips, being able to see so much of WDW was unexpected. Convenience and small tower with a restaurant was perfect for us. Neither of us had stayed on this side of Poly. It was so easy to get to/from the GCH. Not as convenient for the bus and TTC, but we found the monorail to be easy to get on/off. First 3 days and many influencers stayed there, so it doesn’t represent what will eventually happen. However, even Wailulu was easy to get into after the first day.

Island Tower wi not be for everyone. That is the beauty of Disney and their different DVC options. We are in the camp of buy where you wouldn’t mind staying. Unfortunately, Island Tower for us changed things. I can’t emphasize enough that everyone is different. In our case Island Tower became the place where we will be judging all WDW DVC against.

They offered 45 day delay of first payment and the 3 payments 30 days apart. After first payment, points would be loaded. End result, if we purchase end of December, our contract will not show up until April deeds. This information was presented to us when I simply asked about delayed closing. That is dramatically different than our experiences in 2009, 2011 (or maybe it was 2012), and 2015. Times change and so has DVD sales tactics.

Also, wanted to mention they are overbooking the tours through the GCH. We were scheduled for the tour starting at GCH. Happened to ask at IT and they fit us in. They are very busy with tours, so it seems they are fish nibbling on the bait. Whether people buy is another story.

Great to hear!! I think we will be in the same boat. Was NOT expecting to feel that way. I think IT TPV will be in more demand than BLT TPV.

Quick question - are there any side exits or is it all out the lobby front and back?

 

[Mikey15]

Hey all - thought everyone would appreciate the Table I compiled that contains the number of rooms in each category and the sizes and occupancy. Interesting that the distribution of rooms makes the middle category the smallest for the most part, as most DVC resorts the "Preferred" view is usually the largest category. (See Boardwalk, BLT, Riviera, Grand Flo, Saratoga) In this case, Preferred view is basically the rooms overlooking the pool. Let me know if you see any mistakes here - I had to correct it a couple of times before I posted.

View attachment 922487

It’s interesting how small the “Preferred” category is. So when you say “facing the pool” is that just the east side of the wing that bends south? None on the lagoon side at all?

On the one hand it’s good that they’re not trying to pass anything on the Monorail side off as “Preferred” (Penthouses excepted). On the other, it’d mean everything non-Duo on lagoon-side (even 2nd floor?) is for sure in the expensive TPV category?

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

the other, it’d mean everything non-Duo on lagoon-side (even 2nd floor?) is for sure in the expensive TPV category?

Low floor and/or north facing (toward VGF) would feel like a ripoff…

 

[disneylandtour]

I am 99% convinced that I should buy Polynesian direct right now. The only thing holding me back is concerns about the new rooms resulting in crowding (specifically for restaurants and transportation) and I would rather wait a few weeks to see if there are any complaints about that. Do we have any idea if contracts will "sell out" during that time? Are there any warning signs before it actually happens? As direct contracts begin depleting, do some use years start becoming unavailable while others are still available for sale?

The only thing that might be hard to get are certain FW. Other than that, you have plenty of time. Probably years.

 

[Tatebeck]

I'd wait for at least a semi sale or double points just before your use year. Once resale prices start to drop they may need incentives to sell it out anytime soon

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

We did the tour yesterday. DW wants 1BRs and I fell in love with the TPV. Considering a direct add on because we may be selling out BLT points. That would put us in a bind for unrestricted points (RIV, CFW, VDH, and all future resorts). Less concerned about the restrictions until 2042.

There are things we like about every resort we have stayed at (AKV (Jambo and Kidani), AUL, BCV, BLT, BWV, CCV, GCV, OKW, PVB ( RIV, SSR, and VB). Future BRV, CFW, HHI, and VDH.

There are 3 resorts that blew us away during our stays.

• GCV (Christmas and had a view into the park despite not owning there).
• AUL is our top resort but Hawaii is a long flight for us.
• PVB Island Tower absolutely stunned us. I really thought we would be good with longhouses, but it is a completely different vibe. As someone who has over 50 years of Disney trips, being able to see so much of WDW was unexpected. Convenience and small tower with a restaurant was perfect for us. Neither of us had stayed on this side of Poly. It was so easy to get to/from the GCH. Not as convenient for the bus and TTC, but we found the monorail to be easy to get on/off. First 3 days and many influencers stayed there, so it doesn’t represent what will eventually happen. However, even Wailulu was easy to get into after the first day.

Island Tower wi not be for everyone. That is the beauty of Disney and their different DVC options. We are in the camp of buy where you wouldn’t mind staying. Unfortunately, Island Tower for us changed things. I can’t emphasize enough that everyone is different. In our case Island Tower became the place where we will be judging all WDW DVC against.

They offered 45 day delay of first payment and the 3 payments 30 days apart. After first payment, points would be loaded. End result, if we purchase end of December, our contract will not show up until April deeds. This information was presented to us when I simply asked about delayed closing. That is dramatically different than our experiences in 2009, 2011 (or maybe it was 2012), and 2015. Times change and so has DVD sales tactics.

Also, wanted to mention they are overbooking the tours through the GCH. We were scheduled for the tour starting at GCH. Happened to ask at IT and they fit us in. They are very busy with tours, so it seems they are fish nibbling on the bait. Whether people buy is another story.

Fantastic overview. We only had the opening night stay and honestly I wasn’t sure how I felt at first. It’s so different from the longhouses that I was a bit underwhelmed. The lobby felt smaller than the renderings and images had made it feel (but still so so pretty and detailed!), so it was a bit surprising first walking in. It took me sometime to warm up, but man, after eating at wailulu with those views, getting to experience the area in the evening after it got dark (the views are somehow even better at night for us. How does everything feel so close, even the ferry?!), experiencing the terraces (truly spectacular at night; I didn’t expect much but I was actually taken aback by how special they were. I completely understand your new love for TPV cause same) and seeing how well crafted and detailed everything is, we absolutely loved it by the time we had to leave the next day.

I also feel like the duo is really spacious, more than enough for 2 people, the layout and, what feels like, higher ceilings add a lot of airiness. We didn’t get a chance to do the tour yet but I wonder if the other rooms are similar. Also love the pretty drinking glasses they had to use-it’s all the little details right?

And I know this doesn’t make much sense but I feel like the water by the tower feels cleaner, shallower and more inviting somehow lol kind of like an actual beach. Maybe that’s adding to the illusion of it feeling closer to everything; the water doesn’t feel like as much of a barrier as it does everywhere else.

I timed our walk to the TTC from the 4th floor, about mid-tower through security to be about 12 mins (early evening, so not very crowded though). The GCH is a lot closer than it seems, literally like 3-4 mins to Capt Cooks. Honestly, the walk to the GCH feels longer from Tokelau but I haven’t timed that.

Super excited to be back in a few weeks and actually settle in for a couple days and also see what the vibes are like a bit post opening hype.

ETA: I hate that disboards doesn’t allow uploading better quality pics. The actual photos are so much prettier, you could see so many stars and details.

 

[zavandor]

So, do you think the TPV room really deserve an higher price point than the lake views at the original longhouses?

 

[Salokin]

Garden spaces are only available if staying in the tower I presume? and not dvc longhouses / bungalows or poly hotel?

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

So, do you think the TPV room really deserve an higher price point than the lake views at the original longhouses?

Hmm, deserve?…likely not for this point miserly group on the Dis lol. But I personally like the view and openess a lot better at the tower. I definitely would splurge more often at the tower than I think I would at the longhouses. There’s something about being higher up with unhindered views that feels extra special…though I know some people might feel taken out of the bubble since they can see so much beyond the parks and resorts, kind of similar to the hate riviera gets for that.

The bungalows and islands in the middle of the lagoon are a visual hindrance for the lake view rooms at the long houses (for me, anyway) but I assume the head-on view of fireworks is slightly better, can’t say for sure since we didn’t have a chance to see fireworks at the tower yet. Plus, standard view at the longhouses are probably much better than standard view (and in many ways equal to, preferred view) at the tower that for some, it might make more sense to upgrade at the tower since the actual difference in view between standard and TP is more substantial.

I will say, if you can stake out a space early enough in one of the TPV terraces, and don’t have to be back in your room before fireworks for whatever reasons, you never need a TPV again. You’re sheltered from the elements (maybe just a fluke, but it was noticeably warmer in the terrace than it was sitting outside just 10 mins before-it was a windy and chilly night), there’s comfortable seating, albeit, very few right up upfront, and again, just being higher up is better. There’s also some great spots out in the back lawn/terrace/beach/pool areas for viewing that will be popular, too, but that’s more public space and likely to get much more crowded with time.