VDH First look at Studios ; Wheres the Value ?

[Yankee626]

I'm looking at the first reviews and Vlogs of the VDH and am quite surprised at what I see. Seems like the rooms are beautiful but very small. There are NO tables or chairs in the room , an extremely small closet and very little storage space. Being that there are no balconies you would think there would be at least a table and chairs in the room. Looks like just a small counter that runs under the TV and across the room with little bucket half chairs. I'm going in a few months and staying at both the GFV and the VDH so I'll post a comparison of the 2 when I'm back. When I look at the last Resort built for DVC (Riviera) there are no comparisons at all, I guess I was just expecting more.

 

[npatellye]

I'm going in a few months and staying at both the GFV and the VDH so I'll post a comparison of the 2 when I'm back. When I look at the last Resort built for DVC (Riviera) there are no comparisons at all, I guess I was just expecting more.

Are you going to both WDW and DL in a few months? Or did you mean VGC instead of GFV? Either way, have an amazing time! If it’s VGC, I’ll be looking forward to reading your comparison of the two.

 

[Yankee626]

Are you going to both WDW and DL in a few months? Or did you mean VGC instead of GFV? Either way, have an amazing time! If it’s VGC, I’ll be looking forward to reading your comparison of the two.

I'm going to DL and staying 2 days at the VGC and 3 days at the VDH . My first ever trip to Disneyland. I should say second trip to DL as I went there 50 years ago with my father when I was 7 years old. Been a DVC owner since 1996 so this trip has been long overdue.

 

[ocdb8r1]

Can't speak from experience (yet) but @pkrieger2287 and Amy's video review implies they find the Deluxe Studio quite spacious. I actually think the "loveseat" is quite nice and fits well with the mid-century modern vibe. Not sure how I feel about the lack of a table to perhaps eat at, but I think overall the furnishings and quality seem up to standard with recent DVCs...I personally prefer the style over Riviera (but I live in Europe now, so I'm likely a bit jaded on the "faux Europe" vibe). I think the table at Riviera clutters the room a bit (and it seems there is plenty of space to add a similar sized table in the VDH space in front of the loveseat). Keep in mind VDH also gains the "desk" area (and two ottomans) at the built in, which Riviera doesn't have.

It also looks like there is plenty of storage space in a Deluxe Studio - 6 full drawers in console plus another cabinet with two shelves, closet seems plenty large (although Rivera does win here with a larger closet) and the ottoman/coffee table is also storage. Keep in mind that stays tend to be much shorter at the CA resort compared to FL so I think what they've provided is more than adequate. I actually think it's more storage than a Riviera Deluxe Studio given what you lose at Riviera to get the 5th murphy bed under the TV.

Riviera definitely wins on the bathroom setup, but I don't find VDH too bad. I can't speak to the Duo Studio/Tower Studio comparison as I've not stayed in that type of room before....

As to value, of course it's in the eye of the beholder. I also struggle with the "value" at VDH given where the point charts landed, lower points requirement at VGC and the addition of the TOT. It won't be somewhere we stay regularly (we'll stalk VGC availability if we want to visit CA and will likely just try VDH for a check the box exercise) - but to be honest, I can say the same about Riviera despite it not having TOT...too much better value elsewhere at WDW DVCs.

 

[Yankee626]

Can't speak from experience (yet) but @pkrieger2287 and Amy's video review implies they find the Deluxe Studio quite spacious. I actually think the "loveseat" is quite nice and fits well with the mid-century modern vibe. Not sure how I feel about the lack of a table to perhaps eat at, but I think overall the furnishings and quality seem up to standard with recent DVCs...I personally prefer the style over Riviera (but I live in Europe now, so I'm likely a bit jaded on the "faux Europe" vibe). I think the table at Riviera clutters the room a bit (and it seems there is plenty of space to add a similar sized table in the VDH space in front of the loveseat). Keep in mind VDH also gains the "desk" area (and two ottomans) at the built in, which Riviera doesn't have.

It also looks like there is plenty of storage space in a Deluxe Studio - 6 full drawers in console plus another cabinet with two shelves, closet seems plenty large (although Rivera does win here with a larger closet) and the ottoman/coffee table is also storage. Keep in mind that stays tend to be much shorter at the CA resort compared to FL so I think what they've provided is more than adequate. I actually think it's more storage than a Riviera Deluxe Studio given what you lose at Riviera to get the 5th murphy bed under the TV.

Riviera definitely wins on the bathroom setup, but I don't find VDH too bad. I can't speak to the Duo Studio/Tower Studio comparison as I've not stayed in that type of room before....

As to value, of course it's in the eye of the beholder. I also struggle with the "value" at VDH given where the point charts landed, lower points requirement at VGC and the addition of the TOT. It won't be somewhere we stay regularly (we'll stalk VGC availability if we want to visit CA and will likely just try VDH for a check the box exercise) - but to be honest, I can say the same about Riviera despite it not having TOT...too much better value elsewhere at WDW DVCs.

You make a great point in that most people probably will be staying there a shorter amount of time ; therefore you may not need as much closet space.

 

[Unclelude]

They look cool!

I'd have a hard time with the tax on anything larger than a studio.... maybe even duo. If I brought family, I'd really favor VGC ... Heck if you work a bit, I think you can get the best western for under $200 a night and you are right by the gate.

We haven't been to Disneyland either ... it's a bucket list item for us ... if they are ever available, I think a duo would be perfect for a couple!

 

[tidefan]

From the videos, the problem we would have is that the nightstands don't really look big enough for a CPAP machine. That was the first thing I noticed...

 

[CarolynFH]

From the videos, the problem we would have is that the nightstands don't really look big enough for a CPAP machine. That was the first thing I noticed...

I noticed that too. We have little travel CPAPs, but even they would take up the entire space, and I wouldn't have room for even my watch, which serves as my alarm clock when needed.

 

[Disfamwa]

I don’t like how the murphy bed seems like it would really limit access to the kitchenette when it’s down. The rooms do seem very detailed and beautiful though!

 

[Wedgeout]

During member tour, the studios are really nice. Feel spacious. Dining area is mainly the couch and converting ottoman top. The light up artwork at main bed headboard is stunning in the rooms. Good size bathroom area too.

 

[thelionqueen]

They look cool!

I'd have a hard time with the tax on anything larger than a studio.... maybe even duo. If I brought family, I'd really favor VGC ... Heck if you work a bit, I think you can get the best western for under $200 a night and you are right by the gate.

We haven't been to Disneyland either ... it's a bucket list item for us ... if they are ever available, I think a duo would be perfect for a couple!

Staying offsite is a total no go for most. It’s a completely different vacation vs staying at the 2 flagship resorts

 

[tidefan]

Staying offsite is a total no go for most. It’s a completely different vacation vs staying at the 2 flagship resorts

I don't know about that. We stayed at the Element Anaheim this past summer and it was great. Included breakfast, great rooms w/ kitchenette, and about a 13 minute walk to the gate. All for a LOT less than I would have paid to stay onsite.

I don't want to use my points at VDH because I don't want to be stuck with the TAT. It's not so bad at Aulani (still a pain), but VDH is way more...

 

[Jwaire]

I like where the kitchenette is placed. It gives more space to living area. It was a bold choice to have such a spacious room, but only sleep 4. That's going to inconvenience many families. I wonder if we may see this layout at Poly Tower?

Overall I think the new studios are beautiful, but I have a hard time getting over the transient tax to own or stay there. There are so many other great hotels (including my current favorite The Westin) around the DLR area.

 

[zavandor]

I wonder if we may see this layout at Poly Tower?

It would be really tough competition against the studios next door who sleep 5 with two showers.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

It was a bold choice to have such a spacious room, but only sleep 4. That's going to inconvenience many families.

Yup it made it impossible for us

 

[thelionqueen]

I don't know about that. We stayed at the Element Anaheim this past summer and it was great. Included breakfast, great rooms w/ kitchenette, and about a 13 minute walk to the gate. All for a LOT less than I would have paid to stay onsite.

I don't want to use my points at VDH because I don't want to be stuck with the TAT. It's not so bad at Aulani (still a pain), but VDH is way more...

There are many cheaper options surrounding the park for less money. The walk, the area, the vibe and a lot of other things don’t make up for the cost savings for me. I stay at the Marriott Suites when I have to stay offsite, and it’s not horrible. I get that many are OK with staying offsite..but you cannot compare the difference vs staying onsite. The Disney “bubble” is more important at DLR than at WDW. The second you step onto Harbor, the magic disappears immediately and is very very sketch.

This last trip I stayed right across the street as I needed the parking and had few other options. Never ever ever ever ever again! No cost savings in the world would ever be enough to stay offsite again. To each their own, but the cost to stay stay at DL specifically, is absolutely worth it

 

[tidefan]

There are many cheaper options surrounding the park for less money. The walk, the area, the vibe and a lot of other things don’t make up for the cost savings for me. I stay at the Marriott Suites when I have to stay offsite, and it’s not horrible. I get that many are OK with staying offsite..but you cannot compare the difference vs staying onsite. The Disney “bubble” is more important at DLR than at WDW. The second you step onto Harbor, the magic disappears immediately and is very very sketch.

This last trip I stayed right across the street as I needed the parking and had few other options. Never ever ever ever ever again! No cost savings in the world would ever be enough to stay offsite again. To each their own, but the cost to stay stay at DL specifically, is absolutely worth it

We are all different, and that is great. Lots of options.

For us, if we are going to travel from Alabama out to California to visit DL, then it just makes sense to take the 5 hour flight from there to HNL and go to Aulani for a week. I would still rather use my points at Aulani, where I think that it is a much better use of my points.

 

[AstroBlasters]

There are many cheaper options surrounding the park for less money. The walk, the area, the vibe and a lot of other things don’t make up for the cost savings for me. I stay at the Marriott Suites when I have to stay offsite, and it’s not horrible. I get that many are OK with staying offsite..but you cannot compare the difference vs staying onsite. The Disney “bubble” is more important at DLR than at WDW. The second you step onto Harbor, the magic disappears immediately and is very very sketch.

This last trip I stayed right across the street as I needed the parking and had few other options. Never ever ever ever ever again! No cost savings in the world would ever be enough to stay offsite again. To each their own, but the cost to stay stay at DL specifically, is absolutely worth it

Harbor is where Magic goes to die.

 

[thelionqueen]

Harbor is where Magic goes to die.

1000%
Yet the grounds of DLH & GCV is more magical than most WDW resorts. Gotta spend the $ where it counts imo

 

[zavandor]

Harbor is where Magic goes to die.

But Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. MK is the most magical place on earth. Does the happiness die on harbor too?