We just had our first stay in a deluxe studio in room 1321 (the room above the worst view). While it wasn't the best view in the world, it was still awesome to be able to wake up to a view of the monorail. This room is on the third floor right above the port de cochere. It's opposite the elevators.
We loved, loved, loved the VGF.
They are more beautiful in person than at the SSR model, and the only reason we bought in was because of the five-to-a-room sleeping arrangement in the studios and our need for fewer points. For me, I was happy continuing to stay in deluxe hotel rooms on steep discounts as I didn't need or want a full kitchen and didn't need tons of space--just a nice place to sleep and an awesome resort to stay at and enjoy. However, since we bought in before the resort was finished and couldn't test drive it before we signed on the dotted line, I was worried that we were going to be more cramped than we would be in a normal deluxe hotel room, or find the accommodations to be lesser than what we were used to. In particular, I was worried about storing luggage and whether my kids would be comfortable on the pull out bed and the Murphy bed. I'm happy to say that we're very happy with our investment and found the accommodations to be just as nice (even nicer, in fact) than what we're used to. My daughter (almost 13) loved the Murphy bed and had no trouble fitting on it (nor did I, and I am 5'10"), and my boys (7 and 11) found the sleeper sofa to be just as comfortable as a regular bed. I was thrilled to see there was more space than I expected in the hallway leading into the room: I had plenty of space to store our luggage (3 full-sized carry ons and backpacks), and we were still able to navigate around the room with all of the bed surfaces open and in use. The design of the bathroom was awesome too: We were able to get ready in half of the time since two people could bathe at the same time (unlike in a regular hotel room where we have to do it individually, and wind up throwing the boys in the shower together and my daughter and I in together to speed up the process--which we really can't continue to do now that everyone is getting older.) We also loved the ability to close off the toilet so someone could continue to get ready while another family member was, um, using the facilities.
Perhaps the only thing I missed from the studio vs. a deluxe hotel room was the extra sink. When my husband and I were getting ready simultaneously, it was a bit difficult for us to share the mirror and the sink. However, I'd take the extra shower and the ability for someone to use the toilet privately as a more than fair trade off for a double bowl and extra mirror space. (Thank goodness I have only one daughter!)
I also loved the small and quainter atmosphere of the villas. To me, it felt more like an beautiful apartment building than a hotel. The CMs are tucked quietly away at three desks in the corner of the lobby, which really gives you more of the feeling of walking into a residential building than a hotel. The building is still elegant and sophisticated, but less opulent--it feels more homey and private, and I loved that. While I didn't swim, my kids did, but I get the sense that I wouldn't feel like the world was looking at me if I walked through the lobby in a bathing suit and coverup instead of a dress and heels (the way I would if I walked through the main GF building). The fact that it's a few steps away from the Beach Pool is also something that we loved.
All in all, we're thrilled with our investment and can't wait to return for a longer stay this summer.
View straight ahead:
View to the left:
View to the right:
View with sleepyheads and all sleeping surfaces open and furniture moved:
Luggage storage in hallway:
Bill
