Polynesian Longhouses: When Is Preferred View Worth The Price?
While the Deluxe Studios in the Polynesian Island Tower offer a specific Theme Park View category, the original Deluxe Studios in the Moorea, Tokelau, and Pago Pago longhouses are either Resort View or Preferred View. As defined by the points charts, Resort View means a view of the resort grounds, such as the gardens or parking areas whereas the Preferred View includes at least a partial view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
When staying at the Deluxe Studios in the Polynesian Longhouses, when is it worth it to stay in a Preferred View room?
Worth It
You Spend Plenty of Time at the Resort
The biggest difference between the Resort View and Preferred View Deluxe Studios in the Polynesian longhouses is the balcony view. Everything else about the room layout, size, and amenities is the same. If you love waking up and having your morning coffee out on the balcony or relaxing on the balcony at the end of the day, splurging on the extra points to upgrade your view will feel worthwhile.
You’re Visiting for Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve
During holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, Magic Kingdom has special fireworks shows to celebrate! These spectacles are typically heavy on pyrotechnics and rely less on the projections on Cinderella Castle. Plus, with their 360 degree fireworks, your view is in some ways better from outside the Magic Kingdom! With New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July being some of the most crowded days of the year at the theme park, you’ll be happy watching from your room and avoiding the crowds and the long lines for transportation from Magic Kingdom at the end of the night.
You Don’t Mind If It’s Not a Guaranteed Fireworks View
All of the Preferred View Deluxe Studios in the original longhouses are located in Moorea. While the studios on the second and third floors have nice views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom, those on the first floor often have an obstructed view due to the Bora Bora Bungalows. You may still be able to see some of the higher fireworks or see Cinderella Castle out your window from just the right angle, but this is one risk of booking the Preferred View Deluxe Studio at the original longhouses. You can always try requesting the second or third floor, but there are still no guarantees.
Not Worth It
You Prefer to Watch Happily Ever After from Inside Magic Kingdom
For some, there’s nothing like watching Happily Ever After from within the main hub in front of Cinderella Castle or from Main Street, U.S.A. After all, there’s lots of detail to appreciate from the castle projections. However, with the balcony view being the main reason for the difference in points between Resort and Preferred View, it would be a missed opportunity to not watch from the balcony.
You’re Content Watching Happily Ever After from the Common areas
The Polynesian has so many great areas to view fireworks! The beach, boat dock, and even some tables at ‘Ohana have nice views as do the beach by the Island Tower, Wailulu Bar & Grill, and the Lava and Cove Pools. With all of these options, you may not feel the need to upgrade your view. You can even hear the Happily Ever After soundtrack from these locations!
You Want to Save on Points
The Preferred View rooms are worth more points than the Resort View ones, so they aren’t the most economical choice. The Resort View rooms start at 14 points per night and go up to 36 points per night whereas the Preferred View ones start at 19 points per night and go up to 43 points per night. The 5 to 7 point difference per night may not sound like a lot, but when you have a weeklong stay, you’re looking at a difference of 35 to 49 points!
Rent points to stay at a Polynesian Deluxe Studio for your next Disney World trip, and save up to 65% off of rack rates! Browse the confirmed reservations, or request a free quote to get started.
