@ WDW

[Ken555]

Great weather at WDW this week. Not crowded, though the front desk claimed they are full. In a small 1-bed for the first time here, and I must admit I really like it...the layout is much better (for me) than the small 1-bed at WMH. Compared to the large 1-bed here and it's awkward (insufficient) width, the small unit is almost perfect.

Building 4 is actively under construction. I'll try to post a pic later this week.

They also changed Internet providers for the resort. Apparently this change occurred just a few days ago and has a few changes compared to the last provider. Bandwidth is 500kbps/500kbps and latency is bad at times. I was unable to stream Netflix reliably the first night, and on the second day management increased the speed for me to 1mbps which helps. I was told they don't have sufficient bandwidth here yet but have ordered more, which should be in within a month (sound familiar?).

 

[tomandrobin]

Wouldn't mine seeing some pics of the resort. I doubt we'll every visit, but you never know.

 

[YYJMSP]

Great weather at WDW this week. Not crowded, though the front desk claimed they are full. In a small 1-bed for the first time here, and I must admit I really like it...the layout is much better (for me) than the small 1-bed at WMH. Compared to the large 1-bed here and it's awkward (insufficient) width, the small unit is almost perfect.

I take it that the extra square feet shift from the larger to the smaller side (as compared to WMH) is significantly noticable?

We've stayed on the larger side at WMH, and found it relatively spacious.

We're going to stay at WDW for the first time in the spring on the larger side, and probably have the in-laws stay on the smaller side.

 

[Ken555]

Pics!

 

[Ken555]

Hmm...I know I sized those images when I inserted it into the post like I've done in the past by making them smaller. Anyone know why that wouldn't work now?

 

[SDKath]

Nice pix, thank you! You must be boiling there today! It is 85 here on the coast of San Diego.

Could you post some pix of the interior by any chance?

Katherine

 

[Ken555]

Nice pix, thank you! You must be boiling there today! It is 85 here on the coast of San Diego.

Could you post some pix of the interior by any chance?

Katherine

Actually, it was only 103 today but cooler much of the day. It's now about 80 @ 8pm. Ironically, I heard it was hotter in LA today near where I live, so I'm happier in the desert.

I'll try to grab some pics of the interior before I leave for you. It's a bit of a mess, tho since I don't qualify for any cleaning as I'm here less than a week (and didn't feel like paying the $40 for a cleaning. FYI, at this resort the cleaning fees are the same regardless of size of unit.)

 

[DavidnRobin]

Hey Ken - I bring the photos into PhotoBucket and then copy/paste the img link - good size for BBSs.

 

[Ken555]

Hey Ken - I bring the photos into PhotoBucket and then copy/paste the img link - good size for BBSs.

Thanks. Unfortunately I must be doing something wrong. I've tried both direct links and

 

[Ken555]

I take it that the extra square feet shift from the larger to the smaller side (as compared to WMH) is significantly noticable?

Yes. Personally (subjectively), this is what I like about the WDW design of the small 1-bed as compared to WMH (or WKV and others, since WMH shares the same design as other resorts):

- living room area is rectangular, so it's not an odd shape
- dining table is square and much larger than than the small round table at WMH
- layout feels much more like a small 1-bed apartment

For reference (per MSC, though they are "approximate square footage"):
WDW 1-bed premium = 820 sq ft
WDW 1-bed deluxe = 600 sq ft
WMH 1-bed premium = 880 sq ft
WMH 1-bed deluxe = 560 sq ft

The only negative for the small 1-bed WDW I have is that for some reason they didn't set the refrigerator handles correctly. It's not a lot of work to switch them so you open from left-to-right or right-to-left, and the unit I'm in has it the wrong way so I have to open it into the unit rather than open toward the door leading to the large 1-bed unit. This isn't a lot of work and they could fix this if they wanted to.

We've stayed on the larger side at WMH, and found it relatively spacious.

The large 1-bed premium units at WMH, WKV, etc are great. The large 1-bed premium unit at WDW feels narrower (though it might not be) due to the terrible design element of the fireplace/cabinet in the living area. I posted this last year when I stayed here in a large 1-bed, but the living room area felt small, tight, and uncomfortable. The small 1-bed living room at the same resort is admittedly small but works very well and doesn't have that feeling of compromise that I get in the large unit.

We're going to stay at WDW for the first time in the spring on the larger side, and probably have the in-laws stay on the smaller side.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

FWIW, they turned off water last night to the building from 11pm-5am "due to necessary maintenance" (something to do with the water softener). At least they notified us in the afternoon.

 

[YYJMSP]

Thanks Ken555...

 

[Ken555]

Following up... As I posted elsewhere I stayed at WDW for one night (leaving today), and had a disappointing experience with the parking policy. On other matters:

- the small one bed design is still my favorite SVN 'small' unit layout. I suggest requesting the corner unit whenever possible, as you get an extra window in the living room and an open patio.
- I'm in building 4, which you can see under construction in my pics from last year earlier in this thread.
- the Internet, even with the new provider, sucks. 500/500kbps bandwidth and the tech support was completely unable to provide additional bandwidth, as they did last year, so I could stream video (it was too slow with bad latency). For comparison, I was at a Marriott last week in Phoenix (and another last month in Palm Desert) with great Internet and though I usually don't say this, their AT&T tech support was excellent. Last night at WDW I was told that the tech support would escalate my concern and call me back once they resolve it...needless to say, I am still waiting for that call. I'm typing this on my iPad on my cell connection...

I find it quite strange that Marriott resorts have great Internet access and SVNs do not.