Pros and Cons of Tower and Duo Studios

When Riviera was first introduced, it included a new room type: the Tower Studio.  These rooms are smaller than your typical Deluxe Studio with space for only 2 adults, but offer just what you need for a short getaway or a trip heavily focused on park time.  Since Riviera, Disneyland Hotel and the Polynesian have introduced similar room types called Duo Studios.

Whether you are looking at the Tower Studios or Duo Studios, what are the pros and cons of staying in these rooms?

Pros

Low Points Charts

These rooms are the lowest point value at Riviera, Disneyland Hotel, and the Polynesian.  They can be a great way to stay at these amazing resorts when you’re short on points.  Tower Studios at the Riviera range from 10 to 27 points per night as do the Duo Studios at Disneyland Hotel.  At the Polynesian Island Tower, the Duo Studios range from 12 to 43 points per night. 

Nice Views

Another perk of the Tower and Duo Studios are the views.  The Tower Studios are all located within the tower side of Riviera, so they have similar views.  While it may look like a parking lot view, you do get a partial EPCOT fireworks view!  For the Duo Studios at the Polynesian, you can choose the Premium View.  This offers at least partial views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, which can mean a partial fireworks view.

Ample Storage

Despite the small room size, there is plenty of storage for two guests.  You’ll find lots of built-in shelves, cabinets and drawers, and ottomans that double as storage.  All of these thoughtful details help maximize the small space, especially if you like to unpack during your trip.  The Tower Studio even has a pretty large closet where you can tuck away your suitcase.

Riviera Tower Studio

Cons

Limited Space

The Tower and Duo Studios are meant to be compact, so it probably comes as no surprise that the biggest con is the small size of the room.  They are noticeably smaller than the Deluxe Studios, especially in the living room area.  In particular, the Tower Studio layout can seem odd since the very spacious bathroom is about the same size as the living room/bedroom area.

Low Room Inventory

Another downside to the Tower and Duo Studios is the limited availability.  As the room type with the lowest point value in their respective resorts, Tower and Duo Studios are also in high demand since DVC Members like to stretch their points.  That high demand combined with low room inventory makes them very hard to book, even for owners at these resorts.  At Riviera, there are only 24 Tower Studios.  At Disneyland Hotel, there are 38 Duo Studios.  Of those 38 Duo Studios, there are very few in the separate Garden wing building, which are the only ones that have balconies.

Disneyland Hotel Duo Studio in Garden Wing (Photo Credit: Disney Tourist Blog)

Not a Great Value

While Tower and Duo Studios are low in points compared to other room types in their resorts, they are still relatively pricey compared to some of the older Deluxe Studios.  For example, a Tower Studio at Riviera costs 18 points per night for weekend nights in October.  That’s a point more than the cost of a Resort View Deluxe Studio at the BoardWalk for that same travel period.  With the Deluxe Studio, you would have more space and be able to sleep up to 5 adults.

Access all available Disney Vacation Club resale listings, or learn more about buying and selling with DVC Resale Market.