Tell me why the Poly is so popular!

[jaguar9748]

Ok Poly fans - here's your chance to extole the virtues of your resort. I have been on the Poly grounds many times for mass. I have walked through the Great Ceremonial House and peeked in all of the shops and restaurants. I have walked through the grounds to the Luau Cove. I have ridden the boat to Magic Kingdom and the monorail to Magic Kingdom. For those who talk about the darkness of AKL, WL and POR (I've stayed at all 3), I think the Poly is really dark. I also find it very 70's (and I was a teen in the 70's!!). I just can't figure out why everyone loves this resort so much!! Okay, let me have it...:D

[Edina]

Actually jaguar I'm with you. For the life of me I can't figure out the attraction. I walked through it and looked at a room. It positively gave me the creeps! Dark, musty and that outdatted decor! To think that people pay over $200 to stay there. I much prefer the Yacht/Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn and Swan/Dolphin. Much nicer surroundings and I prefer the convenience of the Epcot/Boardwalk/MGM location.

Maybe it's nostalgic for some?

[ASFCurly]

I feel the same way, but to each his or her own.

[UncleKyle]

I don't know why but my family and I just love it. I love the smell, the restaurants, the monorail connection, the luau, the pool, the rooms, just everything! We've stayed at all three of the hotels on the monorail and we just like the Poly the best. The Grand Floridian was ok, just didn't seem like it was worth the money and the hype. The Contemporary was really cool but it just wasn't the poly. I think the fact that we've stayed there more than any other Disney hotel helps. But like it was mentioned above, each to his or her own I guess.:D

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm not sure, either. It's okay, I wouldn't describe it as great or anything. Some people just like the South Pacific theme. We paid almost $400 a night, money that would have been much better spent at the Grand Floridian next door. I'm not saying I'd never stay at the Polynesian again, because I know I will be returning to the resort sometime, but it just isn't a "favorite". I have mixed feelings about the place, part of me likes it, part of me doesn't. The "South Seas" part of me is more of present day Waikiki! :D

[CamColt]

Im a big Poly fan! Heres what I like

Tropical theming is my thing.
The view from the beach is breathtaking.
The pool is awesome. My kids loved it!
Kona Cafe is my favorite WDW restuarant.
Tambu Lounge is a great place to relax with a tropical drink while watching the castle change colors
The monorail makes transportation easy, as does the TTC being next door.
You can watch EWP and fireworks from the beach.
Torch Lighting Ceremony really adds to the atmosphere.
A personal thing is being there reminds me of my honeymoon.

I never can figure out the "dark" comment a lot of people make. Our room was fairly bright. I know outside at night walking with the torches lit it was dark, but thats the theming. Also, the GCH, like up at the Tambu Lounge was dimly lit at night, but again, thats part of the atmosphere. I wouldnt walk into any lounge or restuarant and expect bright lights anyway.
Can you tell I like the Poly? ;) :D

[Ityldu]

I can't even start a vacation at Disney w/o going to the Polynesian first and smelling the lobby. To me, it's what Disney is all about. I don't think it's one bit dark, but inviting. I think the GF and BC can be blindingly bright. Polynesian is so relaxing to come back to. We have yet to be able to afford to stay there, but in June my dream will come true:D .

Yes, for me it is partly nostalgic - that's where we stayed as kids, but we also tried Cont. and hated it. It's so much more than nostalgia, you have the views of MK, EWP, monorail and speed boats.

Even though we have yet to stay there as adults, we spend a large portion of every vacation there. We eat at Kona Cafe at least 3X's/trip, we relax in the GCH and hang out by the pool bar (we never use the pool, just drool) and rent our boats from their marina. We watch EWP from the beach/hammocks.

I can't see what there isn't to love about the Polynesian, but I'm sure glad there are people that don't like it. I can't imagine what the price would be if it was everyone's fav. resort.

67 days and we'll be living our dream for our first four nights. I just can't wait to get a wiff of that lobby.:bounce:

[StevieD]

We stayed at the Poly for 2 weeks in the fall of 2000 (week before and week after Halloween - MNSVSHP was the best!). We picked the Poly because, after all was said and done, this was the one resort my wife and I had always dreamed of going to when we were kids. My wife is from Miami, and was about 10 years old when WDW opened - her parents always stayed offsite and so she always wanted to stay there. Although I didn't grow up in FL, I had seen a Wonderful World of Disney short on the Poly when I was about 10 or 11 - and thus I too wanted to go.

So although we convinced ourselves that we wanted to go for a host of other reasons (great location, larger rooms, great pools, the Luau, Neverland Club for our DD, etc.) - it was really to fulfill the fantasy.

OK - reality....It was nice, but not great. We liked the size of the room, the view (we had a great view of the Castle), the proximity to MK, and the Neverland Club. The pools were nice, but not outstanding. Location was terrible from a restaurant perspective - getting to Epcot, Boardwalk, WL, MGM, etc. was just not that easy. And the walk from our longhouse (I think it was Tahiti) to the GCH was quite a little distance.

This year we stayed at the Dolphin. Granted, the location to the MK wasn't quite as good (but the difference between the bus, vs. the walk to GCH and monorail wasn't all that much) - however the location to other things (restaurants, Boardwalk, Epcot, MGM) was so much better!! The grotto pool was much better than the Poly pools. And the Epcot Illuminations view was almost as nice as the MK view. We decided right there that, even though we spend more time at the MK (our daughter is 5) than the other parks, we wouldn't stay anywhere else other than one of the Epcot area resorts (we are on the verge of buying into BCV).

SO, to sum up...Do the nostalgia trip at least once. To each his own, but once you stay at one of the Epcot resorts, I don't think you will ever go back!!

[Wish Upon A Star]

We've only stayed at the Poly once, BUT we totally loved it! I didn't think I would . . .we stayed at the GF in 1999 and the following year we decided to go to Poly because it was a slight bit cheaper and we wanted to cut back a bit. When I first made my ressies for the Poly for 2000, I was a bit leary . . .it was a completely different resort than what we had just experienced the previous year.

The Poly was very inviting and the feel to it . . .I cannot even describe it, we actually felt like we were really on vacation. The nightly tiki torch ceremony, the sandy beach with hammocks and palm trees, the spectacular lobby . . .the awesome view of the Castle from our room . . .the pool . . .our first experience with the Luau, hearing the drums . . .eating great meals at Kona and Ohana's . . .learning the shaka (sp?) and going around saying ALOHA a gazillion times a day . . .everyone was your "cousin". The kids had a blast! Hmmmmmmm just thinking of it . . .makes me want to switch my July 4th ressies to Poly . . .

We decided to go with GF for this July trip because I really loved that resort . . .walking the grounds . . .and we wanted to check out the new pool . . .and I assumed the Poly would be a little bit musty with the heat and humidity we will experience in July and with my DS having allergies I didn't think it would be a good idea to stay there . . .although when we stayed in April 2000 in Tuvalu we had no "smell" or problems . . .I guess each one of us has their favorites . . .but after these two upcoming trips, I'm heading back to Poly April 2004. . . .hmmmm unless of course I do end up changing my ressie . . . :D

[Tikiman]

I grew up in the 70's. Tell me one thing at the Polynesian that is a look that came from the 70's.

[StevieD]

You might be too young to remember, but the whole "Tiki Bar" concept was popular in the mid 70's.

[Disney-Kim]

My dh is a Tiki freak. He loves everything Hawaiian and Tiki. He collects Hawaiian shirts too.
It was his dream to stay at the Polynesian and I wanted to stay on the monorail. So thats why we picked it.

and.....I have read a lot of positive experiences at the Polynesian and I am hoping to experience some fun memories on our honeymoon in a couple weeks.

[Tikiman]

I know all about the "tiki bar" stuff but my point is that the design of the tiki bar stuff is modeled after polynesian culture so how else is the Polynesian supposed to look?

That is as bad as the comment about the Polynesian looking like the Brady Bunch just because they went to Hawaii once.

It does not bother me if everyone does not want to go to the Polynesian. More room for me.

Steve

[WilmaBud]

Well, I'm a child of the '70's too, and I think it looks 70's-ish. I think part of it is the earth tones. They were huge in the seventies. Brown was a big color back then. I bet if the Poly were being built today, they would use different colors. I don't think it was "bad" to say the Poly looks "very 70's." it's an honest, valid opinion.

[donnamerry]

Having lived in Hawaii for 8 yrs this place is the next best thing to being there. It does give me the feel of "Hawaii" and I'm happy with it. I think they did a great job. It's just the "ambiance" of the entire resort that you either feel or you don't! Aloha!;)

[Tikiman]

I am not going to argue this anymore. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I happen to believe it is a false judgment. I think if the Polynesian were built today it would and should look very similar. We had a big discussion about the themeing a while back.

http://198.65.131.237/showthread.php?s=&threadid=182742

They went through much research on Polynesian culture and the décor is reflective of many of the Polynesian islands (not just a Hawaii theme). Saying that earth tones were popular in the 70’s does not make the Polynesian look 70’s. The theme is supposed to be old Polynesia not modern day Hawaii. The colors and materials are what they would have used in the islands.

Read the link above and you will see why it looks the way it does. I am sure you will still disagree.

Steve

[CamColt]

Brady Bunch? ROFL!!!!:D

Donnamerry, Im so glad you posted that! For my honeymoon I wanted to go to Hawaii(not WDW, gasp). DH wanted to do a cruise. He convinced me to do the cruise by saying we could go to WDW too. The only way I would agree to that was if we stayed at the Polynesian, hoping to get some of the Hawaiin feel. Glad to know I was close. ;)

[donnamerry]

CamColt,
If Hawaii interests you then you did the right thing staying at the Poly. You will enjoy the polynesian, Hawaii 'feel' and also enjoy being at WDW at the same time! I call this the "best of both worlds"! BTW, congratulations!

[mirlow]

This will be our 4th trip to WDW. Every trip we stay at the Polynesian. I want to stay somewhere else, but we just can't do it (we did stay 2 nights at ASMO in Jan). I even like most of the other resorts from what I have seen, but they just don't offer the same amenities that the Polynesian offers to our family. I'm sure once our children get older we will venture out!
I love the location. I love feeling like we are staying where there is a lot of action going on. You can see the MK and the GF and CR resorts:)
You can't beat the transportation. You have both monorails in walking distance and you can take the boat to and from the MK. We spend most of our time at the MK so this is important. We can stroll right on the monorail and head back for a nap:)
I love how casual the GCH is. I love the sound and the smell of the waterfall. Many resorts to me have rather boring lobbies:)
I think both restuarants are very good.'Ohana's is a must for us:)
I enjoy the music on the grounds and when the CM's smile and say "Aloha":)
I love the foliage on the grounds. It's so relaxing to walk around:)
I love the beach, my kids love the beach and what about those hammocks:cool:
We think the pool is great. My favorite is the zero-entry. The slide is a little fast, but my dd loves it. The pool is open late even in the off season, and it won't close because of a convention. We like to watch the fireworks from the pool at night:)
The room size is great. I like that they don't put food out or other items for sale in our room. That's all I need is an expensive snack bill! I am probably in the minority here, but I like that the sinks our in the bathrooms. I can get ready in the morning while my kids are still sleeping.
Our favorite reason why we always stay at the Polynesian is because of their concierge. There are many reasons why that is our favorite but that is another discussion:D http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75652.
I realize that many people our put off by the theme, but as my dh and Tikiman always say "more room for us:smooth:

[JayCT]

I think the reason everyone says the Poly looks dark and dated is because the walls in all the other hotels are painted stark white or light biege. This gives the allusion of brightness and newness. Any decorator will tell you this. Personally I think white and beige are boring and ugly, but that is what most people want. From what I have seen of the rooms in the newer hotels, they look like those in any hotel in any city across the country. If that is what you want when you visit DW, fine. We will be off to the Poly in a month and can't wait!

[Disney-Kim]

my 2 cents. I really think the "bright" resorts are beautiful. I love the GF.
but if they re-did the Polynesian to todays look....would that make it look like the hotels in Las Vegas. Yes fancy and new.....but Disney?? not in my opinion. We go to Disney to get away from reality and enjoy the ambience that it has to offer.

The Polynesian is not lacking in ambience. Just my honest opinion. ;)

[Bob NC]

The Poly used to be my favorite resort. Last time I was there, though, it just looked dingy, dirty and gross. It doesn't have the 'atmosphere' it once had, IMO. I'd love to love the place, really, It was my first Disney resort and also my honeymoon resort.

[kidzmom3]

The poly is my dream resort. We havent quite made it yet, but it helps to see a discussion of both sides. I think I would still love it, but some comments do make me say hmmm.

[IAMaGR8DISMOM]

We have stayed on property at Disney many times over many years, from moderate resorts, to home away from home, and honestly.....the best time my boys had was a Lagoon view room at the Poly. Hands down, if you ask them today, they will say they enjoyed the Poly the best. There is quite a lot of Disney magic at that resort, it is hard to describe.

Also, there is a wonderful smell in the GCH, lush foleage a huge waterfall, and nostalgia. Just to know that that hotel was there when it all began is comforting to me somehow.

Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed most of the on site hotels at Disney, but the Poly holds a special place in my heart.

Tikeman, thank you for your awesome website, it really is a great tribute to the Poly and very enjoyable if you are a Poly fan like me.

[Bstanley]

Friends, Mouseketeers, fellow Disneyoids, lend me your ears;
I come to bury The Polynesian, not to praise it.

The dis-satisfaction that resorts engender lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with the Polynesian. The noble jaguar9748
Hath told you the Polynesian is darkness and dated:
If it were so, it is a grievous fault,
And grievously hath the Polynesian answer'd it.

Here, under leave of jaguar9748 and the rest --
For jaguar9748 is an honourable man;
So are they all, all honourable men --

Come I to speak in the Polynesian's defense.
It is my favorite - convenient, comfortable and beautiful to me:
But jaguar9748 says it was darkness and dated;
And jaguar9748 is an honourable man.

The Polynesian hath captivated many at Walt Disney World
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:
Did this in the Polynesian seem dark and dated?
When that the crowds departed other resorts, The Polynesian hath maintained:
Darkness and dated decor should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet jaguar9748 says it is darkness and dated;
And jaguar9748 is an honourable man.

I speak not to disprove what jaguar9748 spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love The Polynesian once, not without cause:

What cause withholds you then, to speak for The Polynesian?
O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with The Polynesian,
And I must pause till it come back to me ....

But yesterday the word of The Polynesian might
Have stood against the world; now lies it there.
And none so poor to do it reverence.

O masters, if I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do jaguar9748 wrong, and Edina wrong,

Who, you all know, are honourable men:
I will not do them wrong; I rather choose
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honourable men.

But here's a parchment with the seal of The DIS Boards;
I found it The Polynesian's closet, 'tis the results of many Polls:
Let but the commons hear this testament --
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read --

But, see thee - THE POLYNESIAN ALWAYS COMES IN FIRST!!

(With all due respect to the Bard)

[LAWalz23]

Great poem, Bstanely. Tikiman, I am with you if everyone else doesn't like it more room for us.
I guess you can figure out that I am a Poly lover, too! It is not dark it is relaxing. WDW is about themeing and the Poly is great! When I step out of my car or the monorail, I am in a different place. The transportation is not an issue. If you are willing to walk a little bit you have the monorail, the buses and TTC all at your disposal. That said everyone is entitlted to their own opinion. We all know however that opinion is not fact. What I would like to know is WHY some folks find it necessary to bash certain resorts. If you don't like it fine, but let other folks make up their own minds. The Poly is not perfect but please tell me which resort anywhere is? I don't think there are too many.

[CamColt]

LOL, donnamerry! Im sorry if my post came off the wrong way. I stayed there for my honeymoon 7 years ago. I was just glad that what I did experience was close to the "real thing". In fact DH are going back to the Poly for 1 night in July before our cruise. Since this is our first and probably only trip without the kids, I wanted to relive the honeymoon. ;) Thanks for the congrats though. :D

[Bob NC]

What I would like to know is WHY some folks find it necessary to bash certain resorts. If you don't like it fine, but let other folks make up their own minds.

LOL.....Some of us have to try to even out the cult-like adoration of a 30 year old, dated hotel.

[Figment and I]

I didn't think I'd like the Poly, and after having stayed there on my last visit, I don't know if I want to stay anywhere else! It's not that it's that fantastic, but it's just that fantastic...it's the POLY, and if others don't want to stay there, more room for us!;) :D :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[disneydel]

What is it about the Polynesian? You either feel it or you don't. I guess it is magic. All I can say is that last May we spent 3 days at the Hard Rock Hotel enjoying Universal and Islands of Adventure before heading off to Disney and our 7 day stay at the Polynesian. It was our first time staying at the HRH. We were on the 4th floor and the rooms were bright and very comfortable. Everywhere you looked interesting rock memorabilia was scattered about (ex., Jimmy Hendriks guitar). The atmosphere was great, rock music was playing everywhere even under water in the pool. The lobby was bright, shiny and very modern. We had a wonderful time. Upon arriving at the Poly the difference in the way we felt about our new surroundings immediately hit us. We were excited, but also immediately felt much more relaxed. When we entered our first floor room and opened the sliding glass doors to see the lagoon and castle, we just plopped down our suitcases and ran outside. The smell in the air of the tropical plants and the overwhelming sense that this is more than just a hotel is what always makes the Polynesian special. HRH is great, but it feels like a hotel. The Polynesian does not. The Poly is not shiny and new, nor is it modern and updated. It doesn't need to be. It is what it is. Something magical and special that cannot be explained. The musical sound of the bamboo in the wind, the familar musty scent of the lobby, the intimacy of the tiki torches against a dark night, along with the tropical casualness of the property, all combine to create a certain kind of comfortable magic.

[PhilipP]

Polynesian is definitely my favorite. Hard to describe, but I guess it's just because it feels more cozy than the other resorts. It's fun for me to walk around the grounds and totally emerse myself in the tropical surroundings. Okay that sounds a bit flaky but that's how I feel. My wife thinks I'm crazy because evertime we visit WDW (when we are not staying on-site), as soon as we get to the TTC, I start walking towards Polynesian. I tell her it's just to refill my mug, but it's more like a vacation kick starter for me.

Things I like...
Not too bright, but not dark either.
Folks there seem more easy going for some reason
Love those cushiony stairs leading downstairs. (Yes I'm weird)
The grounds are awesome
Great restaurants
Nice size rooms with cool theming
Great beach. Best place to rent boats.

Things that could be improved..
Some of the structures visible outside could be freshened up a bit. The view from a passing monorail exposes some of these areas.
Cheaper prices so I can afford to go more often. :D

[halfway there]

I totally agree with StevieD

I, too, had always dreamed of staying at the Polynesian since I was a kid and when we finally got there last year it wasn't all I had hoped it would be. Don't get me wrong, I loved the laid back feel and sense of nostalgia as well as the overall theme but our room was musty and damp despite the great location. It seemed old and a bit run down to me (we had a weird noise coming from the a/c vent). The beach was great with views of the castle. We too loved the way the pool gradually got deeper at one end when you walked right into it. The lush gardens are like not to be compared anywhere else in the 'world'. And you can't beat the proximity to the MK. I will most definitely give it another chance, however, the Epcot resorts will always be my first love.

[Cinderella]

I love this resort. It makes me want to visit Hawaii. I love everything about it - the huge rooms, watching the ducks and rabbits from my balcony.

I love wandering the resort at night - so beautiful and romantic. Watching the fireworks from the Beach or Ohana.

I really enjoy all the dining options - especially the dinner in Ohana, the Pina Colada (best I ever had) and the Tonga Toast in the Kona Cafe.

Staying at the Poly feels as if you are in another world so far from Disney, yet the monorail is so convenient. I really enjoy staying in one of the buildings furthest away from the main building for the convenience of the Epcot monorail. I enjoy the morning walks through the resort - so the distance doesn't bother me.

I personally love all the hotels I have stayed in at WDW but, I think at the end of the day, it all comes down to what kind of themeing u prefer - that's why it is great that there is so much choice there.

[Gigashadow]

Its everything that each post describes and more.

I loved the Polynesian for its overall theme. I Cant explain it in words - but thats my view.

8')

[leelee1971]

I'm a Polynesian lover, too. I've only been to WDW three times: the first time was a freebie because WDW overbooked and put us up at the Key West Resorts at no cost to us. The second time, I wanted to stay at a Monorail Resort since Magic Kingdom is our favorite (and my son was 20 months). We booked Contemporary because it was the least expensive of the three monorail resorts. But, then I started to look at pictures of all the resorts, and decided the Polynesian looked perfect. It didn't disappoint. I love the Great Ceremonial House. I love the music playing through the speakers, and the tropical look and feel of the grounds. I love the tiki torches and the feeling of quaintness -even though it's not so small. O'hana is our favorite with Kona as a close second. The transportation cannot be beat - a short walk to the Great Ceremonial House, and a short walk to the TTC. The Polynesian at night is even more spectacular. Watching the castle from the beach is breathtaking. Walking through the grounds at night with only the torches to light your way...

It's my kind of place. I'll never forget this past trip (in September), standing on my balcony admiring the view. It was truly a postcard moment!

:)

[jtke5]

I just have to add to this thread. I stayed here as a child twice in the 70's so I guess for me a big part of it is nostalgia. My family finally got to stay here last August. It was the vacation of a lifetime for us. It was so incredible. I think we even stayed in the same room my family did on our first trip in Feb 1973. We enjoyed being on the monorail so much! The girls would yell out the color of the monorail as it passed by.

We had a memorable evening at the Tambu Lounge and then dinner at O'Hanna's. There was a terrible rainstorm that evening and it rained and thundered the whole time we were in there. Then when we left around sunset, we saw a rainbow over the Great Ceremonial House and Rartonga our building. Just a touch of Disney magic.

You can't go wrong with the Polynesian!

[jtke5]

I just have to add to this thread. I stayed here as a child twice in the 70's so I guess for me a big part of it is nostalgia. My family finally got to stay here last August. It was the vacation of a lifetime for us. It was so incredible. I think we even stayed in the same room my family did on our first trip in Feb 1973. We enjoyed being on the monorail so much! The girls would yell out the color of the monorail as it passed by.

We had a memorable evening at the Tambu Lounge and then dinner at O'Hanna's. There was a terrible rainstorm that evening and it rained and thundered the whole time we were in there. Then when we left around sunset, we saw a rainbow over the Great Ceremonial House and Rartonga our building. Just a touch of Disney magic.

You can't go wrong with the Polynesian!

[jtke5]

I just have to add to this thread. I stayed here as a child twice in the 70's so I guess a big part of it is nostalgia. My family finallly got to stay here last August. It was the vacation of a lifetime for us. It was so incredible. I think we even stayed in the same room my family did on our first trip in Feb 1973. We enjoyed being on the monorail so much! The girls would yell out the color of the monorail as it passed by.

We had a memorable evening at the Tambu Lounge and then dinner at O'Hanna's. There was a terrible rainstorm that evening and it rained and thundered the whole time we were in there. Then when we left around sunset, we saw a rainbow over the Great Ceremonial House and Rartonga our building. Just a touch of Disney magic.

You can't go wrong with the Polynesian!

[dizkid85]

Poly is the best. I stayed there as a kid (6 years old) in the summer of 72 and it was awesom. the biggest reason most people like it is nostalgia. If people have been going to Disney for a while the ploy was the nicest of the three hotels at the time. So many disney memories were made at the resort. The smells and colors all became part of that memory. we have gone back almost every year since, I even proposed to my wife at the Poly. At the end of June my family and my sisters family will be going back to stay at the poly. Can't Wait.

[susy]

Okay, speaking from NO experience whatsoever, I don't think there is a Disney resort that I wouldn't love!

Growing up in Florida, I've been to WDW numerous times (always offsite). My dad just loves the Embassy Suites...

In Jan we stayed at ASMo for a weekend and just LOVED it!!!!
Of course, it's not a grand hotel or anything, but just being at WDW 24/7 was wonderful!

We are planning a fall trip at Poly or BC-I keep going back and forth.

I love the brightness of the Epcot Resorts, but I feel like the castle will just be calling to me from very 'far away'.

My DH wants to stay at the Poly. So do I. One of the reasons I love Tikiman's website is that you can tell how much he loves the Poly!

Hopefully Ill be there soon. Sept or Nov- it doesn't matter....


CBR in 14 days- I KNOW I'll LOVE it!!!!

[erikthewise]

While the Polynesian does not remind me of Waikiki, it DOES remind me quite strongly of our visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. To me that's a way of saying the theming "works", and as Tikiman has pointed out (at length in other places), authentic. To me it fits the word "resort" (as opposed to "hotel") better than any other deluxe, except possibly GF. Even checking in there is like a breath of fresh air, like checking out from reality.

The Polynesian location was chosen by Walt Disney himself, to give a view of the Magic Kingdom across Bay Lake. With both MK and Epcot monorails just a short walk away, it has the best transportation options of any resort. Remember you can park at the other three parks, but you can't park anywhere near the entrance to MK.

[Jen D]

First of all, the "70's" comment doesn't have to be a knock-- the resort feels seventies, because in the seventies there was a general obsession with all things Polynesian, like the aforementioned tiki-bar thing. And face it-- all those sans-serif fonts on the signs-- pure 70's. Hey, I like that! It's not a slam!

Yes, it was built around a Polynesian theme, not a 70's theme. But I think the obsessive recreation of a Polynesian resort is a particularly 70's era goal. Again, not a slam.

Here's my personal take-- Never having visited WDW as an adult until last summer, I had only read about the on-site resorts, and when I read about the Poly, I wasn't interested, because I've been to Hawaii already. But when we went to drop the kid off at the Neverland Club, we fell in love with it. It just felt like the DisneyWorld we'd dreamed about growing up in the seventies. It was the retro-ness of it that sold me, particularly.

I'm sure this post won't please those who think the retro-label is a negative one, but that's just how I feel. For me, the retro thing is good. We're hoping to stay there for our next trip (but what's with this no hot tub business?)

[CHIEF TONGA]

Wow . So many great Polly posts . Going back monday for third time.
Must comune with Tiki gods.!!!!!
I cant explaine the hold this place has on me . to me this place truly is Nervana.
Its dark yes but dark as in relaxing , not dark as in dingy.

To me the magic starts as soon as you walk in the lobby and see
the water fall , no i take that back , it starts before that going over the bridge going into the lobby.!!!!

The smell , the foliage people relaxing , I shall miss the macaws that added such great atmosphere to the lobby.

Onto my room , with a view that will take your breath away.
Tahiti house. peace and quiet. Dont bother me. Im on the balcony just siting taking it all in.

How much time has gone by ? Not sure . Well on to a park . Take the monorail or walk over to ttc? No better idea. walk to boat ramp for a nice slow ride accross the lagoon . Oh yea.

Night time now . warm night . Comming back from the lounge after a few tropical concoctions.Starry night. Walking on a moon lit beach. The light from the tiki torches adds a warm glow as
soft south sea island music gently wafts through the night air .
My wife and i share a hammock and watch the fire works over the castle or the electrical light water pagent.
Back to our room we can see the castle as it changes colors in an endles show that seems to be just for us.

man is it monday yet?

These are things that keep calling me back to Nervana.

[baileybrad]

My thoughts as to why the Poly is chosen by many is the location ie., being on the MK resorts monorail.

[CamColt]

Thanks so much for these great posts everyone!!!! I just keep rereading this thread getting so psyched for my July trip. Even though we will only be there for one day, I plan to spend pretty much the whole day right there, soaking up all this atmosphere you are all writing about. Oh I cant wait! Keep the posts coming!!!:)

[Laura]

I like the Polynesian myself. I don't know how authentic the buildings' architecture is, but walking around the grounds I do feel like I'm in a tropical paradise. I remember having dinner in 'Ohana during a sudden FL rainstorm and I felt I really was in Polynesia.

Of course, I've never been to Polynesia myself, but I'm going to Hawaii on my honeymoon next year -- looking forward to that.:D So maybe after that I'll have a different perspective on the resort.

But if you don't want to stay at a hotel because you don't like its looks, then don't stay there. For example, I'm never staying at Port Orleans - Riverside because I don't like the theme. I don't care how many people just looooove Alligator Bayou.;) I'm not saying it isn't a nice resort, but here's one person who won't get in the way of getting your room request!

[eeyore0062]

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! Oh, and theming!!!!

[Poly Pal]

The Polynesian is our favorite Disney resort. I always dreamed of staying there when I was a kid, but we never got to go to WDW. And, I remember when you had to make reservations 2 years in advance when the only on property options were the CR and Golf Resort aka Disney Inn aka SOG.

We like the relaxing atmosphere and theming. The room decor is totally different than what we would ever have at home, which is one reason why people go on vacation - to escape the ordinary. I still don't understand how some folks say it is dark or dated -well the carpet is dark green...and the bathrooms are in dark green and rust marble tile, but everything else is beige, cream, rust and honey colored bamboo. Maybe it is the abundance of shade on the property due to the extensive tropical landscaping. Is this not a good thing to have in sunny Florida?

Those tiki torch lit walks back to the room at night are also a favorite. Beats the GF's parking lot bright, halogen lights reflecting off all those white buildings hands down!

Our boys like the new volcano pool with its slide and view of the castle, ELP, and fireworks.

Recently while planning our trip for next April (360 days away!), I asked my wife, "Should we try the Grand Floridian again?" Her reply was an emphatic, "NO, why would we not stay at the Polynesian!?"

Nostalgia, escapism, relaxation, a true "vacation" feel, location, and transportation options all add up to make the Polynesian our number 1 choice.

Have a great vacation!