ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

ps, watch them dvcers, they will pee in your pool! its in there bylaws.

So.....it's actually been the DVCers causing the "chemical imbalances" all these years!!!!!! And here we have all been blaming the unpampered youngen's.

 

[dvczerfs]

So.....it's actually been the DVCers causing the "chemical imbalances" all these years!!!!!! And here we have all been blaming the unpampered youngen's.

page 14 , section 3.
im sorry, im just having some fun. i seem to be in a good mood for some reason.

 

[dvczerfs]

It is awesome to be able to say "I'm going to Disney World this week!!!"

yes it is!!! and the poly at that!!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Tikiman is reporting on his website today that Disney plans on closing in all of the pool areas and only allowing access to registered guests because of the abuse. I can't imagine the volcano pool enclosed. It will completely ruin the atmosphere/effect. Wouldn't consitently checking ID's and wristbanding be a heck of a lot cheaper and easier?! I will be so disappointed if this turns out to not just be a rumour.

He also says that they are going to install a hot tub at the end of the year (didn't specify which pool)

Very interesting. I too think it will definitely change the feel of the pool area UNLESS they figure out a way to enclose it including the beach area. And why not? There are 2 other beach areas and the dock where visitors could view the fireworks. I am definitely all for it especially if that beach area is included. Could we also put electrified barbed wire at the top to stop folks who try to climb over? just kidding on that one.....kinda
Don't really want the hot tub but knew it would be an eventuality.

 

[dvczerfs]

Regarding the pool hopping... did anyone else read the Tikiman's new update? He is saying all Disney pools are going to be enclosed in the future and that the Volcano pool is getting a hot tub. Work may begin at the end of this year

the pool over at baylake is fenced in with a room key enrty lock on it. im not sure how well policed it is or if people just hang back and wait for someone to open the gate and walk in behind them. but, like everything, someone will just come up with a way to get around it.
like i said, i dont use the pools. i had one in my back yard that nobody used. im not driving 1100 miles for someone to go swimming. but, to me, if you dont belong there, its like steeling. same to me as taking something from the gift shop and not paying for it.

 

[carlnix30]

Haha! I wish! We aren't staying at the Poly this time, but I am sure we will miss it... And I'm coming in from the West Coast, so no early arrival for us...

Well then.. Long flight!! I wouldn't mind seeing Disneyland! But I feel you are doing the right thing! If I lived close to DL I would just fly to DW!

dvc member since 1999. im going to be swimming in your pool.
im staying there on cash so dont beat me up. i did get an ap discount if thats ok.
i dont even use the pools, but i agree with everyone. if you dont belong there, get out! im not up on pool rules but i thought pool hopping was between the dvc resort pools not all the pools on property. i could be wrong but thats the way i took it 13 years ago.
ps, watch them dvcers, they will pee in your pool! its in there bylaws.

Hey you know they put green fluorescent dye in the pool that reacts to pee pee!! They're all gonna laugh at you!

the pool over at baylake is fenced in with a room key enrty lock on it. im not sure how well policed it is or if people just hang back and wait for someone to open the gate and walk in behind them. but, like everything, someone will just come up with a way to get around it.
like i said, i dont use the pools. i had one in my back yard that nobody used. im not driving 1100 miles for someone to go swimming. but, to me, if you dont belong there, its like steeling. same to me as taking something from the gift shop and not paying for it.

Dave,You know why it was never used??? Cause you never invited me for a swim!! Much less a BBQ!

 

[dvczerfs]

Well then.. Long flight!! I wouldn't mind seeing Disneyland! But I feel you are doing the right thing! If I lived close to DL I would just fly to DW!


Hey you know they put green fluorescent dye in the pool that reacts to pee pee!! They're all gonna laugh at you!

Dave,You know why it was never used??? Cause you never invited me for a swim!! Much less a BBQ!

i mow over the pool now. now when we want to cool off, we sit in the a/c.
looks like the end of august again carl for our next trip to wills and jefferson for tammy. ill text you when it gets closer. she was on the every three months for the last two years but we are now on the every six months. hopefully this will be the last trip to jefferson but she we always go to wills every six months. what great people down there. they saved her life!

 

[cobbler]

Just returned home. Overall had a great trip. My ONLY complaint was the crowding of the pool & I explained why. Otherwise the room was good, the lounge was great, CMs were wonderful & had a really good time.

Hubby & I have decided that we will do club level if we are not on our points. He thinks it was worth it I'm actually surprised he said this.

 

[kinggoofy]

Very interesting. I too think it will definitely change the feel of the pool area UNLESS they figure out a way to enclose it including the beach area. And why not? There are 2 other beach areas and the dock where visitors could view the fireworks. I am definitely all for it especially if that beach area is included. Could we also put electrified barbed wire at the top to stop folks who try to climb over? just kidding on that one.....kinda
Don't really want the hot tub but knew it would be an eventuality.

IMO, I would prefer they put the pool on lockdown and check ID cards. Rope it off or do whatever needs to be done. This pool hopping thing has been a problem at the Poly for years.

SAB at YC/BC has a great policy and its one that seems relatively simple to implement. I certainly dont think it diminishes SAB's pool and it wouldnt the Poly's either.

At SAB, they have guards at each entrance to check ID cards and give you a wrist band. I dont think you need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to make it work at the Poly.

We pay good money to stay at the Poly and it irks me to no end watching these pool hoppers just walk in and take up my chair or table that I have paid for while they enjoy the themeing and view of the Poly....

For me personally, it similar to standing in line at the grocery store and watching the person in front of me pay for all of their groceries with the LINK and WIC cards and then pull out a wad of cash to pay for their booze and smokes. Its my tax dollars that allows these people to have the Wic and Link and then they have the nerve to pull out the cash.

I can honestly tell you, when we are at the Poly in August and someone next to our table is yapping and flapping their jaws about being from another resort or if they are just a local...

I WILL GO TO THE POOL GUARDS AND ASK THEM TO CHECK FOR THEIR ID'S.

If they are inforcing this pool rule, it needs to be done ALL OF THE TIME, not just when the pool is filling up or crowded.

Just my 2 cents

 

[cheer34]

Hubby & I have decided that we will do club level if we are not on our points. He thinks it was worth it I'm actually surprised he said this.

I agree with your hubby. It was so easy and convenient. With a three year old and a seven year old who like to graze all day long, it was worth it to grab them a handful of grapes or a small bowl of cereal...or a chocolate chip cookie. If I added up the price of buying all those small meals/snacks (and the booze!) it would have been a fortune.

Plus...those guava/almond empanadas....YUM.

It stunk to be back at work today...I could almost smell the Great Ceremonial House if I concentrated hard enough.

 

[auntie]

Just back from a short stay at the Poly. Two nights prior to our cruise.
Very disappointed. Room was FILTHY. Called housekeeping. They apologized and came in and dusted and vacuumed.
Daybed had so much sand on it..it bounced when you brushed your hand across it. Thought at first I had sat in cookie crumbs or something. Opened blinds to notice that the wood frame on the couch hadn't been dusted in a LONG time, because we could literally write our initals in it..or rather.."clean me". Also the night stand and Ipod dock/radio equally as dusty. Really had us thinking about what else hasn't been cleaned in a while.
While apologetic about the room and they did clean it, later that night we found the sink didn't drain, and the bathroom door had the paint peeling off it, and the hinges were rusted!
Really? even with an AP discount the room was $400(when you add the taxes in) a night! Give me a break. My local Holiday Inn wouldn't keep a room like that, and they charge $139.
Mind you..I am a huge Poly fan. Have stayed there several times. Requested a specific building and room number. It wasn't available and they placed us down the hall. Figured it wouldn't be a big deal. We were wrong.
I might also add..I really don't care for the renovations to the quiet pool. We request Tokelau and particulary enjoy the proximity (and view) of the pool. With the renovation making it all of 3'9"...it is attracting A LOT more of the little tykes. I personally liked when it had a deep end that was roped off. You could really swim..not stand in the pool. Also kept the little kids out of that end of the pool. Volcano pool was like cannon ball city..so we opted for the quiet pool, and it wasn't much better. Maybe it has something to do with the pool hopping? I can't be sure. All I know is that I've read many reviews of the Poly that vary greatly. My experience up to now has always been positive. For quite some time, we wouldn't go near the place because it was dark..and mildew smelling. We deciced a few years back to give it another go, and were pleasantly surprised. It was then our resort of choice.
NOT..anymore. While the issues with housekeeping could be resolved with a phone call, and a re-cleaning of the room. The peeling paint, and rusted hinges, broken toilet seat and clogged drain...that's something entirely different. I'm sorry, but for that kind of money I don't think I should have to call housekeeping to have the re-clean the room. For the bucks they are getting for this resort, this simply shouldn't happen. There is something going on in this resort. It's as if they just don't care. They are charging five star rates..but it's NO WHERE near being a five star resort.

 

[carlnix30]

Just back from a short stay at the Poly. Two nights prior to our cruise.
Very disappointed. Room was FILTHY. Called housekeeping. They apologized and came in and dusted and vacuumed.
Daybed had so much sand on it..it bounced when you brushed your hand across it. Thought at first I had sat in cookie crumbs or something. Opened blinds to notice that the wood frame on the couch hadn't been dusted in a LONG time, because we could literally write our initals in it..or rather.."clean me". Also the night stand and Ipod dock/radio equally as dusty. Really had us thinking about what else hasn't been cleaned in a while.
While apologetic about the room and they did clean it, later that night we found the sink didn't drain, and the bathroom door had the paint peeling off it, and the hinges were rusted!
Really? even with an AP discount the room was $400(when you add the taxes in) a night! Give me a break. My local Holiday Inn wouldn't keep a room like that, and they charge $139.
Mind you..I am a huge Poly fan. Have stayed there several times. Requested a specific building and room number. It wasn't available and they placed us down the hall. Figured it wouldn't be a big deal. We were wrong.
I might also add..I really don't care for the renovations to the quiet pool. We request Tokelau and particulary enjoy the proximity (and view) of the pool. With the renovation making it all of 3'9"...it is attracting A LOT more of the little tykes. I personally liked when it had a deep end that was roped off. You could really swim..not stand in the pool. Also kept the little kids out of that end of the pool. Volcano pool was like cannon ball city..so we opted for the quiet pool, and it wasn't much better. Maybe it has something to do with the pool hopping? I can't be sure. All I know is that I've read many reviews of the Poly that vary greatly. My experience up to now has always been positive. For quite some time, we wouldn't go near the place because it was dark..and mildew smelling. We deciced a few years back to give it another go, and were pleasantly surprised. It was then our resort of choice.
NOT..anymore. While the issues with housekeeping could be resolved with a phone call, and a re-cleaning of the room. The peeling paint, and rusted hinges, broken toilet seat and clogged drain...that's something entirely different. I'm sorry, but for that kind of money I don't think I should have to call housekeeping to have the re-clean the room. For the bucks they are getting for this resort, this simply shouldn't happen. There is something going on in this resort. It's as if they just don't care. They are charging five star rates..but it's NO WHERE near being a five star resort.

That sounds AWEFUL! I agree that the renovations to the quiet pool was really just a bad idea! In order for them to be in compliance to operate the pool the way it was 6' at the deep end they would have had to post lifeguards build a fence around it and close it when no lifeguards are posted.
so they opted for the lesser of the the two evils. Less than 4' and leave it open without lifeguards.
Sometimes in EMERGENCY situations hotels put rooms that were out of service for maintenance issues back in service. If the poly was booked to the max and no rooms were available they may have done the same. When they are out of service they are cleaned but may sit for a long period of time allowing dust to accumulate. If they didn't offer you a room transfer that could definatley be the case.
How was your cruise? Was the magic as magical as they say it is?

 

[Mousemommy1]

Just back from a short stay at the Poly. Two nights prior to our cruise.
Very disappointed. Room was FILTHY. Called housekeeping. They apologized and came in and dusted and vacuumed.
Daybed had so much sand on it..it bounced when you brushed your hand across it. Thought at first I had sat in cookie crumbs or something. Opened blinds to notice that the wood frame on the couch hadn't been dusted in a LONG time, because we could literally write our initals in it..or rather.."clean me". Also the night stand and Ipod dock/radio equally as dusty. Really had us thinking about what else hasn't been cleaned in a while.
While apologetic about the room and they did clean it, later that night we found the sink didn't drain, and the bathroom door had the paint peeling off it, and the hinges were rusted!
Really? even with an AP discount the room was $400(when you add the taxes in) a night! Give me a break. My local Holiday Inn wouldn't keep a room like that, and they charge $139.
Mind you..I am a huge Poly fan. Have stayed there several times. Requested a specific building and room number. It wasn't available and they placed us down the hall. Figured it wouldn't be a big deal. We were wrong.
I might also add..I really don't care for the renovations to the quiet pool. We request Tokelau and particulary enjoy the proximity (and view) of the pool. With the renovation making it all of 3'9"...it is attracting A LOT more of the little tykes. I personally liked when it had a deep end that was roped off. You could really swim..not stand in the pool. Also kept the little kids out of that end of the pool. Volcano pool was like cannon ball city..so we opted for the quiet pool, and it wasn't much better. Maybe it has something to do with the pool hopping? I can't be sure. All I know is that I've read many reviews of the Poly that vary greatly. My experience up to now has always been positive. For quite some time, we wouldn't go near the place because it was dark..and mildew smelling. We deciced a few years back to give it another go, and were pleasantly surprised. It was then our resort of choice.
NOT..anymore. While the issues with housekeeping could be resolved with a phone call, and a re-cleaning of the room. The peeling paint, and rusted hinges, broken toilet seat and clogged drain...that's something entirely different. I'm sorry, but for that kind of money I don't think I should have to call housekeeping to have the re-clean the room. For the bucks they are getting for this resort, this simply shouldn't happen. There is something going on in this resort. It's as if they just don't care. They are charging five star rates..but it's NO WHERE near being a five star resort.

This is sad to hear.

 

[WDWFan00]

Just back from a short stay at the Poly. Two nights prior to our cruise.
Very disappointed. Room was FILTHY. Called housekeeping. They apologized and came in and dusted and vacuumed.
Daybed had so much sand on it..it bounced when you brushed your hand across it. Thought at first I had sat in cookie crumbs or something. Opened blinds to notice that the wood frame on the couch hadn't been dusted in a LONG time, because we could literally write our initals in it..or rather.."clean me". Also the night stand and Ipod dock/radio equally as dusty. Really had us thinking about what else hasn't been cleaned in a while.
While apologetic about the room and they did clean it, later that night we found the sink didn't drain, and the bathroom door had the paint peeling off it, and the hinges were rusted!
Really? even with an AP discount the room was $400(when you add the taxes in) a night! Give me a break. My local Holiday Inn wouldn't keep a room like that, and they charge $139.
Mind you..I am a huge Poly fan. Have stayed there several times. Requested a specific building and room number. It wasn't available and they placed us down the hall. Figured it wouldn't be a big deal. We were wrong.
I might also add..I really don't care for the renovations to the quiet pool. We request Tokelau and particulary enjoy the proximity (and view) of the pool. With the renovation making it all of 3'9"...it is attracting A LOT more of the little tykes. I personally liked when it had a deep end that was roped off. You could really swim..not stand in the pool. Also kept the little kids out of that end of the pool. Volcano pool was like cannon ball city..so we opted for the quiet pool, and it wasn't much better. Maybe it has something to do with the pool hopping? I can't be sure. All I know is that I've read many reviews of the Poly that vary greatly. My experience up to now has always been positive. For quite some time, we wouldn't go near the place because it was dark..and mildew smelling. We deciced a few years back to give it another go, and were pleasantly surprised. It was then our resort of choice.
NOT..anymore. While the issues with housekeeping could be resolved with a phone call, and a re-cleaning of the room. The peeling paint, and rusted hinges, broken toilet seat and clogged drain...that's something entirely different. I'm sorry, but for that kind of money I don't think I should have to call housekeeping to have the re-clean the room. For the bucks they are getting for this resort, this simply shouldn't happen. There is something going on in this resort. It's as if they just don't care. They are charging five star rates..but it's NO WHERE near being a five star resort.

I am very sorry to hear about all of this. But one thing we have noticed is that there is really no truly clean resort at WDW. Of course it is not acceptable, but it happens. I mean once in a while you may find a room that appears to be clean, but if you really look there will be something that was missed. We always notice that the alarm clocks are not dusted or the phones are dirty. But I am sorry to hear that your stay at the Polynesian was not great.

 

[osugal]

I hate to say it - but I agree about the cleanliness. We stayed about the BCR last September and had a wonderful time. The resort was gorgeous and we couldn't have been happier. But, our room was not the cleanest. And, sometimes housekeeping would come in to clean and leave our dirty towels on the floor or leave trays with dirty dishes on the table. Someone in the room next to us put their room service tray outside their door and it was there for 3 days. I had to call twice to get it picked up. Every day housekeeping would walk right past it and not pick it up or call to have it picked up. I didn't let it diminish our time at all. But, we're paying big bucks for these stays. It's unfortunate.

 

[Janny]

I am SO SORRY to hear about the recent happenings at the POLY.
We leave Sunday by train, arriving Monday and hope to have a different experience for our 5 nights, especially since our youngest is wheelchair dependent. I keep everything pristine at our home and realize we are taking our chances at a hotel anywhere, but we truly don't expect noticeable filth!!!
Un-noticeable will always crop up (hence I come equipped with CLOROX wipes and use baggies for holding remotes, etc. My husband and I are hoping this vacation goes smoothly, as our other 2 children need some fun too, as it has been 8 years since we all traveled together as a family to a vacation destination!!! (other than a 2 night stay at the Jersey shore) Hope the stateroom on the cruise had the upkeep you expect for the $$$. Did you like the cruise and recommend it?

 

[kimberwee]

Super irritated this morning. Don't know if it is anxiety over everything I still have left to do before we leave or if it is justified. Trying to keep my cool but could seriously use a right about now.

I have been asking DH for MONTHS, what he would like to do during this trip...letting him know that it takes PLANNING to go to DW if you want to do certain things. He expressed NOTHING...until yesterday when he started packing. YEP, he waited to be interested until 2 DAYS BEFORE THE TRIP!

Now, he wonders "why arent we going to a waterpark for a day"..."why are we even bothering with going to Magic Kingdom after we get to the Poly at noon?"..."we aren't going to have to wake up early at all during this trip, are we?"

And, so I am looking into - "how much will it cost to upgrade tix?" and "can I change our Ohana reservation?"

WHERE IS THE SMILIE FOR BANGING YOUR HEAD AGAINST A WALL WHEN YOU NEED ONE?

 

[Janny]

Just want you to know, you're not the only one when it comes to the husband-deer-stuck-in-the-headlights look and requests on the eve of leaving for a vacation!!! It must be a part of their DNA.......I'm not kidding. Seems like I organize and daydream on the DISBoards and plan and reserve everything, the whole time describing in detail what we have previously agreed to, and before you know it, its the "Aren't we...(insert special request du jour that just pops into their minds of what they expected to do while on vacation.) I took votes of the places to eat, showed everyone the menus, made all the reservations, and I also have the same questions bandied about....oh we're not eating at the Brown Derby??? WE TALKED ABOUT THIS!!! The kids decided on 50's Prime Time, with his tacet approval......he was sitting right there!!!!! Geesh!!!
So, just take a deep breath, don't be too irritated, and have a GREAT time!! What would we do without them??

 

[pixiedaisy]

Just back from a short stay at the Poly. Two nights prior to our cruise.
Very disappointed. Room was FILTHY. Called housekeeping. They apologized and came in and dusted and vacuumed.
Daybed had so much sand on it..it bounced when you brushed your hand across it. Thought at first I had sat in cookie crumbs or something. Opened blinds to notice that the wood frame on the couch hadn't been dusted in a LONG time, because we could literally write our initals in it..or rather.."clean me". Also the night stand and Ipod dock/radio equally as dusty. Really had us thinking about what else hasn't been cleaned in a while.
While apologetic about the room and they did clean it, later that night we found the sink didn't drain, and the bathroom door had the paint peeling off it, and the hinges were rusted!
Really? even with an AP discount the room was $400(when you add the taxes in) a night! Give me a break. My local Holiday Inn wouldn't keep a room like that, and they charge $139.
Mind you..I am a huge Poly fan. Have stayed there several times. Requested a specific building and room number. It wasn't available and they placed us down the hall. Figured it wouldn't be a big deal. We were wrong.
I might also add..I really don't care for the renovations to the quiet pool. We request Tokelau and particulary enjoy the proximity (and view) of the pool. With the renovation making it all of 3'9"...it is attracting A LOT more of the little tykes. I personally liked when it had a deep end that was roped off. You could really swim..not stand in the pool. Also kept the little kids out of that end of the pool. Volcano pool was like cannon ball city..so we opted for the quiet pool, and it wasn't much better. Maybe it has something to do with the pool hopping? I can't be sure. All I know is that I've read many reviews of the Poly that vary greatly. My experience up to now has always been positive. For quite some time, we wouldn't go near the place because it was dark..and mildew smelling. We deciced a few years back to give it another go, and were pleasantly surprised. It was then our resort of choice.
NOT..anymore. While the issues with housekeeping could be resolved with a phone call, and a re-cleaning of the room. The peeling paint, and rusted hinges, broken toilet seat and clogged drain...that's something entirely different. I'm sorry, but for that kind of money I don't think I should have to call housekeeping to have the re-clean the room. For the bucks they are getting for this resort, this simply shouldn't happen. There is something going on in this resort. It's as if they just don't care. They are charging five star rates..but it's NO WHERE near being a five star resort.

Yikes!!! We haven't stayed at the Poly since the late 80's, but I just booked again for a week in Nov. Makes me wonder if I should consider switching back to the GF. My dad is a huge GF fan and he will flip if we end up in a Poly room in this condition

 

[disneydreamin247]

Yikes!!! We haven't stayed at the Poly since the late 80's, but I just booked again for a week in Nov. Makes me wonder if I should consider switching back to the GF. My dad is a huge GF fan and he will flip if we end up in a Poly room in this condition

This kind of experience isn't the norm at the Poly. In fact if you go back a few pages you will see glowing reports from posters who just returned and had fabulous stays.