ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

100% Agree, this is my 1st WDW trip and I am shocked, honestly, that it is not enforced. When I paid for this resort I thought I was paying for all of the amenities, I didn't realize that I had to share them with "visitors".

I agree ... I believe if you are not staying at the Poly (or any other resort) you shouldn't be using that resort's pool, but I don't really see any harm in watching the fireworks from the beach. As princssdisnygina said, the problem is only on certain special days such as the 4th, New Years, etc ... otherwise there is always tons of space for everyone.

The problem stems from the Poly's location being so close to the Magic Kingdom simple as that. On several of our trips, we've had problems finding a place to park returning to the resort in the late afternoon/early evening, yet when it's after fireworks time or park closing, there are plenty of parking spots (one trip we actually had to park in the only parking available which was the 30 minute parking - and when we told both the main concierge and the Club Level concierge desk about it, they acknowledged the problem and basically said there was nothing they could do - as long as we had our parking pass displayed we wouldn't be towed - but that's another rant). Again, Disney doesn't enforce the parking, except on extremely busy times - Christmas, Spring Break, etc.

Disney doesn't want to piss off any of their guests so don't enforce their own rules by telling them no - and unfortunately people take advantage of that. Is it right? No ... but then Disney already has our money so they're happy, even when it's an inconvenience to those of us paying to stay there.

Disney wants you to eat in their resort restaurants, shop in their resort shops, and watch the fireworks from the beach in hopes that they will fall in love with it and decide to stay there on their next trip.

 

[maiapapaya]

Fortunately the pool "visitors" will be gone soon enough (or not soon enough, but gone!) when the new fence goes up around the pool. I just hope they do it in such a way that it doesn't ruin the esthetic & the view too much!

 

[princssdisnygina]

Fortunately the pool "visitors" will be gone soon enough (or not soon enough, but gone!) when the new fence goes up around the pool. I just hope they do it in such a way that it doesn't ruin the esthetic & the view too much!

I don't know how much this will help. All someone has to do is follow a resort guest inside the fence. This will regulate it a little but I don't think it will help too much.

 

[maiapapaya]

I don't know how much this will help. All someone has to do is follow a resort guest inside the fence. This will regulate it a little but I don't think it will help too much.

I think it will help more than just "a little". First, just the fence/key-access gate would be a deterent for many people and I think someone loitering around outside the gate with their cooler & pool toys, waiting for a guest to slip in with might be a bit conspicuous to the lifeguards.

At times when there is high volumes of traffic they will hopefully have someone monitoring the gate too. It's a lot easier to monitor who is coming & going when there is just one point of controlled entry.

I don't think it will eliminate the problem completely, but I think it should help more than just a bit.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I hope they start enforcing the wristbands the way they do at BC/YC.

When we stayed at the Poly we saw too many families who were "day visitiors". The pool isn't that big and it's so unfair.

Of course I'm with the unpopular thought that even the beach should only be for registered Polynesian guests or those who have eaten at a Polynesian ts restaurants (not just a dole whip at Captain Cook's).

 

[mesaboy2]

I have to say I'm disappointed with some of the viewpoints on here. Disney defines resort guests as pretty much anybody visiting the resort. They can be people staying at the Poly, people eating at the Poly, people shopping at the Poly, and even people just looking around--maybe scoping out a future stay. Disney's definition here is the only "rightful" that matters.

I have never considered the price for a night there to be "worth it" for my family, but we did get pixie-dusted to stay there for a weekend in February due to construction delays at another resort. We liked it so much that my definition of "worth it" may change. One of our favorite experiences while there was sitting on the beach watching Wishes and also the Electric Light Parade. It was quiet, relaxed, and offered a terrific different perspective for us.

Other than restricting pool-hopping--which I have no problems with--Disney encourages guests of their entire resort to look around their entire property. One of the truths Poly guests should recognize is that they're staying at a deluxe resort in a premium location. As such, other Disney guests want to go there. Like all other resorts, Poly guests pay the going rate for rooms, convenience, and amenities. They do not pay for exclusive access to the resort--sorry to be the one to break that to you. The beach and the property in general is open to all, and there are no Disney rules that say otherwise.

I appreciate those of you who in the past helped me in this thread with my Poly stay, whether knowingly or not. If I can in return offer any of you help with other aspects of your WDW vacation, feel free to ask over on the TPA&S board.

 

[disneydreamin247]

I have to say I'm disappointed with some of the viewpoints on here. Disney defines resort guests as pretty much anybody visiting the resort. They can be people staying at the Poly, people eating at the Poly, people shopping at the Poly, and even people just looking around--maybe scoping out a future stay. Disney's definition here is the only "rightful" that matters.

I have never considered the price for a night there to be "worth it" for my family, but we did get pixie-dusted to stay there for a weekend in February due to construction delays at another resort. We liked it so much that my definition of "worth it" may change. One of our favorite experiences while there was sitting on the beach watching Wishes and also the Electric Light Parade. It was quiet, relaxed, and offered a terrific different perspective for us.

Other than restricting pool-hopping--which I have no problems with--Disney encourages guests of their entire resort to look around their entire property. One of the truths Poly guests should recognize is that they're staying at a deluxe resort in a premium location. As such, other Disney guests want to go there. Like all other resorts, Poly guests pay the going rate for rooms, convenience, and amenities. They do not pay for exclusive access to the resort--sorry to be the one to break that to you. The beach and the property in general is open to all, and there are no Disney rules that say otherwise.

I appreciate those of you who in the past helped me in this thread with my Poly stay, whether knowingly or not. If I can in return offer any of you help with other aspects of your WDW vacation, feel free to ask over on the TPA&S board.

I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you probably don't understand because you haven't paid to stay at the Poly. When I am a paying resort guest and I can't get a seat on the beach to watch fireworks because guests from the WL, Pop, and BC are taking them up I don't feel it is fair to my family who paid for those seats.

 

[mesaboy2]

I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you probably don't understand because you haven't paid to stay at the Poly. When I am a paying resort guest and I can't get a seat on the beach to watch fireworks because guests from the WL, Pop, and BC are taking them up I don't feel it is fair to my family who paid for those seats.

How much did you pay for those seats exactly? Let me know and I'll have some pocket cash on me next time I go. Please include any tax so I can have the right change.

I did pay to stay at the Poly, just not Poly rates. I'm sure there were people on that beach that paid even less than me to supposedly be on that beach, but that doesn't mean I automatically thought their presence there was unfair.

I'm going to quit now because I just don't see this ending well.

 

[disneydreamin247]

How much did you pay for those seats exactly? Let me know and I'll have some pocket cash on me next time I go. Please include any tax so I can have the right change.

I did pay to stay at the Poly, just not Poly rates. I'm sure there were people on that beach that paid even less than me to supposedly be on that beach, but that doesn't mean I automatically thought their presence there was unfair.

I'm going to quit now because I just don't see this ending well.

My nightly rate at the Poly. No need to be snide. I'm just pointing out why people who pay Poly prices are miffed when they can't enjoy their own resort. I'm sure if it was happening at POR you would feel the same way.

 

[Traveliz]

Honestly I could be considered a Poly elitist as when I stay at the Poly I only stay concierge and all but one of the times Lagoon View so you know I wasn't paying bottom of the barrel prices. My shortest visit was four nights and my longest 8 with most being in the 6 night visit. I can't say for sure how many times I have stayed there but my best guess is 6-8 times.

I have always heard from Disney that a Disney guest is any person who is on property to enjoy the resort (not to harm it) whether it be the parks, the transportations, the resorts or just driving through enjoying the scenery.

I think those who want the Poly for themselves better not venture over to the GF to enjoy the ammenties of their lobby (the Big Band, the piano player, or the GF Gingerbread house)...it's all the same...just think of those poor GF guests who can't get a seat in their own lobby at Christmas due to all the visitors to the resort.

No visiting AKL on a "themeparkless" visit to get a peek at the animals as that is an ammenity of the AKL then...etc and so forth.

No visits to the Boardwalk; that entertainment is just for them!

The Poly is a popular resort due to its real estate and the it's just the way it is.

Oh and my concierge visits began when I was invited into the concierge lounge by a guest there and the concierge invited us to stay and have desserts and enjoy the fireworks. It had us hooked. And many would say we had no right to be there despite the invitation by concierge.

It's something to think about - the perk visits go both ways.

Liz

 

[princssdisnygina]

I have to say I'm disappointed with some of the viewpoints on here. Disney defines resort guests as pretty much anybody visiting the resort. They can be people staying at the Poly, people eating at the Poly, people shopping at the Poly, and even people just looking around--maybe scoping out a future stay. Disney's definition here is the only "rightful" that matters.

I have never considered the price for a night there to be "worth it" for my family, but we did get pixie-dusted to stay there for a weekend in February due to construction delays at another resort. We liked it so much that my definition of "worth it" may change. One of our favorite experiences while there was sitting on the beach watching Wishes and also the Electric Light Parade. It was quiet, relaxed, and offered a terrific different perspective for us.

Other than restricting pool-hopping--which I have no problems with--Disney encourages guests of their entire resort to look around their entire property. One of the truths Poly guests should recognize is that they're staying at a deluxe resort in a premium location. As such, other Disney guests want to go there. Like all other resorts, Poly guests pay the going rate for rooms, convenience, and amenities. They do not pay for exclusive access to the resort--sorry to be the one to break that to you. The beach and the property in general is open to all, and there are no Disney rules that say otherwise.

I appreciate those of you who in the past helped me in this thread with my Poly stay, whether knowingly or not. If I can in return offer any of you help with other aspects of your WDW vacation, feel free to ask over on the TPA&S board.

The beach access isn't as much of a problem as the pool. Only during holidays where there are large fireworks displays. And the problem comes down to the fact that we paid to have those amenities and can't find a seat on "our" resort beach because they are taken by those who are staying at other resorts. If they want to see the fireworks then they should go to the MK like everyone else. And ONLY resort guests (meaning the ones paying the price to stay there) should have access to the pools. I have stayed at almost every Disney resort and I have never tried to take advantage of any other resorts amenities because I knew going in I was paying for one thing and that is what I expected to get.

I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you probably don't understand because you haven't paid to stay at the Poly. When I am a paying resort guest and I can't get a seat on the beach to watch fireworks because guests from the WL, Pop, and BC are taking them up I don't feel it is fair to my family who paid for those seats.

I agree. Paying $400+ a night should at least give us a reserved area on the beach.

How much did you pay for those seats exactly? Let me know and I'll have some pocket cash on me next time I go. Please include any tax so I can have the right change.

I did pay to stay at the Poly, just not Poly rates. I'm sure there were people on that beach that paid even less than me to supposedly be on that beach, but that doesn't mean I automatically thought their presence there was unfair.

I'm going to quit now because I just don't see this ending well.

I am sure those who don't pay to stay at the Poly (Poly rates, not POR rates) see things the same way you do. But I am sure if you were trying to use POR pool and it was overcrowded by those from value resorts you would be just as upset.

My nightly rate at the Poly. No need to be snide. I'm just pointing out why people who pay Poly prices are miffed when they can't enjoy their own resort. I'm sure if it was happening at POR you would feel the same way.

Completely agree! I want to get what I pay for.

 

[mesaboy2]

My nightly rate at the Poly. No need to be snide. I'm just pointing out why people who pay Poly prices are miffed when they can't enjoy their own resort. I'm sure if it was happening at POR you would feel the same way.

Which, as I said, does not include exclusive access to the beach or chairs that you supposedly paid for. Contact Disney if you feel that should be changed.

Now I'm finished, I'll go back to being the unwashed riff-raff. What a great attitude some of you have.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

How much did you pay for those seats exactly? Let me know and I'll have some pocket cash on me next time I go. Please include any tax so I can have the right change.

I did pay to stay at the Poly, just not Poly rates. I'm sure there were people on that beach that paid even less than me to supposedly be on that beach, but that doesn't mean I automatically thought their presence there was unfair.

I'm going to quit now because I just don't see this ending well.

I think you took this person wrong. They are not saying a Poly guest who pays more should have more advantage over a Poly guest who pays less. It does not matter what you pay to stay at Poly, you are still a Poly guest. It's the "patrons" that can cause the problem when they are not courteous to the guests who are actually paying to stay there. The guests should most certainly have advantage over the patrons. It's fine when it's not crowded. We always go in September and don't have a problem but I can see where this could be a big issue on holidays such as the 4th. Imagine how crowded it would be if every Poly guest decided to view fireworks from the beach and then patrons decided to do the same thing. I can definitely understand the pool issue.

 

[princssdisnygina]

I think you took this person wrong. They are not saying a Poly guest who pays more should have more advantage over a Poly guest who pays less. It does not matter what you pay to stay at Poly, you are still a Poly guest. It's the "patrons" that can cause the problem when they are not courteous to the guests who are actually paying to stay there. The guests should most certainly have advantage over the patrons. It's fine when it's not crowded. We always go in September and don't have a problem but I can see where this could be a big issue on holidays such as the 4th. Imagine how crowded it would be if every Poly guest decided to view fireworks from the beach and then patrons decided to do the same thing. I can definitely understand the pool issue.

Exactly. This is what happened to me on the 3rd. I couldn't even see hardly. The beach was completely full and people were standing all the way back to the pool. I didn't feel like I needed to stand out there for over an hour. It was ridiculous.

 

[disneydreamin247]

I think you took this person wrong. They are not saying a Poly guest who pays more should have more advantage over a Poly guest who pays less. It does not matter what you pay to stay at Poly, you are still a Poly guest. It's the "patrons" that can cause the problem when they are not courteous to the guests who are actually paying to stay there. The guests should most certainly have advantage over the patrons. It's fine when it's not crowded. We always go in September and don't have a problem but I can see where this could be a big issue on holidays such as the 4th. Imagine how crowded it would be if every Poly guest decided to view fireworks from the beach and then patrons decided to do the same thing. I can definitely understand the pool issue.

This is exactly what I'm staying. I don't care if you paid rack rate or got a 40% discount, because you booked and paid for the Poly. But it's alright. I'm used to being called an entitled elitist. It isn't the first time on these boards and won't be the last.

And for the record, I don't go to the Grand to sit in the lobby when I'm not paying to stay there. I never go out of my way to go to the AKL to see the animals. I'm not one for resort touring. I like to enjoy the resort I'm staying at, wether it be the Poly, the Grand, Pop, or CBR. I have stayed at all levels of resorts, in different room classes and have always just enjoyed what I paid for.

 

[mariamouse]

Honestly I could be considered a Poly elitist as when I stay at the Poly I only stay concierge and all but one of the times Lagoon View so you know I wasn't paying bottom of the barrel prices. My shortest visit was four nights and my longest 8 with most being in the 6 night visit. I can't say for sure how many times I have stayed there but my best guess is 6-8 times.

I have always heard from Disney that a Disney guest is any person who is on property to enjoy the resort (not to harm it) whether it be the parks, the transportations, the resorts or just driving through enjoying the scenery.

I think those who want the Poly for themselves better not venture over to the GF to enjoy the ammenties of their lobby (the Big Band, the piano player, or the GF Gingerbread house)...it's all the same...just think of those poor GF guests who can't get a seat in their own lobby at Christmas due to all the visitors to the resort.

No visiting AKL on a "themeparkless" visit to get a peek at the animals as that is an ammenity of the AKL then...etc and so forth.

No visits to the Boardwalk; that entertainment is just for them!

The Poly is a popular resort due to its real estate and the it's just the way it is.

Oh and my concierge visits began when I was invited into the concierge lounge by a guest there and the concierge invited us to stay and have desserts and enjoy the fireworks. It had us hooked. And many would say we had no right to be there despite the invitation by concierge.

It's something to think about - the perk visits go both ways.

Liz

Great post!

I do not think anyone disagrees that the pool should exclusively be for the use of paying Poly guests. The only point of disagreement is over the beach fireworks viewing, which has never bothered me as a Poly guest. I am just fine sitting on the beach sand instead of a chair.. I still get to see the fireworks and hear the music just as well! And who is to say that non-Poly guests are definitely the people taking up the chairs?

That said, I do think it would be fair to distribute beach wristbands on a holiday like the 4th when the beach is really swamped.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Honestly I could be considered a Poly elitist as when I stay at the Poly I only stay concierge and all but one of the times Lagoon View so you know I wasn't paying bottom of the barrel prices. My shortest visit was four nights and my longest 8 with most being in the 6 night visit. I can't say for sure how many times I have stayed there but my best guess is 6-8 times.

I have always heard from Disney that a Disney guest is any person who is on property to enjoy the resort (not to harm it) whether it be the parks, the transportations, the resorts or just driving through enjoying the scenery.

I think those who want the Poly for themselves better not venture over to the GF to enjoy the ammenties of their lobby (the Big Band, the piano player, or the GF Gingerbread house)...it's all the same...just think of those poor GF guests who can't get a seat in their own lobby at Christmas due to all the visitors to the resort.

No visiting AKL on a "themeparkless" visit to get a peek at the animals as that is an ammenity of the AKL then...etc and so forth.

No visits to the Boardwalk; that entertainment is just for them!

The Poly is a popular resort due to its real estate and the it's just the way it is.

Oh and my concierge visits began when I was invited into the concierge lounge by a guest there and the concierge invited us to stay and have desserts and enjoy the fireworks. It had us hooked. And many would say we had no right to be there despite the invitation by concierge.

It's something to think about - the perk visits go both ways.

Liz

Well honestly, the 6 times my husband and I been, we have never visited the other resorts, even the 2 times we stayed offsite we did not visit any of the Disney Resorts. I think it's all a matter of personal opinion/comfort. When staying at the Poly, I would not feel comfortable visiting the GF to enjoy their amenities in their lobby, that is for the guests I believe, but like I said, it all comes down to personal opinion/comfort.

 

[Traveliz]

Great post!

I do not think anyone disagrees that the pool should exclusively be for the use of paying Poly guests. The only point of disagreement is over the beach fireworks viewing, which has never bothered me as a Poly guest. I am just fine sitting on the beach sand instead of a chair.. I still get to see the fireworks and hear the music just as well! And who is to say that non-Poly guests are definitely the people taking up the chairs?

That said, I do think it would be fair to distribute beach wristbands on a holiday like the 4th when the beach is really swamped.

I think its fair to cordone off the area directly in front of the pool in a large section and save that for Poly guests - which I believe I have seen done one other time. That said, that is not my favorite place to watch the fireworks from the Poly (and I won't say where it is) but there is plenty of grass and sidewalks and more beach. I have literally walked in (last minute decision) at ten minutes before the fireworks started and had not trouble getting what I think is a great place to stand.

And to be nit picky I don't do sand so my viewing is never done on the beach.

Liz

 

[princssdisnygina]

This is exactly what I'm staying. I don't care if you paid rack rate or got a 40% discount, because you booked and paid for the Poly. But it's alright. I'm used to being called an entitled elitist. It isn't the first time on these boards and won't be the last.

And for the record, I don't go to the Grand to sit in the lobby when I'm not paying to stay there. I never go out of my way to go to the AKL to see the animals. I'm not one for resort touring. I like to enjoy the resort I'm staying at, wether it be the Poly, the Grand, Pop, or CBR. I have stayed at all levels of resorts, in different room classes and have always just enjoyed what I paid for.

Well honestly, the 6 times my husband and I been, we have never visited the other resorts, even the 2 times we stayed offsite we did not visit any of the Disney Resorts. I think it's all a matter of personal opinion/comfort. When staying at the Poly, I would not feel comfortable visiting the GF to enjoy their amenities in their lobby, that is for the guests I believe, but like I said, it all comes down to personal opinion/comfort.

This is the same for us as well. The only reason I go to other resorts is for a quick shop check or for dinner. You won't find me loitering in the lobby or hanging out on the grounds and I will say for the most part, I think this applies to most MK Deluxe resort guests. We choose the resort to enjoy it.

 

[maiapapaya]

Which, as I said, does not include exclusive access to the beach or chairs that you supposedly paid for. Contact Disney if you feel that should be changed.

Now I'm finished, I'll go back to being the unwashed riff-raff. What a great attitude some of you have.

It's unfortunate that this is always the fallback line of someone who disagrees with people on issues like this. You have no idea of other people's financial standing, whether they scrimp & save to enjoy the resort of their choice, but if they dare have the opinion that the amentities of a resort should be for the guests of the resort (as opposed to patrons of the shops for example or locals who drop by for some freebie WDW fun) you accuse them of thinking you are dirt and them of being snobs. What is wrong with thinking that the pool or hula lessons or bonfire are intended for the overnight guests only? I would never have dinner at the local Delta then take my kids in to do crafts in the kids' club (which is free there for guests, not a paid facility like the Neverland club) ...

I think its fair to cordone off the area directly in front of the pool in a large section and save that for Poly guests - which I believe I have seen done one other time. That said, that is not my favorite place to watch the fireworks from the Poly (and I won't say where it is) but there is plenty of grass and sidewalks and more beach. I have literally walked in (last minute decision) at ten minutes before the fireworks started and had not trouble getting what I think is a great place to stand.

And to be nit picky I don't do sand so my viewing is never done on the beach.

Liz

The pool should only be for people paying to stay at the resort. I feel the same for the organized activities.

I never have an issue with other people enjoying the grounds or watching the fireworks from the beach. However, on occasions such as the 4th I do think it's really unfair for people who have paid to stay at the resort get crowded out of the beach by anyone who just decides to show up, day visitors, people from other resorts, locals, etc. If the beach viewing is supposed to be just for guests, the policy should be enforced. Whether there is a policy is the big question.

I have a big problem if people know they maybe shouldn't be there, but don't care because it's not enforced (my attitude has been aggravated by my SIL who lives near WDW and is very proud of the fact that they frequent Disney pools and have "crashed every single one except BC & the Poly" ) Again, this is a grey area with the 4th & NYE. I think a big problem that Poly peeps have in trying to defend this stance is the attitude that others have about this "too bad, I don't give a crap if you're staying there and if you've paid to be at a particular resort and mobs of people are impeding on your enjoyment of that resort, I have every right to be there as much as you."

I think you have a great idea here Liz. I know they kind of rope off an area, but I don't think it's enough. I think a good compromise could be reached by making a better marked, bigger cordoned off area, to guarantee that there is a spot for guests of the resort, but then also create an area for those not staying at the Poly, maybe the beach over by Luau Cove? This would also ease crowding around the main pool area (which will be interesting when the pool fence goes in and that whole area around the pool deck won't be available for standing).

And for the record we never hang out at other resorts either. We do dine there and in doing so stopped once to take a picture of the gingerbread house at the GF, but that's it. It would never occur to me to trek out to AKL to see the animals, or pull up a chair in the GF lobby to listen to the band ... If I want to enjoy the perks of a particular resort that is where I am probably going to book.