Advantage of the Poly

[tinknsnow]

Reading this website now makes me wonder if the Deluxe is worth it, if I still can do everything without paying for it.

You are paying for the room (larger w/ nicer amenities) and theming as well as the convenience of waking up, getting ready, and walking a few hundred feet to get to the monorail/restaurants/beach and back. You can't have that unless you stay there.

I don't understand what you're worried about.

 

[vicki_c]

I have stayed at the Poly before and at other Deluxe resorts. I had never given it a second thought that the people in line for the monorail, on the beaches, in the pools were not guests of the Poly. Reading this website now makes me wonder if the Deluxe is worth it, if I still can do everything without paying for it.

I don't know what to tell you to do, but it sounds like it all really bothers you. Until Disney changes their rules (highly unlikely), none of this is ever going to change. So, I'd just say if you're going to be frustrated by that all during your trip, you might be better off to what you said and stay somewhere less expensive and just visit the Poly, if you want (I won't mind if I'm there but stay out of the pool!). But I agree with the PP, that it would be nice there for your mom if she's going to spend a lot of time at the resort. I wouldn't plan a vacation somewhere though if you're already feeling irritated by things at the resort before you even leave - sounds like a good way to set yourself up to be unhappy.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

I love knowing that I never have to leave from it all and I can wake up and be right at the MK in a couple of minutes. I actually feel like I am in the MK. That is priceless to me.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

We pay for the deluxe resorts because:

1. Great theming
2. Better/more dining options
3. Love the extra pampering, esp. at GF
4. Being on the monorail means faster travel to DD's 2 favs, MK & Epcot
5. DD has autism & the buses really bother her; again, fewer bus trips
6. Bigger rooms

I never think about who's in the pool...if it's crowded it could be resort guests or visitors...IMO who cares? I have never experienced any problem w/ the monorail either, but again, who cares? I'm on vacation and I refuse to worry about things...I do enough of that at home!

As for the dining, I think that the problem rests with the current 180 days out policy...back in the day we never had to make resies for any of the deluxe resotrs' cafes (like Kona's)...but with people having to decide all of their dining 6 months ahead of time, it's gotten harder to get in anywhere unless you plan that far out too.

If you're on the balcony, the noise of any people on the beach won't be that much...they're all watching the fireworks & usually there's just some people who clap at the end or something...that's what I've seen, anyway.

My advice is to just go & enjoy...since your Mom won't be leaving the resort much, all the more reason to stay at one that is so peaceful and beautiful...you'll really enjoy it if you let yourself!

 

[TDC Nala]

Ive been reading that anyone and their mother can...

1) Eat at the restaurants and reserve before resort guests (if checking in earlier)

All WDW guests have an equal chance to book reservations for WDW resort restaurants. If you are staying concierge, you can have the concierge try to book reservations for you. If you are not, you have the same chance as anyone else.

2) Park in the lot, use the monorail

The Polynesian gives out three hour parking passes to guests with ADRS at the restaurants. I have heard about cars being towed if they stay longer. Valet is different because they charge for it and you don't get people trying to dodge the parking fee at the MK by using valet. I would think valet wouldn't fill up on anything but extreme peak times anyway.

3) See Wishes from the beaches

Apparently true but possibly restricted on the 4th of July/New Years Eve.

4) Use the kids club

True, anyone can make a reservation for the kids clubs.

5) Although frowned upon...use the pools (nobody checks IDs??)

Have heard that they do check IDs, although probably not constantly. I understand the only resort pool that requires presentation of a room key to enter is Beach/Yacht Club. Only DVC members are technically permitted to pool hop to the Polynesian.

Can someone tell me what the advantage of paying and staying there is??

The greatest one I can find is convenience to MK/Epcot transportation. I don't think there is a resort existing with better Disney transportation options to these two parks.

Disney World doesn't really have a resort with the kind of "exclusivity" you seem to be seeking, it just hasn't been something WDW does.

 

[dawgfan]

I love the Poly. Just cant justify the price to pay to be there. I would never use the pool without being a guest. I get that point. I would like to think the resort guests would get first dibs on restaurant ressies. I do not know how they would control this completely due to fluctuation in numbers daily. I love to got to the Poly to eat at Ohanas and have a pre dinner drink at the bar. I had never gone outside to the grounds to tour the place until this past July 2007. I have to say I love this place BUT with the price being what it is I REALLY LOVE POFQ. I like to visit the Poly when we eat there. I would never impose on any paying guest to the point of taking a chair or hammock to see fireworks. I also get that point. You are paying for proximity to the MK and monorail, two on site restaurants and a very decent food court. Shops in the main building, an awesome themed pool, and the fact that this is probably the most popular resort on property (if the price were no barrier, I beleive most guests would wish to stay here). This being Disney the price goes up a bit just for that, hence $11,000.00 worth of hit to your pocket book. Go to the Poly and stay. I do not think pre conceived "trespasses" of others will really break the vacation here.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Besides SAB at the Yacht & Beach Club I always thought the volcano pool at the Polynesian was the 2nd most popular pool at WDW, so maybe WDW should think about adding it to the list that can not be pool hopped to by DVC members. Another reason being that it's not that big of an area so this way it would insure only guests staying at the Polynesian would get access to it.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Besides SAB at the Yacht & Beach Club I always thought the volcano pool at the Polynesian was the 2nd most popular pool at WDW, so maybe WDW should think about adding it to the list that can not be pool hopped to by DVC members. Another reason being that it's not that big of an area so this way it would insure only guests staying at the Polynesian would get access to it.

I agree completely. It's such a small pool in a highly-desirable area ... I think it should be off-limits to everyone but actual paying guests.

 

[greenpea89]

Understanding the circumstances with your mother, it might be a good idea to try to change to a magic kingdom view room, or request it if you are staying Club level, at the Poly from a lagoon view. That way you could watch the fireworks without having to search for a comfortable place to sit - I think it's great to be able to just open your curtains, step out on your balcony, and watch the fireworks in your pajamas. Having said that, we stayed at the three monorail resorts in January and while we loved the Poly (and will be returning in two weeks - whoo hoo!!) you might want to consider Linda's suggestion to save your money and stay at a value or mod if you feel you aren't getting what you are looking for from the Poly. Personally, I think you might be more comfortable at the GF. It is a little quieter, both in the rooms and the public areas, and IMO handles crowds a bit better than the Poly. Your mom would still have a great view from the balcony when she reads, and your teens could still walk over to the Poly for breakfast at Kona from the GF on some of the mornings. If you still prefer the Poly, I recommend room service (at the GF too!) as an option when you can't get reservations at Kona. The food is quite good and it's a great low key, stress-free way to start your day.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Understanding the circumstances with your mother, it might be a good idea to try to change to a magic kingdom view room, or request it if you are staying Club level, at the Poly from a lagoon view. That way you could watch the fireworks without having to search for a comfortable place to sit - I think it's great to be able to just open your curtains, step out on your balcony, and watch the fireworks in your pajamas. Having said that, we stayed at the three monorail resorts in January and while we loved the Poly (and will be returning in two weeks - whoo hoo!!) you might want to consider Linda's suggestion to save your money and stay at a value or mod if you feel you aren't getting what you are looking for from the Poly. Personally, I think you might be more comfortable at the GF. It is a little quieter, both in the rooms and the public areas, and IMO handles crowds a bit better than the Poly. Your mom would still have a great view from the balcony when she reads, and your teens could still walk over to the Poly for breakfast at Kona from the GF on some of the mornings. If you still prefer the Poly, I recommend room service (at the GF too!) as an option when you can't get reservations at Kona. The food is quite good and it's a great low key, stress-free way to start your day.

Thanks for the room service idea..I never thought about that. It would be perfect as she mostly just has tea and a muffin anyway.

 

[mommyto_3princesses]

The only thing that bothers me when I'm staying at a deluxe is other people using the pools, or when we stay at the Poly, those who take the hammocks and chairs to watch the fireworks. I don't care if they watch Wishes or EWP from the beach, just bothers me if I can't find a chair or hammock to sit on (while I'm paying the deluxe prices) and those who have just come over to dine at the Poly are using the hammocks, at the expense of paying guests.

Of course anyone is welcome to eat at any of the restaurants at Disney - and use the transportation! How boring would it be if we all had to eat only at the resort we were staying!

Totally agree with everything you said

 

[polineedyan]

As a recent poly stayer..at a time when it was allegedly full..I will give you my take on all this. Do people from other resorts use the pools? Yes, they probably do. However, during OUR stay, I can tell you that the VAST majority of the time, the quiet pool was vacant. And I mean, at any given time, no more than 5-8 people in it. At its BUSIEST. NO ONE uses the quiet pool.
The resort seemed to be vacant. So, here's my take. EVERYONES AT THE VOLCANO POOL. Thats why its soo quiet at the resort. And thats why the pool seems to full all the time. BECAUSE THATS WHERE EVERYONE IS!!
We basically avoided the volcano pool area. I never once thought that it was full of people from other resorts. I could be wrong, but thats my take.

 

[donnamonster]

I am so excited to be going in a month and staying in the poly. I was so torn between it and the animal kingdom lodge but the monorail swayed me. I had no idea that anyone could use the kid club or I might have looked at some other resorts. I thought I'd done my research but I guess not...now I'm grouchy too. Really though hard to be depressed when the trip is coming up.

 

[stepdisney]

I asked this question on the other thread and did not get an answer. Please don't flame me, I honestly want to know. My sister in law and her husband and 3 children will be staying at the Poly the same time we are staying at AKL. Our sons are the same age and are best bud cousins. Would you consider it pool hopping if my DS hung out at the pool with her son to swim and if her DS took a swim with us at AKL one night? I wouldn't do it without asking here first. Technically, the boys would be with guests both at our resort and at the Poly. Thank you. I understand, by the way, the OP's concerns. You want to enjoy the resort you have chosen and all of it's amenities.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I asked this question on the other thread and did not get an answer. Please don't flame me, I honestly want to know. My sister in law and her husband and 3 children will be staying at the Poly the same time we are staying at AKL. Our sons are the same age and are best bud cousins. Would you consider it pool hopping if my DS hung out at the pool with her son to swim and if her DS took a swim with us at AKL one night? I wouldn't do it without asking here first. Technically, the boys would be with guests both at our resort and at the Poly. Thank you. I understand, by the way, the OP's concerns. You want to enjoy the resort you have chosen and all of it's amenities.

No flames from me because you are just asking a simple question. However based on what I have read on other threads they would consider that pool hopping, so maybe you can spend a day at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon so both your sons can swim together.

 

[Princess Jenny]

I asked this question on the other thread and did not get an answer. Please don't flame me, I honestly want to know. My sister in law and her husband and 3 children will be staying at the Poly the same time we are staying at AKL. Our sons are the same age and are best bud cousins. Would you consider it pool hopping if my DS hung out at the pool with her son to swim and if her DS took a swim with us at AKL one night? I wouldn't do it without asking here first. Technically, the boys would be with guests both at our resort and at the Poly. Thank you. I understand, by the way, the OP's concerns. You want to enjoy the resort you have chosen and all of it's amenities.

Honestly, I would not consider it pool hopping. This would not bother me in the least. You are all paying for deluxe resorts I would not feel quilty at all!! I say swim and have fun, your on vacation! And don't worry about the small stuff.

 

[Missy1961]

I asked this question on the other thread and did not get an answer. Please don't flame me, I honestly want to know. My sister in law and her husband and 3 children will be staying at the Poly the same time we are staying at AKL. Our sons are the same age and are best bud cousins. Would you consider it pool hopping if my DS hung out at the pool with her son to swim and if her DS took a swim with us at AKL one night? I wouldn't do it without asking here first. Technically, the boys would be with guests both at our resort and at the Poly. Thank you. I understand, by the way, the OP's concerns. You want to enjoy the resort you have chosen and all of it's amenities.

That may technically be pool hopping, but I would hope that no-one would mind it. Maybe ask at the front desk if it would be ok. It's not like you're bringing in 25 people, if the boys want to swim together one or two nights, I think that's sweet. If you were going at a very busy time, I wouldn't do it, but if not, I'd ask the front desk.

 

[RabbitFood]

I don't know--maybe the next time you pay $11K for WDW, you should get concierge so they can help secure all your ADR's.
Otherwise, you're right (and that's what's so magical about WDW)--everyone and their mother CAN do all that you've listed. So can you. So can your mother.
I'm a firm believer in spending only what I'm comfortable with on vacation. If you think you're spending too much, there are plenty of lower-cost options.
Personally, a deluxe resort is worth the extra to me. It may not be so to you.
That's another beauty of WDW--so many options!
I hope you won't let the fact that so many others are able to enjoy these same amenities for (possibly) less than what you paid ruin your vacation.

 

[vicki_c]

I am so excited to be going in a month and staying in the poly. I was so torn between it and the animal kingdom lodge but the monorail swayed me. I had no idea that anyone could use the kid club or I might have looked at some other resorts. I thought I'd done my research but I guess not...now I'm grouchy too. Really though hard to be depressed when the trip is coming up.

Again, this is true at any Disney resort. All Disney visitors are pretty free to use all the amenities at all the resorts, with the exception of the pools. That's the only exception I can think of. So people from other resorts could be using the kids club at Simba's at AKL just as well as using the Neverland Club at the Poly.

If everyone is looking for a more exclusive hotel where non-hotel guests can't use the facilities, you need to be outside the Disney resorts. There are very nice other resorts in Orlando that may give you more of that.

 

[kikiq]

As for the beaches, I have a lagoon view. I expected a nice peaceful stay for my elderly mother. She doesnt go to the parks much and loves to sit out on the balcony and read books. Reading many posts here makes me think hundreds of people will be out on the beach every night to watch Wishes...very loud/crowded.

We stayed at the Poly last summer and watched wishes from the beach. Never more than conversation and ohhhs and ahhhs from the people watching the show. I don't know that there were "hundreds" of people. We walked along the lagoon every night and for our stay it wasn't crowded with people or noisy.

The Poly is special to us. It was my mom's favorite resort and on her last trip we had a lagoon view so on the days she came back from dialysis, she would sit on the balcony and enjoy. Your mom will love the view and the resort.