Advantage of the Poly

[Amy&Dan]

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.

As for eating in the restaurants, I know anyone can and expect anyone to be able to, but its a shame I couldnt get my mother into Konas at a decent hour for breakfast because 8 - 9:30am was booked some mornings. I am going with my hubby and daughter to character meals in the mornings. Like I said, my mother doesnt really leave the resorts, so I wanted to reserve breakfast for her and my older teens at Konas. 3 of 7 mornings, I couldnt get earlier than 9:30am.

I can tell you that we spent a few nights at the Poly over Memorial Weekend. The beach was never so crowded or noisy we couldn't enjoy the fireworks. During the day when your mom is reading, the beach should be fairly quiet and not full of a lot of intrusive noise. Honestly, I liked our garden view room. It was always quiet. The view was more about the lovely landscaping which I actually liked. In any case, it didn't seem like hundreds of people out on the beach during Wishes. Its a large area, lots of room to spread out in. And everyone seemed to drift away to their rooms. It did in fact seem like it was mostly people staying there, lots of people without shoes, bags or other things to indicate they came from someplace else. Also if the resort parking lot is full, and you have no ADR, the parking security guys will turn you away. So if they anticipate that hoardes of people are coming in for no good reason, they'll start checking ADR numbers and turning them away.

And while I see your point about not being able to get a decent time for her for Kona think of it this way: If you and your husband and other kids are eating at other resorts, the guests of those resorts didn't get the time slot you filled (you the guest from another resort). All of the restaurants at WDW are full most of the time. To me that's more a symptom of the DDP than anything else.

We never had a problem parking, I had been worried about that. But in the end, I think its a very small minority of people who would pay to valet park at the Poly and monorail over to the MK. I think that problem is more common at the Contemporary. Also, some people park at the TTC near Tahiti and walk through the resort and then monorail. Which is perfectly legal so to speak.

I actually did see a family kicked out of the Volcano Pool area, very embarrassing for them. I also can say from my own experience that as a DVC member, the Poly's pool would be my last choice to hop to. No hot tub, its small and it was so cold in May we could barely swim. Its actually a very small percentage of DVC members that pool hop. The DVC pools are so nice, there's not much need. Its a big hassle too. In all of our DVC stays we have pool hopped once, and that was to Port Orleans Riverside.

I hope it all works out in a way that makes you feel like your money was well spent and that your trip with your mom is wonderful!

 

[ilisao]

You need to understand that the people at DIS are a small percentage of those that visit WDW. If you forget that, then yes, it would seem like EVERYBODY is pool hopping, EVERYBODY is crowding the beach, EVERYBODY is parking at the Poly and riding the monorail. But that is not reality. Most of the day, most people are not in the Poly pool. The beach doesn't have hordes of the unwashed masses standing outside your hotel room. Sure, some people do that, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a very small number.

As for the restaurants, ANYONE is entitled to eat in them. Do you eat in other resort restaurants? Because if you do, you can't complain about others eating in the Poly.

Your money doesn't entitle to you to anything more than the other resort guests. Spending $11,000 for 6 people at a deluxe over a holiday week doesn't make one a VIP. Many people have spent far more than that.

 

[stepdisney]

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for the responses. I love DIS because you can get a sampling of answers that represent the general resort goer's opinion. I would definitely consider doing this at both of our resorts but I'd ask first .

 

[aprilgail2]

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.



.

I have not stayed at the Beach Yacht Club but I have stayed at the CR once, CBR once, Poly at least 6 times and POR at least 6 times and never in any of those trips has anyone checked my ID at a pool. This past trip we had friends from Orlando that would come hang out at our hotel with us and the kids would swim together for awhile before we would leave for dinner and no one checked their ID's either.

 

[SydneyBristow]

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.

If you want an official answer just have your SIL call the front desk and ask, I don't think they'll have a problem with it.

 

[disneymyway]

We stay at the Poly a bunch and I really don't think it is a huge problem, people who don't belong there using the pool during the fireworks. It is not a zoo there - it is always very pleasant.

I have seen lifeguards asking people to leave, so I think they do from time to time check resort IDs - but I just don't sweat it too much.

It's a wonderful place to stay and I feel lucky that I can. Like I said before, I really would hate it if I had to cart all myself over there and "pretend" that it was my resort. That would seem a little sad.

 

[Susie7]

I visited the Poly in November 07 while staying at OKW & SSR using DVC points. We had a super lunch at Kona Cafe then walked round the resort and decided the next time I came back to WDW, I'd stay at the Poly. I didn't use the pool but certainly had a good walk round, bought some things from the shops and then had a cocktail in the lounge before heading back to MK on the boat. My holidays plans changed this year so I'm going back in August spending 1st part of my holiday at the YC and the last week at the Poly.
The resorts themselves are Disneys best advert and it would be a shame if you couldn't have a look round before booking.
I appreciate the OP concerns re ability to make dining reservations however it is Disney, and the most popular restaurants could be filled many times over during peak periods which is why we all make our ADR's. As to the pool hopping it was not something I was really aware of nor concerned about as the info I've read has always advised the volcano pool can be busy during peak periods. I must admit I'm really looking forward to my holiday

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I have stayed at the Poly and there are not hundreds of people on the beach. It's nowhere near as bad as some people make it out to be. As for the kid's clubs, they are advertised for all resort guests to use because some people might want to have a meal at Kona without their kids. I never, ever used a kid's club myself and don't really know how many people use them, but your children will not be neglected because of children from other resorts.
Stepdisney, I would say if you are at Poly and your family is at AKL, go ahead and have them over one day. Don't feel you need to spend extra money on TL or BB because some people here feel they are experts.
Honestly, people get "depressed before the vacation" over the most ridiculous things!
And BTW, how much you spend on your vacation does not get you better treatment than any other paying guests, except that you may get to sleep in a bigger room with bigger beds. The exception being concierge, where you get some planning and free food. It is in bad taste to mention your trip cost as if it makes you more entitled.
Robin M.

 

[MELSMICE]

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.

My BIL's family & ourselves usually vacation at the same time to WDW, but we rarely, if ever, have stayed at the same resort. We always do at least one day of "visiting" with each other at the resort pools.

We always call the front desk first to tell them that we will have guests arriving to spend the day at the pool with us & it is never a problem. I, personally, don't consider this pool hopping, but that's JMO!

We have also met at the water parks, but (believe it or not) my family doesn't enjoy water parks as much as just relaxing at a pool.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for the responses. I love DIS because you can get a sampling of answers that represent the general resort goer's opinion. I would definitely consider doing this at both of our resorts but I'd ask first .

You're welcome.

 

[Winkster]

We pay for the deluxe resorts because:

..........3. Love the extra pampering, esp. at GF

What exactly is this extra pampering you get at the deluxe resorts?

I've seen the word "pampering" used twice in connection with deluxe resorts today but haven't actually seen any evidence when visiting the deluxe resorts. They are nice, but I haven't seen anything that makes me think it's worth the extra money.

I assume I'm missing something - so what have I missed?

 

[the4princesses]

It is called the monorail!!! The convenience of jumping right on and being able to get to MK fast is the whole thing....yes the GF and C do it too, but I love the tropical feel. It's like being in Hawaii and DW at the same time.

Hi we flew SW in Sept. 2007, and we will fly Sept. 3rd 2008 to WDW!!
When are you going to WDW?
We can't wait!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have not stayed at the Beach Yacht Club but I have stayed at the CR once, CBR once, Poly at least 6 times and POR at least 6 times and never in any of those trips has anyone checked my ID at a pool. This past trip we had friends from Orlando that would come hang out at our hotel with us and the kids would swim together for awhile before we would leave for dinner and no one checked their ID's either.

During my families previous stays at the Contemporary, Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge, the Cast Members were always asking everyone at the pool to show their KTTW cards.

 

[Doesney]

What exactly is this extra pampering you get at the deluxe resorts?

I've seen the word "pampering" used twice in connection with deluxe resorts today but haven't actually seen any evidence when visiting the deluxe resorts. They are nice, but I haven't seen anything that makes me think it's worth the extra money.

I assume I'm missing something - so what have I missed?

I agree. We have stayed at 4 of the deluxes and I have yet to feel pampered

 

[mickeynut1]

Ive been reading these boards for a couple of months and am starting to get a little T'd!

I have 2 rooms booked at the Poly for Thanksgiving week...paying approx $11K for vacation for 6.

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

1) Eat at the restaurants and reserve before resort guests (if checking in earlier)
2) Park in the lot, use the monorail
3) See Wishes from the beaches
4) Use the kids club
5) Although frowned upon...use the pools (nobody checks IDs??)

Im starting to question if I should just stay in a value and hang out at the Poly all day??

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

When staying at the Poly and paying the higher prices, you're really paying for location, convenience (monorail), and bigger rooms (and the pool....just to name a few)....you are not paying for the exclusive use of the Poly and everything around it (the beach, monorail, restaurants, etc). We had our first stay at the Poly in September and it was awesome . Maybe there were people in the pool that shouldn't have been, I don't know......but I didn't think the pool was any more crowded than any of the other resorts we've stayed at in the past . As other posters have said, anybody can make ADRs for any restaurant on property.....you have the same chance of getting into a restaurant as anyone else going the same time as you, as guests of resorts do not have preference just because they're staying there. If you feel you're paying too much to have alot of "extra guests" at the Poly, maybe look into staying somewhere else . But then you would be missing out on a great resort, IMO .

 

[BlondeAlligator]

What exactly is this extra pampering you get at the deluxe resorts?

I've seen the word "pampering" used twice in connection with deluxe resorts today but haven't actually seen any evidence when visiting the deluxe resorts. They are nice, but I haven't seen anything that makes me think it's worth the extra money.

I assume I'm missing something - so what have I missed?

Well, at GF you get turn down service every night...chocolates on your pillow with sweet bedtime notes...plush robes in the room...beautiful bathrooms w/ spa quality toiletries...a lobby that's perfect for relaxing at night while the band or pianist play...the spa itself is wonderful...better dining...some of the best CMs I've ever met at Disney who really try to make your stay special. While checking in on our 10th anniv. they asked us if we were celebrating anything so we told them yes...the next night at turndown they left us chocolate strawberries & a bottle of bubbly with two flutes that had Mickey icons etched onto them as a gift for us to take home!

I can't explain it. I guess maybe it's because we honeymooned at the GF, and so every time we return it feels like I'm on my honeymoon again. I just love being there...it relaxes me, esp. after a day in the parks.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

Ive been reading these boards for a couple of months and am starting to get a little T'd!

I have 2 rooms booked at the Poly for Thanksgiving week...paying approx $11K for vacation for 6.

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

1) Eat at the restaurants and reserve before resort guests (if checking in earlier)
2) Park in the lot, use the monorail
3) See Wishes from the beaches
4) Use the kids club
5) Although frowned upon...use the pools (nobody checks IDs??)

Im starting to question if I should just stay in a value and hang out at the Poly all day??

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

I personally see no reason to stay there because it's just not my thing but to answer your questions...

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

@@@ Yes. Anyone can eat at the Poly restaurants (or any restaurant on Disney property. None of the restaurants at the Poly are signature or "all that" so I don't think many people make the extra trip though. I've never felt the urge to dine there aside from when I stayed there. And yes, anyone on or off site can book at the 180 or 90 or whatever day it is now window.



2) Park in the lot, use the monorail

@@@@No. Non guests have a time limit. Generally enough to eat or stroll around the resort. No clue why anyone would waste time doing this as they could just take a Disney bus to the MK or something and take the monorail from there. I don't drive in WDW so maybe the odd habits of WDW drivers are just lost on me though. I can't wrap my mind around why anyone would do this.


3) See Wishes from the beaches

@@@ Yes. They can. The beaches are not for resort guests only to walk on. The view is okay but no where near as good as the park itself so again, I can't imagine many people actually do this.


4) Use the kids club

@@@ I have no idea how the kids clubs work. I would presume no though?

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

@@@ They do check IDs at most of the deluxe pools except for maybe really cold days when no one is swimming or late, late at night.

Again, IMO, it's not worth the $$ but that's my personal preference on the theming. I also prefer resorts with at least one signature restaurant.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

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

@@@ Yes. Anyone can eat at the Poly restaurants (or any restaurant on Disney property. None of the restaurants at the Poly are signature or "all that" so I don't think many people make the extra trip though. I've never felt the urge to dine there aside from when I stayed there. And yes, anyone on or off site can book at the 180 or 90 or whatever day it is now window.

Actually, the Poly has 2 very popular meals...the Luau and O'Hana's...when staying there I have noticed a lot of monorail traffic before and after the Luau...it's a pretty good show. O'Hana's has a great character breakfast w/ Mickey, Pluto, Lilo & Stitch, and the dinner is very good as well.

 

[TDC Nala]

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

@@@ Yes. Anyone can eat at the Poly restaurants (or any restaurant on Disney property. None of the restaurants at the Poly are signature or "all that" so I don't think many people make the extra trip though. I've never felt the urge to dine there aside from when I stayed there. And yes, anyone on or off site can book at the 180 or 90 or whatever day it is now window.

Actually, the Poly has 2 very popular meals...the Luau and O'Hana's...when staying there I have noticed a lot of monorail traffic before and after the Luau...it's a pretty good show. O'Hana's has a great character breakfast w/ Mickey, Pluto, Lilo & Stitch, and the dinner is very good as well.

I couldn't possibly refer to any of these as "signature dining" but Ohana is good and very popular. My guess is that the majority of WDW visitors (especially those on the dining plan) are not looking for signature dining anyway.

Never done the Luau or eaten breakfast at Ohana but lots of people really seem to like both.

 

[vicki_c]

4) Use the kids club

@@@ I have no idea how the kids clubs work. I would presume no though?

Anyone can use the kids club whether they stay there or not.