ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[maiapapaya]

I was reading that thread and the amount of people who were complaining about the theming was shocking. I find the Polynesian to be a beautiful resort, while others do not. I guess it's just a matter of opinion. All in all, after reading that thread I still love the Poly.

I agree. That's why I am a little worried about all of the cleanliness/maintenance complaints. We LOVED the Poly when we were there in October and are so anxious to go back. We also fell in love with the view (TPV Tuvalu), the monorail access etc. We really can't imagine staying at another resort (well I would consider GF, but DH is so not down with that - too frou frou! ) It would disappoint me so much to go and have an experience like so many others are reporting (dirty rooms, flooding toilets with slow response from maintenance, garbage in and around CC, etc).

 

[Patsgalinphilly]

Hey!

Just wanted to come out of the shadows where I've been lurking to say hi. My fiance and I will be making our first trip to WDW EVER! We are honeymooning for 5 nights at the poly. After debating back and forth for weeks about GVCL and the Honeymoon suite in Tonga we decided we wouldn't be in are room that much to make up for the $1000 dollar difference. So we will be in GVCL! We are doing Deluxe Dining as well. We are both really excited (well me more so them him...lol but he will get there). Although I am feeling a bit guilty at leaving our 2 year old home...but hey! more incentive to plan another trip!

So yeah that is all just saying HI!

 

[PolynesianLily]

I agree. That's why I am a little worried about all of the cleanliness/maintenance complaints. We LOVED the Poly when we were there in October and are so anxious to go back. We also fell in love with the view (TPV Tuvalu), the monorail access etc. We really can't imagine staying at another resort (well I would consider GF, but DH is so not down with that - too frou frou! ) It would disappoint me so much to go and have an experience like so many others are reporting (dirty rooms, flooding toilets with slow response from maintenance, garbage in and around CC, etc).

Every resort on Disney property is "dirty" one way or another. I think that it's pick on Polynesian week. I guess the problem I have is when someone says that Pop Century is cleaner than the Polynesian. I have seen garbage in other resorts too, like cracker crumbs smashed all over the food court carpet at the Pop Century.

I think my love for the Poly is getting in the way of my opinion.

 

[BreezysMom]

we will be there during chef Dicks last few days there! We are planning something for him from us to say he will be missed!

Say goodbye for me too! I was happy to be able to chat with him last year during our stay! Such a nice gentleman!

We are just back from our trip - 9 nights at the POLY! I was catching up on my DIS (have to do something to deal with the withdrawal pain) and saw this post. My son (who is 2), found the sliding glass doors to the GCH to be great entertainment when "mommy and grandpa" checked in at the front desk. By the time we left today he figured out that the doors will open if he steps right on the "Polynesian" imprinted on the mat in front of them. Seriously though - I know what you mean - I love the feeling of walking in those doors when you first arrive... ahhhhh...

FWIW regarding the other posts right now about the Poly - We had a great stay at the Poly and had no maintenance issues. We were in Tokelau (got my request!) and found the walk to the GCH and the TTC to be very very quick. I can't see how someone would think that the Tahiti building would be too far from the TTC.... It's about as close as you can get and still have a beautiful view of the lagoon and castle!

Oh well, more hammocks for us! That's what makes Disney so awesome - the variety so everyone can find something they like!

I love walking through the front doors. As a matter of fact, we passed up getting a ride to the Hawaii longhouse just so we could walk through the Poly lobby

Hi, everyone! I'm getting so excited...we are exactly 2 weeks from our Poly stay! I've never stayed at a deluxe, and I'm looking so forward to it. Now, if only I can get through 3 more individual papers, 2 group papers, 1 presentation, and i final, I'll be good to go

Good luck and have a fabulous vacation. You deserve it

Fantastic idea Missus Toad! I can't really complain right now (haven't got much to base it on!) but I would really like management to address these problems so that I don't have to complain after our next visit.
I went back to the other thread and added my 2 cents. I will admit I am somewhat concerned about these negative reviews. Management doesn't have a lot of control over someone's problems with the resort's layout or decor, but maintenance, cleanliness and customer service should be a top priority, no matter where you are staying. It can make a huge difference in your vacation experience. I will be keeping my eye on reviews over the next couple of months. This all makes me a little less excited about our next trip. Hope I'm worried about nothing.

Like I posted in the other thread, we did have a few issues our most recent trip. They were all handled promptly and DH and I joked that we got the 'bad' room. Was I annoyed at the third and fourth issue? Yes! But I cannot complain at how quickly things were taken care of.

I was reading that thread and the amount of people who were complaining about the theming was shocking. I find the Polynesian to be a beautiful resort, while others do not. I guess it's just a matter of opinion. All in all, after reading that thread I still love the Poly.

People tend to jump on the Poly. I do find that most negative Poly reviews get posted on the main resort board rather than here. They know that we are dedicated. I am always open to read any review, good or bad.

As far as people not liking the theme of the Poly...I get that. People love BWV, I personally will not set foot in that resort because the theme there flips me out I could not handle the clowns all over the pace...but that is just me

 

[*~PrincessBelle~*]

Hey!

Just wanted to come out of the shadows where I've been lurking to say hi. My fiance and I will be making our first trip to WDW EVER! We are honeymooning for 5 nights at the poly. After debating back and forth for weeks about GVCL and the Honeymoon suite in Tonga we decided we wouldn't be in are room that much to make up for the $1000 dollar difference. So we will be in GVCL! We are doing Deluxe Dining as well. We are both really excited (well me more so them him...lol but he will get there). Although I am feeling a bit guilty at leaving our 2 year old home...but hey! more incentive to plan another trip!

So yeah that is all just saying HI!

That's so exciting!! Me and my future hubby are honeymooning at the Poly as well GVCL in September!! You'll have to let as all know how it goes!! We thought about DxDDP too...seeing as we would probably do all signature dining but I think we've decided to forego the DxDDP for now ...just so then we'll have a little more flexibility in our days...Congrats on honeymooning at the Poly!

 

[Aristocath]

What upsets me most about the negative Poly reviews is that people aren't getting them resolved on their trip. If I have a problem and a CM doesn't get it fixed, I speak in person to a manager. I had to do that at POR. If I hadn't spoken to a manager, I'd probably still be upset four years later!

Please, if you have issues, take the time to get them resolved so it doesn't ruin your vacation. (And potenially other people's vacations as well!)

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Every resort on Disney property is "dirty" one way or another. I think that it's pick on Polynesian week. I guess the problem I have is when someone says that Pop Century is cleaner than the Polynesian. I have seen garbage in other resorts too, like cracker crumbs smashed all over the food court carpet at the Pop Century.

Exactly. I've seen trash piled up in the cans at the QS at the BC, the Poly, All Star Music, Pop. You know, I saw a palmetto bug crawling outside of the main building at the GF but that didn't make me think the whole resort was 'dirty'.

Don't get me started about the food court at Pop. It is awesome but at peak times, the trash generated is I feel sorry for the CMs...

I think my love for the Poly is getting in the way of my opinion.

I'm just waiting for the 'Oh no, BEDBUGS' thread to pop up again.`

 

[Tess]

I agree. That's why I am a little worried about all of the cleanliness/maintenance complaints. We LOVED the Poly when we were there in October and are so anxious to go back. We also fell in love with the view (TPV Tuvalu), the monorail access etc. We really can't imagine staying at another resort (well I would consider GF, but DH is so not down with that - too frou frou! ) It would disappoint me so much to go and have an experience like so many others are reporting (dirty rooms, flooding toilets with slow response from maintenance, garbage in and around CC, etc).

When people begin piling on the negative review threads, you must remember one thing; some of the negative posts occurred months or years ago. But for the original post, the others aren't necessarily recent experiences. People who have had a negative experience will tend to hold a grudge and some of the posts have been posted about ad nauseum and at each and every possible opportunity.

It's all a matter of perspective. I won't be a Polynesian apologist--we've also had negative experiences in the past, but we keep going back. We also stay at other resorts as well and the Polynesian is still our favorite. Maintenance or service issues are one thing; but negative posts because you think the resort is too sprawling or the theme is not your style--don't have much weight with me. Different strokes for different folks. Maintenance and service issues are always being complained about on the boards and are not limited to the Polynesian.

Try not to worry until you have a reason to do so. You had a pleasant stay in the past and that was your experience.

 

[maiapapaya]

Hey!

Just wanted to come out of the shadows where I've been lurking to say hi. My fiance and I will be making our first trip to WDW EVER! We are honeymooning for 5 nights at the poly. After debating back and forth for weeks about GVCL and the Honeymoon suite in Tonga we decided we wouldn't be in are room that much to make up for the $1000 dollar difference. So we will be in GVCL! We are doing Deluxe Dining as well. We are both really excited (well me more so them him...lol but he will get there). Although I am feeling a bit guilty at leaving our 2 year old home...but hey! more incentive to plan another trip!

So yeah that is all just saying HI!

That's so exciting!! Me and my future hubby are honeymooning at the Poly as well GVCL in September!! You'll have to let as all know how it goes!! We thought about DxDDP too...seeing as we would probably do all signature dining but I think we've decided to forego the DxDDP for now ...just so then we'll have a little more flexibility in our days...Congrats on honeymooning at the Poly!

Congratulations! Hope you both have magical honeymoons!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Hey!

Just wanted to come out of the shadows where I've been lurking to say hi.

Awesome, another Philly person! Congrats on the upcoming trip!

 

[PolynesianLily]

Exactly. I've seen trash piled up in the cans at the QS at the BC, the Poly, All Star Music, Pop. You know, I saw a palmetto bug crawling outside of the main building at the GF but that didn't make me think the whole resort was 'dirty'.

Don't get me started about the food court at Pop. It is awesome but at peak times, the trash generated is I feel sorry for the CMs...



I'm just waiting for the 'Oh no, BEDBUGS' thread to pop up again.`

I think it's just the pick on Poly week here on the Resorts board. I sometimes, sometimes think that people can over exaggerate just a tiny tiny bit. Like you said, i've seen dirt in other hotels, but I don't dislike the hotels because of it, nor do I label it 'dirty'. To each their own I guess. I mean it's not just the Polynesian that these things are happening at, but I don't see threads about those

 

[maiapapaya]

Like I posted in the other thread, we did have a few issues our most recent trip. They were all handled promptly and DH and I joked that we got the 'bad' room. Was I annoyed at the third and fourth issue? Yes! But I cannot complain at how quickly things were taken care of.

People tend to jump on the Poly. I do find that most negative Poly reviews get posted on the main resort board rather than here. They know that we are dedicated. I am always open to read any review, good or bad.

What upsets me most about the negative Poly reviews is that people aren't getting them resolved on their trip. If I have a problem and a CM doesn't get it fixed, I speak in person to a manager. I had to do that at POR. If I hadn't spoken to a manager, I'd probably still be upset four years later!

Please, if you have issues, take the time to get them resolved so it doesn't ruin your vacation. (And potenially other people's vacations as well!)

ITA. What concerns me are the ppl who say they complain and either nothing gets done or they have to make multiple calls or the CM's they deal with are rude. I wonder BreezysMom if it helped that you were staying CL, ie. there are dedicated staff in Hawaii whose job is to address all of their guests' needs? I personally wouldn't make a big deal out of an issue if it is taken care of promptly and properly. If not, and can see why ppl get ticked off (esp. when it's a toilet issue! ewww, most other things I could live with )

General maintenance (ie. shabbiness, broken stuff) and cleanliness are things that should be taken care of. I'm sure it happens at all of the resorts, but really it shouldn't happen at any of them. It's a lot of money to go to WDW and having someone on staff fix something or pick up the trash shouldn't be too much to ask.

I'm not ready to give up on Poly yet, but our last trip was so fantastic I guess I'm just paranoid that something will spoil it this time!

 

[figarofan]

My most recent Poly trip was Oct. '08. I loved the convenience of the monorail and even more being so close to the TTC. Loved the Dole Whip. Loved the larger room. My only request when I went to the Poly was no parking lot view. That is exactly what I got. The staff however was very accommodating and moved us to Tokelau.

The pool was always crowded, but never used by us so no issue.

Used the Arcade and water was on the floor. Not sure where it was coming from but with all the electrical stuff I reported it. Didn't seem to be a priority to the staff.

Room was not that clean and things do seem dated.

Had mixed experiences with the staff. Some were fantastic, others not so great.

I think many of the complaints are legitimate. Of course I still love the Poly and am rebooked for later this year. And although right now I am thinking of changing to POFQ or WL...it is not because of any negative posts. I just am a chronic resort changer.

It is a fantastic resort and one of my personal faves, but it also can have issues. Maybe it is good that the good and bad about the resort comes out so people have realistic expectations when booking a resort stay there.

 

[Missus Toad]

I think it's just the pick on Poly week here on the Resorts board. I sometimes, sometimes think that people can over exaggerate just a tiny tiny bit. I mean it's not just the Polynesian that these things are happening at, but I don't see threads about those

I do feel the Poly takes a lot of heat, perhaps because devotees like us are so very much in love with it. I also think the price sets up expectations of the flawless dream vacation in paradise that no resort could live up to. Whatever the reason, I tend to back away from defending it too much out of the selfish desire to keep the Poly population down. I know, I'm bad.

 

[PolynesianLily]

The way I see it is the $400+ a night isn't just for the room. It's also for the amenities like the monorail, the dining and the location. I mean Disney certainly has to find a way to pay for those

 

[maiapapaya]

The way I see it is the $400+ a night isn't just for the room. It's also for the amenities like the monorail, the dining and the location. I mean Disney certainly has to find a way to pay for those

ITA. I was going to post that in the other thread, but I just didn't have the energy. I think people think the "deluxe" resorts are going to be fancy, high-end rooms or something. While they are, IMHO, nice, comfortable, well-themed etc, they are not high-end, upscale hotel. The price is also paying for the convenience of the monorail (worth every penny, especially with kids!), the location (those views ... ) variety of shopping and restaurants, etc.

I did say in the other thread that if there seemed to be a continued complaints about a slide in the maintenance and cleanliness of the resort I would consider switching and I did reference the fact that it's too expensive to stay there if the resort is shabby & unkempt. But really that would apply to any resort - ie. it's too expensive to be at Disney and stay at a resort that has let it's standards slide that badly. I'm hoping, however, that a lot of the griping is old complaints being regurgitated. I also know for every person who posts about a bad stay there are probably many, many people who had a fantastic stay and just don't post about it (because they don't feel the need to). I also know switching resorts is no guarantee because every resort gets bad reviews. I just think it's sad that WDW markets itself on the magic and it seems standards may have slipped. I mean really, what does it take to have a maintenance person on staff going around picking up the trash & emptying garbage? Or fixing a broken window? etc.

 

[Momtomouselover]

Does anyone know what kind of work is being done in the Hawaii bldg/CL? I read a couple of posts that said work was being done in this bldg and I was concerned about whether or not there was lots of noise, scaffolding, etc. vs. minor work?

Of course, it is nice to fix things up but just don't want it to impact our stay.

 

[PolynesianLily]

ITA. I was going to post that in the other thread, but I just didn't have the energy. I think people think the "deluxe" resorts are going to be fancy, high-end rooms or something. While they are, IMHO, nice, comfortable, well-themed etc, they are not high-end, upscale hotel. The price is also paying for the convenience of the monorail (worth every penny, especially with kids!), the location (those views ... ) variety of shopping and restaurants, etc.

I did say in the other thread that if there seemed to be a continued complaints about a slide in the maintenance and cleanliness of the resort I would consider switching and I did reference the fact that it's too expensive to stay there if the resort is shabby & unkempt. But really that would apply to any resort - ie. it's too expensive to be at Disney and stay at a resort that has let it's standards slide that badly. I'm hoping, however, that a lot of the griping is old complaints being regurgitated. I also know for every person who posts about a bad stay there are probably many, many people who had a fantastic stay and just don't post about it (because they don't feel the need to). I also know switching resorts is no guarantee because every resort gets bad reviews. I just think it's sad that WDW markets itself on the magic and it seems standards may have slipped. I mean really, what does it take to have a maintenance person on staff going around picking up the trash & emptying garbage? Or fixing a broken window? etc.

I noticed some of the reports on the one thread were a bit older. I'm not sure if that indicates anything, but

 

[brunette8706]

hi Vicki C! Yes, Chef Dick is leaving I wish him the best in his life after the Poly.

As far as the negative threads....

The poster had a bad stay and she did not find the Poly as magical. I respect that. I understand her frustration with feeling like she had to keep lodging complaints for maintenence issues. I hope she writes a letter with her issues. It does sound horrible and even I, a Poly lover would be frustrated with all the issues she experienced.

There are always going to be people who just don't get the Poly allure. Disney really does not have an issue filling Poly rooms. While the Poly is the most loved, it tends to get the most negative reviews here on the DIS. I personally would not change my reservation because of a negative review on the DIS, but people are spending lots of money to stay at the Poly, they don't want to be disappointed.

I respect everyones opinion good or bad. It will not sway how I feel about the Poly. I tend not too get involved in negative Poly threads because I know there will be lovers and haters and I certainly don't want to argue what I cannot control. More room for us at the Poly is how I see it

Happy Monday

**
Well thought out post. You're such a class act.

 

[BCV23]

When people begin piling on the negative review threads, you must remember one thing; some of the negative posts occurred months or years ago. But for the original post, the others aren't necessarily recent experiences. People who have had a negative experience will tend to hold a grudge and some of the posts have been posted about ad nauseum and at each and every possible opportunity.

It's all a matter of perspective. I won't be a Polynesian apologist--we've also had negative experiences in the past, but we keep going back. We also stay at other resorts as well and the Polynesian is still our favorite. Maintenance or service issues are one thing; but negative posts because you think the resort is too sprawling or the theme is not your style--don't have much weight with me. Different strokes for different folks. Maintenance and service issues are always being complained about on the boards and are not limited to the Polynesian.

Try not to worry until you have a reason to do so. You had a pleasant stay in the past and that was your experience.

I agree with all of this, Tess. So true about bad experiences being repeated ad nauseum.