ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Winter 2011 Edition

[princssdisnygina]

OH no! I hope they get it right for you!

Also, I messed up. We are only staying 5 nights. I forgot our first night is at Hard Rock for Harry Potter. And I looked it up - it's $15 more per night on Fri/Sat than the rest of the week. We only have 1 weekend night.

That could be a little bit of it! I am still going to check!

 

[1971DBday]

I am having my second thoughts about our October 2011 trip. We are booked at the WL. We decided to try it this year because my DSIL and DBIL will be joining us and they are letting our oldest sleep in their room; otherwise our family size would not normally fit in their standard rooms.

However, I miss the Poly!!! (Even with the new $300 cabana and the ugly ropes they plunked in the sand to warden off trespassers.)

Our next trip will be in June of 2012 (eight months after our October 2011 trip) and we will be staying at the Poly again.

I know I should just suck it up and enjoy another resort and at least we have an ADR for O'Hana's. We respect the no pool hopping and I know I will miss the Nanea pool - these are some of my most fondest and relaxing memories of our past trips to the Poly.

 

[dizneechic]

IMO I think you should try the WL just this once - because you can! As a family of 5 it stinks that we can't enjoy some resorts without shelling out for 2 rooms, and with your SIL & BIL along this time it may be one of the only chances you have for a while.

I will admit we are huge WL fans, we love strolling the grounds there and Roaring Forks is more our style vs Captain Cooks. The pools are also very nice (and seem to have more seating ). You can still do the "beach" at night and catch the EWP and the beach there also has a playground and tether ball (at least did a while ago). Taking the water shuttle to the MK was also a breeze (and some of our favorite moments of those trips). Not to mention the wow factor when your in the lobby, it's not the Poly tropical vaca feel, but its majestic and warm, and for us has a very "homey" feel.

The lack of monorail though and ability to see fireworks from the resort are 2 negatives IMO for WL, but for the experience it's not a deal breaker. If as a family of 5 I could choose to stay anywhere on site (without occupancy issues), WL would be in our top 3.

 

[crostorfer]

Despite the Polynesian finally giving out wrist bands for guests when they are at the volcano pool, they still have not banned DVC members from pool hopping there. So it's not like Stromalong Bay where the only guests over there are from the Yacht Club, Beach Club and Beach Club Villas because they also have wrist bands. Personally when I heard the Polynesian was doing this I thought shouldn't they make their pool exclusive to guests staying there like Stromalong Bay is if they are giving out wrist bands? I mean it's great that they started with the wrist bands but if the volcano pool is not added to the no pool hopping list for DVC members what's the point?

Personally, I think it should be that DVC members can only hop to pools that are at DVC properties. But, I suppose if they did that it wouldn't be that big of a perk. Or maybe would be. I suppose some people like the creepy clown pool at the BWI, or the pool at the AKV.

I am an incredibly selfish being. I wish even the beach were off limits to non-guests at night. More pineapples filled with delicious rum concoctions for me. I love the Poly, I pay to stay there and use the amenities, if other people want to enjoy the property, they should pay to stay there too.

 

[sandym718]

Personally, I think it should be that DVC members can only hop to pools that are at DVC properties. But, I suppose if they did that it wouldn't be that big of a perk. Or maybe would be. I suppose some people like the creepy clown pool at the BWI, or the pool at the AKV.

I am an incredibly selfish being. I wish even the beach were off limits to non-guests at night. More pineapples filled with delicious rum concoctions for me. I love the Poly, I pay to stay there and use the amenities, if other people want to enjoy the property, they should pay to stay there too.

I agree with you!!

 

[woodkins]

Despite the Polynesian finally giving out wrist bands for guests when they are at the volcano pool, they still have not banned DVC members from pool hopping there. So it's not like Stromalong Bay where the only guests over there are from the Yacht Club, Beach Club and Beach Club Villas because they also have wrist bands. Personally when I heard the Polynesian was doing this I thought shouldn't they make their pool exclusive to guests staying there like Stromalong Bay is if they are giving out wrist bands? I mean it's great that they started with the wrist bands but if the volcano pool is not added to the no pool hopping list for DVC members what's the point?

I am also glad that they are moving to wristbands for pool use. I hope it becomes standard policy for all seasons, not just the busy ones. I personally don't think the DVC pool hoppers are what is causing the crowding at the volcano pool. I know I personally have seen large groups at the pool and they have even gone so far as to ask me what resort I am staying at and then mention they are either off site, value level etc. Even if 1/2 of the pool hoppers are DVC that means the other half will be gone

 

[nala1128]

I am an incredibly selfish being. I wish even the beach were off limits to non-guests at night. More pineapples filled with delicious rum concoctions for me. I love the Poly, I pay to stay there and use the amenities, if other people want to enjoy the property, they should pay to stay there too.

I don't think there is anything wrond with your statement. I agree with you. The Poly is not cheap, but I am willing to spend my hard earned money to stay at the POLY as it is worth it to us for the amenities and location. I feel that if you want to use the pool or take up a lounge (or 4) on the beach to watch Wishes... you should have paid for the hotel to enjoy those benefits as we and many other guests do!!!

 

[nala1128]

I am also glad that they are moving to wristbands for pool use. I hope it becomes standard policy for all seasons, not just the busy ones. I personally don't think the DVC pool hoppers are what is causing the crowding at the volcano pool. I know I personally have seen large groups at the pool and they have even gone so far as to ask me what resort I am staying at and then mention they are either off site, value level etc. Even if 1/2 of the pool hoppers are DVC that means the other half will be gone

I agree with you also Woodkins.... Especially since the addition of the cabanas means less seating around the pool for resort guests. I hope they do continue with the wristbands all year round

 

[housetomouse]

Any updated pics or info from those at the Poly regarding the pool rehab?

The quiet pool is still closed. It didn't look like there was any work being done on it early this past week. I expect it's going to be a while before it opens.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am an incredibly selfish being. I wish even the beach were off limits to non-guests at night. More pineapples filled with delicious rum concoctions for me. I love the Poly, I pay to stay there and use the amenities, if other people want to enjoy the property, they should pay to stay there too.

While I agree with you if that actually did happen then it would start a bad chain of events. For example guests staying at the Contemporary would then want the 4th floor observation deck only for them and banning those guests who aren't staying there that go and watch Wishes. Plus guests at the Grand Floridian would want the marnia by Gasparilla's Grill & Games only for them when watching Wishes, even though they have tables set for people to eat out there if they purchased food from Gasparilla's & Games. Plus what if guests not staying there purchased something at Gasparilla's and sat down at an empty table and started watching Wishes. Technically they would be taking that table away from Grand Floridian guests, however they sat down first so they could eat.

 

[housetomouse]

Yes, but if they keep up with the wristbanding hopefully it will keep the pool hoppers away and the people who are actually staying at the resort can have the pool area to themselves. Pool and beach chairs should be for resort guests only. Play where you pay!!!

The wristbanding process at the Polynesian is totally different than what they do at the Yacht/Beach Club. I was approached maybe twice and asked if I was staying at the resort. But I saw the guard ask someone else if they were staying at the resort, and the people said yes, then the guard asked to see their room key, and they said they didn't have it with them, so the guard said okay here is your wristband So the process is really loosy-goosy. The pool was quite crowded, but we always found a chair (not a lounger), somehow. Possibly a lot of people used the loungers on the beach, whereas we'd stay on the pool deck.

Another thought is that the regular cabanas seemed much nicer than the Premium cabana with regards to location. The Premium cabana is right by the busy bar area, and at the boat dock, and facing 2 hammocks, so it's a really busy area, even though you are technically separated from the hustle and bustle. I thought the poolside cabanas looked much more peaceful.

 

[carlnix30]

I am having my second thoughts about our October 2011 trip. We are booked at the WL. We decided to try it this year because my DSIL and DBIL will be joining us and they are letting our oldest sleep in their room; otherwise our family size would not normally fit in their standard rooms.

However, I miss the Poly!!! (Even with the new $300 cabana and the ugly ropes they plunked in the sand to warden off trespassers.)

Our next trip will be in June of 2012 (eight months after our October 2011 trip) and we will be staying at the Poly again.

I know I should just suck it up and enjoy another resort and at least we have an ADR for O'Hana's. We respect the no pool hopping and I know I will miss the Nanea pool - these are some of my most fondest and relaxing memories of our past trips to the Poly.

Stay at the WL!! It is a beautiful resort with lots of character.. We stayed there for our firt trip to Disney and enjoyed it very much! A little word of advise.. Dont stay in a room on the main lobby floor! It is really loud and the doors don't seem to keep the noise out! And don't ask for a refill of tea or condiments at whispering canyon!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED..

 

[princssdisnygina]

Stay at the WL!! It is a beautiful resort with lots of character.. We stayed there for our firt trip to Disney and enjoyed it very much! A little word of advise.. Dont stay in a room on the main lobby floor! It is really loud and the doors don't seem to keep the noise out! And don't ask for a refill of tea or condiments at whispering canyon!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED..

I LOVE the WL as well! It would be my choice if I couldn't stay at the Poly!

 

[dfarner]

The quiet pool is still closed. It didn't look like there was any work being done on it early this past week. I expect it's going to be a while before it opens.

We're booked at the Poly this July. We were set for June, but changed dates. My DH called CRO today for info on pool, and they couldn't help. He then called the Poly directly. They transferred him to two different castmembers who both gave him a date of May 5th for completion. Come on Cinco de Mayo!!

 

[crostorfer]

While I agree with you if that actually did happen then it would start a bad chain of events. For example guests staying at the Contemporary would then want the 4th floor observation deck only for them and banning those guests who aren't staying there that go and watch Wishes. Plus guests at the Grand Floridian would want the marnia by Gasparilla's Grill & Games only for them when watching Wishes, even though they have tables set for people to eat out there if they purchased food from Gasparilla's & Games. Plus what if guests not staying there purchased something at Gasparilla's and sat down at an empty table and started watching Wishes. Technically they would be taking that table away from Grand Floridian guests, however they sat down first so they could eat.

I see your point, it would set a precedent that would be hard to follow. I just hate that I have to fight for space on the beach of the resort that I pay to stay in. Although, Disney could easily use that as a marketing tool to further make their monorail resorts more appealing. Close off the GF, CR, and Poly to just guests, and maybe more people would shell out the dollars to stay there for the priveledge.

 

[firehazmat]

So excited. Got our stuff in the mail today for our end of May trip!!!! It's coming...

 

[hstrickland]

So excited. Got our stuff in the mail today for our end of May trip!!!! It's coming...

We received ours, too, for the CR!!! DD5 took one look at the picture of the CR in the brochure and shouted, "That is NOT the Poly CL!!" I thought DH was going to choke her. He quickly reminded her that this is the resort that she and her brothers chose! I had to laugh

 

[disneydreamin247]

We received ours, too, for the CR!!! DD5 took one look at the picture of the CR in the brochure and shouted, "That is NOT the Poly CL!!" I thought DH was going to choke her. He quickly reminded her that this is the resort that she and her brothers chose! I had to laugh

Kids! That is just too cute. She knows what she likes.

 

[bluejasmine]

Happy Easter everyone! Hope all my DIS family has a wonderful day! We are having a huge family get together at the park, getting tables, chairs, food, and all that ready now to stake out a good place for everyone near the water.. Should be a nice day of family, food and fun.. DH bought wiffle ball set, and they have paddle boats and kyaks and sis in law bringing those eggs filled with confetti made from real egg shells, she made 8 dozen by herself!

 

[LJERRY]

We received our ME packet the other day, and since the boys don't know that we are staying at the Poly, I had to open it and do my happy dance all by myself It was sad not to be able to share it's arrival with them, but it will be worth it when we get off the bus at the Poly instead of CS like they think we are! I already told them that there is a new rule that you can get into any line for ME, and you are guaranteed to be taken to your hotel. I said that they just want to speed things along, so we don't have to wait for the CS bus, if there is a bus to CR or Old Key West or whatever, we can take that one! Then we will just have to start making coversation with them every time the bus driver starts to talk, just in case they don't hear CS mentioned as one of the stops!