ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[Mousemommy1]

For various reasons, I'd rather not do BC again. Not that is isn't a wonderful resort, because it is . As of now, I'm booked at BWI, but that stinkin' clown is what keeps me reconsidering. Well, that and the fact that I don't think I can go to WDW again and not stay at my Poly at least part of the time

Hello! Glad you had a great stay. Care to elaborate on your various reasons? Just curious as I am hopelessly torn between BC and Poly for our next trip and we've never stayed at either. There are appealing things about both of them and I feel that by picking one, I am going to regret missing the things at the other... DH is not interested in a split stay and just says to pick one. Since you were directly speaking about both of the resorts I most strongly consider, maybe you could give some perspective? TIA.

 

[mickeynut1]

The food in the lounge was always adequate. although I think they recycled the bagels for a few too many days as they were always stale. Everything else seemed fresh and tasty.

Mornings were always pastries, fruit, cereal and oatmeal. Afternoon snacks were goldfish, gummies, cookies, trail mix, popcorn and yogurt pretzels. Evening apps were rotating hot apps with cheeses, hummus/pita, veggies/dip, pineapple/caramel and either uncrustables or mini corndogs for the kiddos. We particularly enjoyed sushi night and wing/potsticker night! Desserts were kinda slim. Usually a mousse or tart or two and cookies. They were just ok.

The bad news. Many other guests (kids and adults alike) were darn right disgusting. Bare feet, wearing pajamas, grabbing food with fingers, eating in line, ordering around the CMs, leaving piles of dirty plates on a table and just moving to get another fresh table, taking every last item and leaving others to stand and wait for more. Well, you get the picture.

I tried not to let it bother me, but I really felt like they could do a better job enforcing the lounge decorum. At the BC the CMs were always on top of gently correcting the no-nos. Not so at the Poly.

I just booked the Poly for July and ended up going with a regular GV after trying to decide whether or not to go with CL. After reading your review, I can honestly say I feel I made the right choice. I have read on many occasions about the morning bagels being stale. I know CL isn't all about the food offerings, but guests shouldn't be expected to eat stale food. Also, the afternoon snacks seem to be very sparse compared to what we've experienced at the GF and WL. For the money spent on a CL room, it just doesn't seem worth it to me when I know I can get a great room with GV, still enjoy the resort to its fullest, and pay alot less money doing so. It is quite sad that the CMs allow people to walk around in the lounge in bare feet, grabbing food with their hands, etc......but I am sad to report that it's not just happening at the Poly. A friend of mine is at GF RPC now and she is experiencing the same thing. People are walking around bare foot, being loud, and lounging/laying on the couches with no socks or shoes on without one word being said from any of the CMs . That in itself makes me rethink booking CL at any resort. But I do appreciate your review as it has been very helpful to me....thanks for posting about your stay .

At the WL they also enforce all the lounge rules which makes it a great experience for ALL the guests. It's too bad that the Poly doesn't seem to care.

Even though it's been quite some time since we've stayed WL CL (2004), I remember having a great time. Food was plentiful, no rowdy out of control guests, and the CMs were wonderful . I have Poly GV booked as of now, but I could get WL CL for just $292 more (total for the week). The only thing stopping me is the smaller room and no daybed .......but I am trying to seriously consider it as we do love the WL as well as CL, it's just once you try the resorts with the larger rooms, it's hard to go back. I have a feeling I will be making alot of changes between now and the beginning of June when my final payment is due .

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Hello! Glad you had a great stay. Care to elaborate on your various reasons? Just curious as I am hopelessly torn between BC and Poly for our next trip and we've never stayed at either. There are appealing things about both of them and I feel that by picking one, I am going to regret missing the things at the other... DH is not interested in a split stay and just says to pick one. Since you were directly speaking about both of the resorts I most strongly consider, maybe you could give some perspective? TIA.

Honestly, the main reason we are thinking BWI over BC for a split is due to my mom's recent passing, so that won't help you much

I've seen you post a lot about your struggle to decide. I understand When I first booked the BC it was very hard for me to even consider anything else but the Poly, but I'm glad I did. It must be even harder to choose one blind.

BC is light, airy and pretty. Poly is darker, but more romantic and tropical. The pools are both pretty nice. The volcano pool is MUCH smaller than SAB which can be good or bad depending on how much you want to relax during pool time.

One thing I like better about the Poly is that I'm not a fan of trekking through a main lobby and endless hallways to get to my room after pool time (or anytime really). I much prefer wandering around the paths outdoors enjoying the Florida sunshine!

Another thing for me is that the Poly just feels more magical with the MK right across the lagoon. Even on non-park days, it just feels like Disney!

Good luck with your decision, I don't think you will be disappointed with either choice. But if something keeps pulling you back to the Poly, well....

 

[Tess]

Since Carl has been so generous in sharing, I thought I would pass on a few of my favorites. . .from 2010.

This spot belongs to the Haber family at breakfast and appetizer time:

Oh my, guess I got a bit carried away. . .

 

[204charity]

You certainly did NOT! I love seeing everyone's pics of the Poly. They are beautiful. I can't wait to add my own to the bunch. Having never been before, I am sure I will be taking pics of EVERYTHING!!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

TESS - LOVE the pictures!!

Hello! Glad you had a great stay. Care to elaborate on your various reasons? Just curious as I am hopelessly torn between BC and Poly for our next trip and we've never stayed at either. There are appealing things about both of them and I feel that by picking one, I am going to regret missing the things at the other... DH is not interested in a split stay and just says to pick one. Since you were directly speaking about both of the resorts I most strongly consider, maybe you could give some perspective? TIA.

I know you were asking someone else but thought I would give some feedback since I've stayed at the Poly and BC. I prefer the Poly over BC but would stay at BC again. Here is why I think the Poly is better -

Transportation (monorail to MK AND Epcot - and all the monorail resorts)
Theme - I just love the tropical theme of the resort. BC is 'beachy' but seems plainer to me.
Food - BC has a much-to-be-desired quick service (it is a counter in their store). Poly's quick service and Ohana's beats out BC's options (in my opinion! I had bad food and service at Cape May's, Hurricane Hannah's, and Beaches n Cream.)
Rooms - I like the bathroom at the Poly how it is INSIDE a door. BC has the sinks OUTSIDE the toilet/shower area so if you use a sink when people are sleeping, it is loud at BC!
Neverland club - BEST kids club is at the Poly. If you plan on using a kids club, it is nice to use this one and really nice if you are staying there. BC has a kids club and my kids did not use it when we were there, but it is smaller than the Neverland club.

BC beats out Poly with the Epcot location though. If you are only going to Epcot, BC is right next door! And it is close to HS too.

BC also has stormalong bay which I actually did NOT like. It is spread out so you can not see the whole 'pool' from one location. So with younger children, it felt less 'safe' to me. If they wanted to go on the slide, I had to go with them. Or if they wanted to go in the 'current' I had to hold on to them (it's a strong current!) But saying all that, I could definitely see how this pool would appeal to teenagers that can go off on their own in the pool. And even though my kids are excellent swimmers, I won't let them go off on their own at a hotel - they are still young enough that I worry.

Anyway, hope that helps a bit!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

TESS - LOVE the pictures!!



I know you were asking someone else but thought I would give some feedback since I've stayed at the Poly and BC. I prefer the Poly over BC but would stay at BC again. Here is why I think the Poly is better -

Transportation (monorail to MK AND Epcot - and all the monorail resorts)
Theme - I just love the tropical theme of the resort. BC is 'beachy' but seems plainer to me.
Food - BC has a much-to-be-desired quick service (it is a counter in their store). Poly's quick service and Ohana's beats out BC's options (in my opinion! I had bad food and service at Cape May's, Hurricane Hannah's, and Beaches n Cream.)
Rooms - I like the bathroom at the Poly how it is INSIDE a door. BC has the sinks OUTSIDE the toilet/shower area so if you use a sink when people are sleeping, it is loud at BC!
Neverland club - BEST kids club is at the Poly. If you plan on using a kids club, it is nice to use this one and really nice if you are staying there. BC has a kids club and my kids did not use it when we were there, but it is smaller than the Neverland club.

BC beats out Poly with the Epcot location though. If you are only going to Epcot, BC is right next door! And it is close to HS too.

BC also has stormalong bay which I actually did NOT like. It is spread out so you can not see the whole 'pool' from one location. So with younger children, it felt less 'safe' to me. If they wanted to go on the slide, I had to go with them. Or if they wanted to go in the 'current' I had to hold on to them (it's a strong current!) But saying all that, I could definitely see how this pool would appeal to teenagers that can go off on their own in the pool. And even though my kids are excellent swimmers, I won't let them go off on their own at a hotel - they are still young enough that I worry.

Anyway, hope that helps a bit!

Great post! I totally agree with all of it

 

[iloveeeyore]

I agree with the PPs about SAB. I think it is fine for VERY small children (because you have to be on top of them every moment anyway), or independent teens. But for those in-the-middle, tweenie kinds of kids, SAB seems very dangerous. We rented surrey bikes at the boardwalk in 2010 and almost ran over several kids who were simply walking from the pool to the slide. It seemed overwhelming to me.

 

[jandkmom]

My countdown is now days, not weeks! Can't wait for our first CL experience at the Poly!

 

[haleofafamily]

For various reasons, I'd rather not do BC again. Not that is isn't a wonderful resort, because it is . As of now, I'm booked at BWI, but that stinkin' clown is what keeps me reconsidering. Well, that and the fact that I don't think I can go to WDW again and not stay at my Poly at least part of the time

All the talk of the clown slide make me giggle...I love that slide! It's probably my favorite of the ones I've been on at WDW. When we were there, my husband said he always knew when I was on the slide because he could here me laughing on my way down it.

 

[cricketgirl]

My countdown is now days, not weeks! Can't wait for our first CL experience at the Poly!

Me to! We will be there late Friday night.

 

[carlnix30]

Since Carl has been so generous in sharing, I thought I would pass on a few of my favorites. . .from 2010.

Oh my, guess I got a bit carried away. . .

Nope!! Not carried away at all!! I really love the different perspectives of these!!

TESS - LOVE the pictures!!

I know you were asking someone else but thought I would give some feedback since I've stayed at the Poly and BC. I prefer the Poly over BC but would stay at BC again. Here is why I think the Poly is better -

Transportation (monorail to MK AND Epcot - and all the monorail resorts)
Theme - I just love the tropical theme of the resort. BC is 'beachy' but seems plainer to me.
Food - BC has a much-to-be-desired quick service (it is a counter in their store). Poly's quick service and Ohana's beats out BC's options (in my opinion! I had bad food and service at Cape May's, Hurricane Hannah's, and Beaches n Cream.)
Rooms - I like the bathroom at the Poly how it is INSIDE a door. BC has the sinks OUTSIDE the toilet/shower area so if you use a sink when people are sleeping, it is loud at BC!
Neverland club - BEST kids club is at the Poly. If you plan on using a kids club, it is nice to use this one and really nice if you are staying there. BC has a kids club and my kids did not use it when we were there, but it is smaller than the Neverland club.

BC beats out Poly with the Epcot location though. If you are only going to Epcot, BC is right next door! And it is close to HS too.

BC also has stormalong bay which I actually did NOT like. It is spread out so you can not see the whole 'pool' from one location. So with younger children, it felt less 'safe' to me. If they wanted to go on the slide, I had to go with them. Or if they wanted to go in the 'current' I had to hold on to them (it's a strong current!) But saying all that, I could definitely see how this pool would appeal to teenagers that can go off on their own in the pool. And even though my kids are excellent swimmers, I won't let them go off on their own at a hotel - they are still young enough that I worry.

Anyway, hope that helps a bit!

The poly is much more convenient YC/BC we went to beaches and cream to get the kitchen sink.. We thought we would never get out of there when we were done!! We couldn't wait to get out of there and get back to the poly!

 

[carlnix30]

Okay so I asked this on the old thread but..
If anyone has a pic or pictures of your room view on your last stay and want to share them..post em..
I think it would help those that have not stayed feel better about their room choice if they can see what we have already seen!!

Let's see.. let's see

​

 

[padawans]

I agree with the PPs about SAB. I think it is fine for VERY small children (because you have to be on top of them every moment anyway), or independent teens. But for those in-the-middle, tweenie kinds of kids, SAB seems very dangerous. We rented surrey bikes at the boardwalk in 2010 and almost ran over several kids who were simply walking from the pool to the slide. It seemed overwhelming to me.

Yes I agree. My kids are what I also refer to as tweenie 7 and 9. SAB is very fun for them, but not so relaxing for me. I keep asking them if they wan't to stay at BC or BW. They keep picking BC. Don't get me wrong I love BC for the location, and the pool is fun. I just find the Poly and BW to be better for lazy parents like myself that don't like move from the lounge chair. As of now were still doing a poly/bc split.

 

[princessbride6205]

All the talk of the clown slide make me giggle...I love that slide! It's probably my favorite of the ones I've been on at WDW. When we were there, my husband said he always knew when I was on the slide because he could here me laughing on my way down it.

I too think the clown slide is kind of ugly and creepy. But when you're actually there in person, it fits with the whole atmosphere. Our October stay had a view of it from our room! But now it has a special place in my heart because it was DD's first water slide.

BC versus Poly really depends on what is important to you, which parks you'll spend the most time at, and what theme appeals to you. For Food and Wine, I would choose BC or BW. But any other time, it would depend.

 

[carlnix30]

Good morning!!

 

[laura428]

LOVING all of the pictures - thank you!!

Yes I agree. My kids are what I also refer to as tweenie 7 and 9. SAB is very fun for them, but not so relaxing for me. I keep asking them if they wan't to stay at BC or BW. They keep picking BC. Don't get me wrong I love BC for the location, and the pool is fun. I just find the Poly and BW to be better for lazy parents like myself that don't like move from the lounge chair. As of now were still doing a poly/bc split.

This is totally us. The kids will still only be 8 and 6 on the next trip, and I don't feel safe if they're not within view. Admittedly, I'm with DD6 most of the time, anyway, as she's not as comfy in the water by herself, but makes me feel better knowing that I'll be able to keep easy tabs on DS8.

I've been thinking about checking out some of the Epcot resorts, so all of this info is really helpful! I think for now, with the kids being younger, it'll be the Poly for a little while longer.

 

[maiapapaya]

OK, Carl I'll play along ... this is our view from our trip in October.
Hawaii room 3506

 

[padawans]

LOVING all of the pictures - thank you!!



This is totally us. The kids will still only be 8 and 6 on the next trip, and I don't feel safe if they're not within view. Admittedly, I'm with DD6 most of the time, anyway, as she's not as comfy in the water by herself, but makes me feel better knowing that I'll be able to keep easy tabs on DS8.

I've been thinking about checking out some of the Epcot resorts, so all of this info is really helpful! I think for now, with the kids being younger, it'll be the Poly for a little while longer.

We live in Az so my kids swim year round. I think if they were a little more timid it might be easier. Their great swimmers and feel comfortable around water. I just hate having to get up all the time to go check on them. Yeah I agree it's much easier if you can see the whole pool. The only thing BW is missing is a sand area for the kids to play in. Kids love sand, and it keeps them busy for hours. I think if it had that it would be a better option in the epcot area.

 

[carlnix30]

OK, Carl I'll play along ... this is our view from our trip in October.
Hawaii room 3506

I love the first one! Sail boat palm.. And castle!!