ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[SenorGreg]

Slight variation of the picture I posted earlier from last night.

Always wondered what the movie nights were like at Poly. When we stayed I was too busy running around the park like a happy crazed maniac to spend much time at our room. Now I know for next time...

 

[Alli76]

We have done this several times. I was very hesitant at first to use the club but I should have done this sooner!!! The kids LOVE it and now request to go to the Neverland Club. They have also been to WL's Den's Club but they like Neverland better (it's larger and a more interesting kids club). DH and I have only used Neverland when we've stayed at the Poly but this summer we will use it when we are staying at BWV but going to Victoria & Albert's for dinner. Anyway, it's SO easy and carefree. The adult that is going to pick them up must be the one to drop them off. But you just check in, give them the kids' choice for dinner, give them your cell phone number, and you (and the kids) are OFF! There usually ends up being 10 to 20 kids there (although they can accommodate much more). My kids have made 'buddies' with the other kids and then when they see them around the resort or at the pool, they have someone to talk to and play with as well.

It is pricey (~$12 per kid per hour) but totally worth it!! DH and I usually have a dinner scheduled at Epcot and then walk around world showcase, watch illuminations, and take the monorail back to TTC. Just remember the monorail only runs until 1 hour after Epcot closes if that is your plan

Thanks so much for the info. I think that will be a definite for our next trip!

 

[IslandAdventure4]

we need a 2013 thread. Gonna book our stay for 11/13

 

[guitarob]

we need a 2013 thread. Gonna book our stay for 11/13

to the Poly thread.

The date is just an indication of when the thread was started. We go until we hit about 250 pages (the forum max) and then I start a new thread, move the front page information over, update it where necessary and off we go with a fresh start of 250 more pages to fill. The front page is usually up-to-date. The denizens of our wonderful little corner of the Dis are pretty good at getting the current information to the thread, and I try pretty hard to make the front page reflect changes as soon as I know about them.

There may be one thread per year or many. We tend to burn through pages pretty quickly around here.

Feel free to chime in and ask questions no matter when your vacation begins!

As always, if anyone has verified facts (not rumors) that are missing from the front page, feel free to PM me, and I'll get the changes made!

 

[peteykirch]

Finally had a chance to go to Ohana last night, it was a good dinner, although it did take a while for the meat to get around to the tables.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Hi. My family loves Ohana. Its worth the wait.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Finally had a chance to go to Ohana last night, it was a good dinner, although it did take a while for the meat to get around to the tables.

You really take great pictures!!!

 

[peteykirch]

You really take great pictures!!!

Thanks, but it's really the camera doing the bulk of the work for me.

Took this after sunrise this morning.

 

[carlnix30]

Well the rain has been coming down off and on for the last couple days! I have cancelled the cabana. I will look on the bright side! Saved $640 so now we get more Mickey souvenirs and our "ohana" can be just that much closer! Today the forecast is going to be up to an inch of rain per hour!

Latest rumors from a reliable source.

They are indeed fencing off both pools with room key access. (or you can climb over it! lol)
The premium cabana will be replaced with a hot tub.
The pool deck could get a facelift/replacement.
The GCH may go through and extensive rehab. (possible tear down and rebuild)

 

[Alli76]

Well the rain has been coming down off and on for the last couple days! I have cancelled the cabana. I will look on the bright side! Saved $640 so now we get more Mickey souvenirs and our "ohana" can be just that much closer! Today the forecast is going to be up to an inch of rain per hour!

Latest rumors from a reliable source.

They are indeed fencing off both pools with room key access. (or you can climb over it! lol)
The premium cabana will be replaced with a hot tub.
The pool deck could get a facelift/replacement.
The GCH may go through and extensive rehab. (possible tear down and rebuild)

Actually the first couple sound pretty good to. Any news as to timing? I am kind of hoping for the pool/fence work this winter and the GCH to wait until later in 2013. Would be perfect for my trip planned end of April beginning of May next year. If there is going to be too much construction going on we may have to switch to the GF.

 

[jennyjinx3]

Well the rain has been coming down off and on for the last couple days! I have cancelled the cabana. I will look on the bright side! Saved $640 so now we get more Mickey souvenirs and our "ohana" can be just that much closer! Today the forecast is going to be up to an inch of rain per hour!

Latest rumors from a reliable source.

They are indeed fencing off both pools with room key access. (or you can climb over it! lol)
The premium cabana will be replaced with a hot tub.
The pool deck could get a facelift/replacement.
The GCH may go through and extensive rehab. (possible tear down and rebuild)

Any ideas when these things will take place??? Thanks for the info!

 

[carlnix30]

Actually the first couple sound pretty good to. Any news as to timing? I am kind of hoping for the pool/fence work this winter and the GCH to wait until later in 2013. Would be perfect for my trip planned end of April beginning of May next year. If there is going to be too much construction going on we may have to switch to the GF.

Any ideas when these things will take place??? Thanks for the info!

So here it is.

GCH has not been approved yet! But when or if it is, the GCH will be torn down completely and yes more than likely will be growing into Aulani like tower with DVC rooms. Rapa nui will be the temporary GCH.
The pool has been approved and is scheduled for the end of the fourth quarter. Until its done. So end of dec/January the pool deck is going to be expanded. A fence installed around both pools. ("themed") a hot tub will be installed.

 

[Alli76]

So here it is.

GCH has not been approved yet! But when or if it is, the GCH will be torn down completely and yes more than likely will be growing into Aulani like tower with DVC rooms. Rapa nui will be the temporary GCH.
The pool has been approved and is scheduled for the end of the fourth quarter. Until its done. So end of dec/January the pool deck is going to be expanded. A fence installed around both pools. ("themed") a hot tub will be installed.

I like this - sounds like it might just work out for me... fingers crossed! and probably makes sense to have pool work going on in the winter. Now just need to figure out how to stall the approval process - so work can't begin until after May 2013!

 

[jennyjinx3]

So here it is.

GCH has not been approved yet! But when or if it is, the GCH will be torn down completely and yes more than likely will be growing into Aulani like tower with DVC rooms. Rapa nui will be the temporary GCH.
The pool has been approved and is scheduled for the end of the fourth quarter. Until its done. So end of dec/January the pool deck is going to be expanded. A fence installed around both pools. ("themed") a hot tub will be installed.

Thank you so much Carl! It sounds like it will be unchanged for our Sept 2012 trip then. Phew....

 

[disneydreamin247]

Carl thanks for the updates!

 

[carlnix30]

Full Room rehabs start in october

 

[Alli76]

Full Room rehabs start in october

Carl you are the best!!! Thanks for all this information!!

 

[sandym718]

Guess we'll be seeing revamped pool areas and rooms when we return in 2014! I hope the GCH is still standing, though.

 

[disneydreamin247]

But....what is going to happen to 'Ohana?

 

[nonnasally]

Thanks for the updates Carl. Really enjoyed coming home Sunday and still being able to watch Wishes on your live feed. Thanks so much!!! It was so nice of you to be so diligent in sharing all the highlights.
Sorry we missed meeting you. Really did look for you and sorry the rain never went away. We are just happy we got one more stay there before construction begins. Not sure how I will feel about a total re-do of the GCH. My favorite place to hang out since 1989!
On a side note, We did manage a last minute ressie to Ohana for dinner and I got to admit, I don't get all the hype about it. DH loved it, DD and I just said, ok. Much preferred the breakfast there with great food and good service which has always been a family tradition when we are there. First time there for dinner since it became Ohana. ( dating myself) Felt like we were very rushed through dinner but then again we may have just caught an off-night. But all in all, who cares! We were at the Poly and thats all that matters to me! Enjoy your last few days, sorry you had to cancel cabana day. Use the money toward AP's for the family. ( if you haven't already!)

Safe journey back home!