ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: June 2013

[hebbynan]

I too got a call about upgrading from the standard view at the Poly to Lagoon view at the GF. We didn't take it. The GF is just NOT us. To me it seems a tad too frou-frou (as my grandma would say). Now...if they offered the WL we'd be on that in heart beat!! I'm just hoping that the Poly won't be too 'under construction' or crowded now with all these changes going on.

 

[karriealex]

Well my DVC appointment was kind of a bust. The young man I talked to gave me a lot of wrong or incomplete information. What we would need for the times and types of vacations we take would be prohibitive. We will keep planning the way we plan and paying out of pocket. One good thing came out of it though. We each got a card with three free fast passes to any ride, any park, at any time. So the half hour we spent wasn't a total waste of time and we found out exactly how DVC works so when someone talks about it on the boards I have a better understanding of it.

Our resort day has been great. Dh and I are going to take a little nap while the kids do their pin trading thing and then we have the luau tonight at 8. Our kiddos have never seen it so it should be fun to watch it through their eyes. My youngest can't wait to see the fire dancer.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I don't think it's bad at all......but then I hadn't yet booked our WDW stays for this December and I was already pricing out resorts and trying to decide where to stay next year .

The Poly is an awesome resort and I personally would stay there even with construction. Now if the volcano pool or GCH was closed, that would be a deal breaker for me as the volcano pool is our favorite pool on property and I love walking through the GCH and listening to the waterfall . But construction wouldn't bother me. Good luck and happy planning for next year .

Thank you and that's pretty much what we decided would be the deal breaker for us as well. She's excited, I'm excited and my oldest DD is excited. As for DH, well, he'll be happy as long as he doesn't have to hear the girls whine and complain...poor guy...he's so out-numbered, out-voted, out- everything

 

[karriealex]

It seems to me that IPO has not been given the current information yet (not their fault). Often the plans that are being made outside the resort staff don’t get communicated to them right away and I know they get frustrated with this. I agree that I don’t see pool work going on or work to the GCH this year but all indications are that work will start around the lagoon and beach and possibly on Tahiti and Rapa Nui.

The reason I don’t believe they have current information is because if they are saying that September will only be having the normal longhouse renovation then we already know Tahiti plans have changed because it should have been closed July 14 and it is still open. They have been right on target with closing every other longhouse so to me that indicates that the info I was told about Tahiti not getting the new room is correct. I think once we get closer to September IPO will have some updated information because they are good about trying to get the right answers for guests. Its not their fault if they are not given the current info.

I still don’t think you have a reason to be too concerned. I don’t see the construction being much more of a problem than the current work going on now unless there is a lot of equipment out on the beach for the lagoon work to be done.

Also the report that the pool work is on hold indefinitely is much different than what I was told the recreation department had on their schedule which was for it to close in January. Im sure that date can change as it has twice already but for now they believe it will close January.

Steve the information I got about the pool was from staff and IPO. The marina handles all the rehabbing on the pools and when they called down to them last week they were told that it was put off indefinitely. This is probably due to DVC and them not being sure yet exactly what will happen with the quiet pool. I double checked this today and was told the same thing. There is no date set for a rehab of the volcano pool at this time. I wanted to make doubly sure about the information I posted.

 

[DebbyLof428]

Well my DVC appointment was kind of a bust. The young man I talked to gave me a lot of wrong or incomplete information. What we would need for the times and types of vacations we take would be prohibitive. We will keep planning the way we plan and paying out of pocket. One good thing came out of it though. We each got a card with three free fast passes to any ride, any park, at any time. So the half hour we spent wasn't a total waste of time and we found out exactly how DVC works so when someone talks about it on the boards I have a better understanding of it.

Our resort day has been great. Dh and I are going to take a little nap while the kids do their pin trading thing and then we have the luau tonight at 8. Our kiddos have never seen it so it should be fun to watch it through their eyes. My youngest can't wait to see the fire dancer.

We did that for Bay Lake and came to the same conclusion. My hubby pointed out to me that I wouldn't be happy unless I was at the Poly and he was right. The points needed to stay at the Poly would cost more than out of pocket expenses. Now maybe when DVC comes to Poly we would rethink purchasing. Enjoy the luau tonight - the fire dancer is great

 

[Koh1977]

Reason #187 why I love the Poly (ok, so I probably don't have that many reasons, BUT you get the idea).

Had a lunch ADR at Coral Reef at 1:30 today. Checked in slightly before 1:30 and not seated until 2. Service was incredibly slow and the food not that great although we were seated near the left side of the tank which was awesome I thought. Kids weren't as impressed. Go figure...didn't get out of there until almost 3:20. Was back in the room by 3:45 and ready for my phone interview. Definitely couldn't have done that anywhere else!

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

I too got a call about upgrading from the standard view at the Poly to Lagoon view at the GF. We didn't take it. The GF is just NOT us. To me it seems a tad too frou-frou (as my grandma would say). Now...if they offered the WL we'd be on that in heart beat!! I'm just hoping that the Poly won't be too 'under construction' or crowded now with all these changes going on.

Looks like we will be there around the same time. I am with you. I hope that it would be crowded either. We are staying CL so I don't think we will get a phone call. We are staying our last night GV and would not mind switching for one night so my DS can use the cool new kiddie pool they put in. I really wish there was more info out there on what will be going on in September. It is driving this OCD planner crazy

 

[mickeynut1]

Well my DVC appointment was kind of a bust. The young man I talked to gave me a lot of wrong or incomplete information. What we would need for the times and types of vacations we take would be prohibitive. We will keep planning the way we plan and paying out of pocket. One good thing came out of it though. We each got a card with three free fast passes to any ride, any park, at any time. So the half hour we spent wasn't a total waste of time and we found out exactly how DVC works so when someone talks about it on the boards I have a better understanding of it.

Our resort day has been great. Dh and I are going to take a little nap while the kids do their pin trading thing and then we have the luau tonight at 8. Our kiddos have never seen it so it should be fun to watch it through their eyes. My youngest can't wait to see the fire dancer.

I'm sorry your DVC appointment was a bust . We've looked into DVC a few times and every time we've come to the same conclusion.....DVC just isn't for us. But at least you went and found out what it's all about and made an informed decision .

Glad you enjoyed your resort day. Have fun at the luau. We did the luau before and we really liked it. We thought the food was good and the show (while a little cheesy in parts) was cute. And as the pp mentioned, the fire dancers at the end are amazing .

Thank you and that's pretty much what we decided would be the deal breaker for us as well. She's excited, I'm excited and my oldest DD is excited. As for DH, well, he'll be happy as long as he doesn't have to hear the girls whine and complain...poor guy...he's so out-numbered, out-voted, out- everything

I'm glad everyone is excited. My DH is the same way....he doesn't really care where we stay, just so long as he doesn't have to do any of the planning and everyone gets along .

 

[karriealex]

I too got a call about upgrading from the standard view at the Poly to Lagoon view at the GF. We didn't take it. The GF is just NOT us. To me it seems a tad too frou-frou (as my grandma would say). Now...if they offered the WL we'd be on that in heart beat!! I'm just hoping that the Poly won't be too 'under construction' or crowded now with all these changes going on.

They may be offering you this deal since there is a TON of work going on at the Grand Floridian for DVC. I would venture to guess the Poly is very booked and the Grand Floridian is not and they are trying to fill the resort by giving upgrades. I mean right now they have a convention of people from an insurance agency. There are hundreds of them, all young people. It looks like Spring Break over there. I never thought I would see that at the Grand Floridian. The pool is so packed it isn't funny. We dealt with two of these youngsters last night on the bus. The one girl was drunk and was leaning over my two ds's gushing birthday wishes over a little girl she didn't know. She stayed that way for the entire trip from Epcot to the Poly. My youngest said to me when we got off the bus "Interesting view" My other son was just praying we wouldn't make a sharp turn because she would have ended up in his lap and he was unsure just what she would have done in her state.

 

[Spunky946]

We are staying oct 3-8th in a standard view room. We really want a balcony, but also don't want to be on one side or the other. I think we would prefer the middle?

I'm afraid if I just request a balcony we will end up in a longhouse that we don't want.

So do I request a balcony and a couple of longhouse, or just balcony.

Help.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

Just wanted to say hello and say that I've been reading & gathering as much information on the Poly as I can both on this thread and other threads/sites as we are looking to book a room at the Poly in August of next year. This is the "only" resort my youngest DD wants to stay at for her sweet 16 next summer and I'm "hoping" we'll get to make it a reality for her since she NEVER asks for anything (plus I'm not going to lie, I too have always wanted to stay at this resort ). I did mention the refurb and closures and asked her to pick an alternate resort just in case and she disappointedly told me she didn't have an alternate . So, my plan will be to book an Aug 2014 BB (if there's one in a couple of weeks) and I'll continue to monitor the whole Poly construction situation. Is it bad that I'm already planning a trip next year and this year's trip hasn't happened yet?

I think that sounds like a good plan. I cannot recall the last time I was at Disney and there wasn't construction somewhere. I've stayed at the Poly too when Captain Cooks was closed and relocated temporarily, and also when there have been room renovations, and I think maybe once when there was work on the beach. Not ideal but these things never spoiled my stay. I think if the Poly is the special place you want to stay, plan to stay there. I'm sure you will still find many beautiful and relaxing places at the resort away from the construction if there happens to be a lot going on. Even if the volcano pool happens to be closed you may enjoy being able to try the pool at the GF. I still think it will be fun for you, esp if this is where your daughter wants to be. I'd book it and not worry about it. Just keep an eye on things so you know what to expect when you get there.

 

[monorailsilver]

Has the waterfall been off for your entire trip? I did notice on some recent photos from folks that were there recently, that the waterfall seemed to be much smaller (less water) than usual. We will be checking in on Sunday. It will be disappointing if the water feature is not working or diminshed.

We have been here since Saturday and today was the first day. It is still on and I have been at the pool since 8am.

Saw some pool hoppers with their luggage!

 

[bluejasmine]

We have been here since Saturday and today was the first day. It is still on and I have been at the pool since 8am.

Saw some pool hoppers with their luggage!

Oh dear Lord what is it that attracts so many to the Volcano pool? It's nice but I wouldn't go out of my way (from another resort) for it!
Maybe we should spread the word on SAB! Lol!

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979

 

[mommy2mygirls]

I really hope we don't get a phone call! For one, I've been wanting to stay at the Poly for YEARS and have no desire to move to GF. But mostly it's because my mom and stepdad are going with us and we are surprising my mom when we get on the ME bus. She thinks we're staying somewhere else. I made all the reservations, paid everything off, and have her address listed as mine so all of her mail (ME tags, etc.) come to me. I'm just going to slap them on the suitcases when we check in at the airport and hope she doesn't notice what they say, lol. I also changed her email address so she wouldn't find out that way either. But I left her actual phone number on the account, so I could just imagine that conversation if Disney tried to call her first and move her! She'd be so confused!

Since we have two reservations, they linked them with a "traveling with" number, do you think they'd be less likely to try to move us?

 

[maxsmom]

Had a lunch ADR at Coral Reef at 1:30 today. Checked in slightly before 1:30 and not seated until 2. Service was incredibly slow and the food not that great although we were seated near the left side of the tank which was awesome I thought. Kids weren't as impressed. Go figure...didn't get out of there until almost 3:20. Was back in the room by 3:45 and ready for my phone interview. Definitely couldn't have done that anywhere else!

Wow, that's exact opposite of our experience yesterday there. We had an ADR for 4:20, checked in a little after 4 and it was packed. I think we were seated about 4:15 and were in and out in a very reasonable time. We enjoyed our meal. It was our 1st time there. We always book it and then cancel it for something else.

 

[tdunaway]

Does anyone know how long Spirit of Aloha lasts? If we go to the 8pm seating, will we have time to head back to our room for Wishes?! Thanks!

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Well my DVC appointment was kind of a bust. The young man I talked to gave me a lot of wrong or incomplete information. What we would need for the times and types of vacations we take would be prohibitive. We will keep planning the way we plan and paying out of pocket. One good thing came out of it though. We each got a card with three free fast passes to any ride, any park, at any time. So the half hour we spent wasn't a total waste of time and we found out exactly how DVC works so when someone talks about it on the boards I have a better understanding of it.

Our resort day has been great. Dh and I are going to take a little nap while the kids do their pin trading thing and then we have the luau tonight at 8. Our kiddos have never seen it so it should be fun to watch it through their eyes. My youngest can't wait to see the fire dancer.

My DH and I have also thought of DVC. We did a lot of research but in the end we decided it was not for us at this time. I am one of those people who always said would buy into DVC if there was one at the Poly so we'll see how we feel about it once the Poly DVC's are for sale.

How was the Luau? Did they change their dessert to the pineapple bread pudding? I had read reports where people said the dessert is now pineapple bread pudding. I hope so, that sounds delicious!!! We are going to the Luau for the 1st time next time we're there.

We are staying oct 3-8th in a standard view room. We really want a balcony, but also don't want to be on one side or the other. I think we would prefer the middle?

I'm afraid if I just request a balcony we will end up in a longhouse that we don't want.

So do I request a balcony and a couple of longhouse, or just balcony.

Help.

You can put in a request for a balcony and a specific longhouse. I also call to make sure they have my requests. I always request Fiji, 3rd floor, marina side.

Oh dear Lord what is it that attracts so many to the Volcano pool? It's nice but I wouldn't go out of my way (from another resort) for it!
Maybe we should spread the word on SAB! Lol!

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979

When you figure it out, let me know, lol. The only thing I can figure is that people like to swim with the castle in the background.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[DznyCrzy11]

We have been here since Saturday and today was the first day. It is still on and I have been at the pool since 8am.

Saw some pool hoppers with their luggage!

I wonder if they had a reservation at the Poly but their room wasn't ready? Or was that obviously not the case? I wish people who aren't staying at the Poly would stop using the pool!!

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[Spunky946]

You can put in a request for a balcony and a specific longhouse. I also call to make sure they have my requests. I always request Fiji, 3rd floor,

Thanks. I'll do that.

 

[mickeynut1]

We are staying oct 3-8th in a standard view room. We really want a balcony, but also don't want to be on one side or the other. I think we would prefer the middle?

I'm afraid if I just request a balcony we will end up in a longhouse that we don't want.

So do I request a balcony and a couple of longhouse, or just balcony.

Help.

I would try and decide which one is the most important and list that one first. If you aren't happy with what you're assigned at check in, you can always ask if something else is available. It's not guaranteed, but Disney will do everything they can to accommodate you .

Saw some pool hoppers with their luggage!

Oh dear Lord what is it that attracts so many to the Volcano pool? It's nice but I wouldn't go out of my way (from another resort) for it!

I agree. I can't understand why people would want the hassle of going to another resort pool.....I think it would be more trouble than it's worth.

I really hope we don't get a phone call! For one, I've been wanting to stay at the Poly for YEARS and have no desire to move to GF. But mostly it's because my mom and stepdad are going with us and we are surprising my mom when we get on the ME bus. She thinks we're staying somewhere else. I made all the reservations, paid everything off, and have her address listed as mine so all of her mail (ME tags, etc.) come to me. I'm just going to slap them on the suitcases when we check in at the airport and hope she doesn't notice what they say, lol. I also changed her email address so she wouldn't find out that way either. But I left her actual phone number on the account, so I could just imagine that conversation if Disney tried to call her first and move her! She'd be so confused!

Since we have two reservations, they linked them with a "traveling with" number, do you think they'd be less likely to try to move us?

Does your step dad know where you are staying? If so, could you maybe tell him there's a possibility that Disney will call and if he answers to just to the CM he's not interested in moving? Or maybe you could call and change the phone number to your number just to be safe. If you get the call, I'd just tell the CM that you want to stay at the Poly and maybe explain the situation with your mom so hopefully they won't call her as well. Good luck .

Does anyone know how long Spirit of Aloha lasts? If we go to the 8pm seating, will we have time to head back to our room for Wishes?! Thanks!

It's been awhile since we did SoA, but I want to say it's around a 2 hour show, so for the 8 pm seating, you won't get out of there until about 10 pm.