ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: June 2013

[Tikiman]

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

I agree. I like the pool and it has a great beach and view but I just can't see packing up my stuff and traveling over from another resort to hang out at the Polynesian pool. Well soon when they add the fence those problems will be gone. Its not even up to Disney to do it or not. It has to happen to come up to Florida code. Same reason the quiet pool was made shallow. Not something Disney wanted to do but something they were told had to happen.

 

[mickeynut1]

Yes, my stepdad knows, so he's been intercepting any mail that has slipped by. But the phone number on the account is my mom's cell phone. They don't have a home phone. Maybe I will either change the number to mine or my stepdad's just in case! We've thought about telling her beforehand, but we really want to do it when we get on the ME. We think it will be so fun to tell her there!

I can see why you want to wait until you get on ME.....that will be an awesome surprise . I would think about changing the phone number to your step dad's cell just in case. Good luck and I hope it all works out that the surprise can be kept until your on DME .

 

[mickeynut1]

Its not even up to Disney to do it or not. It has to happen to come up to Florida code. Same reason the quiet pool was made shallow. Not something Disney wanted to do but something they were told had to happen.

This is very interesting.

 

[Tikiman]

Just FYI for anyone who is interested. Due to all the information coming in about construction and potential longhouse closings in September I called last night regarding our September 21-28 reservation. We had requested Tahiti longhouse standard view and I had originally thought we would stick with it even if it wasn't refurbished but after hearing it might be closed during our visit we began to rethink this and decided to request a refurbished one. I asked about the people that are being "upgraded" to GF and he told me that was for the week before our visit so there should be no problem. Now I know they don't often have the most updated information so take that for what it's worth. I did go on the WDW website page and the room availability info did seem to correspond to what he was saying. There were no Poly rooms available at all the week before our arrival. The week we are there they are listing only standard view rooms available. Again, take it for what it's worth but I figure the more information we share the better. We're hoping to be able to stay at the Poly - any longhouse. We'll see what happens.

Lets hope for the sake of people who have already planned a trip that Tahiti stays open and it was just an overbooking thing. Its just rare they ask people to move to another resort unless some building will be closed. Usually they move them into club level. The only other issue may be that if Tahiti stayes open and what I was told about the work on the lagoon starting in September I would not think people would be happy to be in Tahiti with heavy equipment on the beach. I am assuming to do the supports out in the water will take some serious equipment. I think they would be better off to close Tahiti while that is going on.

I guess we will find out once September is here.

 

[momtobrynncess]

I am here now and yes they are offering BB offers. The offer is 35% at deluxe villas and deluxe's and 30% at moderates valid 8/4-10/5/13, 10/20-11/21/13, 11/17-11/23/12, 11/30-12/4/12, 12/15-12/19/13

Wait! I'm confused! (not uncommon) Are these offers for this year? 2013? Not for 2014? I could swear they used to do BB's for next year, which would be super helpful. Can you confirm please? Thanks so much for your reporting! I'm glad you're having a nice time!

 

[mickeynut1]

Wait! I'm confused! (not uncommon) Are these offers for this year? 2013? Not for 2014? I could swear they used to do BB's for next year, which would be super helpful. Can you confirm please? Thanks so much for your reporting! I'm glad you're having a nice time!

I think it's for the remainder of this year. I could be wrong, but I don't think they start offering BB's for the following year until maybe Oct-Dec time frame .

 

[momtobrynncess]

That is a reliable source for sure but head of recreation (who is incharge of the Marina also) was the one that had the information about the pool rehab being moved to January. Its possible that has changed again but since that was the latest information I was given I will stick to that until they tell me otherwise. Thanks for sharing your info though. They have to start sometime next year and I would be surprised if they don't start in the winter and push it off to summer.

I feel like maybe a lot of the staff are told to pretend they know nothing (and maybe some of them really don't know anything) with regard to DVC, refurbishments and major construction. I'm guessing Disney doesn't want to do anything to discourage folks from making reservations and that if they have folks talking about major construction, guests would go elsewhere or put off their plans. Maybe I'm overstating the obvious, but it seems like some folks are reporting having spoken with CM's and the CM's having said that life is rosy and there are no plans for now, when it's clear something is happening.

 

[momtobrynncess]

I think it's for the remainder of this year. I could be wrong, but I don't think they start offering BB's for the following year until maybe Oct-Dec time frame .

I'm sure you're right. It seems that in the past year or two, we have seen BB's for the remainder of the year. Which makes no sense to me. Our family for sure, cannot afford to stay at Poly more than once a year.

However, I know that in years past, they have offered them for the following year. I can remember standing in the lobby of Poly using the phone at the bottom of the stairs near the ATM before you go out the doors on the Raratonga side, calling the number. I had forgotten to call before we walked out of the room, and as we were heading out front to wait for the ME back to the airport, I remembered. I called, and they gladly took my reservation. Dh was looking at me like I had three heads, wondering what I was doing. I was so glad to have been able to book for the following year, since they were offering a free dining BB. Maybe those days are gone. It also seems that Disney has been really sporadic about when and how they "dole out" the discounts - very much different from years past, which, doesn't make planning easy.

 

[Missus Toad]

We plan on having a swim if we get there before our room is ready and if I hadn't been reading the DIS Boards I would have had no idea that it was even possible to leave my luggage with bell services. It just wouldn't have occurred to me.

My parents did the same thing last year. We had checked in a couple of days before them, they arrived from the airport with their carry-ons and when their room wasn't ready, they just came right down and met us at the pool with their stuff in tow. Not being frequent travelers, they didn't know they could leave it at bell services.

The thing is, I think most people with actual luggage are legit checking in and just waiting for their room. Why would you bring luggage if you were just hopping? All you'd need is a tote/backpack/plastic bag and change of clothes, if that.

For our upcoming trip, we will be moving from the GF to the Poly midway, and though bell services will move our luggage, we'll have our park bags in tow, where we'll stash our swimsuits in case our room isn't ready when we come back to the Poly for our midday break.

I guess my point is, unless you have proof of someone pool hopping (like hearing people talk about it, etc.), one shouldn't assume that of everyone with luggage or bags by the pool. Lots of us are legit Poly guests!

 

[Tikiman]

I feel like maybe a lot of the staff are told to pretend they know nothing (and maybe some of them really don't know anything) with regard to DVC, refurbishments and major construction. I'm guessing Disney doesn't want to do anything to discourage folks from making reservations and that if they have folks talking about major construction, guests would go elsewhere or put off their plans. Maybe I'm overstating the obvious, but it seems like some folks are reporting having spoken with CM's and the CM's having said that life is rosy and there are no plans for now, when it's clear something is happening.

From discussions I have had with staff they are not told what the plans are so often they just get info from rumors (some of which come from these forums). I remember when the test rooms were being made, there was a small handful of people at the resort that even knew they existed but the others had no idea a new room design was being tested. Guests would ask them when the new room was going to be done and they had no idea a new room was being worked on. I think it is the same thing with DVC. Some of them have even asked me what is going on at the resort when they see workers all over the place or guys doing surveys of the land. Much of the designs are not shared with Polynesian staff so unless they have some inside contact or are part of the planning meetings that they have had out at the resort. Most of the decisions are made outside of the resort so it is rare that the CMs are filled in with the actual details. I’m guessing they are trying to keep them from telling guests what the plans are.

The least reliable place to get information is to call the phone number.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

The luau was great. The kids loved it and I had forgotten just how much I liked it. The food was pretty good. I especially liked the ribs. Our kids ratted us out for our birthdays and we had to go up and do a little dance on stage. Luckily there were lots of us. The kids also ratted us out on our anniversary and we went up and slow danced. They put dh and I front and center too. The dessert is now the pineapple bread pudding and is pretty good. I did like the lava cake though, but I am a chocolate maniac.

I cannot wait to try the pineapple bread pudding!!! I remember the bread pudding at Ohana being so very good, hopefully the pineapple bread pudding is just as good!!!

My anniversary is 3 days prior to SOA. If I remember correctly, I told the person making the reservation that we will be there for our anniversary, hopefully we don't have to get up in front of everyone, lol. I'm sure it would make for a good memory though!!!

Yes, my stepdad knows, so he's been intercepting any mail that has slipped by. But the phone number on the account is my mom's cell phone. They don't have a home phone. Maybe I will either change the number to mine or my stepdad's just in case! We've thought about telling her beforehand, but we really want to do it when we get on the ME. We think it will be so fun to tell her there!

I would definitely call and have the number changed to your stepdads number. I think that will be such a great surprise for your mom!!!

I think it's for the remainder of this year. I could be wrong, but I don't think they start offering BB's for the following year until maybe Oct-Dec time frame .

Yes, it does seem like the current BB offers are for the rest of this year. I found a BB offer thread last night and some people are thinking, going by dates in years past, that BB offers for next year will come out in the next couple weeks. Let's hope they're right!!!

Last year when we were there the 1st wk of Sept the BB offer was for FD, the previous year, same time, the BB offer was for 40% off RO, both offers were valid the following year.

I feel like maybe a lot of the staff are told to pretend they know nothing (and maybe some of them really don't know anything) with regard to DVC, refurbishments and major construction. I'm guessing Disney doesn't want to do anything to discourage folks from making reservations and that if they have folks talking about major construction, guests would go elsewhere or put off their plans. Maybe I'm overstating the obvious, but it seems like some folks are reporting having spoken with CM's and the CM's having said that life is rosy and there are no plans for now, when it's clear something is happening.

That's exactly what I'm thinking!!!

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

WOW I really hope they have a BB RO for 40% for next year when we get there in a month. FD is just not a deal for our family. We already are planning to come back next September too so I hope they change it soon!

 

[DznyCrzy11]

WOW I really hope they have a BB RO for 40% for next year when we get there in a month. FD is just not a deal for our family. We already are planning to come back next September too so I hope they change it soon!

I doubt it would be for 40% off, but one can hope right?? That was in 2011 and sadly the last time I've seen any 40% discount at the resort.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

I doubt it would be for 40% off, but one can hope right?? That was in 2011 and sadly the last time I've seen any 40% discount at the resort.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

I was happy with 35% for this trip so if I could get the same for next year I would be more than happy with that . But a little pixie dust for another 40% would be pretty nice

 

[TXPyroMom]

Hi everyone... I just sent a request to my TA to change us from 2 CR TP to 2 Poly TP rooms, but now I am having second thoughts. We are going Dec 7-14.

I tried to skim over the last 10 pages of this thread, but it can sometimes be hard to follow. Can you Poly experts please confirm my suspisions...

*Tahiti is not getting refurbished
*Construction will begin on the beach soon for DVC
*TP rooms don't all have a balcony/patio
*Construction on the GCH is set to start this year

I really want to stay at the Poly, but it was a harder sell to the rest of my family and I want to make sure that construction doesn't effect our views or enjoyment of the resort. The only reason we decided to move was because of the RO... and even then it took me a week to convince my family that we would love the Poly.

 

[Disney grandma]

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.

What number would I call to request a specific longhouse, one month and we will be at the Poly! Thanks.

 

[mickeynut1]

I'm sure you're right. It seems that in the past year or two, we have seen BB's for the remainder of the year. Which makes no sense to me. Our family for sure, cannot afford to stay at Poly more than once a year.

However, I know that in years past, they have offered them for the following year. I can remember standing in the lobby of Poly using the phone at the bottom of the stairs near the ATM before you go out the doors on the Raratonga side, calling the number. I had forgotten to call before we walked out of the room, and as we were heading out front to wait for the ME back to the airport, I remembered. I called, and they gladly took my reservation. Dh was looking at me like I had three heads, wondering what I was doing. I was so glad to have been able to book for the following year, since they were offering a free dining BB. Maybe those days are gone. It also seems that Disney has been really sporadic about when and how they "dole out" the discounts - very much different from years past, which, doesn't make planning easy.

We're the same way. If we go early fall, it's really not doable to go back just a month or so later . I too remember the great BBs they had years ago that extended into the next year. I agree that discounts are offered different than how they were in past years. I'm just thankful that we are flexible in the way that we can work our vacations around discounts if need be .

Yes, it does seem like the current BB offers are for the rest of this year. I found a BB offer thread last night and some people are thinking, going by dates in years past, that BB offers for next year will come out in the next couple weeks. Let's hope they're right!!!

I hope you get a BB for next year when you're there in a few weeks .

But a little pixie dust for another 40% would be pretty nice

I agree.....to see 40% discounts come back would be nice

 

[Tikiman]

Hi everyone... I just sent a request to my TA to change us from 2 CR TP to 2 Poly TP rooms, but now I am having second thoughts. We are going Dec 7-14.

I tried to skim over the last 10 pages of this thread, but it can sometimes be hard to follow. Can you Poly experts please confirm my suspisions...

*Tahiti is not getting refurbished
*Construction will begin on the beach soon for DVC
*TP rooms don't all have a balcony/patio
*Construction on the GCH is set to start this year

I really want to stay at the Poly, but it was a harder sell to the rest of my family and I want to make sure that construction doesn't effect our views or enjoyment of the resort. The only reason we decided to move was because of the RO... and even then it took me a week to convince my family that we would love the Poly.

*Tahiti is not getting refurbished
It was scheduled to close on July 14 and has not closed yet. Chances are that it will not get the new room design and will close sometime this year. Assumptions are that it would close when the work out along the beach for the bungalows starts that it would close and Disney sources say that the work to the beach and lagoon will start some time in September.

*Construction will begin on the beach soon for DVC
September is the target

*TP rooms don't all have a balcony/patio
The Theme Park view rooms in Tuvalu and Aotearoa second floor do not have balconies.

*Construction on the GCH is set to start this year
I doubt we will see the GCH work start this year but since there is no schedule available for that we don’t know. My guess would be sometime next year but before mid 2015 for sure.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Well, we're home now from our fabulous Poly trip. And I'm suffering from severe vacation hangover. I keep looking at our pictures and wishing I was still swinging in my hammock drinking my poolside plunge. Sigh.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Well, we're home now from our fabulous Poly trip. And I'm suffering from severe vacation hangover. I keep looking at our pictures and wishing I was still swinging in my hammock drinking my poolside plunge. Sigh.

Time to start planning your next trip!!!!