ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[Tikiman]

Yeah but if those black squares are greater than 1 story tall (ala GF and WL's DVC buildings) it will destroy the view of the lagoon from Hawaii, let alone destroy the view of the fireworks from the beach (or maybe that's the intention...)

I'm looking at staying at the Poly around NYE to catch the fireworks but it's hard to make any decision based upon the construction (will the GCH be in the midst of being gutted? Will the pool be closed? Will there be giant cranes in front of the beach? Will there be giant buildings in front of the beach?)

I can’t tell from the plans how tall the bungalows will be but they are single story elevated from the water. The docks you see out there now are not the docks that you will walk on but are what will hold the utilities that go to the bungalows so I am guessing the actually walk ways will be slightly higher and the bungalows will be at the same height. They will block most of the ground floor Hawaii room views once they are complete and they will be farther along by next NYE. The pool is scheduled to close in August for a year and it is hard to say what stages the work in the GCH will be at by then. They are not planning on having everything complete until late 2015 so construction in some areas will still be continuing by the beginning of 2015. It is hard to say exactly how things will work and no one really has a good idea. All these projects change schedule as we move along and they have to use resources in other areas.

 

[Skywise]

I can’t tell from the plans how tall the bungalows will be but they are single story elevated from the water. The docks you see out there now are not the docks that you will walk on but are what will hold the utilities that go to the bungalows so I am guessing the actually walk ways will be slightly higher and the bungalows will be at the same height. They will block most of the ground floor Hawaii room views once they are complete and they will be farther along by next NYE. The pool is scheduled to close in August for a year and it is hard to say what stages the work in the GCH will be at by then. They are not planning on having everything complete until late 2015 so construction in some areas will still be continuing by the beginning of 2015. It is hard to say exactly how things will work and no one really has a good idea. All these projects change schedule as we move along and they have to use resources in other areas.

Thanks, I work in engineering so I understand all the resource allocation and how things can go "wrong" (and they will). I'm just ranting that it's very difficult to plan "magical lifetime memories" when Disney not only won't give out their construction details/planning but actively changes them seemingly at whim and then continues to charge up to $1000/night for the views that might not be there! (I understand that to a certain extent too as it would damage business but at some point you have to be honest with a customer).

Ok... ranting done... for now.

Honestly if the GCH is under construction that won't bother me much and there's always the quiet pool that would stay open... (right? RIGHT?! )

I was out there last December and saw the dock construction, which was just to the left of the old sunset pointe and cutting off part of the beach on the right - Is that as far left as it goes or are more "docks" coming? Your map shows the docks going out nearly all the way to the pool.

 

[Tikiman]

Thanks, I work in engineering so I understand all the resource allocation and how things can go "wrong" (and they will). I'm just ranting that it's very difficult to plan "magical lifetime memories" when Disney not only won't give out their construction details/planning but actively changes them seemingly at whim and then continues to charge up to $1000/night for the views that might not be there! (I understand that to a certain extent too as it would damage business but at some point you have to be honest with a customer).

Ok... ranting done... for now.

Honestly if the GCH is under construction that won't bother me much and there's always the quiet pool that would stay open... (right? RIGHT?! )

I was out there last December and saw the dock construction, which was just to the left of the old sunset pointe and cutting off part of the beach on the right - Is that as far left as it goes or are more "docks" coming? Your map shows the docks going out nearly all the way to the pool.

I think sometimes they do not share with Disney Travel or Central Reservations the details of what will happen when because it changes so often.

They have been changing the category of many of the views because of the construction blocking the view. I assume after the work is done some of those rooms will have to remain at the lower price view category.

I don’t see anything planned for the east pool so it should remain open. The docks will not extend past what you see now but the actual bungalow structures that I show in my map will extend more to the left. They are not built out there yet to see but the permits show the locations.

 

[Skywise]

I think sometimes they do not share with Disney Travel or Central Reservations the details of what will happen when because it changes so often.

They have been changing the category of many of the views because of the construction blocking the view. I assume after the work is done some of those rooms will have to remain at the lower price view category.

I don’t see anything planned for the east pool so it should remain open. The docks will not extend past what you see now but the actual bungalow structures that I show in my map will extend more to the left. They are not built out there yet to see but the permits show the locations.

Thanks - If I read that right that means the bungalows themselves probably won't extend out anymore than the yellow protection nets they have out in the water. Which means the beach views will be (mostly) the same from Hawaii except for the far right hand side. (But you probably won't be able to see the Contemporary anymore).

I'm kind of hoping they hold off on GCH water display rework until next year but that's probably asking too much.

 

[Tikiman]

Thanks - If I read that right that means the bungalows themselves probably won't extend out anymore than the yellow protection nets they have out in the water. Which means the beach views will be (mostly) the same from Hawaii except for the far right hand side. (But you probably won't be able to see the Contemporary anymore).

I'm kind of hoping they hold off on GCH water display rework until next year but that's probably asking too much.

The bungalows will not extent all the way to the yellow berries but if you look at the other graphic I posted showing the “View towards the castle” you will see the farthest left bungalows will be in front of many of the rooms in Hawaii and maybe even in line with the lounge but we will have to see once they are finished.

If you drew a line from the castle to room 1501 in Hawaii you would just about go through bungalow #1.

 

[Skywise]

The bungalows will not extent all the way to the yellow berries but if you look at the other graphic I posted showing the “View towards the castle” you will see the farthest left bungalows will be in front of many of the rooms in Hawaii and maybe even in line with the lounge but we will have to see once they are finished.

If you drew a line from the castle to room 1501 in Hawaii you would just about go through bungalow #1.

Right - I was in the near middle of Hawaii TPV (great view) and the yellow barriers were off to one side but the view would be obstructed on the far righthand side of Hawaii.

 

[blackmamba10000]

I'm looking to order some of Joffrey's Kona blend coffee from the Poly. We just got back, and I wish I would have gotten more on my trip, but I only took home one bag. I'm looking on Joffrey's website and only see the 100% Kona. Does anyone know if it ever appears on Joffrey's website? I thought about calling Disney merchandise, but remembered they don't't send food items.

 

[Chicago Mo]

WOW! they took more then half the beach!!!! I am shocked. If i am understating you correctly the bungalows will be lower then the castle? Will you still be able to view wishes?

one more question. What will the rules be in regards of the "quiet" pool? Not so quiet anymore since Nanea Volcano pool will be closed?!?

 

[Tikiman]

WOW! they took more then half the beach!!!! I am shocked. If i am understating you correctly the bungalows will be lower then the castle? Will you still be able to view wishes?

one more question. What will the rules be in regards of the "quiet" pool? Not so quiet anymore since Nanea Volcano pool will be closed?!?

I have no idea how tall the structures will be and they may block the castle from the beach and some rooms. We won't know for sure until they are built.

In the past when the Nanea pool was closed or being built the East Pool got busier so I would expect the same. Last time they mounted a temporary slide into the East Pool while they were building the Volcano pool.

 

[KateMW]

I haven't been on the boards lately, but is the construction the reason the property is full the last week of April? I found availability everywhere else.

 

[mommy2twocuties]

Couple different questions. How much more is it to stay club level compared to a regular standard room? Where can I find the phone number to send a fax for room request? I am going in June we have stayed at somoa in the past, does everyone think this will still be good in June with the planned construction? I am thinking about requesting ground level...thoughts?? Thank you

 

[Skywise]

Couple different questions. How much more is it to stay club level compared to a regular standard room? Where can I find the phone number to send a fax for room request? I am going in June we have stayed at somoa in the past, does everyone think this will still be good in June with the planned construction? I am thinking about requesting ground level...thoughts?? Thank you

1> It depends as the prices fluctuate as a percentage of demand like everything else but figure at least $100 extra/night with the average being ~$200/night

2> "Send your fax to the attention of Polynesian Resort room assignment at 407-824-3174" http://allears.net/acc/faq_poly.htm

3> As the pool work has been pushed back to August I'd say so. Don't know what the plans are for the Great Ceremonial House rework (or if that matters to you) but that might still be in play (or not)

4> (that's 4 questions, not two. ) If it's not a theme park view I wouldn't have a problem with it. For a TPV I'd go with the highest floor in the building and take advantage of the balcony.

 

[blackmamba10000]

Okay. Get me excited!!! We are going in May for a Pop/Poly split stay!! Not only that, but I was able to book club level!!!! It's my first time staying club level!!! Some one get me excited!!

 

[Chicago Mo]

In the past when the Manea pool was closed or being built the East Pool got busier so I would expect the same. Last time they mounted a temporary slide into the East Pool while they were building the Volcano pool.

Thank you! at least i have some good news! LOL...

 

[horse11]

anyone know if the water structure is still running or has it been turned off? Sure would like an update periodically about whether it is still there. Still keeping our fingers crossed it will be there mid May.

 

[Bonacker]

I am here and it is running.

 

[lizzyb]

Staying at Poly for the first time in August. Hope the pool remains open while we are there!

 

[Masonmj84]

anyone know if the water structure is still running or has it been turned off? Sure would like an update periodically about whether it is still there. Still keeping our fingers crossed it will be there mid May.

Us too!

Also hoping the magical lobby smell is still there.

 

[tsme]

I have to say I always loved the Poly, when staying there we stayed in Hawaii, ground floor with a castle view. (The perfect room & view in my opinion) I wasn't excited when I heard the news about the DVCs being built, however, I tried to stay somewhat positive. But after seeing the pictures of the construction & the drawings of what's to come with the bungalows, I seriously doubt we will stay there again. The best part of being at the Poly was the feeling of peace, relaxation, wonderfully friendly cms, & of waking up seeing the castle & walking straight onto the beach. I don't want to pay $$$$ for a view of a bungalow. I'm really sad, in my heart it's ruined for me. I'm sure there are others, especially DVCers who are happy with the changes, and I'm happy for them, but for us I'm disappointed & unhappy. I hear the GF is lovely..........

 

[Circusgirl]

I have to say I always loved the Poly, when staying there we stayed in Hawaii, ground floor with a castle view. (The perfect room & view in my opinion) I wasn't excited when I heard the news about the DVCs being built, however, I tried to stay somewhat positive. But after seeing the pictures of the construction & the drawings of what's to come with the bungalows, I seriously doubt we will stay there again. The best part of being at the Poly was the feeling of peace, relaxation, wonderfully friendly cms, & of waking up seeing the castle & walking straight onto the beach. I don't want to pay $$$$ for a view of a bungalow. I'm really sad, in my heart it's ruined for me. I'm sure there are others, especially DVCers who are happy with the changes, and I'm happy for them, but for us I'm disappointed & unhappy. I hear the GF is lovely..........

I echo your sentiments. I loved the Poly like crazy, and felt it really was a home away from home because of the CMs. The beach and the peaceful corners were my favorite places on property, and I was lucky enough to stay CL TPV once. So grateful now that at least I got to have that experience! Spending an afternoon in the quiet hammock on the Tahiti beach was always one of my favorite moments of any trip.

I can't imagine staying there now, trying to enjoy a rejuvenating vacation with pile drivers and back hoes going while having to look at the huge visual blight that the construction site is. I have some photos from my trip last week that I'll post soon. The beach is down to one hammock.

I have defected to the Grand, hoping to love a new resort. The Grand is very different, more about the architecture than the gardens and beach, but spectacular in its own way. Being able to just wander over to the fantastic lobby to snuggle in a comfy sofa to read and listen to the piano and band was terrific. I stayed lagoon view once which gave me a nice nature connection and on my most recent trip I was in SL CL with a marina view, also lovely. I wish I had been over there more before they lost a huge chunk of their beach to the DVC building.

I miss the tropical gardens at the Poly, and being in the pool and seeing the castle, and my early morning walks down the deserted beach. Sigh. I am sad that they gave such a huge swath of the beach to just the Grand Villas. I also don't know how it will be to try to book there once two large longhouses are DVC.

Ok, rant over. We will have to wait and see what the new property feels like when everything is done.