ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[ElenaJane]

We are requesting Samoa for our July vacation since we aren't staying CL this time. Samoa is a great location but if you want to be away from all construction I would request Tuvalu or Fiji. But Samoa has pools on both sides so it has great views IMO. We love the Poly and feel the benefits of staying there - great location,beautiful grounds,big rooms, two pools, great QS, 2 TS restaurants and wonderful transportation options- outweigh any inconvenience of construction.

I can't remember the last time I was at WDW when something we liked wasn't being refurbished. It just makes it all the more fun to see what's changed since our last visit. But my opinion is if you set yourself up to be disappointed you will be. No one can answer that for you. I hope you have a magical vacation!

We will be there in May. I am actually excited that 3 buildings will be closed! Yes, lots of construction going on, but should be more peaceful in a way as well.

 

[Masonmj84]

We are staying there arriving May 24th - am I going to be disappointed due to the construction? Also we were thinking of requesting Samoa so our kids (13 & 9) are close to pool, what do you recommend?

Just checked in about an hour ago. Lobby water feature still running strong (for now). Just took a dip in the volcano pool. Construction currently only noticeable on the east side of the resort and on the left as you enter the bottom floor of the GCH.

The soda machine at the temporary Captain Cook's does not have a Rapid Fill Reader

 

[PolyAddict]

Just checked in about an hour ago. Lobby water feature still running strong (for now). Just took a dip in the volcano pool. Construction currently only noticeable on the east side of the resort and on the left as you enter the bottom floor of the GCH.

The soda machine at the temporary Captain Cook's does not have a Rapid Fill Reader

Thanks for the update.

 

[TJA]

We will be there in May. I am actually excited that 3 buildings will be closed! Yes, lots of construction going on, but should be more peaceful in a way as well.

This is a great point and one that I thought about when we were just there Easter week. It was the first time that we didn't ever have a problem getting a chair or table at the pool, no matter if during the daytime or at night....

 

[Sue M]

Good to know I arrive 5/30. A few days are better than none

almost there!! Looking forward to the food pics!

 

[Skywise]

Just checked in about an hour ago. Lobby water feature still running strong (for now). Just took a dip in the volcano pool. Construction currently only noticeable on the east side of the resort and on the left as you enter the bottom floor of the GCH.

The soda machine at the temporary Captain Cook's does not have a Rapid Fill Reader

Thanks - Can you tell if they're doing work on the water fountain/feature on the entrance or are they just doing some other structural work?

 

[Tiggerific04]

DH and I are headed to the Poly for the second time in July. Can anyone confirm what time the water launches start running on MK EMH mornings? I thought it was 30 minutes before park opening, so would that apply to EMH as well?

 

[Masonmj84]

Thanks - Can you tell if they're doing work on the water fountain/feature on the entrance or are they just doing some other structural work?

They have a construction wall up on the left side of the walkway to the entrance as you're walking into the GCH. You can see behind it from the front left corner of the lobby as well as from the Monorail platform and I can't tell exactly what they're doing (no plants seem to be removed and as far as I can tell the fountain is still there).

On an unrelated note the laundry is out of service (we had to go over to the Grand Floridian, which was somewhat of a bummer as we are in the southeast corner of Rarotonga in literally the closest room in the resort to the laundry and bus stop).

 

[horse11]

Does any one know if the photographers at the Luau will take you picture on Luau Beach with the Wedding Chapel in the background?

 

[Aristocath]

They have a construction wall up on the left side of the walkway to the entrance as you're walking into the GCH. You can see behind it from the front left corner of the lobby as well as from the Monorail platform and I can't tell exactly what they're doing (no plants seem to be removed and as far as I can tell the fountain is still there).

On an unrelated note the laundry is out of service (we had to go over to the Grand Floridian, which was somewhat of a bummer as we are in the southeast corner of Rarotonga in literally the closest room in the resort to the laundry and bus stop).

Any word on how long the laundry room will be closed? That's a bummer. Note to self: buy family more underwear before vacation.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Looks like its official: The garden and waterfall are being removed from the lobby according to Disney Parks Blog:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...esian-resort-include-a-nostalgic-name-change/

 

[purduesean]

On December 29th 1974 John Lennon stayed at the Polynesian Village and was the last of the Beatles to sign the documents that dissolved the band. As a huge Beatles and Disney fan I would love to stay in that room in 2 years when I go there for my 20th wedding anniversary.

 

[Skywise]

On December 29th 1974 John Lennon stayed at the Polynesian Village and was the last of the Beatles to sign the documents that dissolved the band. As a huge Beatles and Disney fan I would love to stay in that room in 2 years when I go there for my 20th wedding anniversary.

I asked last time I was there - Nobody seems to know exactly WHERE he stayed. (Possibly where he stayed no longer exists)

 

[purduesean]

I asked last time I was there - Nobody seems to know exactly WHERE he stayed. (Possibly where he stayed no longer exists)

Thanks, I hope they didn't tear that building down because that's part of history. There should actually be a plaque in that room commemorating the event.

 

[Tikiman]

On December 29th 1974 John Lennon stayed at the Polynesian Village and was the last of the Beatles to sign the documents that dissolved the band. As a huge Beatles and Disney fan I would love to stay in that room in 2 years when I go there for my 20th wedding anniversary.

No one (even May Pang) remembers the exact room number but they were in what was then called Hawaii, now it is Samoa.

 

[purduesean]

No one (even May Pang) remembers the exact room number but they were in what was then called Hawaii, now it is Samoa.

Thanks Tikiman.

 

[tecdavidt]

Last 4th of July we were TPV and we ended up on the second floor with no balcony. It just was not the same as being on the first floor (before bungalows) and being on the third floor. We were charged as if we had a patio/balcony. I do not know how the new bungalows effect the view for floor 2. Last 4th of July my husband ended up going down to the grass and I watched through the opened sliding glass door. We won't do floor two again.

The person who posted the picture of 1503, I am so glad they charged you LV not TPV. We have been in 1501, 1502, 1503, 1512(this is the one I can't remember the room number 100% but it was looking out at the castle framed by palm trees--absolutely gorgeous view and I believe the old volley ball area was in front.

We are suppose to be there for the 4th of July. My husband called and talked to the concierge(or who ever he talks to for room requests) to request the third floor. If we are paying for TPV we want the 3rd floor. He really loved being on the first so he could just walk out to the beach from our room. Those days are long gone. I always wanted to try floor 3.

In March we walked over to the Poly and we checked out the view from 1501, 1502, 1503. It was daytime, after lunch, we walked up in the grass and just stood where we knew the view was awesome and at that time only three Bungalows were framed and number 4 was in process. The views were ruined.
Sitting in the patio chairs, we just could not imagine how we would have been able to see the fireworks, the super high ones but the low ones and mid range would be blocked. (No, we didn't sit in the chairs but we have been in those rooms many times and we know the sight line--which is now blocked by the Bungalows). That sliver of the castle showing, that is not TPV worthy.

I am curious, how many people booked the Hawaii bldg. for the view or because they wanted the tropical feel of the resort? We always noticed in our previous trips, including NYE, for what people are charged for that TPV not many are actually using their patios/balconies. Maybe that is why they decided taking the rooms with an awesome view away was no big deal. For our family, no view, then the rooms are not worth the price. Reminds me of the cruise ship, balcony room verse interior room with no window. We enjoy relaxing on the balcony others are never in their room except to sleep.

We are also DVC members. From speculation from Tikiman, the long houses being converted are studio DVC rooms. We do not stay in a DVC studio room, the room is just too small. We want the living room, the kitchen, the in room stacked laundry and separate bedroom. If they only add studio rooms it just does not make sense for us to stay there. If they are adding one bedroom rooms we may buy more points or book during off times with our current points. Even if one bought pts there is no guarantee you will get the prime times for the rooms such as NYE.

It is a losing situation for us and it does make me sad. I loved sitting on my patio, cool beverage in my hand, looking straight at the castle. That was just pure magic for me. The iconic view of the fireworks from those rooms are only a memory now. I know this 4th of July will be our last Poly stay--according to my husband. We are suppose to be there for our annual NYE trip but my husband tells me odds are we will cancel and use the Bay Lake Tower MK view one bedroom that we also booked. We know we will have a firework view over MK although it is not the over the castle view we have enjoyed many times. If only the 3rd floor was considered TPV and when you booked it you would be guaranteed that floor, we would still stay but with floor 2 and the sliding Juliet balcony considered TPV, yeah, it isn't worth it.

The Poly is a great, relaxed, family resort. We have stayed at all but one of the deluxe resorts--never stayed at Yacht Club-- and the most relaxing is the Poly. I do agree with the posters about the resort not being so crowded during construction. With three buildings taken out of inventory it would be a nice time to go. The GF pools are great and to honest, it is an easy walk to that hotel. Bay Lake is great for walking to MK but sitting out on the balcony with MK view, oh my, the noise. It is like being in the city verses being in the country.

I agree with the poster who stated, a high rise for DVC made more sense and leave the regular rooms alone, like what they did at GF. I can only imagine what they will charge in pts for the bungalows. It could be like the DVC grand villas.

Kathy

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Yes. We've stayed Club TPV at all three monorail resorts. On both the 12th and 14th floor at the Contemporary, the view is amazing but the bus noise is incredible. I eventually got used to it, but the tranquility at the Poly used to be perfect. We had a straight-on castle view at the GF on the 4th floor above Gasparilla Grill. Of course, the fireworks view there wasn't directly over the castle --- but very nice. We're booked or mid-December 2014 at Hawaii TPV. I honestly don't know if we will actually go this year with the construction.

 

[TJA]

tecdavidt:
That was me in 1503. And to think I came very close to not saying anything about the view, but thankfully the perfect opportunity happened when there was a manager in our building and he seemed very friendly and approachable. I feel bad for guests that get placed in those rooms with a TPV booked -- I really hope they change the category because you are right and it's totally ruined. We still did enjoy being able to walk out on the beach, but as far as the peaceful Castle view, well, that no longer exists. We sat on the patio and aimed our chairs so they faced to the left away from the bungalows.

We were there the same time as you last 4th of July and we had the exact same room 1503, and the views are like night and day from then until now, sadly. We will also be there this coming 4th of July week and like you, we requested 3rd floor. I called IPO directly with that request. I do plan to call again as the time gets closer just to make clear we want 3rd floor. To be honest, I'm not even sure if any of 2nd floor is considered TPV anymore -- I haven't seen any pictures lately from those rooms to see how the bungalows have affected the view. I'll have to pay close attention to Tikiman's site and look for reviews from people who have recently stayed on the 2nd floor.

 

[horse11]

Looks like its official: The garden and waterfall are being removed from the lobby according to Disney Parks Blog:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...esian-resort-include-a-nostalgic-name-change/

Hope thay do not start on it before our trip. We only have 15 day until our family photo shoot or 12 days until we go to the Poly for the Luau. That would really stink if they did especially since we are so close.