ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[trishadono]

I am trying to find some concrete information (well as much as you can with construction!) on when the bulk of construction will be finished at Poly. We are planning a trip in August 2015 and really (really, really!) want to stay there but I also don't want to be in the middle of a construction zone. Can anyone give any advice? Our alternate choice is the Contemporary but I'd much prefer Poly.

Tikiman's site or his facebook page is where you need to be.

Steve is doing an awesome job with updates and news

 

[merdie]

Tikiman's site or his facebook page is where you need to be.

Steve is doing an awesome job with updates and news

Thanks!! I'll go check it out

 

[mickeynut1]

We have done CL at poly two times and have LOVED every moment of it!!! We tried AKL CL and gf SL these past two trips and although we really enjoyed ourselves and what those CL had to offer - we did find ourselves missing the Hawaii building and lounge. Something so special watching Wishes there with DD - we can't wait to return next summer!!!!! Food and drinks are great - CM's are extremely warm and helpful! Location is perfect! I could go on and on but I'll just end with - we totally find it worth it!!! but I'm sure no matter what you decide you'll have a magical vacation!

This is great to hear . We've stayed GV at the Poly (loved it), but CL has been on my list to try. I am getting ready to book for next summer and Poly CL is at the top of the list .

 

[maiapapaya]

I am trying to find some concrete information (well as much as you can with construction!) on when the bulk of construction will be finished at Poly. We are planning a trip in August 2015 and really (really, really!) want to stay there but I also don't want to be in the middle of a construction zone. Can anyone give any advice? Our alternate choice is the Contemporary but I'd much prefer Poly.

I think based on what Tikiman has been posting, even though there are no concrete dates on anything, it sounds like the bulk of the most intrusive stuff should be done by next August. Captain Cook's is supposed to be reopened this fall, the pool is supposed to be done by March or April, and I would think the lobby would be done by then since they started it at least a month ago (I can't imagine it would take them more than a year for that work). The DVC may not be up and running by then, but the stuff that's affecting most of the resort should be done.

ETA: Just saw this posted in the Poly construction thread by Tikiman. Sounds like you should be fine :
"The only thing not completed by April 2015 might be the pool area but they are trying for the end of March or beginning of April. After then Nanea pool area is back open they will close the East pool to be renovated so that area might be under construction. Other than that everything else should be done around February. "

This is great to hear . We've stayed GV at the Poly (loved it), but CL has been on my list to try. I am getting ready to book for next summer and Poly CL is at the top of the list .

We've stayed Poly CL a couple of times and love it! It's so nice to have the lounge for extra space and to just be able to wander down and grab a snack, etc.

 

[merdie]

Thanks! That's great to hear that most of it will probably be done by then!

 

[soniam]

As for noise, we are in Fiji facing the marina. From our balcony, I have heard saws and other noise as late as 11pm at night. Not sure about the morning, because I haven't been on the balcony then. I usually don't hear it in the room; however, with the curtains open and door shut, I can hear it a little bit right now, 10:30am EST. It seems to be coming from the original Capt Cooks location. As you walk around the GCH, you can hear it too.

I also saw big, bright construction lights shining above Nanea. They didn't bother us on the balcony, because we have a tree right there. Not sure about the other rooms in Fiji that face the marina/pool.

 

[soniam]

Disney's website states 8:30 for resort, 9:00 for express and 9:30 for Epcot. That may be different than what they are actually running, but that's what's listed.

I got the times in front of me, This is from the hotel times guide.

Resort Monorail: 8:30am-midnight
Express Monorail: 9:30am-11:30pm
Epcot Monorail: 9am-11pm

 

[wendow]

I got the times in front of me, This is from the hotel times guide.

Resort Monorail: 8:30am-midnight
Express Monorail: 9:30am-11:30pm
Epcot Monorail: 9am-11pm

Ok, this is new info to me. I guess I need to read more on other parts of the Dis. So, this is the hours the monorail is running?? If you were heading to Rope Drop at MK or Epcot, you'd need to take a bus? Or the boat to MK? Does anyone know how long this will continue?

 

[sotoalf]

Ok, this is new info to me. I guess I need to read more on other parts of the Dis. So, this is the hours the monorail is running?? If you were heading to Rope Drop at MK or Epcot, you'd need to take a bus? Or the boat to MK? Does anyone know how long this will continue?

Through the end of the summer while WDW works on the monorail updates.

 

[disney meema]

How will the view from the theme park view rooms be now since they have most of the framework done on the water bungalows? Do you think the theme park view rooms will still have a good view? What building would be theme park view?
I've only stayed in a GV room and that was over 25 yrs ago but considering for 2015

Thanks in advance very appreciated : )

 

[wendow]

Through the end of the summer while WDW works on the monorail updates.

Ok, whew! Feeling better now

 

[disny_luvr]

We arrived today and have a room in Samoa facing the quiet pool. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised with the state of the resort. I guess I was expecting the worst but neither myself or DH think it is bad at all. About two months ago I was getting nervous about the resort and contemplated changing; I'm so glad I didn't now. The quiet pool looks nice and is rather empty. There are plenty of available lounge chairs. We are off to Ohana.

 

[DashforCash]

I *really* want to stay at Poly, but our family size is 6 people. It is worth it to go ahead and book 2 rooms, or should I give it up and find a Deluxe Villa?

 

[Skywise]

We arrived today and have a room in Samoa facing the quiet pool. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised with the state of the resort. I guess I was expecting the worst but neither myself or DH think it is bad at all. ...
We are off to Ohana.

Uh-oh... don't jinx it.

(You'll have to give us a report on the state of Ohana though!)

 

[maiapapaya]

How will the view from the theme park view rooms be now since they have most of the framework done on the water bungalows? Do you think the theme park view rooms will still have a good view? What building would be theme park view?
I've only stayed in a GV room and that was over 25 yrs ago but considering for 2015

Thanks in advance very appreciated : )

Can't comment on the view, there are some pics on Tikiman's fb page, or hopefully someone who's stayed in Hawaii lately can comment.

Since DVC has taken Tahiti the bulk of the TPV rooms are now in Tuvalu and Hawaii (CL). I doubt the views from Tuvalu are badly affected since it is on the other side of the resort from the new bungalows - they shouldn't really be in the MK sight-lines from Tuvalu. WRT Hawaii, several of the previous TPV rooms on the first and second floor have been reclassified and the TPV are mainly on third floor now I believe.

 

[wendow]

We arrived today and have a room in Samoa facing the quiet pool. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised with the state of the resort. I guess I was expecting the worst but neither myself or DH think it is bad at all. About two months ago I was getting nervous about the resort and contemplated changing; I'm so glad I didn't now. The quiet pool looks nice and is rather empty. There are plenty of available lounge chairs. We are off to Ohana.

Love reading this!! Thank you for posting.

 

[wendow]

I *really* want to stay at Poly, but our family size is 6 people. It is worth it to go ahead and book 2 rooms, or should I give it up and find a Deluxe Villa?

Just my 2 cents...we are also a family of 6 and we are staying at the Poly in December. Only because my aunt won a trip and is staying at the GF with 2 of my dc. So I only need one room. I would prefer to be close to them so we are staying at the Poly for a very good discount. There is no way I'd pay rack rate or close to it for two rooms. And I am a huge Poly fan!

I'd look for a villa. You could stay in a villa for the price of 2 rooms unless you have a great discount.

 

[Goofy442]

We arrived today and have a room in Samoa facing the quiet pool. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised with the state of the resort. I guess I was expecting the worst but neither myself or DH think it is bad at all. About two months ago I was getting nervous about the resort and contemplated changing; I'm so glad I didn't now. The quiet pool looks nice and is rather empty. There are plenty of available lounge chairs. We are off to Ohana.

I have been watching the board very carefully to see what people are saying, so I'm glad to read your report. If everyone is a afraid to stay there, it will be very quiet, not a problem with me. Thanks for the update and enjoy your stay.

 

[soniam]

I have been watching the board very carefully to see what people are saying, so I'm glad to read your report. If everyone is a afraid to stay there, it will be very quiet, not a problem with me. Thanks for the update and enjoy your stay.

I wouldn't count on it being quiet, because depending upon where you stay, there's construction noise and lots of construction workers.

 

[mystery222184]

Last day for us. I'm glad others have also been pleasantly surprised with the condition of things. For us, the vacation was very relaxing and much like previous years without construction. The biggest loss was the pool as I always thought the Volcano pool was one of the best. I'm happy we got to spend time in it for its last day of operation. Funny enough, it's still in perfect condition as we speak, filled with water (but of course that will change shortly). The mostly empty East pool was a pleasant surprise. Since a few long houses are out of circulation, the resort feels less crowded, which adds to the peacefulness.

I can only speak for us staying at Hawaii, but I can count on one hand the amount of times I heard construction noise from our building. This may change when the pool starts getting worked on but as of now it's been great. Overall, I think they did a nice job covering up most of the construction in the GCH and around the property with walls and pictures. The Hawaii lounge still has that great view of the castle, only with bungalows to the right. The staff is awesome as always.

The Poly is still a very expensive resort, so it's up to each person to decide if it's still worth visiting right now. For me, I wouldn't hesitate staying at Hawaii again during this time. I hope everyone else who is currently here or soon arriving has an absolutely magical stay! I may post some pictures this week as I took tons and if anyone has any questions I'll do my best to help. It never gets easier leaving this place, especially the relaxing Polynesian. Now to look forward to my YC/GF stay in late October