ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[karriealex]

Thanks!!!

I agree, honestly the construction doesn't really bug me much at all. How long does it take to resurface a pool I wonder? Are there specific dates for it's refurb yet?

I want to say a week for the resurfacing. No they have not released the dates for the rehabs yet on the pool or the GCH. We have an idea of the months but not exact dates yet. Disney is playing it very close to the vest on this probably because there will be so much going on all at once at the resort. The one good thing is that they are doing it all at once which will get it done and over with and not spread it out over years and years.

 

[Elinor Dashwood]

I want to say a week for the resurfacing. No they have not released the dates for the rehabs yet on the pool or the GCH. We have an idea of the months but not exact dates yet. Disney is playing it very close to the vest on this probably because there will be so much going on all at once at the resort. The one good thing is that they are doing it all at once which will get it done and over with and not spread it out over years and years.

Oh it would be great if it were for only a week! Fingers crossed.

Construction isn't a deal breaker for me and my family, the Poly is the very first resort we ever stayed at together so it's pretty special.

 

[JoAnna525]

Hhhmmm, that's a difficult decision. No one knows exactly when construction will be finished on the pool. If it were me and I really wanted to stay at the Poly, I would go ahead and book it and keep up with the pool closure updates.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

Thank you for your advice - that's exactly what I have done. Booked for that week now, and I'll keep my eyes on the construction as the time gets closer!

 

[mariamouse]

I want to say a week for the resurfacing. No they have not released the dates for the rehabs yet on the pool or the GCH. We have an idea of the months but not exact dates yet. Disney is playing it very close to the vest on this probably because there will be so much going on all at once at the resort. The one good thing is that they are doing it all at once which will get it done and over with and not spread it out over years and years.

I was under the impression that the Poly pool would shut down completely once resurfacing starts in January as opposed to reopening and then closing again in March for the major expansion work. Is this incorrect? Has there been any indication yet as to when in January the resurfacing is most likely to occur? We are traveling over MLK weekend and currently booked at both Poly and GF, although leaning toward GF because of the lack of clarity surrounding construction…

 

[karriealex]

I was under the impression that the Poly pool would shut down completely once resurfacing starts in January as opposed to reopening and then closing again in March for the major expansion work. Is this incorrect? Has there been any indication yet as to when in January the resurfacing is most likely to occur? We are traveling over MLK weekend and currently booked at both Poly and GF, although leaning toward GF because of the lack of clarity surrounding construction…

Yes it is going down in Jan for resurfacing and then again in March for a long rehab. This is as far as we know at this point. Why they didn't do it altogether I don't know. We don't have dates yet on either of the closures of the pool just months that they are going down. Even if it is down when you go there will be a launch over to the GF so you can use their pool. As far as we have heard the noise from the construction is not bad. Someone said they stayd on the garden side of Hawaii and could not really even hear it and could not hear it with the door closed to their room. It really is a personal choice though.

 

[peteykirch]

A few pictures I took from my trip down to the Poly last week.

How I miss it already

 

[maiapapaya]

Beautiful pics peteykirch! Thanks for sharing!
We'll be there in just over three weeks - got Mickey mail today!
Hopefully DH and I can keep it a secret from the girls until then (this trip is their Christmas present!)

 

[karapp75]

So sad. We decided today to book our next trip to the Grand Floridian instead of the Poly. I am heartbroken but with the possibility of the pool being closed I hate to trudge 3 kids over to the GF to use their pool for a short time. We will miss it but will have to visit again when it's all spruced up!

 

[psac]

Wow, incredible pics!!! The colors are kicked up to 11.

 

[Disney Fan Dan]

Hi there,

A few days ago we booked up a 10 night stay at the Polynesian for what we thought will be our dream honeymoon, paying the extra money for a CL LV room (which I guess puts us in Hawaii).

Then yesterday we discovered the terrible news regarding all the contruction next to the Hawaii beach, and the possibility / probability that the main pool will be closed, and there being disruption around the CRH.

Today we just don't know what to do. Should we save money and downgrade to a CL GV room (as you can watch the wishes fireworks from the CL Lounge anyway)? Or should we just change hotels and go the GF?

To further complicate matters we booked on the last day that you could receive free disney dining plans. Which means (and has been confirmed by our travel agent) that if we do change to the GF we will effectively be making a new booking and such will now have to pay for the disney dining plans!

We're kind of in a tricky situation here. It's our honeymoon, which we have saved long and hard for, and supposed to be one the most magical experiences of our lives. The Polynesian was hands down our first choice. But with all this construction and the probability that the main pool will be closed (!) we're really deflated about the whole idea of staying at the Poly now.

Does anyone have any thoughts / advice on our situation??

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Hi there,

A few days ago we booked up a 10 night stay at the Polynesian for what we thought will be our dream honeymoon, paying the extra money for a CL LV room (which I guess puts us in Hawaii).

Then yesterday we discovered the terrible news regarding all the contruction next to the Hawaii beach, and the possibility / probability that the main pool will be closed, and there being disruption around the CRH.

Today we just don't know what to do. Should we save money and downgrade to a CL GV room (as you can watch the wishes fireworks from the CL Lounge anyway)? Or should we just change hotels and go the GF?

To further complicate matters we booked on the last day that you could receive free disney dining plans. Which means (and has been confirmed by our travel agent) that if we do change to the GF we will effectively be making a new booking and such will now have to pay for the disney dining plans!

We're kind of in a tricky situation here. It's our honeymoon, which we have saved long and hard for, and supposed to be one the most magical experiences of our lives. The Polynesian was hands down our first choice. But with all this construction and the probability that the main pool will be closed (!) we're really deflated about the whole idea of staying at the Poly now.

Does anyone have any thoughts / advice on our situation??

That is a difficult decision. When are you going to be there? I'm surprised that would be considered a new booking if you switched resorts. I always thought they could still consider the discount you have.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Feeling sad. Due to financial reasons we had to change our reservations in December from the Poly to AoA. I am going to miss my beloved Poly. We have dinner reservations for Ohana and Kona but now my kids and dh are asking to change that too. <sigh>

Thank you. I do love the Poly and I try to help wherever I can. I also consider the Poly my home resort. Always has been and always will be my favorite. I have been reading up on AoA and it does sound pretty neat. I am glad to hear about your experience with it. It will be nice to have our own room and two bathrooms. I watched a video where Pete and his team talked about AoA and they really loved it. Also being that we will be in a suite it won't seem so much like a value resort to us. I have decided I am going to go into it with an open mind.

Yea! Dh just said yes to keeping Kona. Thankfully neither of us is the ultimate decision maker for the family and we are able to talk about our wants and needs and come to a decision together. He saw how important it was to me to go to Kona and said if that is what you want go for it. Now I just have to decide dinner or lunch. The lunch menu does appeal to me a little more. And of course I will have to stop at Capt. Cooks for a Dole Whip. That is a must!

I will also walk around the resort and get construction pictures and a feel for the noise level and report back to you all. I am also hoping to get a look at one of the accessible rooms and get some info on those. I have a really bad back and the way things are going I may soon need one and info on them is almost non existent.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about this - I know how much you were looking forward to your Poly stay! On the plus side, you did get to enjoy the Poly recently and now you get to try a new resort AND have a suite!

I totally understand the financial situation piece. Friends of mine recently booked the Poly for this April and they are asking me to come with them. I am seriously considering it but even with the room only discount - it would be $470/night for a standard view Without the discount…$680/night. Are they KIDDING???? I love the Poly but these rates are ridiculous, especially if they *might* have the pool and/or GCH closed…and have construction noise/views/etc.

So while I am pretty much always on the POLY CAN DO NO WRONG side … I am really having a hard time with those rates!!! I didn't say I wouldn't go though But seriously, I most likely won't with those rates just for a quick weekend trip. Not when I get free rooms, free breakfast, no resort fee, and all sorts of bonuses at a Hilton (Bonnet Creek rocks!!) and they wouldn't have construction - again just considering it for a weekend trip.

Enjoy AOA and definitely let us know what you think!!

 

[leannak]

Can anyone tell me if there is a November activity list posted anywhere?

 

[karriealex]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about this - I know how much you were looking forward to your Poly stay! On the plus side, you did get to enjoy the Poly recently and now you get to try a new resort AND have a suite!

I totally understand the financial situation piece. Friends of mine recently booked the Poly for this April and they are asking me to come with them. I am seriously considering it but even with the room only discount - it would be $470/night for a standard view Without the discount…$680/night. Are they KIDDING???? I love the Poly but these rates are ridiculous, especially if they *might* have the pool and/or GCH closed…and have construction noise/views/etc.

So while I am pretty much always on the POLY CAN DO NO WRONG side … I am really having a hard time with those rates!!! I didn't say I wouldn't go though But seriously, I most likely won't with those rates just for a quick weekend trip. Not when I get free rooms, free breakfast, no resort fee, and all sorts of bonuses at a Hilton (Bonnet Creek rocks!!) and they wouldn't have construction - again just considering it for a weekend trip.

Enjoy AOA and definitely let us know what you think!!

What about going with them and staying at another resort? It wouldn't be too hard to meet up with them if you took the bus to the TTC. The Poly works better with that because you can go to the TTC and you don't have to do the DTD then to the resort buss's like you do with other resorts. It only takes about 5 minutes to get from say POP to the TTC. I would love to see you be able to go.

I am keeping an open mind and a happy heart about staying at AoA. Hey at least I am in Disney. Who knows it may be an awesome trip. I have to say I have heard nothing but positives about AoA. Even Pete Werner likes it. My home away from home is the Poly but it will be fun to try out something new. Because of finances it may come down to staying at AoA most times and staying at the Poly for special celebrations for the time being. If it gets me to Disney I am all for it. When I am at Disney the whole real world goes away and that is what is most important to me. As long as I am there with my family and we are having a good time that is all that really matters.

 

[Mommy2TwoMickeys]

This Time Tomorrow I Will Be Just Arriving At The Polynesian

Sorry, I Really Cannot Contain My Excitement

 

[karriealex]

This Time Tomorrow I Will Be Just Arriving At The Polynesian

Sorry, I Really Cannot Contain My Excitement

Have an AWESOME and safe trip!! Have Dole Whip while you are there for me!! I am so happy for you!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi there,

A few days ago we booked up a 10 night stay at the Polynesian for what we thought will be our dream honeymoon, paying the extra money for a CL LV room (which I guess puts us in Hawaii).

Then yesterday we discovered the terrible news regarding all the contruction next to the Hawaii beach, and the possibility / probability that the main pool will be closed, and there being disruption around the CRH.

Today we just don't know what to do. Should we save money and downgrade to a CL GV room (as you can watch the wishes fireworks from the CL Lounge anyway)? Or should we just change hotels and go the GF?

To further complicate matters we booked on the last day that you could receive free disney dining plans. Which means (and has been confirmed by our travel agent) that if we do change to the GF we will effectively be making a new booking and such will now have to pay for the disney dining plans!

We're kind of in a tricky situation here. It's our honeymoon, which we have saved long and hard for, and supposed to be one the most magical experiences of our lives. The Polynesian was hands down our first choice. But with all this construction and the probability that the main pool will be closed (!) we're really deflated about the whole idea of staying at the Poly now.

Does anyone have any thoughts / advice on our situation??

I'm sorry the Poly might not work out for your honeymoon as it really is a great resort. With that said, we've also stayed at the GF and I think that is a great alternative to the Poly. The Poly is our favorite, but we also love the GF. If it were me, as much as I love the Poly, I think I would go with the GF if it was my honeymoon. Also, even though the FD offer is now expired, you can change resorts and keep FD, as long as the GF is available under the FD promo. Changes can be made after discounts/promos have expired as long as what you want is still available under that promo. Regular reservation CMs do not have access to expired promos so they can't check availability or make the change, so guest services will have to do it (but it CAN be done.....I have done it a few times in the past). If switching resorts is what you want to do, I'd ask your TA to call Disney and ask to speak with someone in guest services. It may take some time on the phone, but guest services can make the change without you losing FD (if the GF is still available). Good luck and I hope you have a magical honeymoon

 

[Mommy2TwoMickeys]

Have an AWESOME and safe trip!! Have Dole Whip while you are there for me!! I am so happy for you!!

Thank You!

 

[Silly3mom]

Hi poly friends can anyone tell me where I could find November 2013 daily activities? 11 days until our poly magic begins

 

[Sue M]

Peteykirch, beautiful pics. We just booked for August. Looking forward to returning. It's been a few years.