ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[horse11]

I am a little late posting but I just wanted to say I hope you do not let the ignorance of a person whom is new to the posts bring you down. Try not to be upset with them either for they have no idea about how helpful your information has been to so many people. You are loved by many. Being some what new to the forums myself I too have let my frustrations with what is happening at the Poly get the best of me. At first I just could not understand peoples loyality to the Poly. I have wanted to stay here for years and finally had the chance to do so but just can not bring myself to do it with all the construction. What has surprised me is the amount of people who choose to stay at the Poly through thick and thin. They are even willing to pay the prices construction and all. Well I finally get it. The Poly is like family "Ohana". A place to call home when away from home. I feel that way about the Islands. There it is not only the place but the people. I believe that you have a part in all that with what you bring so many people on this forum. So please don't take offense to people who just don't have a clue and by all means please continue to share.

 

[ianluvsmickeymouse]

Poly is growing on me! That pool! We're going in December so not sure if we will use it

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I am just going to jump in here for a few minutes to air my opinions. Everyone reads posts differently as it is somewhat like the telephone game. Without actually "hearing" the words being spoken by the poster or knowing a poster's background, the reader can sometimes take certain text and read it differently as each reader has his/her own history/experiences to draw upon for interpretation. I think it is important to step back and analyze something from a different perspective before coming to any conclusion regarding the intentions of a poster.

I did not interpret the post being referenced by many as inflammatory. The poster is new here and may not know the YEARS of history behind Disney construction denials/misinformation. I perceived the statement on "credible" sources as referring to sources such as bus drivers, taxi drivers, tour operators, etc. and not someone here on these boards. Again, just my take on the situation.

I enjoy reading everyone's posts on this thread and hope that no poster has felt the need to abandon it due to a misunderstanding. Nuff said.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Now.....back to regular programming.....I have not posted here in a while as the DVC construction and general impending construction wariness has lead me to make reservations at another resort for our upcoming July vacation. I have been reading with great interest as I wish they would just ...get 'er done. With permits and NOC having been filed, I wish they would just go into express mode and get the construction work done on the pools and GCH so that everyone is not left with so much uncertainty. We all love the Poly so much and we are well aware that it is changing...a LOT. Some things are exciting and others are worrisome. I am in the minority, I know, but I am looking forward to changes at the Volcano pool. I just wish the new plans would include a larger pool footprint in addition to the new kids water play area. I have always felt the pool is too small for the resort size. I also hope it includes new, larger bathrooms with expanded showers and lockers.

Even though we are staying next door at the GF, I am keeping an eye out and *IF* CCs is still up and running in July, I would consider switching our ressie back. I can deal with the pool refurb while on vacation but the CS being quickly accessible and running with full menu and staff is important to our family. Even more so as my youngest DD has several food allergies which puts another wrench in the issue at hand.

 

[horse11]

I have a question for all of you expirenced Poly goers. We have the opportunity to book a private photo session at the Poly on the day we will be going to Ohana's for breakfast. My question is do you think there will still be parts of the beach with the palm trees for our photo session that will not be tarnished by the construction? Do you think the waterfall may still be there for us to takes pictures by? Any one have any other ideas for areas in the Poly for us to take a beautiful landscaped family photo? We are staying at another resort because of the construction should we also think of another location for or photo Shoot?

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I have a question for all of you expirenced Poly goers. We have the opportunity to book a private photo session at the Poly on the day we will be going to Ohana's for breakfast. My question is do you think there will still be parts of the beach with the palm trees for our photo session that will not be tarnished by the construction? Do you think the waterfall may still be there for us to takes pictures by? Any one have any other ideas for areas in the Poly for us to take a beautiful landscaped family photo? We are staying at another resort because of the construction should we also think of another location for or photo Shoot?

I would not let the construction stop you from the private photo session. The Poly has loads of lush landscaping for backdrops in family pics. If you want a more beachy shot, the beach in front of Aotearoa will not have any construction views. I am sure the photographers will be well prepared with many varied backdrops for you to take family photos around the resort.

 

[maiapapaya]

ITA. I don't think the OP intended to insult Tikiman and indicated that they are new here. While we all appreciate Steve 's info I agree with Grace&Carolinesmom, I don't think their comments were directed at him and there is no need to turn this into a dog pile (eg. calling the OP ignorant, etc)

I am just going to jump in here for a few minutes to air my opinions. Everyone reads posts differently as it is somewhat like the telephone game. Without actually "hearing" the words being spoken by the poster or knowing a poster's background, the reader can sometimes take certain text and read it differently as each reader has his/her own history/experiences to draw upon for interpretation. I think it is important to step back and analyze something from a different perspective before coming to any conclusion regarding the intentions of a poster.

I did not interpret the post being referenced by many as inflammatory. The poster is new here and may not know the YEARS of history behind Disney construction denials/misinformation. I perceived the statement on "credible" sources as referring to sources such as bus drivers, taxi drivers, tour operators, etc. and not someone here on these boards. Again, just my take on the situation.

I enjoy reading everyone's posts on this thread and hope that no poster has felt the need to abandon it due to a misunderstanding. Nuff said.

 

[horse11]

ITA. I don't think the OP intended to insult Tikiman and indicated that they are new here. While we all appreciate Steve 's info I agree with Grace&Carolinesmom, I don't think their comments were directed at him and there is no need to turn this into a dog pile (eg. calling the OP ignorant, etc)

I am assuming you are referring to my post. After reading it over I realize it came accross harsh which was not my intention. When I used the word ignorance it was only meant to mean "unknowing" simular to what Grace&Carolinesmom is saying. I realize now how horrible that must have come accross and I applogize to the poster. Believe me it was not my intention. I really need to read over what I write when the passion has a hold of me.

 

[horse11]

I would not let the construction stop you from the private photo session. The Poly has loads of lush landscaping for backdrops in family pics. If you want a more beachy shot, the beach in front of Aotearoa will not have any construction views. I am sure the photographers will be well prepared with many varied backdrops for you to take family photos around the resort.

I am not familar with Aotearoa. Does that area have the palm trees and on the beach? Do you think the waterfall will be effected by the construction? Thanks for all your help.

 

[horse11]

FutureMayor: My deepest appologies. I truely did not mean to sound so harsh.

 

[maiapapaya]

I am assuming you are referring to my post. After reading it over I realize it came accross harsh which was not my intention. When I used the word ignorance it was only meant to mean "unknowing" simular to what Grace&Carolinesmom is saying. I realize now how horrible that must have come accross and I applogize to the poster. Believe me it was not my intention. I really need to read over what I write when the passion has a hold of me.

I wasn't meaning to single you out horse11, or referring specifically to your post!(that was just a word that had stuck in my mind after reading the thread) There was just a general sense that everyone was jumping to Tikiman's defence and responding to the OP negatively, when, as I said, I didn't get the feeling they were meaning him when saying they wanted credible sources. It seemed like it was more of a question of "where is this info coming from/ is it credible?" rather than saying Steve/his sources aren 't credible, since the OP is new to the thread and didn't know where the info here is coming from.

 

[maiapapaya]

I am not familar with Aotearoa. Does that area have the palm trees and on the beach? Do you think the waterfall will be effected by the construction? Thanks for all your help.

If you mean the waterfall in the lobby Tikiman has said the plan is to remove it, so that the lobby is open through to the back to afford a view of the castle.

 

[horse11]

I wasn't meaning to single you out horse11, or referring specifically to your post!(that was just a word that had stuck in my mind after reading the thread) There was just a general sense that everyone was jumping to Tikiman's defence and responding to the OP negatively, when, as I said, I didn't get the feeling they were meaning him when saying they wanted credible sources. It seemed like it was more of a question of "where is this info coming from/ is it credible?" rather than saying Steve/his sources aren 't credible, since the OP is new to the thread and didn't know where the info here is coming from.

No worries. After reading it a second time I realized it did appear negative which was not my intention. I am glad you did post because I really do not want to hurt any ones feelings. I do agree with both of you. No harm done.

 

[horse11]

If you mean the waterfall in the lobby Tikiman has said the plan is to remove it, so that the lobby is open through to the back to afford a view of the castle.

Is there other areas with any waterfalls? If not we plan on going in mid may so hopefully the lobby waterfall will still be intact. Are there palm trees on the beach by Aotearoa?

 

[maiapapaya]

Is there other areas with any waterfalls? If not we plan on going in mid may so hopefully the lobby waterfall will still be intact. Are there palm trees on the beach by Aotearoa?

There is a small stream that runs from the GCH to the main pool, it kind of trickles in a downward direction towards the pool, to look like it's feeding the water into the pool. There is a bridge that crosses this that people sometimes take pictures on (but it's not a big "waterfall" that you could pose in front of - does this make sense?) However, if the pool area is under construction by the spring you may not have access to it anyways?

There are palm trees on the beach, but Aotearoa, while it has a view of the lagoon is set back a bit from the water, with some gardens, a path and the Luau Cove area in between. This area in between is nice though.

 

[horse11]

There is a small stream that runs from the GCH to the main pool, it kind of trickles in a downward direction towards the pool, to look like it's feeding the water into the pool. There is a bridge that crosses this that people sometimes take pictures on (but it's not a big "waterfall" that you could pose in front of - does this make sense?) However, if the pool area is under construction by the spring you may not have access to it anyways?

There are palm trees on the beach, but Aotearoa, while it has a view of the lagoon is set back a bit from the water, with some gardens, a path and the Luau Cove area in between. This area in between is nice though.

Thank you for the information. I guess I will just have to wait until we get there and see what areas will be closed as far as the waterfall is concerned. The Aotearoa area sounds nice. I will probally request that area. Thanks for all your help.

 

[MidwestMulan]

We have never stayed Deluxe, but were considering Poly this year in mid-August due to a great deal, however now with all of the construction I'm wondering if it would be worth it or if we would be better off booking somewhere else like AKL another one we have always wanted to stay at. Any thoughts? We have 2 kids who will be 9 and 4. Important amenities include quick service eating options and access to some form of pool. I have always wanted to stay in the Magic Kingdom loop, but am concerned at what cost... don't want to pay a great deal and be disappointed.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I am not familar with Aotearoa. Does that area have the palm trees and on the beach? Do you think the waterfall will be effected by the construction? Thanks for all your help.

I believe maiapapaya already answered your question but just wanted to add that the luau is over on the other side of Aotearoa and it is a much photographed area. Not only does the luau photographer take pics for everyone entering for the show, but most visitors take pics before entering as well. In other words, lots of places to get beautiful shots. It is really all about the framing of the shots and I wouldn't worry too much as the photographers will know how to make your pics look great to preserve the memories No worries!

We have never stayed Deluxe, but were considering Poly this year in mid-August due to a great deal, however now with all of the construction I'm wondering if it would be worth it or if we would be better off booking somewhere else like AKL another one we have always wanted to stay at. Any thoughts? We have 2 kids who will be 9 and 4. Important amenities include quick service eating options and access to some form of pool. I have always wanted to stay in the Magic Kingdom loop, but am concerned at what cost... don't want to pay a great deal and be disappointed.

As much as it pains me to say this, I don't think I would suggest making your first Deluxe stay at the Poly during construction. With so much uncertainty, it would make planning a nightmare and with little ones who will spend a lot of time in the pool, you will want peace of mind that this amenity is up and running with no inconveniences. I would suggest looking into either WL or CR garden wing. WL could be lots of fun if you book a bunk bed room for the kiddos. The WL pool is a little small but the theming is fun. The CR pool looks boring but is actually quite fun! And your little ones may also enjoy the water play area there too....not to mention watching the monorail whizzing by every few minutes I would save a trip to the Poly for later when all of the pool and GCH construction has been completed.

 

[Brandee23]

I can deal with the pool refurb while on vacation but the CS being quickly accessible and running with full menu and staff is important to our family. Even more so as my youngest DD has several food allergies which puts another wrench in the issue at hand.

I also have a child with severe nut allergies. We also planned our trip for july. Is there talk that Captain Cooks is going to be closed then?

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I also have a child with severe nut allergies. We also planned our trip for july. Is there talk that Captain Cooks is going to be closed then?

Yes and No.....the "plan" (I use that term loosely because Disney changes plans constantly) shows construction on the Volcano pool area and the rumored Trader Sams beginning in late spring. Because this includes all of the outdoor seating at CCs thru to the edge of the beach, I am concerned that it will disrupt CCs as well. No one has stated such directly but it is a huge concern for our family. My youngest DD is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy protein and bananas. We like to eat several meals at our resort and it is crucial for the CS to be offering a full menu range and to be fully staffed in its typical kitchen space. Because of the uncertainty, we have decided to make our late July ressies at the GF. Now, if June rolls around and there is no interruption in CC food service, I *may* change our ressie to the Poly. I figure the construction will leave Poly with many more open rooms than the other MK area resorts so it would be easier to change back to the Poly than to change to another resort at the last minute.

I am not meaning to alarm anyone, it is just what I need to do given our family situation and preferences for convenience.