ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[CJK]

Hi all! I have a question about watching Wishes from the beach. I hear that they are now enforcing that only Polynesian guests can do this now. How are they enforcing this - scanning magic bands? One of my favourite things to do is to have dinner at Kona or 'Ohana and then enjoy the fireworks on the beach. Is this really a thing of the past? Just wondering how they are enforcing. Thanks!

 

[mystery222184]

Just got under the 100 Day mark. Still far but starting to get excited about our return to the Poly!!

 

[PolynesianBlueJay]

We are heading towards 14 days till our trip! Super excited to try club level, but also sad to see the changes at the Polynesian. We've called that place our home for the past 8 years.

 

[TJA]

We are here at poly now - CL TPV. We have been here a week, leaving tomorrow. I'll post pics when I get home but I did give tikiman a picture of our room view and he posted it for me on his Facebook site. Long story short we were given 1503 and while still a beautiful room, the view is mainly a bungalow view now so we got our room rate reduced to lagoon view. We are still enjoying it very much - no complaints on everything going on here. Walls are up everywhere and we were expecting it, so no surprises. Poly is pretty dead, though, and parks have not been crowded either!

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[DisneyChristmas]

Was a true CL-TPV room not available, or did you choose to accept the Lagoon View price? We have booked CL-TPV, and I wonder if they'll be able to honor all of these reservations. Do you know if 2nd floor rooms are above the bungalow roof line?

 

[horse11]

We are here at poly now - CL TPV. We have been here a week, leaving tomorrow. I'll post pics when I get home but I did give tikiman a picture of our room view and he posted it for me on his Facebook site. Long story short we were given 1503 and while still a beautiful room, the view is mainly a bungalow view now so we got our room rate reduced to lagoon view. We are still enjoying it very much - no complaints on everything going on here. Walls are up everywhere and we were expecting it, so no surprises. Poly is pretty dead, though, and parks have not been crowded either!

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We are having family photo session done at the poly. Is there still pretty areas to take pictures? I am a bit concerned about the walls. Any places left with the beautiful tropical flowers and foliage to take pictures by? We would also like to take pictures by the beach but further down close to the wedding chapel. Is this area clear of construction? I know some of the walk ways are being done but hopefully they will be finished by the time we get there.

 

[PolynesianBlueJay]

We are here at poly now - CL TPV. We have been here a week, leaving tomorrow. I'll post pics when I get home but I did give tikiman a picture of our room view and he posted it for me on his Facebook site. Long story short we were given 1503 and while still a beautiful room, the view is mainly a bungalow view now so we got our room rate reduced to lagoon view. We are still enjoying it very much - no complaints on everything going on here. Walls are up everywhere and we were expecting it, so no surprises. Poly is pretty dead, though, and parks have not been crowded either! Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Glad to hear that you got the room rate reduced! It's hard to believe that they would expect people to pay that kind of money (especially during a busy season) for a room view that is not what it says it is. We, too, are expecting the Polynesian to look different (walls up, construction everywhere), so I agree with you that it makes seeing it less of a surprise. I am glad to hear that the parks have not been crowded either!!!

 

[TJA]

Was a true CL-TPV room not available, or did you choose to accept the Lagoon View price? We have booked CL-TPV, and I wonder if they'll be able to honor all of these reservations. Do you know if 2nd floor rooms are above the bungalow roof line?

The manager asked if we wanted him to check for a higher room with TPV but we said no - we really were happy with our room but we just didn't feel it should cost TPV rate. He was extremely accommodating and gave us the credit immediately. I'd be curious to know if they change this room category in their system or if they just wait for guests to inquire.

I *think* 2nd floor rooms are above roof lines. The view from the 2nd floor portion of lounge is off to the side though, and that's all I really have to go by. Tikiman's site might have more info on this from people who have recently stayed in 2nd floor rooms.

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[horse11]

We are having family photo session done at the poly. Is there still pretty areas to take pictures? I am a bit concerned about the walls. Any places left with the beautiful tropical flowers and foliage to take pictures by? We would also like to take pictures by the beach but further down close to the wedding chapel. Is this area clear of construction? I know some of the walk ways are being done but hopefully they will be finished by the time we get there.

Why is this so hard of a question to get a accurate answer. Since we have never been to the Poly we really depend on all of you guys that have currently been there or are there now.

 

[TJA]

Why is this so hard of a question to get a accurate answer. Since we have never been to the Poly we really depend on all of you guys that have currently been there or are there now.

Hi - we are checking out today and I've been trying to get back to this thread to answer your question. There are still pretty areas on the far side of the beach (away from the bungalows). We did not go near the chapel but I believe that area is construction-free. There are current pictures on Tikiman's website and Facebook page that might be helpful. I don't think I'm allowed to post the links but you should be able to google and find immediately.

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[TJA]

Glad to hear that you got the room rate reduced! It's hard to believe that they would expect people to pay that kind of money (especially during a busy season) for a room view that is not what it says it is. We, too, are expecting the Polynesian to look different (walls up, construction everywhere), so I agree with you that it makes seeing it less of a surprise. I am glad to hear that the parks have not been crowded either!!!

I had showed my family current pictures of Poly so we could all decide if we could deal with the construction or stay elsewhere. It was unanimous we all still wanted Poly! To be honest, we enjoyed watching the bungalow progress.

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[TJA]

Hi all! I have a question about watching Wishes from the beach. I hear that they are now enforcing that only Polynesian guests can do this now. How are they enforcing this - scanning magic bands? One of my favourite things to do is to have dinner at Kona or 'Ohana and then enjoy the fireworks on the beach. Is this really a thing of the past? Just wondering how they are enforcing. Thanks!

I tried to look last night. We were at the pool when wishes started and I saw people just walk on the beach to sit in chairs and watch the show. CM's were standing in the area but I didn't see them stopping any guests. Maybe it depends on how crowded it gets? It was not crowded at all this last week....

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[Aristocath]

Why is this so hard of a question to get a accurate answer. Since we have never been to the Poly we really depend on all of you guys that have currently been there or are there now.

Possibly because since it is a construction project things are changing daily. The Poly is a large, beautiful resort and I know there are areas to get a gorgeous family picture. A good photographer will know how to set it up so you have a beautiful background, not a construction fence.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Why is this so hard of a question to get a accurate answer. Since we have never been to the Poly we really depend on all of you guys that have currently been there or are there now.

This question has been answered several times over the past few months so I am not sure if you are just not happy with the answers many of us have given to you? Everyone's answers are somewhat subjective and none could be described as "accurate" but they all have the same theme. Yes. There are many places to get lovely pictures for your family at the Polynesian. The resort has beautiful landscaping throughout and the beach near the luau has no construction at all. The beach in front of Hawaii and pics inside or outside of the GCH are going to be iffy as the construction is ongoing and fluid. My advice is really to trust your photographer's knowledge of the resort and expertise as he/she is being paid to provide professional pictures of your family at the resort of your choice. If this is causing too much stress, maybe you would be happier changing the venue for the pics to GF or WL? Or is it too late to change the resort? You just don't seem to be happy and that is counterintuitive to the whole premise of the happy family picture at the happiest place on earth. KWIM?

I hope you find some peace with your decision so that you can relax and enjoy these final days before your vacation. Don't put so much pressure on being perfect and you will enjoy the experience more

 

[Kristina4109]

I'm checking in June 6th and just got the "construction letter" so many people have been getting different versions of. Mine goes: "During your visit, Capt. Cook's, our Quick-Service restaurant, will be temporarily relocated in the Great Ceremonial House with modified hours and menu offerings."

It goes on to say that renovations are happening in the GCH, the NLC and part of the beach. Then it assures me that much of the beach, the shops, pools, marina and other dining locations are still open.

 

[trishadono]

I'm checking in June 6th and just got the "construction letter" so many people have been getting different versions of. Mine goes: "During your visit, Capt. Cook's, our Quick-Service restaurant, will be temporarily relocated in the Great Ceremonial House with modified hours and menu offerings."

It goes on to say that renovations are happening in the GCH, the NLC and part of the beach. Then it assures me that much of the beach, the shops, pools, marina and other dining locations are still open.

Huh, we check in on 5/30 and have yet to receive a letter. I have seen a copy on Tikiman's facebook page. I wonder if it depends on if staying CL? This time we are.

(We depart on the 4th so I will just miss you!)

 

[TaraPA]

Huh, we check in on 5/30 and have yet to receive a letter. I have seen a copy on Tikiman's facebook page. I wonder if it depends on if staying CL? This time we are.

(We depart on the 4th so I will just miss you!)

We also check in on the 30th of May (non CL) and got our letter today!

 

[polyfor4]

Got the letter discussing the lobby, beach, captain cooks and never land club construction last week. We're staying CL and check in June 1.

 

[PolynesianBlueJay]

It's a good thing I keep up with the boards and WDW news. We have not gotten the letter from the resort, however we are aware of the construction going on & possibly going on (i.e., lobby).

 

[Kristina4109]

Huh, we check in on 5/30 and have yet to receive a letter. I have seen a copy on Tikiman's facebook page. I wonder if it depends on if staying CL? This time we are.

(We depart on the 4th so I will just miss you!)

Try to leave the resort in one piece for me, okay?

I made a big joke of it my emailing my travel agent and saying GASP - what do you mean there's construction at the Poly? We both got a good laugh out of that.