ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[trishadono]

Only 27 Days away now! It feels like yesterday when I booked the trip 8 months out now we are under 4 weeks!! It's a shame about the construction but I can't wait to return to Poly CL, there's nothing quite like it!

We were just there 30 days ago and it feels like 8months!

We had a great CL stay! Construction wasn't too bad when you can see GF,CR and the Castle from the lounge

We really enjoyed that the resort was much quieter too

Also with GF so close we would hang out there in the lobby at times too!

Hopefully you will post some pics when you get back, I'll really be in withdrawal by then

 

[mickeynut1]

Well, I've decided to start planning a trip to WDW in September or October, depending on when I get flyer miles in. I've always loved the Polynesian resort (stayed once, stopped by on my second trip to eat there), but I've been seeing all the construction talk.

My question is: all the construction talk seems to be centered around the July/August period right now. Any ideas what it should be like in the fall? Should I look towards the Beach Club or Grand Floridian instead? If it helps, I'm going alone, I plan to spend most of my time in the park proper, and the pool holds little interest for me-if I wanted to swim, I would stay home.

The resort will still be a construction zone in Sept/Oct, but if construction wouldn't be an an issue for you, I'd go with the Poly. We love the Poly and while the construction wouldn't bother us, the pool closure would a deal breaker for us in the warmer months. But since the pool isn't an issue for you, I would decide just how much the construction and walled off areas would be a detriment to your trip. With that said, if you would rather not be in the middle of all of that, I think the GF is a great alternative. Good luck with your decision .

Only 27 Days away now! It feels like yesterday when I booked the trip 8 months out now we are under 4 weeks!! It's a shame about the construction but I can't wait to return to Poly CL, there's nothing quite like it!

Have a great trip .

 

[Jedimike]

I just did a room request for longhouses for my trip in the middle of July. A couple of the choices were "Home Run section" or "Surf's Up section" -- I assume that is some technical error and that the Polynesian doesn't really have those sections (those are from the All-Star Sports resort, right?).

 

[dansdad]

I just did a room request for longhouses for my trip in the middle of July. A couple of the choices were "Home Run section" or "Surf's Up section" -- I assume that is some technical error and that the Polynesian doesn't really have those sections (those are from the All-Star Sports resort, right?).

Your assumption is correct. Everyone that has done online check in today has had those same options no matter what resort they are staying at. Just one more reason why I always suggest calling and adding any room requests to your reservation.

 

[cyndisun]

We will be at the Poly in August. We aren't too worried about the construction and my DH is actually excited to see all the changes as they happen and a little bit of the "behind the magic".

For anyone who has been there lately, do you think it is still possible to find a good jogging route around the resort? My usual route would go around the east side of the resort (which is now closed) and back around to Shades of Green and the luau area. I suppose I could run on the path between the Poly and GF, but that isn't that far.

Any ideas?

TIA!

 

[Kristina4109]

We were at the Poly June 6th - 14th. We were in Tuvalu room 2404 and we didn't feel impacted by the construction at all. Mind you, then the pool was open and the monorail was running all the time.

There were many people jogging when we were there, and there was a New Balance sign showing the jogging path, but I didn't pay much attention to it. I was too shocked that anyone would jog in that oppressive heat and humidity.

 

[lcataldimay]

I am going on Sunday and driving in. I would like to park at the TTC and walk over to the Poly for some Kona coffee. Is the path still there for me to walk over?

 

[trishadono]

I am going on Sunday and driving in. I would like to park at the TTC and walk over to the Poly for some Kona coffee. Is the path still there for me to walk over?

There is a path , just not where it used to be. It's more along the parking lot area.

Have a great trip!

 

[XxStaceFacexX]

Does anyone know if the Poly construction is obstructing the view of the fireworks at MK?

 

[weesignlanguage]

Any guesses on how the quiet pool will be once the volcano pool closes? Will it be terribly crowded? That is my only worry. I can deal with construction views and such. But we do want to swim. Doesn't have to have a slide or anything like that. Also, is there any type of view from the quiet pool? And is there music underwater like the volcano pool? No biggie but just curious!

 

[weesignlanguage]

Oh and when will Capt Cooks be open in August?

 

[trishadono]

Any guesses on how the quiet pool will be once the volcano pool closes? Will it be terribly crowded? That is my only worry. I can deal with construction views and such. But we do want to swim. Doesn't have to have a slide or anything like that. Also, is there any type of view from the quiet pool? And is there music underwater like the volcano pool? No biggie but just curious!

Since 3 buildings are not open there is less traffic at the resort. The pool shouldn't be too busy. It is a pretty big pool.

I don't think music underwater or slide. (I was there a month ago)

The resorts often do a refurb with main pools. I try to skip those but now that my kids grown it's no longer a deal breaker for me.

 

[trishadono]

Oh and when will Capt Cooks be open in August?

Even if not open the temp location was fine. The outside seating is still available too. We usually prefer to eat outside or take to our room. Just ask for to -go lids and a bag and they will happily accomodate

 

[trishadono]

Does anyone know if the Poly construction is obstructing the view of the fireworks at MK?

Should be fine. There is a beach towards gf is main one is busy. It's usually quiet there.

 

[weesignlanguage]

Thanks guys! We really loved the Volcano pool last month (we were there one day and were hooked) with the slide and music and especially seeing the view of the castle from the pool! We considered going to the Contemporary instead to have the pool and all but just fell in love with the atmosphere and peace at the Poly and decided that we would go with a less fancy pool to have our stay at the Poly! Glad to hear the pool should be great for a nice swim in mid day August! Makes me feel better about our decision!

 

[weesignlanguage]

Even if not open the temp location was fine. The outside seating is still available too. We usually prefer to eat outside or take to our room. Just ask for to -go lids and a bag and they will happily accomodate

How did I miss the temporary location last month when we were there? Is the menu the full menu?

 

[HappyMomma]

Starting to plan our 2015 spring Poly trip. Prob for April. I haven't been on here in a year, guess I have a lot of catching up to do on the construction news. And goodness, now they've changed over to magic bands and changed the Photo pass. Lots of homework.

 

[Wendi]

I have to go twice this year (darn the luck). My daughter will be performing in March and then for her graduation gift in June (her request), so any discounts will be greatly appreciated.

 

[soniam]

I apologize. This is going to be a rant. I probably would just rant to my husband, but he's out of town getting our son.

I am very bummed about the construction and reduced monorail schedule. I love DPR. When I was a child, we visited WDW twice, but stayed in crappy places. We couldn't afford anything as nice as DPR. We spent some time looking at the resorts, not many of them then, and I fell in love with DPR. It represented everything that WDW was. It was a total fantasy world. When we got to go to WDW a few years ago and stay at DPR, the parks and resort really exceeded my already high expectations. However, I was disappointed about the live birds being gone, but it was really not a good place for them.

So, to now hear that the waterfall is gone, the Nanea pool is closed, the volcano is going away, many of the buildings will now be DVC only, some of the view is blocked by the DVC bungalows, and the monorail has a reduced schedule, I'm bummed and a little angry that we will be staying there starting 7/28. Luckily, it's a short stay and then we'll be on a Disney cruise with awesome pools. So hopefully, my son won't be too disappointed about the pool.

I debated whether we should spend the money to stay there again, but the atmosphere, truly exceptional staff, and monorail really made it a no brainer. Now, with 2 of the 3 gone, I feel cheated. I wish we had chosen to save the money and stay off park or go to Universal instead. I know I'm not the only person in this position, but that thought doesn't really console me. We are talking about going back next year, probably around Spring Break. I seriously doubt that we'll stay at DPR. Oh well, I know it won't ruin our vacation. Only we can do that, unless they screw up our FPPs. But it's still disappointing. Thanks for letting me rant.

 

[monorailsilver]

Thanks guys! We really loved the Volcano pool last month (we were there one day and were hooked) with the slide and music and especially seeing the view of the castle from the pool! We considered going to the Contemporary instead to have the pool and all but just fell in love with the atmosphere and peace at the Poly and decided that we would go with a less fancy pool to have our stay at the Poly! Glad to hear the pool should be great for a nice swim in mid day August! Makes me feel better about our decision!

Just be prepared, it won't be as refreshing. We were there the first to second week of August and one day after we did the water park we went back 'home' and did laundry and took a dip in the quiet pool.

To my surprise, the pool was not deep anymore and only a few feet deep and it was bath water.