ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[Eastern]

Thanks. That is where we are staying! I'd love to see pictures.

What did you think of the space? The cms?

There are some pictures posted on Tikiman's website. Go to Longhouses and click on Tonga, then 'gallery'. The last 4 pictures are the ones I took. It was the Ambassador Suite on the 2nd floor.

The space was amazing. When you enter, there is a bathroom on your left (with shower only and 2 sinks) and a kitchenette on your right. Ahead is the living room/dining room area.

Past the hallway on the left, there is a bedroom on one side with 2 queen beds, fridge, and a bathroom with a tub and shower.

The Master bedroom on the other side also has 2 queen beds, a fridge and bathroom with a tub and shower. There is also a desk and chair.

You can enter either bedroom or the main entry from the hallway (3 doors). Each area also has balcony access. The Master BR has the nicest balcony view; it is a garden view and you can see the monorail going by.

The other BR has the 'worst' view in that it looks out on a small service area, although it is still nicely landscaped.

The living room has a comfy sofa with a widescreen tv.

The dining room area has a table that seats 8 and is great for breakfast or if you bring back takeout from Kona Island or Captain Cooks.

The fridges were all stocked with water and soda. The kitchenette also had a Keurig, with kcups that were replaced each day. You can probably request what kind of kcups you would like (eg tea vs coffee, decaf vs regular). There is a toaster, a can opener, a dishwasher and I think a microwave (omg my memory is going already). There are dishes, glasses, and flatware provided in the kitchenette.

If I had to have 1 complaint, it is that the shower in the hallway bathroom (which I immediately claimed as mine) leaked onto the floor because of the glass door design. There was really no way to avoid getting a bunch of water on the floor each morning. Otherwise, the bathrooms were spotless and seemed recently done, and the entire suite was very clean.

There were also 2 arrangements of fresh flowers in the suite.

The CMs were really amazing. Each day they would ask us if they could get us anything. I really didn't ask for much because I was so amazed at the upgrade, I felt like I didn't need anything else I did ask for water because we kept taking them from the lounge area fridge, and they left an entire case.

We asked for POG juice one day and they gave us a carafe for the room. They also offered us a bottle of wine for our fridge. Tonga is quiet and I really think that the CMs look for things to do for you because they have the time They were really so nice.

Breakfast down the hall was so convenient. That was the nicest part about CL. We went to Hawaii for the evening snacks. Tonga will have cold food but nothing hot. The desserts seemed to be the same ones that were offered in Hawaii.

I have stayed CL at BWI 2x previously, and I really thought that Poly was overall a nicer experience.

We are still talking about this suite and how nice it was! You will love it.

 

[jude&jonah]

Arrival: September 6, 2015
Departure: September 10, 2015
Nights: 4
Adults: 2
Resort: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Room Type: Standard View
Ticket Type: 4 Day Park Hopper Park Tickets plus *Bonus Feature
Total: $1574.14

And booked for our mini-moon right after the wedding!!!

(We are going on a longer tropical vacation in January when our business is in slow season and we can enjoy it more without stressing.)

Whoops wrong thread! Sorry!

 

[BreezysMom]

At the risk of quoting a Justin Bieber song...we are headed back to the Poly!

The last time we were there was three years ago in August of 2012 and I said I would never go back in the summer due to the heat and the crowds! We have been so spoiled with our Fall vacations. Well DD is graduating 8th grade and starting high school and we have a very small window to go on vacation between her softball season ending and the start of high school!

I feel like a Disney planning rookie again! DH thinks we are staying standard garden but I booked Club garden to surprise DD and DH. We will be there for our 18th wedding anniversary!

We are staying four days longer than our last summer trip so I am hoping that will make a difference! We are hitting UOA two days before and then heading to the Poly on Sunday 8/1! Our ADR date is Monday so I have to make some decisions but I am not too worried. We like to wing it anyway!

I was excited and had to tell someone! Happy Poly Planning!

 

[jcjen519]

There are some pictures posted on Tikiman's website. Go to Longhouses and click on Tonga, then 'gallery'. The last 4 pictures are the ones I took. It was the Ambassador Suite on the 2nd floor.

The space was amazing. When you enter, there is a bathroom on your left (with shower only and 2 sinks) and a kitchenette on your right. Ahead is the living room/dining room area.

Past the hallway on the left, there is a bedroom on one side with 2 queen beds, fridge, and a bathroom with a tub and shower.

The Master bedroom on the other side also has 2 queen beds, a fridge and bathroom with a tub and shower. There is also a desk and chair.

You can enter either bedroom or the main entry from the hallway (3 doors). Each area also has balcony access. The Master BR has the nicest balcony view; it is a garden view and you can see the monorail going by.

The other BR has the 'worst' view in that it looks out on a small service area, although it is still nicely landscaped.

The living room has a comfy sofa with a widescreen tv.

The dining room area has a table that seats 8 and is great for breakfast or if you bring back takeout from Kona Island or Captain Cooks.

The fridges were all stocked with water and soda. The kitchenette also had a Keurig, with kcups that were replaced each day. You can probably request what kind of kcups you would like (eg tea vs coffee, decaf vs regular). There is a toaster, a can opener, a dishwasher and I think a microwave (omg my memory is going already). There are dishes, glasses, and flatware provided in the kitchenette.

If I had to have 1 complaint, it is that the shower in the hallway bathroom (which I immediately claimed as mine) leaked onto the floor because of the glass door design. There was really no way to avoid getting a bunch of water on the floor each morning. Otherwise, the bathrooms were spotless and seemed recently done, and the entire suite was very clean.

There were also 2 arrangements of fresh flowers in the suite.

The CMs were really amazing. Each day they would ask us if they could get us anything. I really didn't ask for much because I was so amazed at the upgrade, I felt like I didn't need anything else I did ask for water because we kept taking them from the lounge area fridge, and they left an entire case.

We asked for POG juice one day and they gave us a carafe for the room. They also offered us a bottle of wine for our fridge. Tonga is quiet and I really think that the CMs look for things to do for you because they have the time They were really so nice.

Breakfast down the hall was so convenient. That was the nicest part about CL. We went to Hawaii for the evening snacks. Tonga will have cold food but nothing hot. The desserts seemed to be the same ones that were offered in Hawaii.

I have stayed CL at BWI 2x previously, and I really thought that Poly was overall a nicer experience.

We are still talking about this suite and how nice it was! You will love it.

thanks for taking the time to write this out, it really tells me a lot. we are looking forward to staying here. I checked out the pictures and it looks great. while the poly has been under construction we've been visiting the gf a lot and staying in the deluxe rpc rooms. we thought we'd miss the extra space but I think this will more than take care of that problem

 

[Tikiman]

There are plenty of pics out there but I don't think its too small. As big as most hotel pools. In November when main pool was closed it was not at all busy.

Once my kids got big we skipped the crowds of the main pool and just use this pool. Towels, seating and bathrooms are all right there. Water is usually nice and warm too!

If you were to measure the volume of water between the two pools the East pool is not much smaller. Back when the East pool was deeper it was about the same amount of water, now it is about the size of the Nanea pool up to about where the zero entry starts. After the redesign of the East pool it may no longer be smaller at all.

 

[trishadono]

Thanks for popping in here!

 

[trishadono]

Allears has posted some nice updated pics of the lobby

http://allears.net/acc/g-poly-lobby.htm

 

[maiapapaya]

At the risk of quoting a Justin Bieber song...we are headed back to the Poly!

The last time we were there was three years ago in August of 2012 and I said I would never go back in the summer due to the heat and the crowds! We have been so spoiled with our Fall vacations. Well DD is graduating 8th grade and starting high school and we have a very small window to go on vacation between her softball season ending and the start of high school!

I feel like a Disney planning rookie again! DH thinks we are staying standard garden but I booked Club garden to surprise DD and DH. We will be there for our 18th wedding anniversary!

We are staying four days longer than our last summer trip so I am hoping that will make a difference! We are hitting UOA two days before and then heading to the Poly on Sunday 8/1! Our ADR date is Monday so I have to make some decisions but I am not too worried. We like to wing it anyway!

I was excited and had to tell someone! Happy Poly Planning!

Nice to see you hanging out in here again ... although I think you got the dates of your trip wrong

 

[pixarmom]

For those wondering about the impact of the construction, everyone has a different perspective, but I'll share and update. While at Poly for Marathon Weekend, our boys asked me to switch our Easter Weekend stay from CR to Poly. OK, done. No discounted CL at Poly, so it would need to be a standard room.

As I'm continuing to look at options for Easter Weekend, I consider CL at either BWI or YC. So we discuss this, and the construction, and the benefits of CL, and the fact that we're spending most of our time at Epcot that weekend. They all still choose Poly standard (with construction) over BWI CL and YC CL.

 

[jakeybake]

Hey there!

Was hoping to pick the brains of all of you Poly experts!

We are a Beach Club family. We have stayed at the Beach Club each August on a Bounceback offer. As always we booked another Bounceback for this August. The offer starts on Thursday, 8/20 so we booked our trip to start that day. In years past we have always gone from Wednesday to Wednesday because the flights are much cheaper on Wednesday's out of Boston.

This year the flight on Wednesday was over $300 cheaper than the one on Thursday so I decided that instead of giving JetBlue the extra money I'll just add a day at the start of the trip, a room only reservation on 8/19. I am using the travel agency that shall remain nameless on here and they have amazing rates for the one night. $202 for the Yacht or Beach, $223 for the Poly, $290 for the GF etc. I thought for fun I would book the Poly for the one night. Figure it gives us a chance to try it out and see if we like it without having to commit to it for an entire week.

So that is my long winded way of asking all of you your thoughts on the Poly and if you think it's a good plan. As I mentioned, I have never stayed here before so any advice on a building to request or anything else will be greatly appreciated. It is only a standard room so I'm sure my options are limited but like I said, I'm happy to get any advice at all. Hoping all major construction is done by then so my wife falls in love with it!

Thanks in advance for your help!!
Jay

 

[pixarmom]

Hey there!

Was hoping to pick the brains of all of you Poly experts!

We are a Beach Club family. We have stayed at the Beach Club each August on a Bounceback offer. As always we booked another Bounceback for this August. The offer starts on Thursday, 8/20 so we booked our trip to start that day. In years past we have always gone from Wednesday to Wednesday because the flights are much cheaper on Wednesday's out of Boston.

This year the flight on Wednesday was over $300 cheaper than the one on Thursday so I decided that instead of giving JetBlue the extra money I'll just add a day at the start of the trip, a room only reservation on 8/19. I am using the travel agency that shall remain nameless on here and they have amazing rates for the one night. $202 for the Yacht or Beach, $223 for the Poly, $290 for the GF etc. I thought for fun I would book the Poly for the one night. Figure it gives us a chance to try it out and see if we like it without having to commit to it for an entire week.

So that is my long winded way of asking all of you your thoughts on the Poly and if you think it's a good plan. As I mentioned, I have never stayed here before so any advice on a building to request or anything else will be greatly appreciated. It is only a standard room so I'm sure my options are limited but like I said, I'm happy to get any advice at all. Hoping all major construction is done by then so my wife falls in love with it!

Thanks in advance for your help!!
Jay

Hi Jay!

I'd say we're a BC family too, but also a Poly family and sometimes a BWI family . . . lots of mixing it up in recent years. This is a great idea. We love split stays and the perfect way to try something new is to book a short stay and then end with the resort you know you love. We particularly love splitting stays between Poly and either BC or BWI because it's a nice contrast between the two resort areas/themes etc. We try to schedule our MK time while we're at Poly and then more Epcot/DHS time when we're at BC/BWI. Although we love Epcot so much we end up there most of the time anyway.

As for the standard rooms, when not staying CL, we always request Samoa. Close to the GCH, shortcut over to the bus stop through the quiet pool area, steps away from both pools for swimming and on the main pool side, the views are anything but standard! Not sure how construction will impact Samoa during your stay, but we're staying standard for Easter Weekend and we'll request it, regardless of construction.

 

[BreezysMom]

Nice to see you hanging out in here again ... although I think you got the dates of your trip wrong

No, you have that extra large suitcase for me to fit in right?

I am envious of your ticker We have not seen the sun in weeks!!!

 

[Lisann]

Will the main pool be good to go by the end of August? Does anyone know? I've looked through all the info and can't seem to find info on this, or a close date. I want to book today for end of August, but not sure if main pool will be completed.

 

[jakeybake]

Hi Jay!

I'd say we're a BC family too, but also a Poly family and sometimes a BWI family . . . lots of mixing it up in recent years. This is a great idea. We love split stays and the perfect way to try something new is to book a short stay and then end with the resort you know you love. We particularly love splitting stays between Poly and either BC or BWI because it's a nice contrast between the two resort areas/themes etc. We try to schedule our MK time while we're at Poly and then more Epcot/DHS time when we're at BC/BWI. Although we love Epcot so much we end up there most of the time anyway.

As for the standard rooms, when not staying CL, we always request Samoa. Close to the GCH, shortcut over to the bus stop through the quiet pool area, steps away from both pools for swimming and on the main pool side, the views are anything but standard! Not sure how construction will impact Samoa during your stay, but we're staying standard for Easter Weekend and we'll request it, regardless of construction.

Thank you Pixarmom, that was super helpful!

Jay

 

[dizfan]

Will the main pool be good to go by the end of August? Does anyone know? I've looked through all the info and can't seem to find info on this, or a close date. I want to book today for end of August, but not sure if main pool will be completed.

Scheduled to be completed mid-April. It could be slightly early or it could be delayed a bit.

Unless there is a major problem or a disaster, it should be completed long before August.

Once the main pool is good to go, the other pool will be shutdown. The PVB (DVC) documentation indicates the non-main pool will be completed winter 2016. (Things change, so the winter 2016 date may or may not be correct.)

 

[maiapapaya]

No, you have that extra large suitcase for me to fit in right?

I am envious of your ticker We have not seen the sun in weeks!!!

Well since DD23 is spending every spare moment with her new boy friend there is always the chance that she'll bail on our trip and you could take her place Can you pull off 23?!

 

[bama belle]

Hey there! Was hoping to pick the brains of all of you Poly experts! We are a Beach Club family. We have stayed at the Beach Club each August on a Bounceback offer. As always we booked another Bounceback for this August. The offer starts on Thursday, 8/20 so we booked our trip to start that day. In years past we have always gone from Wednesday to Wednesday because the flights are much cheaper on Wednesday's out of Boston. This year the flight on Wednesday was over $300 cheaper than the one on Thursday so I decided that instead of giving JetBlue the extra money I'll just add a day at the start of the trip, a room only reservation on 8/19. I am using the travel agency that shall remain nameless on here and they have amazing rates for the one night. $202 for the Yacht or Beach, $223 for the Poly, $290 for the GF etc. I thought for fun I would book the Poly for the one night. Figure it gives us a chance to try it out and see if we like it without having to commit to it for an entire week. So that is my long winded way of asking all of you your thoughts on the Poly and if you think it's a good plan. As I mentioned, I have never stayed here before so any advice on a building to request or anything else will be greatly appreciated. It is only a standard room so I'm sure my options are limited but like I said, I'm happy to get any advice at all. Hoping all major construction is done by then so my wife falls in love with it! Thanks in advance for your help!! Jay

Hi Jay! I am not a Poly expert, but just wanted to say, we love the Beach Club too so I was surprised when my son picked Poly over BC for our upcoming trip in September. We are also staying standard view and I requested Samoa for our first choice and Fiji for second choice. I'm excited to be so close to the TTC for direct monorail to Epcot and MK! Hope you guys enjoy your stay- we are looking forward to ours!!

 

[klinlin]

Hi Jay! I am not a Poly expert, but just wanted to say, we love the Beach Club too so I was surprised when my son picked Poly over BC for our upcoming trip in September. We are also staying standard view and I requested Samoa for our first choice and Fiji for second choice. I'm excited to be so close to the TTC for direct monorail to Epcot and MK! Hope you guys enjoy your stay- we are looking forward to ours!!

We love the BC too, but we also got the magical agency exclusive to stay Poly CL thanksgiving week. I am so nervous about it!! My boys love stormalong bay, and I love walking to Epcot. Fingers crossed the new pool is awesome!

 

[pixarmom]

We love the BC too, but we also got the magical agency exclusive to stay Poly CL thanksgiving week. I am so nervous about it!! My boys love stormalong bay, and I love walking to Epcot. Fingers crossed the new pool is awesome!

BC used to be our boys' favorite resort and they still love it and SAB. And I REALLY love walking to Epcot. BC is among my favorite resorts. But our kids really love the Poly vibe, saying "Aloha" all the time, Dole Whips, all things tiki and the monorail.

I will say that I miss walking "home" from Epcot when staying in the MK area. But the easy monorail to MK helps make up for it a little.

 

[Fortune1211]

We are staying on the Magical agency exclusive deal 11/30-12/5. We have a very large party of 17, possibly 18 people. We booked standard view, but would like to be as close to GCH as possible, as well as probably a 3rd floor room so we can have balconies. Any recommendations as of which longhouse to ask for? TIA!