ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[PAdislover]

Right now when having an event like the CM preview people are having to gather in the hallway while they are checked in. I'm sure once they are open people entering Trader Sam's won't be having to line up in the hall. There doesn't seem to be a spot for a podium area, so I don't think they will be having people waiting out there for a table. We passed through there a few times last week when a group of CM's were lined up on either side of the hall "guarding" the door and it wasn't that bad. If they do end up having people milling around the door waiting to get in it could get congested though. Hopefully they will direct people outside to the entrance to the patio if they have to wait. There is a small area out there where people could possibly queue up.

so is that exit just past trader sams the only way out to those long houses on the western side of the property?

 

[maiapapaya]

so is that exit just past trader sams the only way out to those long houses on the western side of the property?

Yes. Otherwise you'd have to go out the back of the GCH and through the pool area once it's reopened.

 

[tarak]

It depends on which building they put you in! Moorea and Pago Pago won't have a view of the construction, one side of Tokelau will (though they may avoid filling those rooms unless they have to?) I'm not sure how long the pool work will go on. There are conflicting reports as of this morning. The original plan was to redesign the east pool and add a grill and bar. Today some people are saying they have been told that those plans have been cut and they will only do a quick refresh of the pool area. With WDW plans are always fluid and rumors abound, so it will be interesting to see if the original plan is carried out (would love to see that) or if cuts really have been made.

If this is true, I wonder if the decision was made to cut back on the construction for fear it would affect DVC sales?

 

[LSpell619]

This may be a weird question, but with the new lobby and removal of the waterfall, does the lobby smell the same? I absolutely loved the smell when we were there last year, and was just wondering if anyone who has been there recently could tell me!

We are going in May, so excited! The smell isn't a trip ruiner of course, I'm merely curious, thanks!

 

[ckelly14]

I agree- used to smell like a tropical rain forest. Perhaps that was mold and mildew we were smelling....

 

[maiapapaya]

This may be a weird question, but with the new lobby and removal of the waterfall, does the lobby smell the same? I absolutely loved the smell when we were there last year, and was just wondering if anyone who has been there recently could tell me!

We are going in May, so excited! The smell isn't a trip ruiner of course, I'm merely curious, thanks!

We were just there last week and I was pleasantly surprised to smell a lovely odor when we walked into the lobby, especially since I think initially people said there wasn't one. Since we hadn't stayed at the Poly for about 18 months before that I couldn't place if it was the exact same smell (maybe a bit closer to the fragrance at the GF), but there is definitely a nice smell at the Poly again.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Hmm, that's new for me. I go several times a year and that hasn't happened. Maybe they finally getting better with requests?


Hey poly peeps! I just booked at GF for 8/16-20. Is anyone going to be at poly then? I got Sugar Loaf for the same price as Poly CL with the Orbitz coupon stacking so I am going to give up view for scones this trip. I will still visit poly for meals, shopping, dole whip and Traders!!!

Been absent from the boards due to kitchen remodel. Hope all is well and happy planning!!

Hi Trish!
Sounds like you got a great deal !!

We'll be at the Poly then...We're doing a split stay this August starting at CR CL on 8/12 then moving over to the Poly CL on 8/14 through the 20th!

We were just there last week and I was pleasantly surprised to smell a lovely odor when we walked into the lobby, especially since I think initially people said there wasn't one. Since we hadn't stayed at the Poly for about 18 months before that I couldn't place if it was the exact same smell (maybe a bit closer to the fragrance at the GF), but there is definitely a nice smell at the Poly again.

I agree with the nice smell and noticed it too when we were there last month for dinner.

I've been away from the Boards and Facebook for a little bit but heard about the possibility of the quiet pool not undergoing such a huge refurb. Seeing as this will be our first stay at the Poly, I'm kind of hoping it won't be a major project...is that bad?

 

[Tikiman]

so is that exit just past trader sams the only way out to those long houses on the western side of the property?

When it is all done you will be able to walk past the outside of the Outrigger Assembly House to get from the east side to the west side. Also along the beach you will be able to walk from the boat dock over toward Hawaii Longhouse.

For Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace you will check in (first come first serve) and get a pager to wait for a seat.

 

[trishadono]

Hi Trish!
Sounds like you got a great deal !!

We'll be at the Poly then...We're doing a split stay this August starting at CR CL on 8/12 then moving over to the Poly CL on 8/14 through the 20th!



I agree with the nice smell and noticed it too when we were there last month for dinner.

I've been away from the Boards and Facebook for a little bit but heard about the possibility of the quiet pool not undergoing such a huge refurb. Seeing as this will be our first stay at the Poly, I'm kind of hoping it won't be a major project...is that bad?

Sweet!Hopefully we'll get a minute to say

 

[quinnc19]

I haven't been contacted either and I check in on the 10th. I'm keeping hope alive

It was supposed to be open by then, but based on what we saw when we were there last week we doubted it would happen.
The letters they are sending out now say "mid-April". Maybe you didn't get an email because they are expecting the pool to be open for your stay?

 

[AquaDame]

For Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace you will check in (first come first serve) and get a pager to wait for a seat.

Very glad to hear that - I wish they would do something similar at DL since its usually just a mash of people inside vying for seats to a certain point at the one in DLR!

 

[Joe in VA]

When it is all done you will be able to walk past the outside of the Outrigger Assembly House to get from the east side to the west side. Also along the beach you will be able to walk from the boat dock over toward Hawaii Longhouse.

For Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace you will check in (first come first serve) and get a pager to wait for a seat.

What is Tiki Terrace?

 

[mommyrosa2]

Sweet!Hopefully we'll get a minute to say

My youngest DD will be having her senior picture photoshoot on the morning of the 17th. He plans to take some shots at the Poly and then move over to the GF for the rest so if you see us please say

 

[LoveMMC]

Im sorry- quick question for Poly experts - I am sure you guys know this- is the construction done by end of this summer? I think I saw the pool and lobby are done. Are all the rooms refreshed now- or are they still working on this This maybe my one chance to stay there and I would really like to see it in its glory!

 

[Cluelyss]

Im sorry- quick question for Poly experts - I am sure you guys know this- is the construction done by end of this summer? I think I saw the pool and lobby are done. Are all the rooms refreshed now- or are they still working on this This maybe my one chance to stay there and I would really like to see it in its glory!

The rooms were done a few years ago. The lobby construction is done and main pool should be done anytime now. However, resort construction is scheduled to continue through early 2016. The quiet pool construction will begin upon completion of the main pool, and there are other ongoing projects. Tikiman's page is constantly updated with construction news, so you may want to keep an eye on the progress there. But if you want to see it in "it's glory" this summer may not be it.

 

[AquaDame]

The rooms were done a few years ago. The lobby construction is done and main pool should be done anytime now. However, resort construction is scheduled to continue through early 2016. The quiet pool construction will begin upon completion of the main pool, and there are other ongoing projects. Tikiman's page is constantly updated with construction news, so you may want to keep an eye on the progress there. But if you want to see it in "it's glory" this summer may not be it.

I'd actually recommend following him on Facebook - its been a month since the last update on his website, but he posts almost daily to Facebook with pics from people there and little snippets of news he gets.

 

[akhenaten]

We just booked the Polynesian for this August!! I am so happy....I have been wanting to stay here since about 1982. I was in college and we camped at Fort Wlderness, we went to the Polynesian and saw Pinocchio water skiing....I loved the atmosphere and the monorail!
I know there is still construction being done...when I made the reservation online with Disney there was no place to make a longhouse request. How can I add one? Any other tips for first timers? Anything special for my 13 year old dd?
Thanks!
Carol
Eta. I guess it was '86 should have looked at my own signature...lol

 

[AquaDame]

we went to the Polynesian and saw Pinocchio water skiing

Wait what? That sounds AMAZING why would they stop this, lol!

 

[greeneave]

hi there- first time poly guest, as well.

if create an account on https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/ you can do a pre-check in, which will allow you to request a longhouse and if you'd like a patio or balcony or a few other options.

we have reservations for the spirit of aloha luau. i figure my 8 year old son will love it, but it might be a little too cheezy for a 13 year old girl.

We just booked the Polynesian for this August!! I am so happy....I have been wanting to stay here since about 1982. I was in college and we camped at Fort Wlderness, we went to the Polynesian and saw Pinocchio water skiing....I loved the atmosphere and the monorail!
I know there is still construction being done...when I made the reservation online with Disney there was no place to make a longhouse request. How can I add one? Any other tips for first timers? Anything special for my 13 year old dd?
Thanks!
Carol

 

[ckelly14]

Question:

Is the Polynesian ever offered for Free Dining or 30% RO discounts? I assume I can make a RO reservation at full rack price and keep shopping for discounts. Can you keep the same reservation?