ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: Summer 2011 Edition!

[maiapapaya]

I have to say...I am really, really conflicted right now. We are booked for the Poly for July 2012 for 8 nights. I have always wanted to stay at the Poly since I was a little girl...I was so excited for my family to be able to experience it. But, yes, I do read reviews, and I try to say that of course people who are angry are more likely to post, but that in conjunction with the rumored changes...well, that leads me to believe that the resort is in such need of repair that they just have to level the place. Is this irrational? And, if they are going to level the place in 2013, why would they bother to change/fix any issues that are there now??? This would only mean more problems for my visit in July. I just really don't know what to do, and it's pretty sad, I feel like I'm giving up on a dream.

Based on our trip last year the Poly is "not in such need of repair they need to level the place." Yes, I have read that the GCH has problems that make it more effective to replace it than to repair, but honestly I have never noticed any of these issues (possibly they're structural and not visible to the average guest). Remember that Steve/Tikiman's post is pure speculation on his part. Personally I find it hard to believe that they would bulldoze the entire resort. IF they do I would say it's more because they have completely re-imagined the resort and need to remove what is currently there the make way for their new plans. IMO it is because the Poly is falling apart. Just a week or so ago someone posted their concerns on Steve's FB page about the state of the resort and he reiterated that it is fine (he was there at the time). Even if they have plans to redo the whole resort I doubt they would just let maintenance slide - it would be terrible customer service & bad PR for WDW.

 

[guarn3md]

Please don't take this the wrong way but I see that your upcoming trip is for the WL and not sure if this is the trip that you are speaking of renting the cabana but I was told that if you are not staying at the Poly, you can't rent a cabana. So if you are inquiring about your upcoming trip, you may want to ask them.
QUOTE]
Not sure where it says my trip is to WL...is it my countdown ticker. Hmmm - probably didn't change it. I didn't take it the wrong way - believe me I have been to Disney many, many, many times and I know the rules about pool hopping, etc. We are AP holders and originally our trip was planned for CL at WL until AP rates were released in Aug along with free dining. My parents are traveling with us and they don't have an AP are taking the free dining package. There were no AP rates at WL in the CL area...so we booked the next best thing - Polynesian. When I first introduced myself on this thread I believe I indicated that we moved over to this thread from the WL. I do have another trip at Spring Break in 2012 and we are stay WL CL at that time.
Thanks for looking out for me.
Deb

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Please don't take this the wrong way but I see that your upcoming trip is for the WL and not sure if this is the trip that you are speaking of renting the cabana but I was told that if you are not staying at the Poly, you can't rent a cabana. So if you are inquiring about your upcoming trip, you may want to ask them.
QUOTE]
Not sure where it says my trip is to WL...is it my countdown ticker. Hmmm - probably didn't change it. I didn't take it the wrong way - believe me I have been to Disney many, many, many times and I know the rules about pool hopping, etc. We are AP holders and originally our trip was planned for CL at WL until AP rates were released in Aug along with free dining. My parents are traveling with us and they don't have an AP are taking the free dining package. There were no AP rates at WL in the CL area...so we booked the next best thing - Polynesian. When I first introduced myself on this thread I believe I indicated that we moved over to this thread from the WL. I do have another trip at Spring Break in 2012 and we are stay WL CL at that time.
Thanks for looking out for me.
Deb

Hi Deb, When I first replied to your post, the only ticker that was on your post was the WL ticker. Now I see the Poly one. We would love to take advantage of the free dining but with our DS being in HS, there is no way that we can take him out now. In a couple of years he will be in college and we will be able to take full advantage of it then. Keeping our fingers crossed that Disney will still offer the free dining then.

I just recently joined this thread a couple of days ago myself as we will be staying at the Poly in June 2012 for the first time as a surprise for our DS. The Poly is his favorite resort with CR running a close second. We always told him that we would never stay there as we are not Poly lovers YET. We were originally only staying for 2 nights but then changed it to 3 as we really want to get the most out of our Poly stay. Also knowing that they have cabana's is a definite plus for us. We were spoiled from the GF cabana's.

 

[Pluto1976]

Thank you Pluto1976. The article was very interesting and I am definitely waiting anxiously to find out what the big news is.

Yes me too! Hopefully, they announce it one way or the other for the Polynesian's birthday celebration on the 24th I think. However, it does seem kinda weird/silly:

"Happy Birthday Polynesian Resort! Your big present is we are going to tear you down and rebuild you from scratch."

I know it's speculation but after spending my first visit there as a child (i.e. I remember when the rooms were a limey green inside) to our Disneymoon and many family vacations its gonna be sad if they rebuild it. However, I do have faith Disney will do it right.

Mousemommy1, you will love the Polynesian. In my opinion it is the absolute best Disney resort.

 

[BreezysMom]

Well, a few of us will be there Monday so we will make sure you are all the first to know what the scoop is.

Like Tess said, I would wait before getting too unsettled. The Disney rumor mill is worse than any I have ever seen

Off to pass put for the night...one more day of work and then I am officially on vacation!

 

[mickeynut1]

As to the upcoming "changes" at Polynesian. I think everyone should stay calm and wait to see what happens down the road. As with all things Disney--changes are planned, changed, replanned--rinse, repeat and repeat.

I agree completely .

I have to say...I am really, really conflicted right now. We are booked for the Poly for July 2012 for 8 nights. I have always wanted to stay at the Poly since I was a little girl...I was so excited for my family to be able to experience it. But, yes, I do read reviews, and I try to say that of course people who are angry are more likely to post, but that in conjunction with the rumored changes...well, that leads me to believe that the resort is in such need of repair that they just have to level the place. Is this irrational? And, if they are going to level the place in 2013, why would they bother to change/fix any issues that are there now??? This would only mean more problems for my visit in July. I just really don't know what to do, and it's pretty sad, I feel like I'm giving up on a dream.

The Poly is an awesome resort and if it's a dream of yours to stay there, I would stop reading reviews and not worry about what will be or not be happening to the Poly in 2013. Stop thinking so much about it as ALL resorts have their bad reviews as every person's opinions are different and not all resorts are liked by everybody that stays there. My advice is to stop worrying about it and think about the awesome time you are going to have relaxing by the pool with the castle off in the distance .

We will be at the Poly in about 2 weeks and we are totally looking forward to it. It is our favorite resort and we have been going yearly since '91. Could some areas use a little TLC? Probably. Is the resort in teardown condition? Hardly. Try not to worry until we all know what is going on. If rumors are true, we will hear on Monday about the plans for the Poly. I'll bet if we all looked around our own homes with such critical eyes we'd find plenty of things that need fixing or updating, but we still love them.

I agree.....we all need to wait until Monday to find out what the news is.

Even if they have plans to redo the whole resort I doubt they would just let maintenance slide - it would be terrible customer service & bad PR for WDW.

I agree.....it would be poor judgement on Disney's part to overlook regular maintenance.

The Disney rumor mill is worse than any I have ever seen

My thoughts exactly.

 

[cmcinc]

10 more days for us and we will be back at the Poly!!! Not sure what to think of the rumors...just hope Disney does it right.

 

[Kteacher]

When we were there last week there were surveyors in the lounge of the Hawaii building.

 

[BreezysMom]

I have one more day left to work today and then my vacation starts!

I cannot believe I am finally heading back to Disney! Lots to do between now and Sunday but I will have a smile on my way every step of the way

If you are on FB and want some live reports and pictures!!...head over to our page Live from the Poly October 2011 it is an open page that anyone can see. You can just be a stalker if you like or join so you can comment or ask questions. Of course if any of us hear "Breaking News" we will report LIVE

Happy Wednesday everyone!

 

[BreezysMom]

When we were there last week there were surveyors in the lounge of the Hawaii building.

I hope the mean duck was scaring them away like he was doing to the guests when we were there last time

 

[Mousemommy1]

I am beginning to think that you actually enjoy resort switching. What happened to finally having come up with the "perfect" trip? I promise that Disney is not just going to start ignoring the Poly and its guests simply because a major overhaul may take place in the future. Just chill out and trust your gut! Or maybe step away from the DIS for a little while since individual reports/rumors are stressing you out so much..

I honestly hate that I keep changing...this has never happened with any of my trip planning before. I think it's because I don't know what I am getting, since we usually stay values, I know what I am getting for my money and I am comfortable with that. Now, we are talking a considerable amount more (even with discount), so I feel more pressure to make the right choice. It is not surprising however, to my DH, as I am this way about alot of stuff...(private school or public school for the girls???, sell our house or stay?, paper or plastic? ) In the end, I know that wherever we end up we'll be fine because the vacation is about the family being together.

 

[Pluto1976]

In the end, I know that wherever we end up we'll be fine because the vacation is about the family being together.

Well said! I could not agree more!! Concentrate on this aspect and you will have no worries (i.e. Hakuna Matata).

You will also probably find the things that you do not even plan or have ever worried about are the things that make the best memories from your trip.

Example, our family played beach volleyball on the Poly beach in August and I tell ya all of us agree that was probably one of the best memories of the trip b/c we were all toghether and having fun. Of course, the sunny weather and the castle as a backdrop helped too.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Yes me too! Hopefully, they announce it one way or the other for the Polynesian's birthday celebration on the 24th I think. However, it does seem kinda weird/silly:

"Happy Birthday Polynesian Resort! Your big present is we are going to tear you down and rebuild you from scratch."

I know it's speculation but after spending my first visit there as a child (i.e. I remember when the rooms were a limey green inside) to our Disneymoon and many family vacations its gonna be sad if they rebuild it. However, I do have faith Disney will do it right.

Oh that was too funny.

I am sure Disney will do the right thing as well. Even with the announcement and changes to the Poly, we are sticking with our plans to stay there in June 2012. I am too excited now just thinking of how our DS is going to react when he finds out. So changing now is out of the question for us.

Boy you sure do have some memories at the Poly and I am sure you will make new ones for many years to come.

 

[nklooz]

I have a dream of being upgraded to a theme park view room. I know this hardly ever happens. It is a long shot dream, but it's fun to dream, right?

So, am I better to just put my rational request in and say nothing else - 3rd floor baloncy room in Tokelau and say I'd love to have one of the rooms where I've heard you can get a glimpse of the Castle. Or, do I put in that request and say, I'd LOVE a theme park view upgrade.

In other words, is it better to request this dream upgrade or just put in my standard request and if they upgrade me, it's my luckiest day ever?

Thanks!

 

[mom2randj]

Thanks for all the info about the Poly. We leave in 3 days for our first trip and I am suddenly realizing I have to so much to do beforehand. We did book a garden view but as a "newbie" I didn't realize I could request a specific location. I do think we want a balcony and as our kids our 8 and 10 I think we will be spending some time near the pool. I know we aren't guaranteed a specific request but could anyone give me some pointers on what longhouse(s) to request?

 

[logpey]

Coachbagfanatic, here are the plans according to Tikiman's site:
http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/news/195-change-is-in-the-wind

Pretty sad day if this is true although I do have faith in Disney to do it right.

I was alarmed at first, then I realized we don't have any hard facts, so I will wait with a lump in my throat till the announcement on Oct 24th.... Happy Birthday POLY!

I have one more day left to work today and then my vacation starts!
I cannot believe I am finally heading back to Disney! Lots to do between now and Sunday but I will have a smile on my way every step of the way

If you are on FB and want some live reports and pictures!!...head over to our page Live from the Poly October 2011 it is an open page that anyone can see. You can just be a stalker if you like or join so you can comment or ask questions. Of course if any of us hear "Breaking News" we will report LIVE
Happy Wednesday everyone!

Thx, for the live update when you arrive. Be careful & enjoy yourself with a pina CoLava!

 

[logpey]

Thanks for all the info about the Poly. We leave in 3 days for our first trip and I am suddenly realizing I have to so much to do beforehand. We did book a garden view but as a "newbie" I didn't realize I could request a specific location. I do think we want a balcony and as our kids our 8 and 10 I think we will be spending some time near the pool. I know we aren't guaranteed a specific request but could anyone give me some pointers on what longhouse(s) to request?

Samoa building 1st floor: the front of the building faces the Volcano pool and the back faces the east (quiet pool), so a when when situation. Also your right next door to the GCH. Relax & have a great trip!

 

[logpey]

I have a dream of being upgraded to a theme park view room. I know this hardly ever happens. It is a long shot dream, but it's fun to dream, right?

So, am I better to just put my rational request in and say nothing else - 3rd floor baloncy room in Tokelau and say I'd love to have one of the rooms where I've heard you can get a glimpse of the Castle. Or, do I put in that request and say, I'd LOVE a theme park view upgrade.

In other words, is it better to request this dream upgrade or just put in my standard request and if they upgrade me, it's my luckiest day ever?

Thanks!

You gotta have dreams, I say go for it, you have absolutely nothing to lose except maybe a little disappointment if you don't get it, but you will never know unless you ask! Ask for the whole SHEBANG! this is Disney, your dreams could come true! If they don't give you your desired request, then that day, ask if Tokelau 3rd floor is available to be switched to. Good luck, I will throw some extra pixie dust your way for adding luck!!!

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

My own personal "Blue Sky" thoughts on the Poly rumors if they are indeed to be believed. These are just my thoughts looking at the Google overhead view and would also rather they kept it just the way it is.

You take down the old GCH and Rarotonga for new GCH area, make it the same 3 stories high with hotel rooms off of it mostly the suites and Conceirge.
Niue,Samoa now become a water park marina area.
The area west of the Marina now goes DVC and the area where Hawaii Tahiti Tokelau Tangora Terrace and Rapa Nui are get reconfigured into new long houses.
Obviously things wouldn't fit exactly where the old long house would be back filling the old area and reconfiguring would probably give you room for at least 4 - 5 outer long houses.

 

[Missus Toad]

I can't even get my head around the possibility of tearing my beloved Polynesian Village down. Honestly, I get a pang in my heart at the thought. I'm sure whatever they would put in its place would be magnificent, but there is something wonderful about our ceremonial house with 3 story island longhouses.

My fear is that we will end up with a Polynesian take on the WL or AKL, and although those resorts are beloved too, I am not a fan of endless hallways that take you out of your natural environment. There is so much beauty and enjoyment in a winding garden path. Yes, I even enjoy running through a downpour to get to my room. I also don't want a superhotel environment, where they build way up like Aulani to maximize revenue. I would miss the soul and intimacy of a small village setting.

I know there are bigger problems in the world, but a major change to my happy place means a lot.