another poly construction question! sorry

[julluvsdisney]

Im booked at the poly in 6 weeks and I don't really want to change to the grand Floridian(not that I don't want to I would love to but the cost of my trip just keeps going up so I gotta stop somewhere! and I really wanna stay at the poly) but what happens if I get there and it's just not enjoyable? Can I switch to the grand Floridian? And if I do will I still get the summer discount since I booked with it originally? I can't really make an informed decision until I see it with my own eyes. The pictures and videos don't seem to bother me but the posts on here do. I know some people are bothered more than others about lots of things so it's hard to gauge what bothers me might not bother the next person and vice versa. I guess I'm just wondering what my options are if its unbearable! TIA

 

[trishadono]

Im booked at the poly in 6 weeks and I don't really want to change to the grand Floridian(not that I don't want to I would love to but the cost of my trip just keeps going up so I gotta stop somewhere! and I really wanna stay at the poly) but what happens if I get there and it's just not enjoyable? Can I switch to the grand Floridian? And if I do will I still get the summer discount since I booked with it originally? I can't really make an informed decision until I see it with my own eyes. The pictures and videos don't seem to bother me but the posts on here do. I know some people are bothered more than others about lots of things so it's hard to gauge what bothers me might not bother the next person and vice versa. I guess I'm just wondering what my options are if its unbearable! TIA

My trip is 7 days away and I am not at all worried. I have been to disney with construction many many times. If you are up to date on info you can make an informed decision.

For summer here is what I think. How much time do we spend in the lobby??? All the shops and restaurants are currently open. Some shops will be closing but they will probably relocate the merchandise elsewhere.

When I sit at Tambu lounge I look out the window anyways.

For outside the beaches and pools are open.

The resort has most construction contained to one side and parking areas. Again you won't be there.

You'll be in a beautiful room, have access to monorail, buses and boats, have great dining options.

Also with a chunk of the resort closed it won't be as busy as usual.

So my opinion if go before 7/26 should be ok. If after 7/26 I would only go if I didn't need pool. Maybe a winter trip or if you are going to be in parks or prefer water parks.

Sometimes you can transfer hotels but last minute availability could be a problem. Also you could possibly pay more .

Good luck!

 

[julluvsdisney]

My trip is 7 days away and I am not at all worried. I have been to disney with construction many many times. If you are up to date on info you can make an informed decision.

For summer here is what I think. How much time do we spend in the lobby??? All the shops and restaurants are currently open. Some shops will be closing but they will probably relocate the merchandise elsewhere.

When I sit at Tambu lounge I look out the window anyways.

For outside the beaches and pools are open.

The resort has most construction contained to one side and parking areas. Again you won't be there.

You'll be in a beautiful room, have access to monorail, buses and boats, have great dining options.

Also with a chunk of the resort closed it won't be as busy as usual.

So my opinion if go before 7/26 should be ok. If after 7/26 I would only go if I didn't need pool. Maybe a winter trip or if you are going to be in parks or prefer water parks.

Sometimes you can transfer hotels but last minute availability could be a problem. Also you could possibly pay more .

Good luck!

Everything you said is EXACTLY how I have felt! I feel like it's not going to bother me but then I read a review here and it gets me worried!!!!

If it was after the pool closed I would have no choice ! You need a pool in July in florida. But we will be there before the pool closes!

Do you think they will try to keep most people away from the construction as far as room locations ?

Thanks for your reassurance!!!!

 

[trishadono]

Everything you said is EXACTLY how I have felt! I feel like it's not going to bother me but then I read a review here and it gets me worried!!!!

If it was after the pool closed I would have no choice ! You need a pool in July in florida. But we will be there before the pool closes!

Do you think they will try to keep most people away from the construction as far as room locations ?

Thanks for your reassurance!!!!

If you look at a map the 3 buildings with construction are the newer buildings on far right. So in essence no one will be near them. Rapanui, Tokelau and Tahiti.

If you get to the room and don't like it go back and ask for somewhere else.

I have been reading everywhere and so far no real complaints about noise so I think(fingers crossed) we will be ok!

 

[HairyChest]

Some great points were brought up. Heres a few random thoughts i have

-the lobby is DARK now. They closed off the middle including the glass ceiling. I believe they are adding lights to the construction walls but its still dark and claustrophobic. Kona cafe is not a pleasant place to be

-captain cooks is limited and looks like a hospital cafeteria.

-the pool with the beautiful view of the castle is still there but if u go to the beach in front of the pool you will be laying next to a green fence with half the lagoon view blocked by bungalos

-all hammocks are gone (correction- there may be 1 hammock left right next to the green construction fence)

-some walkways are closed and being worked on. The west side is ok but a few days ago the east side was blocked off as the pathways were being gutted and redone

-i often forget a crucial point when picking between resorts: can i enjoy the things i like about the resort just by visiting? Will one of the resorts im picking between be more convenient in terms of the room, late night food, exclusive things to the resort guests.

A great example is my love for the wilderness lodge grounds but my dislike for the small room. Once i realized "hey i can visit and hang out the wilderness lodge grounds and return to my beautiful big room at the grand". That helped alot

 

[julluvsdisney]

If you look at a map the 3 buildings with construction are the newer buildings on far right. So in essence no one will be near them. Rapanui, Tokelau and Tahiti.

If you get to the room and don't like it go back and ask for somewhere else.

I have been reading everywhere and so far no real complaints about noise so I think(fingers crossed) we will be ok!

If you have any issues please post when you get back!!!! Just in case I need to make some changes!!! I hope you have an amazing time !!!

 

[julluvsdisney]

-i often forget a crucial point when picking between resorts: can i enjoy the things i like about the resort just by visiting? Will one of the resorts im picking between be more convenient in terms of the room, late night food, exclusive things to the resort guests.

A great example is my love for the wilderness lodge grounds but my dislike for the small room. Once i realized "hey i can visit and hang out the wilderness lodge grounds and return to my beautiful big room at the grand". That helped alot

Good point! I was looking forward to staying at the poly for a few reasons.
I love the rooms!

I love the balconies or outside area (always stayed at mod and value fisrt deluxe stay).

I love the theme.

I love the location to MK.

I love the monorail.

I love that you can sit on the beach and watch the fireworks from the beach then walk to your room and go to bed (no crowds to push through!).

I love the pool!

I love the walk ways with the lush landscaping and torches.

And I really want to make it to capt cooks in time for tonga toast!

I really hope none of this is impacted! I would love to also try GF but again that's another $300. Doesn't sound like much but we are staying at BC for 10 days in November so our july trip was supposed to be a quick trip!
Now it has evolved into something so much more lol

Do you think any of this will be impacted? I hope not! I keep watching the Disney website to check the rehab dates for everything so I think not much more will be closed from now until then.

 

[clapton]

I don't know what you are paying, but if it was me I would rethink my decision. I wouldn't want to be at a resort under construction when I could choose another one which is just as nice or better!

 

[HairyChest]

I love the rooms! Rooms are still good

I love the balconies or outside area (always stayed at mod and value fisrt deluxe stay). Balcony other then the west side are not fun to be on

I love the theme. Ambiance is affected

I love the location to MK. Still ok

I love the monorail. Still ok

I love that you can sit on the beach and watch the fireworks from the beach then walk to your room and go to bed (no crowds to push through!). Still ok but view is constricted on the right

I love the pool! Still good

I love the walk ways with the lush landscaping and torches. Walkways and torches on east side were off

And I really want to make it to capt cooks in time for tonga toast! I think the limited menu still has tonga toast but not sure

I really hope none of this is impacted! I would love to also try GF but again that's another $300. Doesn't sound like much but we are staying at BC for 10 days in November so our july trip was supposed to be a quick trip!
Now it has evolved into something so much more lol

Do you think any of this will be impacted? I hope not! I keep watching the Disney website to check the rehab dates for everything so I think not much more will be closed from now until then.

 

[Sue M]

We were booked for August. Pool was deciding factor. I switched to GF.
If you wait until arrival they may be able to find you another room, but may not be in MK area, you'd have to be flexible.

If the pool was still open in August, I would have stayed.

 

[Babsy]

You can switch when you get there subject to availability. That means you will have to be flexible which means you may have to pay for a more expensive room than you would be able to get now. For example all the garden view rooms at the GF may be taken but a lagoon view room or deluxe room may be available. Or you may prefer the GF but can only move to the CR. that sort of thing.

We were at the YC when some minor work was being done and I thought that I would be able to handle it. they were only working outside during daytime hours. Well! After a few days we finally had enough and went to ask to be moved. They moved us to the BC which was NOT our choice but was such a relief to get away from the noise! I decided that I would never knowingly stay where there is construction ever again. There are so many resorts in WDW that we just stay in resorts when they are NOT having work done. we will be back to the Poly in a year or two when they have finished.

BTW, not all rooms at the Poly have balconies and those that do have a less pleasant experience likely during construction. (we NEVER could enjoy our balcony at the YC. the view was ruined, even when the noise stopped)

Of course, like you say not everyone is impacted by the effect on atmosphere, the noise or the change in view, venues, pathways, restaurants, etc However, I know that I am deeply affected. I wish that I wasn't, but I am.

I agree with HairyChest. Visiting the Poly and enjoying the Tonga Toast, but staying somewhere else, would be my choice. The atmosphere, which is critical to what is enjoyable at the Poly (for me), is hugely affected by the construction (for me).

Bottom line: Yes, you can likely change when you get there if you don't like the construction. However, it isn't a fun experience and your options MAY be limited to choices that you wouldn't make if you booked in advance. Finally, it is POSSIBLE that you would NOT be able to be moved anywhere that you would care to go. It has happened.

 

[julluvsdisney]

You can switch when you get there subject to availability. That means you will have to be flexible which means you may have to pay for a more expensive room than you would be able to get now. For example all the garden view rooms at the GF may be taken but a lagoon view room or deluxe room may be available. Or you may prefer the GF but can only move to the CR. that sort of thing. We were at the YC when some minor work was being done and I thought that I would be able to handle it. they were only working outside during daytime hours. Well! After a few days we finally had enough and went to ask to be moved. They moved us to the BC which was NOT our choice but was such a relief to get away from the noise! I decided that I would never knowingly stay where there is construction ever again. There are so many resorts in WDW that we just stay in resorts when they are NOT having work done. we will be back to the Poly in a year or two when they have finished. BTW, not all rooms at the Poly have balconies and those that do have a less pleasant experience likely during construction. (we NEVER could enjoy our balcony at the YC. the view was ruined, even when the noise stopped) Of course, like you say not everyone is impacted by the effect on atmosphere, the noise or the change in view, venues, pathways, restaurants, etc However, I know that I am deeply affected. I wish that I wasn't, but I am. I agree with HairyChest. Visiting the Poly and enjoying the Tonga Toast, but staying somewhere else, would be my choice. The atmosphere, which is critical to what is enjoyable at the Poly (for me), is hugely affected by the construction (for me). Bottom line: Yes, you can likely change when you get there if you don't like the construction. However, it isn't a fun experience and your options MAY be limited to choices that you wouldn't make if you booked in advance. Finally, it is POSSIBLE that you would NOT be able to be moved anywhere that you would care to go. It has happened.

I guess my biggest concern is if I get there and it's just awful can I use the same discount I am getting now toward another resort ? I would hate to pay rack rate when I have a discount now. Obviously the resort would have to have availability under the code . I just want to It's possible.

 

[mickeynut1]

I guess my biggest concern is if I get there and it's just awful can I use the same discount I am getting now toward another resort ? I would hate to pay rack rate when I have a discount now. Obviously the resort would have to have availability under the code . I just want to It's possible.

I have never experienced this, but from what I understand, the discount wouldn't carry over and you would pay the difference between what you paid for the Poly (discounted) and rack rate to where ever you move to. With everything going on at the Poly, Disney may discount another resort comparable to what you got at the Poly (just speculation), but that would be something you wouldn't find out until you were there. With that said, if you are really concerned about the Poly at this point, I would maybe look into other options and change now with the discount while you can. Good luck.

 

[HairyChest]

I guess my biggest concern is if I get there and it's just awful can I use the same discount I am getting now toward another resort ? I would hate to pay rack rate when I have a discount now. Obviously the resort would have to have availability under the code . I just want to It's possible.

If you speak to the manager and they can move you there wouldnt be a charge. It would just be a move to another resort or room but youd pay what you were supposed to pay originally. I once had a mosquito situation and they were going to move me to a more expensive hotel with no additional cost to me. I declined because the problem was taken care of.

 

[julluvsdisney]

If you speak to the manager and they can move you there wouldnt be a charge. It would just be a move to another resort or room but youd pay what you were supposed to pay originally. I once had a mosquito situation and they were going to move me to a more expensive hotel with no additional cost to me. I declined because the problem was taken care of.

This is exactly what I was wondering! Thank you! Not that I would mind paying the difference of the discounted rate but I wouldn't want to pay rack rate. It gives me food for thought for sure! I may at the last second switch but I am going to wait it out for now. I am still looking forward to the Poly! But I will be keeping my eyes on the boards to see if any MAJOR unexpected changes come to the POLY in the mean time.

 

[Babsy]

If you speak to the manager and they can move you there wouldnt be a charge. It would just be a move to another resort or room but youd pay what you were supposed to pay originally. I once had a mosquito situation and they were going to move me to a more expensive hotel with no additional cost to me. I declined because the problem was taken care of.

You are right - sometimes they move you without charging. However, this is not always true in my experience. I think that whether or not they charge the difference in price may be based upon the reason for the move. If it is something that happens that you couldn't foresee (such as an allergic reaction to foliage near your room and they have no where to move you within the existing resort) then they move you free of any increased charge. However, since the construction is known in advance, I am not sure that they would move you without charging the difference in price. I have moved because I was unhappy with the resort for various reasons and often have had to pay more as a result of the move. Still, it is possible that they will not charge you. It does happen that way sometimes. OP just needs to be aware that it isn't a certainty in every case.

 

[julluvsdisney]

You are right - sometimes they move you without charging. However, this is not always true in my experience. I think that whether or not they charge the difference in price may be based upon the reason for the move. If it is something that happens that you couldn't foresee (such as an allergic reaction to foliage near your room and they have no where to move you within the existing resort) then they move you free of any increased charge. However, since the construction is known in advance, I am not sure that they would move you without charging the difference in price. I have moved because I was unhappy with the resort for various reasons and often have had to pay more as a result of the move. Still, it is possible that they will not charge you. It does happen that way sometimes. OP just needs to be aware that it isn't a certainty in every case.

I have no issue paying the difference if it's the summer RO discount. My real issue is having to switch and pay the rack rate. I don't want to switch. I want to stay at the poly. I have done my research and made the decision to stay there based on the info that it given BUT without setting foot on property there is no way to tell if it will actually bother me. Based on the info I have seen then no absolutly not it won't bother me but I cannot say for sure that it won't until I am there. Something could change at the last moment that could impact how I feel. I am going to take my chances. Like my DH keeps reminding me this is a 5 day vaction not 10 like usual. I just wanted to know if I got there and cannot stand it that they would honor the discount at another resort and let me pay the difference of the discounted room. If not I would suck it up and enjoy my vacation.
As long as they don't close the pool then I will be fine! The pool closing would be a deal breaker! Florida in July with no pool just doesn't make sense to me!