Anyone else underwhelmed by the poly?

[Lorilais_mommie]

. Despite my gripes, there are some things that I am excited about (the new pool and Trader Sams in particular. Again, I will pass judgement until I see the finished product, but will remain "concerned" until that point.

I thought the new pool was off the table as well??

 

[Andrew015]

According to people I've spoken with, there were a couple of primary reasons that played into the decision:

1) More rooms places greater stress on resort amenities. We're talking front desk, bell services, parking, theme park transportation (including shared monorail line), pool, dining, housekeeping...right on down the line. Keeping the same resort footprint--with only the bungalows as an addition--means those services can largely remain as-is. More rooms would have required additions, which comes at a higher cost. And there were also logistical concerns regarding how much can they really expand the pool, parking, transport, etc. without harming the entire area.

Consider the complaints about VGF being added to the SSL beach...now magnify those complaints for 2 DVC Poly towers.

2) The other big factor was the reality that many longtime Poly fans will buy DVC points. That moves many die-hards from cash bookings to DVC points. If the Poly were to have maintained the same number of cash guest rooms, Disney would have had to work harder to fill those rooms. "Working harder" is code for lower rates / discounting. Meanwhile demand was bound to be lessened by the loss of beach space that would have accompanied not only the bungalows but two multi-story villa towers. By taking the cash hotel down to 60% of its original size, Disney can continue to demand high prices for those rooms.

All of that said, DVC can always revisit the towers at a later date. That option will never be truly off the table.

While I don't totally disagree with either claim, the same logic could be said of GF, WL, CR, yet large-scale tower expansions were successfully implemented at each of those resorts despite facing the same set of challenges.

Of the two points that you make, I tend to believe that #2 has more of an impact. Converting more longhouses into DVC and nixing the towers does 2 things:

• First, it significantly lowers the amount of cash rooms available. By limiting supply, Disney artificially raises demand. Increased demand means that Disney can charge more $$$ for the remaining cash rooms
  
• Same logic applies for the DVC side. Rather than having to sell out two large towers, it is now almost assured that the smaller-scale Poly DVC will sell out in record time. Again, DVC can essentially charge what they want for Poly DVC, and I suspect it will still sell out in record fashion.

All of this can be acheived while really scaling back the capital investment required, and they can surely get to market that much quicker. I guess this is having your cake and eating it, too.

 

[nalajms]

All of that said, DVC can always revisit the towers at a later date. That option will never be truly off the table.

Plus, what DVC member would want a view of the TTC parking lot? That's got to be the worst DVC view period! I think I'd take the partial dumpster and woods view at VWL over that. They'd have to be really cheap rooms for me to book those Poly rooms.

I may be open to the towers near VGF if the point costs were lower than BLT.

 

[Andrew015]

I thought the new pool was off the table as well??

Maybe I phrased that incorrectly. There isn't going to be a "new pool". However, the existing Volcano pool is to undergo a substantial rennovation.

 

[Tikiman]

According to people I've spoken with, there were a couple of primary reasons that played into the decision:

1) More rooms places greater stress on resort amenities. We're talking front desk, bell services, parking, theme park transportation (including shared monorail line), pool, dining, housekeeping...right on down the line. Keeping the same resort footprint--with only the bungalows as an addition--means those services can largely remain as-is. More rooms would have required additions, which comes at a higher cost. And there were also logistical concerns regarding how much can they really expand the pool, parking, transport, etc. without harming the entire area.

Consider the complaints about VGF being added to the SSL beach...now magnify those complaints for 2 DVC Poly towers.

2) The other big factor was the reality that many longtime Poly fans will buy DVC points. That moves many die-hards from cash bookings to DVC points. If the Poly were to have maintained the same number of cash guest rooms, Disney would have had to work harder to fill those rooms. "Working harder" is code for lower rates / discounting.

Meanwhile demand was bound to be lessened by the loss of beach space that would have accompanied not only the bungalows but two multi-story villa towers.

By taking the cash hotel down to 60% of its original size, Disney can continue to demand high prices for those rooms.

All of that said, DVC can always revisit the towers at a later date. That option will never be truly off the table.

That is basically what happened. Many decisions change from Imagineering concept to implementation because of budgets and this is what happened here. The plan with the two phases was going to take longer, cost much more and affect the resort to a greater extent. If they have built the original concept with the two 5 story buildings they were going to need to build the additional pool area, add another restaurant and possibly an additional check in area. It was only a few months before the beach was closed for construction that I was told that the original concept was being cut way back. They were just going to build the bungalows and convert Tahiti. Rapa Nui was still scheduled to get the room renovation like all the other longhouses (per the construction schedule). They had test rooms for the bungalows materials inside Rapa Nui rooms and eventually they decided to add Rapa Nui to the conversion. More recently they decided to add Tokelau to the converted rooms even though Tokelau just spent all this time getting the new room design. This will bring the resort room count (non-DVC) back to what it was in 1971.

With the money being saved not doing the original plan they have added on some projects like redesigning the East pool and adding a bar and grill to it once the main pool area is complete. There are some other things that will be added also but for now can’t be talked about. I think many of them will be DVC only.

I was told some information about how DVC will work at the Polynesian but I have never really shared it because I can’t say I understood it. It has something to do with how this DVC will be different than others and something about how the funds from DVC will not support the rest of the resort. This has something to do with why rates for the normal rooms will go through the roof.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

We have many fond Polynesian memories, dating back to the early 1980s. Although I have kept up with Polynesian announcements and progress, I have an indifferent attitude toward its completion. We truly enjoy our membership and appreciate the opportunity to visit WDW 2-3 weeks a year. However, DVC construction now seems so regular that we have adopted a "what's next" attitude (e.g., Should we be excited about the prospect of buying points at the Polynesian or look forward to carriage rides, horseback riding and dinners at Trail's End when Fort Wilderness is finally announced?).

 

[tjkraz]

While I don't totally disagree with either claim, the same logic could be said of GF, WL, CR, yet large-scale tower expansions were successfully implemented at each of those resorts despite facing the same set of challenges.

Every situation is different and some resorts are more right-sized than others. At the contemporary, the North Garden Wing (250 rooms) was demolished for BLT. And that expansion included a new pool, front desk and some other services.

Grand Floridian didn't add much in the way of services but the property is already so massive that it wasn't necessarily needed. That's not to say frequent guests won't see the increase in guest traffic. GF is strained a bit by the villas. VWL has handled the villas pretty well, although many would argue the swimming facilities there are too small.

But none of these would have compared to the volume of rooms Poly would have added if those two beachfront buildings had been constructed. The grounds would have been reduced for the buildings themselves. Then, like Steve said, you're looking at needing more space for the pool, bigger lobby, more parking, etc.

Anyone who thinks the property has been harmed by the bungalows...stop and think about what it would look like with those two new buildings (and ancillary services) going in. There wouldn't be any beach space or grounds left...death by a thousand cuts.

First, it significantly lowers the amount of cash rooms available. By limiting supply, Disney artificially raises demand. Increased demand means that Disney can charge more $$$ for the remaining cash rooms

Yes there will be less supply but there will also be less demand. The people who buy DVC points at the Poly are no longer customers for the hotel rooms. Fewer rooms...but also fewer guests willing to stay in the rooms.

At worst (for Disney), it's probably a wash. Demand for the remaining hotel rooms MAY be sufficient for them to goose the rates a bit more. Will probably depend on how well-received the remodel ends up being. If guests are upset with the views, changes to the lobby and other factors, there could be a slip in demand, on top of the hotel business lost to DVC.

 

[smjj]

Although we loved the Poly and DVC we are both glad they scaled back the DVC expansion there. Before we joined the stayed at the Poly 2 times and loved the place. Seeing the first set of drawing, I had the same misgiving as others about too much for the space. I think this is a good compromise. However, I am sure the points to stay there will be much more than we want or are willing to use.....smjj

 

[Dean]

I was told some information about how DVC will work at the Polynesian but I have never really shared it because I can’t say I understood it. It has something to do with how this DVC will be different than others and something about how the funds from DVC will not support the rest of the resort. This has something to do with why rates for the normal rooms will go through the roof.

The limited info doesn't sound different, time will tell if there are any unique nuances. All of the mixed use properties try to separate budgets, upkeep, costs and the like between hotel and DVC as much as is humanly possible. They do share expenses for shared amenities such as common areas, transportation and the like often using a formula designed to take into consideration the inherent differences between the 2 facets including saturation (occupancy for a hotel is the % of rooms/villas that have any guest). Normally retail operations like bars/restaurants are hoped to be self sufficient as a minimum, preferably turning a profit.

 

[Princess_Nikki]

As a family with growing sons, we stayed in the Poly more than any other resort. That was in the '70 and '80's! However, now it is not as attractive to us as the other DVC resorts. However, I am not ruling out trying to stay there.

While staying at CBR in May, I had a lovely conversation with two ladies who regaled me with stories of their previous DIS vacations, also dating back in the 70's & 80's. They vacationed together with their families, were there for WDW's opening day, and always stayed at the Poly. They told me grand stories of how the Luau dinner was so authentic and different back then, how you had dinner on the beach, and the food was brought to you in canoes (or what the Polynesian people would call them?). Although it was nice to hear about the "good old days", they almost had me in tears. LOL. I thought how crazy WDW must seem to them now?? (They had also mentioned, quite lamentably, how this trip may very well be their last.)

We had a breakfast ADR at Ohana, and I had looked forward to this trip to the POLY SO much. I started visiting WDW back in 2004 and always would think the POLY was where it was at, and would dream about someday staying there. After our breakfast, we took a quick tour of the resort and all I could think was, "this is it?!!!". I don't know quite what I was expecting, but it wasn't as terrific as I was thinking it would be. I imagine all the renovations didn't help! But, all that being said, my DH and I decided we are not POLY people either. I'd like to give it a chance after all these renovations, and I do hope I'll change my mind in the future.

What also made me wonder is...will those POLY DVC villas count for new members as a home resort or will the DVC simply just offer them as an alternative? I couldn't get anyone on our DVC tour to give us even a semblance of an answer.

We were offered the Grand Floridian as our home base.

 

[JVL1018]

Meh, I've always gotten a Brady Bunch goes to Hawaii vibe from the Poly, and I always noticed those rooms that have no balcony, just the sliding doors with a railing right up against them. Not a fan.

Bungalows over beautiful blue seas-good.
Bungalows over brown Disney water-not good.

 

[wdrl]

What also made me wonder is...will those POLY DVC villas count for new members as a home resort or will the DVC simply just offer them as an alternative? I couldn't get anyone on our DVC tour to give us even a semblance of an answer.

It doesn't surprise me that no one on a DVC tour would answer any questions about the Poly DVC. The Poly DVC is months away from becoming a reality and between now and then, a number of different things might happen. The Poly DVC may be delayed, it may be denied a license by the State, it may not be incorporated into the Disney Vacation Club as we know it, etc. Until the Poly DVC property is registered with the State of Florida and Disney is issued a license to sell it to the public, Disney will not discuss the Poly DVC during its timeshare presentations.

If things go as I expect, the Poly DVC will be established as a condominium association much like the other 12 resorts that are currently part of the DVC. Disney Vacation Development will sell real estate interests (DVC points) in the Poly, and those that buy will have the Poly as their home resort. DVC members who don't own at the Poly will be able use their points to book villas at the Poly after the Poly owners have had at least a one to four month booking advantage.

 

[Sur]

Meh, I've always gotten a Brady Bunch goes to Hawaii vibe from the Poly, and I always noticed those rooms that have no balcony, just the sliding doors with a railing right up against them. Not a fan. Bungalows over beautiful blue seas-good. Bungalows over brown Disney water-not good.

somehow you got in my head and read my thoughts exactly....especially the brown water.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Meh, I've always gotten a Brady Bunch goes to Hawaii vibe from the Poly, and I always noticed those rooms that have no balcony, just the sliding doors with a railing right up against them. Not a fan.

Bungalows over beautiful blue seas-good.
Bungalows over brown Disney water-not good.

Oh my! I finally met someone who feels the same way I do. The first time I walked into the Poly I told my DH, "This feels like the Brady Bunch." He laughed at me and told me he didn't think so. But I've always gotten that Brady Bunch feel from the Poly!

 

[anna08]

Does anyone know how many villas there will be in total at Poly, or where it will rank in terms of size compared with the existing DVC resorts?

Is there a certain size that dictates when you get a gift shop, pool bar, counter service or restaurant?

I would assume this might just be like BLT and VGF - just a pool bar?

I have no idea if we'll purchase there, but for some reason am really excited to see the pictures of the finished project. And I enjoy all the speculation that builds as everyone starts to guess about the features and price here on the Dis.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Meh, I've always gotten a Brady Bunch goes to Hawaii vibe from the Poly,

This is exactly what my DH said when we 1st saw the poly!

 

[mom2rb]

Oh my! I finally met someone who feels the same way I do. The first time I walked into the Poly I told my DH, "This feels like the Brady Bunch." He laughed at me and told me he didn't think so. But I've always gotten that Brady Bunch feel from the Poly!

This is how DH and I have always felt. In fact DH now says that the only way that he will ever stay there is in a DVC room for only a few days to see if that would change his mind.

 

[DenLo]

Does anyone know how many villas there will be in total at Poly, or where it will rank in terms of size compared with the existing DVC resorts?

Is there a certain size that dictates when you get a gift shop, pool bar, counter service or restaurant?

I would assume this might just be like BLT and VGF - just a pool bar?

I have no idea if we'll purchase there, but for some reason am really excited to see the pictures of the finished project. And I enjoy all the speculation that builds as everyone starts to guess about the features and price here on the Dis.

We do not know exactly how many villas there will be as DVC has not announced any details nor filed them with Orange County or South Florida Water District. However, Tikiman has a write up about the Longhouses and the current room numbers and since the rooms are just being changed into DVC studios the number should be the same. Also there will be 20 bungalows.

http://www.tikimanpages.com/poly/the-resort/dvc

 

[jade1]

We have always been underwhelmed with the POLY.

DVC is the only slim chance of a future stay from us.

Agreed the larger DVC scale plan would have been our vote.

Doesn't seem to get a lot of interest/updates here on the Disboards IMO.

Still interested in continuous updates on the project though.

Still glad they are doing it.

A nice addition to our DVC portfolio IMO.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Does anyone know how many villas there will be in total at Poly, or where it will rank in terms of size compared with the existing DVC resorts?

Prior to the pending conversion, Tokelau had 144 guest rooms, which were equally divided between three floors.