Back from Polynesian/BCV

[BCV23]

We returned yesterday from what has become our usual split stay. This trip was 4 nights at the Polynesian and then 5 at BCV in a 1BR.

The Polynesian was as magical as ever. We've had over 30 stays there and love it as much as in 1983 on our first. This trip we were in Samoa. I had requested non smoking, 1st floor. We've been in Samoa a number of times. In the late 80's, I think we always were in it. Anyway, it has a great location. This part of the trip, it was DS1 joining DS2 and my husband. We could hear Wishes very well from our lanai and could see some of it. I really enjoyed having the coffeemaker for my morning tea.

On Sunday we moved to BCV. The room was ready around 11:00 which was a treat. Allen at check in was wonderful. DS2 had to fly back to school early that afternoon. Our room had a wonderful view of Illuminations. We were on the 5th floor.

At the BC, a concierge desk has opened. It performs the same fuction as Guest Services does (and always has done) at the Polynesian....replace keys, make PSs,etc.. It is a very nice addition to the BC/BCV area. I had to replace my key 3 times this trip. Actually lost one for the first time and then demagnetized them 2 more times!! At the Polynesian, I was told that the newer cell phone batteries are more powerful and do this. I tried to keep the cell phone and key apart but somehow managed to do it at BCV as well!

On Thursday, we received a letter inviting us to meet with the GM of the Y&BC/BCV. Forgive the spelling but it is something like Sam Penesula? Unfortunately, it was from 8:30 to 9:30 Friday am but we had a 10:30 flight so were trying to leave by 8:30. Would have been interesting.

Crew's Cup now serves sandwiches and a steak until 10:00. Used to be only appetizers after 5:00.

Anyway, we had a great stay at both hotels.

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

 

[Samsma]

Hi! I'm debating between Poly and BC (not villas), at the end of my trip to VWL. Which would you do after having just been to both. 3 nights, kids 12 and 6. Standard view at both.

 

[BCV23]

Well, as you probably know the Villas are very different from the BC. We stayed at the BC the first year it opened and tacked on a short stay after Polynesian vacations a couple of other times. Sormalong Bay is a great pool if your children are very good swimmers. That is the only reason we went back a couple of times. And even so, my kids preferred the Polynesian pools growing up but that might just be because of memories.

The BC is a very pretty resort but we prefer the Polynesian hands down. The setting and atmosphere are so special. The grounds are beautiful. We love being able to take the boat or monorail to MK and walking over to the TTC for the Epcot monorail. Some people think BC is better for Epcot but other than to the countries closest to the IG, it is a draw for WS and closer to FW from the Polynesian in our experience plus you get to ride the monorail! We also like the convenience of the resort monorail to dine at the great restaurants on the monorail circuit. It is also easy to get to FW or WL by bus from the TTC or by boat from the MK.

The rooms are larger as well which is important to us. I also like the setup of the bathrooms better with the sink and watercloset (as well as the tub) in one room. Others like the sinks outside so someone can use the sink area while another can shower.

But both are great resorts. I'd say follow your instincts and then try the other one next stay.

 

[DJmommy]

Sounds like a wonderful trip. I, too, was trying to decide between the two resorts you stayed at & considered a split stay, but eventually decided to go Poly for all 7 nights. We have never done a deluxe before, so the larger rooms & the convenience of the monorail for our two little ones sold us. We aren't going til Nov., but just reading the boards has gotten me so excited. I'm sure we will love it there.

BTW, we requested Tokelau, because we thought it might be a little quieter for DD's naps. Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks,

Jackie

 

[BCV23]

Jackie, I think you will be happy with your decision!

We never split stays when our children were very little. We did do those couple of add on nights at BC but when they were older and even then it was a bit of a pain.

Our youngest is now 19 and so splitting is easier. Still a bit of a hassle but we enjoy both so much. I was just talking with my DH yesterday about whether we should alternate...one longer stay at the Polynesian and then next trip stay at BCV the entire time. We decided we like it this way. But I would not have done it when my kids were little.

We've never stayed in Tokelau but I think it is a great request. The rooms are even larger than Samoa.Tikiman recommends it for gardenview I believe. It's funny but in all of our stays we've only been placed in three buildings....Hawaii (including before it was concierge), Samoa and Rapa Nui to use the current names.

But I think every building has its advantages and for me one of the fun things about reading reviews about the Polynesian on these boards is how much everyone loves and recommends whichever building they end up in!

I think any building will be quiet enough for napping. When the sliding doors are shut, it is very quiet even near a pool.

Have a wonderful stay and happy planning!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Thanks for the report. Glad you had a great time!

The Poly was my first in 1972 and STILL my favorite!

We love to sit at the Crews Cup with a big schooner of Sam Adams Great news on the expanded menu there.

Welcome back!

 

[magicmouse2]

Oh No you are talking me out of the BC into the Poly!

 

[cottontail]

Hello:

Does the polynesian leave coffee in your room for the coffeemaker or do you have to call and have someone bring it to your room.

I ask this as last year we did a split stay, por frenchquarter/poly gardenview. While at port orleans the coffee was left by the maid which we appreciated and of course left a tip for her, but at the poly the maid told me that I had to phone and have someone bring the coffee pack's to our room. Therefore I felt the right thing to do was tip for my coffee packs as well tip the maid. It did not make sense as we were paying twice as much for our room at the poly. Just wondering.

Deb.

 

[johnsonet]

BCV23
Your trip sounds wonderful!
We are trying the Polynesian for the first time in a few weeks. I really would like Samoa b/c we're traveling with 3 children (ages 8,6 and 2) and will spend lots of time at the pool as well as its proximity to the GCH...
Would you recommend that I request Samoa or just wait until check-in? Ideally I would like Samoa, 1st floor (we have GV booked)
Thanks!
Wonderful to hear that your children always preferred the Polynesian's pool to SAB

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for the report. Glad you had a great time!

The Poly was my first in 1972 and STILL my favorite!

We love to sit at the Crews Cup with a big schooner of Sam Adams Great news on the expanded menu there.

Welcome back!

Thanks, I always enjoy reading your reports of your Polynesian stays. It is fun to read of someone who has been staying there a lot longer than we have!

Crew's Cup does have a nice atmosphere, doesn't it? We also had great service from Kim. Besides the few draft beers, I think we counted 30 different bottled beers!

 

[BCV23]

Oh No you are talking me out of the BC into the Poly!

Oh, don't second guess yourself. The BC is a great resort as well. Perhaps you can try the Polynesian next trip.

I do think it is important to actually stay there to get a true feel for the magic of the resort.

But have fun at the BC this trip!

 

[BCV23]

Deb, the coffee is available in the room now as well as Earl Grey and green tea.

I assume you had to call for your coffeemaker last trip? The Polynesian has never had them in the rooms before except upon request. The same was true at the GF. We were there in October and no coffeemakers then. So it is new. It is a small 4 cup maker but was perfect for me to make a couple of cups of tea before breakfast.

Liz, Samoa is a great location but really all the longhouses have advantages. I would request what is most important to you. For us it is nonsmoking(asmtha) and first floor for a number of reasons. We have never requested a particular longhouse. Samoa is not really that large so if you do request it don't be too disappointed if it is full. Since I guess they assign rooms several days out, I would make your requests ahead of time. But really, I believe in letting the magic happen. It sounds corny but that is how I feel! Have a great time....I think your family will love it!

 

[cottontail]

Hi BCV:

Yes we did have to call down for the coffeemaker, and everyday after for the coffee. That is great not having to call for these things. Did they ever put larger tv's in the poly, as the por fq. were quite a bit larger than poly.

We love the poly, I only wish that we could afford it more often, or they would lower the price, lol. On our 25th anniv. we did the probably one and only concierge stay, and mostly hung around the resort, as it ended up alot hotter than anticipated and the heat did me in with my migraine problems, so we were quite happy to just relax around the grounds of the poly and head into the lounge at the concierge building for snacks, fruit, bottled water, soda etc whenever we wanted.

I can't say enough about the atmosphere at the poly we just love it.

Deb.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Thanks, I always enjoy reading your reports of your Polynesian stays. It is fun to read of someone who has been staying there a lot longer than we have!

Crew's Cup does have a nice atmosphere, doesn't it? We also had great service from Kim. Besides the few draft beers, I think we counted 30 different bottled beers!

Thanks for your kind comments. I also, always look forward to your reports, updates, and insights!

I'm showing how OLD I am with my past POLY reports!

I love going to Crews Cup either before or after Epcot. Sometimes we go before AND after!

30 Bottled Beers....oh oh....my DW might have to "cart" me out of there

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I love reading reports about the Poly. Gets me even more excited for our upcoming stay!!!!! Only 53 more days!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for your kind comments. I also, always look forward to your reports, updates, and insights!

I'm showing how OLD I am with my past POLY reports!

I love going to Crews Cup either before or after Epcot. Sometimes we go before AND after!

30 Bottled Beers....oh oh....my DW might have to "cart" me out of there

You're not old....just wise! And you're probably younger than we are!

I have a question for you. When we first stayed there, I don't remember the walkway to the TTC. Was it added later?

Erika, have a great trip. Perhaps I have you mixed up with someone else but didn't you use to think that you wouldn't like the Polynesian?