Bad reviews for Polynesian?

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Well I have to defend the Unofficial guide since I know how hard they work on all the facts and I did help them with the Polynesian info. I can totally understand Goofy4donald’s point but I think the take the information and experiences they have and give their best advise. I don’t think that it is always going to fit what is best for everyone but they are giving safe advise to those with no experience. I for one am taking my 20 month old this December but I think there are valid points for waiting.

As far as the bad reviews well they have to go off the data that they get. It could be that the data was collected during a bad time with new CMs and management changes that caused some bumps in service. I remember them telling me they were going to give it a bad review but I also know management has been aware of the problems since the beginning of this year and have done things to address most of the problems. They have to report what they see but as with any other review you have to realize that this does not mean that these issues are still there. It works in reverse. The resort that is rated the highest could be experiencing problems now so you never know. If the resort had a long history of problems and it never changed than I would be concerned.

I myself have run into issues at the Polynesian but I could have the same problems at any resort I went to.

I totally agree that as far as facts go Unofficial guide does do their homework. But for many of their personal opinions I disagreed on them. But what works for one doesn't work for all.

 

[Tikiman]

Steffali,

I agree with your complaint about the accessible rooms. What is interesting is that they use to have some in Tokelau. They might still be there but no one can ever give me a straight answer. They did convert one of the suites to an accessible room but the plans for rooms in Hawaii did not happen. Atleast they give the accessible rooms in Rapa Nui the better view and they are not facing the parking lot but I believe it is a selected location for those rooms because it has its own parking lot and is next to the TTC for easier access and ferry access that allows wheelchairs to roll on. Still not an excuse to not build more.

Goofy4donald,

I could not agree more. Like with my web pages I try to just have facts (I suppose a few opinions slipped in) and with most of my posts I try to stick to facts for just that reason. Facts cannot be argued with but opinions will be all over the map. I would hate for an opinion to scare someone away from trying something only to find out later that they felt the opposite way.

 

[tinknsnow]

We had a very bad experience (screwed up room surprises, "forgotten" ADRs, cold CMs bordering on rude) with both Pre-planning and Concierge desk CMs on our January 2006 trip. We wouldn't do concierge again at the Poly. However, the resort itself was great and we would gladly stay at the resort again. Everyone was nice and helpful, restaurants are v. good (although we didn't try the counter-service), it's pretty, and you can't beat the convenience of the monorail.

When we returned, I emailed my travel agent (who specializes in Disney trips) and she told me she'd been getting many reports of lackluster service at the Poly concierge. I posted the details in an earlier post if you want to read... but as I said, the negative review applies only to Poly Concierge.

 

[DisneyMim]

We love the Poly!! Our most recent stay was this past August in concierge and also we stayed this past March non-concierge. Both visits were wonderful. We've stayed at the Poly many times and have always had a great time. But, like anything, everyone has their own opinion. Each visit is different and so much depends on the CMS, weather, etc. We've been going to WDW forever and stay in different Disney resorts. Once in a great while we have a less than perfect stay, but I have to say that all our visits to the Poly have been great. I think for every resort you will hear many different reports. Everyone has thier own reason for liking or not liking a resort and much of it is based on past experience.

 

[nbodyhome]

I have always loved the Poly, though I haven't stayed there in a couple of years. However, I do occasionally call the staff at the front desks for professional reasons, and I'd do anything to not call the Polynesian anymore. I prefer calling resorts like the Pop Century, their front desk staff seems to be much more friendly.

 

[ploto]

we had our first poly stay about 2 weeks ago. It is a wonderful resort, i don't know why that book gave it a bad rating. Anyway you will love poly have a great trip!!!

 

[joliesmom]

I was apprehensive to return to the Poly after my first stay because the rooms were like a bad Brady bunch episode. Since they have redone their rooms I probably won't stay at another resort. I absolutely love their rooms now. I was there last month and housekeeping was hit or miss. The staff in the lobby and on the grounds were wonderful and friendly. I think that Captain Cooks was a nightmare but I think that that had more to do with the dining plan, it could take 20 minutes to buy a danish.

 

[Tam1067]

We had such a great stay in July of 2006 that we're returning there in July 2007. My kids and DH refuse to stay anywhere else!

 

[Marty Joe]

Angelkk,

Forget about the Unofficial Guide! You will fall in love with the Poly the minute you step inside the GCH. Lipoa, however, is no longer there. She was the "Life of the Party" at O'hana. You would have loved her!

GOOFY4DONALD,

We took our daughter to WDW when she was a year and a half and it was the greatest thing to see her face light up at all the sights and colors. We had trouble getting her off of the "ponies and the babys" as she called them. [Carousel and Small World] She, however, would have a hissy when I tried to push her in the stroller - only mom can do it. I even tried to sneak in while she was looking at something. When she noticed I was pushing - hissy! I treasure that trip!

 

[LOVETHATPOLY]

Our stay in January 2006 was our only Poly stay that was not up to par. The concierge staff was very indifferent the whole time. They did not seem to say "hello" or care at all. We did not go in expecting much, but the majority of the staff was not what one would expect. It did not ruin our trip, but something felt like it was missing........we gave it another try over Christmas. Everything was back to normal. We had a wonderful stay and the staff was great. Go and enjoy!! The Poly is wonderful!!

 

[SuperTink]

We had housekeeping issues this past Dec. but I still wouldn't give the Poly less than a A-. Housekeeping needs improvement, but it's only one aspect.

We're most likely going back in Decemeber 2007. That should sum it up.

 

[Cinders Mum]

we had some great housekeeping and some mediocre during our recent stay, but it was nothing, a quick call soon got us overwhelmed with toiletries, coffee refills and towels ..... it really came down to one member of staff who couldn't give a stuff ... it happens, and it's certainly not restricted to the Poly.

I also have 1 copy of the Unofficial Guide, and found their opinions so out of whack from our own experiences on so many resorts and restaurants, it now sits gathering dust and I won't be replacing it ..... for some it is a bible, not so for us.

Val
xx

 

[Fabinva]

We stayed for first time at the Poly in April 08, maybe it was caused I had read such great reviews here and my expectations were high that it was very dissapointing for us. Location and staff were great but hotel seems old, poor room quality for a "deluxe", overcrowded restarurants and even with the cool volcano pool my DS7 prefers the AKL over the Poly and have to agree with him.

 

[SuperTink]

This is a really old thread.

 

[DizzDoll]

I was planning to stay there in Feb 2007....now want to hear from you[/QUOTE]


Back to the future? I've never stayed at the Poly but I have tons of friends and relatives who have, and have gotten mixed reviews, but that will be, and is said, of any resort, deluxe, mods or value. One of my cousins actually said the resort was filthy dirty, but taking the fact that the resort was being rehabbed I would totally not go by that. We walked around the resort last year and although we enjoyed the grounds, and the views from the lake are just lovely, it will be a while before we stay there. I'm always of the opinion of giving it a crack, if you don't care for it or its not up to your expectations, you can always move to another resort.

 

[tiger4me2]

This is a really old thread.

No kidding

 

[DizzDoll]

Holy Kwap I didn't even look at the starting date on this --

 

[PeterAll]

Please be careful with this thread before the GF people start flaming everyone!

 

[mandymommy4]

Please be careful with this thread before the GF people start flaming everyone!

Well if the shoe fits.....

I was there yesterday and walked down a corridor in one of the buildings and it smelled like a wet dog...... really!

I also had a problem with a rude CM!

Sounds like not much has changed since 2006, when the thread started!

Lets just say over at the " Red roof inn" (as the POLY people like to call the GF) the service is Impeccable! I had a great stay and it was cheaper than it would have been at the "old Brady bunch party hotel" or POLY.... lol

JK!

 

[maciemouse]

I noticed this is an old thread, but I would like to say that our stay at the Poly in May was a bit disappointing. We walked into a room that had potato chips all of the floor. We called and it took over two hours to get it cleaned up. Also, it took over two hours to get our luggage. That night, after we showered, our electrical soccets did not work. The blow dryer, my husbands razor- nothing would work. I called the front desk (which is not actually the front desk even though the button says it) and had to go to the lobby and let them know my complaints. They actually switched our room the next morning. But we had to load everything back up, tip bell services again, and go to the parks. Our room was not ready until 5:15 that afternoon. That is a long day with a 3 and 4 year old. It took another 2 hours to get our luggage back to our room. So all in all, did they take care of the problem yes. Did we do a lot of tipping and waiting, yes. We love the atomsphere and the convenience of the monorail but I do not think the rooms are worth $400.