Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[han22735]

Are they still piping the Wishes music onto the beach? At least in front of Hawaii?

When we were there mid September there was one tiny speaker in the ground behind the walkway right at the start of Hawaii. You could hear people talking more than the wishes soundtrack.

 

[Retro Magic]

Trader sams was odd and had a rude male bartender. Just wasn't my style there. Also felt uncomfortable there or outside, to get drinks past 10.
Captain cooks. Awful. I was always able to get a seat, but the food took forever, and they are disorganized, burnt out, and kind of cranky there. I ordered a sandwich for lunch, and after 25 mins of waiting, I ask the cashier what's going on and she said they don't have what I ordered and they probably forgot to tell me. So I was sitting there waiting for no reason and no one Informed me. Terrible. The nice cashier gave me a premade sandwich but still it was ridiculous.
Parking is terrible and I feel that there should be a section designated for only hotel guests of the polynesian.
I know everyone loves Ohana and the food was delicious but our server was rude and rushed us. I was still eating dinner when my dessert was placed on the table.

Overall it was a nice trip and I did enjoy my stay. I just felt it could consider the needs of younger couples without kids just a little too. I know that may not be an issue for some of you but it was for us.

Thanks for sharing!

When we visited in April(not staying at Poly) we encountered an EXTREMELY rude female manager at Trader Sams. The week it opened. Our entire experience after looking so forward to visiting(I'm not even a drinker) was completely ruined. Was terrible. I am hoping it has cleaned up it's act a bit. Just a couple more weeks to go for us!

We even encountered a terribly rude male manager at the front desk as well. He literally was laughing in our face when we brought up our concerns. It was as if we were on a hidden camera show, except the joke was never revealed. I'm hoping we just hit the resort at a very very bad time and come November we will have a fantastic time. It left a very bad inmpression and do not want to go into our first Poly stay on a bad note.

 

[WOODY13]

When we were there mid September there was one tiny speaker in the ground behind the walkway right at the start of Hawaii. You could hear people talking more than the wishes soundtrack.

When we were there in September is was very hard to find any hawaiian music playing anywhere. Very disappointing. The pool bar was playing some caribbean music or something like that.

 

[Daisytiff]

Do you by chance remember the name of that bartender or what he looked like? I cower when challenged by rude people and I really want to love this Trader Sam's as much as I love the one in California!

I felt the same way about 'Ohana... it was marginally better when I was with more people since we got through the food faster anyway but when I went solo once and the other time with just my husband... it wasn't good to be so rushed when you're trying to keep up!

We'll have to see... we check in for a week this Saturday and while we aren't THAT young (early 30s) we don't have kids either so its just us!

I don't remember his name, just remember that he was a young guy with blonde hair. We left Trader Sams because we refused to deal with him and his unfriendly attitude. Didn't go back the entire trip. We enjoyed having a few drinks outside with the palm trees anyway and the lake behind us. More relaxing than Trader Sams which felt like an ice cold cave.

I think you will enjoy Kona for a nice relaxing, quiet meal for the two of you. Im sure you will enjoy your trip. We definitely did despite the few issues we had.

 

[Daisytiff]

Thanks for sharing!

When we visited in April(not staying at Poly) we encountered an EXTREMELY rude female manager at Trader Sams. The week it opened. Our entire experience after looking so forward to visiting(I'm not even a drinker) was completely ruined. Was terrible. I am hoping it has cleaned up it's act a bit. Just a couple more weeks to go for us!

We even encountered a terribly rude male manager at the front desk as well. He literally was laughing in our face when we brought up our concerns. It was as if we were on a hidden camera show, except the joke was never revealed. I'm hoping we just hit the resort at a very very bad time and come November we will have a fantastic time. It left a very bad inmpression and do not want to go into our first Poly stay on a bad note.

well, after our experience at Trader Sams we just avoided it. So I would just avoid it if you encounter issues again. It was more relaxing to have drinks outside by the palm trees and lake/seating area anyway. Im sure you will enjoy your trip. The cast members were all nice to us. They did kind of come off like they knew they were a deluxe hotel though, I cant explain. We were told they strictly enforce the pool rules of closing at 10 and we cannot be there at 10:01...lol. Meanwhile at Grand Floridian people were out there past 11.

 

[horse11]

When we were there in September is was very hard to find any hawaiian music playing anywhere. Very disappointing. The pool bar was playing some caribbean music or something like that.

Oh I am soooo hoping this will change when we are there in May.

 

[MouseMum]

Do you by chance remember the name of that bartender or what he looked like? I cower when challenged by rude people and I really want to love this Trader Sam's as much as I love the one in California!

I felt the same way about 'Ohana... it was marginally better when I was with more people since we got through the food faster anyway but when I went solo once and the other time with just my husband... it wasn't good to be so rushed when you're trying to keep up!

We'll have to see... we check in for a week this Saturday and while we aren't THAT young (early 30s) we don't have kids either so its just us!

I hear this story constantly on this board. Disney, ideally the Polynesian management, needs to hear this. People, who pay so much to dine at Ohana, need to be given the time to enjoy the offerings and the overall experience of the beautiful Ohana. To rush guests is to eliminate the exact experience that Ohana distinctly says should be experienced!

 

[JohnDaleswife]

If they were to try to rush me, I would call them out on it. That's pure BS. I would then take even longer to finish my meal.

 

[jdd]

Are they still piping the Wishes music onto the beach? At least in front of Hawaii?

It was not when we were there in late July. However, my son found the music on YouTube and was able to sync it perfectly from the first firework, so we were able to enjoy it! That was always one of my favorite parts of staying at the Poly, so I hope they bring the speakers back soon!!

 

[dansdad]

It was not when we were there in late July. However, my son found the music on YouTube and was able to sync it perfectly from the first firework, so we were able to enjoy it! That was always one of my favorite parts of staying at the Poly, so I hope they bring the speakers back soon!!

It wasn't there last month either.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hello! We will be at the Poly next year, 10/23-10/29. Mom & I will be ditching everyone else and heading down together for our first trip with just the two of us!

Sounds like a great trip!

I am so THRILLED to be in this thread and able to say that my DREAM of staying at the Polynesian is coming true thanks to the DIS, and the advice to check for discounts through agents. I never in a million years would have guessed that #1 the Polynesian would be in our budget for a trip and #2 that I could convince my husband to go on an adults only vacation to help make it in our budget. Both have come true thanks to the great discount, that my husband had me email to double check it was a correct price since the deal seemed too good to be true, my husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary Aug 2016 with an adults only vacation staying at the Poly.

We just got back in September from our sons Make A Wish trip which was INCREDIBLE and we were so VERY blessed to get the chance to spend that time as a family but after the past 4 years we have been through we really REALLY need some us time. I can't wait.


Now I need to research about the Poly and try to see if we should request a certain area or if we should just wing it.

How exciting! The Poly is amazing, you and your DH are going to have a great time!

Hello everyone
Just returned from a trip at the poly.

Will just give a few pros and cons:

Pros
Beautiful grounds
Love seeing the castle from the hotel and also the fireworks
Transportation is convenient
did not hear any construction at all
Loved kona cafe and feel it's very underrated
Just an overall very relaxing feel
Loved the Halloween party, food and wine festival, and eating at artist point - another underrated place

Cons
Pool. A few things. It was crowded but not as bad as I heard. Always able to get a chair. But it closes at 10. Grand Floridian next door closed at 11. I asked the front desk why they close an hour earlier, and I was told "the lifeguards make the hours" which I found odd. For two younger people without kids, that hour makes a difference when you are rushing back from parks. The lifeguards seemed extremely strict and were pacing around a lot. I'm glad they are very alert but I felt it was too much and It made me uncomfortable.
The hotel overall felt more geared towards families with kids, which is great for those with young ones, but I don't know if I would come back if it was just us again.
Trader sams was odd and had a rude male bartender. Just wasn't my style there. Also felt uncomfortable there or outside, to get drinks past 10.
Captain cooks. Awful. I was always able to get a seat, but the food took forever, and they are disorganized, burnt out, and kind of cranky there. I ordered a sandwich for lunch, and after 25 mins of waiting, I ask the cashier what's going on and she said they don't have what I ordered and they probably forgot to tell me. So I was sitting there waiting for no reason and no one Informed me. Terrible. The nice cashier gave me a premade sandwich but still it was ridiculous.
Parking is terrible and I feel that there should be a section designated for only hotel guests of the polynesian.
I know everyone loves Ohana and the food was delicious but our server was rude and rushed us. I was still eating dinner when my dessert was placed on the table.

Overall it was a nice trip and I did enjoy my stay. I just felt it could consider the needs of younger couples without kids just a little too. I know that may not be an issue for some of you but it was for us.

Thanks for your review. Sorry about the few issues you had with dining and the pool hours, but glad your stay was nice overall .

Currently booked in a Lakeview studio at the VGF in June. Debating on whether or not we should switch over to a studio at the PVB at the 7 month mark if its available. When is all the construction scheduled to be completed at the Poly? Heading to the world towards the end of June to celebrate our DS's graduation and so torn on what to do.

I don't know for sure, but I think the quiet pool might still be under construction in June. Completion was scheduled for spring, but construction started a couple of months late, so chances are it will still be going on in June.

we check in for a week this Saturday

Have a great trip!

we arrive on Saturday!! eek! 4 more days! I did online check in and had TP fax a room request. I requested ground floor samoa. Can anyone confirm whether the rooms that face the east pool construction are still closed? Tikiman reported a few weeks ago that they weren't using that whole side of the samoa long house, but I'm not sure if that's still the case. I know Rartonga and Hawaii have been open on the side facing construction but I know Samoa had been closed for sure b/c a friend stayed in samoa in sept and she confirmed at that time that the whole side facing construction was closed.

I can't confirm about the rooms, but wanted to say I hope you have a great trip and enjoy the Poly .

 

[ThistleMae]

Has anyone heard of getting a box fan for your room at the poly? I thought I remember reading somewhere that they are available but don't know how I would get one or if this is even true.

I've never heard of this! I'm bringing my own, 10" that I got online. Small enough to pack and it has a nice sound. Can't sleep without one! Maybe someone else in here will know if the Poly actually supplies upon request.

 

[ThistleMae]

What's so great about this thread? It's like everyone is looking forward to waking up on Christmas morning.....just like when we were kids! Everyone is just so excited to arrive at the Poly! I am a little disappointed in some of the comments about rude staff. I hope it was just a bad moment, not a trend. I've never encountered any rude staff whenever I've gone to Disney over the years. My trips have truly been Magical, never any stressed out staff....everyone has been so helpful and cheerful. Now, this is my first time at a Deluxe and first time at Poly....so considering how much more I'm paying...I'm expecting outstanding service and positive attitudes. Let's hope I'm not disappointed. Happy Travels to you All!

 

[Hibiscus]

What's so great about this thread? It's like everyone is looking forward to waking up on Christmas morning.....just like when we were kids! Everyone is just so excited to arrive at the Poly! I am a little disappointed in some of the comments about rude staff. I hope it was just a bad moment, not a trend. I've never encountered any rude staff whenever I've gone to Disney over the years. My trips have truly been Magical, never any stressed out staff....everyone has been so helpful and cheerful. Now, this is my first time at a Deluxe and first time at Poly....so considering how much more I'm paying...I'm expecting outstanding service and positive attitudes. Let's hope I'm not disappointed. Happy Travels to you All!

I think it's just the luck of the draw. Any CM can have a bad day (& I don't think all guests are particularly nice to the CMs), but a permanently surly CM is not going to be kept on very long.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

I have read several times about the staff trying to rush people at Ohanas and other restaurants. That would surely backfire for them with me. Fortunately, my family does not like Ohanas. But I have heard the same treatment at places like Chef Mickeys.

These places cost way to much to eat at for you not to be able to take your time and enjoy your meal.

 

[EKKloppers]

I am so THRILLED to be in this thread and able to say that my DREAM of staying at the Polynesian is coming true thanks to the DIS, and the advice to check for discounts through agents. I never in a million years would have guessed that #1 the Polynesian would be in our budget for a trip and #2 that I could convince my husband to go on an adults only vacation to help make it in our budget. Both have come true thanks to the great discount, that my husband had me email to double check it was a correct price since the deal seemed too good to be true, my husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary Aug 2016 with an adults only vacation staying at the Poly.

We just got back in September from our sons Make A Wish trip which was INCREDIBLE and we were so VERY blessed to get the chance to spend that time as a family but after the past 4 years we have been through we really REALLY need some us time. I can't wait.


Now I need to research about the Poly and try to see if we should request a certain area or if we should just wing it.

I share your thrill. This is a great thread, with so many helpful, wonderful folks! Allow me to extend my best wishes for your son, and entire family...and have an amazing Anniversary trip!

Thank you! My husband and oldest son are big fishermen, so they would love this!

My Dad was a big fisherman and taught his only son, and five daughters, to "fish"...or - initially - get lines and hooks tangled up in brush, trees, clothing, earlobes, and the like. He was also a Disney Dreamer who always hoped to bring us all to MK, but never got there. I'd give anything to have him back and treat him to a day in the sun! Hope your husband and son get to enjoy, and make many great memories together!

What's so great about this thread? It's like everyone is looking forward to waking up on Christmas morning.....just like when we were kids! Everyone is just so excited to arrive at the Poly! I am a little disappointed in some of the comments about rude staff. I hope it was just a bad moment, not a trend. I've never encountered any rude staff whenever I've gone to Disney over the years. My trips have truly been Magical, never any stressed out staff....everyone has been so helpful and cheerful. Now, this is my first time at a Deluxe and first time at Poly....so considering how much more I'm paying...I'm expecting outstanding service and positive attitudes. Let's hope I'm not disappointed. Happy Travels to you All!

I hope you're not disappointed either! This will be only my third stay at The Poly, but the first real "Big" one where I'm counting on things running smoothly - moreso for my guests than myself. Even the reviews and comments about bad experiences, or divergent opinions, are very helpful. I feel more aware and better-equipped to anticipate the glitches and be flexible and positively pro-active in my reactions; making everything more serene than it might otherwise be. I can't recall a "bad" CM experience on my first two trips to the Poly, or anything less than truly satisfactory (or - typically - far better, in most cases) at the parks.

The only "con" I may have echoed a PP who said that Trader Sam's was "not for" him/her. It had nothing to do with CMs/bartenders/managers, but was more, all about ME! It just wasn't what I'd expected. My niece and I had hopped over from WL back in May, and - not understanding how things worked - we assumed that we'd be given designated seating once we walked through the doors. Not so...You are pretty much ushered into a bar/lounge, with catch-as-you-can seating - albeit, in a pretty cool, very lively setting. For ME, it was awkward and uncomfortable to catch my bearings, but once my niece did the navigation, I settled in with a cocktail [that took far-too-long to be served, IMO ], found some great Disney friends to share a table with; and then may not have left for HOURS if we hadn't some place else to be...

 

[Retro Magic]

I always book Ohana late, because then, they do not rush you. I prefer not to eat later, but it makes for a much more enjoyable evening. At least when it comes to dining at Ohana.

 

[Disneytam]

I need your help diser's! I just called to check on any AP rates for our trip next year and of course they don't have any. We have a room only discount for a CL lagoon view room but while talking to a CM they mentioned that they did have a AP rate for the King bedroom (honeymoon suite) at the Tonga longhouse that has a small lounge and you can use the lounge at the Hawaii longhouse as well. The price would be about $200 a night less than what we are paying for the CL lagoon view room. It would be on the ground floor which I don't want but I know I have a chance at getting a ground floor room at the Hawaii building as well. Help! Has anyone stayed at the Tonga building? What would you Poly experts do. This will be our first Poly stay.

 

[ThistleMae]

I share your thrill. This is a great thread, with so many helpful, wonderful folks! Allow me to extend my best wishes for your son, and entire family...and have an amazing Anniversary trip!



My Dad was a big fisherman and taught his only son, and five daughters, to "fish"...or - initially - get lines and hooks tangled up in brush, trees, clothing, earlobes, and the like. He was also a Disney Dreamer who always hoped to bring us all to MK, but never got there. I'd give anything to have him back and treat him to a day in the sun! Hope your husband and son get to enjoy, and make many great memories together!




I hope you're not disappointed either! This will be only my third stay at The Poly, but the first real "Big" one where I'm counting on things running smoothly - moreso for my guests than myself. Even the reviews and comments about bad experiences, or divergent opinions, are very helpful. I feel more aware and better-equipped to anticipate the glitches and be flexible and positively pro-active in my reactions; making everything more serene than it might otherwise be. I can't recall a "bad" CM experience on my first two trips to the Poly, or anything less than truly satisfactory (or - typically - far better, in most cases) at the parks.

The only "con" I may have echoed a PP who said that Trader Sam's was "not for" him/her. It had nothing to do with CMs/bartenders/managers, but was more, all about ME! It just wasn't what I'd expected. My niece and I had hopped over from WL back in May, and - not understanding how things worked - we assumed that we'd be given designated seating once we walked through the doors. Not so...You are pretty much ushered into a bar/lounge, with catch-as-you-can seating - albeit, in a pretty cool, very lively setting. For ME, it was awkward and uncomfortable to catch my bearings, but once my niece did the navigation, I settled in with a cocktail [that took far-too-long to be served, IMO ], found some great Disney friends to share a table with; and then may not have left for HOURS if we hadn't some place else to be...

I like your attitude! Yes....even the con's give you information so you can be prepared....and not be disappointed! I too will not be rushed to eat....it's one of the ways I unwind from all the day's events. Just because they may be in a rush to serve you....doesn't mean you have to be in a rush to eat. Good, sound advice....on how to look at the con's. And Trader Sam's....haven't really thought about it.....may go see it....but not a drinker....so a look see is all I need. They do serve food though, right....so maybe sitting on the patio....it's just not a deal breaker. Looking at the construction.....that would be a deal breaker for me. They can move me till they get it right....I'm a patient sort!

 

[Cluelyss]

Are they still piping the Wishes music onto the beach? At least in front of Hawaii?

I have a friend ago was there last week, and she said the only place she could clearly hear the music was by Trader Sam's patio.