Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[JohnDaleswife]

Why don't they pipe in the music anymore?

 

[psac]

Why don't they pipe in the music anymore?

Too expensive maintaining that long pipe.

 

[AquaDame]

For those of you that are just getting back, was the monorail still running on a modified schedule? Thanks! Love reading all your reports - 26 days to go!!

If it was we didn't notice either....we had some very early days and it always seemed to be running. Was always there during the day too but we were early birds... I think the latest we tried to use it was 9:30 or so and it was fine. It did stop A LOT on the tracks though with an announcement that we were holding due to a hold up at the station.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

If it was we didn't notice either....we had some very early days and it always seemed to be running. Was always there during the day too but we were early birds... I think the latest we tried to use it was 9:30 or so and it was fine. It did stop A LOT on the tracks though with an announcement that we were holding due to a hold up at the station.

Still stopping on the tracks. Ughh. We got stuck for about 15-20 minutes in 2009 and was not a happy camper at all. Got somewhat nervous about it.

 

[robinstrip]

I can't answer #1 since we drove, but we did breakfast room service both ways this last Wednesday and Sunday. When we called the night before we told them what time we wanted it delivered (7am) and it was there shortly after the hour. When we called a different morning around 7:30am they quoted 30-40 min but we were packing so I'm not sure exactly how long it took. I'd always call the night before now that I know! It took about 45 min for dinner the one night we called down to order the feast too.

We were just there. We did a short 1/2 day trip to AK - left early afternoon. When we left the park, we just happened to time it when the Poly bus was about to depart. I am guessing it comes about every 20-30 minutes? Good thing is, it goes straight back to the Poly without any stops in between. On our way there, I believe we stopped at GF to pick up those riders, so the loop would be Poly,GF,AK and then the Poly. For us, I would leave no later than 3:00 pm from AK to pick up a 4:30 ME ride - and that's if I had already checked my baggage with them.

Thanks!!!!

 

[Lulu'sMom]

Very very very crowded!!! Tons of people go to the beach. But the fireworks are incredible (which is why everyone goes there.) Probably the biggest tip is remember they do the fireworks on the third and the fourth, so my guess would be the third would be a little less crowded.

I was there this year for the 4th! We ended up heading out to Epcot to watch their fireworks, because the resort was PACKED (and also we had already seen the MK July 4 fireworks on July 3). We were shocked at how many people that weren't paying to stay at Poly or didn't even have dinner reservations were there. If you're planning on being there to watch the fireworks on the 4th, I highly recommend getting a club level room for the night of the 4th so you have access to their roped off area on the beach. If not that, then getting a theme park view room so you can hopefully have a balcony to go out on to watch. The entire resort was swamped enough that even at 11am they were trying to scan everyone's magic bands to hand out wrist bands that you had to wear to be able to freely walk around the pool area. By 4pm, people were pouring in for dinner at 'Ohana and the luau and when we finished with our reservation at Kona we realized the beach was insanely busy, even the quieter/smaller beach by our room in the Fiji building. So we abandoned ship and headed to Epcot instead. They didn't really do a lot at the resort for the 4th beyond hand out red, white, and blue leis and had some patriotic games with prizes around the pools for kids. I think the bar had some special drinks, but I'm not old enough to drink so I can't tell you how they were! I think the cast members were a little overwhelmed with how many people were there, and they dropped the ball on making sure the guests at the Poly had proper access to the beach and amenities they were paying for.

All that being said? We loved things at Epcot on the 4th, and have a reservation to be back at the Poly for the fourth of July next year! This time we're booked in a bungalow the night of the 4th, and staying in a standard room from June 27 - July 3. It's a really fun time to visit, and we're excited to have a near unobstructed view of the fireworks on the 4th.

Thank you for the feedback!
Went ahead and booked Club level as suggested as we have stayed many times in Hawaii and Tonga.
Was very lucky to get the 1 bedroom Princess, one we haven't stayed in yet.
Stayed in King, Honeymoon, Ambassador, and 2bdrm Princess.
And every category of rooms in the Hawaii.
Also see that you do not have pictures of it on the first page, do you need some of this suite?

Noticed also on Tikiman's site that the Tonga building now has the same breakfast and dinner offerings as Hawaii. They totally refurbed that area...very nice!

 

[ThreeLittleLadies]

Hi fellow Poly fans! 9 days until we check in at the Poly! This trip is all we've been talking about it our house lately. This will be our third Poly stay and we splurged for a theme park view room. We're thinking about popping in to Trader Sam's during this visit. Are the drinks there worth the $$$? DH really wants to get the Nautilus.

 

[kcpinwdw]

Are the drinks there worth the $$$?

I don't know if about the Nautilus, too big for me... but I ordered the Hippopotamaitai with the glass to keep and was shocked when my bill was only $15. So I thought definitely worth it. I mean, I could easily spend over $10 on a single cocktail at home. Don't miss Trader Sam's, it was definitely an experience!

 

[ThreeLittleLadies]

I don't know if about the Nautilus, too big for me... but I ordered the Hippopotamaitai with the glass to keep and was shocked when my bill was only $15. So I thought definitely worth it. I mean, I could easily spend over $10 on a single cocktail at home. Don't miss Trader Sam's, it was definitely an experience!

Thanks! We usually bring our own vodka and mixers since we drive in and don't want to spend so much on drinks every night, but I'm thinking Trader Sam's might make an awesome splurge!

 

[PAdislover]

Hi fellow Poly fans! 9 days until we check in at the Poly! This trip is all we've been talking about it our house lately. This will be our third Poly stay and we splurged for a theme park view room. We're thinking about popping in to Trader Sam's during this visit. Are the drinks there worth the $$$? DH really wants to get the Nautilus.

we only had drinks out on trader sam's patio. I had the shrunken zombie head, I did keep the glass so it was like $19.50. I didn't really like it b/c it was really sour. My DH had the nautilus ($29.00 for the drink without buying the boat). It wasn't worth it in his or my opinion. the drink wasn't very good and also kind of sour. I would have liked to try other drinks but we were so full from ohana dinner that we couldn't order anything else. the PagoPago Painkillers that they sell at the pool bar are excellent though!

 

[wilkeliza]

Checking in around 11pm/midnight tonight depending on Magical Express. Just have to make it through work and it is so hard to focus.

 

[maiapapaya]

Why don't they pipe in the music anymore?

The music on the beach was disrupted by the major construction around the lava pool, although I don't know why they didn't reinstall things after the construction was finished.

 

[ThreeLittleLadies]

we only had drinks out on trader sam's patio. I had the shrunken zombie head, I did keep the glass so it was like $19.50. I didn't really like it b/c it was really sour. My DH had the nautilus ($29.00 for the drink without buying the boat). It wasn't worth it in his or my opinion. the drink wasn't very good and also kind of sour. I would have liked to try other drinks but we were so full from ohana dinner that we couldn't order anything else. the PagoPago Painkillers that they sell at the pool bar are excellent though!

Thanks! I'll definitely check out the painkiller!

 

[TSR6]

I miss the old lobby... Many trips as a kid, and I visited Poly on occasion when I lived in FL - big Ohana's fan..... but.... I walked into the lobby two weeks ago for the first time since it's been refreshed. I miss the old lobby. Last time I was there, the walls were still up.

I had to film it for my parents who were also disappointed based on my description.

 

[ThistleMae]

I've never stayed at the Poly before...so I'm excited. I have gone there several times for dinner at Ohana's. So, don't really remember the lobby much...other than it was super crowded with people. It was loud and just so busy. So, I'm expecting that because this is a monorail resort, it will not be that quiet. Has anyone ever regretted staying there because of how busy/noisy it can be?

 

[maiapapaya]

I've never stayed at the Poly before...so I'm excited. I have gone there several times for dinner at Ohana's. So, don't really remember the lobby much...other than it was super crowded with people. It was loud and just so busy. So, I'm expecting that because this is a monorail resort, it will not be that quiet. Has anyone ever regretted staying there because of how busy/noisy it can be?

While the GCH can be busy at certain times, the new design has made the lobby more open so it can accommodate more people with a less crowded feeling. The bigger crowds are generally there around 'Ohana at breakfast & dinner, and some evenings with people coming through for the luau. There are times when the GCH is quite quiet. You should not get a feeling of things being crowded at all once you are out of the main building. The longhouses are nicely spaced out amongst the landscaped walkways of the resort, so there is never a crowded feeling outside (except of course if it is a busy day around the pool, but then it is just the pool)

 

[Shellyb84]

I've never stayed at the Poly before...so I'm excited. I have gone there several times for dinner at Ohana's. So, don't really remember the lobby much...other than it was super crowded with people. It was loud and just so busy. So, I'm expecting that because this is a monorail resort, it will not be that quiet. Has anyone ever regretted staying there because of how busy/noisy it can be?

This is one of my main concerns about trying the Poly also! Every time we've been there for dinner it's crazy packed. As opposed to the BC, which is pretty calm and quiet and relaxed. But it's a beautiful resort and the location is great so we really want to try it. So, that's why we are just trying 3 nights and moving on to the BC which we know we love. I'm nervous about a split stay though!

 

[Perdita&Pongo]

What were the usual Oasis pool hours before it closed for refurb?

Quoting myself because there was no reply and I am still curious. The Oasis Pool hours may effect which side of Tokelau we request. Does anyone remember "quiet" pool hours from before the rehab? Is there a pic of the pool sign somewhere maybe? I checked Tikimans site, but didn't find this info. Thanx for any help!

 

[Tess]

Quoting myself because there was no reply and I am still curious. The Oasis Pool hours may effect which side of Tokelau we request. Does anyone remember "quiet" pool hours from before the rehab? Is there a pic of the pool sign somewhere maybe? I checked Tikimans site, but didn't find this info. Thanx for any help!

Prior to the rehab, the pool was unguarded and swimming into the late evening hours was common. It was never an issue from a noise standpoint because it was generally adults just cooling off from a long day. I believe at the time the hours were until 11:00 p.m., perhaps midnight. When we first began staying at the Polynesian back in the early 90s, the pools were 24 hours a day--that changed at some point in the late 90s. I have no idea how the management will change/regulate the pool times once it becomes the Oasis with (presumably) a fence and gate that could be locked. If noise is your concern--there is really no way to know for certain what the pool will be like once it is completed.

 

[ThistleMae]

While the GCH can be busy at certain times, the new design has made the lobby more open so it can accommodate more people with a less crowded feeling. The bigger crowds are generally there around 'Ohana at breakfast & dinner, and some evenings with people coming through for the luau. There are times when the GCH is quite quiet. You should not get a feeling of things being crowded at all once you are out of the main building. The longhouses are nicely spaced out amongst the landscaped walkways of the resort, so there is never a crowded feeling outside (except of course if it is a busy day around the pool, but then it is just the pool)

That is really good to hear. Thank you for the feedback.