Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[mickeynut1]

Exactly what happened to me today, called to make sure they were going to look after a package for me, and when I asked to confirm that I was speaking to the front desk they paused, then said yes

Not sure why Disney does that as too many times people are given wrong information from call center CMs, which they think is coming from the actual front desk .

Has anyone priced the difference between the possible free dining vs the "magical deal"? We are trying to see what would be more cost efficient

For us, the agency deal (with paying for DDP) is cheaper by $1100 (2 adults, 1 child).

We have booked our first stay at the Polynesian and I am so excited!! We will be there July 27-30, 2016 with a split stay at Shades of Green first. This trip will be more relaxed with more pool time and sleeping in so we should be able to enjoy the resort. July cannot get here fast enough.

You will love the Poly! Happy planning .

That's what I thought and was in a rush when I called so didn't ask for a number.

Got back yesterday from our first Poly trip and it definitely lived up to the expectations. I will write a longer trip report later once I get caught up on work.

Glad you had a great trip .

Does the Poly still offer a photo session? I have heard about this in the past. If so, who do I call to schedule an appointment. It will be our first time staying at the Poly, have stayed at Wilderness Lodge in the past. Absolutely love the tropical theme and I'd really like to get some family photos.

Hope you have a great trip and enjoy the Poly .

I was about to write my trip report from this past weekend when I just read a previous guests report and I'm sorry to hear your stay wasn't as magical. I guess I was lucky not to run into the same problems. My only draw back was my room request through TP. Didn't even get the building, but the way the weekend turned out it was fine. Our room in Pago Pago 2119 was very clean and a nice quiet garden view, I guess you would call it. I was hoping for Tokelau but I know those rooms are very popular now. After check in we went and got a dole whip on our way to the race expo. It made the long bus ride so much better. We ate at Capt Cooks for breakfast twice and enjoyed the breakfast burrito and egg sandwich. The other times going in there during the afternoon or evening to fill up our water bottles, it didn't seem too crowded and when the line started getting long another cast member came up to the registers to help out. Our other breakfast at Ohana was great as usual, no one in my party tried the tonga toast so I can't comment on if the bread is the same. But the macadamia nut pancakes are still incredible!!!! We did spend an hour or two at the new pool bar, pain killer highly recommended. Bar tender did a great job making our drinks and explaining what they had done to that new area. One small complaint which most people wouldn't be bothered with is, I didn't realize wishes could be heard echoing throughout the resort. We had to get up super early (is 2:30am early or late night?) for the 10k and half marathon. I did enjoy staying close to the TTC since that walk is a lot easier to get to EPCOT monorail then to the main lobby. I would stay at the poly again and i know now why people on this board love it. Planning on being back at some point on our next trip to eat at the great restaurants.

Thanks for your review .

 

[rustyfla]

Don't forget to use the laundryview mobile app to tell you when machines are open or when your clothes are done! That came in handy.

http://m.laundryview.com/disneyworld/index.php

That is awesome! Thanks for posting that. We never knew it existed, and we always have to do laundry half way through vacation,
since we have little ones.

 

[KSR0330]

Any updates on longhouse exterior work?

Does anyone know what building they are up to with the longhouse outdoor maintenance? The concrete work around the supports?

Anyone? Tikiman?

 

[MouseMum]

@Disneydreamer16 Re your savings comparison question:
Last year, for our family of five, a 12-night stay at the Poly and 4-night stay at a beach condo (so included groceries), we ate 9 TS meals, ate at BOG twice (which is like a TS for breakfast at least), ate whatever snacks we wanted and drank bottled water and Gatorade enough to float a few boats. And it still came to less than HALF of what we spent the year before on the DDP! (I kept EVERY receipt) We don't eat desserts so consider the savings there for five people. For August coming, we saved more than 50% on our 14-night Poly stay with our magical deal. The savings is somewhat comparable, but if you go without the DDP, and enjoy THAT savings, in addition to the magical deal savings, you're in the money!!

 

[Cramden]

Checked in today after a 2 night stay at the Yacht Club. Loved the Yacht Club but the Poly is special. Got a fantastic room. #3505 in Hawaii. Got upgraded to Club Level full on view of the castle. Just watched the Electric Water Pageant from our balcony and have the tripod set up to get some shots of Wishes. If anyone has some tips on posting pictures let me know. After several tries of resizing they were still too large to post here. Thanks for all the great tips leading up to this trip! After reading so many posts from disappointed vacationers recently I psyched myself out that the magic was gone but so far my worries were unfounded.

 

[AliceIn]

Checked in today after a 2 night stay at the Yacht Club. Loved the Yacht Club but the Poly is special. Got a fantastic room. #3505 in Hawaii. Got upgraded to Club Level full on view of the castle. Just watched the Electric Water Pageant from our balcony and have the tripod set up to get some shots of Wishes. If anyone has some tips on posting pictures let me know. After several tries of resizing they were still too large to post here. Thanks for all the great tips leading up to this trip! After reading so many posts from disappointed vacationers recently I psyched myself out that the magic was gone but so far my worries were unfounded.

I'm so happy to hear this! I've been waiting to stay at the Polynesian since I made my first visit as a young child in 1975. We stayed offsite, but we had dinner at the Poly. I wanted to stay there SO badly. It's finally coming true in 3 months and a couple of days from now. So excited!

 

[ckelly14]

I'm so happy to hear this! I've been waiting to stay at the Polynesian since I made my first visit as a young child in 1975. We stayed offsite, but we had dinner at the Poly. I wanted to stay there SO badly. It's finally coming true in 3 months and a couple of days from now. So excited!

I first satyed at the Poly in May 1972! I haven't been back for years and looking forward to our December trip, even if it's only for a few days.

 

[HaveKidsWillTravel]

So excited! 6 more sleeps! I've told myself that this trip I will be more 'low key' and try to just enjoy. (Of course we have our fast passes, and a general touring plan, etc!) But with a three year old, a seven year old and 'the grands' you just have to be more go with the flow. I plan on doing in person check in, as I actually enjoy the one on one experience and have always had good check in 'interactions.' I just hope the line isn't too bad. And holy weather bat man - low 90s! Glad the oasis pool is complete!

 

[mickeynut1]

Checked in today after a 2 night stay at the Yacht Club. Loved the Yacht Club but the Poly is special. Got a fantastic room. #3505 in Hawaii. Got upgraded to Club Level full on view of the castle. Just watched the Electric Water Pageant from our balcony and have the tripod set up to get some shots of Wishes. If anyone has some tips on posting pictures let me know. After several tries of resizing they were still too large to post here. Thanks for all the great tips leading up to this trip! After reading so many posts from disappointed vacationers recently I psyched myself out that the magic was gone but so far my worries were unfounded.

Glad you are having a great start to your trip! Hope the rest is just as magical. Enjoy Poly CL .

I'm so happy to hear this! I've been waiting to stay at the Polynesian since I made my first visit as a young child in 1975. We stayed offsite, but we had dinner at the Poly. I wanted to stay there SO badly. It's finally coming true in 3 months and a couple of days from now. So excited!

The time will go fast and you will be at the Poly before you know it .

I first satyed at the Poly in May 1972! I haven't been back for years and looking forward to our December trip, even if it's only for a few days.

The Poly is great, even for just a few days .

So excited! 6 more sleeps! I've told myself that this trip I will be more 'low key' and try to just enjoy. (Of course we have our fast passes, and a general touring plan, etc!) But with a three year old, a seven year old and 'the grands' you just have to be more go with the flow. I plan on doing in person check in, as I actually enjoy the one on one experience and have always had good check in 'interactions.' I just hope the line isn't too bad. And holy weather bat man - low 90s! Glad the oasis pool is complete!

Hope you have a great time . I think the Poly is a great resort for a low-key trip! I, too, like checking in at the resort as I love interacting with the CMs. Hope the next 6 days go fast for you .

 

[TJA]

Checked in today after a 2 night stay at the Yacht Club. Loved the Yacht Club but the Poly is special. Got a fantastic room. #3505 in Hawaii. Got upgraded to Club Level full on view of the castle. Just watched the Electric Water Pageant from our balcony and have the tripod set up to get some shots of Wishes. If anyone has some tips on posting pictures let me know. After several tries of resizing they were still too large to post here. Thanks for all the great tips leading up to this trip! After reading so many posts from disappointed vacationers recently I psyched myself out that the magic was gone but so far my worries were unfounded.

There is something so very special about CL TPV -- enjoy!!

I always have similar issues posting pictures here from my IPhone, but yet my IPad will post the exact same pictures without issue. Maybe my IPad automatically re-sizes the pictures(?). Hope someone can help cause we'd sure love to see your pics!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Yes they all look directly at the Magic Kingdom. The bungalows closer to the pool are less of a walk to get to the pool, boat or lobby so that would be the only benefit but depending on how you book not all the bungalows are released to the system yet. I'm not sure I would spend much time trying to get a specific one.

Thanks so much -- makes sense!!

@MickeyMinnieMom I've stayed in the Bungalows twice. I can try to answer your questions if you haven't gotten them answered already

Thanks so much for offering, @Mommy2TwoMickeys!!!!! I think my main question right now was around whether it made sense to place any request re: location on the reservation. Sounds from @Tikiman's post like there's probably not much of a reason to do this. I am CERTAIN that as I get closer to Nov, I'll have more questions.

A couple for now...

• How much of a walk is it to get to the monorail from the bungalows? Is it much farther than from the other rooms? I have only one point of reference from a time my sister stayed at Poly.
• We will be 5 people in the room: Dh and I, our two kids, and my sister. Trying to figure out what the best sleeping arrangement might be given pull-down beds and such that are not in the rooms we normally stay in. Any suggestions??

 

[Mikeb1892]

Has anyone that has checked-in in person recently been offered an upgrade for an extra fee? Just curious how often this happens? I'm not wondering about free upgrades (although let's be honest, that would be great) but more of the "I see you're staying in a standard view room. You could upgrade to TPV for $x per night", or something like that.

 

[1971DBday]

A couple for now...

• How much of a walk is it to get to the monorail from the bungalows? Is it much farther than from the other rooms? I have only one point of reference from a time my sister stayed at Poly.
• We will be 5 people in the room: Dh and I, our two kids, and my sister. Trying to figure out what the best sleeping arrangement might be given pull-down beds and such that are not in the rooms we normally stay in. Any suggestions??

The walk to the monorail from the bungalows to monorail depends on which bungalow and which monorail. A bungalow to the GCH, I would say 3 minutes the closer to the pool you are and the furthest bingalow by TTC I would say about 6. Add on a couple more minutes to get to the actual monorail. Please keep in mind sometimes there is a slight wait for the monorail and if it breaks down you will need to find another option.

For bungalows to TTC, similar times to get to TTC but the another 3-4 minutes to get to the monorail and wait time. The Tikiman I believe has times from various long houses.

As for sleeping arrangements, we fit 5 as well in a DVC studio. DH and I one the regular bed, DD19 and DD9 on the hideaway full size pull out and 5' 10' DS16 on the pull down twin. No complaints from DS16, he fits well.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The walk to the monorail from the bungalows to monorail depends on which bungalow and which monorail. A bungalow to the GCH, I would say 3 minutes the closer to the pool you are and the furthest bingalow by TTC I would say about 6. Add on a couple more minutes to get to the actual monorail. Please keep in mind sometimes there is a slight wait for the monorail and if it breaks down you will need to find another option.

For bungalows to TTC, similar times to get to TTC but the another 3-4 minutes to get to the monorail and wait time. The Tikiman I believe has times from various long houses.

As for sleeping arrangements, we fit 5 as well in a DVC studio. DH and I one the regular bed, DD19 and DD9 on the hideaway full size pull out and 5' 10' DS16 on the pull down twin. No complaints from DS16, he fits well.

Thanks!!!

 

[Princess Michele]

We'll be at the Poly from 7/23 through 7/30. My 15 year old son would love to meet other kids his age. Anybody else staying there this week with teens?

We will be at the Poly from 7/27 until 7/30. My son will be turning 15 the following week.

 

[dansdad]

Has anyone that has checked-in in person recently been offered an upgrade for an extra fee? Just curious how often this happens? I'm not wondering about free upgrades (although let's be honest, that would be great) but more of the "I see you're staying in a standard view room. You could upgrade to TPV for $x per night", or something like that.

My boss just returned Monday and my Aunt and Uncle returned Saturday. Neither one were asked if they wanted an upgrade. .

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

10 more days until our first stay at the Poly!! I'm very excited!

And now I'm at the 10 day mark, I can start obsessing over the weather (yes, I know, the forecast is in no way accurate this far out ... I just can't help myself).

One question. I'm realizing my 7DMT FP on our last day is pretty tight with getting to our Magical Express for our return flight. So anyone remember how far from their flight time was their scheduled ME pickup? And for our arrival day, how many other resorts does it stop at before Poly?

 

[beesly]

10 more days until our first stay at the Poly!! I'm very excited!

And now I'm at the 10 day mark, I can start obsessing over the weather (yes, I know, the forecast is in no way accurate this far out ... I just can't help myself).

One question. I'm realizing my 7DMT FP on our last day is pretty tight with getting to our Magical Express for our return flight. So anyone remember how far from their flight time was their scheduled ME pickup? And for our arrival day, how many other resorts does it stop at before Poly?

I couldn't help myself with checking the weather early, either! I started checking at 15 days out, also knowing it would probably change. The temperatures have stayed consistent but the forecasted precipitation has changed a lot (in our favor, thankfully!).

DME picks up departures about three hours prior to flight time. My return flight is scheduled to depart MCO at 1:30pm. DME told me (when I called recently to make sure they had my latest flight info) that my bus will pick us up at the Poly at 10:40am, and that we should be waiting about 15 minutes prior to that.

 

[AliceIn]

We will be at the Poly from 7/27 until 7/30. My son will be turning 15 the following week.

Great! My son is getting more independent, and he's hoping to meet kids his age to hang out with at the pool.

 

[1971DBday]

10 more days until our first stay at the Poly!! I'm very excited!

And now I'm at the 10 day mark, I can start obsessing over the weather (yes, I know, the forecast is in no way accurate this far out ... I just can't help myself).

One question. I'm realizing my 7DMT FP on our last day is pretty tight with getting to our Magical Express for our return flight. So anyone remember how far from their flight time was their scheduled ME pickup? And for our arrival day, how many other resorts does it stop at before Poly?

1) The Magical Express (aka - Magical Depress) usually picks you up around 3 hours before your flight.

2) Drop off has varied for us, but the last two trips to the Poly we shared a bus with WL and Contemporary and they were both dropped off first. The somewhat good news is the Poly was the first pickup going home so you have a good selection of seats.

Good luck with the weather obsessing! I'll start in about 40 days!