Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[EKKloppers]

You definitely have a studio. Enjoy!

Thanks, kungaloosh22! I'm just rarin' to get there! And despite my note to self about typing in the dark, I've just erred, yet again, on my response to another thread; this time because I'm outside - in the dark, again - in 30-degree weather in the Northeast, hunting and pecking for letters on a smartphone keyboard. Can't promise my fingers will work any better once thawed in FL, but I'm betting I'll be able to claim the Lapu-Lapu defense then! In all my days I've never had one, but I hear they are a must-do, and so, I must!

 

[EKKloppers]

I booked a studio as soon as they opened this year too. Stayed in August....it was paradise!
Not sure if I mentioned this in an earlier post or not, (gets a little confusing at times when posting any tips) but as a cash-paying, non-DVC member guest, you don't have to pay for laundry, which I had assumed was for DVC members only. We stayed in Moorea and with the laundry facilities in that particular building, it was a real bonus for a family of 5 staying for 12 days. Loads of stinky laundry!

Thanks, MouseMum! I feel so much more at ease! Couple big things happening on this trip, and I'd like all to go as effortlessly as possible. 1.) my eldest niece is being proposed to, and 2.) her mother/my sister (who will be surprising her daughter, but also doesn't know of the impending proposal) will be vacationing for the first time in years. Many surprises to help orchestrate on varying levels, so it's good to be reassured about the other details! And free laundry is truly one of those nice, bonus surprises, to boot! I'd never have known! Thank you, so much!

 

[DisneyFEB2013]

We are staying in the Polynesian for three night in late January before we leave for a cruise. We are very excited about staying there. Staying at the Poly is a stretch for us we are going on the cruise but we wanted to be near the Magic Kingdom as we are spending two days there. Anyhow, I had to get creative to make this work for our budget. We bought points for a Poly Studio for one night (Wednesday night) that was available.....we were waitlisted for the other two nights as they were all booked. In the meantime, we did get an email that Friday night was available for points so we snatched that too. Cool, two night in a lake view studio. Not cool, there is a day in between there. So on Thursday night, we have reserved a regular Poly room with points we have from our debit card (I didn't realize we had points until I got a statement in our email and we had over 50,000!). So, so summarize:

Wednesday night: Poly DVC studio
thursday night: Poly Garden View Room
Friday night: Poly DVC studio

Do you see my quandary here? Yes, we are going to have to check in and out three times. Is there a good change that even thought we don't have DVC the middle night, they might let us stay in the same room the entire time? I certainly understand if they can't and I am not asking for something for free....this is the only way we could make this work. I know it is based on availability, but if there is, is this a big deal to make this happen or something they can't do?

Thanks for any advice.

Edit to add: I keep looking on the scorecard website to see if they are offering a DVC room with points, but so far they are not. If they do, I will try to switch to that.

 

[CMNJ]

I would keep checking to see if you can switch the night in the middle to a DVC studio. If you had a cash reservation for a DVC studio and nights booked on DVC points they would try to keep you in the same room if at all possible but if you have 2 different types of rooms booked it would be much more difficult.

 

[mickeynut1]

That feeling when you pay off your Poly package balance

We're headed back to Poly in just a few weeks. I think it's funny that the quiet pool is being refurbished - it was being refurbished the last time we stayed there. I think it was about five years ago.

Have a great trip!

This will be a great trip thanks to all the information I've gotten on this board!

You are going to have a great time .

So excited! We got some pixie dust in the mail in the form of a UPC. It extends to our dates (late April). Extra excited because the UPC was in my mother's name and we were able to apply it to their rooms and ours! Great savings!!! (hmmm, maybe upgrade. . . . )

Congrats on the savings .

Not sure if I mentioned this in an earlier post or not, (gets a little confusing at times when posting any tips) but as a cash-paying, non-DVC member guest, you don't have to pay for laundry, which I had assumed was for DVC members only. We stayed in Moorea and with the laundry facilities in that particular building, it was a real bonus for a family of 5 staying for 12 days. Loads of stinky laundry!

That's a nice perk .

I have always dreamed of staying at the Poly, but I never thought I would due to the high cost. Well, thanks to the discounts just released by Disney, plus a 48 hour sale from Orbitz, I am taking the plunge! I will be staying there from Jan 3-9 in a standard view room.

I would love some suggestions. Because Epcot is my favorite park, I would like to have a room close to the TTC. But it seems that all the buildings that fit that description have either been converted to DVC or look to be heavily impacted by the pool construction. Any suggestions? Thanks! I have found this thread to be beyond helpful already!

Melissa

You are going to love the Poly! Congrats on the discounts .

I can't help with room suggestions, but hopefully others will be able to give some input .

Just returned from a great Poly GV club stay. Stayed on 3rd floor. Minimal construction noise noted when we returned in the early afternoon for breaks. Club chefs were awesome with DDs food allergies. Can't wait to return in March 2016!!

Glad you had a great trip! Congrats on booking for 2016 .

I'm just rarin' to get there!

Your trip will be here before you know it .

Couple big things happening on this trip, and I'd like all to go as effortlessly as possible. 1.) my eldest niece is being proposed to, and 2.) her mother/my sister (who will be surprising her daughter, but also doesn't know of the impending proposal) will be vacationing for the first time in years. Many surprises to help orchestrate on varying levels, so it's good to be reassured about the other details! And free laundry is truly one of those nice, bonus surprises, to boot! I'd never have known! Thank you, so much!

Sounds like a trip of many celebrations .

You are going to have a great time!

We are staying in the Polynesian for three night in late January before we leave for a cruise. We are very excited about staying there. Staying at the Poly is a stretch for us we are going on the cruise but we wanted to be near the Magic Kingdom as we are spending two days there. Anyhow, I had to get creative to make this work for our budget. We bought points for a Poly Studio for one night (Wednesday night) that was available.....we were waitlisted for the other two nights as they were all booked. In the meantime, we did get an email that Friday night was available for points so we snatched that too. Cool, two night in a lake view studio. Not cool, there is a day in between there. So on Thursday night, we have reserved a regular Poly room with points we have from our debit card (I didn't realize we had points until I got a statement in our email and we had over 50,000!). So, so summarize:

Wednesday night: Poly DVC studio
thursday night: Poly Garden View Room
Friday night: Poly DVC studio

Do you see my quandary here? Yes, we are going to have to check in and out three times. Is there a good change that even thought we don't have DVC the middle night, they might let us stay in the same room the entire time? I certainly understand if they can't and I am not asking for something for free....this is the only way we could make this work. I know it is based on availability, but if there is, is this a big deal to make this happen or something they can't do?

Thanks for any advice.

Edit to add: I keep looking on the scorecard website to see if they are offering a DVC room with points, but so far they are not. If they do, I will try to switch to that.

I agree with the pp to keep checking for a studio to open up for Thursday night as it would be easier for them to keep you in that room if all 3 nights were the same room type. With that said, if a studio doesn't become available, you could always ask about staying in the studio when you check in. I don't know if it's possible for them to make that change at that time, but it never hurts to ask . Good luck!

 

[Hibiscus]

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!

 

[MouseMum]

Thanks, MouseMum! I feel so much more at ease! Couple big things happening on this trip, and I'd like all to go as effortlessly as possible. 1.) my eldest niece is being proposed to, and 2.) her mother/my sister (who will be surprising her daughter, but also doesn't know of the impending proposal) will be vacationing for the first time in years. Many surprises to help orchestrate on varying levels, so it's good to be reassured about the other details! And free laundry is truly one of those nice, bonus surprises, to boot! I'd never have known! Thank you, so much!

Oooh, what an exciting adventure you have planned! Will be a trip to remember, for sure!

 

[Twice_as_Nice]

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.

 

[walker0829]

Just wanted to pop in and say I hope those that have been staying at Poly have been enjoying their trip! I've been pretty inactive on the boards lately. After all the planning and preparing, some of the magic definitely wore off after the last trip ended. We've also all but completely ruled out a return in 2016(though we'll likely be making a road trip to Destin so who knows).

Having a month and a half to reflect on our Poly stay I'm still conflicted about whether I'd return.

 

[KSR0330]

Can anyone tell me about the bass fishing trips? The only info I can find is a phone number to make a reservation, but I'd love to learn more before I call!

 

[jerseygal]

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.

GLAD that you are able to do a couples ANNIVERSARY trip! Sounds to me like it is WELL DESERVED! ENJOY planning!

 

[EKKloppers]

Can anyone tell me about the bass fishing trips? The only info I can find is a phone number to make a reservation, but I'd love to learn more before I call!

I've attached, below, a photo of the Teton Boat & Bike Rental "menu" from Wilderness Lodge, May, 2015. Bass fishing excursions are listed about halfway down the list. I assume that durations/pricing for excursions are pretty standard across resorts but can't be sure. Hopefully it's possible to zoom in for further details. If not, just let me know, and I'll get the details to you.

Unfortunately, I have not (yet!) done one of these fishing excursions, so can be of no further assistance. If you go, I'd love to hear about your experience!

 

[Daisytiff]

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.

 

[dvcmom14]

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.

YAY! I'm so glad you get to have this dream trip with your love. Enjoy it!

 

[KSR0330]

I've attached, below, a photo of the Teton Boat & Bike Rental "menu" from Wilderness Lodge, May, 2015. Bass fishing excursions are listed about halfway down the list. I assume that durations/pricing for excursions are pretty standard across resorts but can't be sure. Hopefully it's possible to zoom in for further details. If not, just let me know, and I'll get the details to you.

Unfortunately, I have not (yet!) done one of these fishing excursions, so can be of no further assistance. If you go, I'd love to hear about your experience!

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

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

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.

 

[AquaDame]

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.
...
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.

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!

 

[Hibiscus]

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.

Captain Cook's needs help. Sorry that happened to you. I'm glad you discovered Kona Cafe, though. I really love having breakfast/brunch there.

 

[PAdislover]

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.

 

[Skywise]

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