Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[GADisneyDad14]

SUPER helpful! I like the appetizer choices that you were served over NYE. However, they all seem bite-sized / canape-sized / cocktail-party sized as opposed to appetizer-sized. Is my impression from the pics correct? Is my impression that the AKL evening offerings are more substantial? I think I even saw soups in your AKL pictures.

We may still stick with Poly, but would need to make some additional dining plans for the evening.

I would say the current state of lounge offerings is definitely on the “small plate” scale of things. It’s meant to be a taste, not much more. They have been more meal’ish in the past but less so these days. Although I’m OK with that - the quality/preparation/flavor is also much better (in my opinion) so it’s a trade-off. Years ago it was sticky wings and meatballs, it’s a bit more foodie/small plate now. Whether that’s better or not is very subjective!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Haven’t heard anything about Jiko, but did read that evening EMH at MK are going away in favor of AM EMH (daily, I think?)

The latest I have seen is that the MK PM EMH swapped to a second MK AM EMH situation is only an October thing, and November will be back to the normal schedule, if the reports are to be believed.

 

[jpakstis]

Thank you. This is a great tip. I did not even take security into consideration.

The boat also has it’s own security line when you arrive at MK. We found it was faster taking the monorail in the AM when we wanted to get there early. Maybe it was purely psychological but I felt like going through security before getting onto the monorail made it faster than after getting off the boat.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Thanks! Either of those sound fine. Actually I wouldn't mind Rarotonga either

Me either, also have a pool marina view booked for the fall.

 

[Cluelyss]

The latest I have seen is that the MK PM EMH swapped to a second MK AM EMH situation is only an October thing, and November will be back to the normal schedule, if the reports are to be believed.

Thanks for the clarification! Now that I think about it, I believe it was September that was very getting daily AM EMH.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks for the clarification! Now that I think about it, I believe it was September that was very getting daily AM EMH.

Yeah, somethings up with Sept too. Disney has cancelled EMMs for September and people have been told “they’ll be adding EMHs those dates.” Whether that’s accurate info or just CM speak is TBD, but it’s possible something is up with the MK EMH schedule in Sept as well.

SWGE = strange times.

 

[Cluelyss]

Yeah, somethings up with Sept too. Disney has cancelled EMMs for September and people have been told “they’ll be adding EMHs those dates.” Whether that’s accurate info or just CM speak is TBD, but it’s possible something is up with the MK EMH schedule in Sept as well.

SWGE = strange times.

It’s interesting for sure, as I expected HS to get the daily EMH, not MK! Unless they are hoping having them at both parks will help to spread crowds?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

It’s interesting for sure, as I expected HS to get the daily EMH, not MK! Unless they are hoping having them at both parks will help to spread crowds?

Well, all speculation of course, but does seem like either having a park available for excess capacity and/or resource allocation to me!

 

[SamanthaH]

I’ve done EMM from Poly several times.

Since they let you in the MK gates at 7:45am’ish, I try to time it so I’m at the MK, checked-in/waiting by 7:30’ish.

My first choice of transportation is Monorail. The Resort line ‘usually’ starts running at 7am. Check the Times Guide when there just to be sure, here’s a helpful link as well: http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/p/weekly-walt-disney-world-times-guides.html

So we’ll usually leave our room 7am’ish to make our way to the Grand Ceremonial House/monorail station. You’ll go through security prior to getting to the monorail station platform. Some may prefer to build in more fudge time there, I’ve generally been ok hoping everything goes well. If at all worried or your travel party moves slowly ,time it so you’re at the platform at 7’am’ish.

I don’t trust the resort boat that early. I’ve stayed at Poly more times than I should admit and I couldn’t give you a definitive answer as to what time it starts running. It may be running early enough for EMM but it may not, so I like the other options.

With the monorail, it’s not a bad idea to have a Plan B (or C or D) involved “just in case.” When the monorail isn’t running, there is “supposed” to be a bus to MK - but that can be a stressful proposition when you have an expensive event that you need to get to on the line.

So, my Plan B is to get a cab to CR then walk over (sounds crazy but I had to do this once).

My Plan C is the Resort boat if I see one running.

My Plan D is walking to the TTC and taking the MK Ferry.

95% chance you’ll be fine with the monorail, I only mention the others just to have options in your pocket if stuff happens.

As to parking at Poly on your check-in day, you’re all good - nothing to worry about.

Hope that helps, and happy to answer any questions/clarify anything.

Thank you so much for this. I know exactly what you mean about the resort boats. We usually jump on one when convenient, but they are not reliable when you have to be somewhere at a certain time. Good suggestions and thanks for helping me with the timetable.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Haven’t heard anything about Jiko, but did read that evening EMH at MK are going away in favor of AM EMH (daily, I think?)

The latest I have seen is that the MK PM EMH swapped to a second MK AM EMH situation is only an October thing, and November will be back to the normal schedule, if the reports are to be believed.

I missed reading about the night hours changing. Was a reason given?

I can get park hours until the 23rd. It looks like a new fireworks show EPCOT Forever starts October 1st. Tuesday, October 22nd MK closes at 6 pm for something other than a MNSSHP, another type of paid event? Wednesday, the 23rd had early morning EMH and closes at 9 pm. We have a 9:15 pm BoG reservation and their hours are until 10 pm. Do I assume they cancel my reservation or will park hours be extended to 10 pm?

I wish Disney would revamp its dining reservation timelines to match their Park hours decision, even after the 60 day fast pass window! So much can changes with fast passes anyway. I need a Rum Dole Whip after all this!

 

[ginny65]

If we have 7:15 reservations at Ohana, will we be rushed out the door prior to watching fireworks from table?

 

[Cluelyss]

I missed reading about the night hours changing. Was a reason given?

I can get park hours until the 23rd. It looks like a new fireworks show EPCOT Forever starts October 1st. Tuesday, October 22nd MK closes at 6 pm for something other than a MNSSHP, another type of paid event? Wednesday, the 23rd had early morning EMH and closes at 9 pm. We have a 9:15 pm BoG reservation and their hours are until 10 pm. Do I assume they cancel my reservation or will park hours be extended to 10 pm?

I wish Disney would revamp its dining reservation timelines to match their Park hours decision, even after the 60 day fast pass window! So much can changes with fast passes anyway. I need a Rum Dole Whip after all this!

No one knows at this point what’s going on the 22nd, it’s assumed to be either a CM event or private party.

Dining and shopping both stay open past posted park close, so even if park hours don’t change (which I suspect they will) your ADR time is still safe.

 

[shavine]

First timers leaving tomorrow and have a few last minute questions! Staying in standard view room and have requested Rarotonga. Does anyone know if the coffee pots there are Mr. Coffee regular type or those pod ones? Am hoping for Mr Coffee as I travel with my own grounds and a mini pot if I have to.
Also, heading into MK right at fireworks time after a 7:30 Ohana res. Do you think we can catch the fireworks from mainstreet and travel through the shops to get to Fantasyland for FP that expires at 9:50? I'm starting to panic over all these little details. Thanks in advance!

 

[Cluelyss]

Also, heading into MK right at fireworks time after a 7:30 Ohana res. Do you think we can catch the fireworks from mainstreet and travel through the shops to get to Fantasyland for FP that expires at 9:50? I'm starting to panic over all these little details. Thanks in advance!

Assuming fireworks are at 9:00 or 9:15, I think you’ll be hard pressed to see them inside the park at all. ‘Ohana is typically a 90 minute experience and generally runs behind schedule. I’d recommend watching the fireworks from the restaurant or Poly beach if you want to see the show; otherwise avoid Main Street as much as possible when you arrive at MK. It will be a mob scene and you’ll never get close enough to enjoy the show, even if you manage to arrive before the fireworks start. Proceed directly to Fantasyland through the shops as you mentioned, and pick another night to watch HEA. Enjoy!!

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

No one knows at this point what’s going on the 22nd, it’s assumed to be either a CM event or private party.

Dining and shopping both stay open past posted park close, so even if park hours don’t change (which I suspect they will) your ADR time is still safe.

In my experience Be Our Guest posted hours stop short of park closing by at least a half hour. Tonight park closing is midnight with BoG hours ending at 10:30 pm. On Monday, park closing is 10 pm BoG hours ending at 9:30 pm. Your experiences are different than mine.

At least I’ll come back home to Poly and views like this!

 

[LindsayHD]

Mini Rant! Where are park hours, Disney. What happened to MK late hours on Wednesdays? Is Jiko going the way of Artist Pont with no reservations available after June 30th?

So I really really really hope this does not happen. I am so sad that Artist Point switched to character dining. It was our favorite place to eat before that. And we loved the lounge there. If it's not for nothing, we have a reservation at Jiko for July 5th? That may be too close to June 30th for what you are saying, but I wanted to let you know...

 

[blackpearl77]

I dont know how to copy and paste the actual post if your not on FB: "The last room renovation was 2013. It seems that test rooms are being built for the next room design." (And Tikiman posts some pics of a door change.)

I saw this too on Tikiman's Facebook page. He had a picture of a door in a hallway that looked different and said it was a test room. I'll be there in 2 weeks so I'll keep my eyes open for anything.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I saw this too on Tikiman's Facebook page. He had a picture of a door in a hallway that looked different and said it was a test room. I'll be there in 2 weeks so I'll keep my eyes open for anything.

Please let us know!

 

[Tess]

I saw this too on Tikiman's Facebook page. He had a picture of a door in a hallway that looked different and said it was a test room. I'll be there in 2 weeks so I'll keep my eyes open for anything.

While I am not certain where the test rooms may be located this time, I recall that when the major refurb was undertaken--the test rooms were on the monorail facing side of Aotearoa--just in case you feel like exploring.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

How is poly with checkin timing? Do you find the room is often ready early or late or close to the 4pm time? I am trying to decide on arrival day plans and considering pushing back to a later flight.