Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[sponica]

It’s possible, although I’d describe the staircases between first and second floors of the Grand Ceremonial House as around double the size of “normal” floors. Just really tall floor to ceiling floors in that building as everything is oversized. If you’re relatively fit and don’t mind carrying it, then it’s no problem at all - you see it frequently. The staircases are quite big/wide so tons of room.

There are two elevators in the GCH and personally having stayed there a ton when in the stroller phase, we never found the need to take the stairs. Maybe on occasional wait for a few cycles but nothing material, IMHO.

I feel like when I was there, one wasn't working. I don't think I ever really saw both working at the same time.

 

[Disturbia]

This review has a picture of the stairs:

https://wdwnt.com/2021/06/photos-polynesian-construction-moving-up-ward-with-fresh-carpet/

If you aren’t carrying a lot of stuff (use a backpack convertible diaper bag if possible) then you could carry an umbrella stroller up easily. We have an all camp (zebra print has more pockets). We used the McClaren Volo (globetrotter has similar features) for our now teen when she was younger (higher weight limit, nice shade, lightweight)

Diaper bag:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0716HTHDW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Stroller:
https://www.amazon.com/Maclaren-Globetrotter-Stroller-Cardinal-White/dp/B076PQVF41/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?adgrpid=57605626778&gclid=CjwKCAjw79iaBhAJEiwAPYwoCHUlD4xPQoeJFBAIUtD6EgA-PlkDk1M05xH5_Y804NZdWAJa2rB3mRoCAWIQAvD_BwE&hvadid=617134637708&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9021702&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14121643605103930608&hvtargid=kwd-313821734605&hydadcr=25826_13555989&keywords=maclaren+volo+buggy&qid=1666617637&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjkwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ==&s=baby-products&sr=1-9&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0

 

[Gary Stocker]

The stairs on the other side of the elevator wall also has a hidden Mickey (the stairs lead to the Ohana hostess/waiting area). I do miss being there.

 

[ohtmeal]

Are there any updates on whether the suites with their balconies boarded up for construction is still being allocated for guests?

 

[PolyRob]

This review has a picture of the stairs:

https://wdwnt.com/2021/06/photos-polynesian-construction-moving-up-ward-with-fresh-carpet/

If you aren’t carrying a lot of stuff (use a backpack convertible diaper bag if possible) then you could carry an umbrella stroller up easily. We have an all camp (zebra print has more pockets). We used the McClaren Volo (globetrotter has similar features) for our now teen when she was younger (higher weight limit, nice shade, lightweight)

Diaper bag:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0716HTHDW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Stroller:
https://www.amazon.com/Maclaren-Globetrotter-Stroller-Cardinal-White/dp/B076PQVF41/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?adgrpid=57605626778&gclid=CjwKCAjw79iaBhAJEiwAPYwoCHUlD4xPQoeJFBAIUtD6EgA-PlkDk1M05xH5_Y804NZdWAJa2rB3mRoCAWIQAvD_BwE&hvadid=617134637708&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9021702&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14121643605103930608&hvtargid=kwd-313821734605&hydadcr=25826_13555989&keywords=maclaren+volo+buggy&qid=1666617637&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjkwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ==&s=baby-products&sr=1-9&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0

I hate these stairs for some reason.

The rise over run feels off and very low and I always have a fear I will somehow slip or get stuck in the open riser. The carpeting is also awkwardly plush and I feel like I sink on them. Maybe it's just me, but I don't like using them

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I hate these stairs for some reason.

The rise over run feels off and very low and I always have a fear I will somehow slip or get stuck in the open riser. The carpeting is also awkwardly plush and I feel like I sink on them. Maybe it's just me, but I don't like using them

Lol, yeah, I hold on to the handrails every time and cringe when my kids go barreling down the middle. They replaced the carpet sometime in the last year or so and it’s less plush than before (I used to always feel like it was so soft I was going to trip), but I still hold on tight!

 

[PolyRob]

Lol, yeah, I hold on to the handrails every time and cringe when my kids go barreling down the middle. They replaced the carpet sometime in the last year or so and it’s less plush than before (I used to always feel like it was so soft I was going to trip), but I still hold on tight!

I feel better (and less crazy) hearing that you agree! That's great that the carpeting has been swapped out. I will have to test it out on my next WDW vacation, but I will still hold on tight.

 

[trishadono]

Are there any updates on whether the suites with their balconies boarded up for construction is still being allocated for guests?

The suites are in the Tonga building. I stayed there in September and you do not see the construction from here.

Posts I have seen were from the buildings (non suites ) just standard rooms that are closer to the construction.

I am surprised we haven’t seen more about this so far.

 

[ohtmeal]

The suites are in the Tonga building. I stayed there in September and you do not see the construction from here.

Posts I have seen were from the buildings (non suites ) just standard rooms that are closer to the construction.

I am surprised we haven’t seen more about this so far.

Ah yes, those standard rooms are what I meant by the suites. Sorry for the confusion. Yeah it's strange that no one is talking about those rooms whereas the photos that were posted here looked like something that would be a problem for many.

 

[trishadono]

Ah yes, those standard rooms are what I meant by the suites. Sorry for the confusion. Yeah it's strange that no one is talking about those rooms whereas the photos that were posted here looked like something that would be a problem for many.

Agreed.

I’ll be at GF in a few weeks. I hope to be a chance to walk over there and check it out.

I did have a 1st floor room lagoon side at poly when fence was up for bungalow additions.

I didn’t mind because you could still hear stuff and see far left towards GF. We got a good rate so that helped too. Tere was a big fence but not close to rooms so not too intrusive.

 

[maryj11]

Is the path to TTC still open? Thought I better ask since they are making so many changes.

 

[Stormalong Smiths]

Is the path to TTC still open? Thought I better ask since they are making so many changes.

Yes, it’s still open and unchanged as of earlier this month when we were there.

 

[kylenne]

Have we had any recent construction updates? We're looking to rebook our many times postponed Poly trip for the end of May 2023 and I'm concerned about the impacts since we'll be spending most of our stay in a standard room before switching over to Hawaii for the end. I admittedly haven't been keeping up on the news because I'm still salty about the whole thing, and I'm wary of getting assigned Aoetearoa or a similar spot right up against the site. Especially since we are midday break people.

 

[trishadono]

Have we had any recent construction updates? We're looking to rebook our many times postponed Poly trip for the end of May 2023 and I'm concerned about the impacts since we'll be spending most of our stay in a standard room before switching over to Hawaii for the end. I admittedly haven't been keeping up on the news because I'm still salty about the whole thing, and I'm wary of getting assigned Aoetearoa or a similar spot right up against the site. Especially since we are midday break people.

I booked dvc studio. There has been lots of availability in the spring. Guaranteed balcony/patio and far from construction. SAME price as a std1!

 

[kylenne]

I booked dvc studio. There has been lots of availability in the spring. Guaranteed balcony/patio and far from construction. SAME price as a std1!

You know I didn't even think to look at DVC. We had our heart set on the Moana rooms. But I prefer my peace more lol. And it will be nice to have the guaranteed balcony/patio. We'll need to talk about it I think.

 

[Disturbia]

You know I didn't even think to look at DVC. We had our heart set on the Moana rooms. But I prefer my peace more lol. And it will be nice to have the guaranteed balcony/patio. We'll need to talk about it I think.

I had the option to switch to the Moana rooms (I’m paying out of pocket so both same price). The deciding factor was the 2 baths. We are a family of 5 and have stayed mostly at AOA suites for that reason alone (vs AKL deluxe suite, our DD turns 3 in Nov so it no longer fits our family of 5; AKL 1 bedroom was nice but housekeeping was nonexistent $1200/1300 a night).

 

[kylenne]

I had the option to switch to the Moana rooms (I’m paying out of pocket so both same price). The deciding factor was the 2 baths. We are a family of 5 and have stayed mostly at AOA suites for that reason alone (vs AKL deluxe suite, our DD turns 3 in Nov so it no longer fits our family of 5; AKL 1 bedroom was nice but housekeeping was nonexistent).

I can definitely see where that would be necessary lol. Even 3 people with one bathroom is a recipe for disaster with my family. Fortunately it's just me and my partner, no kids, so that's not a factor for us.

 

[trishadono]

You know I didn't even think to look at DVC. We had our heart set on the Moana rooms. But I prefer my peace more lol. And it will be nice to have the guaranteed balcony/patio. We'll need to talk about it I think.

Both rooms look very “themed”. I prefer the moana myself but the 2nd bathroom and legit coffee pot in a studio is nice.

I am happy to get either. Currently I put an edge to dvc side with new construction on the other side of the resort.

 

[Dave006]

Have we had any recent construction updates? We're looking to rebook our many times postponed Poly trip for the end of May 2023 and I'm concerned about the impacts since we'll be spending most of our stay in a standard room before switching over to Hawaii for the end.

Should be well into major construction phase by May 2023 since the resort opens late 2024. They are still doing site prep and basic support facilities. Major work should be well in progress by May.

There has been discussion of major construction and pile driving work due to the soft ground around the Seven Seas Lagoon area. Much like you hear in New York. It is expected to be quite noisy and dusty well into early 2024 with heavy equipment hanging Steel 5 floors above the beach area.

Dave

 

[NC Mountain Cruiser]

We are surprising our kids with a stay at the Poly starting November 13th. They are 9 and 13 and they think we are staying at PoP (which we had booked originally pre Covid). We have an Ohana breakfast scheduled the 13th and that's how we are passing off the surprise. My question is, can we get through the security gate without them knowing we have a 7 night reservation? What information/ questions will we receive at the security gate that would tip them off? Our hope was to get through breakfast before telling them but we are worried they'll know when we receive our parking pass. (It has been 7 years since our last WDW trip so things have changed a lot). I wasn't sure where I could get this info so I came here. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!