Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[MagicallyEmilyLouise]

Are boat rentals available from the Poly? I know they have the marina and always thought they were available.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Are boat rentals available from the Poly? I know they have the marina and always thought they were available.

They were pre-Covid but since then pontoon rentals are only available at GF and CR. It's been so long now presumably that's the way they intend to keep things, unfortunately. The marina is mainly home to security boats and they do pick up evening fireworks cruises, but that's about it these days.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Noting for the sake of tracking, 20 Notice of Commencement permits were filed today for addresses tied to the 20 bungalows. The contractor is Harrison Contracting Co, Inc. and it's a standard 1 year permit. From their website, Harris Contracting Co appears to primarily be a commercial painting contractor and they list having a theme parks and resorts commercial division on their website. So presumably this is for bungalow exterior and/or interior painting.

There is currently exterior painting occurring on the longhouses, so presumably this may continue the resort color scheme tweaks we're seeing. TBD!

 

[leebee]

Recent stay at Poly: We liked it but it's definitely a one-and-done, no need to go again. Highlights of the stay were the wonderful CMs at the front desk/bag check and being able to get into Trader Sam's without having to disrupt an entire park day (no park passes this time). Otherwise... having to walk outside to get to the eating and shopping areas reminded us too much of staying at a Value resort with deluxe pricing. Room was fine, and although we booked 2Q they gave us 1K, which was not great as that meant sharing a bed with DD, who kicks in her sleep, or sleeping on a sofa bed (which was minimally comfortable). No, they couldn't book us in the room we'd reserved, sold out. Resort was crowded, never enough indoor seating at Captain Cooks (and so hot for eating outdoors). Also, we never had housekeeping, even though we were there for 4 nights. They just never showed up. As I said, we are glad we stayed there on our BounceBack, but don't feel the desire to stay again.
Next up: Wilderness Lodge in Jan 2025.

 

[Mle8308]

Recent stay at Poly: We liked it but it's definitely a one-and-done, no need to go again. Highlights of the stay were the wonderful CMs at the front desk/bag check and being able to get into Trader Sam's without having to disrupt an entire park day (no park passes this time). Otherwise... having to walk outside to get to the eating and shopping areas reminded us too much of staying at a Value resort with deluxe pricing. Room was fine, and although we booked 2Q they gave us 1K, which was not great as that meant sharing a bed with DD, who kicks in her sleep, or sleeping on a sofa bed (which was minimally comfortable). No, they couldn't book us in the room we'd reserved, sold out. Resort was crowded, never enough indoor seating at Captain Cooks (and so hot for eating outdoors). Also, we never had housekeeping, even though we were there for 4 nights. They just never showed up. As I said, we are glad we stayed there on our BounceBack, but don't feel the desire to stay again.
Next up: Wilderness Lodge in Jan 2025.

Good to hear your feedback. We are staying at the Poly for 6 nights next month and then moving to WL for 6 nights (my favorite resort on property). We have never stayed at the Poly before, one of only 2 we haven't stayed at at some point, so we will see! I am not sure how we will like it, I love the calm relaxed vibe of the WL, the Poly does seem a lot more hectic. We don't like Beach Club because we found it too crowded, so fingers crossed!

 

[teamsamant]

Good to hear your feedback. We are staying at the Poly for 6 nights next month and then moving to WL for 6 nights (my favorite resort on property). We have never stayed at the Poly before, one of only 2 we haven't stayed at at some point, so we will see! I am not sure how we will like it, I love the calm relaxed vibe of the WL, the Poly does seem a lot more hectic. We don't like Beach Club because we found it too crowded, so fingers crossed!

Poly is more hectic then Beach Club. The common areas to congregate in are small and the resort suffers from non resort guests overcrowding to use the restaurants and watch the fireworks at night. It's a cool resort but know what you are getting into... a busy monorail resort.

Also while I liked the resort, it suffers from short staffing issues. Bell Services is always short staffed, house keeping short staffed , and even restaurant staff is short. Captain Cooks is way too small for the size of the resort.

It's a cool spot but the team managing this particular property has alot to fix.

 

[lankman]

Recent stay at Poly: We liked it but it's definitely a one-and-done, no need to go again. Highlights of the stay were the wonderful CMs at the front desk/bag check and being able to get into Trader Sam's without having to disrupt an entire park day (no park passes this time). Otherwise... having to walk outside to get to the eating and shopping areas reminded us too much of staying at a Value resort with deluxe pricing. Room was fine, and although we booked 2Q they gave us 1K, which was not great as that meant sharing a bed with DD, who kicks in her sleep, or sleeping on a sofa bed (which was minimally comfortable). No, they couldn't book us in the room we'd reserved, sold out. Resort was crowded, never enough indoor seating at Captain Cooks (and so hot for eating outdoors). Also, we never had housekeeping, even though we were there for 4 nights. They just never showed up. As I said, we are glad we stayed there on our BounceBack, but don't feel the desire to stay again.
Next up: Wilderness Lodge in Jan 2025.

We have never stayed at the Poly, but will be in 3 weeks for the first time. My wife has commented in the past when we have visited from WL & CR that she felt the place always seems more crowded than other deluxe resorts. Captain Cookes we agree is way to small for the size of the resort & the area around the Tamu lounge is always crowded due to the footfall for Ohannas. But we are still excited for our stay there as we love the ease of getting to MK from there.

 

[kylenne]

I guess “crowded” is relative because I have never found the Poly to be especially crowded and this is the one complaint about this place that has always baffled me the most. Bustling yeah, and the beach/Pineapple Lanai during fireworks time (but the dole whip line always moves fast even then), but like I have never had issues at Capt Cook’s because I just don’t eat during prime hours anywhere on property, whether in the parks or at the resorts. 9 times out of 10 we’re mobile ordering food to go eat on the balcony of our room or at the pool anyway. The 10th times we’ve never had issues finding seating or felt that it was too chaotic to enjoy ourselves. But again we’re never doing anything silly like trying to eat breakfast there at 8-9am. Last time we stayed, even at Tambu we were able to grab a couple of seats at the bar one night when we got back from Epcot wanting a night cap and some snacks, though we had to wait maybe 5 minutes (the NBA Finals were on and folk were watching the game). Have never had issues finding seats in the lobby the rare time we’re just hanging out in there. Is it just that I’m a New Yorker and I’m used to being around people?? idgi at all. I like the energy. I don’t like resorts that feel dead. And there’s plenty of quieter spots around.

I will say the staffing issue since reopening is legit though. On last year’s stay Bell services took forever to bring us our bags on check in day after our room was ready to the point we just went down there bc we were getting close to our ‘Ohana dinner ADR. Dude was nice but clearly overwhelmed. But we never had an issue with mousekeeping or maintenance, they were attentive and quick.

 

[KCanuck]

Does anyone have a favourite room to request in the Club Level Water View category?
We have stayed third floor Resort View which I like because there is no one above us, but this time only Water View was available. I know there are no balconies on the second floor but I wonder if they would be better for maybe seeing a bit of the fireworks.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I'm googling how to install gas tiki torches in my yard...I want to feel like I'm at the Poly year round

 

[GADisneyDad14]

A nice aerial showing the current state of various things.

Of note…

Roof repair work occurring on the Hawaii longhouse (consistent with some recent permits filed by a roofing contractor for all of the longhouses).

Ongoing roadwork on what will eventually be a four lane Floridian Way. This will eventually lead to a totally reconfigured guest vehicle entrance and separate bus entrance - a lot of work to occur in the coming year on this project.

DVC Island Tower coming right along - first guest availability is 12/17 (currently only available for cash bookings, TBD when DVC points bookings open). Personally even though I’m not DVC, I’m a fan of the Tower and think it will be a nice addition to the Poly - but am a little disappointed at the small size of the pool, water feature, and hot tub. I’ll reserve final judgement for the real thing though.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1825835639591284930

 

[kylenne]

A nice aerial showing the current state of various things.

Of note…

Roof repair work occurring on the Hawaii longhouse (consistent with some recent permits filed by a roofing contractor for all of the longhouses).

Ongoing roadwork on what will eventually be a four lane Floridian Way. This will eventually lead to a totally reconfigured guest vehicle entrance and separate bus entrance - a lot of work to occur in the coming year on this project.

DVC Island Tower coming right along - first guest availability is 12/17 (currently only available for cash bookings, TBD when DVC points bookings open). Personally even though I’m not DVC, I’m a fan of the Tower and think it will be a nice addition to the Poly - but am a little disappointed at the small size of the pool, water feature, and hot tub. I’ll reserve final judgement for the real thing though.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1825835639591284930

Hoping that roof work is done by 9/27! I actually have to set our room request up for Hawaii and I’m not sure what’s good for Resort View there.

 

[Psymonds]

well, during the construction, it actually opened briefly, only to be shut down again. So I'm hoping for a miracle. but with that latest report saying construction is going to linger into 2026....who knows when it will open. It sounds crazy, but having the ability to walk is a huge upside for me, even in the summer heat.

normally I'd agree but we're staying for marathon weekend so I'm not going to need the extra steps!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Some news on the new Island Tower restaurant opening later this year.. “Wailulu Bar & Grill” - https://dvcfan.com/dvc-resorts/poly...l-coming-soon-to-the-polynesian-island-tower/

An exerpt from Disney’s website with clues on how it will operate…

“The new Wailulu Bar & Grill—located within the addition—evokes the natural beauty of the islands, from banquette seating surrounded by flowing water to a lava rock-inspired bar overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. It also offers breathtaking views of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom park. Enjoy an on-the-go breakfast and an all-day lunch and dinner menu, plus a walk-up pool bar and grill.”

 

[GADisneyDad14]

And some more blurbs about the new “Cove Pool.”

The tower addition will include a new fitness center and pool area. Offering both aquatic fun and a relaxing escape, the new Cove Pool has a courtyard with a sandy beach area, whirlpool spa and magnificent views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Little ones can discover Moana’s Voyage—a new splash area with a figure of Moana and her iconic outrigger canoe, plus fun water features.

Source: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/polynesian-villas-bungalows-island-tower

 

[cellomom]

delete

 

[Dug720]

Some news on the new Island Tower restaurant opening later this year.. “Wailulu Bar & Grill” - https://dvcfan.com/dvc-resorts/poly...l-coming-soon-to-the-polynesian-island-tower/

An exerpt from Disney’s website with clues on how it will operate…

“The new Wailulu Bar & Grill—located within the addition—evokes the natural beauty of the islands, from banquette seating surrounded by flowing water to a lava rock-inspired bar overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. It also offers breathtaking views of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom park. Enjoy an on-the-go breakfast and an all-day lunch and dinner menu, plus a walk-up pool bar and grill.”

So by "on-the-go breakfast and all-day lunch and dinner menu"... Is that meaning QS breakfast and TS lunch and dinner do we think?

 

[mrsap]

Terrace Gardens Announced for Polynesian Village DVC Island Tower

In addition to the recently announced bar and Moana-themed pool splash area, Disney Vacation Club has provided a first look into one of four “terrace gardens” that will offer stunning views from the Polynesian Village Resort Island Tower.

Island Tower Terrace Gardens​

Artist rendering of one of the four distinctly themed terrace gardens in the new tower. These spaces will feature stunning views for members and guests to enjoy
We can see two of the terrace gardens in the previously released concept art below, facing the Seven Seas Lagoon. They’re sure to be a popular spot – especially during Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks.



Here’s a look at one of the terrace gardens under construction from our visit to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort a few days ago.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So by "on-the-go breakfast and all-day lunch and dinner menu"... Is that meaning QS breakfast and TS lunch and dinner do we think?

Yes, that seems to be the setup.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

A Disney Parks Blog post with a compilation of the various news that came out today: https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/new...tower-at-disneys-polynesian-villas-bungalows/