Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[aka Charles]

Also there's a report of the same e-mail from someone in another thread that doesn't have a Poly reservation, so could be more widespread than just Poly. FWIW.

I also got that email.
I currently have multiple reservations at VGF and AKV ranging from next week to Nov/2025.
There is nothing in this generic email that indicates which resort it is referring to, let alone which reservation.
My guess is that they are sending this email to everyone that has any reservation, at any resort, that will be having any kind of view name change, regardless of what the reservation is for.
Basically a CYA move.
This way if there are any complaints or any confusion, they can say "We sent you an email last December telling you."
.

 

[trishadono]

Good morning from Poly!

 

[Dug720]

I guess the CMs who were invited to the soft opening were not allowed to post anything. I was hoping there'd be a video or at least actual pics of the Duo Studios by now. Trying to make some summer travel decisions...

 

[Dave006]

@Dug720 you only have 6-7 days to wait until the videos start rolling out from the Island Tower with it opening on Dec. 17th.

Dave

 

[trishadono]

Moved to Tuvalu lol.

1st 3 our patio pix then pix from Tuvalu exit.

We were going to CR today but BB online at 10p last night I finally got the cheaper resort view at poly. We dropped bags this morning, ran to AK and DS and returned for bags and room. Still have lounge access today so this is better for us.

 

[disneydad7281231]

Going to cross post this to this thread since it is more active!

Couple questions for the Poly first timer.

1. We are Lakeview so being in Moorea (DVC), to get to Epcot I know walking to TTC is best. For rope drop at MK are you best using the Poly monorail station or is TTC a good option? I assume NO to TTC because you have everyone in the parking lot but figured I'd ask!

2. Has anyone tried Bus to HS then either walk or Skyliner to Epcot International Gateway? Normally rope drop Frozen but Remy's would be wiser but seems like getting there is a real pain!

3. I have request for 3rd floor. (I know its only requested and won't know until that day) Is it better to check in on the MDE App as early as possible, check-in in person early, or does it not really matter? In my mind I would think those that go there early prior to check in at 4pm and make another comment to the CM that they'd would like a certain room as more likely to get it but I am not sure how it's all really processed.


THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY INPUT!

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

View attachment 919567View attachment 919568Good morning from Poly!

Aloha!

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

I guess the CMs who were invited to the soft opening were not allowed to post anything. I was hoping there'd be a video or at least actual pics of the Duo Studios by now. Trying to make some summer travel decisions...

Someone posted earlier that duos next to elevator shafts at RIV were annoying.
(Aside from vibrations, there's the folks on/off all day & night.)
I find that true with most rooms in any hotel.
Hoping Poly Duos are not primarily located next to one.
I'd rather walk a mile to the the nearest elevator!

 

[mrsap]

Transportation Takes Center Stage at Polynesian and Grand Floridian DVC Quarterly Meetings​

The major question at hand was raised by multiple members, focusing on how the opening of the Polynesian Island Tower will affect transportation for both resorts.

Boat Transportation​

One of the first concerns discussed was the resort’s boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Rumors suggest that larger boats will begin servicing the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, which could help alleviate some bottlenecks, but no concrete plans have been confirmed.

Monorail Transportation​

Monorail capacity remains a sticking point, particularly for Grand Floridian guests. The current loop places Grand Floridian as the last stop before Magic Kingdom, leaving many guests frustrated with crowded monorails and extended wait times.

Bus Transportation​

Members also shared concerns about bus transportation, especially for guests using ECVs. The shared bus service between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian often results in full buses arriving at Grand Floridian with little to no space for additional guests or ECVs.

Leadership Response​

Alison Armor, DVC’s Vice President of Resort Operations—and formerly Vice President of Transportation Operations—addressed these concerns directly. She noted that based on studies conducted, they believe infrastructure in place should be sufficient to meet the increased demand, citing the Polynesian Island Tower’s relatively modest 268-room addition. They will be mindful of Member feedback, however, and keep a close eye on this once the tower opens.


In terms of budget adjustments, the Polynesian’s transportation budget saw a $300,000 increase for 2025, rising from $3 million to $3.3 million. This allocation appears to be tied to the new tower, possibly accounting for enhancements such as larger boats. However, the Grand Floridian’s transportation budget remains flat year-over-year, leaving some members questioning if enough is being done to address the current and future issues.

Looking Ahead​

Both Polynesian and Grand Floridian members expressed concerns that these transportation challenges already exist and could be exacerbated by the Island Tower’s opening. While leadership seems confident that existing infrastructure can handle the increase in guests, it remains unclear if the proposed budget adjustments will adequately address the strain on these shared systems.

 

[Mle8308]

Transportation Takes Center Stage at Polynesian and Grand Floridian DVC Quarterly Meetings​

The major question at hand was raised by multiple members, focusing on how the opening of the Polynesian Island Tower will affect transportation for both resorts.

Boat Transportation​

One of the first concerns discussed was the resort’s boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. Rumors suggest that larger boats will begin servicing the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, which could help alleviate some bottlenecks, but no concrete plans have been confirmed.

Monorail Transportation​

Monorail capacity remains a sticking point, particularly for Grand Floridian guests. The current loop places Grand Floridian as the last stop before Magic Kingdom, leaving many guests frustrated with crowded monorails and extended wait times.

Bus Transportation​

Members also shared concerns about bus transportation, especially for guests using ECVs. The shared bus service between the Polynesian and Grand Floridian often results in full buses arriving at Grand Floridian with little to no space for additional guests or ECVs.

Leadership Response​

Alison Armor, DVC’s Vice President of Resort Operations—and formerly Vice President of Transportation Operations—addressed these concerns directly. She noted that based on studies conducted, they believe infrastructure in place should be sufficient to meet the increased demand, citing the Polynesian Island Tower’s relatively modest 268-room addition. They will be mindful of Member feedback, however, and keep a close eye on this once the tower opens.


In terms of budget adjustments, the Polynesian’s transportation budget saw a $300,000 increase for 2025, rising from $3 million to $3.3 million. This allocation appears to be tied to the new tower, possibly accounting for enhancements such as larger boats. However, the Grand Floridian’s transportation budget remains flat year-over-year, leaving some members questioning if enough is being done to address the current and future issues.

Looking Ahead​

Both Polynesian and Grand Floridian members expressed concerns that these transportation challenges already exist and could be exacerbated by the Island Tower’s opening. While leadership seems confident that existing infrastructure can handle the increase in guests, it remains unclear if the proposed budget adjustments will adequately address the strain on these shared systems.

I think it's funny what they said about ECV's. I was at the Poly in September and used the busses to go to DS a few times during the day. I remember making a comment to anther person in my group that I would be pretty frustrated if I were a GF guest using an ECV because every time we pulled into the GF, there were no ECV spots left. And this was not during a busy season. I think the DVC VP should spend a little time at the GF bus stop or the Poly/GF monorail station in the morning! And $300K is nothing, maybe 2 drivers and a bus! Might be a slight exaggeration, but not by much considering the drivers salary - never mind the cost of a bus. They need to do better. Probably time to go to separate bus routes, can't really do anything about the monorail, can't limit access to resort guests only.

 

[Dave006]

Probably time to go to separate bus routes, can't really do anything about the monorail, can't limit access to resort guests only.

Back in the day the Resort Monorail was only for Resort guests. You had to show your card.

For a period of time they also used to hold a car for the Poly and the GF open on Resort loop when it returned from MK. It did take some additional CMs to manage / clear the cars but it did work quite well for guests wanting to board at Poly and GF.

Dave

 

[Mle8308]

Back in the day the Resort Monorail was only for Resort guests. You had to show your card.

For a period of time they also used to hold a car for the Poly and the GF open on Resort loop when it returned from MK. It did take some additional CMs to manage / clear the cars but it did work quite well for guests wanting to board at Poly and GF.

Dave

That sounds like a good idea, at least during busy times. I have another reservation for the Poly this September, right now it's 6 nights at Poly and 6 at the WL. I was considering making it all Poly but I am a little concerned about how crowded it could be with the addition of the Tower. From transportation to pools to restaurants. I'm going to wait to see what the experts here think once the Tower opens and see how things pan out.

 

[Dug720]

Someone posted earlier that duos next to elevator shafts at RIV were annoying.
(Aside from vibrations, there's the folks on/off all day & night.)
I find that true with most rooms in any hotel.
Hoping Poly Duos are not primarily located next to one.
I'd rather walk a mile to the the nearest elevator!

I've stayed in a Tower Studio at the Riviera (the name for Duos there) and do not recall them being next to an elevator shaft. I actually just looked at the map and the Tower Studios are not next to elevators at all. Whoever posted about it probably meant Studios and not the Tower Studios.

 

[Dave006]

Couple questions for the Poly first timer.

1. We are Lakeview so being in Moorea (DVC), to get to Epcot I know walking to TTC is best. For rope drop at MK are you best using the Poly monorail station or is TTC a good option? I assume NO to TTC because you have everyone in the parking lot but figured I'd ask!

It is somewhat of a toss-up depending on the time of year of your visit. For MK I would always lean toward the Resort Monorail or the Resort launch from the Poly as first choice. You also have the choice of walking from the Poly to MK. You will be held at the gate on the walkway if you go to early. And the Resort Monorail will not stop at MK until the Park is ready to open.

Note: the walkway from the Poly to the GF is currently closed for guests. It should reopen sometime soon as the new Island Tower opens next week.

2. Has anyone tried Bus to HS then either walk or Skyliner to Epcot International Gateway? Normally rope drop Frozen but Remy's would be wiser but seems like getting there is a real pain!

Again it is somewhat of a toss-up depending on the time of year of your visit. Yes a bus to HS and switching to the Epcot Skyliner is easy since the resort bus loop is near the Sklyiner station in the parking lot. You also could take the Friendship boat from HS to Epcot IG when it is hot and you don't want to walk out in the elements.

3. I have request for 3rd floor. (I know its only requested and won't know until that day) Is it better to check in on the MDE App as early as possible, check-in in person early, or does it not really matter? In my mind I would think those that go there early prior to check in at 4pm and make another comment to the CM that they'd would like a certain room as more likely to get it but I am not sure how it's all really processed.

If you are able to stop at the Front desk earlier in the day and confirm your request(s) match your assigned room that would be best for all concerned. If you wait until later in the day there will be less possible alternatives for the CM to possibly chose from that may match your request of a 3rd floor Lake View.

Yes you are able to stop by the Front desk even if you complete the Online check-in step. Please don't expect a specific room match but a range of rooms that meet your request(s). And if you go with Online check-in just leave the requests blank or they would over-write any requests on your reservation.

Dave

 

[Pink Partridge]

Back in the day the Resort Monorail was only for Resort guests. You had to show your card.

I would love this!

 

[yaksack]

I miss CL at Poly. The first and only time we had a ground level room. Awesome.

 

[disneydad7281231]

And the Resort Monorail will not stop at MK until the Park is ready to open.

So if you are on the first round for the monorail they might not let you off?

Yes a bus to HS and switching to the Epcot Skyliner is easy since the resort bus loop is near the Sklyiner station in the parking lot.

We will be going the last week and January so hoping it is slow like it has been in the past for use. I am just curious for those that have done this for rope drop. I would think that by the time you got to HS and on the Skyliner there would be congestion at the main hub for those rope dropping Epcot from Caribbean Beach, AOA, and Pop. I have watched a couple videos and without waits it takes about 25 minutes. IF first bus to HS is 1 hour before early entry I feel like there is a pretty good chance you won't make it to the International Gateway early enough to make rope dropping Remy's worth it. According to Google Maps walking from the PVB bus stop at HS is about 20 minutes so I think that would be safer but still not sure if it is worth it.

Please don't expect a specific room match but a range of rooms that meet your request(s).

When I booked on phone with DVC I just requested the 3rd floor. I plan to call again in the coming weeks just to confirm that it still on there as we have merged two reservations. We will be in AKV for one night prior to PVB and plan to resort hope to see some of the other DVC resorts and go to the Springs so really didn't plan to get to PVB until around dinner time so online check-in might be the best option and just hope they can meet request.

Appreciate all the feedback!

 

[Bird003]

Back in the day the Resort Monorail was only for Resort guests. You had to show your card.

For a period of time they also used to hold a car for the Poly and the GF open on Resort loop when it returned from MK. It did take some additional CMs to manage / clear the cars but it did work quite well for guests wanting to board at Poly and GF.

Dave

I don’t think this can work now since the only way to visit resorts is to use resort transportation.

 

[kylenne]

Back in the day the Resort Monorail was only for Resort guests. You had to show your card.

For a period of time they also used to hold a car for the Poly and the GF open on Resort loop when it returned from MK. It did take some additional CMs to manage / clear the cars but it did work quite well for guests wanting to board at Poly and GF.

Dave

I realize this is kinda impractical nowadays but I honestly wish they would bring this back because nothing grinds my gears worse than having to stand on the resort monorail after an exhausting time at MK only to watch the car empty out at the TTC. First world problems I know but man. It's why most often we end up taking the resort launch home on Poly stays.

Oh well. We have our next one booked for the annual birthday trip and we will see how transportation goes.

 

[nherbert]

For anyone interested in the walkway from Poly to GF, we tried today but the posted guard told us it would open on 17th with the tower. The walkway is done and clear and was open to some special guests of a private event being held in the poly tower but not general public.
Others might get lucky over next few days if there isn’t a private event, but we were told 17th.