Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[Dave006]

This may also explain why my spouse has been lukewarm about this trip since I booked it. I feel like I just experienced an aha moment!

This is also why Disney has many different offering with different amenities. Glad that you found what appears to work for you and your +1.

Dave

 

[Dug720]

Many probably probably say "it's DVC" and move along without much thought.

Probably depends on their travel agency if they are using one. The one I use calls them - correctly - Villa Resorts because there are rooms available on a cash basis and you don't have to be DVC to stay there.

 

[jemtx]

Wonder why (at least according the current signage) all Poly guests can use the new pool, but at CR, for example, regular guests cannot use the DVC pool.

 

[Disturbia]

Does anyone have the movie schedule?

Edit found them

https://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/wdw-outdoor-movie-schedule#polynesian

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I really appreciate the thoughtful response. You're right about eight nights and being stuck. We have our favorite resorts that I never get tired of, but there are also some that I only enjoy for brief stays. You're also right that I wasn't considering that just because I've been following this thing since it was a pile of dirt, not everyone else has been. I did not consider the marathon's impact on Floridian Way. I agree that the villas look attractive and cozy. I think what is bothering me is the lack of conveniences right in the building. The thing I like most about a stay in Tonga is the proximity to the GCH. As I type this I'm realizing that when we choose DVC villas we tend to land mostly at Boardwalk or Copper Creek because we want those full service hotel amenities. I also just realized we have been staying cash DVC much less and gravitating almost exclusively towards club level instead because convenience is what we value the most. While I was excited to be staying somewhere brand new, I'm now realizing that maybe it just isn't for us. This may also explain why my spouse has been lukewarm about this trip since I booked it. I feel like I just experienced an aha moment!

For whatever it is worth, I have both a Tonga suite and 2BR Tower reservation early next year I’ve been trying to decide what to do with. Not to talk out of both sides of my mouth, but despite what I said above, lately I’ve been leaning on keeping Tonga and ditching the Tower.

 

[Dave006]

Not to talk out of both sides of my mouth, but despite what I said above, lately I’ve been leaning on keeping Tonga and ditching the Tower.

That's the problem with choices; decisions, decisions, decisions. In the end you will make the correct decision...

Dave

 

[Dave006]

Wonder why (at least according the current signage) all Poly guests can use the new pool, but at CR, for example, regular guests cannot use the DVC pool.

I am going to go with my base response. Disney is just being Disney again.

Dave

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Wonder why (at least according the current signage) all Poly guests can use the new pool, but at CR, for example, regular guests cannot use the DVC pool.

It’s been on the website and other places that it’s available for all resort guests, FWIW.

Somewhere along the way the powers that be opted to make the BLT pool BLT only, I’m guessing based on some room count ratio or other operational reasons, plus the fact that it’s largely hidden from hotel guests. Legally/technically, the BLT pool is a common element owned by BLT owners so maintenance fees pay all operating costs. Since BLT guests can also use the CR pools BLT owners pay a pro rata share of CR pool operating costs in their MFs.

The Poly pools, including the new Cove Pool, are owned by Disney, Disney passes through the pro rata share of costs to point owners. I’m assuming/guessing given the very close proximity to a number of hotel rooms and the fact that the Tower was added to existing DVC association, they’ve opted for this setup rather than exclusive to just DVC. The mechanics of that would be very messy in my opinion - three longhouses of Villa guests on the other side of the resort would have to have access to the pool but not 2-3 longhouses of hotel guests looking right at it. A PR and operational mess!

I’m sure the DVC pros will chime in with anything I phrased incorrectly in the above.

 

[snacks]

It’s been on the website and other places that it’s available for all resort guests, FWIW.

Somewhere along the way the powers that be opted to make the BLT pool BLT only, I’m guessing based on some room count ratio or other operational reasons, plus the fact that it’s largely hidden from hotel guests. Legally/technically, the BLT pool is a common element owned by BLT owners so maintenance fees pay all operating costs. Since BLT guests can also use the CR pools BLT owners pay a pro rata share of CR pool operating costs in their MFs.

The Poly pools, including the new Cove Pool, are owned by Disney, Disney passes through the pro rata share of costs to point owners. I’m assuming/guessing given the very close proximity to a number of hotel rooms and the fact that the Tower was added to existing DVC association, they’ve opted for this setup rather than exclusive to just DVC. The mechanics of that would be very messy in my opinion - three longhouses of Villa guests on the other side of the resort would have to have access to the pool but not 2-3 longhouses of hotel guests looking right at it. A PR and operational mess!

I’m sure the DVC pros will chime in with anything I phrased incorrectly in the above.

Everything you say here makes sense but it also makes that sign you posted yesterday for the new fitness center seem even weirder.

 

[Dave006]

Everything you say here makes sense but it also makes that sign you posted yesterday for the new fitness center seem even weirder.

I am with you on this incongruent situation. I covered all the conflicts with the issue of the Tower Island fitness center only being available for Poly DVC. Now we have a case where only the BLT has this unique pool situation unlike GF/VGF, BW/BWV, and (YC, BC/BCV).

So far I am staying with my view of Disney just being Disney again while I appreciate the logical analysis that @GADisneyDad14 provided above we will have to wait more details.

Dave

 

[kylenne]

I'm even more excited for my August pre-cruise stay in a Duo Studio! The whole place looks GORGEOUS!!!! I don't think the concept art did this justice!

I just booked one of those studios for July 4th weekend. I figure best to jump on it now before people start figuring out they have tower exclusive viewing areas for the fireworks. But it honestly looks like the perfect room for a solo stay—laid out better imo than the equivalent at Riv and in a far better location. The price is great even at rack and makes a Poly stay feasible for solo trips. I have a feeling these rooms are going to be insanely popular and very hard to book cash before too long.

 

[Dug720]

I just booked one of those studios for July 4th weekend. I figure best to jump on it now before people start figuring out they have tower exclusive viewing areas for the fireworks. But it honestly looks like the perfect room for a solo stay—laid out better imo than the equivalent at Riv and in a far better location. The price is great even at rack and makes a Poly stay feasible for solo trips. I have a feeling these rooms are going to be insanely popular and very hard to book cash before too long.

Yep! That's why I emailed my TA as soon as we saw pics and videos and changed to a Premium View (I had Standard). I figure it may be a long time before I can get one again so I'll splurge. Assuming TP's room finder is correct, there are only 7 Premium View Duos.

 

[Dave006]

Assuming TP's room finder is correct, there are only 7 Premium View Duos.

All the materials that I have reviewed only showed 7 Premium View Duos.

Dave

 

[kylenne]

Yep! That's why I emailed my TA as soon as we saw pics and videos and changed to a Premium View (I had Standard). I figure it may be a long time before I can get one again so I'll splurge. Assuming TP's room finder is correct, there are only 7 Premium View Duos.

All the materials that I have reviewed only showed 7 Premium View Duos.

Dave

Y'all just made me change my view!

 

[Dave006]

Y'all just made me change my view!

Well you made a good choice and we will take full credit for you Great decision. Please note the Premium View Duo rooms are all in a single stack with the exact same view.

Room request would be 7th floor down to 1st floor. I just don't know what the view would be out of the 1st floor room. Maybe some Palm Trees and the low fence barrier at the Seven Seas Lagoon. Oh, you can also monitor the walkway to the GF and provide real-time reports on foot traffic or walkway closures.

Dave

 

[Dug720]

Well you made a good choice and we will take full credit for you Great decision. Please note the Premium View Duo rooms are all in a single stack with the exact same view.

Room request would be 7th floor down to 1st floor. I just don't know what the view would be out of the 1st floor room. Maybe some Palm Trees and the low fence barrier at the Seven Seas Lagoon. Oh, you can also monitor the walkway to the GF and provide real-time reports on foot traffic or walkway closures.

Dave

Yeah, I requested as high as possible. We'll see. I'm not there until mid-August.

 

[Jzimmerman]

Does anyone know if there will be a quick service restaurant in the Island Tower, or will guests have to walk to the Great Ceremonial House for refillable sodas/coffee and other items? Thanks!

 

[Dug720]

Does anyone know if there will be a quick service restaurant in the Island Tower, or will guests have to walk to the Great Ceremonial House for refillable sodas/coffee and other items? Thanks!

I think we've seen drink refill stations at the Tower, but the only restaurant is the new Bar & Grill. No QS.

 

[Mle8308]

Does anyone know if there will be a quick service restaurant in the Island Tower, or will guests have to walk to the Great Ceremonial House for refillable sodas/coffee and other items? Thanks!

There are reports of free style soda machines, I can't remember where it was mentioned they were located at, but it was in the Tower (DVC Fan mentioned seeing the machines when they went on a tour, can't remember where they said they saw them). No real QS location, but you can mobile order from the Wailulu Bar & Grill if you don't want to be seated (no ADR's).

 

[Dave006]

I think we've seen drink refill stations at the Tower, but the only restaurant is the new Bar & Grill. No QS.

So far we have only seen 2 Coke Freestyle Machines and a sink to rinse your mugs located outside of the building in an alcove with a closable overhead door it appears to be near the pool, bar, and restrooms.

@Dug720 covered the dining option.

Dave