Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[KimMcGowan]

Hi all, I am looking at booking the Poly for October 2023 (from the UK) as "The" Disney holiday (2 adults, kids will be 9 and 7). I know its ages away, but with everyone that's been going on we are ready to push the button, and get in before our eldest turns 10 and everything is even more expensive! Neither my wife or I stayed in the Poly when we went to Disney as kids, so it's a bit of a dream to get in there, be on the monorail loop, watch the fireworks on the beach etc... And the refurb looks lovely.

Currently for our nights from the UK side only a Garden View Club Level Room is available to book for all 10 nights, which is beyond budget (even with my 5% UK Armed Forces discount if I book with Disney direct) and we wouldn't get enough benefit from the add-ons, as we'll be in Parks most days over the lunch/evening periods. I spoke to a really helpful Disney agent who confirmed what I could see matched at their end, and they said while more Standard Rooms might come up, there's never any guarantees, and there is also the risk that the Standard Rooms currently available on 6 of my nights go.

I was just wondering from people's experience with Poly specifically whether I should just hang off until 500 days out (checking regularly in between) and see what comes up? Alternatively I can book a mixed-category stay now, either 3 nights standard followed by 7 lagoon (bit pricey), or a 3S-4L-3S split which I can afford but changing rooms twice seems madness and a big hassle (we know some like splitting stays between hotels but we really don't fancy that). If I do book a split-category stay and just pay a deposit, does anyone have experience of luck switching (in my case a 'downgrade' from lagoon to standard) room categories if more availability crops up at the 500 day mark, or indeed after?

Other option would be DVC rental points, which I think would come in cheaper but I'm wondering if for a 'first stay' there is merit to just going as a cash purchase, not least in terms of getting it booked in earlier, and also being able to bulk it out with an agent into an ATOL package.

And thanks to all on this thread, it's been so fun reading it and it's answered about 100 questions already. Hope all those there and heading soon have a safe and enjoyable holiday through the craziness!

I just checked the points charts for October. For that time period, if you rent DVC points from an owner (i.e. not through a rental store), you are looking at a cost of about $4,300 for a standard view for 10 nights. I am not sure how that stacks up to direct pricing - but I am fairly sure it is cheaper. I rented points before we became owners. There are some downsides. You will be worried until you actually check-in that something with the rental will go wrong. Also, requests and dining plan purchase (IF it ever comes back) has to be done through the owner. Finally, the cost savings comes with the risk that if you, for some reason, cannot go you will lose the money paid for the rooms. (Almost every direct rental is “all sales are final”. This is not the owner being greedy, there are restrictions on how points are used/banked(saved). Some will work with you in case of an emergency but in many cases their hands are tied.). However, We only had great experiences renting and highly recommend it.
Search the boards and you will find many members that rent their points. Most are happy to provide references. Just understand the terms before you agree.
Finally, although we own at the Poly (and LOVE) it, I agree with the previous poster that suggested a split stay. Half the time at the Poly and half at an EPCOT resort would be ideal. (Or 1/2 at Wilderness Lodge (my husband’s favorite)

 

[DisTime25]

We are staying at the Poly on New Years Eve. This is our first time staying at the resort. Any recommendations on best firework viewing spots? Thanks!

 

[KimMcGowan]

We are staying at the Poly on New Years Eve. This is our first time staying at the resort. Any recommendations on best firework viewing spots? Thanks!

You know, in all the times we have stayed at the Poly we have never watched the fireworks from the resort - we are always in the parks watching.

 

[Tink415]

I was in third floor Tokelau a few weeks ago and can confirm I had the same bed in this video. Photos below (and, yes... I use a coat hanger to keep the sun from peeking through the curtains... )

We recently stayed in one of these rooms. No need to remove the couch cushions on the Murphy bed, they fold under. I didn’t even realize they could be removed!

 

[pmas]

Thanks so much Kim. Really helpful - I think the downsides are things I could live with (it is much cheaper) if it wasn't our first trip, or we were going with the kids. I think for a first time with the kids being able to book accommodation further out, and not having the "worry until check-in" or make requests through the owner has quite a lot of value. It's definitely something we'd look at if we did end up doing another trip when they are in their teens (gosh, wishing my life away!).

I am slowly being convinced on the split-stay. CBR is coming in at really good value, and quite a bit less than the family suites at AoA. With the skyliner I'm quite tempted to start our stay there enabling us to cover HS, Epcot, AK, and either a pool day or water park, before moving onto Poly for a more MK centric end to the trip. I hadn't appreciated Disney had a service for dealing with your bags meaning you don't 'lose' a day shuffling your stuff between places.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We are staying at the Poly on New Years Eve. This is our first time staying at the resort. Any recommendations on best firework viewing spots? Thanks!

In past years (pre-COVID), they fence off the “main beach” area between the boat dock and roughly the first bungalow and check Poly guest status for access. TBD if they go back to doing that this year - sometimes it seems the exact setup changes slightly year to year as new managers come/go.

But assuming they do fence off that area, that’s your best bet for views.

In the past - inside that area they have had a DJ/dance party closer to the boat dock side and people start putting down towels / squatting on spots more on the right side (if facing the lake).

IMO assuming they offer the reserved beach area, no need to really worry/stress as a Poly guest, it’s pretty easy to navigate/manage. Although the general area outside the fence will be busy as a lot of non-Poly guests tend to congregate there.

Alternatives for non-reserved areas are the beach between Poly and GF, Sunset Point, or the beach areas closer to the TTC.

Hope that helps!

 

[Ariel620]

Yes, however not all of them got the Murphy beds, last I saw. I think they ran out!

oh no, i didn't realize this. Any tips to request a room with a murphy bed? If I just make the request like that will they know which rooms to put us in?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi all, I am looking at booking the Poly for October 2023 (from the UK) as "The" Disney holiday (2 adults, kids will be 9 and 7). I know its ages away, but with everyone that's been going on we are ready to push the button, and get in before our eldest turns 10 and everything is even more expensive! Neither my wife or I stayed in the Poly when we went to Disney as kids, so it's a bit of a dream to get in there, be on the monorail loop, watch the fireworks on the beach etc... And the refurb looks lovely.

Currently for our nights from the UK side only a Garden View Club Level Room is available to book for all 10 nights, which is beyond budget (even with my 5% UK Armed Forces discount if I book with Disney direct) and we wouldn't get enough benefit from the add-ons, as we'll be in Parks most days over the lunch/evening periods. I spoke to a really helpful Disney agent who confirmed what I could see matched at their end, and they said while more Standard Rooms might come up, there's never any guarantees, and there is also the risk that the Standard Rooms currently available on 6 of my nights go.

I was just wondering from people's experience with Poly specifically whether I should just hang off until 500 days out (checking regularly in between) and see what comes up? Alternatively I can book a mixed-category stay now, either 3 nights standard followed by 7 lagoon (bit pricey), or a 3S-4L-3S split which I can afford but changing rooms twice seems madness and a big hassle (we know some like splitting stays between hotels but we really don't fancy that). If I do book a split-category stay and just pay a deposit, does anyone have experience of luck switching (in my case a 'downgrade' from lagoon to standard) room categories if more availability crops up at the 500 day mark, or indeed after?

Other option would be DVC rental points, which I think would come in cheaper but I'm wondering if for a 'first stay' there is merit to just going as a cash purchase, not least in terms of getting it booked in earlier, and also being able to bulk it out with an agent into an ATOL package.

And thanks to all on this thread, it's been so fun reading it and it's answered about 100 questions already. Hope all those there and heading soon have a safe and enjoyable holiday through the craziness!

Just my opinion, but the idea of international travel and renting points would be too much risk for me. For someone really experienced with WDW travel, comes frequently, the pros/cons of renting, etc, then maybe… but if none of that applies the flexibility of a regular refundable hotel booking would get my vote, even with a substantial price difference.

Not sure exactly how availability works with your UK site, but I guess you have access to inventory before we do in the US, since we can’t book that far out yet. There should be plenty of standard room availability when they do open, but not sure how that works with the UK booking?

As for splitting - I’m sort of 50/50 on the topic. 10 days is long enough to do it, but i could also argue setting up a single home base for the whole time has benefits too.

We have some friends from the UK that come to WDW every year or so (well, they did pre-COVID) and they always stay in one spot for 14 days (I’m jealous of the deals they get for those stays!). They’ll be the first to admit they bring way too much stuff to even think about packing up/moving and with the long travel they just want to get there and not mess with re-packing anything until time to leave.

Hope that helps. Happy planning! Hope something works out with Poly availability for you.

 

[KimMcGowan]

Thanks so much Kim. Really helpful - I think the downsides are things I could live with (it is much cheaper) if it wasn't our first trip, or we were going with the kids. I think for a first time with the kids being able to book accommodation further out, and not having the "worry until check-in" or make requests through the owner has quite a lot of value. It's definitely something we'd look at if we did end up doing another trip when they are in their teens (gosh, wishing my life away!).

I am slowly being convinced on the split-stay. CBR is coming in at really good value, and quite a bit less than the family suites at AoA. With the skyliner I'm quite tempted to start our stay there enabling us to cover HS, Epcot, AK, and either a pool day or water park, before moving onto Poly for a more MK centric end to the trip. I hadn't appreciated Disney had a service for dealing with your bags meaning you don't 'lose' a day shuffling your stuff between places.

You are very welcome. As it happens, we stayed at CBR on our honeymoon (lots of years ago). It is still a favorite. If we weren’t staying in a deluxe we would pick CBR without hesitation.

 

[DisneyFave]

Best places to eat your takeout dinner outdoors at the Poly? Could be Picnic style or at tables/chairs…

We have 2 little kids and don’t plan to do indoor dining anywhere due to my toddler’s inability to sit still for more than 6 mins. But eating in the room (and hopefully on our patio if we get one) every time will get old fast!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Best places to eat your takeout dinner outdoors at the Poly? Could be Picnic style or at tables/chairs…

We have 2 little kids and don’t plan to do indoor dining anywhere due to my toddler’s inability to sit still for more than 6 mins. But eating in the room (and hopefully on our patio if we get one) every time will get old fast!

Some options that come to mind…

- Tables outside Captain Cook’s
- Tables outside Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace during daytime hours (they are open to sit during the day when the bar is closed)
- Lava Pool has numerous tables/umbrellas, especially between the Barefoot Pool Bar and the restroom building.
- Oasis Pool Bar & Grill has numerous tables, and a few around the Oasis Pool as well
- Grab some towels and set up a picnic on the beach (there are Adirondack chairs on the beach as well, may or may not be to your liking for eating)
- Picnic tables by the outdoor grills in between the three DVC longhouses
- Benches on Sunset Point

Hope that helps!

 

[DisneyFave]

Some options that come to mind…

- Tables outside Captain Cook’s
- Tables outside Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace during daytime hours (they are open during the day when the bar is closed)
- Lava Pool has numerous tables/umbrellas, especially between the Barefoot Pool bar and the restroom building.
- Oasis Pool Bar & Grill has numerous tables, and a few around the Oasis Pool as well
- Grab some towels and set up a picnic on the beach (there are Adirondack chairs on the beach as well, may or may not be to your liking for eating)
- Picnic tables by the outdoor grills in between the three DVC longhouses
- Benches on Sunset Point

Hope that helps!

Wow thank you so much!! Copy pasting your response into my trip notes!!!

 

[DisneyFave]

Actually two more questions:

1) speaking of the beach… do they let you borrow sand toys at the Poly? I remember doing this when we stayed at Bay Lake Tower pre-pandemic. Not sure where to pick them up at Poly if that’s an option?

2) has anyone been to the gym at Grand Floridian? Hubby will be into that. I read they offer lemon water, oranges, and granola bars. I love little amenities like that Is that still a thing?

 

[trishadono]

We are staying at the Poly on New Years Eve. This is our first time staying at the resort. Any recommendations on best firework viewing spots? Thanks!

Don’t forget to watch Ewp! Catch a boat around 8:30-8:45 pm and watch from the water. You can go from poly , MK, gf and back to poly without getting off. I’ll be at GF but probably do this . Unless I watch from the boat dock at gf. Decisions decisions….

They added. 50th section at the end of the show. It is kinda pretty IMO.

 

[trishadono]

Actually two more questions:

1) speaking of the beach… do they let you borrow sand toys at the Poly? I remember doing this when we stayed at Bay Lake Tower pre-pandemic. Not sure where to pick them up at Poly if that’s an option?

2) has anyone been to the gym at Grand Floridian? Hubby will be into that. I read they offer lemon water, oranges, and granola bars. I love little amenities like that Is that still a thing?

I haven’t seen sand toys.

I checked my pix. I took a bunch of gym oct 2020 and at that time no offerings. Although I do pop in and look at gyms and they usually have a water dispenser and oranges. I’ll be at the resorts next week. If I have time I’ll check.

 

[mrsap]

2) has anyone been to the gym at Grand Floridian? Hubby will be into that. I read they offer lemon water, oranges, and granola bars. I love little amenities like that Is that still a thing?

DH was in there every morning during Thanksgiving week. None of above mentioned were offered. He said they had fruit out at one time, but it was not there the last couple of trips. Sorry.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

oh no, i didn't realize this. Any tips to request a room with a murphy bed? If I just make the request like that will they know which rooms to put us in?

FWIW, they very well could have added all the late to arrive murphy beds by now and we'd never really know. Not that this is conclusive, but I haven't seen an actual report/post/pic of any non-murphy bed rooms in awhile... although I don't frequent the DVC threads so it's possible the Poly folks over there may know better than me.

 

[kylenne]

After so many fits and starts gf and I are looking to finally come home for 10 days around Labor Day 2022 and am booking with our TA...I am just torn about category. Poly is actually one of the few resorts I really enjoy Standard, because of the monorail views, but wondering if splurging a little for a nicer view would be a nice treat given my partner has had so many disappointments with cancelled trips.

If CL is back by then we would like to tack on a couple of nights at the end as well. Been too depressed with all the cancellations to keep up on the news.

 

[jknc]

Are resort boats running to MK?
Without car, what’s best way to get to Wilderness Lodge?

 

[bcuinohio]

Are resort boats running to MK?
Without car, what’s best way to get to Wilderness Lodge?

Take a boat from MK.