Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[Mr_Woodchuck]

Yes but that was early and involved crossing Floridan Way and then crossing back over Floridian Way near Shades of Green. Disney gave it a try during early site work for the Island Tower and then gave up as site work expanded to more of the footprint of the space.

It became a Safety issue for the construction team and guests. Have you looked at the detour that you would have to take to avoid the active construction area? I also like to option to walk but for now I am happy to use the Resort Monorail and the resort launches.

Dave

Is there a detour in place, or is it the one where you have to cross the parking lot, and road to get to the jogging trail?

 

[Dave006]

Is there a detour in place, or is it the one where you have to cross the parking lot, and road to get to the jogging trail?

No there is not active Disney detour path it is closed.

You would need to find your own path. They don't want you crossing in the parking lot at a random point, crossing Floridan Way and walking to the jogging trail along the Golf course and then trying to cross back over Floridan Way at some random point and trying to make your way to the walkway from the GF to the MK.

Dave

 

[Dave006]

So I'm hoping for a miracle. but with that latest report saying construction is going to linger into 2026....

The construction into 2026 is primarily the major road work discussed here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/disneys-polynesian-village-resort-information-questions.3844688/page-192#post-65625286

This work moves the main entrance, adds a dedicated bus loop and the on going widening work on Floridian Way for a divided 4 lane road.

Dave

 

[bcuinohio]

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.

When we were there last July, we were able to walk over. The path did not cross over he street. We walked by the construction area. Just got back on Sunday. The area that the previous path was on is a so busy with all of the construction going on I doubt they will allow any guests anywhere near there now. We took the boat over and the monorail back.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Just noting some permitting activity... six Notice of Commencement Permits were filled today for the three DVC longhouses, three with Shield Coatings & Weatherproofing, three with Faden Builders. All described as "general construction" with one year expiration dates. FWIW.

 

[kylenne]

When we were there last July, we were able to walk over. The path did not cross over he street. We walked by the construction area. Just got back on Sunday. The area that the previous path was on is a so busy with all of the construction going on I doubt they will allow any guests anywhere near there now. We took the boat over and the monorail back.

We did that walk when we stayed last June. Headed over to the GF spa but walking back to Poly past the construction, a really sweet CM in a golf cart happened to see us and gave us a ride back. We enjoyed the conversation as much as the lift!

 

[Salokin]

I never knew so many Star Wars fans stayed at the poly? What else takes place that week as seems like an anomaly otherwise?

 

[leebee]

How "good" is the Poly with room requests from Touring Plans? I have requested a 3rd floor room in Samoa. I just learned that the 2nd floor rooms don't have a balcony!!! If we get a 2nd floor room, can we request to be changed to the 3rd floor? This is a resort trip- no parks at all- and we were SO looking forward to sharing wine out on the balcony in the evening!

 

[Cabius]

How "good" is the Poly with room requests from Touring Plans? I have requested a 3rd floor room in Samoa. I just learned that the 2nd floor rooms don't have a balcony!!! If we get a 2nd floor room, can we request to be changed to the 3rd floor? This is a resort trip- no parks at all- and we were SO looking forward to sharing wine out on the balcony in the evening!

I've usually had decent success with room requests. I've definitely heard of people going to the front desk and being moved (though sometimes not for a day or two, if it's a matter of preference, as the resort is fully booked every day).

 

[Dave006]

How "good" is the Poly with room requests from Touring Plans? I have requested a 3rd floor room in Samoa. I just learned that the 2nd floor rooms don't have a balcony!!! If we get a 2nd floor room, can we request to be changed to the 3rd floor?

It may vary based on how busy the resort is any give week. The key is to make sure the requests are in before the rooms are assigned. Picking a Floor and a building may not result in a perfect match. What room category did you book since many of the Samoa rooms are Water view?

Everyone seems to ask for the Samoa building on the hotel side since it is between the 2 pool. If you don't get your building choice or a balcony assigned in MDE then stop by the Front desk and see if they have any rooms that may better match your 2 requests.

Only the DVC buildings have balconies on the 2nd floor. That's why the picked them for DVC conversion.

Dave

 

[leebee]

It may vary based on how busy the resort is any give week. The key is to make sure the requests are in before the rooms are assigned. Picking a Floor and a building may not result in a perfect match. What room category did you book since many of the Samoa rooms are Water view?

Everyone seems to ask for the Samoa building on the hotel side since it is between the 2 pool. If you don't get your building choice or a balcony assigned in MDE then stop by the Front desk and see if they have any rooms that may better match your 2 requests.

Only the DVC buildings have balconies on the 2nd floor. That's why the picked them for DVC conversion.

Dave

We booked a water view room, and I requested a 3rd floor room thru Touring Plans (don't remember the specific number). We are checking in on a Friday and checking out on a Monday. I guess I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best.

Do you recommend checking in online via MDE in advance, or waiting until we get to the resort?

 

[Dave006]

Do you recommend checking in online via MDE in advance, or waiting until we get to the resort?

We always check-in online and make click no requests within the Online check-in process. Then we check in MDE when we are nearby and if the room does not match our requests then we stop by the Front desk and ask if there might be another room available that might meet our requests.

Just a reminder these "Requests" are just that and you might get multiple requests matched or (1) or none. In your Touring plans room requests did you modify the default room request suggestions to limit the range to (1) or (2) rooms that would match?

Dave

 

[JoJoGirl]

How "good" is the Poly with room requests from Touring Plans? I have requested a 3rd floor room in Samoa. I just learned that the 2nd floor rooms don't have a balcony!!! If we get a 2nd floor room, can we request to be changed to the 3rd floor? This is a resort trip- no parks at all- and we were SO looking forward to sharing wine out on the balcony in the evening!

We’ve gotten everything from the exact room we requested (2x), to somewhere close, to nowhere close. I think a lot of it has to do with how many people are checking out on the day you check in, and if your requested preference is available.

With TP, I think it helps the room assigners if you can word your requests in general terms in the additional comment section. Start with what is most important to you, e.g. Primary Request: Third Floor/balcony. Then add your secondary request, e.g. Samoa longhouse. That way they can hopefully find you a room you like, even if your exact request is not available.

Edited to add: We always make Balcony/Patio our primary request, and longhouse or area our secondary request. In 10+ stays, we have never been assigned second floor, so they definitely look at your requests.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Some recent Tower construction pics:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1817295041951633655

https://twitter.com/x/status/1817295614587134272

https://twitter.com/x/status/1817294135868739752

 

[EpcotPhoenician]

Not sure if posted yet… are they revamping the existing DVC sales room in preparation for Poly tower?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Some interesting tidbits in the recently filed DVC declaration of an initial set of units in the Island Tower. Mainly things we already knew/suspected, but good to have more info. Of note, the restaurant off the first floor lobby including both a rather large "Outdoor Dining & Bar" area and "Indoor Dining" area (in blue below). Also interesting is a Fitness Center (in yellow). We'll have to see how that works in operation but I'm assuming that will be a shared amenity with the hotel-side. Many have speculated that green little box is a beverage refill station, which would make sense locationally proximate to the pool. The room is labeled "beverage storage" which seems to confirm this concept. Recent exterior construction photos confirm an opening that would make sense for a refill station. Also pool restrooms in orange - I am curious if these will have showers or not but the plans are inconclusive (space looks a bit small from my untrained eye but TBD).

FWIW!

 

[EpcotPhoenician]

Some interesting tidbits in the recently filed DVC declaration of an initial set of units in the Island Tower. Mainly things we already knew/suspected, but good to have more info. Of note, the restaurant off the first floor lobby including both a rather large "Outdoor Dining & Bar" area and "Indoor Dining" area (in blue below). Also interesting is a Fitness Center (in yellow). We'll have to see how that works in operation but I'm assuming that will be a shared amenity with the hotel-side. Many have speculated that green little box is a beverage refill station, which would make sense locationally proximate to the pool. The room is labeled "beverage storage" which seems to confirm this concept. Recent exterior construction photos confirm an opening that would make sense for a refill station. Also pool restrooms in orange - I am curious if these will have showers or not but the plans are inconclusive (space looks a bit small from my untrained eye but TBD).

FWIW!

View attachment 882556

Finally. I won't have to monorail/walk from Poly to Grand Floridian to use their fitness center.

 

[Dug720]

We booked a water view room, and I requested a 3rd floor room thru Touring Plans (don't remember the specific number). We are checking in on a Friday and checking out on a Monday. I guess I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best.

Do you recommend checking in online via MDE in advance, or waiting until we get to the resort?

I would make sure that in the additional comments section on the Touring Plans request you specify that THIRD FLOOR is the first priority.

You can certainly check in via MDE - just leave the request section blank since that overrides anything else. That does not preclude you going to the front desk - not sure why so many people think it's either/or.

 

[leebee]

I would make sure that in the additional comments section on the Touring Plans request you specify that THIRD FLOOR is the first priority.

You can certainly check in via MDE - just leave the request section blank since that overrides anything else. That does not preclude you going to the front desk - not sure why so many people think it's either/or.

We ended up with a 3rd floor room but with a king bed (2Q was booked). I know this is a plus for some people, but not for us; DD sleeps sideways/kicks. I asked about a room change but they were booked. I spent half of each night on the sofa, which was not where I expected to sleep when I paid Poly prices.

 

[kylenne]

Via Tikiman’s FB Group, some Moana theming going in at the Tower pool: