How are the pools @ Poly???

[KristiKelly]

We have booked the 7 for 4 @ WL, but are now considering changing to Poly for monorail access. We have 2 kids DD4 & DS6, will they like the pool @ Poly or WL better? Last year we stayed @ BCV, so neither pool will compare to SAB, but we are planning on doing a water park this trip. I think DH & I would like Poly better for convenience and all, but I'm just curious about the pool. Any thoughts??

 

[BCV23]

I can't compare to WL as we've never stayed there but our family loves the pools at the Polynesian. The volcano pool has a long slide that most love (my sons liked the old one better but I think they are in a very small minority), zero depth which is wonderful if your kids aren't swimming yet. It is also right by the beach which all my children still enjoyed when they were the age of yours.

The quiet pool is large and usually quiet! It is lovely, too, surrounded by beautiful landscaping. There are four little huts with fans and tables under them as well as lots of chaises.

We love the pools so much we have only gone to the water parks two times in our many, many stays at the Polynesian.

 

[shelly3girls]

Although we enjoyed the theming of the WL we felt it had the least desirable pool of any of the deluxes we have visited. In my opinion the pool is the worst part of the resort.

 

[chamonix]

You didn't say when you are going, but as of right now, the Quiet Pool at the Poly is down for rehab, making the Volcano pool your only option. The Quiet Pool is just a pool, nothing fancy or themed, but we like it on occasion when we want some peace and quiet, and it has an actual deep end. I'm sure you can find out the dates the quiet pool is closed, I didn't ask when we were there. (just left the Polynesian yesterday, boohoo)
I've never been to the WL, but we love the Poly, and my dd loves the Volcano pool--great slide, waterfall, zero entry depth, right on the beach, music underwater.......I'm sure your kids will love it too.....and hey! you can see the fireworks (and the castle of course!) while you are in the pool! Can't beat that!

 

[KristiKelly]

The dates we are going are 10/9-10/16, I'm hoping the crowds will be low, but the beginning of our week is Columbus Day Wk. end and I've heard it can be more crowded.

 

[chamonix]

Oh, I am pretty sure the quiet pool will be finished by then. I think it will be done before summer. I wish I could go during your dates, I think it will be fine, especially midweek. Just plan to do the popular things midweek while the crowds are less--and of course, use fastpass.

 

[cortegro]

chamonix,

We are heading down tomorrow to the Poly!

Was the Volcano pool much more crowded, with the quiet pool closed?

Also,

How busy did the resort feel ? ie..waits for monorail, buses,lines for snacks...etc?

Thanks in advance!!

-cortegro

 

[cottontail]

Hi: I loved relaxing at the quiet pool. Do they offer you any other pool for compensation or just figure you will use the volcano pool? Love to know when it will reopen.

Deb.

 

[Parrothd]

Definately pick the Polynesian. Not that there's anything wrong with the Wilderness Lodge, BUT, I've stayed at both places and virtually EVERYTHING about the Polynesian is better:
- there are 2 pools (the quiet pool actually has an 8' deep end - the deepest pool of any resort on-property - and construction should all be done before summer),
- the pools are better,
- the rooms are bigger (the biggest standard rooms of any resort on property),
- better theming,
- more convenient (transportaion-wise),
- best beaches,
- best out-of-park view of fireworks,
- great family restaurants,
- large marina,
- bicycle and surrey rental,
etc., etc., etc.

 

[chamonix]

Hi cortegro!
I think the volcano pool felt a tad crowded at certain times--but it is like that even without the quiet pool being closed--it just meant that *I* couldn't escape to the quiet pool, LOL! Although I love the Poly and the volcano pool, I do think it is a bit small for a resort of that size.
Overall, the resort did not seem crowded at all--we rent a car so I have never ridden on the Disney bus system, so I can't tell you about any waits there, but there were no long waits for the monorail or the resort launch (our favorite way to travel to and from MK!) I did not notice any lines for snacks, but we were concierge, so I only went into Captain Cooks once. We did shop at the little store upstairs and there was never more than one person in line in front of me. I do think it was getting more crowded as we left though.
The construction areas didn't bother me at all--we didn't really hear anything. On one or two occasions I wanted to walk on a path that was blocked off and closed with the construction walls though.
You will have a great time! Wish I was still there! We had the most awesome room with a perfect view of the castle. Of course I am already planning our next trip.
If you have any other questions before you leave, ask away! If not, Aloha, cousin!