Jumping the Poly ship (construction anxiety)

[meggers628]

I was so excited to book a standard view room only discount reservation at the Poly. It was the same price as my planned garden view Beach Club room and with 2 little ones in a stroller the MK area just couldn't be topped. Since booking I find myself constantly worried about the construction...Trying to plan ways to avoid the east side of the resort, rumors of more construction yet to be officially announced.... And worries about a crowded feature pool. With the east pool closed, resort guests AND pool hoppers alike will be crowding the newly renovated lava pool.

This trip is a once in a lifetime (ok more like once in a DECADE) type thing. I'm already spending a ton of money, so for "just a little more" (haha yea right!) I can book at the Grand Floridian instead. Its obviously a dream resort! And I won't have this constant worry about the state of the Poly. I can still walk on over to check out Trader Sam's or have a role whip or tonga toast. Right?!

I've heard pool space and crowding is not as much of an issue at GF, can anyone speak to that? We plan on spending a lot of time at the pool. We are expecting HOT and HUMID weather (an early September trip). And with 2 kids under 3, and a 9 day trip planned we are going to be spending a lot of downtime at the resort.

Anybody have any thoughts? I'm aware of the probable reduced monorail schedule as well, but that seems like it should work out ok. I'm just afraid that relaxing ️Poly feel won't be there, and I don't want to make a $5000 mistake.

 

[sbd78]

What about the Contemporary? That's the only resort you can actually walk to MK. That would be very convenient with young kids!

 

[prgal0715]

FWIW - I stayed in a standard room at the Poly in January and couldn't have been happier with the resort. I liked it enough that I'm staying there again in three weeks and can't wait to use the updated pool! I will say that when I checked in, the room was originally in Raratonga and there was construction (literally) right under my balcony. I switched to Aotearoa and had a gorgeous view of the monorail sailing by and zero construction noise. Aotearoa is also very convenient to GCH on the Captain Cook's side - so easy to get coffee in the morning! I'm also happy to give an update on the state of the resort when I arrive on June 3rd.

 

[meggers628]

Thanks! But unfortunately there is no availability during my trip at the Contemporary, other than Suites.

But honestly the CR doesn't hold much appeal to me. I think I just need to spend some time there, maybe the magic of it doesn't translate into the pictures I've seen.

 

[meggers628]

FWIW - I stayed in a standard room at the Poly in January and couldn't have been happier with the resort. I liked it enough that I'm staying there again in three weeks and can't wait to use the updated pool! I will say that when I checked in, the room was originally in Raratonga and there was construction (literally) right under my balcony. I switched to Aotearoa and had a gorgeous view of the monorail sailing by and zero construction noise. Aotearoa is also very convenient to GCH on the Captain Cook's side - so easy to get coffee in the morning! I'm also happy to give an update on the state of the resort when I arrive on June 3rd.

Ah! This is why I am so torn. For every negative review I read there is a great review to confuse me even more. My plan is actually to request Aotearoa, and be willing to wait for my room if necessary. Thanks for the info

 

[prgal0715]

Ah! This is why I am so torn. For every negative review I read there is a great review to confuse me even more. My plan is actually to request Aotearoa, and be willing to wait for my room if necessary. Thanks for the info

I may be in the minority, but the construction didn't take anything away from my resort experience and I am *SUPER* picky about where I stay. (Exhibit A: I left POR two summers ago because the room was awful and upgraded to WL!) But I agree - it's a tough decision especially when this is such a big trip!!

 

[Babsy]

I would move to the GF. This is a rare trip for you and you should be able to look forward to it without worrying about what construction issues may arise that we have no way of knowing about other than that it will happen in some places at some undisclosed times! Yikes!

You are going to be there with small children napping so daytime noise could be an issue for you. Yes, you may be one of the lucky ones that stays in a room far away from the construction, but some people end up in the rooms near construction. What about if that is you and it can't be changed. Sometimes that happens.

I never book a resort where I will not be happy in the 'worst case scenario'. The worst case scenario at the Poly these days can be a nightmare at worst or even just not perfect and annoying. Either way it wouldn't be for me.

Case in point: I had the poly booked for nov, it is now changed yo the GF.

Good luck, however you choose!

 

[Babsy]

Thanks! But unfortunately there is no availability during my trip at the Contemporary, other than Suites.

But honestly the CR doesn't hold much appeal to me. I think I just need to spend some time there, maybe the magic of it doesn't translate into the pictures I've seen.

You will not get the appeal of the CR by visiting. The great thing about staying in the CR is only made known when you stay in one of the incredible rooms and experience the freedom and convenience of walking to the MK. The magic of walking into a tower TPV room and looking out over that panoramic view is top notch!

If the tropical grounds of the poly are important to you, you might not enjoy the CR As much as the GF.

 

[pixarmom]

I'm not going to be very helpful with advice, but I can provide a little information based on our stays at GF and Poly this year. I've been staying at Poly since childhood and chose to stay there twice during construction. We stayed at Poly in the early stages of construction in April of 2014. And our most recent Poly stay was in January for marathon weekend. It was great for that purpose (we were spending most time at runDisney events) and I don't regret our choice for a moment. But we decided we'll stay elsewhere until the construction is completely finished. Part of that is due to the uncertainty - for those two stays, I was constantly following the construction threads and reports. I'm now enjoying them from a distance and considering a February 2016 stay before we transfer to WL.

As for GF, our most recent stay there was in January of this year - right before Poly. Our kids didn't love the courtyard pool. They far preferred the beach pool, which was a bit crowded during our January stay. But there are many benefits to GF, including the splash pad area, which was entirely uncrowded and very relaxing during our stay. Plenty of chairs all around, view of the lagoon and a ton of fun for little ones. The area around the splash pad is far more spacious than at WL and looks bigger than the area around the Poly splash pad. This gives it a more open feel and prevents that closed in/crowded feeling.

 

[pixarmom]

You will not get the appeal of the CR by visiting. The great thing about staying in the CR is only made known when you stay in one of the incredible rooms and experience the freedom and convenience of walking to the MK. The magic of walking into a tower TPV room and looking out over that panoramic view is top notch!

I entirely agree, although we prefer a bay lake view. Before we actually stayed at CR, our youngest cried when visiting because he thought we were returning to the airport. But when we stayed there, all of that changed. Looking out from a CR room gives the entire resort a different feeling. For us, it's what you can see from the inside of CR looking out that makes it special! And while the pool doesn't look like much, it's completely uncrowded and the view of bay lake is very peaceful.

 

[Babsy]

I entirely agree, although we prefer a bay lake view. Before we actually stayed at CR, our youngest cried when visiting because he thought we were returning to the airport. But when we stayed there, all of that changed. Looking out from a CR room gives the entire resort a different feeling. For us, it's what you can see from the inside of CR looking out that makes it special! And while the pool doesn't look like much, it's completely uncrowded and the view of bay lake is very peaceful.

I completely agree! Well said.

 

[nalajms]

, resort guests AND pool hoppers alike will be crowding the newly renovated lava pool.

I remember reading somewhere that pool hoppers wouldn't be allowed. But I agree, with the quiet pool under construction the main pool will likely be more crowded.

GF - my kids (5&2) love the kids splash area. They also prefer the main pool because of the zero entry and big area that's 3ft or less. We have not tried the sand pool, mainly because it's more older kids going on the slide.

If pool and resort is really important, why not move back to Beach Club? We find the monorails are still a hike. And if we go at the wrong time, it's hard to find a spot for a double stroller.

 

[Sue M]

I remember reading somewhere that pool hoppers wouldn't be allowed. But I agree, with the quiet pool under construction the main pool will likely be more crowded.

GF - my kids (5&2) love the kids splash area. They also prefer the main pool because of the zero entry and big area that's 3ft or less. We have not tried the sand pool, mainly because it's more older kids going on the slide.

If pool and resort is really important, why not move back to Beach Club? We find the monorails are still a hike. And if we go at the wrong time, it's hard to find a spot for a double stroller.

Pool hoppers aren't allowed, but it doesn't seem to stop them :-(

I entirely agree, although we prefer a bay lake view. Before we actually stayed at CR, our youngest cried when visiting because he thought we were returning to the airport. But when we stayed there, all of that changed. Looking out from a CR room gives the entire resort a different feeling. For us, it's what you can see from the inside of CR looking out that makes it special! And while the pool doesn't look like much, it's completely uncrowded and the view of bay lake is very peaceful.

That's too funny about the airport!! And I agree!! CR does look like an airport hotel. One day I may try it fir a split stay, just to test it out!

 

[CMNJ]

I remember reading somewhere that pool hoppers wouldn't be allowed. But I agree, with the quiet pool under construction the main pool will likely be more crowded.

GF - my kids (5&2) love the kids splash area. They also prefer the main pool because of the zero entry and big area that's 3ft or less. We have not tried the sand pool, mainly because it's more older kids going on the slide.

If pool and resort is really important, why not move back to Beach Club? We find the monorails are still a hike. And if we go at the wrong time, it's hard to find a spot for a double stroller.

I think the issue is that current reports state the lock at the feature pool is not currently functional and multiple people have reported hearing other guests at the pool talking about how they are not poly guests but went to check out the new pool-hopefully they will rectify the situation soon

 

[Sue M]

I was so excited to book a standard view room only discount reservation at the Poly. It was the same price as my planned garden view Beach Club room and with 2 little ones in a stroller the MK area just couldn't be topped. Since booking I find myself constantly worried about the construction...Trying to plan ways to avoid the east side of the resort, rumors of more construction yet to be officially announced.... And worries about a crowded feature pool. With the east pool closed, resort guests AND pool hoppers alike will be crowding the newly renovated lava pool.

This trip is a once in a lifetime (ok more like once in a DECADE) type thing. I'm already spending a ton of money, so for "just a little more" (haha yea right!) I can book at the Grand Floridian instead. Its obviously a dream resort! And I won't have this constant worry about the state of the Poly. I can still walk on over to check out Trader Sam's or have a role whip or tonga toast. Right?!

I've heard pool space and crowding is not as much of an issue at GF, can anyone speak to that? We plan on spending a lot of time at the pool. We are expecting HOT and HUMID weather (an early September trip). And with 2 kids under 3, and a 9 day trip planned we are going to be spending a lot of downtime at the resort.

Anybody have any thoughts? I'm aware of the probable reduced monorail schedule as well, but that seems like it should work out ok. I'm just afraid that relaxing ️Poly feel won't be there, and I don't want to make a $5000 mistake.

You should go with what you're comfortable with. Last summer we jumped ship from Poly to GF, and we loved GF. 14 day stay. With little ones they may like the Courtyard Pool, it has bubblers, and at night they are lit with coloured lights. We loved the Beach Pool, and would go there until pool party, then we retreated to Courtyard pool. My daughters are in 20's. The thing I liked about both pools is zero entry!
GF is beautiful, great dining options, great service, loved watching Wishes from Gaspys patio. I wasn't sorry I switched.

This Aug we booked Poly again, and are sticking with it. I think I can live with the construction (I hope).

 

[nalajms]

I think the issue is that current reports state the lock at the feature pool is not currently functional and multiple people have reported hearing other guests at the pool talking about how they are not poly guests but went to check out the new pool-hopefully they will rectify the situation soon

If the pool is really crowded, wouldn't they check? I know we've been scanned at Bay Lake before.

 

[Sue M]

I think the issue is that current reports state the lock at the feature pool is not currently functional and multiple people have reported hearing other guests at the pool talking about how they are not poly guests but went to check out the new pool-hopefully they will rectify the situation soon

I just read on Tikimans FB page that the gate scan is now operational. Can't remember if they were still there or just returned home. Yay!

If the pool is really crowded, wouldn't they check? I know we've been scanned at Bay Lake before.

Yes, although I tend to go at less crowded times, I have read posts that bands have been randomly scanned.

 

[Jenny412]

I feel for you. I'm going through the same thing. Yet I don't think Grand Floridian would be my 2nd choice. Last time I was there I felt it was very stuffy and I worried everytime my 2 year old grandbaby acted up. Just didn't have that homey relaxed feel of some of the other resorts.

 

[MammerJammer]

Ahh! I hate reading things like this. It really makes me think about our stay there. Hmm...

 

[jennab]

We are staying Labor Day week and are just going to make the best of it!! I have always wanted to stay here but it was just so expensive. With the Magical Deal it was in our price range and who knows if I will get rates like that again! Figured I can deal with a little construction. I'm honestly not too picky as long as there isn't tons of noise while I am trying to sleep at night. We do have a 3yr old DS but I assume he will sleep through anything while at Disney The East pool construction doesn't bother me as we hadn't intended to swim there anyway... we will see what else ends up being under construction.

I say if you got an awesome deal then stay BUT if the construction will make or break your trip then do GF!!