Just back from Polynesian...any ???

[BCV23]

Returned on the 4th from 10 nights at WDW. Our first two were at OKW and last 5 were at BCV but in between we had a great stay at the Polynesian. It feels like home to us. We were in Samoa. BTW there is a change in the decor since the renovation. The walls of the rooms are painted the same colors as the hallways. No more grasscloth wallpaper. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[dylansdad]

welcome back. How was the weather and the crowds? Did you like the food at the Poly?

 

[BCV23]

The crowds at the parks weren't bad at all although we use the strategy of any park except an extra magic hour park. The pool at the Polynesian wasn't crowded at all except on Saturday. I think there were a lot of people there that afternoon and night who weren't staying at the Polynesian because there was a huge difference. Also lots more noise and later into the night.

We love Kona for breakfast and dinner (didn't do dinner this trip). Tried it for lunch this time too and had a great beef teriyaki salad. We also enjoy room service at the Polynesian. They have great hamburgers and you can order Tonga Toast for breakfast.

Our first 5-6 days the weather was fine. Hot but not too humid. After Sunday, it seemed much more humid. A few afternoon showers abd one evening downpour on Sunday that lasted a while.

 

[dylansdad]

think we will try your "any othe park but" strategy this trip. How was construction coming along? Ever eat dinner at Ohana?

 

[BCV23]

We've never tried dinner at 'Ohana. There are so many fine restaurants on the monorail circuit that we never seem to get around to it.

The construction by the new bus stop was almost finished when we checked in on the 26th. A couple of single sections of sidewalk needed to be completed and landscaping hadn't been started although the ground was graded. The part of the main parking lot that was blocked off for construction seemed smaller than in March/April. Anyway we checked out on the 29. Dropped by on the 2 and the sod was down and they were working on the landscaping. Picked up sandwiches for the plane trip on the 4th. The bus stop was complete and running, barriers were down and the parking lot was no longer blocked off at all.

As Tikiman reported there is a smaller section of the Rapa Nui parking lot blocked, too. Vans and equipment from an electrical and plumbing contractor are parked over there. Didn't notice if they were still there on the 4th but they might be as something else seems to be still going on. At the SE corner of the GCH, there is a barrier wall still up and a small one too at the NW corner of Raratonga. When we were there in March/April a guy told me they were redoing the pipes for the AC so maybe that was what was still going on.

 

[lexiluke]

We were thinking of requesting Samoa for our upcoming Poly visit. How did you like that longhouse? Did you find it to be noisy since it's so close to the pool? Thanks!

 

[BCV23]

I didn't request Samoa but was happy to get it as we stayed in it a number of times when our children were very young. It is very convenient to both pools but the quiet pool side is more quiet. We were on the volcano pool side this trip which my son and husband loved as they just walked out the patio door to the pool. Lovely view too. The pool area seemed loudest in the evening but became very quiet right after the fireworks which were at 10:00 each night of our visit. The exception to this rule was Saturday night when it remained loud until around 10:45.

 

[goofyfordisney]

We are concidering the Poly for our next trip. We would like to have a room on the ground floor also. I am alittle concerned about the "smell" issues at the Poly.

In fact, that's the only thing holding me back from getting really excited about staying there! I am really not that picky--I just can't take a strong mildew smell! I get the whole Florida humidity thing...I don't care if the room has that first thing you turn on the air conditioner smell thing...if you know what I mean?! LOL!

From past posts I have read, it seems like the ground floor rooms are the ones most complained about regarding the "smell". What was your experience this trip?

Sorry to go off about that! Just curious what your experience was this time!

Glad you had a great time!

Sue

 

[BCV23]

By my signature you can see that we've stayed at the Polynesian many times. We've had first floor rooms each and every time and have never had one that smelled of mildew.

The hallway in Raratonga smelled like mildew to me once when I cut through it during a downpour a couple of years ago but this Spring I walked through and didn't notice a mildew smell at all.

If you think you'll enjoy the Polynesian, go for it! I think you'll love it. It is a truly special place.

 

[lexiluke]

Thanks for your reply regarding Samoa. When you say it's noisy during certain times, can you hear the noise in your room when the doors are closed? I'll have a 3 yr old who will need to nap and get to bed early; however, being so close to the pool would be a big plus.

 

[BCV23]

lexiluke, I did not notice noise from the pool with the door closed during the day. I could hear it in the evening but it wasn't too loud. Seems to me that it was loudest from 9-10. Between the Water Pageant and the fireworks...with the exception of Saturday night as I said. Perhaps your little one will be asleep before that. If not, my children at three were always so tired after a day of parks and swimming that they dropped off very easily. It really wasn't that loud.

 

[boston-yachter]

It appears you have stayed at other deluxe resorts....
How did the POLY compare to the Y&BC....
we stayed at the POLY over Christmas '01....and are staying at the YC this summer....
we were extremely impressed with the POLY...
outside of location...which one do you prefer...

thanks!

 

[BCV23]

We've only stayed on the Beach Club side...and now Beach Club Villas....but we personally much prefer the Polynesian to the Beach Club. Love the decor of the Yacht Club though.

Besides the location, we prefer walking the grounds to get to a longhouse as opposed to walking those long interior corridors. The rooms are quite a bit larger at the Polynesian which really matters as we're a family of five (although just three this trip ).
The Y&B Club grounds are beautiful but we love the landscaping at the Polynesian. It helps foster that great feeling of relaxation at the Polynesian I think which is another thing we love. The guests seem friendlier and more relaxed there too. There are many CMs at the Polynesian who have been there for a long time and really offer great service.

I like having a 24 hour snack shop for tea in the morning or a late meal. Just the other day we were off to the airport and I wanted to grab cold sandwiches for the trip. Nothing like that at Y&B so we ran over to the Polynesian around 10 am and picked up turkey croissants.

Like the roomy patios or balconies. I know YC has balconies or patios for all rooms but they look smaller.

Our children actually prefer the Volcano pool to Stormalong Bay although it's obviously fun too. It's much easier to access too. No long walks around the fences.

We are enjoying BCV but the Polynesian is just so special.

 

[tammydel]

Hi BCV23!

Glad to here you enjoyed youself at Poly and BCV. I will be visiting both on my upcoming trip.

I have a pool/side question about the Poly volcano pool. How wild is the slide (length, twists, etc...)? and can you be nearby to assist brave little ones who go down?

I ask because at Stom Along Bay everyone must be able to swim to the side unattended. While my 5 and 6 year old can certainly swim that far, I was always afraid that they would be to discombobulated (is that a word?) when they came out the end. It is a long side.

How is it at the Poly? Can you be nearby if they need help? Is it tame enough that they should have thier wits about them?

How about this wold you let your 5 & 6 year old moderate swimmers go down?
(Liability disclamer assumed!)

Thanks!
Tammy

 

[1melanie]

Would I be allowed to go down the slide with my four-year-old?

 

[Tess]

The slide at Polynesian isn't that wild--it is, however, enclosed. That can be a bit frightening for some kids (adults too for that matter ). You are allowed to be relatively close to the end of the slide without incurring the wrath of the pool personnel. The stairs and pool side are also a good deal closer to the end of the slide than SAB, too. Our kids much prefer the slide at Polynesian to the SAB slide--the SAB slide is more uncomfortable on your back than the Polynesian slide. Further, the Polynesian slide is shorter than SAB, too!

1melanie--you can't slide double at Polynesian or any WDW slide that I'm aware of. Sorry.

 

[karenTX]

We are heading to the Poly for the first time in Nov. I was wondering if everyone get "lei'd" at check in or if it is only concierge guests? Also, I am trying to decide on which building for DH and I. We would like a balcony and to be central rather then over by the beach.
Thanks!!!

 

[BCV23]

Completely agree with Tess's assessment of the pool.

Karen, everyone gets a lei.

If a balcony is important to you, I would list it as a request. All the longhouses are rather close to one beach or another..there are three beaches! As far as centrally located, Nuie, Samoa and Raratonga are all close to the GCH. Tokelau is a short walk away, has balconies on 2nd & 3rd floors, and is closer to the TTC for the Epcot monorail. It is also close to the new bus stop which is right by Raratonga.

Actually all the longhouses are pretty convenient to everything IMHO. I would consider just listing smoking preference and a wish for a balcony.

Hope you have a wonderful stay!