Just back from Polynesian LVC and GF- More Pics

[alohaguy]

Just got back tonight from 8 nights at WDW... 1 at GF and 7 at Polynesian LVC... very tired, will write more later.

The brief version is that the parks and hotels were not crowded at all. A CM told me the hotels were at 50-60% or less. Short lines at MK. Very oppressive heat but not much rain considering all that's gone on.

GF was very clean, CM's courteous - luggage problems at check-in, but nothing I haven't experienced at other resorts. Overall, nice stay, however brief.

Polynesian LVC room 3505 was spectacular. Tremendous view. Concierge lounge not crowded - the entire hotel was not crowded.

Rehabs - I will have more information later, but as of today, Fiji is completely down for rehabs, 1st and 3rd floor of Rapa Nui continue to be worked on with the 2nd floor still housing guests in old rooms. Niue was down entirely with the pathway to the GCH from the quiet pool blocked. Those were the only buildings being worked on. When we arrived last week, the work was barely noticeable, but the past two days it became more intrusive ... and LOUD. More on all of that later. I also have some more information on Captain Cook's renovation.

Saw the new rooms - can't wait, they look even better in person.

Will write more tomorrow.

Overall great stay, though.

 

[ruzer28]

Thanks for the update. I'll be at the Poly at the end of this month, so I'd love to hear all about it.

 

[Davefrompgh]

wow...sounds wonderful...we got back Aug 17 and boy, do I wish we were back...I really liked Captain Cooks, I hope they expand it and make it bigger.

Get some rest and then do tell all.....

 

[lovesdumbo]

Can't wait to hear more. I'm headed to 9 nights of GVC in October but just back last night from 4 days at ASMo. I found the crowds very low and would try the last week in August again.

 

[alohaguy]

Here's more of the story ...

Check-in at GF was very smooth. We were the only people checking in, in fact. It appeared very slow with low occupancy. We were given our requested building - Boca Chica - and were told our luggage would be brought right up to the room. We had room 8325, lagoon view - which actually had a partial castle view, but mainly was a view of two huge trees. I'm not complaining, just was a different type of 'lagoon view' than I was expecting. The luggage arrived almost an hour later, and after two follow-up phone calls, which frustrated us because we were basically trapped in our room for an hour waiting to make sure our luggage arrived. This seemed strange because we were the only check-ins when we arrived and I couldn't blame the slow service on crowds. I have had this type of problem at the Polynesian occassionaly as well, so I am not saying that this is an issue unique to the GF. I just think Disney resorts, in general, are understaffed and have problems as a result.

Room was very clean and comfortable. Enjoyed Gasparillo Grill after a long night at Epcot. We liked the hotel very much, but have decided that the Polynesian theme just feels more like home to us and will probably only stay there from now on. However, I recommend the GF highly, it's just not our personal favorite. One thing that frustrates me is that getting to Epcot requires many monorail stops, whereas at the Polynesian, I can walk directly to the TTC.

On to the Polynesian -

Check-in was easy. We were taken by golf cart to Hawaii and directly into our room which was ready at 10 a.m. (again, low occupancy). We unpacked before even getting our room keys and a manager knocked on our door to make sure that our check-in was smooth. I have never had that happen before ... I don't know if that is a new policy, or if it simply hasn't ever happened to us.

Everything was handled smoothly by the concierge CM's - dining requests, late check-out, etc. Thanks to Marilyn, Phil, Paul, Emily, etc.

The lounge was not crowded and had all of the offerings that have been available in past trips - with the addition of chips and salsa at lunch time. Food was very good and plentiful.

Mousekeeping was very good. Room was clean and room service trays, plates from the lounge, etc. were removed from the hallway very promptly.

The view from the room (3505) was tremendous. We have stayed LVC before, but somehow each time I see this view it surprises me all over again. I will post pictures later. Clear shot of the castle, GF, contemporary, space mountain, etc. Fantastic for watching wishes on the balcony. I would recommend the splurge on this view if you plan on relaxing at the resort during your stay (which we love to do).

On to rehabs - I saw the new rooms on the first floor of Rapa Nui, and they look even better in person than in pictures. Very nicely done. The new tv's look tremendous.

Access to Fiji is blocked by large brown walls on either end of the building and the entire building is down for rehabs. Similar with Niue, which is completely down as well. The path from the quiet pool that passes between Niue and Raratonga is blocked due to this work on Niue. Rapa Nui is open only on the 2nd floor and has not received new beds or lights yet, due to an error in Disney's order from its supplier - so no word on when that will be complete.

As of now, no new rooms are available for guests, and no one was exactly sure when they would be.

Towards the end of our stay, the work became more intrusive than when we arrived. Walking around the grounds, the noise was VERY apparent. From both Niue and Fiji, we heard hammering, sawing and other machinery that was very loud. I'm not just being picky about this ... I think if you had a room in Raratonga or in Tuvalu, etc. and you were relaxing during the day, it would be disturbing. This is my opinion, but I think others would agree. That being said, come 5 o'clock, it all stopped. Visually, the rehabs are not an issue - in my opinion. They didn't pose any real obstacles in navigating the resort (other than the path between Niue and Raratonga) and didn't bother me at all to see. Only the noise was bothersome.

I also got some information regarding Captain Cook's. Apparently it will be closed at its current location beginning in January, and will not be back at the GCH for six months. During that time it will be at Tangaroa Terrace, near the arcade. Once complete, Captain Cook's will occupy the entire backside of the GCH where the shops once were before moving to Boutiki. The food offerings will also change. No more hamburgers and hot dogs - at all. Instead, it will be more 'upscale' with 'gourmet sandwhiches' and made-to-order pizzas, etc.

Overall the trip was terrific. I don't think we will be going back in the summer simply because it is so incredibly hot. I know others don't mind, but we found the heat difficult. However, crowds were low, and since many many schools are already back in session, the end of August is a good time to visit if you'd like to take advantage of shorter lines.

I'll add pictures soon.

 

[princessesrule4]

We are leaving for Poly LVC tommorow!! I hope we get 3505! (or something with just as fabulous of a view!) Can't wait to see your pictures! Do they still not have the smaller, individual size water bottles out? Did you enjoy the food offerings? Thanks again!

 

[alohaguy]

princessesrule4 -

Larger water bottles are available in the lounge, or to be taken back to your room. Small individual bottles are not available.

The food was great, as usual. Particularly liked the BBQ pork in the evening.

Have a great trip, and I think any LVC room view will be great.

 

[Bird-Mom]

We had 3505 when we went in Feb. 04. That view is to die for!

 

[SeaSpray]

Welcome back, great review! We were in room #3517 and I still cannot get over that spectacular view!!

Thanks for the updated info. I am so glad they are changing Capt Cooks. We didn't eat there at all, but we walked through there one day and it smelled really bad, like a greasy hamburger place, which I guess it basically is right now. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. LOL I hope the new food offerings will be good; it sounds as if the food choices will be a great improvement, and it'd be nice to have a quick place to grab a bite while out by the pool.

Will you be posting pictures???

 

[BCV23]

Great report alohaguy!

The few times we've stayed at the GF, we've missed the convenience to Epcot as well. The Polynesian is simply the best for transportation.

So much interesting news. If the sidewalk is blocked where I'm picturing it, how do guests at Tokelau and Rapa Nui get to the GCH? Must they cut through Raratonga?

I would think replacing the lanais would cause noise. It's good so much is being done during a slow season.

Very interesting about Captain Cook's. I wonder if it will have a new name? And no hot dogs or hamburgers at all? That does surprise me although I will be very glad that there will be more sandwiches and fresh pizzas. Do you think they might reopen the Snack Isle....nah, probably not!

Glad you had such a nice time and thanks for all the news.

 

[alohaguy]

SeaSpray - I will be posting pictures ... I just have to get my wife to surrender the card from her digital camera. Should be soon.

BCV23 - Guests staying in Tokelau, Tahiti, etc. would have to either walk through the hallway of Raratonga or go completely around Samoa to get to the GCH. I could see where it would be slightly annoying to do this, but nothing major. And regarding Captain Cook's, I was surprised that they are eliminating hot dogs and hamburgers as well... simply because these are obviously counter-service staples. The CM we talked to has worked at CC's for 13 years and gave us the inside scoop. She said that they are aiming more 'upscale' and that the menu will be a vast improvement. I noticed in general, at many restaurants throughout WDW, that there have been more healthy items added. It seems to be a trend at WDW. I wonder if anyone else has noticed that. Seemed to me many menus had changed even since we were there in April.

 

[mellbe113]

Alohaguy,

We just checked out of room 3505 on 8/23 and I agree the view is the best in the world!

Thanks for the great report.

 

[alohaguy]

Here are a few pictures...

First, the view from our LV room in Boca Chica at GF ... not exactly the lagoon view I was looking for, but still a nice room ...

Now our views from the Hawaii building at the Polynesian ... room 3505 ...

View of electric water parade from balcony ...


Highly recommend Polynesian LVC.

 

[dizneetravelagent]

My dd (11) and I are sitting here reliving all of our trips to our home away from home. Will be going back next month for MNSSHP.....CAN'T WAIT. Did you happen to hear when Captain Cooks might be finished?

Thanks

 

[chamonix]

I am glad they will be revamping Cook's menu. The food at a "deluxe" resort should be a little more upscale than what they have now, IMHO--and healthier choices are always a plus. (although they do have fresh fruit and some other good whole foods now)

It will be inconvenient when it is down for rehab, but will be better in the long run, I am sure.

 

[alohaguy]

Chamonix -

I agree that a revamp of Captain Cook's menu is a move in the right direction. From what I understand, it will never be completely out of operation, but will simply be moved to the Tangaroa Terrace area while its current spot in the GCH is renovated. Should start in January, but no one knows for sure.

 

[BCV23]

It will be fun to see what happens with the design of CCs. I bet it will be very cool when it is done with the views it will have and all the doors already in there.

As for healthy eating, we have long thought WDW offered many healthy choices as long as you stick to TS restaurants which we prefer to do. I have noticed in restaurant reviews more mention of carrots instead of fries, wraps instead of burgers, etc. As a side note, does anyone remember when older babies and toddlers in high chairs were given a bag of Dole raisins at the start of each meal. It was great.

From Tahiti, it is probably easier during construction for people to just walk along the beach to the main pool and then walk to the GCH don't you think?

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing them.

 

[jjohnson]

Thanks for the update & pics. We were so in awe of our view a couple of weeks ago (Room #3513) we forgot to take pictures during the day.

 

[TheMMMLtd]

Hi alohaguy,

Thanks for the review and the lovely pictures!

Was wondering if you could tell me if Polynesian LVC Room 3505 had a connecting door to another room. We have had other rooms further down the hall of the Hawaii building (3rd floor) that connected, but was wondering about 3505. We will be visiting shortly and will be needing two rooms. Thanks in advance for your reply!

Have a great day!

.....Kim

 

[chamonix]

From Tahiti, it is probably easier during construction for people to just walk along the beach to the main pool and then walk to the GCH don't you think?

Even without the construction, when the "regular" pathways are open, it is faster/shorter to walk down the beach to the GCH from Tahiti. It doesn't seem like it, but it is. Note, there isn't a path between Tahiti and the beach there, so you just pick it up at the end of the building going towards Sunset Point. Try it (time it, lol) and you will see.