Just back from Polynesian LVC and GF- More Pics

[alohaguy]

Thanks alohaguy for the report and the pics! Leaving on Sunday for 10 nights at the Poly (non-concierge) and hoping for Tahiti, but will be happy with anything. Glad the renovations aren't too intrusive. I hope it stays that way! Did you feel the resort had their share of guests or was it not crowded? Thanks also for your views on the GF. I have friends that refuse to stay anywhere else. Maybe I will try it someday, but for my first "deluxe" I'm glad it will be the Poly!

Have a great trip and I hope you get Tahiti. If you have a chance, could you take a look at Rapa Nui and check on the rehab progress? You will know if the rooms are close to being finished if they all have the new sliding doors - 3 doors instead of 2. They are easy to spot compared to the old ones. Thanks, and have fun.

 

[kahluacream]

Hey Alohaguy,

Thanks for the great review. Loved, loved, LOVED your pics!!! I was wondering if 3505 is a non-smoking room? Other than booking LVC, did you make an advance request for this spectacular view? I'd love to be lucky enough to get the same room for my next trip...

TIA!

 

[alohaguy]

Hey Alohaguy,

Thanks for the great review. Loved, loved, LOVED your pics!!! I was wondering if 3505 is a non-smoking room? Other than booking LVC, did you make an advance request for this spectacular view? I'd love to be lucky enough to get the same room for my next trip...

TIA!

3505 is a non-smoking room. We booked LVC and requested 3rd floor non-smoking. Due to low occupancy our request was able to be honored. The pictures honestly don't do the view any justice ... it truly is spectacular, and definitely adds something to the trip. If you are the type that thinks of your room as more than just a place to sleep, the extra cost is well worth it, in my opinion. We usually spend quite a bit of time at the resort ... less at the parks because we have been frequently.

Good luck on your next trip.

 

[kahluacream]

Thanks, Alohaguy. I have two little ones who go to bed pretty early. It would be great for me and DH to chill out after their bedtime & watch Wishes and the EP from the balcony.

 

[Tess]

I had always wanted to try the GF also - so we finally pried ourselves away from the Polynesian and tried it twice. It was very nice, we just enjoy the Polynesian more. Everyone has different tastes.

ITA

 

[BCV23]

The fee for hgh speed internet is most likely $9.99/ 24 hour period. That is what is charged at BCV and I think all the other resorts that have added it so far.

 

[alohaguy]

I forgot to add that we were told by a concierge CM that the renovations to Hawaii remain on schedule. It will be down for approximately 3 to 4 weeks beginning in the second week of September. So while the contractor issues for the rest of the buildings constantly changes their rehab dates, Hawaii's dates are firm. It will be open and renovated by mid to late October. We were told that there were going to be 'dramatic' changes in the lounge - no more details than that, unfortunately.

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

Thanks for that update alohaguy! I spoke with a CM at the IPO Thursday and she said about the same thing. Since they are closing the whole building for the rehab, reopening on schedule is a priority for the construction crews.

I have been focused on the room changes and never even considered the changes they would be doing to the lounge!

We're counting the days...only 48 to go!!

 

[alohaguy]

The exact dates for the Hawaii rehab are actually September 17th through October 11th. At least this is what I was told by a CM - she had actually scheduled vacation time during this entire period because the building will definitely be down, and they offered to relocate concierge CM's or allow them vacation time. So it looks like the dates are very firm.

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

We had originally planned our trip for 10/16 but then changed to 10/23 just to allow a little extra "cushion" time in case the rehab does go over schedule a little. It sounds like we should be okay...and in a new room!

 

[WDWDennis]

Hey man, thanks for sharing the great pics!! I was booked for LVC in January, but switched to GVC to save $100 a night. Now that I've seen your pics, I'm kinda regretting that! Well, maybe I'll ask about upgrading when we check in.

That is great news about the renovations in Sept.-Oct. Are they going to look like the room that I saw on the Tikiman's site a few months ago? I really liked the new decor. I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

 

[KrisTX]

How are the non-concierge LV rooms at the Poly? I am getting SO confused. Are there any King beds at Poly?

Do any of the GF Boca Chica LV rooms have a king bed? I really want a King with the 2 kids on the day bed/roll away.

Now that a LV has open at Poly, I am between 3 choices...

Poly LV
GF LV
WL Deluxe Room (sep seating area) but only Queen beds

All three are about the same $ for 5 nights.

Pros:
Poly-transportation, theme (more our style) and view
GF-monorail to mk, view if i can get it, chance of king bed
WL-extra room

Cons:
Poly-renovation or older rooms and no chance of king bed.
GF-is spotty reviews
WL-is of course no monorail.


HELP!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Alohaguy-thanks for the reassuring news on Hawaii renovation schedule. I'm about 40 days out, arrive Friday 10/14,and while I have worried about getting bumped due to delays I just couldn't bring myself to book any other resort. I am wondering if I'll regret my GV choice but I'm staying for 9 nights this trip and couldn't justify the extra $1000 for the view when we can go to the lounge or beach. I think we were in 3505 last October.

I was just at ASMo earlier this week with a few friends and my DS(4 1/2) and we had a great time but everytime I saw the Poly I felt like someone else was staying in "my" room. In October I'm going 2 nights early with just my DD(6) and she said she'ld like to try ASMo but I know she'd really miss the Poly. I'd save $700 those 2 nights staying at ASMo but I just can't do it. It's not so dramatic a savings after the others (DH, DS, DD(2 1/2), and DFriend) arrive as we'd then need 2 rooms at the values. So 2 rooms at ASMo would be about $100 cheaper than 1 GV room at Poly. Poly is so worth the $100 and concierge is so worth the additional $100 on top of that. My DD liked the photos of ASMo but she had previously told me the first day she doesn't want to go into the parks she just wants to go swimming and hang out and relax at the resort. I just know she would miss the Poly (she loves the EWP)if I booked ASMo and since I'll be taking all the luggage with me I don't want to deal with the hassle of switching rooms. I know Disney will take care of it for me but I am so looking forward to arriving at the airport, having a towncar meet DD & I, getting to Poly and having a golf cart ride to Hawaii and just relaxing there for the day. I can unpack and be all ready for the others to arrive on Sunday. I've got 6pm reservations for Kona that night and can't wait to try some great desserts there. Last year we went to Kona on arrival day with the whole crew and 2 of the kids were getting cranky so I took them back to the room with my meal, which was great, while DH, friend and DD stayed at Kona. Hmmm...wonder which dessert to go for?

Thanks again for your great review and photos. I'm getting even more excited about our Poly vacation!

 

[alohaguy]

Hey man, thanks for sharing the great pics!! I was booked for LVC in January, but switched to GVC to save $100 a night. Now that I've seen your pics, I'm kinda regretting that! Well, maybe I'll ask about upgrading when we check in.

That is great news about the renovations in Sept.-Oct. Are they going to look like the room that I saw on the Tikiman's site a few months ago? I really liked the new decor. I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

If you can swing it, I would splurge for LVC ... however, GVC has very nice views of the quiet pool and you can still use the lounge to get your lagoon-view fix.

From what I understand, the concierge rooms will have a slightly different look than the rest of the renovated rooms in other buildings. The pictures posted on Tikiman's site will probably be close to concierge rooms, but there will be differences. Someone will find out in October, I'm sure.

 

[lovesdumbo]

From what I understand, the concierge rooms will have a slightly different look than the rest of the renovated rooms in other buildings. The pictures posted on Tikiman's site will probably be close to concierge rooms, but there will be differences. Someone will find out in October, I'm sure.

ME! I'll be sure to post pics when I get back!

 

[alohaguy]

How are the non-concierge LV rooms at the Poly? I am getting SO confused. Are there any King beds at Poly?

Do any of the GF Boca Chica LV rooms have a king bed? I really want a King with the 2 kids on the day bed/roll away.

Now that a LV has open at Poly, I am between 3 choices...

Poly LV
GF LV
WL Deluxe Room (sep seating area) but only Queen beds

All three are about the same $ for 5 nights.

Pros:
Poly-transportation, theme (more our style) and view
GF-monorail to mk, view if i can get it, chance of king bed
WL-extra room

Cons:
Poly-renovation or older rooms and no chance of king bed.
GF-is spotty reviews
WL-is of course no monorail.


HELP!

The only rooms with king beds at the Polynesian are suites. No standard or concierge rooms have kings.

At the GF, there are many standard rooms with King beds. You can try requesting one, but they won't gaurantee it for you.

In my opinion, views from Polynesian LV rooms are more consistent than views from GF LV rooms. For instance, at GF you could end up with the view I had in Boca Chica, which was largely of trees, or you could be facing the marina, or facing the Polynesian, or facing the castle. At the Polynesian you will have a more uniform view ... not all rooms have castle views, but most do.

I can't speak about WL because I have never stayed there. The main reason for this is because I have come to love the convenience of being on the monorail line.

I think your pros and cons list is accurate for the most part, except for 'spotty reviews at GF' - to be honest, there are spotty reviews at every hotel at WDW. I don't think there has been a hotel to escape bad reviews. I've found that you have to experience them for yourself. Also, the fact that the GF is one stop from the MK is not much of a pro in my opinion. First, the monorail tends to already be crowded by the time it reaches the GF, so chances are high you will have to stand. Second, you have three stops on the way back. The ferry would be faster when returning from MK. Also, if you are Epcot people, the trip to epcot is far more time consuming from GF than from Polynesian (you can walk to the TTC from Poly) even though they are so close.

As far as the Polynesian having 'older' rooms, they are actually not old. Many were renovated as recently as a few years ago. They are only being considered 'older' now that the new designs are coming.

My advice would be to stay on the monorail ... but I'm sure others might disagree. Good Luck

 

[alohaguy]

lovesdumbo -

We will be looking forward to your pictures when you return.

And regarding spending the extra $$ for LVC - I think it is always a tough choice determining how much to spend for a room at WDW. Everyone has differing opinions regarding how much time they spend in their room, etc. If you would be worrying you are spending too much on LVC instead of GVC, I would suggest that you don't make the upgrade. If you can do it without stressing out about the extra cash flying out of your wallet, then give it a shot - that's the only way you'll figure out for yourself if it's worth it. I have stayed GVC on previous trips and loved it.

Good Luck and have a great trip.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I really want a King with the 2 kids on the day bed/roll away.

I thought I read that CRO won't let you request at King bed if there are more than 2 in the room. I remember someone saying they co-sleep at home and wanted a king room for a couple and their young child. I don't remember all the specifics but think it was a moderate resort where you pay extra for a king bed and they had 1 child-I don't remember if the child was over 3 or not.

With the deluxe you'd have you & DH in king, 1 child in daybed and is one under 3? I think that is the only way the would honor the request. You might want to call the resort and ask.

I don't think I'd pick a resort based on something that is only a request.

 

[alohaguy]

I agree with lovesdumbo - the King bed issue is only a request which you may or may not get - I would not make this the central point of my decisions regarding where to stay.

Good Luck KrisTX

 

[KrisTX]

Thank you all so much!

I need to see if I can request a King. Is there a room list that shows the bedding choice in different buildings? I guess a roll away in addition to the day bed is not an option?

My kids are still so young and small that they have no problem sharing a twin. We go to St. Martin in May and the villas tend to be bedroom pods. My kids are not old enough to have direct access to the pool/ocean. So my Mom locks them all in for the night. Last few vacations my Mom and kids were in one room with 2 twins and the kids shared one without complaint.

I wish I could be happy about the boat from WL. That room is better suited for our needs. But I really want to stay on the monorail. I know we will have another trip in the next few years, but I want to get this as close to perfect as I can.

Thanks again!