Official Poly construction update thread **updated video page 103(2/17/15)**

[Mike2023]

They thought that at AKL but a kid just fell three stories from one of their balconies. If a kid wants to bad enough they will find a way to climb. Parents are going to have to be diligent.

Same thing could happen now at poly, comes down to parenting again. Going over a rail into water would be less painful then a 3rd floor balcony. My point is its not really a valid reason to dislike the bungalows.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Just checking in on the updates since we'll be at the Poly in 44 days.

Oh, and we got "the letter" this week......

 

[karriealex]

Same thing could happen now at poly, comes down to parenting again. Going over a rail into water would be less painful then a 3rd floor balcony. My point is its not really a valid reason to dislike the bungalows.

I don't dislike them because of that. I don't like what it will do to the views in Hawaii if they build all of them. I was discussing others concerns when I said what I said. While I agree with some of what was said it is not the reason I dislike the idea. I don't even mind if they build some of them. I just think they need to reconsider building them in front of Hawaii. I totally agree with you about kids and climbing and railings. It is about the parenting. I mentioned the climbing because you said they make the railings high enough so they can't fall into the lagoon.

 

[Mike2023]

I don't dislike them because of that. I don't like what it will do to the views in Hawaii if they build all of them. I was discussing others concerns when I said what I said. While I agree with some of what was said it is not the reason I dislike the idea. I don't even mind if they build some of them. I just think they need to reconsider building them in front of Hawaii. I totally agree with you about kids and climbing and railings. It is about the parenting. I mentioned the climbing because you said they make the railings high enough so they can't fall into the lagoon.

Not liking them because they might (will) effect the views is a valid point for sure. My family and I have only stayed in Hawaii a few nights and your right, the view is spectacular and I can't imagine it being as good with the bungalows on the beach. Time will tell.

My comment about the railings was supposed to imply that I meant kids can't "accidentally" go over them. Of course if a child is determined enough, and unsupervised long enough the are able to get over almost any barrier.

 

[xipotec]

I just believe it ruins the effect of the beach. The long strech of beach is part of the allure of POLY. This seems like a simple way to squeeze more people into that confined space. No different then they do on all the beaches. We should count our blessings they didn't build another 10 story building there. When money is concerned sometimes all common sense flys out the window.

The bungalows will likely be nothing more than that. A way to squeeze more people into a resort that , in my opinion , was already reaching capacity. I goto deluxe resorts so I do NOT feel like another sardine in the can. I get that everyday at work. What i would like at a resort is a bit of space. Unfortunately, most "deluxe" resorts around the world now pack em in for the cash.

I still say , being a former FL resident, that having these things over the water will be trouble. I forsee them not out over the water , but built on the beach edge on a boardwalk. Similar to Fiji.

There is no doubt it will take away from the view from Hawaii. I cannot see them billing alot of rooms there as TpV with building in front. Again the charm of many rooms at the POLY was an unobstructed view of the MK. I love the feeling that you have been transported to the Hawaiian islands after a long day at the parks! So I am again thankful that it is not a 10 story monstrosity.
Not to mention that the whole DVC is just plain over priced as all time shares are. I personally couldn't afford it!

 

[Tikiman]

I just believe it ruins the effect of the beach. The long strech of beach is part of the allure of POLY. This seems like a simple way to squeeze more people into that confined space. No different then they do on all the beaches. We should count our blessings they didn't build another 10 story building there. When money is concerned sometimes all common sense flys out the window.

The bungalows will likely be nothing more than that. A way to squeeze more people into a resort that , in my opinion , was already reaching capacity. I goto deluxe resorts so I do NOT feel like another sardine in the can. I get that everyday at work. What i would like at a resort is a bit of space. Unfortunately, most "deluxe" resorts around the world now pack em in for the cash.

I still say , being a former FL resident, that having these things over the water will be trouble. I forsee them not out over the water , but built on the beach edge on a boardwalk. Similar to Fiji.

There is no doubt it will take away from the view from Hawaii. I cannot see them billing alot of rooms there as TpV with building in front. Again the charm of many rooms at the POLY was an unobstructed view of the MK. I love the feeling that you have been transported to the Hawaiian islands after a long day at the parks! So I am again thankful that it is not a 10 story monstrosity.
Not to mention that the whole DVC is just plain over priced as all time shares are. I personally couldn't afford it!

For the cost of the Bungalows I don’t see them being fully booked ever night and even if they were it only adds 20 rooms to the entire resort. I don’t see the addition of 20 rooms affecting a resort that is not usually at 100% capacity most days of the year. The last few times I have been at the Polynesian were different times of the year (Spring, Fall and Summer) and they were not even up to 90% booked.

I agree that it is turning the quietest beach out of the 3 into a mess. The best part about ground level rooms at Tahiti were the view and no walking path for people to be strolling past your room all the time. Now there will be a boardwalk along the shore and a path right up to the rooms in Tahiti, even closer than the path in front of Hawaii. Remember back when there was not even a path between Hawaii rooms and the beach?

 

[Mike2023]

I still don't think a tower is out of the question in the distant future. Truthfully, If I had a choice over a tower at the west or east end of the resort instead of the bungalows I would pick the tower. Keeping the beach and long houses mostly complete. The towers at Aulani seem very nice and in my opinion, a mini version would fit very well at Poly. But then again, I'm not as attached to the Poly as most, but it is still my favorite resort 2nd to maybe AKL.

 

[apocalyps3]

I would think this is the bungalow look they are going for:

Minus the tropical paradise and pristine blue waters. I'm sure the structures will be more substantial too.

 

[bluejasmine]

I would think this is the bungalow look they are going for:

Minus the tropical paradise and pristine blue waters. I'm sure the structures will be more substantial too.

That's actually nice.. Will be awesome if it does block views from Hawaii building! Lol

 

[Masonmj84]

There have been papers filled for the permits for gch construction. Will try to post them here if I can. No start dates on the paperwork .

If this is indeed true, I guess I'll have to stop being in denial about the GCH (and likely the pool as well as the area in between) not being under consruction when we visit next May.

If we were planning to only stay at the Poly during our trip, this much construction would almost certainly be a deal breaker. However, because it's part of a split stay, I'm leaning toward sticking with our Poly ressie, provided 'Ohana and Kona are open and we can get a decent room discount.

Along those lines, assuming a worst case scenario, where there is consruction at the east end of the resort (Tahiti and Rapa Nui) as well as the GCH and the Nanea Pool, what would be a good longhouse request (relatively less construciton impact) for a standard view room?

 

[Jennygt]

https://sphotos-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1239800_625492897495388_1450423230_n.jpg

Here is the permit for gch refurb.

Poly staff has been told that the water feature in the lobby will be removed opening up the view to the water/pool area.

Tambu longe reported to be staying.

Ohana and C. Cooks staying.

No confirmation either way on Kona.

I have also read that the work on GCH/Pool might start prior to the end of the year, not Jan as previously reported?

I guess only time will tell for sure.......

 

[mum2four]

https://sphotos-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1239800_625492897495388_1450423230_n.jpg

Here is the permit for gch refurb.

Poly staff has been told that the water feature in the lobby will be removed opening up the view to the water/pool area.

Tambu longe reported to be staying.

Ohana and C. Cooks staying.

No confirmation either way on Kona.

I have also read that the work on GCH/Pool might start prior to the end of the year, not Jan as previously reported?

I guess only time will tell for sure.......

Interesting. We have decided against staying at the Poly next year, but we do have an ADR for Ohana in January. Will be interesting to see what it going on.

 

[Jennygt]

Interesting. We have decided against staying at the Poly next year, but we do have an ADR for Ohana in January. Will be interesting to see what it going on.

That's for sure, I can't make much of the plans, will have to take a good look at them. I am not sure that I know how to interpret them. Any engineers around here? Lol

 

[xipotec]

I read asbestos is the issue in GCH , how can they possible deal with removing it while he GCH is open? They serve food there!!!! That dust would be airborne.
The will have to put up a hermetically sealed biohazard tent!!! Lol

 

[Loveslsu]

Well,
I decided that with all of the upcoming construction that will be happening I would change my reservation from the Poly to the CR. When I called and stated my reasons for switching the CM stated that the only construction going on was around the beach area and they would be able to easily find me a quiet room away from the noise (for my little napper). I then asked about the upcoming construction on the GCH and he said he saw nothing of that and then put me on hold and called the resort to inquire. He then stated that there are false rumors going around about construction at the GCH and said there is nothing going on nor planned for the GCH or pool. (I am going in May) I ended up not changing my reservations but I just can't see how there are building permits for the GCH yet the Disney employees know nothing of it!? Do they really just have no clue at all or has the construction been placed on hold?

 

[BringingUpDisney]

If this is indeed true, I guess I'll have to stop being in denial about the GCH (and likely the pool as well as the area in between) not being under consruction when we visit next May.

If we were planning to only stay at the Poly during our trip, this much construction would almost certainly be a deal breaker. However, because it's part of a split stay, I'm leaning toward sticking with our Poly ressie, provided 'Ohana and Kona are open and we can get a decent room discount.

Along those lines, assuming a worst case scenario, where there is consruction at the east end of the resort (Tahiti and Rapa Nui) as well as the GCH and the Nanea Pool, what would be a good longhouse request (relatively less construciton impact) for a standard view room?

This is my strategy as well. We are going December 1st and are starting at the Poly for 4 nights. I think it will still be a magical stay with a few inconveniences from the construction. We will still be at Disney and on the monorail. Hoping the view will still be beautiful from CL lounge...

 

[karriealex]

I read asbestos is the issue in GCH , how can they possible deal with removing it while he GCH is open? They serve food there!!!! That dust would be airborne.
The will have to put up a hermetically sealed biohazard tent!!! Lol

Actually you hit the nail on the head. That is exactly how they do it kinda. They have to seal off the area and ventilate it as they work. They can keep the GCH open with these sort of tented places in the areas they are working in.

 

[thorphin]

Actually you hit the nail on the head. That is exactly how they do it kinda. They have to seal off the area and ventilate it as they work. They can keep the GCH open with these sort of tented places in the areas they are working in.

Indeed. This is how it was done SEVERAL years ago when they redid the GCH in the 80s. Was not pretty, but everyone was safe.

 

[Jennygt]

Today was the day rumored walls to start going up, hope our friends now at the poly keep us informed!

 

[Jennygt]

Well,
I decided that with all of the upcoming construction that will be happening I would change my reservation from the Poly to the CR. When I called and stated my reasons for switching the CM stated that the only construction going on was around the beach area and they would be able to easily find me a quiet room away from the noise (for my little napper). I then asked about the upcoming construction on the GCH and he said he saw nothing of that and then put me on hold and called the resort to inquire. He then stated that there are false rumors going around about construction at the GCH and said there is nothing going on nor planned for the GCH or pool. (I am going in May) I ended up not changing my reservations but I just can't see how there are building permits for the GCH yet the Disney employees know nothing of it!? Do they really just have no clue at all or has the construction been placed on hold?

I hate to say it but I think they have no clue most of the time , with that being said who knows for sure until they start something? I remember cm denying blt was dvc while under construction, everyone said they did not know what it was, really? Hope your trip is great. Keep us informed!