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

[karriealex]

Just finished most of the thread (started about halfway in because I knew most new info would cancel out what was in the first few pages). I'm excited to see more updates from 'on the ground'. We'll be there Nov. 3-7, not at the Poly, but I will try to fit in some resort hopping on our MK day and get some pics for those of you who are heading there shortly after.

I may have the very unpopular opinion of being excited about the supposed plans, since my parents are DVC members I've wanted to stay at the Poly since the first trip to WDW I can remember, but for years we couldn't afford it, and then once we bought into DVC, the conversion rates to points for the two rooms we need just weren't feasible. So now I may finally get to stay at this beautiful resort!

I do see where the Poly regulars are coming from though. It's a lot of time to have construction disruptions, and the loss of rooms, especially TPV, is frustrating for those who don't care about, or dislike, DVC. I'm kind of iffy about the bungalows myself. It could be nice if they keep them small and low, something nice looking but not ostentatious. If they're low, it won't affect so many of the views from Hawaii, and could just add to the effect of looking out onto a beach, with little thatch roofed huts out on the water? I'm just afraid they'll just stick a bunch of two story Grand Villa monstrosities in the middle of the Lagoon I also echo the sentiments about being out on the water in those- the Lagoon is gorgeous from the balcony of a longhouse, but up close, that water is pretty gross. Much better suited for somewhere with clear water! Really, why didn't they just build those at Aulani?

I'll stop my rambling now, and go back to lurking

Thank you for posting and understanding the non DVCers. I myself don't mind DVC and don't mind change I am just worried about the one point of construction that could effect the views from Hawaii.

I am glad that you will finally get the chance to stay at the Poly. Be warned though once you stay there, there is no going back! LOL

 

[Jennygt]

Ok so today the real fences are going up, photos on Tilkiman FB page... I will try to post the link here later.

 

[jennifaerie]

Chain-linked fences going up right now behind Tokelau.

The construction view request cast some magic. They gave us the very last room in the building (on one end), so we have a view of the lagoon, Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and the construction! I almost cried when we looked out our window. We are very lucky!

 

[NicoleK1974]

Someone posted on Tikiman's facebook that they are there right now, staying CL TPV and glad they are leaving today because their view is ruined.
Anyone have any pictures from the field showing the "ruined" view?
I am considering jumping over to CR before they get all booked up....

I was one that was trying to keep a positive attitude and think that they wouldn't destroy the view and A: not tell anyone and\or B: not offer to make it up in some way....
*sigh*

 

[Jennygt]

Someone posted on Tikiman's facebook that they are there right now, staying CL TPV and glad they are leaving today because their view is ruined.
Anyone have any pictures from the field showing the "ruined" view?
I am considering jumping over to CR before they get all booked up....

I was one that was trying to keep a positive attitude and think that they wouldn't destroy the view and A: not tell anyone and\or B: not offer to make it up in some way....
*sigh*

Oh boy that's a shame. I just looked quick on tikiman FB page , they are big standard chain link fences. I could not even tell where they were I looked so fast. Good luck to you!

 

[mbowk99]

Nooooo!!! Boo!

I was hoping it wouldn't really get underway until next year.

This will be our first visit to the Poly.

 

[maiapapaya]

Oh boy that's a shame. I just looked quick on tikiman FB page , they are big standard chain link fences. I could not even tell where they were I looked so fast. Good luck to you!

This morning Tikiman has posted more pics on FB that show green shrouds/covers going over the fences. I'm thinking this is an attempt to help them blend in more with the Poly's gardens and greenery and so that guests don't have to be looking directly at all of the mess and equipment, etc.

 

[sjs314]

Nooooo!!! Boo!

I was hoping it wouldn't really get underway until next year.

This will be our first visit to the Poly.

I am so glad I changed resorts, No way I wanted my first stay at Poly to be ruined by ugly construction and walls it just distracts from the ambience of the resort especially for a first timer

 

[karriealex]

I leave for Disney next Friday for the weekend. I am staying at Pop Century but have to be at the Poly for an art show. I will try and get pictures of the construction at that point and post them.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Chain-linked fences going up right now behind Tokelau.

The construction view request cast some magic. They gave us the very last room in the building (on one end), so we have a view of the lagoon, Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and the construction! I almost cried when we looked out our window. We are very lucky!

That request did work well for you! If you can take photos or post info, please do But of course, ENJOY your vacation!!!

Someone posted on Tikiman's facebook that they are there right now, staying CL TPV and glad they are leaving today because their view is ruined.
Anyone have any pictures from the field showing the "ruined" view?
I am considering jumping over to CR before they get all booked up....

I was one that was trying to keep a positive attitude and think that they wouldn't destroy the view and A: not tell anyone and\or B: not offer to make it up in some way....
*sigh*

Oh, that is sad I could completely understanding being upset after you PAID for a specific view.

We only stay standard view so I've only been pleased with the view. But I also rarely sit around staring out the window at Disney. It was only on this last trip to the Poly in May with a friend of mine that she MADE me sit on the balcony and drink my coffee. I am a go go go go go person so I was very uncomfortable spending precious moments sitting but it ended up being fabulous and we did that every morning before going to the parks. With FP+, I am so excited that I can enjoy my coffee in the morning without worrying about grabbing that elusive FP for Soarin' or Aerosmith or Space - you know what I mean!

And after traveling a lot for work, anything other than the 'highway' or 'parking lot' view is a nice change!

 

[Jennygt]

So I just got a good look at the photos on tikimans fb page, what building is that fence right in front of? Seems like if your had first floor you would stare right at the fence?

 

[Abbey213]

Okay so I'm going 11/13-11/20 staying at poly for me and DH honeymoon. I'm finding all these pictures of construction and closings and I have to say I am a little upset. I'm paying close to 520 a night and disney has not mentioned one thing to me about any construction. Is it worth changing hotels? I know you don't spend the whole time at the resort but its our honey moon we do want to spend half days lounging and relaxing at the resort too. It's DH first time and i want it to be magical not full of fences. What are your thoughts on staying at the poly with construction?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

So I just got a good look at the photos on tikimans fb page, what building is that fence right in front of? Seems like if your had first floor you would stare right at the fence?

I'm pretty sure that is Tahiti. I don't think they have anyone in those rooms anymore. At least I hope not!!

 

[Jennygt]

I'm pretty sure that is Tahiti. I don't think they have anyone in those rooms anymore. At least I hope not!!

I hope so, could not tell if there was a balcony on the second floor?

 

[apocalyps3]

Okay so I'm going 11/13-11/20 staying at poly for me and DH honeymoon. I'm finding all these pictures of construction and closings and I have to say I am a little upset. I'm paying close to 520 a night and disney has not mentioned one thing to me about any construction. Is it worth changing hotels? I know you don't spend the whole time at the resort but its our honey moon we do want to spend half days lounging and relaxing at the resort too. It's DH first time and i want it to be magical not full of fences. What are your thoughts on staying at the poly with construction?

That's the million dollar question. It all comes down to what you're willing to live with. In November, it sounds like you'll only need to put up with fencing and construction near the east beach and parking lot. At least the pool and GCH should be untouched.

If I were paying for a view or for Concierge Level, I'd be upset and would probably change.

We'll be there in January and it sounds like the main pool will be closed starting sometime that month. For me with a 4 year old, that's almost a deal breaker. I'm not sure how they can expect people to cart kids onto a boat, across a lake and to the GF pool and back again.

I'm thinking about switching, but if the RO discounts come out and I apply it to my Poly stay and then decide to switch later (once the construction outlook is more clear), it doesn't seem as if that RO discount will necessarily transfer to the new resort. So basically Disney has us over a barrel.

 

[mbowk99]

I am in the same situation with the room discount. I wasn't going to request a specific building, but I think I will now. Does anyone know when/how to do that? Do I just call the Disney number and talk to a CM?

I am thinking everyone will do that now so I don't expect to get my request, but I sure want to try.

 

[maiapapaya]

Okay so I'm going 11/13-11/20 staying at poly for me and DH honeymoon. I'm finding all these pictures of construction and closings and I have to say I am a little upset. I'm paying close to 520 a night and disney has not mentioned one thing to me about any construction. Is it worth changing hotels? I know you don't spend the whole time at the resort but its our honey moon we do want to spend half days lounging and relaxing at the resort too. It's DH first time and i want it to be magical not full of fences. What are your thoughts on staying at the poly with construction?

The DVC construction is limited to just one end of the resort, so there aren't a bunch of construction fences up all over the place. If you were on the main beach looking down past Hawaii, towards Tahiti you would be able to see fences. If you were laying around the volcano pool you probably wouldn't see anything. According to what Tikiman has been told, the work on the pool won't start until January (for resurfacing) and then more involved stuff in March. It sounds like *some* work has started in the GCH, with work on the little Kona coffee bar. It's hard to say what will be going on in there by mid-November, but I think they'll just be working on it in manageable sections at a time to avoid too much disruption.

A good guess at this point (just my opinion, so don't hold me to it!!) is that there will be not a huge impact for your trip. FWIW, we're booked for Nov. 30 and aren't considering switching resorts.

 

[Abbey213]

I'm also a little sad I'm finding about this from other sources and Disney has yet to send me an e mail or a letter. I only get one honeymoon..hopefully lol. The construction shouldn't be too much of an issues for me, but disney doesn't know that.

 

[dansdad]

Do I just call the Disney number and talk to a CM?

Yes. Call and say you have a room request you'd like to add to your reservation.

 

[mbowk99]

Yes. Call and say you have a room request you'd like to add to your reservation.

Thanks!!