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

[LandonDunes]

Welcome to the DIS!

Personally, I would stick with the GF.

Given that October is a fairly quiet month in WDW (with the exception of F&W), I don't think you have to worry too much about the pool feeling crowded. As of yet, it hasn't really been an issue and the GF has a much larger courtyard pool in addition to the beach pool where most Poly guests would likely be inclined to go with kids. We actually prefer the courtyard pool anyway.

Although many people seem to think of the GF as "stuffy" because of the theme and its being the flagship resort, we have never found this to be the case. If anything, we sometimes feel like there are more kids running around the GF lobby than there are at many other deluxe resorts. We have never encountered any snobby behavior and do not find it different than any other resort in that way. We love sitting in the lobby in the evening listening to the pianist and band play and then walking outside through the beautiful grounds with the view of the castle in the distance.

As for the Contemporary vs. the GF, that just comes down to personal preference. The GF grounds are much nicer than those at the CR and it is also nice to have the ability to walk to the Poly via walkway if you want to spend time at that resort. The GF pools are definitely nicer than the CR pool, which lacks any landscaping and just looks sort of concrete. IMO, the only pluses to the CR over the GF are the slightly bigger rooms, quick monorail stop to the TTC, and the ability to walk to and from MK. If you spring for a tower room, those room views are also pretty impressive. The atrium area of the CR is also fun for kids since the monorail runs through it and Chef Mickey's is very popular, etc. As convenient as the CR location is, though, we keep finding ourselves returning to the Poly and GF because the resort grounds and ambiance just feel so much nicer and secluded. That being said, the CR has many fans and it really just comes down to which theme appeals to you most.

Have a great trip wherever you end up!

Wow! Thank you so much for the insight. I feel much better about sticking with the GF. Very nice of you to take the time.

 

[maiapapaya]

I posted this in the Poly thread, but thought I'd mention it here too. Tikiman is reporting the following on his FB page:

"Guests who are staying at the Polynesian during the closure of the Nanea pool are going to be offered a visit to Blizzard Beach for free. Letters going out to guests will have this statement in it.

“We anticipate the Nanea Volcano Pool and Slide to close for enhancement in late July through early 2015. Should you find the pool unavailable during your stay, one complimentary ticket to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, our watery winter wonderland featuring waterslides, a wave pool, water play areas for the kids and more, will be given to each member of your party. To ensure you have a seamless visit to the Park, we will provide transportation to a dedicated check-in at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park where you will receive your complimentary tickets and towels.”

He said Poly guests will also be able to use the pool at the GF.

 

[Daytona88]

I posted this in the Poly thread, but thought I'd mention it here too. Tikiman is reporting the following on his FB page: "Guests who are staying at the Polynesian during the closure of the Nanea pool are going to be offered a visit to Blizzard Beach for free. Letters going out to guests will have this statement in it. “We anticipate the Nanea Volcano Pool and Slide to close for enhancement in late July through early 2015. Should you find the pool unavailable during your stay, one complimentary ticket to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, our watery winter wonderland featuring waterslides, a wave pool, water play areas for the kids and more, will be given to each member of your party. To ensure you have a seamless visit to the Park, we will provide transportation to a dedicated check-in at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park where you will receive your complimentary tickets and towels.” He said Poly guests will also be able to use the pool at the GF.

I will be staying at the Poly in October during the pool closure with my family. Giving guest free access to Blizzard beach is ok but what if like me, you already have length of stay access to the water parks as part of your park tickets. I hope they will be offering an alternative perk.

 

[maiapapaya]

I will be staying at the Poly in October during the pool closure with my family. Giving guest free access to Blizzard beach is ok but what if like me, you already have length of stay access to the water parks as part of your park tickets. I hope they will be offering an alternative perk.

If you got waterparks added to your tickets you could call CRO and get that removed. Of course it only gives you one waterpark day, but that time of year Typhoon Lagoon is usually closed for maintenance anyways. I'm not sure what they would offer if you have AP's.

 

[gorjus121]

Video of construction:
http://www.islands.com/articles/video-overwater-bungalow-lovers-now-have-more-love?src=SOC&dom=fb

 

[DisneyDoc5]

As a Poly fan, I am disappointed with their decision to stay open during the refurb. I welcome the refurb and for the most part the changes. I realize that they are notifying guests, but I still feel bad for anyone there right now. I'm sorry, but that lobby along with a torn up pool coming soon....really, that is bad. It's just my opinion, but I think it would have been a better reflection on Disney as a company if they would have closed for a 6 month refurb (or whatever) and done it all at once rather then build a city of temporary walls. Just my thoughts, no need to flame, I realize some will disagree with me. Not Disney's finest move in my opinion. I know we all look for to the final result!

 

[yooperfan]

Have they said when they hope to be done?

 

[lizzyb]

As a Poly fan, I am disappointed with their decision to stay open during the refurb. I welcome the refurb and for the most part the changes. I realize that they are notifying guests, but I still feel bad for anyone there right now. I'm sorry, but that lobby along with a torn up pool coming soon....really, that is bad. It's just my opinion, but I think it would have been a better reflection on Disney as a company if they would have closed for a 6 month refurb (or whatever) and done it all at once rather then build a city of temporary walls. Just my thoughts, no need to flame, I realize some will disagree with me. Not Disney's finest move in my opinion. I know we all look for to the final result!

I agree but I guess it's all about the mighty dollar.

 

[Surfinpiratee]

As a Poly fan, I am disappointed with their decision to stay open during the refurb. I welcome the refurb and for the most part the changes. I realize that they are notifying guests, but I still feel bad for anyone there right now. I'm sorry, but that lobby along with a torn up pool coming soon....really, that is bad. It's just my opinion, but I think it would have been a better reflection on Disney as a company if they would have closed for a 6 month refurb (or whatever) and done it all at once rather then build a city of temporary walls. Just my thoughts, no need to flame, I realize some will disagree with me. Not Disney's finest move in my opinion. I know we all look for to the final result!

Or at least bring the prices down...

And not book the rooms that woylf have views of heavy construction

 

[yooperfan]

Or at least bring the prices down...

And not book the rooms that woylf have views of heavy construction

Or at the very least, include Free Dining with all rooms when promo is offered. Seems like a reasonable request with all the inconveniences of the rehab. It's not like any of the rooms at a deluxe are low as it is.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Have they said when they hope to be done?

I believe it's spring 2015

 

[Jennygt]

just came upon this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQaLbW3JGxY

 

[Jennygt]

and another from a few weeks ago, I know things are moving fast so this might not even be the current situation but gives an overall vibe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQaLbW3JGxY

as always Tikiman has the most up to date info on whats up at the poly. Good luck to all going soon!

 

[GR101997]

We didnt plan on going to the pool that much since it will be Dec when we go and it really wasnt that warm last year when we went at that time but its really messed up when we booked the vacation that they failed to mention the place is under construction.

 

[Momtomouselover]

Can you use another resorts pool during the construction? I know when BC pool was closed we went to BW and it was allowed.

 

[dansdad]

Can you use another resorts pool during the construction? I know when BC pool was closed we went to BW and it was allowed.

No. They are giving guests a complimentary day at Blizzard Beach instead.

 

[GR101997]

No. They are giving guests a complimentary day at Blizzard Beach instead.

That's not right. So if I wanted to sit by the pool, I have to get on a bus and enter a theme park to do it?
I'm almost thinking about changing my hotel now. Really pissed off no one mentioned this at time of booking.

 

[gorjus121]

Posting this as I have on other threads...shows the extent of construction of the bungalows:
http://www.islands.com/articles/video-overwater-bungalow-lovers-now-have-more-love?src=SOC&dom=fb

Between this, and the other major construction going on I personally would not be too happy if I was unaware. Thank goodness for DISboards.

The Disney website does not go into great detail about the Poly construction. It just lists the areas under construction, which also lacks enough info.

 

[dansdad]

That's not right. So if I wanted to sit by the pool, I have to get on a bus and enter a theme park to do it?

You can still enjoy the quiet pool.

 

[gorjus121]

You can still enjoy the quiet pool.

Hopefully it won't be too crowded now. The pools they had barely accommodated the size of the resort.

A big thing to consider having young kids ... What do they like to do when you go back to the resort? Go in the pool. That pool won't accommodate everyone and it's not good for toddlers (depth).