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

[Jennygt]

I can't imagine sleeping in a bungalow above that water.

Blech I agree

 

[Mousemommy1]

Blech I agree

Hopefully the brain eating amoeba don't climb....

 

[Jennygt]

Hopefully the brain eating amoeba don't climb....

Lol, also don't want to rain on the parade of those who are happy for this, to each his or her own, we all love the poly!!

 

[Ofinn]

I can't imagine sleeping in a bungalow above that water.

My thoughts exactly! It's nothing like the crystal clear water in Bora Bora. Who wants to look at green gunk? I'm not sure what Disney is thinking with this one.

 

[mum2four]

Lol, also don't want to rain on the parade of those who are happy for this, to each his or her own, we all love the poly!!

Agreed. I'm not saying the bungalows won't look neat (from a distance LOL), but I don't think I could sleep there.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Agreed. I'm not saying the bungalows won't look neat (from a distance LOL), but I don't think I could sleep there.

Who knows, maybe it's a signature restaurant over the water.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[Royal Consort]

Who knows, maybe it's a signature restaurant over the water.

My'Ohana+

 

[bwifan]

I've also read reports here and elsewhere that some Poly guests are being offered to switch to GF due to overbooking.

Steve's speculation seems to be the most logical reason why this is happening (especially given that they never did the scheduled room refurb in Tahiti in combination with the recent South Florida Water Mgmt permits).

This also suggests to me that Disney is really gearing up to pull the trigger on all of the refurbs (e.g., GCH, Nanea pool) and not just the ones directly related to DVC construction because it makes the most sense to do these (i.e., live with less demand) when the resort is not at full booking capacity.

In addition, it tells me that they are serious about trying to finish by late 2015 or early 2016 beause they won't want these units sitting idle for any longer than necessary. Along those lines, I would think they'd want all of the other resort

refurbs (GCH, pool) to be done by the time they open DVC and since they're likely to do these in stages, they'll want to start sooner than later.

As of just a few days ago, I was (wishfully) speculating that the Nanea pool and GCH refurbs wouldn't happen for at least a year because Disney has a track record of dragging their feet on projects, especially since the GF DVC isn't quite finished (so why hurry on Poly DVC?). Moreover, if the Nanea pool were to be closed for, say, 7-8 months as was the GF courtyard pool, it would seem to make more sense to close it over the fall-winter (as they did with GF courtyard pool) than from January through the busiest part of the summer.

But with Tahiti and possibly Rapa Nui down, having the Nanea pool down over the summer is less of a concern because, as noted above, Disney can live with less resort demand.

If I had to wager a guess at this point, I'd say there's a pretty good chance the Nanea pool will be down for the better part of 2014 beginning in January and that work on removing the GCH main water feature may likely happen at around that time as well. Then, once the work to the pool and water feature is done, they'll work on the parts of the GCH that involve (at least temporarily) closing shops and restaurants.

So overall, I'm guessing Nanea pool and GCH water feature construction through the better part of 2014 and various GCH restaurant and shop closures through the better part of 2015.

In view of all that, I still can't decide whether to cancel my May 2014 reservation.

I am also very interested in may 2014. I try to stay abreast of the issues, but it can be confusing and contradictory. One question. Will the poly have a pool may 2014 or will they have to use gf pool? Anyone want to hazard a guess?

 

[VeronicaBride]

I am also very interested in may 2014. I try to stay abreast of the issues, but it can be confusing and contradictory. One question. Will the poly have a pool may 2014 or will they have to use gf pool? Anyone want to hazard a guess?

This is what my concerns boil down to as well but for October 2014! I can deal with construction but my kids would be so sad if there was no pool!

 

[momtobrynncess]

My thoughts exactly! It's nothing like the crystal clear water in Bora Bora. Who wants to look at green gunk? I'm not sure what Disney is thinking with this one.

Agreed. I'm not saying the bungalows won't look neat (from a distance LOL), but I don't think I could sleep there.

Who knows, maybe it's a signature restaurant over the water.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

Just speculating here, but knowing how Disney does things, I feel like it will be spectacular, like most things they do. Let 's face it-isn't that one of the reasons we all go to Disney, and love it so much? Disney's standards are so way above most places. I have been to very few places where the beauty and cleanliness meet the standards of Disney. All the new construction Disney puts up is really beautiful and the quality is excellent. This is not to say that there aren't places that need help-I completely acknowledge that. But given the sheer volume of people visiting and staying there everyday, I feel they do a very good job.

That said, I can't imagine Disney wouldn't do an amazing job on a bungalow or cabana over the water. I feel that to even undertake this task and think that it's going to be someplace really spectacular where people would want to stay (and pay good money for), they must have something really amazing in mind. I also highly doubt the floors will be clear as in some of the tropical places in the Caribbean where the waters are so beautiful. I agree there-looking into the murky water is not something that would be appealing.

At least that's my hope-that they are really spectacular, and hopefully not too expensive. I'm already fantasizing about our normal stay in a standard view and having our last night in a bungalow before we leave.

 

[princessap]

This is what my concerns boil down to as well but for October 2014! I can deal with construction but my kids would be so sad if there was no pool!

Same here for September 2014, really want to book poly but am nervous!

 

[fitzperry]

My thoughts exactly! It's nothing like the crystal clear water in Bora Bora. Who wants to look at green gunk? I'm not sure what Disney is thinking with this one.

I'm reserving judgment until I see them but this is kind of what I've been thinking too. The ones in Bora Bora are on my bucket list, but the Seven Seas Lagoon is nothing like that crystal blue water. I wonder if they'll all be grand villas?

 

[kungaloosh22]

I think the bungalows are the most exciting part of the new plans!! I can't wait to see them! I've already told dh that even if they are so expensive that we can only afford one night, we ARE going to try them!

Will that be possible if you don't buy into DVC? I'm not super informed about DVC and could be wrong, but I was under the impression that DVC members get first shot at DVC rooms, and they're only available to cash-paying guests if DVC doesn't snap them all up. If that's true (?), given the popularity of the Poly and the limited number of bungalows, I figure I won't have a chance to try it without buying in.

I don't really want to buy into DVC (though I haven't completely ruled it out), but I'm super bummed that Disney is taking all the Tahiti rooms out of inventory. That has been our favored longhouse when we can afford TPV for about 20 years now. Given the cost, I'm not thrilled with the other non-concierge theme park views, and CL is too expensive. I think we'll be exclusively garden view from now on, with a high preference for balcony rooms. Our strong balcony preference is another reason I'm super bummed that they're taking Tahiti and maybe Rapa Nui out of inventory, as is our preference to be near the TTC.

 

[momtobrynncess]

Will that be possible if you don't buy into DVC? I'm not super informed about DVC and could be wrong, but I was under the impression that DVC members get first shot at DVC rooms, and they're only available to cash-paying guests if DVC doesn't snap them all up. If that's true (?), given the popularity of the Poly and the limited number of bungalows, I figure I won't have a chance to try it without buying in.

I don't really want to buy into DVC (though I haven't completely ruled it out), but I'm super bummed that Disney is taking all the Tahiti rooms out of inventory. That has been our favored longhouse when we can afford TPV for about 20 years now. Given the cost, I'm not thrilled with the other non-concierge theme park views, and CL is too expensive. I think we'll be exclusively garden view from now on, with a high preference for balcony rooms. Our strong balcony preference is another reason I'm super bummed that they're taking Tahiti and maybe Rapa Nui out of inventory, as is our preference to be near the TTC.

Interesting.....I didn't stop for a minute to think they would be part of the DVC. My initial thought process was simply that they would be enhancements to the property-kind of like Club Level or a Suite. I didn't stop to think they would be DVC. And who know? Maybe they will or maybe they won't. It will be interesting to see.

DVC isn't really on the radar for us. We have done the tour, heard the song and dance and crunched the numbers more than once. It just didn't make sense financially for us, based on where we like to stay. So if they do end up being DVC, I'll still be happy to just be at my normal Poly standard view, and still love it.

 

[Cobern]

Will that be possible if you don't buy into DVC? I'm not super informed about DVC and could be wrong, but I was under the impression that DVC members get first shot at DVC rooms, and they're only available to cash-paying guests if DVC doesn't snap them all up. If that's true (?), given the popularity of the Poly and the limited number of bungalows, I figure I won't have a chance to try it without buying in.

I don't really want to buy into DVC (though I haven't completely ruled it out), but I'm super bummed that Disney is taking all the Tahiti rooms out of inventory. That has been our favored longhouse when we can afford TPV for about 20 years now. Given the cost, I'm not thrilled with the other non-concierge theme park views, and CL is too expensive. I think we'll be exclusively garden view from now on, with a high preference for balcony rooms. Our strong balcony preference is another reason I'm super bummed that they're taking Tahiti and maybe Rapa Nui out of inventory, as is our preference to be near the TTC.

I don't think so. We have a trip booked for January 2014. We are renting a 2 bedroom villa at BLT. We are doing a cash reservation through Disney. We also had the optin of one at the VGF, but it does not appeal to me decor wise with 2 kids under the age of 4.

DVC does get first dibs, but at I think the 7 month mark from date of check out (please someone correct me if I am wrong) they release the unrented ones by DVC to be reserved with cash not points.

 

[Jennygt]

Who knows, maybe it's a signature restaurant over the water.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

That would make more sense, I just don't see staying over that yuck water?

 

[DznyCrzy11]

That would make more sense, I just don't see staying over that yuck water?

I think that's what they should do. I mean Poly is the only deluxe resort without a signature restaurant and not sure how they would add one to the GCH.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[Jennygt]

I think that's what they should do. I mean Poly is the only deluxe resort without a signature restaurant and not sure how they would add one to the GCH.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

That would be nice

 

[bluejasmine]

I think the way Disneys sees it both restaurants at Poly are very popular they really don't need a signature restaurant..

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979

 

[jennylyn_b]

I don't think so. We have a trip booked for January 2014. We are renting a 2 bedroom villa at BLT. We are doing a cash reservation through Disney. We also had the optin of one at the VGF, but it does not appeal to me decor wise with 2 kids under the age of 4.

DVC does get first dibs, but at I think the 7 month mark from date of check out (please someone correct me if I am wrong) they release the unrented ones by DVC to be reserved with cash not points.

That is not correct. People who own at Poly will be able to book 11 months out and the dvc members that own elsewhere (SSR Blt etc) can book at 7 months out. Disney retains ownership of a small percentage and when members trade out for rci or dcl or abd then that inventory gets released for cash reservations.