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

[karriealex]

I wonder if there will be any extra incentives to book a room at the Poly during the construction and pool closing. We were planning on the end of June next year but are kind of on the fence now.

I don't think they will. As far as I have been told they did not do it when they worked on the Grand Floridian.

 

[SRiley1985]

Just changed out ressie for next year. We will be staying at the Poly 8/24-8/30. I'm not really worried about the pool situation. I'm sure there will be a shuttle to the GF or we can walk over there to use their pool. That's usually what happens in the event of a pool closure at other resorts. We are just going to roll with it

 

[Stuarotra]

My husband and I just booked August 19th to 23rd yesterday. We discussed the construction and the pool situation and decided that it wouldn't bother us to go to the quiet pool or to walk to the GF. We don't have any young children. If we did, then I think it would make a difference.

 

[karriealex]

My husband and I just booked August 19th to 23rd yesterday. We discussed the construction and the pool situation and decided that it wouldn't bother us to go to the quiet pool or to walk to the GF. We don't have any young children. If we did, then I think it would make a difference.

I don't think your or the poster above you will be sorry you did. The Poly is just magical.

 

[Stuarotra]

I don't think your or the poster above you will be sorry you did. The Poly is just magical.

Thank you, we are really looking forward to it.

 

[mommyrosa2]

As much as my youngest DD really wanted the Poly next August to celebrate her sweet 16, having the main pool down was a deal breaker for her (and we let her decide). Her 2nd choice was the GF which we did finally book today but we did promise to book the Poly when she graduates high school in 2016 - hopefully the Poly will be done by then.

 

[mickeynut1]

I haven't been following this thread much as we decided to book else where for our March trip so forgive me if this has already been discussed in detail, but after skimming the last few pages and reading posts about the pool not closing until May (thought it was going to be closed late March-August), I'm starting to rethink the Poly for March. Does anyone know if it will indeed be closed as early as March or has it been pushed back to May ? We are booked at the CR in March and although construction at the Poly wouldn't bother us, the pool is a deal breaker as we not only spend a lot of time poolside, but the volcano pool is our favorite pool on property and I would hate to book there and not be able to use the main pool. I know Poly guests will most likely be shuttled (or can walk) over to the GF to use that pool, but one of the main reasons for staying at the Poly (for us) is the pool. Plus, going somewhere else to swim isn't something we would want to do. We were actually booked at the GF and just switched to the CR the other day, but would change to the Poly should the pool closure not happen until May. TIA for any input anyone can give .

 

[Tikiman]

I haven't been following this thread much as we decided to book else where for our March trip so forgive me if this has already been discussed in detail, but after skimming the last few pages and reading posts about the pool not closing until May (thought it was going to be closed late March-August), I'm starting to rethink the Poly for March. Does anyone know if it will indeed be closed as early as March or has it been pushed back to May ? We are booked at the CR in March and although construction at the Poly wouldn't bother us, the pool is a deal breaker as we not only spend a lot of time poolside, but the volcano pool is our favorite pool on property and I would hate to book there and not be able to use the main pool. I know Poly guests will most likely be shuttled (or can walk) over to the GF to use that pool, but one of the main reasons for staying at the Poly (for us) is the pool. Plus, going somewhere else to swim isn't something we would want to do. We were actually booked at the GF and just switched to the CR the other day, but would change to the Poly should the pool closure not happen until May. TIA for any input anyone can give .

I have never heard anyone involved with the construction or the Polynesian ever say May as a closing date. Originally I heard short shut down in January and then long shutdown in March. I know there are some things going on that may change the dates for when the pool will close but last week people who work at the Polynesian said they were told to be prepared for the pool to close January 8 and be closed a year. I don’t think we will know for sure until the end of the year any more details on when exactly it will happen.

 

[mickeynut1]

I have never heard anyone involved with the construction or the Polynesian ever say May as a closing date. Originally I heard short shut down in January and then long shutdown in March. I know there are some things going on that may change the dates for when the pool will close but last week people who work at the Polynesian said they were told to be prepared for the pool to close January 8 and be closed a year. I don’t think we will know for sure until the end of the year any more details on when exactly it will happen.

Thanks so much. I think we will stick with the CR in March and maybe book the Poly for a few nights in December when swimming won't be as important to us that time of year. Thanks for all of your information regarding the Poly.

 

[Babsy]

Thanks so much. I think we will stick with the CR in March and maybe book the Poly for a few nights in December when swimming won't be as important to us that time of year. Thanks for all of your information regarding the Poly.

We just came back from a stay at the CR with TPV. We LOVED the CR. I know the theming is not as immersive as other WDW resorts, but the view was amazing, the rooms were simply the most comfortable that we have stayed in at WDW and we really enjoyed the swimming pool with its view over Bay Lake. It was serene poolside and we were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed the pool area. We thought it much nicer live than it appeared when pictured on the internet.

We visited the Poly and thought that it is indeed in need of some work. It looked a little run down to us. Originally, I was disappointed about the construction interfering with our plans to stay at the POLY, but we had a great time at the CR and now I am happy that they are doing some much needed work in this beautiful resort.

I suppose that I have changed from the "sorry the Poly is being changed" to the "excited that it is being updated" group.

Enjoy your upcoming trips. The construction at the Poly didn't look bad at all to us at the moment.

 

[Circusgirl]

Some pictures from today:

Looking down into the construction area from the stairwell on the lagoon end of Tokelau:









From the lawn in front of the Hawaii longhouse, at about room #1505 (zoomed somewhat so you can see how the boardwalk relates to the castle view):



From the lawn toward the TTC end of Hawaii:



From the beach closer to the Volcano pool:





Hammocks are missing from the dock end of the beach:



The one remaining hammock on the beach:



From the perspective of the Hawaii longhouse, the boardwalk extends along the beach from the remains of Sunset Point to about four rooms from the lounge end of the building.

I am staying at the Grand this time. As much as I miss the Poly, it was definitely the right choice for me.

 

[DisneyFans2O14]

Awesome photo update, CircusGirl!

 

[mickeynut1]

We just came back from a stay at the CR with TPV. We LOVED the CR. I know the theming is not as immersive as other WDW resorts, but the view was amazing, the rooms were simply the most comfortable that we have stayed in at WDW and we really enjoyed the swimming pool with its view over Bay Lake. It was serene poolside and we were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed the pool area. We thought it much nicer live than it appeared when pictured on the internet.

We visited the Poly and thought that it is indeed in need of some work. It looked a little run down to us. Originally, I was disappointed about the construction interfering with our plans to stay at the POLY, but we had a great time at the CR and now I am happy that they are doing some much needed work in this beautiful resort.

I suppose that I have changed from the "sorry the Poly is being changed" to the "excited that it is being updated" group.

Enjoy your upcoming trips. The construction at the Poly didn't look bad at all to us at the moment.

Thank you so much for this . The CR has never appealed to us as the theme/decor is just plain (IMO), but the more I researched it and looked at pics, the more I wanted to stay there. The pool is a concern for me as I do agree with you that the pics don't look all that great, but maybe I will think differently once we actually experience it in person (like you did ). We do love everything about the Poly, but you are right......it is in need of some work and although I am one who loves the "old" Poly, I also can't wait to see what the updates look like. Thanks again for your review......the more I read things like this, the more I can't wait to try the CR .

Some pictures from today:

I am staying at the Grand this time. As much as I miss the Poly, it was definitely the right choice for me.

Thanks for the pics. I hope you are having a good time at the GF .

 

[Bonacker]

Phooey.

Volcano pool maybe closing Jan. 8?

I was really hoping the pool would still be open on Jan. 25th. (First trip to WDW, with our two small kids ages 4 and 6 --- one of them being rewarded with a swimming holiday, during a short "break" from the body cast he has to wear 24/7. Body cast has kept him from the water his entire young life, so swimming is huge for us.)

Still, we think, swimming at GF would be fun, too. And a boat to GF sounds fun. We're bringing wet suits for the kids, in case it's really cold.

Question: Do you think Disney will write to us, to give us notice if indeed the pool will be closed during our visit?

I really would love advance warning, since there could be tears --- from mom, if not from the kids! --- if it's a surprise at check-in. Kidding. ;-) Um, sort of... ;-)

I've asked the reservations phone-line people twice about the pool, and twice they've said, "Naw.... no... not closing."

I am almost more bummed about the Never Land Club being closed in January. That's almost a bigger deal, for us, cause the kids were looking forward to it, and shuffling for the night to another resort for kids' club isn't so appealing, since they're so young and moving around to too many new places kind of freaks 'em out!

Is the Never Land Club closing for sure?

Crud.

 

[mistysue]

We are now booked at the Poly August 17-29. The pool being closed is annoying but we'll get over it. How likely is it that one or more dining location will close? Are there certain ones we know will close, or is it all indefinite right now? We are actually choosing the Poly over the YC because it's too hard to get a quick breakfast at YC with my son's allergies. So are we switching just to find that we are going to get to the Poly and now have no CS AND no pool?

 

[JandLsMom]

I'm so overwhelmingly confused. Is the construction primarily based on the east side of the resort by Tahiti, or is there going to be more construction elsewhere on the resort (besides the pool and GCH)? I thought I read somewhere that there is yet another DVC building going in on the other side of the resort by Fiji (on the Grand Floridian side of the Poly). Any truth to this, Tikiman?

 

[karriealex]

I'm so overwhelmingly confused. Is the construction primarily based on the east side of the resort by Tahiti, or is there going to be more construction elsewhere on the resort (besides the pool and GCH)? I thought I read somewhere that there is yet another DVC building going in on the other side of the resort by Fiji (on the Grand Floridian side of the Poly). Any truth to this, Tikiman?

The one that was supposed to go in near Fiji has been scrapped. As far as we know now the only three DVC areas will be. Tahiti, Rapa Nui, and the bungalows in the water off Tahiti and Hawaii.

 

[Circusgirl]

Awesome photo update, CircusGirl!

Thanks for the pics. I hope you are having a good time at the GF .

You're most welcome. It is super fun to try a new resort and although I didn't expect to feel as at home at the Grand as I do at the Poly, I am enjoying everything about it. The rooms feel huge and luxurious despite the wear and tear that others have mentioned. I am trying not to get too attached to anything as a refurb is starting soon, but I especially love the comfy reading chair and picture of toys and classic books. The bathroom layout is terrific, and the room has better lighting than any hotel room I have had in recent history.

I am glad to hear you are getting excited about your CR stay. It is good to have new adventures!

 

[Disneyducks]

Currently enjoying the poly this week staying in raratonga 3rd fl w garden view rm of quiet pool. Nice scenery and indeed quiet even though next to GCH. We have a napping toddler that has had no issues sleeping. Nice large rooms and no noise from construction!

 

[mickeynut1]

You're most welcome. It is super fun to try a new resort and although I didn't expect to feel as at home at the Grand as I do at the Poly, I am enjoying everything about it. The rooms feel huge and luxurious despite the wear and tear that others have mentioned. I am trying not to get too attached to anything as a refurb is starting soon, but I especially love the comfy reading chair and picture of toys and classic books. The bathroom layout is terrific, and the room has better lighting than any hotel room I have had in recent history.

I am glad to hear you are getting excited about your CR stay. It is good to have new adventures!

Glad you're enjoying the GF . The Poly is our favorite overall, but I do still love the GF. It's a beautiful resort with a lot to offer and the rooms are a nice size. I can't wait to see the rooms after the refurbs that are supposed to take place sometime next year. The rooms are looking a little drab, but that happens with all resorts at some time or another and even with the room conditions (i.e., worn, etc), I think the GF is still a great place to stay.

Yes, I am getting excited about the CR and I agree that it is good to have new adventures .

Currently enjoying the poly this week staying in raratonga 3rd fl w garden view rm of quiet pool. Nice scenery and indeed quiet even though next to GCH. We have a napping toddler that has had no issues sleeping. Nice large rooms and no noise from construction!

Glad you're having a nice stay and enjoying the Poly .