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

[blackmamba10000]

I just booked a room only for May club level. I was told over the phone, that during my visit, Neverland would be closed, there would be some construction to the Beach, and sunset point. I should have asked if club level was still in Hawaii building. Does anyone know if it is still?

 

[Masonmj84]

I just booked a room only for May club level. I was told over the phone, that during my visit, Neverland would be closed, there would be some construction to the Beach, and sunset point. I should have asked if club level was still in Hawaii building. Does anyone know if it is still?

We will also be at the Poly over that time frame.

I'm not so bothered by the known/existing construction (plan to request a longhouse on the opposite side of the resort) so the main wildcard would seem to be potential GCH construction.

Read a couple of recent rumors about this (these were allegedly from GCH CMs to someone other than Tikiman, so I'm not sure how much stock to put in them):

(1) The removal of the water feature is "imminent" (not sure what "imminent" means in this context - we all know they plan to remove it at some point).

(2) Trader Sam's will go where the Wyland Galleries store was (this conflicts with other reports that the Wyland Galleries space will be used for some sort of DVC-related check in desk - it also conflicts with my assumption that Trader Sam's would be more of a stand-alone structure closer to the pool).

 

[lpizzuro123]

We love watching Wishes from the beach at the Poly. Are there any photos out there showing where the construction is from above (like robo maps)?

I have looked through most of this thread - but have not made it through the whole thing.

Thanks,
Linda

 

[Tikiman]

There is some information that came out today that GCH work may start in March and complete in December but I have not gotten confirmation on that.

The water feature will be removed at some point in the redesign of the first floor of the GCH.

No one involved in the project has ever told me that Trader Sam’s will go where Wyland Gallery was. I think that is just rumor that has come up from Wyland Closing and it being next to Captain Cook’s. I was told that it will go outside where the patio of Captain Cook’s is now once they redo that whole area but there is some speculation that TS may be cut from the plans all together (maybe another rumor).

The area where Wyland Gallery was will become something else eventually (word is that it will be some sort of ice cream or Dole Whip shop. Temporarily it is being looked at as check in for guests while they redo the current check in desk (Not DVC check in because DVC will not be open yet).

There is going to be a lot of different stories going around with CMs at the resort because they hear one thing or another or have guests that tell them what they heard and new stories and speculation comes from that. Most of the information on what is coming to the Polynesian is only with the contractors working on the projects, people higher up outside the Polynesian and Disney departments that are planning the changes. Even with the accurate information out there things change often so it is hard to keep up with the latest. The information most people are given about the buildings affected by construction and the kids club closed are communications that were sent out to Disney travel last year (some as far back as last October) and other people you call at Disney have no idea anything is going on. It is just a confusing time to plan a trip and know what will be happening.

I get a lot of questions about what will be under construction 4 to 8 months from now and other than knowing that work will be going far into 2015 it is hard to know what will be happening when. It is like asking what the weather will be like. We can guess that it will be hot, humid and afternoon rain but we really do not know until we look at the forecast the week before to know what exactly is going on.

I would not be surprised if there are projects that will be going on and have things closed that we don’t even know about.

 

[LaurEm378]

I just booked a room only for May club level. I was told over the phone, that during my visit, Neverland would be closed, there would be some construction to the Beach, and sunset point. I should have asked if club level was still in Hawaii building. Does anyone know if it is still?

I'm also staying there in May, and the person I've spoken to in concierge said club level will still be in the Hawaii building. No guarantees on how good or bad the view will be by then.

 

[summersalt]

Well Shucks! Yesterday, I booked a bounceback offer for lagoon view club level and now I find this thread. Construction and pool closure. Major bummer! How long is the pool suppose to be closed? I may be able to deal with the rest of the construction but definitely not the pool closure.

 

[Skywise]

There is some information that came out today that GCH work may start in March and complete in December but I have not gotten confirmation on that.

The water feature will be removed at some point in the redesign of the first floor of the GCH.

Any word on whether or not they're going to replace the water feature with something equivalent or just remove it altogether? (If it's only 10 months sounds like they'll keep the front entrance water fountains intact?)

 

[jaz0308]

There is some information that came out today that GCH work may start in March and complete in December but I have not gotten confirmation on that.

The water feature will be removed at some point in the redesign of the first floor of the GCH.

No one involved in the project has ever told me that Trader Sam’s will go where Wyland Gallery was. I think that is just rumor that has come up from Wyland Closing and it being next to Captain Cook’s. I was told that it will go outside where the patio of Captain Cook’s is now once they redo that whole area but there is some speculation that TS may be cut from the plans all together (maybe another rumor).

The area where Wyland Gallery was will become something else eventually (word is that it will be some sort of ice cream or Dole Whip shop. Temporarily it is being looked at as check in for guests while they redo the current check in desk (Not DVC check in because DVC will not be open yet).

There is going to be a lot of different stories going around with CMs at the resort because they hear one thing or another or have guests that tell them what they heard and new stories and speculation comes from that. Most of the information on what is coming to the Polynesian is only with the contractors working on the projects, people higher up outside the Polynesian and Disney departments that are planning the changes. Even with the accurate information out there things change often so it is hard to keep up with the latest. The information most people are given about the buildings affected by construction and the kids club closed are communications that were sent out to Disney travel last year (some as far back as last October) and other people you call at Disney have no idea anything is going on. It is just a confusing time to plan a trip and know what will be happening.

I get a lot of questions about what will be under construction 4 to 8 months from now and other than knowing that work will be going far into 2015 it is hard to know what will be happening when. It is like asking what the weather will be like. We can guess that it will be hot, humid and afternoon rain but we really do not know until we look at the forecast the week before to know what exactly is going on.

I would not be surprised if there are projects that will be going on and have things closed that we don’t even know about.

Just want to take a moment to thank you, Tikiman for the updates! I understand that plans change and nothing is guaranteed but it does help with planning when we get a head's up from you on what might be coming

 

[goofy Jr. 88]

Just want to take a moment to thank you, Tikiman for the updates! I understand that plans change and nothing is guaranteed but it does help with planning when we get a head's up from you on what might be coming

 

[TJA]

We checked out today. We were in Hawaii, 1st floor theme park view

Thank you very much for the detailed report. We are slated to be Hawaii in 2 months. We love the 1st floor TPV -- but your post has me re-thinking -- could you still sit on your patio with comfort, or was it not worth the cost due to construction? Do you have any pictures of the views from your patio? We were hoping for 1503 or nearby, which are the rooms close to the lounge.

 

[Skywise]

Thank you very much for the detailed report. We are slated to be Hawaii in 2 months. We love the 1st floor TPV -- but your post has me re-thinking -- could you still sit on your patio with comfort, or was it not worth the cost due to construction? Do you have any pictures of the views from your patio? We were hoping for 1503 or nearby, which are the rooms close to the lounge.

I was on the third floor TPV in Hawaii just before Christmas - The rooms furthest away from the lounge have some view blockage from the construction, especially on the first floor. But I'd say two or three rooms in and it becomes minimal then none at all. The worst at that point is some yellow piping and the new docks at the water level. The real question is what happens when the buildings go on the docks. If they're one story then I'd say the MK view will still be there with the building immediately below but I suspect it's going to be alot harder to see the Contemporary on the right.

 

[hawkdss]

There is some information that came out today that GCH work may start in March and complete in December but I have not gotten confirmation on that.

The water feature will be removed at some point in the redesign of the first floor of the GCH.

No one involved in the project has ever told me that Trader Sam’s will go where Wyland Gallery was. I think that is just rumor that has come up from Wyland Closing and it being next to Captain Cook’s. I was told that it will go outside where the patio of Captain Cook’s is now once they redo that whole area but there is some speculation that TS may be cut from the plans all together (maybe another rumor).

The area where Wyland Gallery was will become something else eventually (word is that it will be some sort of ice cream or Dole Whip shop. Temporarily it is being looked at as check in for guests while they redo the current check in desk (Not DVC check in because DVC will not be open yet).

There is going to be a lot of different stories going around with CMs at the resort because they hear one thing or another or have guests that tell them what they heard and new stories and speculation comes from that. Most of the information on what is coming to the Polynesian is only with the contractors working on the projects, people higher up outside the Polynesian and Disney departments that are planning the changes. Even with the accurate information out there things change often so it is hard to keep up with the latest. The information most people are given about the buildings affected by construction and the kids club closed are communications that were sent out to Disney travel last year (some as far back as last October) and other people you call at Disney have no idea anything is going on. It is just a confusing time to plan a trip and know what will be happening.

I get a lot of questions about what will be under construction 4 to 8 months from now and other than knowing that work will be going far into 2015 it is hard to know what will be happening when. It is like asking what the weather will be like. We can guess that it will be hot, humid and afternoon rain but we really do not know until we look at the forecast the week before to know what exactly is going on.

I would not be surprised if there are projects that will be going on and have things closed that we don’t even know about.

Steve,

The TA refurb website shows the following. Thought it would be of interest to you:


Disney's Polynesian Resort


General Construction

Dec. 2013 - Mar. 2015


Monorail - Magic Kingdom Resort - Restricted Service - Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available.

Jan. 21 - Mar. 21, 2014


The Never Land Club

Jan. 28 - Apr. 27, 2014


Capt. Cook's - alternate Dining Experience available

Mar. - Jun. 2014


Great Ceremonial House - Lobby

Mar. - Dec. 2014

 

[ElenaJane]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. Wonder what "alternative dining experience available" means! Like you can eat your tonga toast, but only if you wear a hardhat? Hmmmm.

 

[maiapapaya]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. Wonder what "alternative dining experience available" means! Like you can eat your tonga toast, but only if you wear a hardhat? Hmmmm.

Maybe they'll be bringing Handy Manny over for the special construction dining experience! LOL

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Steve,

The TA refurb website shows the following. Thought it would be of interest to you:


Disney's Polynesian Resort


General Construction

Dec. 2013 - Mar. 2015


Monorail - Magic Kingdom Resort - Restricted Service - Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available.

Jan. 21 - Mar. 21, 2014


The Never Land Club

Jan. 28 - Apr. 27, 2014


Capt. Cook's - alternate Dining Experience available

Mar. - Jun. 2014


Great Ceremonial House - Lobby

Mar. - Dec. 2014

Interesting....no mention of volcano pool in there, maybe that falls under 'general construction', but I would think they would include that in this list since it's a major attraction at the resort.

Perhaps I missed it, but is there any 'new' information on the pool situations?

Thanks you Poly pals~

 

[Tikiman]

Steve,

The TA refurb website shows the following. Thought it would be of interest to you:


Disney's Polynesian Resort


General Construction

Dec. 2013 - Mar. 2015


Monorail - Magic Kingdom Resort - Restricted Service - Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available.

Jan. 21 - Mar. 21, 2014


The Never Land Club

Jan. 28 - Apr. 27, 2014


Capt. Cook's - alternate Dining Experience available

Mar. - Jun. 2014


Great Ceremonial House - Lobby

Mar. - Dec. 2014

Looks about right to me for some of the things that have been posted on the internal Disney Schedule.

I keep seeing the April dates for the kids club and then I get notification that it will be closed until the end of the year. It is confusing with what is going on with that so I think there is the possibility of opening in April but the date I saw was a little earlier.

The work to the GCH being from March to December was something a few people made me aware of last week and it looks like Captain Cook’s will be part of that initial start of work. When they say “Alternate dining experience” in the past that has meant that it will be closed and an alternate location will be set up with limited items. Last time they opened it up at the old Snack Isle next to Tangaroa Terrace.

You notice they still have not notified the TAs about the work on the pools, elevators and walkways that they submitted permits for.

Aloha
Steve

 

[Skywise]

You notice they still have not notified the TAs about the work on the pools, elevators and walkways that they submitted permits for.

Aloha
Steve

Does that imply they may skip the pool work this year? (Which might make sense... Redoing the lobby (which has to have some impact on Ohanas and Kona Cafe) AND captain cooks AND the main pool all at once really knocks down the "resort" aspect.

Any word on if they're going to replace the water feature with another water feature? (Does that include the outside front waterfall/fountain?)

Thanks for the update - I'm looking at pulling the trigger on being out there between Christmas and NYE - Here's hoping the lobby's done by then!

 

[DeeCeeSW]

Hoping to do a split stay in August--if only they would tell us WHEN in August they plan on working on the Volcano Pool!!!!!!

 

[Dowellfam]

REALLY want to stay at the Poly in August, but if the main pool is shut down, it's a deal breaker. Is there any way to get a final answer from Disney so I can finally choose my hotel?

 

[ndquinn]

[/QUOTE]Capt. Cook's - alternate Dining Experience available

Mar. - Jun. 2014


Great Ceremonial House - Lobby

Mar. - Dec. 2014[/QUOTE]


Hi everyone, I just noticed that people have been posting updates about Cap't Cook's closing and construction in the GCH beginning this March. Does anyone know if this means beginning 3/1?? We are heading there 3/1-3/8, and I'm starting to get a bit nervous that there will be a lot of disruption. With two small children, this might be a deal breaker even though my heart is set on the Poly. I also don't want to look out at all construction, even though I know we won't be in the room a ton.
Thanks so much to everyone posting updates. This is a great forum/ site!!
P.S. I'm sorry that I don't think I'm quoting correctly!