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

[sparmeland]

Judging from what I'm reading here on this thread, the pool will not be open for my trip beginning April 9. My question is:

When will Disney send me official word? Will they give me an option to switch?

Thanks,

 

[Dizduke]

I'm wondering the same thing and my trip is in May. Booking on the discount will certainly present a problem. If I plan to switch last minute chances are I'll be paying rack rate somewhere else.

 

[Sue M]

We had a "family" meeting last night and everyone agreed main pool open is a must but no one cared if we had a "construction" view as we won't be spending much time in the room during the day anyways.

Both my DD's really want to stay at the Poly and we've already booked my youngest DD's senior photo shoot to take place at Poly and GF grounds soooo unless the pool isn't open, we all agreed we are not switching!! And while I normally won't stay ground level at any resort and usually request upper floor...I may just make an exception for this trip and actually request "ground floor away from construction" just to see if we get lucky enough with one of those rooms overlooking the water/bungalows...you never know!

As for upgrading...even though our agent told us we couldn't upgrade, we did try to pay for it twice. Once at the BC which was a no go but at least the CM was nice about it and again last year when we stayed at the GF (that CM was NOT the most pleasant in the bunch and we got a very stern NO ). But you are right Sue, Disney can & has upgraded "magical" folks so maybe we'll get lucky?! I'll still try .

I'll look forward to seeing you there!! I've requested a west side location so hopefully we will be away from east pool construction. Tikiman says it will be big. Expect heavy equipment. Hopefully by the time we get there most of the ground breaking will be over .

 

[Koh1977]

I am wondering what the impact will be on the new Studios on the East side…Thinking if we do switch to one, we'll splurge for Lake View…?

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Judging from what I'm reading here on this thread, the pool will not be open for my trip beginning April 9. My question is:

When will Disney send me official word? Will they give me an option to switch?

Thanks,

I'm wondering the same thing and my trip is in May. Booking on the discount will certainly present a problem. If I plan to switch last minute chances are I'll be paying rack rate somewhere else.

Disney will typically mail their construction notifications... I've seen some posts that share experiences as early as 60 days... and others, less than a month. More times than not, Disney won't even notify you.

The notifications are simply that... a piece of paper notifying you that there is construction/closure during your stay.

Calls to CRO are probably useless at this time... as many CMs are led to believe the pool will be open by 4/1 and therefore there's no inconvience to guests arriving there after.

Chances are, any concerns expressed will be answered with 'during pool closure, guests will have complimentary access to a Water Park'... as 'compensation' for the closure.

If you're having concerns... there's no harm in calling CRO and asking for options. Unfortunately, no one can really tell you what to expect... one guest may have a great experience, and another, a disappointing one.

I believe there was even a post a page or two back that mentioned expressing concerns upon check-in and being moved to AKL.

Guest A may call and have their discounted rate honored at another deluxe... and Guest B may call and be told there is a current compensation policy in effect and any resort change will result in loss of discounted rate.

I'm sorry I don't have a better answer.

I am wondering what the impact will be on the new Studios on the East side…Thinking if we do switch to one, we'll splurge for Lake View…?

Until Tokelau opens... the impact should be minimal, if any.

Half of the Standard View studios in Tokelau will overlook potential East Pool construction once that building opens in 'Summer' 2015.

Standard View Studios in Pago Pago and Moorea are well seperated from current construction projects, including the East Pool Construction.

While I don't think the 'need' for a Lake View upgrade is present... it's certainly a nice option if available. Simply for the view... not the fear of construction.

 

[mrsmarilyn]

Does anyone know if there are ANY working pools at the poly right now?

 

[Koh1977]

Does anyone know if there are ANY working pools at the poly right now?

The quiet pool is open right now as far as I know. After the main pool opens up, then it will close for its own construction.

 

[ThistleMae]

Does anyone know if I opt out of poly upon arrival and move to less expensive resort, will they refund my money?

 

[PAdislover]

hi, 1st post! our 2nd ever WDW family trip is planned for Poly (booked through the "magical Halloween offer" 10/24-11/1. standard view booked. We have never been to poly before but I have been studying tikimans website and following his FB page. I know east pool construction will be going on then and it's really hard to predict right now what construction will be like then. It makes me a little nervous but at the same time, I really am not interested in other hotels at this point. Just wondering, anyone else going in fall that is sitting tight with their res for now?

 

[tarak]

Some of the first floor rooms facing beach are now re categorized as GV because bungalows now block view.

When we stayed at GF on magical deal we got free upgrade. And my girlfriend got free upgrade at YC to quiet pool view.
I'd try for paid upgrade, some CMs may do it?

I'm fairly certain main pool will be open for us in Aug

We had a "family" meeting last night and everyone agreed main pool open is a must but no one cared if we had a "construction" view as we won't be spending much time in the room during the day anyways.

Both my DD's really want to stay at the Poly and we've already booked my youngest DD's senior photo shoot to take place at Poly and GF grounds soooo unless the pool isn't open, we all agreed we are not switching!! And while I normally won't stay ground level at any resort and usually request upper floor...I may just make an exception for this trip and actually request "ground floor away from construction" just to see if we get lucky enough with one of those rooms overlooking the water/bungalows...you never know!

As for upgrading...even though our agent told us we couldn't upgrade, we did try to pay for it twice. Once at the BC which was a no go but at least the CM was nice about it and again last year when we stayed at the GF (that CM was NOT the most pleasant in the bunch and we got a very stern NO ). But you are right Sue, Disney can & has upgraded "magical" folks so maybe we'll get lucky?! I'll still try .

Maybe I'll request a bungalow view, then.

My 180 ADR period opened on Tuesday, which was the day my youngest had surgery (her second since being born nearly three years ago). I honestly could not have cared less about getting a table at BOG and the more I think about it, the more I plan to stay put. If it's beyond awful when we get there, I'll see about switching resorts. But for now, I'll stay put. I made a reservation for Ohana this morning. My youngest loves Stitch. Only worry is whether Stitch is person will excite her or scare the bejeezus out of her.

 

[ThistleMae]

I'm booked at poly for thanksgiving week. I think the main pool will be all set but quiet pool will be completely overhauled. If I can avoid being anywhere near there, I hope to stick with it. If not, I will request another resort. I really have no other picks at the moment. Any suggestions for second choice?

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Does anyone know if I opt out of poly upon arrival and move to less expensive resort, will they refund my money?

The guest I mentioned who had switched from the Poly to AKL... did recieve a credit for the difference.

In her situation, she has paid rack rate for the Polynesian... and then rack rate for AKL. Disney credited her the difference.

Where it probably gets 'hazy' is when guests have booked on discounted rates.

I've read experiences where Disney honored AP rates... Meaning if you received an AP rate at the Poly... they'll offer an AP rate at the AKL, and credit the difference.

But I've read mixed experiences with publically discounted room rates. I'm not familiar enough with the system to know if Disney is able to view which rooms were available during your 'code' booking period.

Some guests have booked discounted rates... and only been offered rack rates as options... therefore a downgrade to another deluxe may be a wash.

Others have said managers and CMs have extended their 'discount' to any available resorts.

If it arises, be polite and explain your concerns. Don't wait for Disney to 'offer' you anything... ask for resort options... and don't go into the process with the expectation of a credit. A calm, cool, collected head will get you much farther!

For your dates... I really can't see an issue large enough to warrant a resort change though.

The Quiet Pool is expected to be finished 'Winter 2015'... which very well could be around your week. Knowing that, the bulk of heavy construction should be over and done with... and more along the lines of finishing touches.

... It makes me a little nervous but at the same time, I really am not interested in other hotels at this point. Just wondering, anyone else going in fall that is sitting tight with their res for now?

We're traveling in September... anxious... but holding onto our reservation.

Fearing construction views/noise from rooms overlooking the East Pool... we've requested Fiji.

The majority of Standard rooms at the Poly do NOT overlook the East Pool [construction.] Even if our request isn't granted... I still feel confident.

Given the construction timeline for that project... it seems like the resort is taking it 'nice and slow'... probably considering how small that courtyard really is. The entire South Side of Hawaii (Club Level) overlooks that area... I can't imagine they want to upset/loose their 'top paying' guests.

The current state of the resort... is nowhere near what you'll experience in October. There's a huge push for the April 1st DVC opening at the moment.

 

[tarak]

I'm booked at poly for thanksgiving week. I think the main pool will be all set but quiet pool will be completely overhauled. If I can avoid being anywhere near there, I hope to stick with it. If not, I will request another resort. I really have no other picks at the moment. Any suggestions for second choice?

I think my question would be why you picked the Poly in the first place. That would be helpful in suggesting alternates.

 

[sparmeland]

I'm sorry I don't have a better answer.

Thanks for your answer. It was very helful.

 

[Sue M]

Maybe I'll request a bungalow view, then.

My 180 ADR period opened on Tuesday, which was the day my youngest had surgery (her second since being born nearly three years ago). I honestly could not have cared less about getting a table at BOG and the more I think about it, the more I plan to stay put. If it's beyond awful when we get there, I'll see about switching resorts. But for now, I'll stay put. I made a reservation for Ohana this morning. My youngest loves Stitch. Only worry is whether Stitch is person will excite her or scare the bejeezus out of her.

I hope everything went well with the surgery. We've been to BOG twice for lunch and one dinner. If you get a good table it's ok, but food IMO is nothing special. I think O'Hana would be more fun! My 180 is Monday. I'm planing on a Dinner and breakfast there! And Kona. Love dining options at Poly.

 

[KateMW]

Can anybody link me to pics of the Poly villas? They're done right? Or most of them? Some of them? I'm so lost!

 

[Koh1977]

there's a YouTube video for sure…

That should be it?

 

[fterie4u]

We are booked right now for mid October Poly CL GV, in this category is it most likely we will be facing the construction? My son will be 20 months at the time and will need to take afternoon naps so this is a concern. If facing construction that closely maybe we should switch? But really want to stay at Poly! What are your thoughts?

 

[ThistleMae]

I think my question would be why you picked the Poly in the first place. That would be helpful in suggesting alternates.

I agree it would be helpful to have more details to receive recommendations. Hot tub....a must. A resort that does not require you to take buses everywhere you go, so some boat or monorail options. I don't care for the Contemporary or the Floridian. I don't care about a view of water or fireworks. Any recos would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[ThistleMae]

Y

The guest I mentioned who had switched from the Poly to AKL... did recieve a credit for the difference.

In her situation, she has paid rack rate for the Polynesian... and then rack rate for AKL. Disney credited her the difference.

Where it probably gets 'hazy' is when guests have booked on discounted rates.

I've read experiences where Disney honored AP rates... Meaning if you received an AP rate at the Poly... they'll offer an AP rate at the AKL, and credit the difference.

But I've read mixed experiences with publically discounted room rates. I'm not familiar enough with the system to know if Disney is able to view which rooms were available during your 'code' booking period.

Some guests have booked discounted rates... and only been offered rack rates as options... therefore a downgrade to another deluxe may be a wash.

Others have said managers and CMs have extended their 'discount' to any available resorts.

If it arises, be polite and explain your concerns. Don't wait for Disney to 'offer' you anything... ask for resort options... and don't go into the process with the expectation of a credit. A calm, cool, collected head will get you much farther!

For your dates... I really can't see an issue large enough to warrant a resort change though.

The Quiet Pool is expected to be finished 'Winter 2015'... which very well could be around your week. Knowing that, the bulk of heavy construction should be over and done with... and more along the lines of finishing touches.



We're traveling in September... anxious... but holding onto our reservation.

Fearing construction views/noise from rooms overlooking the East Pool... we've requested Fiji.

The majority of Standard rooms at the Poly do NOT overlook the East Pool [construction.] Even if our request isn't granted... I still feel confident.

Given the construction timeline for that project... it seems like the resort is taking it 'nice and slow'... probably considering how small that courtyard really is. The entire South Side of Hawaii (Club Level) overlooks that area... I can't imagine they want to upset/loose their 'top paying' guests.

The current state of the resort... is nowhere near what you'll experience in October. There's a huge push for the April 1st DVC opening at the moment.

The guest I mentioned who had switched from the Poly to AKL... did recieve a credit for the difference.

In her situation, she has paid rack rate for the Polynesian... and then rack rate for AKL. Disney credited her the difference.

Where it probably gets 'hazy' is when guests have booked on discounted rates.

I've read experiences where Disney honored AP rates... Meaning if you received an AP rate at the Poly... they'll offer an AP rate at the AKL, and credit the difference.

But I've read mixed experiences with publically discounted room rates. I'm not familiar enough with the system to know if Disney is able to view which rooms were available during your 'code' booking period.

Some guests have booked discounted rates... and only been offered rack rates as options... therefore a downgrade to another deluxe may be a wash.

Others have said managers and CMs have extended their 'discount' to any available resorts.

If it arises, be polite and explain your concerns. Don't wait for Disney to 'offer' you anything... ask for resort options... and don't go into the process with the expectation of a credit. A calm, cool, collected head will get you much farther!

For your dates... I really can't see an issue large enough to warrant a resort change though.

The Quiet Pool is expected to be finished 'Winter 2015'... which very well could be around your week. Knowing that, the bulk of heavy construction should be over and done with... and more along the lines of finishing touches.



We're traveling in September... anxious... but holding onto our reservation.

Fearing construction views/noise from rooms overlooking the East Pool... we've requested Fiji.

The majority of Standard rooms at the Poly do NOT overlook the East Pool [construction.] Even if our request isn't granted... I still feel confident.

Given the construction timeline for that project... it seems like the resort is taking it 'nice and slow'... probably considering how small that courtyard really is. The entire South Side of Hawaii (Club Level) overlooks that area... I can't imagine they want to upset/loose their 'top paying' guests.

The current state of the resort... is nowhere near what you'll experience in October. There's a huge push for the April 1st DVC opening at the moment.

Thank you typhoonlagooner for your articulate answer to my question about changing resorts. I'm encouraged by your speculations and am hoping you are correct. I will definitely work with the resort, with respectful concerns...and based on my experiences with Disney in the past, they have been very accommodating. I got a great rate on the room, so I don't believe I would be loosing anything to switch somewhere else. I'm not on the dinning plan either, so no worries. Again, thanks for taking the time to give me hope that Poly will be just fine! Have a magical day!