Poly Club Level Reviews

[BreezysMom]

Hi all!

I spend lots of time on the Poly thread but wanted to get some honest and first hand opinions of the Poly Club Level experience from the DIS experts. I have heard great and not so great reviews lately and have a trip planned for early March. We have stayed at the Poly twice before.

Here are my thoughts....pro and con
DH and I really don't like ADR's. We are not fans of being somewhere at a certain time to eat, especially if me may not be hungry. We do like small breakfasts and the evening selections are appealing. We are not huge drinkers, but would certainly make use of the selections in moderation.

Lunch tends to be our biggest meal of the day so that would be the meal we could wing most days using CS or whatever moves us to try that day.

Staying GV because I don't feel the cost of a LV room is worth it but with the lounge and beach to watch fireworks and so forth. A TPV room seems so appealing to me. DH and DD are the CL votes. 2 to 1 and I lose. I love the location of the Hawaii building though! We do spend a great deal of time at the resort during our trips.

My initial IPO experience has been so so. When I inquired about having a Autograph Book and other items placed in the room prior to arrival I was told to contact the Disney Florist I really did not want one of those gift baskets but just a few items.

I have read that the service is going steadily downhill for a while now.

I have a great TA that will make my ADR's.

I have gone back and forth with this decision for months now! I would like reviews from people who have stayed and PAID (sorry to leave out Pixie dust people) for Club Level at the Poly. Is it worth it???

Money is not the issue because if we do not stay CL we will stay TPV which is actually a bit more than GVCL.

OK...discuss

 

[Tess]

Hi all!

I spend lots of time on the Poly thread but wanted to get some honest and first hand opinions of the Poly Club Level experience from the DIS experts. I have heard great and not so great reviews lately and have a trip planned for early March. We have stayed at the Poly twice before.

Here are my thoughts....pro and con
DH and I really don't like ADR's. We are not fans of being somewhere at a certain time to eat, especially if me may not be hungry. We do like small breakfasts and the evening selections are appealing. We are not huge drinkers, but would certainly make use of the selections in moderation.

Lunch tends to be our biggest meal of the day so that would be the meal we could wing most days using CS or whatever moves us to try that day.

Staying GV because I don't feel the cost of a LV room is worth it but with the lounge and beach to watch fireworks and so forth. A TPV room seems so appealing to me. DH and DD are the CL votes. 2 to 1 and I lose. I love the location of the Hawaii building though! We do spend a great deal of time at the resort during our trips.

My initial IPO experience has been so so. When I inquired about having a Autograph Book and other items placed in the room prior to arrival I was told to contact the Disney Florist I really did not want one of those gift baskets but just a few items.

I have read that the service is going steadily downhill for a while now.

I have a great TA that will make my ADR's.

I have gone back and forth with this decision for months now! I would like reviews from people who have stayed and PAID (sorry to leave out Pixie dust people) for Club Level at the Poly. Is it worth it???

Money is not the issue because if we do not stay CL we will stay TPV which is actually a bit more than GVCL.

OK...discuss

So what, you don't trust us now! LOL

I won't bother with my review, I think you've probably read where I stand.

I would tell you though that if you want specific items in your room, tell IPO you do NOT want anything from Disney Florist. Rather, you would prefer that they select the items you have requested and place them in your room.

I ran into this issue two years ago and was not pleased. I definitely did not want an overpriced flower arrangement or other edibles--I wanted specific items that were easily procured in the Polynesian gift shops. Once I reiterated that I wanted these specific items and NOT Disney Florist, the IPO CMs relented and took my CC # and purchased the merchandise.

I have heard from CMs with the CL and IPO that they are not given enough time to "shop" as in days of old, but I have also heard from a CL manager that it is most certainly a requisite of the job. I think you are correct, cut backs in staff are to blame for some of the downturn in service. That said, this year all of the IPO CMs and Hawaii building CMs could not have been better!

Hope you get some good information from other non-Polynesian thread guests!

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

We stayed at Poly CL in January, no pixie dust here, we paid outright The lounge was great expescially for breakfast, watching wishes from the lounge is one of our fondest wdw memories, the staff was excellent, it was so nice to have someone right there to help us when we needed it. I really liked IPO helping with adr's and other activities, that was the best part to me. That being said, we probably will not stay CL again, it really wasn't worth it to us for the money. We've had more fun and paid less for better trips that I've planned and booked than our Poly CL one that IPO assisted with. That's the simple truth of it for us.

 

[BreezysMom]

So what, you don't trust us now! LOL
Hope you get some good information from other non-Polynesian thread guests!

Oh Tess, I love my Poly peeps!

Thanks for the info on the gift shop items. That helps!

 

[Tonyspad]

We have stayed at the Poly in a GVCL room three times over the past four years. We love the location of the Hawaii building, help from the CL cast members, riding in the golf cart (missed it once). the food offerings, basically everything !!!

We tried the BWI CL and it did not compare.

 

[huntconn]

We absolutely love Poly CL! There's no way I could say if it's "worth it" or not though. Much of what you are paying for are intangible things that you can't place a dollar amount on. For example, having the ability to walk down the hall from your room and grab a cold soda is worth way more to me than the dollar amount of said soda. We eat breakfast in the lounge every morning but we are not big breakfast eaters. If you are you will be dissapointed by the offerings. Many evenings our dinner is the offering in the lounge. Bottom line is, you should probably just give it a try. We did that and now can barely imagine not staying CL. We love it that much. We'll be there in less than a week

 

[soulmates]

With all that said, I CANNOT wait to start planning our NEXT trip!! We've basically decided on a split stay next year, CR/ Poly and it WILL be club level. Woot woot, I'm ready to start planning!!

 

[PRaffen]

The Polynesian is my favorite resort. I've done club level and regular stays there, and I have to say I love the extras when staying club level - being met at the bell stand, not having to wait in long lines to check-in, enjoying the lounge during the day, having someone available to answer my questions, turndown service, the pre-trip help with ADR's and requests, etc.

But is it worth the money? Hmmm ... such a personal choice. For me, vacation is all about being pampered so to me it's worth it. It also depends how much time during your trip will you be at the resort. If it's only to sleep and you're commando park types, then - no - it wouldn't be "worth" it. But if you plan to spend several afternoons lounging at the resort and several evenings enjoying the night time appetizers and cordials, then I think you'd find it very much "worth" it.

Wherever you stay at the Poly, I know you will have a wonderful trip. Just walking the grounds is relaxing and enjoyable. Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here is a link to my Polynesian Club Level review from December 2007.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23240503&postcount=200

 

[J'aime Paris]

We have stayed CL at Grand Floridian, Poly, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Poly wins hands down for us!! (We've stayed here 4 times CL and an additional 3 times non CL.)
AKL was our #2, and sadly GF was our #3 even though it was most expensive.

 

[BreezysMom]

Thanks all! I appreciate the feed back.

After a very long day at American Girl Place in downtown Chicago I so wish I was sitting in the Poly lounge enjoying a cocktail as we speak!

I have decided to not over think this any longer. I love the Poly and this will just make our next stay that much more better.

We have already booked a room only reservation, so let the countdown begin!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

We are staying Poly CLGV in October. This is a huge trip for us. We are going to surprise my parents with the CL part. They do not go anywhere, ever. I have read some mixed reviews as well and have been concerned. After these wonderful reviews, I am not looking back. We are going for it and I will expect little, my room and some food offerings, and appreciate the view from the lounge. Everything else will be magic!

 

[tinkerrn]

Thank you so much for asking this question. I have not stayed at the POLY CL, but have been debating if we should or not. I have also read the 'not so great' reviwes of late.

 

[huntconn]

We are staying Poly CLGV in October. This is a huge trip for us. We are going to surprise my parents with the CL part. They do not go anywhere, ever. I have read some mixed reviews as well and have been concerned. After these wonderful reviews, I am not looking back. We are going for it and I will expect little, my room and some food offerings, and appreciate the view from the lounge. Everything else will be magic!

You seem to have a very positive outlook so I'm sure you won't be disappointed with CL. Once you walk up to the 2 story window in the lounge for the first time and look out over the lagoon and castle, you will be hooked. I promise! Remember...IMO you're paying for convenience and "Disney magic", not luxury.

 

[ppony]

Sorry this reply is late, I had it typed up ready to post when the boards went down last night. I thought I'd post anyway.

We have also stayed at GF, Poly and AKL at club level (or at that time they called it concierge).
Now the last time we stayed at the Poly it was that level and much has probabley changed. One thing we thought the Poly had the BEST of in the way of concierge level stuff was that it was its own building. That ROCKED. I liked the GF having a floor for that level in the main building anyway...I'm unfamiliar w/ anything else there w/ respect to that level). It felt like a special thing when it was it's own building or floor. At the AKL it didn't feel special other than the access to the lounge and the IPs before hand. But don't get me wrong, the ALK is still our favorite resort on property so far.
As far as the CMs go though at the Poly at that level, we had requested few simple items for a very special occasion to be in our room and they didn't do them. We had asked for 3 dozen balloons and a huge stuffed Stitch. I had even gotten an e-mail from whomever it was at the time saying she was about to go shopping for my items and yet, nothing. I went to the front desk in tears (as I said, it was a very special occasion and I had kept it a secret from my family) and they ended up sending 5 balloons and one small $20 size Stitch. I know they had the right information on our reservation because they had confirmed it with me earlier. They just dropped the ball. The CMs were never very friendly when we spoke to them either. I only go back there because I love the theming of all the resorts on the monorail. It could have just been a bad series of events and my very bad luck. We stayed in a GV room as well and I tell you, I would have rather overlooked a parking lot or had a ton of shrubs in my window that the view I had. I don't think I'd do that building w/o a LV again. But I'm not likely to do that level again there.

The CMs at the AKL concierge were helpful prior to getting there but not too much so for us when we arrived and wanted to meet w/ them there. I also didn't care for having the lounge on a differnt floor and far away from our room. Personal perference there. The coffee machine though was da BOMB! I made iced flavored lattes for us each day beofre we left for the parks.

As for the "worth it", my canned reply for anyone asking that is if you have to ask, then no, probably not. It's a personal opinon for each and every person. No one will be able to tell anyone else if it is worth it to them. They have to decide on their own if the things they know they'll get will be "worth it" for them. They only way to know if have a good idea of what kind of things you like and if they wound good then try it.
If getting something tangible for each dollar is something to worry about, then the things that have been mentioned earlier that are what some people really enjoy about that level, might not appeal. We LOVE the extras. When they are actually done right. Our first experience w/ concierge was a complimentary upgrade at the GF in their main building suites and holy buckets, THAT was doing things right. So I've compared from there. We'll eventually try the others. Some day. We're trying that level on the DCL next.

 

[hrt2hrtmomdeb]

My family and I have stayed Poly CL multiple times and have always had an amazing stay. We took my grandfather there for his 80th birthday and even though we made no special requests they definitely sprinkled a lot of pixie dust on us! I can't wait to spend my honeymoon with my new hubby in October at the Poly LV CL!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

As far as the CMs go though at the Poly at that level, we had requested few simple items for a very special occasion to be in our room and they didn't do them. We had asked for 3 dozen balloons and a huge stuffed Stitch. I had even gotten an e-mail from whomever it was at the time saying she was about to go shopping for my items and yet, nothing. I went to the front desk in tears (as I said, it was a very special occasion and I had kept it a secret from my family) and they ended up sending 5 balloons and one small $20 size Stitch. I know they had the right information on our reservation because they had confirmed it with me earlier. They just dropped the ball. The CMs were never very friendly when we spoke to them either. I only go back there because I love the theming of all the resorts on the monorail. It could have just been a bad series of events and my very bad luck. We stayed in a GV room as well and I tell you, I would have rather overlooked a parking lot or had a ton of shrubs in my window that the view I had. I don't think I'd do that building w/o a LV again. But I'm not likely to do that level again there.

To be fair the Cast Members that messed up was the Polynesian IPO Cast Members, who handle all requests before you arrive and they have nothing to do with the Club Level Cast Members who work at the Polynesian since they work at a different location.

 

[ppony]

To be fair the Cast Members that messed up was the Polynesian IPO Cast Members, who handle all requests before you arrive and they have nothing to do with the Club Level Cast Members who work at the Polynesian since they work at a different location.

I really don't think they are a separate issue since we are paying for their work as well. IMO, location really isn't relevant until you are actually there and there is a good deal you pay for before you arrive. If I'm not mistaken, the IPOs are also part of your bennies at that level yes? If the people that should have been taking care of the planning and wish fulfillments beforehand fell down on the job then why did they not try to make it right? I had to go to the front desk in the main lobby and cry it out there. the people in the concierge building did nothing nor cared to. They also weren't the only people that didn't live up to the job. The women I spoke to in the front "office" where you walk in were less than helpful and very blasé. Before anyone thinks I'm high maintenance, I'm most certainly not. I don't ask much but I do expect to be treated cordially. I'm Minnesota Nice, it's not too much to expect the same at that level.

I'm not dissing all of the Poly Coneirge. There are or were quite a few things done right there as I mentioned. Most notably, the separate building.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I really don't think they are a separate issue since we are paying for their work as well. IMO, location really isn't relevant until you are actually there and there is a good deal you pay for before you arrive. If I'm not mistaken, the IPOs are also part of your bennies at that level yes? If the people that should have been taking care of the planning and wish fulfillments beforehand fell down on the job then why did they not try to make it right? I had to go to the front desk in the main lobby and cry it out there. the people in the concierge building did nothing nor cared to. They also weren't the only people that didn't live up to the job. The women I spoke to in the front "office" where you walk in were less than helpful and very blasé. Before anyone thinks I'm high maintenance, I'm most certainly not. I don't ask much but I do expect to be treated cordially. I'm Minnesota Nice, it's not too much to expect the same at that level.

I'm not dissing all of the Poly Coneirge. There are or were quite a few things done right there as I mentioned. Most notably, the separate building.

Yes you are correct that the IPO Cast Members are there for you to help with anything you need before you arrive, which is part of the Club Level experience. You are also right that there is no excuse for any Cast Member to be rude because someone dropped the ball and did not follow through on the things you were told that they were getting you and I am sure you pre-paid them for those things right? I guess things would easier if the IPO Cast Members and Club Level Cast Members were the same, however then how could the Club Level Cast Members help the guests which are already there?

 

[ppony]

Yes you are correct that the IPO Cast Members are there for you to help with anything you need before you arrive, which is part of the Club Level experience. You are also right that there is no excuse for any Cast Member to be rude because someone dropped the ball and did not follow through on the things you were told that they were getting you and I am sure you pre-paid them for those things right? I guess things would easier if the IPO Cast Members and Club Level Cast Members were the same, however then how could the Club Level Cast Members help the guests which are already there?

I agree. I'd be cheesed if I were working there IN the building and had to pick up where someone else had fallen down. It would make me uber crabby. Which is why I can't work w/ the public. There are only so many of them go go around. It was just as I said, my luck I'm sure.

And yes, we gave them our credit card number before they went shopping and of course, didn't see the statement until we came home.

The good thing is though, this was about 5 years ago. So things may have changed big time. Who knows.

SO! Hows the CR CL? One of the next I'll try. (okay, seperate thread, but I've got the biggest fan on "the horn". I could help it. )