Poly greatly over rated

[Aliceacc]

Oops, forgot to add:

Any authentic Polynesian resort would probably be located a bit closer to the ocean, wouldn't it?? Obviously authenticity isn't what they had in mind.

All that said, I agree that the OP was merely stating an opinon... warning others who might have come into this with the same expectations for authenticity that he had. I can appreciate his point of view(and thanks for the warning), but my expectations were different to begin with.

Let's not forget: Disney's primary spokesman is a big talking mouse. Authenticity pretty much bit the dust when they opened Disneyland.

 

[kaysmommie]

I do believe the original poster is just sharing his own opinion and shouldn't be snapped at for it. I didn't read anything insincere unless you don't like the word swanky.
Having never stayed at the Poly, but always dreaming to, I have always wondered if my impressions would be marred because I have been to Hawaii. I fell in love with the place and fear that I'd have too high of an expectation for Disney to recreate my favorite place on earth (besides WDW). Anyhow, his post doesn't damage my opinion of the Poly. I still believe it's probably a great place to stay and if someone has a less than stellar review, who cares.

His opinion doesn't really count since he didn't even actaully stay at the Poly. He ate dinner there and walked around . I agree with Seaspray and there was nothing harsh in her post. I agree though it doesn't damage my opinion of the Poly .

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I don't think that Disney is going for absolute accuracy in its theming. I think they're trying to evoke a mood, not be a textbook model. So, as much as Epcot is NOT Europe, the Poly does not attempt to be an accurate Hawaiian (or even Polynesian) resort. Instead, I think they attempt to re-create the spirit of those places.

I agree with this; but I don't take seriously someone who starts to bash a resort that they haven't even stayed at, and who is new to the boards. If you've been lurking for a long time here then you realize that trolls will post in a very similar manner. Sorry, it's just the way it is.

This is why I also think he doesn't have much credibility. It's not so much that he's new, but more so that his first few posts are very controversial. That is exactly what people who "troll" on Internet forums do.

 

[eliza61]

Aloha,
As a 15-year resident of Hawaii I was greatly disappointed in the Poly. It is really hyped by the Poly Lovers and the Poly failed to meet my expectations. Why?

1. From a HI resident point of view the Poly is very tacky. I was just shocked. It is way below WDW standards WRT accuracy.
2. Ohana. Way over the top. As for the food. No Hawaiian dishes. No terriyaki beef or chicken. No Filipino rice. Mashed potatoes? You have got to be kidding me!
3. Lack of hawaiian residents. So many WDW resorts (AKL, CSR, etc) have employees from the areas their resort represents. However, not the Poly (except for perhaps the swanky and silly Luau show).
4. Poor pool. The Grand and CSR pools are far superior.

My family and I were glad we didn't book the Poly. If you like a swanky over the top Hawaii theme then the Poly is it. If you are looking for a realistic Hawaiian theme then forget the Poly.

Actually the post made me giggle. Did you really compare it to Hawaii? To me that seems the same as going to the Taj Mahal casinoe in Atlantic city and being disappointed because its not the same as the one in India.
Its a theme park representation. I've stayed in the AKL and have also been very lucky to travel to Africa & Egypt no way would I even think it would be the same.

Sorry you were disappointed, I do want to get to Hawaii and Tahiti soon so hopefully I'll have some thing to compare it too.

 

[Markstudy]

Aloha,

.

I like your post. But I have to make a joke, because this is what popped into my head-

- "Hi, I live in a Tree House... and I must tell you that the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House at MK is not an true classical representation of a tree house.
But, if you like cheap, tacky...then this tree house is for you

Sorry about the joke. But the reason I like your post is it reminds me of the Florida Aquarium.
I live in Florida and the last thing we wanted at the Florida Aquarium was a bunch of exhibits of what you find in Florida waters ( I see that every time I go out of my house) I wanted to see stuff from anywhere but here. The Pros at Florida Aquarium couldn't figure out why no locals where visiting. LOL

My point is... if you're from Hawaii, don't expect the Hawaii that a guy from the 1950's built in Florida...to be anything like the real Hawaii of today. LOL Walt did a Treasure Island version... I still remember the films from the 1940-1970's that dreamed of the 7 Seas and how exotic the Pacific Islands must be . The Poly is a lasting tribute to a great man's dream from a yester-year that passed away many years ago. (I'm glad they saved it the way it is, if I wanted to see tall condos I could just go to Miami Beach instead of flying all the way to Hawaii to see tall condos blocking the beach )

PS.... You're a good guy, thanks for the post. I enjoyed hearing your ideas. And again sorry for the jokes, but your ideas gave me some fun thoughts, about how us folks that live in tourist areas have fun times when we take a vacation.

 

[hammie59]

His opinion doesn't really count since he didn't even actaully stay at the Poly. He ate dinner there and walked around . I agree with Seaspray and there was nothing harsh in her post. I agree though it doesn't damage my opinion of the Poly .

A person can walk around a place and still form an opinion of "overall atmoshere". It's not like he was rating maid service and hotel rooms. And don't forget, he did eat there, so he's allowed to rate the dining. I agree that he can't rate the entire Poly experience based on a few hours. But Seaspray came off to me as a bit offended by him not liking it. I understand people can get alittle touchy when someone bashes something that they really love, as if they were the ones being attacked. But it was just his observation of what he saw when he was there and of course it's valid for what he experienced! A person should be able to comment without people saying their review doesn't count. You just take it for what it is and don't take it personal. I found the dig about him being new to posting so we shouldn't listen kind of rude and unnessesary. We all have different tastes and expectations . I also agree with many other posters that Disney isn't trying to truely duplicate Hawaii. As a matter of fact, those points helped put any fear of me being disappointed with it to rest. I know I shouldn't seriously compare it to my actual Hawaiian vacation.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I actually spent a great deal of time at the Poly on my most recent trip -- though I didn't actually stay there. I ate there several times .. I walked around the resort extensively and was lucky to get a tour of a number of different levels of guest accommodations.

I happened to find it about on-par with the other Disney deluxe resorts I've visited or stayed at. The Volcano pool was pretty slick in my book, and the kids and adults running around there seemed to be enjoying it pretty well.

Reminds me of a line from a movie where this guy goes to a party he thinks is lame and comments to his friend about the other partygoers, "I bet you these people think they're actually having a good time.. "

Shh.. don't tell them they aren't.

Knox

 

[hammie59]

-

"Hi, I live in a Tree House... and I must tell you that the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House at MK is not an true classical representation of a tree house.
But, if you like cheap, tacky...then this tree house is for you" .

Haha, that's funny.

 

[goofy4tink]

Aloha ahiahi!

The thing about the Polynesian is that it isn't meant to be themed "Hawaiian." It is a romantic conglomeration of may pacific island cultures. There are MANY polynesian cast members there, Anake Kaui, Lipoa, Ku'ule, Fili, Iosefa, Maphui, and many others. Not all are Hawaiian, many are Samoan or other nationalities as well. If you don't like the Polynesian, it's a'ole pilikia since there are so many other resorts to choose from.

The Polynesian Resort isn't meant to be authentic, it's just meant to capture the spirit of classical Polynesia.

Yep, that was my immediate thought as well.
I have stayed at the Polynesian. My dd dearly wanted to try it, so we did. Got a really great rate way back in '03. First thing my dd said was..."Oh, it sure doesn't feel very Disney like, does it?" Would we go back? Sure. But, it's not on my top three resorts. I loved our room, in Tokelau. It had a great view of the lagoon, and the GF. I liked the Volcano Pool but found it to be a bit overcrowded. We used the quiet pool for the most part.
The theming? It's fine. Is it authentic? Who cares. I love Boardwalk, but I'm not so sure it is indicative of the boardwalk areas along the eastern seaboard at the turn of the century. Nor do I care.
I've eaten at 'Ohana, Kona and Capt Cooks. Capt Cooks was fine, we enjoyed it a lot. 'Ohana has changed since the first time I ate there...I'm not so crazy about it anymore. Kona has slipped a bit as well. But, others love those places so who am I to say they're wrong and I'm right.

The one thing I don't like about the Polyesian? I hate being there in the summer and getting caught in a downpour. There is little to no cover getting from longhouse to longhouse. You get soaked just going to get a bite to eat or to hop on the monorail. But, that's about all I don't care for...no biggie.

 

[fakereadhed]

This poster is brand new to the DIS Boards and obviously has his facts wrong.

If he wasn't new he'd know what he was getting himself in for by not liking the Poly...

 

[Dis Ohana]

If he wasn't new he'd know what he was getting himself in for by not liking the Poly...

That statement is so true. The Poly seems to have a very strong fan base on this site, so there must be something special about it. If you posted this about the GF, you'd have half the posts agreeing, not so with the Poly.

 

[Lamandpercy]

We stayed at the Poly last summer and I enjoyed it. I found the volcano pool crowded and cold so we stayed with the quiet pool which was nearer to our room. I had no problems with the theming, it was nice and relaxing after a hard days run round the park!

Speaking of theming the UK pavilion at Epcot doesn't look much like my current surroundings either but I don't mind! We don't all live in mansions with cobbled streets and eat nothing but Shepherd's Pie and fish n chips.

 

[fakereadhed]

Speaking of theming the UK pavilion at Epcot doesn't look much like my current surroundings either but I don't mind! We don't all live in mansions with cobbled streets and eat nothing but Shepherd's Pie and fish n chips.

Great comment. Just goes to show you the imagineers' skill at what they do. People expect it to actually BE the real thing. You are at a themepark, people!

 

[WildernessBride]

If he wasn't new he'd know what he was getting himself in for by not liking the Poly...

After reading all of the posts, I kind of feel for the OP. I thought the Dis Boards were for everyone , even those who disagree with the majority opinion. I think it kind of makes us regulars look bad when one of us attacks someone for their opinion. Besides those who love the Poly won't change their minds based upon one negative review! I just think we should all have the freedom to express ourselves here without being put down or being told their opinion "doesn't count."

 

[mickaholic4077]

I can sort of understand why the OP posted what he did. The last time I was at The Poly was 1/4 for breakfast at Kona. When I returned at the end of the night to collect my car from valet parking,I needed to use the restroom right outside of Captain Cook's. I couldn't lock the first two stalls I tried to go in!! Aside from that,the condition of the sinks,floor,etc. was appalling. I remember thinking if I was paying to stay at this 300+ hotel I would be very angry at the condition of the place. For the money that Disney charges for this place,they can certainly afford to send a CM into the restrooms at least every ten minutes to check on the conditions.

 

[goofy4tink]

After reading all of the posts, I kind of feel for the OP. I thought the Dis Boards were for everyone , even those who disagree with the majority opinion. I think it kind of makes us regulars look bad when one of us attacks someone for their opinion. Besides those who love the Poly won't change their minds based upon one negative review! I just think we should all have the freedom to express ourselves here without being put down or being told their opinion "doesn't count."

I understand where you're coming from...it is hard not to feel sorry for someone who has inadvertently 'stepped in it' so to speak. But, the OP made some pretty huge generalizations about the Polynesian. I think most people have been pretty good about their comebacks. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion but others are also entitled to their snappy (as long as they aren't rude) comebacks defending their favorite resort.

 

[livie1205]

I stayed at the poly a few nights in 2001 and did not like it at all (i hope i have enough posts to say that)but then again I am allowed to not like it....i thought it was cheap looking and not worth the 300 + that it costs to stay there, but I do like kona and use to like ohana (befor menu change) I just would not pay that much to stay there ever again, which is hard for me to say because my dh asked me to marry him on the beach there while watching the fireworks...but that is not enough for me to stay there,I like AKL above all the other deluxe resorts (except WL because i have not stayed at that one)it is the only one of the deluxes i dont find cheasy.I HAVE been to Hawaii and it is alot more suttle than the poly theme,a better Hawaii theme would be like Royal Pacific Resort at universal (a much better hotel also) but people do love that it is on the monarail loop.

 

[Missus Toad]

The one thing I don't like about the Polyesian? I hate being there in the summer and getting caught in a downpour. There is little to no cover getting from longhouse to longhouse. You get soaked just going to get a bite to eat or to hop on the monorail. But, that's about all I don't care for...no biggie.

It's funny, I just posted in another thread that this is one of the things I love most about a trip to WDW-- sudden downpours and running for cover! Of course, I live in So Cal (ex-NJ), so I've rediscovered the joys of a good t-storm. Don't get them much around here.

Anyway, I wish everyone would stop defending the Poly-- how are we ever going to get the rates down if we keep encouraging people to go???

Seriously, as someone who's spent a lot of time in HI and other islands of the south Pacific, I have to say I'm not looking for a re-creation of those places when I go to the Poly. I'm looking for Disney's Polynesian Resort, exactly as it is-- the whole shebang, authentic, inauthentic, I want what they've got, period. I go there, I relax, I have fun. It works for me. I don't go to WDW for an immersive cultural experience other than the culture of the Magic Kingdom. If I gain a bit of knowledge along the way, great, but anyone going there specifically looking for that is in the wrong place. Not a slam against anyone, JMO.

 

[WildernessBride]

I understand where you're coming from...it is hard not to feel sorry for someone who has inadvertently 'stepped in it' so to speak. But, the OP made some pretty huge generalizations about the Polynesian. I think most people have been pretty good about their comebacks. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion but others are also entitled to their snappy (as long as they aren't rude) comebacks defending their favorite resort.

goofy4tink,

I agree with you, I guess my concern was with those who said that because the OP was new to the boards he must not know anything, I felt that was a bit over the top. I agree, anyone should be able to defend their fave resort, mine is WL (kind of obvious from my name ), so I can see that, but I just don't feel that newness means ignorance at all.

Also, I do like the Poly, I stayed there with my family when I was younger and I love to visit the Poly on all of our WL vacations because it brings back great childhood memories and I think it represents the history of WDW and I love that.

Sandy

 

[Camster0307]

Count me as another DISer not impressed with the Poly!

No, I didn't stay there, but first impressions are everything to me; and when we visited the monorail resorts in December, the Poly was the least impressive, IMO. What can I say - I'm a Boardwalk snob! Although I'm looking forward to branching out and enjoying my stay at the VWL in June - now that place looks impressive!