Poly greatly over rated

[MsStinkerBelle]

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.

And that is why I love the Poly so much. Some folks don't like it and don't consider it worth the money--that's okay. I love it and I think it's well worth the money. I haven't had a bad stay there and me and my DD9 (and nephews and sister) have great memories we've created there. My daughter thinks Lipoa is the greatest singer in the world next to her.

Besides, I'll see what Hawaii is like for myself when I go visit in 2010.

 

[skater]

I do enjoy the general atmosphere of the Poly, but I have often thought that the pool should be much better for the cost of the hotel. (OF course, the pool is a MAJOR part of my vacations). When I stay at a deluxe, I would probably go for something like Boardwalk with the nicer pool!

 

[DaisyLou2]

I have never stayed at the Poly but have visited a couple of times. People are saying the whole 'Brady Bunch in Hawaii' look is a turn off for them....that is actually the reason I want to stay there!
That and the monorail.
Unfortunately I don't think I'll be staying there anytime soon because it is just way over priced.
If I'm going to spend the money I would rather stay at the Boardwalk or Beach Club.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I love the Poly because it reminds me of trips to Disney as a kid, as it is one of the original WDW hotels. I got married in Hawaii, and while the Polynesian theming(Remember, it is themed after the whole south pacific region, not just Hawaii) is nott 100% dead on, it certainly gives you the feeling of being iin that area. As other posters have said, when I go to WDW, I'm not looking for 100% authenticity in anything other than the main mouse himself, just some fun theming. I personally like the fact that the Poly has all of the seperate longhouses, I think it makes it quieter. We stayed at WL on our last trip, and while it was nice to stay in the same building to go refill your mug, etc, the hallways got pretty loud some evenings. I agree that Ohana has gone downhill and I miss some of the original CM's who are no longer there....I'm hoping they will bring some newer pacific islander CM's on board soon.

As for the Op's comment about the luau being tacky and unrealistic....I have to agree there...it is Disney and not Hawaii, BUT you have to admit that you can find some pretty tacky and inauthentic luaus there too. There are a few authentic ones, but for every good one there's a tourist trap.

I think that's the best part about WDW...there are so many different resorts there and there is something for everyone. I actually wish maybe more people didn't like the Poly, so then the rates would go down and there would be great deals Ok...wake me up from that little fantasy now!

 

[maxiesmom]

How can the OP's opinion that the Poly is over-rated be valid? They have never stayed there, by their own admission. To say that something is over-rated, don't you have to first experience it? And I don't consider eating at one of its restaurants as experiencing a resort. There is so much you miss at any resort by simply cruising around the grounds and not staying there.

Op--It is a shame you are not giving the Poly a chance. It is really a great resort that has some awesome things to offer. It is too bad that you let the lack or realisim turn you off.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

How can the OP's opinion that the Poly is over-rated be valid? They have never stayed there, by their own admission. To say that something is over-rated, don't you have to first experience it? And I don't consider eating at one of its restaurants as experiencing a resort. There is so much you miss at any resort by simply cruising around the grounds and not staying there.

Op--It is a shame you are not giving the Poly a chance. It is really a great resort that has some awesome things to offer. It is too bad that you let the lack or realisim turn you off.

Agreed! Sounds to me like OP needs a Lapu Lapu.

 

[fla4fun]

The OP's take on the Poly isn't so different than what we have heard from some New Englander's when they visit the Yacht and Beach Club. But that is because Disney is trying to give you a feeling for a place, not an actual representation of the place. I haven't ever considered Poly to be a simply Hawaiian experience. It's got a little bit of a few different places, all thrown in together.

I would have to agree that I don't like the deluxes that have separate buildings, with the exception of CR because the walkway is covered. I don't feel I should have to spend time walking in the elements if I'm spending that much money (especially at GF). But the feeling at the Poly is supposed to be a village, not just one big building, and the separate longhouses help create that illusion.

I would also have to agree that I would like to see more varied food choices, but I'm pretty sure that's a thing of the past. The offerings at the Poly restaurants used to be more "Polynesian", but they are being homogenized like most of the menus across property. That is a shame.

However, I don't feel the Poly, or any of the Disney resorts, are "tacky". To me they are like a living, breathing travel brochure, ready to whisk you off to an idealized South Sea Island, New England shore, African safari base, or Northwestern cabin. Do I feel like I've been in an accurate representation of Old Faithful Inn when I stay at WL? No. Does it make me wish I could go to Old Faithful Inn sometime? Sure. Does Poly make me feel like I've visited the Hawaiian Islands? No. Does it make me wish I could? Sure.

Let's just hope the OP doesn't visit some of the Polynesian inspired little hole-in-the-wall places on either coast of Florida. If you look up tacky in the dictionary, their pictures will be there.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Agreed! Sounds to me like OP needs a Lapu Lapu.

Yum! If he doesn't want it, I'll take one!

 

[MickeyNicki]

DH has always wanted to stay at the Poly so for 3 nights this past Oct we did, he was very disappointed. The only highlight of the resort for us is the monorail and Kona. The pools were a nightmare, main building was super loud and crazy every day no matter what time of the day and the room was just ok.

Not in a rush to go back there anytime soon..I do love the decor and the gift shop so I would go back and visit there while enjoying a great meal at Kona!

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Aloha,

I'm sure this thread is going to upset the Poly Lovers, but for folks trying to do their resort planning they need to know the truth. I am currently enjoying an 18-night stay at WDW. Stayed 10 nights at CSR, four at the Grand and four at AKL. Visited Poly on three occassions for dinner and touring.

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.

Aloha!

My family adores the Polynesian and we stay there every time we visit WDW. We don't stay there because we are looking for authentic Hawaiian cuisine served by former residents of Hawaii. If I wanted that I'd go to Hawaii, not Disney World. We stay at the Polynesian because we find it to be beautiful, relaxing, and convenient. We think Disney has done a wonderful job.

 

[grlpwrd]

Aloha,

I'm sure this thread is going to upset the Poly Lovers, but for folks trying to do their resort planning they need to know the truth. I am currently enjoying an 18-night stay at WDW. Stayed 10 nights at CSR, four at the Grand and four at AKL. Visited Poly on three occassions for dinner and touring.

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.

Aloha e guynhawaii,

Sorry, but .

I am a kanaka maoli. Good grief, it's Disney!!!! I like the Brady Bunch in Hawaii look.

As a 15 year resident, you should already know by now that teri beef or chicken and Filipino rice are not indigenous. Come on, a "realistic Hawaiian theme?" The Poly is not Hawaii! lol

I think Walt had it right when he had in mind giving Americans an experience - not that many people can even afford to go to Hawaii or any place in Polynesia.

Me? We stay off site or with my twin sister, but I am thinking about ASMu or PopCentury next year. If I want real Hawaii, I actually go back home.

Oh yeah, one more thing... It's unreal how Hawaii is "turning Japanese." Signs in Japanese everywhere!!! The Poly is more authentic than that - that's for sure. lol

 

[wilda]

This poster is brand new to the DIS Boards and obviously has his facts wrong. Many of his claims are simply not true, not to mention that most of what he said is simply his opinion and not fact. If I thought this was a person with sincere motives I'd take the time to explain to him where he's incorrect but I don't think this warrents the time it'd take me to type it.

Wow! So what is the magic number of posts that makes you:

Entitled to your opinion
Not "brand new to the boards"
Able to state your opinion without having to back it up
Capable of guaging "sincere motives"

Is it over 12,000 I wonder? Believe it or not, there are some very knowledgable people who have visited Disney many times, have very valid opinions, that have .....gasp....never posted on the DISboards.

 

[loco4dis]

Wow! So what is the magic number of posts that makes you:

Entitled to your opinion
Not "brand new to the boards"
Able to state your opinion without having to back it up
Capable of guaging "sincere motives"

Is it over 12,000 I wonder? Beleive it or not, there are some very knowledgable people who have visited Disney many times, have very valid opinions, that have .....gasp....never posted on the DISboards.

Amen! I have been a visitor here for a couple of years, but only registered this year. Between last year and this, I am astonished at the lack of civility I witness on these threads each day. While I initially found a wonderful community of people who love Disney as I do, now more and more I find snarky arrogance and a nasty "clubby" mentality. It's quite unpleasant.

 

[bab31]

We stayed at CSR last year and loved it. I dont need coridors. (but would really have loved a balcony and I just did not want to pony up the $$ for it. ( those fancy resorts in Mexico are built without corridors) in any case. We stopped in to check out the Poly. My thought at the time was how noisy it was. Lush but noisy. I came away with the opinion I would not want to stay there for the $$$. My opinion.

I think everyone has an opinion. Does not matter if I found this board and posted 2 trillion times before I went . Or posted for the first time after my vacation. Everyones opinion has some value somewhere. We often hear how this resort or that resort does not give you the disney feel. Or how CSR does not feel like the southwest or Mexico. Or CBR does not reflect this or that. The point is ,this is what the OP oppinion was. I respect that.

 

[kaysmommie]

How can the OP's opinion that the Poly is over-rated be valid? They have never stayed there, by their own admission. To say that something is over-rated, don't you have to first experience it? And I don't consider eating at one of its restaurants as experiencing a resort. There is so much you miss at any resort by simply cruising around the grounds and not staying there.

Op--It is a shame you are not giving the Poly a chance. It is really a great resort that has some awesome things to offer. It is too bad that you let the lack or realisim turn you off.

That is exactly what I said . Just visiting is not the same as actually staying there for a week. I think the Poly has the best theme of all. The OP doesn't need to stay there, that leaves more rooms for us Poly lovers .

 

[SeaSpray]

I'm glad that some people understood what I was saying when I posted on this thread.... Thank you

To everyone else: YOU misunderstood what *I* said. You read MUCH more into it than what I actually wrote.

And here's a clue: It has absolutely NOTHING to do with how I feel about the Polynesian resort, it has ALL to do with how the OP presented his "opinion" on a resort he has never stayed at, and the fact that HE gave false information. He said he doesn't want people to be mislead by staying at the Polynesian resort; HE is misleading people, and here's ONE example: He claims "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)."


There you go... I'm not wasting any more time explaining myself or my posts.

Have a great night, EVERYONE

 

[Heather1101]

Hmm..I am also a Hawaiian resident and feel that the Poly does emulate many things that are classically Hawaiian. Granted it doesn't completely mirror Hawaii today, but this resort wasn't built based on Hawaii TODAY. The grounds are quite similar to many of the grounds around Waikiki's hotels. O'hana definately isn't typically Hawaiian by any means...the use of Maui onions doesn't make scalloped potatoes a hawaiian dish and banana bread pudding isn't a desert staple here on the islands. On the other hand, I don't think that a buffet that is 100% representative of Hawaiian foods would appeal to the masses...not everyone is going to go nuts over sides like sticky rice and macaroni salad that has enough mayo in it to cause heart disease.

Not everything has to be 100% representational for it to have value and for people to love it. The Poly may be 1970's version of Hawaii, or it may look like the Brady Bunch meets Hawaii, but it is a great resort nonetheless.

 

[Camster0307]

Amen! I have been a visitor here for a couple of years, but only registered this year. Between last year and this, I am astonished at the lack of civility I witness on these threads each day. While I initially found a wonderful community of people who love Disney as I do, now more and more I find snarky arrogance and a nasty "clubby" mentality. It's quite unpleasant.

We're not ALL that way. Stick around and give us a chance!

 

[pfalcioni]

OP - I have no problem with anyone's opinion of a place they have actually experienced.

You HAVE experienced dining at Poly. You are totally valid in any opinion you have of your dining experience.

You have NOT stayed at Poly - so you have no valid opinion of something you haven't actually experienced.

You would be valid in saying 'We looked around and thought it was tacky'. That's an opinion of something you actually experienced.

Yes, everyone is allowed an opinion - but the way your post is worded sounds like you're trying to inflame others by rudely overstating or oversimplifying - and that's getting mighy close to troll territory.

 

[guynhawaii]

Aloha to all from the lovely AKL,

I greatly admire everyone's passion for WDW and everything Disney. My first trip to Disneyland was in 1968 as an eight-year old. I must have asked my Dad a thousand times "Are we there yet?" as we drove into the greater LA area from Vandenberg AFB. I share the passion and love this Board.

As for my original post on Poly. Back in June 2007 my wife and I decided to take our pair of rugrats (5 and 6) to WDW for Christmas. Being a logistican by trade I spent countless hours researching everything under the sun about WDW. Most of my research/intel was gathered on here and later fine tuned by TGM.

WDW offers so many resort selections it was tough. This Board has a GREAT Poly following and it really influenced me. I came really close to selecting the Poly. But due to seasonal rates, wife's desire for a Victorian theme, CSR's strengths (Pepper Market, Dig Site, Pools, etc..) and my love for animals (AKL) the Poly lost out. But I spent a lot of time researching Poly due to this Board's STRONG support.

However as I extensively toured the Poly's grounds (mind you I was exceptionally honest up front by stating I didn't spend any nights there...just toured and ate there twice) I reached my personal conclusion that the Poly was over rated.

Why was that? Probably because my personal expectations of the Poly were so high due to this Board's Poly supporters and the fact a lot of the PGA players have stated the Poly is there favorite too.

Bottom line: I just wanted to ensure there was some balance on this Board about the Poly and that anyone else in my shoes (researching for future trip) would have a more objective report.

As others have stated WDW offers a lot of selections for all of us. If we all had the same taste in everything then we would all be driving the same car and be wearing the same clothes.