Polynesian Bungalows for a family of 6

[Roveer]

We've been going to Disney for probably 15 or more years. My kids are 17, 13, 11 & 9 and all LOVE Disney, especially the 17yo. I've always done a lot of extra work to make sure our stays were extra magical. We've stayed regular rooms, concierge, DVC on rented points etc so you can imagine we've done quite a bit. Last trip was actually a 3 resort 13 night stay which included 2 nights in a BLT Grand Villa.

So, as I'm starting to do my research for either 2016 or 2017 I'm looking at Poly Bungalow. I know these are insanely expensive but I always find a way to justify it in the long run. We've stayed Poly King Kamehameha in the past.

On these high priced rooms we usually only stay 3 night, 4 nights max and then stay 2 bedroom villas elsewhere. Last trip was OKW for a week, then GFV for a 4 days, BLT 2 days so we mix insane to reasonable. OKW surprised us as everyone absolutely loved it and the rooms were spacious so you get the idea of what we like to do.

So the unique factor on Poly Bungalows is over the water, and the hot tub/pool in the deck.

My only real concern about Poly Bungalows is that not everyone gets a real bed for insane cost. I guess the 2 pull downs are considered beds and we wouldn't have to use the couch pullout, but I've kind of got a pet peeve about paying huge $$$ and having kids having to sleep outside of bedrooms.

Be interested in thoughts as to whether the unique factor will be enough to carry the high cost. Possibly some insight that I may not know about? Just trying to gain some insight from others. Thanks.

 

[disneynutz]

The dipping tank/pool on the deck is small and not heated. IMO the bungalows carry a high price, maybe to high of price for what you actually get.

Bill

 

[jgdsoarin]

I agree that these are insanely priced, but there is no comparable view anywhere else. I think for a one or two night stay, you could probably justify it for your family. When we stayed at PVB earlier this month, the bungalows were filled with folks looking like they were having a great time. I'll probably never stay in one, so I'm looking forward to hearing about other people's take on them!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don't know if bungalows are really justifiable beyond "just because I want to".

 

[coastalhh]

Keep in mind a regular 2 bedroom villa at any other dvc resort has more sq footage and more beds for a lot less money. If you really want to splurge get a grand villa which has 3 bedrooms and tons of more space. All of those options are better than the bungalows.

 

[CarolMN]

Given what you posted, I'd say give it a try for a few nights! If you haven't already, show the kids some of the pictures and ask them. My guess is that they won't mind the pull downs at all - and who cares if the plunge pool isn't heated, especially if you are going in the heat of the summer.

 

[DenLo]

A Poly bungalow sounds perfect for another unique experience at WDW for your family. We have only done a tour of a bungalow and I keep thinking about how to stay in one. Some of the photos we took were added to the DVC News database on the Polynesian Resort, if you would like to see the photos. Just scroll down to the Bungalows photos. http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/polynesian/maps-photos The split 2nd bathroom might work well for your large family.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The murphy beds are not as big as standard twins. The queen sleeper sofa might even work better than the two murphy beds. One is in the second bedroom and one is in the living room. Since someone sleeps in the living room anyway, you might as well use the sleeper sofa instead. The bedrooms are not that big either for three people.

 

[Kaigler]

Hey, if you can afford it, go for it! They're not intended the people that need to decide if it's worth the cost. I'll never be able to stay in one, but if I could I'd definitely go for it. And by chance if I do get to stay in one, I'm not leaving until the last second before checkout!

 

[freediverdude]

The bungalows do have some high end and unique touches, if that would help justify it. They are a specialty unit. For instance, from what I've read, maybe others can confirm, there are denon receivers and 65 inch Samsung smart TV's in the living rooms, those touch screen systems in each room for controlling the lights and HVAC, TV's in the master bath mirrors, each outdoor deck has its own private speakers with the Wishes fireworks music piped in, hanging chairs on the deck, and a perfect front facing view of the fireworks. It is a unique unit.

 

[drusba]

If you are willing to pay the Poly cost, you might give it a try but regardless of any favorable factors, the number of real beds is not going to change. Just note that for the same price or a little less, you can get a Grand Villa at the Villas of Grand Floridian, which are right on the shores of the lake, have three bedrooms (with five total beds -- a king and four queens) plus an entertainment room that can be a bedroom, and they are about twice the size of the Poly bungalows.

 

[freediverdude]

Well I think the VGF Grand Villas and the bungalows serve different purposes. The bungalows are really meant for gatherings to watch Wishes- they're the perfect Wishes watching unit. The Grand Villas at VGF are more to house larger parties in luxury. Even though they are similar points, which one I would pick (if I had that many points, lol) would vary greatly depending on what type of party I had and what our plans were. A summer vacation with 6 people over 4th of July, or lots of resort and MK time? The bungalows. A party of 8 during December spending a lot of time dining or out looking at other resorts or inside? Grand Villa.

 

[Roveer]

If you are willing to pay the Poly cost, you might give it a try but regardless of any favorable factors, the number of real beds is not going to change. Just note that for the same price or a little less, you can get a Grand Villa at the Villas of Grand Floridian, which are right on the shores of the lake, have three bedrooms (with five total beds -- a king and four queens) plus an entertainment room that can be a bedroom, and they are about twice the size of the Poly bungalows.

Wow!!! That really just hit home. GV at VGF is on the list. We've stayed 2 bedroom and love the look and the location. The next step was GF. Might just have to put Bungalos on hold while we enjoy that experience. Eventually we'll get back to Poly as it is one of our favorites. Once all the construction has gone away.

 

[paults]

before I would spend pts on a bungalow I would go back to AKV Jambo and get their GV. 1 floor plenty of beds , a room with a pool table and 3 HUGE balconies. Sorry I envisioned staying at poly bungalow till they came out with the crazy points. Now they can just keep them.

 

[hopeful4fl]

I think the bungalows are the limited edition Picasso's of DVC.
To some, they are squiggly lines that people pay $5000+.
To others, they are rare pieces that only a few other people in the world can boast of.
I think some people look strictly at the price factor to make their judgement. Some look at the exclusivity. It is the same with the bungalows. Your viewpoint and choice are what should make your decision.
BTW.... I am definitely going to stay there "one of these years", but for 2-3 nights with the rest split at an Epcot resort.

 

[freediverdude]

I know a lot of us like me who don't have tons of points would never stay in a bungalow, but I can envision a lot of those members who have 400-500 points or more, going ahead and using half their points one year to try out the bungalows for 2-3 nights, I can totally see that happening. So I don't see total doom and gloom for the bungalow reservations. I do think we will have to wait and see down the road, if the bungalows remain popular after most people who can afford them have sampled them. That's when, if they see a huge drop off in reservations, that they will have to lower the points or try to exchange them for cash guests or something like that. But that could take a decade even before we know if that's going to happen.