Polynesian on July 4th

[Diane D]

We will be staying at the Polynesian July 4 - 8. Had thought about watching the MK fireworks from the beach there on the 4th. In reading other posts, it sounds like lots of people plan on watching those fireworks from there. Can someone who's been there tell me....does the beach gets pretty crowded?? Are there any viewing areas for Polynesian resort guests only??

 

[Tikiman]

We have been going to the Polynesian the last couple of 4th of Julys and we will be back this year. I would not be anywhere in WDW other than the Polynesian beach for the show. The beach gets crowded compaired to a regular night but there is room. They do check resort ID on that day to keep non Polynesian resort guests out. We were checked coming back from the MK on the monorail and at the entrance to the GCH. I am sure you can find a spot on the beach or if you have a lagoon view room than you can just sit on your patio or balcony.

Steve

 

[gepetto]

I think Tikiman posted this already this week....but since the 4th is very crowded, Polynesian checks ID's at the beach. Only resort guests are allowed.

 

[kmr]

What about DVC members? Can we beach hop as well as pool hop?

 

[Tikiman]

I don't know about DVC members. That is a good question. I know they are very strict on the 4th. You may not even get past the MK main gate. The last 2 years they have shut down the main gate around noon and then they shut down the MK park gates later that day even to resort guests. It sounds like a crazy day but they do a good job of making sure the place does not overflow with people.

If you think the Polynesian beach gets crowded, try fighting the crowds on main street and the view is not even as good.

Steve

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Here's a related question--next year I am thinking of doing the 4 day Wonder cruise from June 29-July 3, and the Poly LV July 3-6. Do these rooms go fast? How soon should I book?
Robin M.

 

[Tikiman]

Robin,

I would book by January. I am sure the lagoon view rooms go fast for that week. Remember though that the 4th is when Valu season starts at the Polynesian so if you check in on the 3rd you will pay the higher rate for your entire stay.

Steve

 

[madcoco]

What about if you are DVC that have PS at Ohanas staying onsite(OKW)The last 2 years we were onsite but not at CR and spent the 4th at the CR Calgrill party.They wanted to see our resort key and PS# when going through the gate(early evening back gate past FW).

Will they allow you to remain on property after dinner as an onsite guest?Thanks Mike

 

[Tikiman]

We actually have video from our patio of the crowd on the 4th at the Polynesian beach and the security was driving the beach path in a golf cart and checking groups of people on the beach. They told us they were trying to limit the beach access to Polynesian guests only but I don't know how they could check everyone.

Steve

 

[Mogs30]

What about watching firworks from poly beach in Jan/1st week in February???. We had thought to do ohana's for supper, and hope to wait around to watch EWP and FW from beach??. Are they just stricked around 4th or will we NOT be able to do it then either?? We will be staying at Music.

 

[KarenP]

I am arriving on July 4th for my first stay at the Polynesian concierge. I will definitely be watching the fireworks from the Polynesian beach. I am just hoping my stay is as magical as Tikiman's always seems to be!

Karen

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Tikiman, I wish we could check in 7/4 but the boat will drop us off 7/3, and I don't want to switch for only a 3 night stay! We'll just have to deal with it, maybe do GV if we have to! Let's see how our July trip goes before I see what DH wants to do--he sure loves the Poly.
Robin M.

 

[gepetto]

Try making 2 reservations. One for 3rd and one for the rest of your stay at the discounted rate.

 

[renessa]

Hey Steve!!

We have a 7:15 ps at O'hana's and were planning to watch the fireworks from there, or the beach if we were done with dinner early. Since we have a PS will we have trouble getting to O'hana's? Do you think they will let us watch the firworks from the restaurant? Or the beach if we get done early? Not trying to break any rules, but have had Luau ressies for almost a year (on the 4th) and just recently decided to change to O'hana. Thanks, Ren

 

[Tikiman]

Robin,

I say just go for it. I just wanted to make sure you understood the season change. I would suggest not making two reservations because they will make you move rooms 9 times out of 10.



Renessa,

You should be fine with your reservations and you will be able to see the fireworks from ‘Ohana depending on where they sit you. I am sure everyone will want to be at the window. You can try to head out to the beach. Like I said, I doubt they can and will check everyone for ID. Just sneak your group over to our patio. We usually have the champagne on ice.


Aloha

Steve

 

[renessa]

Thanks for your offer- it would be great to meet you and Tara, but I would feel like we were crashing a romantic evening! We'll just plan to linger over dinner- and have to look for another option if we get done early....

Your advice and pages have been so helpful. My new DH says that he wants to go other places on vacation, and we will be buying a house in 2003. He just hasn't seen the Disney we have seen (day trip in 1985 with cousins in blistering cold!!!). I don't know when we will be able to make it back or how I will handle my addiction so....I will try to make the most of our honeymoon trip 6/30-7-6!!

Oh, does your bday fall during your trip this year? - my bday is on the 6th- isn't yours sometime around there? And remind us, what is your anniversary date? Did you request the same room as last year?

Thanks for all the help- (as always )-
Ren

 

[Tikiman]

I know the feeling with the house thing. Our total trip is going to cost us $6000 and we just sold our house and are getting a new one which will push our mortgage to $2600 a month. Escro closes the week before we leave for WDW.

So you are a cancer baby too. My birthday is July 8th and our anniversary is June 30th so we will be flying on our anniversary. Happy birthday to you and maybe we will bump into each other. If not enjoy the 4th from the Polynesian.

Aloha

Steve

 

[Sammie]

Can you say mob scene. We were there last 4th. No there is not an area set aside for Polynesian guests. Yes, they check ID's at the front security gate. If you have a PS for dinner and are driving then you will get a 3 hour parking pass, Yes they were towing cars after the 3 hours expire, so plan accordingly. Your name must be on the PS list to get in the gate.

As Tikiman said though they can't check ID's for those that came over on the monorail or ferry as closely as those that drive in. They do spot check on the beach.

I know they are considering some alternative plans for the future due to guest complaints. They are also considering a credit card deposit on any PS for that day.

Some people just went up to other people's rooms and took their patio chairs. There was almost as fight as the guest came to claim them, they had to get a CM to intervene.

 

[Tikiman]

Sammie,

They were checking ID getting off the monorail. We were checked coming back from the MK. Our patio chair and the people next to us were taken down to the beach by someone so I know what you mean. I got news for anyone who I see taking my chair, I will have to open a can of Tiki wup_a** if I catch them with my chair

Steve

 

[LvsTnk]

ROFL Tiki What??????????