Probably unpopular opinion

[GreyTami]

We just checked in for our first stay at Poly (2 adults, 1 kid). We reserved two rooms (one studio for us, one for a family member). Checked in online with preference weeks ago, but we’re assigned to Pago Pago and didn’t receive our room assignment until 5pm (after arriving around 3:15pm). Family members checked in yesterday online and are in Moorea (arrived right at 4pm and had room immediately). Beyond the thought that I think we should have received a room first, this hotel is dated. We came from a cash stay at Loews Royal Pacific in a one bed suite and the differences are astounding. We much prefer a one bed and this stay just reinforces that. This may be a one and done for us … and don’t even get me started on how far away the pool is …

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Hahaha, they just did a refurbishment. This is as good as it gets.

(They put the DVC units in buildings built in the 1970s. Is what it is.)

 

[DduzDis]

Yep - thankfully there are many other resorts to choose from. We love the Poly and all of its character, but it's not for everyone.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Not unpopular, opinion-wise.

 

[GreyTami]

Hahaha, they just did a refurbishment. This is as good as it gets.

(They put the DVC units in buildings built in the 1970s. Is what it is.)

Ooooof, thanks for this info …

 

[vakamalua]

We're 27 year DVC members & Royal Pacific at Universal is our favorite resort in Orlando. We usually try to add a few days at RPR when using DVC points.

 

[10CJ]

Why do you think you should have received a room first? Is this compared to your family member? Did you request first available room or something else? What did they request?

I have never stayed at Poly because we typically stay in 2 bedrooms, so I can not comment on the furnishing.

Sorry you are unhappy with your room.

 

[Her Dotness]

Hmmmm. I'm wondering if DVC is your thing, based on what you say here.

When your room is ready, it'll be ready. Varies from building to building at a resort because they've different housekeepers.

We indicate a late morning arrival at online check-in (driving in and actually do arrive about noon) and usually are in our villa by 1:00-1:45 or so. That's been at VGF, though, which may be a factor. Or (more likely) we got pixie dusted 2-3 times in a row. Next one might not be till well after 4:00. It can vary that substantially.

However, our last stay in November was in PagoPago on arrival night. Did online check-in, noting early arrival, and got into our room at around 12:30.

Your further comments suggest that your preferences possibly make you ill-suited to have good DVC experiences because you're expecting more from a stay than DVC may deliver. Nothing particularly wrong with that. Good thing you got an inkling now that that may be the case.

Selling might be advisable for you. Something to consider.

 

[npatellye]

I don’t think it’s an unpopular opinion. I think different resorts work for different people. Like you, we didn’t like Poly but we dislike studios (which is why we intentionally only booked this for 2 extra nights within the 4 month mark to extend a previously booked trip).

It’s a place our kids wanted to stay so we stayed there. We all agreed it’s a one and done for us as a family. And that’s okay.

The beauty of DVC is there’s a resort for everyone.

 

[john7994]

We just checked in for our first stay at Poly (2 adults, 1 kid). We reserved two rooms (one studio for us, one for a family member). Checked in online with preference weeks ago, but we’re assigned to Pago Pago and didn’t receive our room assignment until 5pm (after arriving around 3:15pm). Family members checked in yesterday online and are in Moorea (arrived right at 4pm and had room immediately). Beyond the thought that I think we should have received a room first, this hotel is dated. We came from a cash stay at Loews Royal Pacific in a one bed suite and the differences are astounding. We much prefer a one bed and this stay just reinforces that. This may be a one and done for us … and don’t even get me started on how far away the pool is …

Not sure what is unpopular about sharing an opinion, but a little confused that you were comparing a 1BDR to a Studio - I would take a 1BDR all day as well. Isn't Poly currently all Studios (except for the Bungalows)?

Its not clear if you own DVC, you were renting, or where your home resort is located. I would have to agree with a previous poster, maybe DVC is not a good fit for you based on the resorts/room types you prefer. Good luck to wherever your travels take you in the future!

 

[Prince John Robin Hood]

We had the worst experience at Royal Pacific and would likely never go back. Poly has always been good for us but we never stayed in Pago Pago. If we stay at Universal we'll likely try Hard Rock next time.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I don’t think it’s an unpopular opinion. I think different resorts work for different people. Like you, we didn’t like Poly but we dislike studios (which is why we intentionally only booked this for 2 extra nights within the 4 month mark to extend a previously booked trip).

It’s a place our kids wanted to stay so we stayed there. We all agreed it’s a one and done for us as a family. And that’s okay.

The beauty of DVC is there’s a resort for everyone.

I'm so glad to hear your opinion. It gives me the courage to admit-"I stayed at the Poly and didn't like it." But I was afraid that if I said it here, so many Poly lovers would get upset. Mostly, the theming just wasn't what I like-I have no desire to go to Hawaii or the islands of the Pacific, so I don't know what possessed to stay at the Poly. You're right-different strokes for different folks.

 

[BruinEd03]

Why do you think you should have received a room first? Is this compared to your family member? Did you request first available room or something else? What did they request?

I have never stayed at Poly because we typically stay in 2 bedrooms, so I can not comment on the furnishing.

Sorry you are unhappy with your room.

My guess is it’s because the OP arrived before the family member.

 

[Her Dotness]

I'm so glad to hear your opinion. It gives me the courage to admit-"I stayed at the Poly and didn't like it." But I was afraid that if I said it here, so many Poly lovers would get upset.

Those Poly lovers can come after me, then, because I detested our one-nighter in PagoPago.

Neither of us particularly likes the Poly for anything beyond 'Ohana breakfast anyway. Just wanted to scope out the studio refurb and see how a single night went.

Like you, the theme says "wannabe Island paradise 1970's tiki torches style" to me particularly.

DH intensely disliked the courtyard paving because he uses a powerchair. Said it felt like cobblestones the entire way from the GCH to PagoPago.

Actually, I disagree with npatellye that there's a DVC resort for everyone. Some will never get past the fact that DVC does not operate like a full-service hotel. That's not a bad thing unless someone keeps expecting it to. It is what it is, and full-service done well is far indeed from what DVC offers.

That's why I suggested that the OP might choose to sell.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Not a Poly lover here either. Growing up in So Cal, our vacation destination was always Hawaii. The Poly reminds me of cheesy Waikiki/Kalakaua Avenue hotels from 30 or 40 years ago, mixed in with California Tiki culture kitsch (also from the 60's). Don the Beachcomber, Trader Vic's, etc.

Do love me some Ohana breakfast though. A saving grace.

 

[The Jackal]

Hahaha, they just did a refurbishment. This is as good as it gets.

(They put the DVC units in buildings built in the 1970s. Is what it is.)

Weren’t 2 of the 3 DVC buildings were built in 1985 and the 3rd one was built in 1978? Granted while the buildings are not new, they are the newest longhouses at Poly.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Weren’t 2 of the 3 DVC buildings were built in 1985 and the 3rd one was built in 1978? Granted while the buildings are not new, they are the newest longhouses at Poly.

Tokelau was 1978. I thought the other two were closer to 1980 but looks like you are right.

Still kinda vintage though, especially when made to look like older buildings.

 

[Madame]

We had the worst experience at Royal Pacific and would likely never go back. Poly has always been good for us but we never stayed in Pago Pago. If we stay at Universal we'll likely try Hard Rock next time.

We’re trying Portofino in Aug. Last visit we stayed at HRH. Lovely resort but just so loud and chaotic in all the public spaces.

I want RPR for the closeness to the parks but we booked late and PB is the only deluxe available - I keep checking though! It’s going to be packed & *hot*; just glad we’ll have EP!

 

[Nabas]

We’ve stayed at the Royal Pacific and Polynesian a few times.

Royal Pacific is a better hotel. But that’s the point - it’s a hotel with a South Pacific theme.

With it’s multiple longhouses, the Poly feels more like a resort.

I cannot say that I like one more than the other, but the Royal Pacific offers free Express Pass Unlimited and usually is hundreds of dollars less than the Poly.

In terms of value and improving the associated theme park experience, the Royal Pacific is leagues ahead of the Poly.

 

[bakerworld]

Our youngest wanted to stay at PVB in the worst way. They did get into Moorea eventually. They had arrived early and were prepared to spend the day at the pool. Still by 4p they were done and ready for showers. So she went back to the desk to ask if the room was ready, as they'd been checked-in since 9:30a, and sure 'nuff the room was ready but the text hadn't been sent. Truthfully the same exact scenario happened to us in a 2016 trip at BC and 2018 at AK we waited until 5p (my husband ended up calling from PA - LOL). I get how you were irritated with being in different buildings. The Dolphin, which is huge, separated us once similarly. It's all just luck - good or bad.

PVB is nostalgia for our family. I actually don't care for Polynesian food but I do like the 2 showers and the huge bathroom. The room itself is very large and the studios now have the murphy beds plus an table that is not part of the single murphy bed, which means if the bed is in use there is no table (like BC and CC).