Pros to Staying at the Polynesian?

[AshleeH]

My Dad is retiring this year after a wonderful career (40+ years as a college professor) and they are going to join us for a few days at Disney World this October. We're so excited! He has never stayed on Disney property (too pricey for him) - we always stayed off property when I was growing up.

So imagine my surprise when he said that he wanted to stay at the Polynesian when it was first built, but changed his mind after seeing the $400 a night price tag. But that got me thinking...

Can anyone tell me any other perks for staying there? I've never set foot in the Polynesian, so I have no idea about it. I did tell him it was on the monorail line, and we will be staying at Bay Lake (a simple monorail ride away to see their grandkids). I also told him it can be a present to himself for his retirement and they would have the option of flying and using ME instead of driving 12 hours. It's also weekday nights they would be there (slight decrease in price).

Us booking the room and paying the difference (as a surprise) is not an option. I'm sure they would appreciate the gesture, but the vacation would be filled with lectures on how we shouldn't spend money on them and we really shouldn't spend so much on a hotel room and we have kids to put through college in 10 years. Did I mention my dad was a finance professor?

Thanks for any input! Anything, big or small, is appreciated .

 

[heidijanesmith]

My Dad is retiring this year after a wonderful career (40+ years as a college professor) and they are going to join us for a few days at Disney World this October. We're so excited! He has never stayed on Disney property (too pricey for him) - we always stayed off property when I was growing up.

So imagine my surprise when he said that he wanted to stay at the Polynesian when it was first built, but changed his mind after seeing the $400 a night price tag. But that got me thinking...

Can anyone tell me any other perks for staying there? I've never set foot in the Polynesian, so I have no idea about it. I did tell him it was on the monorail line, and we will be staying at Bay Lake (a simple monorail ride away to see their grandkids). I also told him it can be a present to himself for his retirement and they would have the option of flying and using ME instead of driving 12 hours. It's also weekday nights they would be there (slight decrease in price).

Us booking the room and paying the difference (as a surprise) is not an option. I'm sure they would appreciate the gesture, but the vacation would be filled with lectures on how we shouldn't spend money on them and we really shouldn't spend so much on a hotel room and we have kids to put through college in 10 years. Did I mention my dad was a finance professor?

Thanks for any input! Anything, big or small, is appreciated .

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Poly!
1-the rooms are huge, so much room to spread out. Love the day bed, super comfy, even for my DS (then 15years old and 6'2")
2-location. Loved all the transportaion options. Walking to the TTC was super easy, monorail to MK so much fun. The buses were great, super easy to get around. I didn't even mind sharing with the other MK resorts.
3-GCH, so many good eating options, shopping and lounge
4-Wishes from the beach or pool. Loved not having to deal with MK crowds to watch Wishes.
5-Theme, beautiful lanscaping and wonderful to explore the grounds.
6-Lapu Lapu, an adult tropical rum drink in a pineapple! yum!

We had a wonderful experience, clean large rooms, friendly CM's and great transportation.

 

[toodycat]

My dad always wanted to stay at the Poly, too. I guess if you remember it being built and all the excitement, the allure remains. I am not a huge Poly fan, but I will say that the transportation options are the best with direct monorails to both MK and Epcot. Rooms are very comfortable and large. It is lovely to watch fireworks and electrical water parade from the beach, too. If it is what your dad wants, he should go for it.

 

[aPiratesLife4M3]

Can anyone tell me any other perks for staying there? I've never set foot in the Polynesian, so I have no idea about it. I did tell him it was on the monorail line, and we will be staying at Bay Lake (a simple monorail ride away to see their grandkids). I also told him it can be a present to himself for his retirement and they would have the option of flying and using ME instead of driving 12 hours. It's also weekday nights they would be there (slight decrease in price).

Hi, Ashlee. I'm not sure if this will be much help to you because we have never stayed the night at the Poly, but my family and I walked through it twice on our last WDW vaca (April 2012) for two dinner reservations: 'Ohana for breakfast and the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. Both of which were reason to stay at the resort alone - I can highly recommend! We kind of scoped out the grounds before and after we ate and we are going to save up so we can stay there for a week in May 2013. You know about the monorail and the surrounding resorts (Grand Floridian for spa time!) so I'll skip those.

Here is what we consider "worth it":
1) Self serve Dole Whip machine at Captain Cook's quick service restaurant. (This sold us on staying here, as the only other place we know of to get Dole Whips is at Aloha Isle in the MK park and the lines are always ridonkulously long. Dole Whip buffet just sounds like heaven on earth.)
2) The beach.
Depending on where your room may be, you get this gorgeous, quiet white sand beach with a view of the MK and the Contemporary across the lagoon complete with little cabanas and lit tiki torches at dusk.
3) It's QUIET.
But I swear if you listen close enough you can hear the flames flickering on the tiki torches that are all around. ahhhhhhhh *snap* Okay, where was I?! Oh, yeah..
4) Seclusion.
The whole resort is blanketed with lush tropical trees and flowers. It feels hidden from the world.
5)Choice places to eat and drink on-site like 'Ohana, Kona Cafe and and the Tambu cocktail lounge.
6) Possible jet ski rentals on-site? We saw a lot docked at the marina.
7)You get leid every which way you turn.

If you do end up staying there, make sure you post all about it and include pictures! I have seen virtual rooms online and they look really spacious, dimly lit and cozy with killer 'Hawaiian' views.

 

[scjo68]

I can't think of anything that hasn't already been mentioned, but I agree with most of it.

Love the location- the monorail is so convenient to both MK and epcot. IMO, the Poly beach is the best place to watch Wishes from outside the MK (excluding the exclusive restaurants like Cali Grill, where we have never been). We have tried watching from the CR observation deck, and it is so crowded. We have never found the Poly beach crowded.

THe rooms are very large, and I love the decor. I find the decor fun, but if your parents like luxury and upscale elegance...well I wouldn't describe the Poly that way. To me, the theming, decor, atmosphere, is pure Disney. I think I could spend my vacation at the Poly, not go in a park, and still feel like I had been to Disney World.

As much as I LOVE, the Poly, I do kind of agree with your parents that the price is extrememly high. We have stayed at the Poly twice, only because we have gotten 40% off. The Poly was very worth the price we paid. Rack rate- not so sure. We couldn't get the same discount this year so we are going back to a moderate. We will see if three years of monorail deluxes have spoiled us! I will say that if it were a special occaision like retirement or a very special anniversary, I might be willing to pay more to be at the Poly, if I had always dreamed of staying there. Sometimes splurging is worth it if it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

So see if you can get a good rate for them. If you can, that will help sell them on it.

 

[AshleeH]

Thank you, everyone! The Polynesian is a resort I've wanted to stay in, but we just haven't made it there yet, so I know nothing about it.

I'll be sure to pass on all of this great information! I think they would really enjoy staying on Disney property, it's just getting them to take that step. All the other times they've been, it's been when they were paying for our family (me and two sisters) or - in the later years - going with (and paying for) my oldest sister and her kids, so they've always looked for ways to save money. They won't be responsible for paying for my family - perfect time to treat themselves!

We've taken vacations with them before (to the beach) and they always tend to pay for the food for everyone - I need to remember to bring up that we are doing the DDP this year, so they won't even have the option for paying for any of our meals - that might help tip the scales and make him want to spend more on him and my mom . He's not a tightwad - he just likes waiting to spend his money on things he really wants - and if he's always wanted to stay there, it would be such a perfect splurge!

 

[scottmel]

This summer I had a 35% off pin and booked at the Poly. However after reading so many negative reviews of the room conditions (which are very important to me), I ended up moving our reservation to YC where we stay every summer. For the price of Poly garden view, I was able to get YC club level...something to think of. Your dad would really enjoy YC and the ability to walk to Epcot is wonderful. The whole boardwalk area is just lovely. to save money, don't stay club level but what a nice perk...

 

[gokimiko]

So imagine my surprise when he said that he wanted to stay at the Polynesian when it was first built, but changed his mind after seeing the $400 a night price tag. But that got me thinking...

I've only stayed at the Poly once, but TRULY loved it. The proximity to MK, watching fireworks from the beach, having great food available at the main building.

Ironically, my dad has always wanted to stay at the Poly too, but has never splurged for himself either. I understand the merit of being good with money, but he can't take it with him you know. If you convince your dad, you'll have to let me know what finally got him, so I can use it on my dad.

 

[maryj11]

Poly is my favorite ! It has the best transportation of any resort I have stayed at. Get restaurants, you have to make reservations for Ohana very early so you best do that now lol. We ate breakfast there and dinner and loved it. We stayed in a garden view room in Tokelau and it is a great location close to everything. The grounds are beautiful and relaxing . The rooms were very comfortable. We absolutely loved watching the fireworks and electrical parade from the beach and absolutely loved the pool. We went in September last year and there were hardly anyone at the pool in the evenings when we got back from the parks.

 

[1971DBday]

Besides the previous posts of how wonderful the Poly is....here is my one tip....don't pay full price! Watch out for those discount codes! Book now and adjust when a better price comes out. He will LOVE it!


Posted from Disboards.com App for Android

 

[Planogirl]

Location, theming, amenities and more importantly because he wants to stay there. I believe that everyone should get a chance to do what they want if they can swing the cost of course.

 

[padawans]

Worth it very subjective. For us it has always been worth it. I love the Poly. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the monorail or epcot resorts. The only deluxe resort I didn't feel was "worth it" was Wl. It comes with a high price tag, and nothing to offer as far as location or convenience. Good luck with your descision.

 

[nkereina]

Congrats to your dad on his retirement! When I was young, we stayed at Poly with my parents and I remember my dad going down to the bar each night for a night cap after my mom and I went to bed. I remember him saying he enjoyed it because it was full of other dads ending their day after their families went to bed. They would sit, talk, relax, watch sports and have a few drinks. 15 years later, he still talks about how much he enjoyed talking with the other fathers and grandfathers each night!

In addition, the location is great and the grounds are phenomenal. It really transports you to a tropical paradise. Poly also has some great restaurants.

Have fun!

 

[Sue M]

My pros:
Large rooms
good transportation with boat or monorail to MK & walking distance to TTC.
Great food options
fun pool, and zero entry. Can see castle from pool!
Beach! Love watching Wishes from the beach, and Electric Water parade.
beautiful grounds

 

[gayles]

I can only think of Plus's ------ Go for it you will love all of it -- Just waling the Path's is so Beautiful --- Have a Wonderful time no matter where you stay --- Your at Disney --- Wow

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We love the Poly but DH would never pay rack-rate to stay there. We have always had a room-only discount to justify doing it. These are usually in Sept. but not sure what is offered in Oct.
I would not recommend a couple-only doing free dining though. The room-only discount has always been better for us.
Hope you have made dinner ressies for them at OHANA. It is a great part of the POLY experience. We also love the breakfast at KONA.
Hope they get to do it. It really does have that "Hawaii feel".

 

[Nancyg56]

The Poly is a gorgeous resort. If I was trying to decide the value of any given resort I would have to look at how I was going to vacation so I would suggest that you think about that with your Dad. If your Dad is nostalgic for the Disney he remembers this is a great place to start.
Do your parents want to use the resort as part of their vacation? If so, the Poly is a resort that offers a relaxing atmosphere with a tropical escape feel. The beach is a wonderful place to relax in the evening. The grounds offer beautiful views and invite you to just stroll around.

The Monorail is incredibly convenient as are the boats. Dining is good as well. Everyone raves about 'Ohana but I am partial to the Kona cafe. It is open and a bit loud but we have never had a bad meal there. Nice counter service option as well.

I have heard about the room conditions as well as general housekeeping but on our stay we were visited by the Mousekeeping manager as well as the Resort manager on our first day. That was a surprise and honestly, our rooms were spotless. We requested turndown service and were greeted every evening with a light on in the room, fresh towel and toiletries.

Now I liked it there but the Poly is not my favorite. My DD and DSIL compare every resort to that stay and nothing ever measures up.


If your parents are not planning to use resort amenities they may be happier in a moderate. When DH and I vacation with the family we tend to relax more and use the resort a lot so we stay deluxe. If the family goes alone or if it is just me with them we stay moderate. Ask your Dad what he is looking for and then make your decision.

 

[Micca]

From a practical standpoint, it's not worth the $$$. However, it is beautiful, it's one of the original WDW resorts, and if you can fork over the dough, go for it

 

[kaligal]

I don't think I've slept there in about two years, but I used to stay there so much that some of them knew me by name, lol.

The valet staff is the best on WDW property. The bellmen, too, are very good. Nice, helpful, efficient, pleasant, but not ridiculously peppy or phony. Two snaps up!!

The BouTiki. It's been sliding a bit the last three to four years, but it's still one of the best shops in town...and it gets bonus points for its cute name.

I like being in the big pool, swimming with the ducks and watching the sun come up and the lake.

EWP. I wouldn't make a special trip there to see it, but it is nice to sit on the balcony and watch. Wishes, too...to a lesser extent.

Monorail. This used to be a better perk than it is now. Also, you can walk to the Epcot monorail if you want...though I still drove.

I like the quiet pool...when it is relatively quiet.

It's very pretty at night, but so are other hotels.

I like the music they play around the resort.

The bathroom has a decent amount of room for storage.

I like searching for all the hidden Mickey's in the picture on the wall. I've never found them all, lol.

The doors to the closets are nice.

Pretty view of the water and castle, if you get the nice view.

Eta: I think you are VERY wise to be planning for your children's college. A lot of people don't...and many of them regret it! And as much as we thought it would be...much like a WDW vacation, it was more! Also, plan for your kids to be smarter than you thought they'd be, lol. Then your jaw won't be dropping when you get hit with tuition bills from big time schools.

Your kids' education is more important and will serve them better in the long run than a bigger room at Disney World.

You go, girl!

 

[AshleeH]

Thank you, everyone! I just sent him an email detailing the pros (and to be fair and give him a good comparison - the cons), so it's in his hands now . If he decides to stay there when we go, I'll bump up this thread and let everyone know if I was successful .

If nothing else, we're all having breakfast at Ohana - and that's a definite (ADR already achieved), so he'll at least get to see it!