Request issue at the Polynesian (or any resort)

[Mich Mouse]

Is a marina view considered Lagoon view?

Steve, You have created a wonderful resource for all Poly Lovers....I hope that you don't change a thing! There will be demanding people at the check in desk, even if they never saw any infomative site about the Poly. We all just need to make up for the poor behavior of others by really appreciating and acknowledging the CM's while we are there.

Thanks, Steve for all your efforts to help us plan our Poly vacations. I am your biggest fan!

 

[chamonix]

Lots of food for thought on this thread, thanks for starting it, Steve.

I just wanted to add that I have always thought it was a bit odd that so many people here always say that Samoa is such a great building to be in--if it was me, I would never request it, because for my family, it's just too much in the center of the hustle and bustle, and I would hate to overlook the volcano pool (too noisy, no privacy in the room with curtains open, etc) too close to the GCH so no excuse to get that wonderful walk through the beautiful Polynesian grounds or along the beach to get there, etc etc. I can think of many reasons why for my family, Samoa would never be my first choice. My point is, although the Samoa may be "best" for some families, it wouldn't be a good fit for mine. I hope that people take advice here at the DIS and on sites like tikimans with the idea that different families may like different buildings for different reasons. For every family who loves Samoa there's one who loves Tahiti, or Tokelau, or Fiji.

 

[alohaguy]

Steve - I think the idea of not expressing your opinions is contrary to what this forum and many others are all about. Your site is a resource, but first and foremost, it is 'your' site. Your opinions are your own, and honestly, anyone that doesn't realize that is likely to be confused about many other things than what building to stay at in the Polynesian.

Also, of the 800+ rooms at the Polynesian, I would be willing to bet that only a small fraction of guests has based their decisions solely on your websites or postings. To be honest, I went to the Polynesian over 15 times before I knew you had a website (I think you started it within the past five years?). Your site is a great source for people looking for info, but I wouldn't put the blame on yourself for other people's decisions.

By the way, there is another room besides the Ambassador Suite that overlooks dumpsters. It's a second-floor room in Raratonga that face Niue (I think it's # 2802). It sits almost below the walkway that crosses between both buildings and it has no balcony, and right below are large dumpsters (not actually dumpsters but big gray plastic garbage containers). I've often thought that it's a shame that the person who gets that room is paying the same rate as someone who, for instance, gets a partial castle view in Tokelau. Also, parking lot views in Raratonga are pretty poor rooms, in my opinion. I think these descrepencies in rooms of the same rate are what lead people who have experience at the Polynesian to become descriminating and somewhat demanding with building requests. Just a thought. In my view, there is a fairly large range of views within the same rate category, so simply to say pay for what you really want, doesn't really address the issue - when two families are paying the same rate for vastly different room locations, I think the one with the less desirable location will inevitably feel short-changed. Again, this is a reason why Hawaii is desirable, in my opinion - for the most part, you gaurantee what you're getting.

I think there is much more consistency in Lagoon View rooms, but Garden View rooms, in my opinion, can be vastly different from one another. That being said, the good locations greatly outnumber the less than spectacular spots.

 

[Tinkerchele]

Thanks Tikiman. I can't believe people actually become irate! For my next visit, I may have a request for a longhouse - I actually have quite a few options. But, I will have no expectations (except having a great time as usual! ) This will be the first time I may actually request a general location. In the past, I have always taken what was given to me and have always been pleased.

From all I have researched about the Poly (Thanks Tikiman!), there really is no 'bad' location....can't wait!

 

[Sammie]

Steve, do not change anything about your site or stop voicing your opinion. As someone stated you have as much right to state yours as anyone else.

I do think though some do put more weight on your recommendations than a review by someone else. I know this was never your intention, but it happens sometime when someone has a wealth of knowledge about a particular subject, they become the expert by default. Comes with the territory I guess. I know there a few regulars on the DVC board that are treated the same way. It is a form of flattery, but I know at times they have to be careful how they word their comments.

If you truly feel that Tokelau and Samoa are number one and two on your list of your favorites then share that.

I personally feel as you do, that there are no bad locations at the Polynesian, only different ones. Each building has much to offer.

However I guess when you state you feel Tokelau has the best garden views offered some might forget that is your opinion and that your liking it does not make it fact.

Don't worry about it just go on as you have and let your Tiki torch burn brightly.

 

[Tikiman]

Alohaguy,

I am not sure it those trash containers were temporary when you saw them but there is no garbage storage area over next to Niue. I will check my video footage but as far as I know and looking at the photos of Niue I don't see where those cotainers could be stored if there is no area for them other than sitting out in the walkway. I also disagree (again my opinion) that the view towards the parking lot in Rarotonga is not a bad view at all. In fact only the upper floors can barely see the parking lot past the monorail and the very large garden area. Many love that view just for the monorail.

Actually the staff tells me that about 25% to 40% of the guests that check in mention my site so I would not consider that a small fraction but I would agree that my site would not be all they based their decision on. With that said I am sure you are not the only one who has not found my site.

I think there is much more consistency in Lagoon View rooms, but Garden View rooms, in my opinion, can be vastly different from one another. That being said, the good locations greatly outnumber the less than spectacular spots.

That is a very true statment.

Chamonix,

That is exactly right. To some people Samoa would be the last place they want to be. I even know some people that prefer the rooms I consider the worst which are the garden side of Tuvalu and the parking lot side of Rapa Nui but that does not mean they are crazy or wrong. I am sure the reasons they love it are just as good as the reasons people like their favorite locations. I like the way you put your reply. That is the whole point of this posting other than to give the CMs a break.

I just got this message from the Polynesian about this issue they are having and they hoped that I could do something to help them. I feel informing people will help them. I can’t tell you how many emails I have gotten from them about something and they say that people are getting wrong information or rumors that are not true from the DIS and yes they do specify the DIS. Many of them read the comments in here and they just shake their heads and some of the stuff people come up with. That is not to say there is not just as much good info in here. You just need to do your research and not rely on what people say all the time.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

I think some people have unreal expectations regarding Poly, and Disney in general. I think that when some people spend lots of money on there family vacations, that they think they are some type of "Rock Star" that can do anything they want. Bottom line is, Yes, Disney is expensive and you should'nt go on vacation thinking you can have everything the way YOU want it! If this was so, everyone would be staying in the "Best Rooms" and everyone wouldn't have to wait in long lines. How could a room view "make or break" your vacation so much as to reuin a CM's day over? Its completly obsured.

 

[alohaguy]

Tikiman - The area I was referring to is right next to Raratonga, not Niue. There is also some large HVAC equipment in that area. I have seen this on every trip, including just recently in April. Perhaps it is not always garbage in the containers I saw, but nonetheless, it is a less than desirable area, and I think that if you check your footage you'll likely agree.

And about the parking lot views in Raratonga, last time I walked by that building on the parking lot side I felt it was close to the parking area. I think that the views from Aeotearoa are good monorail views and garden views, with traffic and parking only seen in the distance, but Raratonga - particularly on the first floor - leaves something to be desired -- of course, this is my opinion.

Maybe this thread will help clear-up the check-in fracas, but who knows. I think once people stay at the Polynesian more than on time, they form their own opinions regardless of what others say.

Also, if 40% of people checking in report having used your site, that number would have to be somewhere in the 100,000 range or more per year. If that's the case, that's certainly an impressive amount of traffic on your site. Congrats.

 

[Tikiman]

Steve, do not change anything about your site or stop voicing your opinion. As someone stated you have as much right to state yours as anyone else.

I do think though some do put more weight on your recommendations than a review by someone else. I know this was never your intention, but it happens sometime when someone has a wealth of knowledge about a particular subject, they become the expert by default. Comes with the territory I guess. I know there a few regulars on the DVC board that are treated the same way. It is a form of flattery, but I know at times they have to be careful how they word their comments.

If you truly feel that Tokelau and Samoa are number one and two on your list of your favorites then share that.

I personally feel as you do, that there are no bad locations at the Polynesian, only different ones. Each building has much to offer.

However I guess when you state you feel Tokelau has the best garden views offered some might forget that is your opinion and that your liking it does not make it fact.

Don't worry about it just go on as you have and let your Tiki torch burn brightly.

As always Sammie you make very good points. I always appreciate your opinion even if sometimes I disagree with it (not very often does that happen).

You know when I created the web pages I never intended it to get so big and with that came some responsibility. The one thing I try to always make sure of is that my facts are 100% correct and I would say 90% of my pages are facts with very little opinion. Here is the place for my opinion. I also am in no way the only informed Polynesian visitor. There are many that have been going for many years and even though in some cases I know more about the resort because I research, talk to staff email people involved in the design and construction and just walk the entire place on every trip myself, there are still many out there with a ton of knowledge and helpful opinions that can be considered just as much an expert if not more. I know even by saying that you are right about how some will take my opinion over someone else’s and that is why I try to be careful about how I say some things. That is actually why I list Tokelau as the #1. Not because I would choose it myself as a first choice if I were staying garden view but because it is a good safe selection as far as I am concerned for someone who does not know where they might want to be put. It is central to many things, not too close to noise and not to far from anything and gives you the larger room and balconies on both upper floors. The only other thing most ask for is the double sinks like the newer longhouses have, and other than a handful of test rooms (that I am not even sure still exist) you will only have one sink. Not something I care about but many do. Now my suggestions and opinions on locations are in most cases only if they insist on doing a request but mainly my info is so that when they check in and if they are given a choice to move to something else available they will have done their research and have an educated idea of where they might want to be placed. I know because when I first went I was given a choice of about 3 locations and I had no idea what to choose.

Well thanks again for the response Sammie. I am not letting any of this bother me. I just hope it informs people about a few things and it has spurred on some great responses from the rest of you.

 

[*Fantasia*]

To some people Samoa would be the last place they want to be.

Samoa wouldn't be on my last list... but I would prefer Fiji!! Or I'll take Aotearoa again (facing away from the monorail) or Tonga! I like walking by the marina.

I'm easy to please. As long as my room is nice and clean and no smell, I am very happy!! I have walked around the ground and most of the bldgs are not far from GCH and it is so nice to just stroll around surrounded by tropical plants and flowers. It is so beautiful! There is no building that is undesirable. (Well... except Nuie if you're not a smoker.) They are all great bldgs.

I'm sure that most of us here on the DIS Board very well know that request is just a request. I just wish we can tell all the folks who doesn't know this site that "request" is just that.

 

[Tikiman]

Tikiman - The area I was referring to is right next to Raratonga, not Niue. There is also some large HVAC equipment in that area. I have seen this on every trip, including just recently in April. Perhaps it is not always garbage in the containers I saw, but nonetheless, it is a less than desirable area, and I think that if you check your footage you'll likely agree.

I will check. you might be right but I remember standing there on the side between Rarotonga and the GCH for a while talking with a CM and I was facing Rarotonga and I remember nothing but the building and even so how would any room have a view of that if no room faces that side?

And about the parking lot views in Raratonga, last time I walked by that building on the parking lot side I felt it was close to the parking area. I think that the views from Aeotearoa are good monorail views and garden views, with traffic and parking only seen in the distance, but Raratonga - particularly on the first floor - leaves something to be desired -- of course, this is my opinion.

Below is a photo taken not even all the way to the parking lot and there is quite a bit of garden area between the building and the parking lot but maybe not enough in your opinion and I am sure many share your opinion.

Maybe this thread will help clear-up the check-in fracas, but who knows. I think once people stay at the Polynesian more than on time, they form their own opinions regardless of what others say.

Very true statment.

Also, if 40% of people checking in report having used your site, that number would have to be somewhere in the 100,000 range or more per year. If that's the case, that's certainly an impressive amount of traffic on your site. Congrats.

Well with 52 weeks in a year and people staying in a room for an average of a week (more or less) and the amount of rooms at the Polynesian I total up a little more than 40,000 groups per year checking in. I would not count all number of visitors because in most cases one person per family will be the one visiting my site not each person individually and my tracker says I get about 200 +/- a day of unique visitors which comes out to 73,000 (aprox.) a year for the last 4 years and my counter has been reset since then. either way I am just going by what I am told and I am sure that number is a guess on their part. That is why sometimes I say I have created a monster.Unfortunately becasue of my line of work I have a one track mind for finding out answers.

 

[alohaguy]

Steve - sorry for the back-and-forth - the area I'm talking about is, I believe, right below room 2802 in Raratonga ... this is some sort of mechanical room (just a guess) and I have seen garbage receptacles in front of it on several different trips. Room 2802 (I think) is right above this space, and in my opinion, is less desirable than other areas. But I'm sure others may disagree, I don't know. Maybe someone's stayed there and can tell us. Who knows. Nontheless, there is something atypical in this area, that I think makes for a less than ideal setting.

Also, I think your website is terrific and I admire your dedication to the Polynesian. I myself obviously love it as well, but would never have the patience or the ambition to create a site such as yours.

Also, about Raratonga ... I could post a picture from room 3915 in Tokelau, where the castle is in view just beyond seven seas lagoon, and if put side by side with the above parking lot view, I think most people would think the rooms must be booked at different rates - but they are not... same price, vastly different view. This is true in some garden view rooms, and my only point - that I've been rambling on about perhaps too much - is that I think it is because of this variation within the same rate category that people may get upset.

Keep up the good work, Steve.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

I probibly sound like an idiot for asking this, but

What website are you guys talking about?

Thanks Alot...

 

[Jalva22]

One of the more interesting threads on the DIS in some time. Tikiman, you do a great job and don't change a thing! We requested and received 3rd floor Samoa overlooking the volcano pool in June. I selected it based on reading the UG, the DIS threads, and Tikiman's site. My kids are 5 and 9 and it was perfect. Close walk to GCH, beautiful view overlooking the pool and boat dock, with a nice view of the GF in the distance. But I've stayed in Rarotonga before and loved it, and can honestly say we would have been fine in any non-smoking longhouse. I think there are plenty of disclaimers on the Disney site, by CM's when calling to arrange a check-in, on the DIS threads, and on Steve's site that requests are not guaranteed. If people get upset about not receiving their longhouse after all that, well, what can a person do? I wouldn't have been upset if I hadn't gotten my request. However, I would have been upset if I had planned for a full year and ended up getting bumped to another resort entirely. I'm sure we would enjoy the GF if that's where they put us, but I don't see any excuse for that. I can't understand how you get an overbook into the system in the first place. Because of rehabs? Surely Disney could plan enough to allow for that. Not a vacation killer, but enough to leave a bad taste in a person's mouth where Disney is concerned. Maybe there's a legit reason, though (a hotelier I'm not).

Anyway, enjoying the thread. Great food for thought. Can't wait to see the Poly again.

 

[Tikiman]

Steve - sorry for the back-and-forth - the area I'm talking about is, I believe, right below room 2802 in Raratonga ... this is some sort of mechanical room (just a guess) and I have seen garbage receptacles in front of it on several different trips. Room 2802 (I think) is right above this space, and in my opinion, is less desirable than other areas. But I'm sure others may disagree, I don't know. Maybe someone's stayed there and can tell us. Who knows. Nontheless, there is something atypical in this area, that I think makes for a less than ideal setting.

No need to be sorry Alohaguy. I appreciate the info. You might be right about it. I am not sure I see how someone in Niue would be affected by something off to the side of them but again we don’t know what someone else might think and obviously you would not consider it desirable and your opinion is just as good as anyone.

Also, about Raratonga ... I could post a picture from room 3915 in Tokelau, where the castle is in view just beyond seven seas lagoon, and if put side by side with the above parking lot view, I think most people would think the rooms must be booked at different rates - but they are not... same price, vastly different view. This is true in some garden view rooms, and my only point - that I've been rambling on about perhaps too much - is that I think it is because of this variation within the same rate category that people may get upset.

Keep up the good work, Steve.

I have seen your photo and I thank you because I never realized you could see the castle from that corner. I totally agree that if you compare the south side of Rarotonga with the view from Tokelau you would think that the views should be in different categories. I actually think it is nice to only have two view categories (standard room) unlike at other resorts because than you can look at it as “what a great partial lagoon view I got at a garden view price”. Besides if they re-categorized and charged differently for the parking lot view vs. the pool view I can guarantee that Disney would just increase the cost of the pool view instead of reducing the parking lot view.

Thanks for the input. I really think this is one of the best discussions I have seen here and all the information is helpful with very good opinions.

 

[Tikiman]

I can't understand how you get an overbook into the system in the first place. Because of rehabs? Surely Disney could plan enough to allow for that. Not a vacation killer, but enough to leave a bad taste in a person's mouth where Disney is concerned. Maybe there's a legit reason, though (a hotelier I'm not).

Anyway, enjoying the thread. Great food for thought. Can't wait to see the Poly again.

Well the main problem that I was told is that because the rehab of the rooms keeps changing the schedule they do not block of enough rooms ahead of time and so when they change the schedule last minute they end up with less rooms than they have bookings. In the case of Hawaii closing down in September this was a change to the plan they had just last month so they were not prepared to have Hawaii closed. Now they have to move anyone booked during that time. I agree that they needed to plan this better (as they have in past years) but since they cannot seem to plan it well the staff and the guests will suffer. They had the whole schedule outlined last year and the only longhouse that stuck to that date was Tonga. Past years I could give you a schedule months out on what would be closed when but this year I give up on trying to figure out a schedule and I just wait to see when a longhouse closes like Rapa Nui did this week.

 

[tammydel]

What I've often noticed from reading people's reports when they return from home...is that many (maybe even most) love whatever location they were given and would request it again.
While I wouldn't argue that there are a few clunckers at any resort, most likely you will love, or at least enjoy your location. As a matter of fact, I can only remember a VERY few times people reporting that they did not like thier location.

My thought would be to give whatever spot a chance and remember you're in Disney World and enjoy. Finally if there is truely something WRONG be polite and reasonable when explaining to CMs. I believe they would rather have you happy with your stay and will do whatever is within reason and in thier power to make you happy.

Three cheers for Steve for all the work he does to keep us informed and in an online "happy place". I can't count the number of people I've sent to your site!

Tammy

 

[alohaguy]

Steve- About that area again - I'm not saying that people in Niue are effected by the mechanical room (or whatever it is), I'm saying that there is a room in Raratonga ( I think 2802) that is right above this area, that would be effected by it.

I'll take a picture of it when I'm there again in five weeks .... and I'll take a picture of anything else you'd like for that matter.

By the way... I think you know my wife... Suzy P.... she's sent you some pictures. I think she's talked to you quit a bit. Keep up the hard work ... your site informs many people.

 

[alohaguy]

Just to add more - as if this hasn't been enough - about the overbooking, we were there in April staying in Hawaii, and no rehab was being done except for Tonga, which is all suites. Marilyn, in concierge told us that they were drastically overbooked due to the school breaks in the Northeast - tons of Red Sox hats by the way - and that people were being bumped left and right. I stood and watched while a family that had booked adjoining rooms were told they had to move to the GF because not a single room was available at the Polynesian. I felt for them. I would have been enraged, and you can bet something would have been comped.

I was very surprised that Disney overbooked in this manner ... seems like something Southwest Airlines would do. During the same trip, my brother and sister-in-law were arriving at the Wilderness lodge villas, and were bumped from their room, which had been booked 8 months earlier. My brother-in-law demanded that something be done, and after several hours, a villa miraculously became available.

Moral of the story is, at extremely peak times, bumping occurs. I'd never seen it until last April... but it exists.

 

[Tikiman]

Alohaguy,

Oh I see your point. Yeah if that is still there I would not want to look down on that.

Yeah I know Suzy. Thanks for the offer of the photos. If you see any construction going on take some shots for me. I appreciate the offer. My site is only as good as it is with the help of others.