rooms without balcony at Poly

[thumpersfriend]

Just wondered how the rooms were at the Poly that don't have a balcony. Would you be dissappointed in them?

 

[heidijanesmith]

From my understanding, the older buildings do not have balconies on the 2nd floors. The newer buildings have balconies on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

One of the big reasons that I stay in Deluxe hotels at WDW is for the extra space the balconies or patios give our family. My favorite thing to do is sit on the balcony with DH, drink in hand, after a long day at the parks. We talk about all the great things we did that day and plan what we are going to do tomorrow. This way we have some space for us, that will not disrupt our sleeping kids!

For this reason, we requested a 1st floor room.

I have not stayed at the Poly yet, but the patios look large and the balconies have two chairs and a table. I am sure someone will let you know if I am off on my information

 

[hstrickland]

Because there are no balconies on the 2nd floor, we requested 1st or 3rd. I do know that the doors still slide open....just no balcony.

 

[thumpersfriend]

I know that alot of the second floor rooms do not have balconies. I never hear of anyone who got a room without a balcony and if they were really dissappointed if they did not.. I would also request a third floor for the balcony but since it is not guaranteed, wanted to know how different it is. Would you rather change resorts to one that had a balcony guaranteed?

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I know that alot of the second floor rooms do not have balconies. I never hear of anyone who got a room without a balcony and if they were really dissappointed if they did not.. I would also request a third floor for the balcony but since it is not guaranteed, wanted to know how different it is. Would you rather change resorts to one that had a balcony guaranteed?

We are actually going through the same thing right now. We have a woodsview at WL booked. Would get a balcony for sure. Would love to upgrade to Poly for several reasons, but the chance of not having a balcony would crush me. That is why we want a deluxe!

 

[chipsgirl1030]

I just got back from a stay at the polynesian. I requested the Somoa bldg. It was very important that I have a room close to the Great Ceremonial House since I was travelling with my elderly mother. We had several dining reservations on property, plus wanted to be near bus/monorail transportation (we rented a wheelchair in the parks). We planned to spend a good deal of time at the resort, sitting by the pool, luau, etc. so this seemed like the ideal location.

I didn't want to make too many requests, since I figured the more you asked for the less likely you were to get any. Since 2 of the floors in each bldg have a balcony or patio, I figured the odds were with me. When we checked in we were told we were in Somoa bldg, but our room was not ready yet. I then asked if we could have a room with a balcony or patio. The cm said she would see what she could do.

When we returned later to go to our room it was on the second floor. Which when I thought about it, since we were told the bldg I'm sure the room was already assigned as well and there was no chance we were getting a balcony, but the cm just didn't want to say it.

Our room was facing the volcano pool, a great location. But I was heartbroken at not having a balcony. Since we were spending alot of time at the resort I had planned to sit out on the balcony or patio. I just figured if I had to choose between the two the location was more important (for my mom getting around the resort). I'm just kicking myself that I didn't request it when I made my reservation (I just didn't want to ask for too much).

Now, I can handle not getting a balcony. Sure, I was disappointed, but not everyone can get a balcony right. But my beef is with the fact that I paid the same for my room as those with patios or balconies. I think if you don't have the same amenities, you shouldn't have to pay for them. Just like you pay more for club level, you should pay for the balcony. That way people who don't really care if they have a balcony can pay a little less. People who really want them can pay a little more and have a better chance at getting one.

 

[mousejunkie98]

When we stayed at the Poly in January, we were in Samoa on the 2nd floor, so we didn't have a balcony. I thought I would be disappointed without a balcony or patio, but honestly I didn't mind at all. The rooms at the Poly are really quite large, and even with 5 of us in the room we didn't feel a bit cramped.

We really didn't spend much time in the room. When we wanted to sit outside we walked out to the beach!

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

We are actually going through the same thing right now. We have a woodsview at WL booked. Would get a balcony for sure. Would love to upgrade to Poly for several reasons, but the chance of not having a balcony would crush me. That is why we want a deluxe!

We stayed club level at the Poly and didn't have a balcony. Every club level room should have either a balcony or patio. The entire time we were there we were wishing we would have been able to stay at WL b/c of the balconies and beautiful views. We use the balcony as an extended living space a lot.

 

[toddd]

On our first trip we were in Niue 2nd floor which has no balconies. This turned out to be no problem because we were the last room before the breezeway to Rarotonga - we used this as a balcony - it was actually nice because we were with another couple and there was room for all of us to sit at the tables there. Also it was a bit cooler on that trip (Feb) than our recent one (April/May) so we maybe didn't sit out as much.

I guess the point is that there are alot of rooms at the Poly without balconies and someone has to get them. For me it helps a bit that when the Poly was designed they were trying to be true to Polynesian superstitions - something about spirits coming in through the upper levels. Maybe this is urban myth (about the design I mean, not the spirits) but it makes me feel better about it.

 

[auntie]

The reason we stay deluxe is for the balcony. I would be very disappointed not to have one. I enjoy starting my day with my morning coffee out on the balcony. I would agree with the poster who indicated that if you don't have a balcony in a deluxe resort, you shouldn't be charged the same rate as those that do.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We are checking into the Polynesian on May 18th. I have requested Samoa, 3rd floor The balcony is importatnt to us. Dh likes to sit outside and use his laptop etc.

I honestly didnt even want to stay at the Polynesian. Its the only thing available with dh ff miles. I figure with the money we are still paying for the room and dealing with a possible overcrowded pool, etc. etc. a balcony request should try to be honored. Also we have gone at this time before and the resort has not been overly crowded etc. So I am hoping for the best.

 

[iloveeeyore]

The following longhouses DO have balconies on the second floor: Tokelau, Tahiti, Rapa Nui (I THINK Tonga also, but Tonga houses only Club Level Suites). These buildings are the largest at the Poly, so it actually represents a larger percentage of rooms than it sounds like it does. These buildings are also "newer" than the original longhouses, and have slightly larger rooms. If you request one of these buildings, Tokelau, Tahiti, Rapa Nui, you are guaranteed the larger room and a balcony or patio. All other longhouses, including Hawaii (Club Level building) have patios on the first floor, balconies on the third floor, and "facades of balconies" on the 2nd floor. So yes, there is a chance of getting one of those balcony-less rooms, no matter what level of amenities/view you pay for...as a PP mentioned, SOMEONE has to get them. I agree that I would be upset if I got a room without either, and I would definitely ask for a different room if one were available. I have heard/read that the fewer "requests" you have, the more likely it is that your request will be granted. If having a balcony (or not) is going to make (or break) your vacation, then request it as your only request, or consider staying at a different resort.

 

[CleveRocks]

I reserved a theme park view room, and requested Tahiti 3rd floor ... a balcony was vital to me. I wanted to be able to fully enjoy that view I was paying for. I'm also the only early riser in the family, so having a separate area where I could sit in the early morning hours was a huge part of us all having a nice vacation.

We checked in at 9:30 a.m. and found we were assigned a 2nd floor room in Aotearoa, which I knew didn't have a balcony; the room was ready for us at that early hour. I nicely asked if could instead get a 3rd floor room in Tahiti. The CM met my friendliness with friendliness, and told me she would try. She got on the phone (undoubtedly with Mousekeeping) and a few minutes later told me that I could have it if I was willing to wait until about 3 p.m. I was thrilled that I could get my request met, and I had no care in the world that I'd have to wait until check-in time for the room. As it turned out, our room wasn't ready 'til about 5:30 p.m. or so, which was inconvenient (we wanted to change before dinner), but I never complained because I knew they were doing what they could to meet my request. Having that room and balcony for the next 8 days was very well-worth that tiny inconvenience.

Before my trip, I had decided that if my request could absolutely not be met that I would ask the possibility of changing rooms the following morning. This is an important option to keep in mind.

 

[shyjade]

At first, yeah, I felt a bit "ripped off" knowing the floor above me and floor below me had the same room rates, but they got a balcony/patio and I didn't.
I still think the price should be a bit lower for those without a balcony/patio.

However, that being said, I fould I really didn't miss having a balcony to sit on. I thought I would, but I didn't. On our 2nd trip to the Poly I requested a patio or balcony and it really wasn't a necessity afterall. It's just DD12 and I so I don't need to escape the room early in the morning to sit on the balcony while the family sleeps/gets ready, or at night while little ones sleep because we go to bed and wake at the same time at Disney.

And because it's the Poly, we tend to spend our "downtime" on the quiet sandy beach instead of on the balcony. I'd rather sprawl out on a beach chair with a good book than sit upright in a balcony chair.

Balconies are very nice to have, but to me they don't make or break our trip.
But I do think Deluxe prices deserve a balcony!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I still think the price should be a bit lower for those without a balcony/patio.


But I do think Deluxe prices deserve a balcony!

ITA. They should LOWER the price about $10-$15 a night for those rooms that don't have one. People that don't care would love a savings. I would pay the regular rate to guarantee us a balcony. It would really upset me not to get one. Enough so that I probably will not change from WL.

 

[iheartdolewhips]

When we stayed at the Polynesian we were in a room without a balcony. It didn't matter to us at all. I would be more concerned about having a balcony if I had paid for a theme park view, but otherwise it's not a big deal to me. Our room was lovely.

 

[mdrob214]

ITA. They should LOWER the price about $10-$15 a night for those rooms that don't have one. People that don't care would love a savings. I would pay the regular rate to guarantee us a balcony. It would really upset me not to get one. Enough so that I probably will not change from WL.

Be careful what you wish for! I suspect they would do something like they did with Lagoon View--so many people requested MK View, that they made a new room category--and charged MORE. I'd be concerned that they add a room category(balcony/patio room) and charge $50/night more.

 

[iloveeeyore]

Be careful what you wish for! I suspect they would do something like they did with Lagoon View--so many people requested MK View, that they made a new room category--and charged MORE. I'd be concerned that they add a room category(balcony/patio room) and charge $50/night more.

Many, MANY moons ago, I could swear they used to charge more for a guaranteed balcony (I THINK I vaguely recall this from the 70's, maybe even 80's). They also had many more room categories at that time, so that the marina view and pool view rooms in Fiji and Samoa were upgrades. I imagine this sytem got way too confusing for CMs and guests once they added the newer buildings, some of which offer double sinks and bigger rooms and sideways lagoon views...AGH!

 

[taylor3297]

On our last stay, we were TPV 2nd floor Tuvalu. We were there for a week and never missed having a balcony or patio. We would open the sliding door at times, especially when the EWP was floating right past our room at night.

On our next stay, we have booked CL TPV and will take any floor they assign us.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

We have stayed at Poly 4x. The year we didn't have a balcony was the year I was alone with my DGS5. He got sick on day 1, we spent the entire day at the hospital. Let me tell you, a balcony was sorely missed during the rest of our stay because we spent a lot more time in the room.

The only consolation was that the monorail drove by our room. This was great because DGS could lie in bed and watch it go by. As sad as that sounds, it would have been worse with no monorails zooming by.

The following year, when checking in, I pleaded with them for a balcony telling them that DGS was sick last time and we didn't have one. I guess I sounded pretty pathetic because they did give us a balcony.

At the Polynesian, I would say a balcony is important to us.
Thanks to the poster that mentioned asking to be moved to a balcony room the following day if you don't get one on day 1. I will definitely remember that advice.