So, thanks to DH we are going to take the POLY LVC plunge

[PolyAddict]

I have a few questions before I call AAA tomorrow.

1. Should I request patio or balcony?

2. Are the rooms the farthest from the lounge the ones with the great views?

We stayed Poly GVC back in 2003 during the fairy tale promo (you paid for 4 nights they gave you 7) and I requested close to lounge and patio or balcony. Our other stay at the POLY was in Samoa 3rd floor.

I honestly said I would never pay this much for my room again, but DH said to go for it since he knows I drool over Seasprays travels.

I just want to make sure we have a great room for that $.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[SeaSpray]

Hey Michele, congrats on booking your trip!!!

But yikes, I sort of feel responsible now! LOL I hope you have a great time and feel that the experience is worth it

As regards to patio or balcony, we've preferred the balcony, especially on this last trip because DH had his new camera and he had it to set up his tripod on so he could take pictures of the fireworks over the castle.

However, after walking around the front of the Hawaii building and seeing the beach area with lounge chairs in front of the patios, I'm thinking it might be nice to try that floor some time I know that many people prefer the first floor. I think we'll continue to request the third floor, but won't mind if we end up in a first floor room.

As regards how good the views are, compared to how far away from the lounge they are, I don't really think it makes a difference, especially up on the third floor where there isn't much to block your view. I have the views from rooms that are close to the lounge, and the view from a room that was the second to last room from the end, on my web site. Each of those rooms offered an excellent view of the castle and entire lagoon.

 

[princessesrule4]

We stayed in a 3rd floor LVC and had a fabulous castle view! We prefer a balcony. We were right next to the lounge which was convenient but since our room was right across from the elevator, it could be a little noisy, especially in the a.m.!
Have a great trip!

 

[Tess]

We used to prefer the third floor balcony view, but this year (and one other year) we were on the first. The view from 1512 was dead on and totally unobstructed. Lovely location near the east exit, but still not too far from the lounge. Frankly, I don't find any of the rooms "too far" from the lounge and both floors have great views.

I will say that it was nice being on the first floor when we were hanging around the resort. It was a quicker trek to the room from the pools when you needed to gather forgotten items.

Flip a coin or make your request a first or third floor. We originally requested a third, but received a first because it was available at check-in on our arrival day. We arrived at 7:00 a.m. so we jumped on the open room. We were unpacked and out the door before regular opening hours at MK and that included a bite to eat in the lounge.

 

[PolyAddict]

Seaspray-Don't feel guilty. We have stayed GV and GVC at Poly so we know we will not be dissapointed!!! Both DH and I are pretty easy going so we will be pleased with a clean room and great view.

Princessesrule4-Glad to hear of your great trip.

Tess-I forgot to blame you, too. You may be responsible for my now yearly trips. I remember telling DH, see I am not crazy for wanting to go every year. I just wish I had your nice kids. My 2 teenage DD's don't get along at all and sometimes I wish I would have left one home.

Thanks Everyone.

 

[Tess]

Tess-I forgot to blame you, too. You may be responsible for my now yearly trips. I remember telling DH, see I am not crazy for wanting to go every year. I just wish I had your nice kids. My 2 teenage DD's don't get along at all and sometimes I wish I would have left one home.

Thanks Everyone.

It's just a burden I will have to bear. Honestly, with the lack of availability at my favorite resort in June, I think many of us have done too good a job selling people on it! It kind of ticks me off that I can't even get the AAA rate AND the way the rates have jumped. We will most likely be rethinking our yearly trips after this one--at least at the Polynesian Concierge. They are pricing themselves out of our perceived value for the $$$ spent--especially when there are no discounts for the loyal hordes who kept them going through thick and thin. We may have to reconsider the EPCOT resorts--their rates haven't taken the same major hike at the concierge level.

 

[PolyAddict]

It's just a burden I will have to bear. Honestly, with the lack of availability at my favorite resort in June, I think many of us have done too good a job selling people on it! It kind of ticks me off that I can't even get the AAA rate AND the way the rates have jumped. We will most likely be rethinking our yearly trips after this one--at least at the Polynesian Concierge. They are pricing themselves out of our perceived value for the $$$ spent--especially when there are no discounts for the loyal hordes who kept them going through thick and thin. We may have to reconsider the EPCOT resorts--their rates haven't taken the same major hike at the concierge level.

Yep, it sure does stink. I can say one thing is for sure we will not be doing this category for yearly trips. Hopefully something works out for you.

 

[SeaSpray]

It's just a burden I will have to bear. Honestly, with the lack of availability at my favorite resort in June, I think many of us have done too good a job selling people on it! It kind of ticks me off that I can't even get the AAA rate AND the way the rates have jumped. We will most likely be rethinking our yearly trips after this one--at least at the Polynesian Concierge. They are pricing themselves out of our perceived value for the $$$ spent--especially when there are no discounts for the loyal hordes who kept them going through thick and thin. We may have to reconsider the EPCOT resorts--their rates haven't taken the same major hike at the concierge level.

Tess, I have to agree with you here. For our trip next May there was no other choice but the Polynesian concierge because our DSs will be with us on that trip as well as our Aunt Esther, and the location and specialness of the resort and specifically the Hawaii building, is a key factor in this particular trip. However, for any trips beyond that, we will re-evaluate and add some other resorts for consideration. I still can't believe no AAA discounts for GVC! I can't get over that.

I have to say though, that I think I've created a resort snob monster, because my DH recently said that he would rather go for a shorter trip and still stay Polynesian concierge, then stay somewhere else. lol I guess time will tell whether we ever try someplace new.

 

[Tess]

We have been Polynesian Concierge Resort "snobs" since 1994--we've slept around (so to speak), but the Polynesian has our hearts. It is very difficult for me to envision us anywhere else!

With both kids off to college next fall, our traveling style will definitely be changing--more than likely it will be Ron and I. We've always wanted to visit during F&W and without the school calendar to deal with--we may opt to visit then. Of course, staying at an EPCOT resort would make perfect sense. Since we will only be two, the price of a concierge stay just doesn't seem the most cost effective way to vacation. Those AP rates at the EPCOT resorts in the summer make more sense too!

In any event, the Polynesian will still be our resort. Unfortunately, it may not be our only resort in the future.

 

[disneyfan67]

Tess, I have to agree with you here. For our trip next May there was no other choice but the Polynesian concierge because our DSs will be with us on that trip as well as our Aunt Esther, and the location and specialness of the resort and specifically the Hawaii building, is a key factor in this particular trip. However, for any trips beyond that, we will re-evaluate and add some other resorts for consideration. I still can't believe no AAA discounts for GVC! I can't get over that.

I have to say though, that I think I've created a resort snob monster, because my DH recently said that he would rather go for a shorter trip and still stay Polynesian concierge, then stay somewhere else. lol I guess time will tell whether we ever try someplace new.

Your DH isn't a resort snob, but a smart man. I came to the same way of thinking during our recent stay as well. I would rather stay fewer days and enjoy what the Poly provides for me and my family, than stay longer at a cheaper or different resort. As I told others here on the board, the parks haven't changed much and my days of needing a week to tour them commando style is over. I would rather do a couple low key days at MK and Epcot and spend the rest of my time relaxing at the Poly. I don't see the need or feel the desire to stay any place else. The Poly is my vacation home and when I'm there I feel at ease. This might sound crazy to some, but if Disney was to offer me a good deal on a mod or value for 7 nights, I would have to pass on it. Give me 3 or 4 nights in the Samoa building overlooking the Volcano pool and I'm good. Club level is nice but I have seen the rates for 2008 and it's a little hard to justify for me.

 

[disneyfan67]

It's just a burden I will have to bear. Honestly, with the lack of availability at my favorite resort in June, I think many of us have done too good a job selling people on it! It kind of ticks me off that I can't even get the AAA rate AND the way the rates have jumped. We will most likely be rethinking our yearly trips after this one--at least at the Polynesian Concierge. They are pricing themselves out of our perceived value for the $$$ spent--especially when there are no discounts for the loyal hordes who kept them going through thick and thin. We may have to reconsider the EPCOT resorts--their rates haven't taken the same major hike at the concierge level.

For the life of me I can't understand why Disney doesn't offer a program like what the Loews hotels do with their Loews First program. I stayed at the Portofino Bay resort for 2 nights before I moved over to the Poly and was impressed. I signed up for free, earned points or credits for future stays that will give me free upgrades and I got a nice, free welcome gift. You can choose what you would like and I received a beautiful, chilled fresh fruit platter with two bottles of FIGI water that a waiter/ butler came into our room and set it all out for us with silverware. I look forward to staying at the 3 Loews resorts on Universal property again. I should be able to get a free upgrade to a bigger Deluxe room on my second stay. I have seen people get free upgrades to Villas and suites while paying the same rate they do for a regular room.

Disney in my opinion, should start a similar program like this. I would rather have repeat guests like you Tess and reward them for their loyalty. It only makes good business sense to make your loyal customers happy and keep them coming back for more. It would obviously have to be different in some ways, but there's no reason why you couldn't earn points toward a better/cheaper rate for next time. Everyone loves a good deal and seeing the perceived quality in what you're paying for. Disney is losing site of the long term business goals, in order to make more money right now in the present. If I owned the Polynesian, I would hate to lose customers like you Tess and SeaSpray because I got too focused on making the quick profit.


Sorry to ramble on a little, but after this past trip and trying onsite Universal resorts for 2 nights, it has got me thinking a little on how Disney does things. After 5 trips I'm seeing things a little differently than on my first one.

 

[D&R love Disney]

We loved our balcony room at the Poly. I think it was 3508 and it was a perfect view.

 

[huntconn]

We've stayed in several rooms over the past few years and here are some observations I've made about being on the far end of the longhouse (furthest from the lounge). Last year we stayed in the 2nd to last room on the first floor (LVC). The view was very nice. 2 things I did not like about it though: 1. I really disliked having to walk "all the way" down the hall to get to the lounge. It's not that it's an extremely long walk however the main reason I love Poly concierge is the convenience. There are many times I just want to grab a soda and it's just a lot more convenient to do so when you are close to the lounge. 2. Being on the end far from the lounge has less of a "beach feel" for me. Now before you tell me I'm nuts, check out the overhead photo of the Hawaii longhouse on the "you-know-who"man's website. The far end of the longhouse has a wide grassy expanse in front of the rooms which really reduces the feeling of being "on the beach". At least it did for me. There's really no "bad" location in the Hawaii building IMO. I think I've just been able to develop preferences after staying there a bunch of times.

 

[PolyAddict]

We've stayed in several rooms over the past few years and here are some observations I've made about being on the far end of the longhouse (furthest from the lounge). Last year we stayed in the 2nd to last room on the first floor (LVC). The view was very nice. 2 things I did not like about it thought: 1. I really disliked having to walk "all the way" down the hall to get to the lounge. It's not that it's an extremely long walk however the main reason I love Poly concierge is the convenience. There are many times I just want to grab a soda and it's just a lot more convenient to do so when you are close to the lounge. 2. Being on the end far from the lounge has less of a "beach feel" for me. Now before you tell me I'm nuts, check out the overhead photo of the Hawaii longhouse on the "you-know-who"man's website. The far end of the longhouse has a wide grassy expanse in front of the rooms which really reduces the feeling of being "on the beach". At least it did for me. There's really no "bad" location in the Hawaii building IMO. I think I've just been able to develop preferences after staying there a bunch of times.

this is a very interesting observation. thanks for the insight. i really do want to be close to the lounge for the same reason you have given, and I want a good view.

 

[PolyAddict]

We loved our balcony room at the Poly. I think it was 3508 and it was a perfect view.

That number must be close to the lounge? That sounds good to me.

 

[SeaSpray]

That number must be close to the lounge? That sounds good to me.

Its about halfway down. There are 18 rooms on each floor of the lagoon side of the Hawaii building, and 16 rooms on each floor of the garden view side.

 

[D&R love Disney]

That number must be close to the lounge? That sounds good to me.

It was. The walk to the lounge and the view made it a perfect room. The only thing that didn't work was the hairdryer and maintenance came and fixed it while we were out of the room.

 

[Tess]

For the life of me I can't understand why Disney doesn't offer a program like what the Loews hotels do with their Loews First program. I stayed at the Portofino Bay resort for 2 nights before I moved over to the Poly and was impressed. I signed up for free, earned points or credits for future stays that will give me free upgrades and I got a nice, free welcome gift. You can choose what you would like and I received a beautiful, chilled fresh fruit platter with two bottles of FIGI water that a waiter/ butler came into our room and set it all out for us with silverware. I look forward to staying at the 3 Loews resorts on Universal property again. I should be able to get a free upgrade to a bigger Deluxe room on my second stay. I have seen people get free upgrades to Villas and suites while paying the same rate they do for a regular room.

Disney in my opinion, should start a similar program like this. I would rather have repeat guests like you Tess and reward them for their loyalty. It only makes good business sense to make your loyal customers happy and keep them coming back for more. It would obviously have to be different in some ways, but there's no reason why you couldn't earn points toward a better/cheaper rate for next time. Everyone loves a good deal and seeing the perceived quality in what you're paying for. Disney is losing site of the long term business goals, in order to make more money right now in the present. If I owned the Polynesian, I would hate to lose customers like you Tess and SeaSpray because I got too focused on making the quick profit.


Sorry to ramble on a little, but after this past trip and trying onsite Universal resorts for 2 nights, it has got me thinking a little on how Disney does things. After 5 trips I'm seeing things a little differently than on my first one.

Not a ramble at all--in the good old days, Disney had the "Magic Kingdom Club" and we never had a problem getting our discounts during June. This was similar to the AP rate, but the discount was nearer the AAA rate. It wasn't much, but something that showed appreciation. MKC, sadly, went by the wayside many years ago and folks adopted the AP (whether right or wrong) to take advantage of discounts. Now, as with MKC, those discounts are becoming fewer.

I like your idea of a loyal customer program, but it would not be the money maker for Disney that it is for other hotel chains. I've always felt the returning guest was undervalued in the Disney corporate culture. Oh well, what's a gal going to do?

Sorry to highjack the thread with whining PolyAddict!

 

[Tonyspad]

We too are Polynesian fans, but the prices have forced us over to the BWI. We were able to reserve a garden suite which includes club level service( very large room style with two floors and 1.5 baths and a wetbar) for the same price as one LVC room !!??..... It works out okay for us since our kids are getting older and when we visited the BW during our last trip the kids loved all the activities and asked to stay at the BW for our next trip.

Oh well -- nothing good lasts forever.