Staying at other resort but using beach access??

[JLTYR]

My DH and I are staying in AllStar Music when we go in September. The first day there, since it will just be a half day, we wanted to just chill apart from going to a park.

My question is this: Can we sit on the beach at the Polynesian to watch the fireworks from the MK that first night? I had read somewhere that you must be a guest of that hotel to get access to the beach, but it's something I was really wanting to do.

If I can't get access, does anyone have any other suggestions as to where we can watch the fireworks without actually going to MK?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ducklite]

There is a sign ststing that the beach is for the exclusive use of registered guests of the Polynesian.

The fireworks are very cut back in September, it's possible they won't even ahve them that night.

You could always watch from the TTC I guess.

Anne

 

[boston-yachter]

I don't see any problem with this...you wil not be approached by CMs...
As long as you don't swim in the pool...that goes against the whole "pool hopping" thing...you'll be all set...

A lot of people do this, they have dinner at the restaurant, or attend the show, and enjoy the fireworks on the beach!
be sure to arrive earlier so you can get a bench, or hammock...it will get quite crowded...

 

[Disneylvr]

Years ago the Birnbaum's Guide to WDW suggested and encouraged guests from other Disney resorts to view the fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant from the Magic Kingdom resorts. I know that is where I got the idea to do so and we frequently did just that. I have video of us watching the fireworks and the water pageant from the Poly beach in 1992 and it was completely uncrowded in late May. I have read that the rules have been changed in recent years due to the popularity of this practice (causing overcrowding) and now the pools and beaches are for the exclusive use of that resort's guest.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by boston-yachter
I don't see any problem with this...you wil not be approached by CMs...
As long as you don't swim in the pool...that goes against the whole "pool hopping" thing...you'll be all set...

A lot of people do this, they have dinner at the restaurant, or attend the show, and enjoy the fireworks on the beach!
be sure to arrive earlier so you can get a bench, or hammock...it will get quite crowded...

There are guests paying LOTS of money to stay at the Polyneisan so they can sit on the beach in the benchs and hammocks, and when guests from other resorts take these, it's not right, even if they "bought dinner" at the Polynesian.

Anne

 

[CarolA]

I think on a normal day this is not a problem. As a matter of fact if you want to see the Electric Light Parade you are pretty much going to have to go to one of these resorts. (Do they still do that?) Now on big occassions like the 4th of July they will get a little more strict, but the last time I had dinner at the Poly I promise you I was not keeping any of the hotel guests off the beach. It was empty! I also love how everyone claimed the beach last year at July 4th was trashed by the "visitors". I was there, trust me a lot of TRASH was from the people who had reserved a room and had about 30 guests in their room and spilled out onto the beach.

You can also watch the fireworks from the TTC. I walked from there onto a grassy hill one time and watched them. I don't know if that offically qualifies as the Poly beach, but there were no chairs or hammocks so I am betting not.

Using the I am paying for it theory also would imply that no one should use anything at the other resorts except the resturants and that clearly is not true. People go to AKL all the time and in addition to eating look at the animals on the viewing areas for example.

My feeling is Disney wants you to see how nice these resorts are so you will upgrade next time you are there. It has never worked for me with the Poly, but .... I do like the other deluxe resorts!

 

[JLTYR]

I really appreciate ya'll posting your opinions on this matter. I think, personally, that Disney would never want to prevent people from having an awesome time anywhere on their property. I understand that people pay considerably more money to stay there, but I also understand that it doesn't mean I should be punished because I can't afford it. I know I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to prevent Poly guests from enjoying the "nice" seats on the beach. None of that really matters, in fact, I'd still enjoy it just sitting on the ground. That's not the point, the view is.

So while I really thank you guys for all the help, I think I'll just play it by ear. I really just want a romantic experience with my new DH, so I want to go to the least crowded place anyway. There's really no reason to get upset about my asking. I had no idea, it was just a question.

Thanks again! Don't get upset! This is Disney!! The most magical place in the world! All happiness!

 

[baloo722]

go ahead. after the luau, we used to watch them before we left. now, the luau ends 15 minutes later (on purpose?) so we could not, but i saw them from my seat during the fire twirler. have a good time and enjoy.

 

[Sammie]

JLTYR, please do not think anyone is upset with you for asking, it's just a question that everyone does not agree on.

It seems those that do pay the very high rates for the use of the Polynesian facilities seem to think the free use of the grounds by those not staying there has gotten out of hand at times. I have to agree.

Yes at one time this was not a problem as only a few people did this. But as mentioned, guidebooks suggested this and many people on Internet boards suggested it, and at times it can create problems.

Recently my sister and her family stayed at the Polynesian and at 3pm could not find a parking spot in the lot and had to circle until someone left. In walking to the main building my BIL was curious if that many people really had cars with Polynesian parking passes. The majority had parking passes from other resorts including many that were not from Disney resorts at all. The restaurants were virtually empty as were the shops, so we all know where these people were. Parking at the Polynesian and going to the Magic Kingdom.

Certainly someone paying to stay there deserves to have a parking spot for them.

It was the same way during the time of fireworks.

I would say if you are going over to see the fireworks, then be a good neighbor. Do not park at the resort parking lot. Part at the TTC and walk over or ride the monorail. Do not take up the swings and hammocks, let the resort guests use them.

I am sure at All Stars if you had trouble getting on your bus due to others parking at your resort and riding the bus to avoid the parking fees at the parks, you too would be unhappy.

The very reason the monorail resorts are so expensive is the location, transportation, and the view from the beach.

Just something to consider from the other point of view.

 

[Lewisc]

Go to Vegas and you won't get near the swimming pool until your room key is swiped to insure that you're a currently registered guest. Other than SAB Disney does not do much to check.

Disney should restrict all self parking to hotel guests. Validate valet parking for the deluxe restaurants otherwise let the guests park in TTC and take the monorail. It's gotten to the point where I wouldn't blame Disney if they follow Universals lead and start to charge for hotel parking.

The "rules" for the POLY seem very "flexible". Registered guests are allowed on the beach but how about friends of registered guests? What about people eating in the restaurants? Captain Cooks? The sign doesn't do much when there is ZERO attempt at enforcement.

We can't really blame the guests when CM give out conflicting information and there is no attempt of enforcement.

Parking, pool hopping, mug abuse and non-guests crowding the POLY beach are really the same "problem". Disney has a lack of interest in enforcing rules.

 

[dkostel]

Eat at the California grill and you can see the fireworks from your table, if you're lucky. Or make your reservations for before or after the fireworks and watch from the observation deck. The view is spectacular. Also, I believe it's the only place outside of the park to get the audio.

 

[ducklite]

Narcooses does as well if I'm not mistaken.

Anne

 

[uncle al]

You could also have dinner at Ohanah - request a window seat - you would have a nice view. When we were down in March we had dinner at California Grill - we saw what seemed like a bunch of people come right before fireworks and head out onto observation deck - so I might even go as far as to say you don't necessarily need to eat at California Grill (although you wouldn't be disappointed if you did - expensive but good). Good luck & have fun!

 

[clkelley]

The 15th floor observation decks at the Contemporary are now closed.

I think they have opened another observation deck on the 4th floor.

Carol

 

[Rafikifan]

I can understand it being inappropriate to go to the Poly beach in the afternoon and claim chairs or hammocks if you aren't a registered guest there, it would be like pool hopping but standing on the beach to watch the fireworks is another thing. Every time we have dined at the Poly the staff has encouraged us to tour the grounds. Towards the end of our meal at Ohana on our last trip our "cousin" pleasantly suggested we walk to the beach to watch the fireworks and EWP. WDW has always welcomed guests to tour their resorts because it's very possible a family staying at a value or moderate resort will tour a deluxe and stay there next time. Saying not to walk to the beach at the Poly is like saying only Boardwalk Inn and Villa guests should visit the Boardwalk! With some poster's theories I guess they frown upon me shopping at the Poly shops if I'm staying at the Beach Club? I think not. As far as parking goes, I DO NOT agree to park at a resort to hop the monorail to a park but if you are dining there you SHOULD be able to park there. WDW has cut down on the using their resort parking to go to the parks by issuing parking passes with a set time limit. They are *supposed* to ask your name and check it off a p.s. list although that isn't always done and I suppose it can't be enforced since there are some who will dine at a restaurant as walk ups. I highly doubt WDW is going to discourage guests from dining at ANY of their restaurants whether you are staying at that resort or not. In fact just the opposite. We usually valet park and I feel no guilt nor ever had anything but welcomes from resort staff as long as we are dining there.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Go to Vegas and you won't get near the swimming pool until your room key is swiped to insure that you're a currently registered guest. Other than SAB Disney does not do much to check.

Disney should restrict all self parking to hotel guests. Validate valet parking for the deluxe restaurants otherwise let the guests park in TTC and take the monorail. It's gotten to the point where I wouldn't blame Disney if they follow Universals lead and start to charge for hotel parking.

The "rules" for the POLY seem very "flexible". Registered guests are allowed on the beach but how about friends of registered guests? What about people eating in the restaurants? Captain Cooks? The sign doesn't do much when there is ZERO attempt at enforcement.

We can't really blame the guests when CM give out conflicting information and there is no attempt of enforcement.

Parking, pool hopping, mug abuse and non-guests crowding the POLY beach are really the same "problem". Disney has a lack of interest in enforcing rules.

Excellent perception of the problem and who is to blame. There also seems to be no clear cut policy on smoking in nonsmoking rooms or the balconies or patios or common areas of NS buildings. This is another area Disney needs to address and ironically it seems to be a problem at the Polynesian.