Tell me why the Poly is so popular!

[erikthewise]

While the Polynesian does not remind me of Waikiki, it DOES remind me quite strongly of our visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. To me that's a way of saying the theming "works", and as Tikiman has pointed out (at length in other places), authentic. To me it fits the word "resort" (as opposed to "hotel") better than any other deluxe, except possibly GF. Even checking in there is like a breath of fresh air, like checking out from reality.

The Polynesian location was chosen by Walt Disney himself, to give a view of the Magic Kingdom across Bay Lake. With both MK and Epcot monorails just a short walk away, it has the best transportation options of any resort. Remember you can park at the other three parks, but you can't park anywhere near the entrance to MK.

 

[Jen D]

First of all, the "70's" comment doesn't have to be a knock-- the resort feels seventies, because in the seventies there was a general obsession with all things Polynesian, like the aforementioned tiki-bar thing. And face it-- all those sans-serif fonts on the signs-- pure 70's. Hey, I like that! It's not a slam!

Yes, it was built around a Polynesian theme, not a 70's theme. But I think the obsessive recreation of a Polynesian resort is a particularly 70's era goal. Again, not a slam.

Here's my personal take-- Never having visited WDW as an adult until last summer, I had only read about the on-site resorts, and when I read about the Poly, I wasn't interested, because I've been to Hawaii already. But when we went to drop the kid off at the Neverland Club, we fell in love with it. It just felt like the DisneyWorld we'd dreamed about growing up in the seventies. It was the retro-ness of it that sold me, particularly.

I'm sure this post won't please those who think the retro-label is a negative one, but that's just how I feel. For me, the retro thing is good. We're hoping to stay there for our next trip (but what's with this no hot tub business?)

 

[CHIEF TONGA]

Wow . So many great Polly posts . Going back monday for third time.
Must comune with Tiki gods.!!!!!
I cant explaine the hold this place has on me . to me this place truly is Nervana.
Its dark yes but dark as in relaxing , not dark as in dingy.

To me the magic starts as soon as you walk in the lobby and see
the water fall , no i take that back , it starts before that going over the bridge going into the lobby.!!!!

The smell , the foliage people relaxing , I shall miss the macaws that added such great atmosphere to the lobby.

Onto my room , with a view that will take your breath away.
Tahiti house. peace and quiet. Dont bother me. Im on the balcony just siting taking it all in.

How much time has gone by ? Not sure . Well on to a park . Take the monorail or walk over to ttc? No better idea. walk to boat ramp for a nice slow ride accross the lagoon . Oh yea.

Night time now . warm night . Comming back from the lounge after a few tropical concoctions.Starry night. Walking on a moon lit beach. The light from the tiki torches adds a warm glow as
soft south sea island music gently wafts through the night air .
My wife and i share a hammock and watch the fire works over the castle or the electrical light water pagent.
Back to our room we can see the castle as it changes colors in an endles show that seems to be just for us.

man is it monday yet?

These are things that keep calling me back to Nervana.

 

[baileybrad]

My thoughts as to why the Poly is chosen by many is the location ie., being on the MK resorts monorail.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks so much for these great posts everyone!!!! I just keep rereading this thread getting so psyched for my July trip. Even though we will only be there for one day, I plan to spend pretty much the whole day right there, soaking up all this atmosphere you are all writing about. Oh I cant wait! Keep the posts coming!!!

 

[Laura]

I like the Polynesian myself. I don't know how authentic the buildings' architecture is, but walking around the grounds I do feel like I'm in a tropical paradise. I remember having dinner in 'Ohana during a sudden FL rainstorm and I felt I really was in Polynesia.

Of course, I've never been to Polynesia myself, but I'm going to Hawaii on my honeymoon next year -- looking forward to that. So maybe after that I'll have a different perspective on the resort.

But if you don't want to stay at a hotel because you don't like its looks, then don't stay there. For example, I'm never staying at Port Orleans - Riverside because I don't like the theme. I don't care how many people just looooove Alligator Bayou. I'm not saying it isn't a nice resort, but here's one person who won't get in the way of getting your room request!

 

[eeyore0062]

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!! Oh, and theming!!!!

 

[Poly Pal]

The Polynesian is our favorite Disney resort. I always dreamed of staying there when I was a kid, but we never got to go to WDW. And, I remember when you had to make reservations 2 years in advance when the only on property options were the CR and Golf Resort aka Disney Inn aka SOG.

We like the relaxing atmosphere and theming. The room decor is totally different than what we would ever have at home, which is one reason why people go on vacation - to escape the ordinary. I still don't understand how some folks say it is dark or dated -well the carpet is dark green...and the bathrooms are in dark green and rust marble tile, but everything else is beige, cream, rust and honey colored bamboo. Maybe it is the abundance of shade on the property due to the extensive tropical landscaping. Is this not a good thing to have in sunny Florida?

Those tiki torch lit walks back to the room at night are also a favorite. Beats the GF's parking lot bright, halogen lights reflecting off all those white buildings hands down!

Our boys like the new volcano pool with its slide and view of the castle, ELP, and fireworks.

Recently while planning our trip for next April (360 days away!), I asked my wife, "Should we try the Grand Floridian again?" Her reply was an emphatic, "NO, why would we not stay at the Polynesian!?"

Nostalgia, escapism, relaxation, a true "vacation" feel, location, and transportation options all add up to make the Polynesian our number 1 choice.

Have a great vacation!