Viewing Fireworks from Polynesian Resort Beach

[mrincredible2008]

Why does there always have to be a rude comment. Who cares what he said. Take it in humor and let the thread continue. Someone always has to turn something little into a mountain. Sometimes I hate reading posts because there is always someone who has to start a battle. LET IT GO!!!

you can sit in my hammock anytime

 

[Sammie]

Actually at peak times such as holidays, Disney does restrict guests on the beach during fireworks to "only" those that are staying there or have an ADR at a full service restuarant.

This is checked at the gate and even at the boat dock and monorail and on the beach and is enforced.

So no; the beach is not actually open to everyone all the time, it is however not enforced during non peak times.

At one time there were signs posted on the beach at the Polynesian, stating the beach was for the exclusive use of resort guests. It blew down during one of the hurricanes and has not been replaced.

I think everyone could agree that this is not problem, unless it is over crowding the facilities. I don't think anyone regardless of where you are staying would want to be crowded out of enjoying your own resort by guests not staying there.

I agree the polite thing to do as a guest would be to stand until, right before the show begins and then take any available seats. But politeness seems to be out lately.

 

[melomouse]

...
So if anyone want to watch the fireworks from the FW beach, come on over, there are plenty of hammocks and as campers most of us are more than happy to share. There is also a very nice playground right behind the beach for the kiddos(again more than happy to share) and a porch at the tavern with rocking chairs to just watch the world go by.

I was just thinking the same thing! I'd love to see a thread where folks get all feisty when they observe guests who came for Chip & Dale's Campfire or HDDR or The Haunted Hayride hanging out too long at FW and using the facilities!!!

There are two kinds of people tho:
1)- ones who "visit" a resort they're NOT registered at and figure they're entitled to use all amenties as if they WERE guests...
2) - ones who visit a resort they are not registered at and look around guiltily - even when everything's empty! - before they would dare to sit down anywhere!!! (thatz me!)

#1's also tend to come back and POST about it!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Actually at peak times such as holidays, Disney does restrict guests on the beach during fireworks to "only" those that are staying there or have an ADR at a full service restuarant.

This is checked at the gate and even at the boat dock and monorail and on the beach and is enforced.

So no; the beach is not actually open to everyone all the time, it is however not enforced during non peak times.

At one time there were signs posted on the beach at the Polynesian, stating the beach was for the exclusive use of resort guests. It blew down during one of the hurricanes and has not been replaced.

I think everyone could agree that this is not problem, unless it is over crowding the facilities. I don't think anyone regardless of where you are staying would want to be crowded out of enjoying your own resort by guests not staying there.

I agree the polite thing to do as a guest would be to stand until, right before the show begins and then take any available seats. But politeness seems to be out lately.

I can confirm that this information is 100% true and it's not just for the Polynesian. The same restrictions happen at the Contemporary and Grand Floridian during the major holidays.

 

[Matt'sMom]

For me, it isn't about the hammock, it's more about this kind of attitude that bothers me... I have no intention of policing the beach or kicking someone out of a hammock but to have the attitude, "Yeah, TRY to move me." bothers me because that kind of person is the one you will run into in the parks pushing kids out of the way, cutting lines, standing directly over you while you eat so they can claim your table (yes, had this happen) because they "paid lots of money and this is THEIR vacation so deal with it." Sorry, off soapbox now but no matter what issue is debated on the boards it boils down to common sense and common courtesy.

I so agree. It's that whole entitlement issue that bothers me. The idea that they are somehow entitled to do whatever they feel like... without the least consideration for, or courtesy towards, other guests.

No one here ever said that you can not view the fireworks from the Poly beach (aside from very crowded times, when the resort may restrict access as a courtesy to their resort guests). You are more than welcome to come and visit and look around. It was merely mentioned that --as a common courtesy-- those not staying on property be respectful of those who have indeed paid for the full use of the ammenities there.

I've heard of non resort guests going as far as to remove the chairs and tables from 1st floor resort room patios (and not bothering to return them after the fireworks either). Guess they felt entitled to use any unoccupied seat--and hey, they got there first. Maybe the guest whose room it was should have been sitting on their patio chairs for a hour or two before the fireworks, if they thought they might want to have the option of using their chairs for the evening?

All we are asking is that everyone use a little common sense and try to be courteous to others. Being on vacation doesn't entitle adults to act like 5 year olds ('finders-keepers' & 'me first').

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

No one here ever said that you can not view the fireworks from the Poly beach (aside from very crowded times, when the resort may restrict access as a courtesy to their resort guests). You are more than welcome to come and visit and look around. It was merely mentioned that --as a common courtesy-- those not staying on property be respectful of those who have indeed paid for the full use of the ammenities there.

That's a very good point. No one said the only people on the beach during Wishes should be guests staying at the Polynesian. Everyone is welcome to watch it from there, all that is being said is to let guests of the Polynesian have the 1st chances to use the hammocks, chairs and etc.

 

[safetymom]

This has turned into a debate. If you have something to say better say it soon because this thread is on its way to be closed.

 

[LaLatink]

The sentiments expressed here really make me sad. I can't afford to stay at the Poly like some folks can, so I try to visit, if even for a few minutes, on each trip because it's one of my favorite places. Sometimes I go to watch the fireworks and the ELP at the beach. If a seat in a public area is empty and I want to sit down I'm going to. But I will never feel welcome there anymore, after reading so many posts about resorts guests not willing to share the lovely environment that only some of us more well-off folks can afford. I would stay there if I could, and pay to sit in the hammocks and chairs. What's next folks? Will I not be able to sit in the lobby or shop in the stores anymore?

 

[Disney Doll]

Of course you can go to the resort. If you drive, just tell them you want to look at the resort, shop, look around, maybe eat. I think they'll give you a 3 hour parking thing. If you are at the MK or Epcot, you could monorail in. From the other parks, you can take the Poly bus. And of course, there's always a cab.

 

[Caitsmama]

Well, we are staying concierge at the Poly in 7 weeks, and i don't think i would mind sharing the beach with anyone.. I kinda think it would be NICE to have hammocks / chairs for guests..but i wouldn't expect it.
(Then again, i can always head up to the concierge lounge and sip on my cordials while i watch.. LOL Or my room balcony! LOL)
But, in any event, if i walked in to the beach area 5 min. before wishes was going to start, i wouldn't expect to find a hammock (no matter WHO is sitting in them) -it's my own fault for not getting there in time.
Other than that, i wouldn't let something like this ruin my WDW trip... I'll sit anywhere theres room and love it!!

 

[Shorty82]

But I will never feel welcome there anymore, after reading so many posts about resorts guests not willing to share the lovely environment that only some of us more well-off folks can afford. I would stay there if I could, and pay to sit in the hammocks and chairs. What's next folks? Will I not be able to sit in the lobby or shop in the stores anymore?

I wouldn't worry about it. Nowhere does Disney say that the hammocks and chairs are for resort guests only. A few people are complaining about something that isn't that big of a deal.

Moving chairs off of a patio is one thing, the chairs on the beach are another. They are there for all visitors to the beach. Non-guests shouldn't abuse being able to sit there and should only sit there for a few minutes to take a short break from exploring or to watch the fireworks and then move on. Guests can sit there 24 hours a day if they want to. During the fireworks if they want a seat they can get there a few minutes ahead of time. Even if no non-guests sit guests will have taken all the seats most likely by then anyway.

Poly guests are not paying for a guaranteed seat on the beach, they are paying for a nice room, a nice pool, having easy access to said beach, and related things.

 

[grimley1968]

The OP asked a very simple question, and it has turned into a debate about which the OP did not ask.

The question was whether non-Poly guests can watch Wishes from the Poly beach.

We've stayed at the Poly twice in recent years, and saw many non-guests coming over just to watch Wishes and leave. We had no problems with it, and no one else we knew who were Poly guests at the time seemed to have any problems with it. Most of the non-Poly guests were very courteous and left quickly once the fireworks were over.

Going OT now:

I can't remember if any Poly guests were without a hammock or a spot on the beach during the show, mostly because I did not care and did not need to sit in a hammock even once during our stay, much less than during the 15 minutes of Wishes. I just stood at the edge of the Volcano pool and watched Wishes while my DD's played in the pool.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

We are gonig to WDW and staying in the Caribean beach resort. However i thought it would be cool to watch the MK fireworks from the beaches of the Polynesian resorts.

Does anyone know if non guests of the Polynesian are allowed to go to the beaches there and are the beaches still open during the fireworks ?

thanks

I've watched the fireworks from the Poly beach as a Polynesian guest and as a POP/POFQ guest. You are DEFINITELY allowed to do so. Go for it as the view is great and even more impressive than viewing them on Main Street. You are a Disney guest so enjoy the view! Try to grab a spot on the beach next to the Tuvalu building as most folks go to the main beach instead of this one.

As a former Poly guest let me say this. When the kids and I went out to see the fireworks while staying at the Poly, I didn't throw a hissy fit if we couldn't find a hammock or a lounge chair to sit in. Most times we usually watched the fireworks from the Poly pool.

 

[suzzzze]

I was wondering how loud the fireworks are when watching from the Poly beach? My grandson is very sensitive to loud noises, in fact when we watch on 4th of July at home he wears a pair of earmuffs and stays in the car. We thought the Poly beach would be a good place as I've read that even the music being piped in isn't that loud which is a good thing for him.

By the way, we're staying at BWV so we'll be sure to sit in the sand!!

 

[grimley1968]

I was wondering how loud the fireworks are when watching from the Poly beach? My grandson is very sensitive to loud noises, in fact when we watch on 4th of July at home he wears a pair of earmuffs and stays in the car. We thought the Poly beach would be a good place as I've read that even the music being piped in isn't that loud which is a good thing for him.

By the way, we're staying at BWV so we'll be sure to sit in the sand!!

It's not loud at all from the Poly. In fact, it's far enough away that there's even a delay in the sound after seeing the fireworks. I'm hard of hearing, so that music is difficult for me to hear. I usually had to stand within 15-20 feet of the speaker to hear it. I don't think that would be an issue either.

Make sure you don't sit on any sand crystals that have Poly guests names' engraved on them!

 

[mickaholic4077]

The sentiments expressed here really make me sad. I can't afford to stay at the Poly like some folks can, so I try to visit, if even for a few minutes, on each trip because it's one of my favorite places. Sometimes I go to watch the fireworks and the ELP at the beach. If a seat in a public area is empty and I want to sit down I'm going to. But I will never feel welcome there anymore, after reading so many posts about resorts guests not willing to share the lovely environment that only some of us more well-off folks can afford. I would stay there if I could, and pay to sit in the hammocks and chairs. What's next folks? Will I not be able to sit in the lobby or shop in the stores anymore?

My sentiments exactly!!

 

[Traveliz]

Actually at peak times such as holidays, Disney does restrict guests on the beach during fireworks to "only" those that are staying there or have an ADR at a full service restuarant.

This is checked at the gate and even at the boat dock and monorail and on the beach and is enforced.

So no; the beach is not actually open to everyone all the time, it is however not enforced during non peak times.

At one time there were signs posted on the beach at the Polynesian, stating the beach was for the exclusive use of resort guests. It blew down during one of the hurricanes and has not been replaced.

I think everyone could agree that this is not problem, unless it is over crowding the facilities. I don't think anyone regardless of where you are staying would want to be crowded out of enjoying your own resort by guests not staying there.

I agree the polite thing to do as a guest would be to stand until, right before the show begins and then take any available seats. But politeness seems to be out lately.

I have been there the last few NYE and my credentials have never been checked on the beach, walking onto the property, stepping off the monorail, coming over from the TTC or GF, or from the boat. I have however been greeted in a friendly and enthusiastic manner from Poly CMs (including ones wearing security clothing and managers), asked if I am having a good time and generally have been made to feel welcome.

BTW I have never found the beack on NYE to be so crowded that it would be necessary to start kicking people off of it. It seems to get busiest at about ten to midnight but there is still PLENTY of room for people.

Truly the Poly seems to have a welcoming attitude.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

The sentiments expressed here really make me sad. I can't afford to stay at the Poly like some folks can, so I try to visit, if even for a few minutes, on each trip because it's one of my favorite places. Sometimes I go to watch the fireworks and the ELP at the beach. If a seat in a public area is empty and I want to sit down I'm going to. But I will never feel welcome there anymore, after reading so many posts about resorts guests not willing to share the lovely environment that only some of us more well-off folks can afford. I would stay there if I could, and pay to sit in the hammocks and chairs. What's next folks? Will I not be able to sit in the lobby or shop in the stores anymore?

I don't think you should feel like you are not welcome there. I find that the Poly (and honestly all of the resorts) are most welcoming and the problems we read about here just don't matter to the actual management of the resorts.

I have stayed at the Poly several times and other times I stay value (don't like the moderates) and on my value trips I often spend some time at the Poly either watching the fireworks or just sitting in the lobby enjoying the atmosphere. My last trip I spent some time in the lobby and had the good fortune to start up conversations with others in the area. Some were staying there, some were not...it really didn't matter.

I would not let the message board rantings stop you from enjoying the resorts.

Liz

 

[Sammie]

We have always been checked on the Fourth of July and believe me they need to, it was a zoo. People took chairs from patios, carried them from the quiet pool to the beach and generally just made a huge mess. It took the staff, most of the next day to clean up the mess. The beach looked like a venue after a rock concert and was not usable by anyone that day. We did not get our patio furniture back until the next day or have chairs to use at the quiet pool. Was that fair.

I think it presumptious to think that everyone that stays at the Polynesian is wealthy, as many are not. Many save for years to have one special vacation and yet some seem to have a problem with them wanting to have a quiet, peaceful vacation that they paid for, and yes that includes use of the patio furniture.

No one said that anyone was restricted from coming to the Polynesian to view the fireworks, but I think it is just as sad to think that people staying there have no special rights to thier own amenties over someone visiting.

I think it would be very polite to stand if visiting and sit only if there are seats available at the time of the show. I think to think otherwise is very sad.

 

[marivaid]

I sort of see both sides of this.

Disney encourages all guests to go check out the other resorts -probably hoping these guests will want to stay there someday. If they start restricting access to the Poly beach, what's next... guest can't look at the animals at AKL?
I'm all for guests being allowed to enjoy the facilities at other resorts. We went to see Wishes from the Poly beach one night while we were staying at ASMO (we did have an ADR at Kona that night though). We shared one lounge chair, as the beach was rather busy.

When we were there, we did realize that this was a courtesy. Yes everyone is welcome to enjoy the fireworks from the beach. But try to put yourself in someone else's shoes and imagine how you'd like it if you were paying $300-$500 a night at a resort and couldn't get a seat on the beach because people who are not spending a dime there have taken them all.

We were thankful just to be allowed to be here, and didn't feel the need to take the best seats away from paying guests.
It's called empathy, and it's not very popular these days.

Thinking that you're entitled to a hammock and daring paying guests to get you out of it is just plain rude, and that's the kind of attitude that results in resorts having more restrictions.