Viewing Fireworks from Polynesian Resort Beach

[Marty Joe]

Several years ago, my DW and DD and I visited the Polynesian and ate at Kona. I read many posts by "someone who cannot be mentioned" and it sounded like a great place. While we were at Kona, our waitress asked us if we were staying to watch fireworks. We were not aware that you could see the fireworks from the beach and we have never heard of the EWP. Because of this side trip to the beach, we fell in love with the Poly with all the tiki torch lit paths, landscaping, the pools, and the longhouses. We are now planning our 13 stay in a row and cannot imagine staying anywhere else. So, original poster, to answer your Q, visit the Poly - eat at Kona or 'Ohana - grab a Mai Tai at the Tambu Lounge (they're the best) or pool bar - head for the beach and have great time. ...(My wife made me erase this part!)... It had something to do with hammocks and chairs and may have seemed slightly rude and had nothing to do with the original question.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

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 their 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.

You said it better than I did. It really isn't a matter of being able to afford the Polynesian. I feel the same way when I stay at the GF (about using Poly hammocks etc.) which can cost even more than the Polynesian. Its just about common courtesy to me.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

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 agree that was not fair and after reading what you just said, I would not be disappointed if my parents and I got a 2nd or 3rd floor room when we stay there this December. That way we know there is no chance of anything happening, because I think that they don't have them on the 2nd and 3rd floor rooms?

 

[jwash70]

thanks for all the answers guys and gals.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

thanks for all the answers guys and gals.

You're welcome.

 

[BamaFan121s]

Wow...I had no idea what this thread was about when I clicked on it. We have never watched the fireworks from the Poly, but I can honestly say now that if all the guests there are as rude as some of the ones that have posted in this thread--I don't want to try it! I'm shocked at some of the comments I've read on here.
One of our favorite things to do when we are in the World is visit the other resorts...to eat there, walk around, shop in the gift shops, play in other game rooms (NOT swim however)....All this time, I never knew that we were making those staying at those resorts so miserable with our mere, moderate resort guest presence. I mean, I can understand the pool issue and concierge and the parking privledges. But to feel like no one should even be able to sit on a bench or visit unless they are staying there...that's a little unreal! I don't think that just because you spend more money on something, you should feel as if you are 'above' others. That would be like me buying a BMW and feeling like I have more right to drive on the roads than the next person.

 

[seashell724]

Okay, What exactly is EWP?
I am going to eat at Ohana and hoped to catch the fireworks outside. To get to the beach do I just walk outside the resort or do I have to take a monorail? Instructions and directions please!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Okay, What exactly is EWP?
I am going to eat at Ohana and hoped to catch the fireworks outside. To get to the beach do I just walk outside the resort or do I have to take a monorail? Instructions and directions please!!

EWP is the Electrical Water Parade.

To find the beach just to the 1st floor of the GCH and walk outside the doors where the DVC desk is and go straight past the Hawaii Longhouse and the Volcano pool.

 

[Caitsmama]

Okay, What exactly is EWP?
I am going to eat at Ohana and hoped to catch the fireworks outside. To get to the beach do I just walk outside the resort or do I have to take a monorail? Instructions and directions please!!

Yes, i believe the beach is right there.. no need to hop on any monorail!
BTW-- EWP is short for Electrical Water Parade - it passes on the lagoon i belive about 9pm-ish. You can view it from the poly beach too!

 

[MissionMouse]

.. We have never watched the fireworks from the Poly, but I can honestly say now that if all the guests there are as rude as some of the ones that have posted in this thread--I don't want to try it! I'm shocked at some of the comments I've read on here...

I personally think this thread has gone on way past its worth. I think you are hearing from long term PR vets who are witnessing an increasingly amount of abuse of the PR facility by non guest which do infringe on the guest. Personally viewing the fireworks from the GF dock, PR beach, CR Tower or lake is nice, but the best view is on Main Street or around the hub.

 

[Mississippian]

If they start restricting access to the Poly beach, what's next... guest can't look at the animals at AKL?

Whenever I've visited AKL I've always made a point of not looking at the animals since I wasn't a paying guest. It just seemed like the decent thing to do!

 

[ajsmommy1129]

Wow...I had no idea what this thread was about when I clicked on it. We have never watched the fireworks from the Poly, but I can honestly say now that if all the guests there are as rude as some of the ones that have posted in this thread--I don't want to try it! I'm shocked at some of the comments I've read on here.
One of our favorite things to do when we are in the World is visit the other resorts...to eat there, walk around, shop in the gift shops, play in other game rooms (NOT swim however)....All this time, I never knew that we were making those staying at those resorts so miserable with our mere, moderate resort guest presence. I mean, I can understand the pool issue and concierge and the parking privledges. But to feel like no one should even be able to sit on a bench or visit unless they are staying there...that's a little unreal! I don't think that just because you spend more money on something, you should feel as if you are 'above' others. That would be like me buying a BMW and feeling like I have more right to drive on the roads than the next person.

No one here, IMO, has said that they don't want other guests visiting, they just feel that some visitors take it a bit too far. When we were at WL 9/8 to 9/15, we would go back to the resort every day. DH would take a nap and I would take DS to the pool. One day, after being at DAK for the morning, we came back to the pool and there was a large group of pre-teen boys in the pool. They were throwing a beach ball at anyone going down the slide. The lifeguard told me they spoke no English, he had called for someone to talk to them, and kept blowing the whistle at them. Parents were not anywhere to be found. I finally grabbed the ball, looked at them, and said "No," ( I figured that word is pretty much the same in any language.) At that point, their parents apperaed, as well as another cast member, who appeared to be security of some type. Turns out this entire family was staying at Pop, not WL, and was asked to leave WL pool immediately. THIS is the type of "visitor" that I get upset with.
As for the BMW idea, here is what it seems like the deal is here. Family A buys a BMW (Poly). Family B buys a Yugo.(Pop). Family A leaves the BMW to take a walk. Does that mean Family B gets to drive the BMW, change the radio stations and leave food in the car? No. Do they have just as much right on the open road (ie the parks)? Yes, of course they do. Can they look at the BMW, take pictures of it, and shop in the BMW gift shop? Of course. This seems to be about common sense. If you are a courteous guest, I don't think any of these posts apply to you.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

We just got back from a very lengthy trip to DW and we spent our first night, after eating at O'Hana's, down on the beach, as we have many other times before. This was the first time that I thought I might be doing something 'wrong' as usually we are the either the only ones on the beach or there might be a couple of other folks. There was a large crowd that night and I lingered back, not willing to take a seat, from an actual Poly resident. The group that was there got to talking to us and when I found out that they were staying at POP Century I took the remaining two seats and joined them. We had a lovely time.

I concern myself only with my own morals and let others do the same whether they care to employ them or not. I have enough trouble dealing with myself.

Slightly Goofy (who was not called upon to build an ark but to do other things IMO)

 

[serendipity]

Well, personally since I feel that I have more money than anyone staying at every resort I'm at, I do feel that I have more rights over everything than anyone else. Na na na na na na!

And also, watch out for those sand crystals because I'm watching! Did you not see my initials with the little dollar signs? I will be collecting tickets and checking room keys from here on out.

Sorry, couldn't resist. This forum is ridiculous.

 

[mickaholic4077]

No one here, IMO, has said that they don't want other guests visiting, they just feel that some visitors take it a bit too far. When we were at WL 9/8 to 9/15, we would go back to the resort every day. DH would take a nap and I would take DS to the pool. One day, after being at DAK for the morning, we came back to the pool and there was a large group of pre-teen boys in the pool. They were throwing a beach ball at anyone going down the slide. The lifeguard told me they spoke no English, he had called for someone to talk to them, and kept blowing the whistle at them. Parents were not anywhere to be found. I finally grabbed the ball, looked at them, and said "No," ( I figured that word is pretty much the same in any language.) At that point, their parents apperaed, as well as another cast member, who appeared to be security of some type. Turns out this entire family was staying at Pop, not WL, and was asked to leave WL pool immediately. THIS is the type of "visitor" that I get upset with.
As for the BMW idea, here is what it seems like the deal is here. Family A buys a BMW (Poly). Family B buys a Yugo.(Pop). Family A leaves the BMW to take a walk. Does that mean Family B gets to drive the BMW, change the radio stations and leave food in the car? No. Do they have just as much right on the open road (ie the parks)? Yes, of course they do. Can they look at the BMW, take pictures of it, and shop in the BMW gift shop? Of course. This seems to be about common sense. If you are a courteous guest, I don't think any of these posts apply to you.

No one may have come right out and said that they don't want non-resort guests sitting on the beach and viewing the fireworks,but that's the attitude that comes across from the posters. Actually,last Sunday(9/30),my mother and I,after eating at Hollywood and Vine,took the bus back to the Poly to watch the EWP and the Hallowishes fireworks from the beach. We had a great time,and when we go back to Ohana on the 19th for dinner,we intend to do the same thing again. Better post warnings to the Poly management,Dis police!

 

[safetymom]

This thread no longer has to do with resort planning so it will be closed.