Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[Surgie2]

I'm one of the recent somewhat negative posters...

If it is your first visit, there is a "wow" factor that you will get which I think has faded a little for us since we have stayed at the Poly several times but it is not gone completely for us. Also, we park hop and often return to the resort when the parks get hot and crowded; the use of the monorail and boat transportation is a benefit that we really enjoy. I think you will be happy with the Poly but it will be interesting to see if you can get rooms close together.

Our recent visit was just the wife and I. When I've paid for multiple rooms for the rest of the family, I've stuck with moderates or values, (Port Orleans Riverside and POP Century are my favorites in these categories.)

It's not our first visit, but it will be our first time for the littles and the first time staying onsite. With the ages of the kids at the time of the trip, we have to make proximity to transportation a top priority (especially with baby 13 months who will be on a different schedule than the 4 and 5 year olds of the family). Sigh...we have friends with young ones who recently stayed at a value resort (can't remember which one) and they said they ate up a lot of time in bus transportation and waiting for buses. Trying to avoid that - at whatever cost (guess I shouldn't say that!) Also considering the GF but I think the kids will find the Poly theme more entertaining - just got back from Maui with them. Guess I will have to keep reading - still lots of time before May '18.

 

[Day-Day]

Meant first visit to Poly. We stayed at a number of Disney resorts before out first stay at the Polynesian and it still had a wow factor on that visit.

Lots of folks with strollers appreciate the monorail because the strollers can be rolled on. If using the resort boat (motor launch?), the strollers have to be folded up. There is a covered area at the boat dock but the official waiting line is out in the open.

TTC can be a short walk as well adding options to the MK of the Express Monorail and the ferry. Both allow strollers to be rolled on.

 

[gluestickgirl]

Well I've checked in and I just want to cry.
The only request I made was for a high floor. I'm in moorea in a "lake view" ground floor in the corner with a view of a fence, people walking past the patio and bungalows. I can't even have the curtains open as everyman see in. I'm so disappointed after paying out all this money for my birthday trip. Check in staff said there was nothing they could do. It was a lake view as far as they were concerned.

Talk to the manager. We did, and got the difference in points between standard and lake view back. I don't know if they'd do the same for a cash reservation, but definitely make yourself heard and escalate the matter. And make sure to show them the photo!

 

[MissErikaRae]

The standard rooms at the poly are fine but that's just it they are just fine. For spending an average of $400 a night I just expected more...had I paid less I would be satisfied. But when we were booking for only a few hundred more we could have gotten a TPV at GF or for less a TPV at CTR but I was set on the Poly theme.

Another note, I have not encountered one happy CM here. Everyone seems irritated or checked out. I asked for a birthday button and the man rolled his eyes and that's been the experience over and over. The grounds are GORGEOUS here which is great but we will definitely be checking out the GF and CTR while we are here to get an idea for future trips- we probably won't be returning to the Poly. I love the theme but I didn't realize how "old" it felt and again for the price I expected more.

We went to DHS today and it took 30 minutes for a bus this morning for EMH. We will see how the rest of the trip transportation goes.

We sat on a bench swing in the sand by luau cove and I noticed a ton of bugs in the sand...probably about half an inch long. Not sure what they were but it freaked me out! haha I probably won't be going in the sand any more! Just keep an eye where you are stepping and you'll be fine.

On a positive note, we ordered the Twilight Feast last night and it was AMAZING! I highly recommend it!! There are two of us and we ordered it for one and it was PLENTY! We were so exhausted from our flight and room change that having room service sounded like a good option. Seriously, if you are thinking of ordering, in order the twilight feast you won't regret it! If you want more information you can google to see item description. SO GOOD!

 

[Jennasis]

Maybe it's because they are newer, but we thought the DVC studio we had was excellent. In great shape, bright, huge, clean. The hallways were bright and clean. The staff was engaging and friendly. Only had the one unenthusiastic Cm at check-in. Had great CM's at boutiki...an older guy and a young girl who totally engaged us in conversation about where we were from and how our trip was. Had a great interaction with the concierge CM when we had to report something broken in my parents villa, which they fixed immediately. Had two fantastic pool servers at the Oasis pool who were practically family members by the end of the day.

 

[ErinsMommy]

A Poly standard room for end of 9/2017 is already sold out. Am I missing something???

 

[_auroraborealis_]

A Poly standard room for end of 9/2017 is already sold out. Am I missing something???

Could be unavailable one night of your dates, showing it sold out for the whole stay. Could be a conference hold. Could be a system glitch after today's extended website outage.

 

[ErinsMommy]

Could be unavailable one night of your dates, showing it sold out for the whole stay. Could be a conference hold. Could be a system glitch after today's extended website outage.

I see Disneys IT Dept/website continues to excel in SNAFU

 

[Farro]

Sometimes I think when people see the price for a Disney deluxe - they think they are getting a "real world" deluxe. You just aren't. At WDW, the deluxe part is usually the location. Yes the rooms are usually bigger, indoor corridors, etc., but you aren't going to get a 5 star hotel experience as you would in Paris, New York, etc.

I think (and I don't mean this as a criticism) that if people go in with the adjusted expectations of what they are getting for their money in the Disney Bubble vs a deluxe hotel in another destination, then they wouldn't be so disappointed? It's expensive at WDW - and you have to make the decision if paying the price for a deluxe hotel is actually worth it to you. Some learn that it is, some learn that it isn't!

My boyfriend and I always joke that WDW is the only place that we go where we happily expect less for our money!

 

[smidgy]

The elevators were a response to another post, complaining about the elevator size. The old longhouses were designed modularly, like the Contemporary and like cruise ships. In general, it's hard to retrofit elevators to be bigger, and in the framed model used for the first longhouses, I should think it structurally impossible, although I am no structural engineer.

The three DVC longhouses were built later. They are Tokelau, Moorea, and Pago Pago. They have balconies on the second floor, and were not built using modular construction. The elevators are still small though, so if that's a concern ask for first floor.

thank you so much!

 

[ErinsMommy]

Some quick questions:

There's a pic of the TPV room on first page - I'm assuming that it's a zoomed in pic as I thought the castle was pretty far away?? Or not as far as I thought?

Also would you do club level if on the deluxe dining plan? Considering staying in club with a garden view - or just go with a TPV? Decisions decisions...

 

[Farro]

Totally off topic. We are leaving for a short 4 night trip
to Dollywood this week and it's the first time we are boarding our two cats. We have boarded our other pets before, but they are all gone and these two have been with us since last December. We have no one to watch them so we choose to board with our vet, who we used for everyone with great experiences.

My boys are 1.5 years old and I'm soooo nervous!!! I know they won't be thrilled, but they will be safe. Once we do it once, it will be easier the next time.

Sigh.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Some quick questions:

There's a pic of the TPV room on first page - I'm assuming that it's a zoomed in pic as I thought the castle was pretty far away?? Or not as far as I thought?

Also would you do club level if on the deluxe dining plan? Considering staying in club with a garden view - or just go with a TPV? Decisions decisions...

For us, the dining plan and CL is just too much. Some people seem to do it/like it, but not something that even comes close to making sense for us with the way we travel/use CL.

Here are some view photos from various stays in Hawaii, which is Club Level. I've stayed both TPV and GV rooms, happy to help with any questions.

This was from a TPV, third floor room this past July. Frankly this doesn't do it justice, wish I could post the panaorama shot which also includes the GF to the left.


Here's another shot from october of last year. Also in Hawaii, TPV room, third floor. This is more towards the west/lounge side of the building than the previous photo. Note this is before the fence/rock on the shoreline.

 

[ErinsMommy]

For us, the dining plan and CL is just too much. Some people seem to do it/like it, but not something that even comes close to making sense for us with the way we travel/use CL.

Here are some view photos from various stays in Hawaii, which is Club Level. I've stayed both TPV and GF rooms, happy to help with any questions.

This was from a TPV, third floor room this past July. Frankly this doesn't do it justice, which I could post the panaorama shot which also includes the GF to the left.
View attachment 197141

Here's another shot from october of last year. Also in Hawaii, TPV room, third floor. This is more towards the west/lounge side of the building than the previous photo. Note this is before the fence/rock on the shoreline.
View attachment 197144

Thank you for your input and photos! Were you happy with the view or did you feel the castle was just so far away that it really made very little sense to even have a TPV room? I'm spoiled by the Contemporary TPV rooms which were VERY close to the MK and had an incredible view of the Castle but we were looking for a change this year in resort and I've always wanted to stay at the Poly so this is my chance, or was, as whatever happened with IT yesterday it seems all the standard view rooms at the Poly are gone. =( =( =(

 

[mickeynut1]

We are from the Uk and have visited Florida every year sometimes twice for the last twenty years. we have always wanted to stay at the Poly and last October took the plunge and booked a week directly with Disney for this September and got the free Dining Plan.it was going to be our 36th wedding anniversary while we were there and they marked it on the reservation, we decided to splurge and booked a lagoon view room so I knew we would either be in Tuvalu or Aerotora, I didnt care which I was in as I was going to be at the Poly!
Fast forward to last Frida(23rd September) and we were finally checking in, I was a bit nervous as had read about housekeeping not being good, miserable cast members etc.
when we checked in the girl told us she had just started and she was understandably nervous. She told us we had a theme park view room in the Club Level building, Haiwai. I said oh I'm sorry that must be a mistake as we have not paid for that, she called her manager over who told us we had been given a free upgrade for our anniversary and they proceeded to give us beautiful freshly made leis, escorted us over to the Haiwai building where I am now sitting on my patio looking at the lagoon and still cant believe it! we have also received a lovely anniversary card from the staff, we have had a fabulous first couple of days and just seem to be getting more than our fair share of pixie dust! The resort is beautiful and so peaceful especially early on a morning, the parks are not too busy and the weather is beautiful.
What more can I say, we feel so blessed and cant believe our luck! Only problem is because we have the Dining Plan which is more than enough food we can't really take advantage of the club lounge ! what a problem to have!

Congrats on the great upgrade, what a great anniversary surprise! I hope you have a great time and enjoy the Poly and CL .

Well I've checked in and I just want to cry.
The only request I made was for a high floor. I'm in moorea in a "lake view" ground floor in the corner with a view of a fence, people walking past the patio and bungalows. I can't even have the curtains open as everyman see in. I'm so disappointed after paying out all this money for my birthday trip. Check in staff said there was nothing they could do. It was a lake view as far as they were concerned.

I'm sorry about the room location/view, but I hope you can still enjoy the resort and your time in the parks .

Also considering the GF but I think the kids will find the Poly theme more entertaining - just got back from Maui with them. Guess I will have to keep reading - still lots of time before May '18.

If you've never stayed at the Poly but it appeals to you, I think it's worth a try. With that said, if you do decide later that it's not worth it for you, I think the GF is a great alternative. The Poly is our favorite as we love the tropical atmosphere, but I also love the GF. Good luck and enjoy the planning .

The standard rooms at the poly are fine but that's just it they are just fine. For spending an average of $400 a night I just expected more...had I paid less I would be satisfied. But when we were booking for only a few hundred more we could have gotten a TPV at GF or for less a TPV at CTR but I was set on the Poly theme.

Another note, I have not encountered one happy CM here. Everyone seems irritated or checked out. I asked for a birthday button and the man rolled his eyes and that's been the experience over and over. The grounds are GORGEOUS here which is great but we will definitely be checking out the GF and CTR while we are here to get an idea for future trips- we probably won't be returning to the Poly. I love the theme but I didn't realize how "old" it felt and again for the price I expected more.

We went to DHS today and it took 30 minutes for a bus this morning for EMH. We will see how the rest of the trip transportation goes.

We sat on a bench swing in the sand by luau cove and I noticed a ton of bugs in the sand...probably about half an inch long. Not sure what they were but it freaked me out! haha I probably won't be going in the sand any more! Just keep an eye where you are stepping and you'll be fine.

On a positive note, we ordered the Twilight Feast last night and it was AMAZING! I highly recommend it!! There are two of us and we ordered it for one and it was PLENTY! We were so exhausted from our flight and room change that having room service sounded like a good option. Seriously, if you are thinking of ordering, in order the twilight feast you won't regret it! If you want more information you can google to see item description. SO GOOD!

I'm sorry your trip has been less than stellar. Glad you enjoyed the Twilight Feast, that gets a lot of great reviews. Hope your trip gets better .

Also would you do club level if on the deluxe dining plan? Considering staying in club with a garden view - or just go with a TPV? Decisions decisions...

Everyone is different, but for us, we don't have a problem staying CL with the DDP. With that said, we don't stay CL every trip, but when we do it's more for having the lounge than the food offerings. The food offerings are a nice perk, but we like having the lounge for another place to sit and relax, rather than in the room or around the resort. We try to have dinner in the 5-6 pm time frame so we aren't usually around during the evening apps, but we do enjoy the breakfast and snack (and sometimes dessert) offerings. We aren't ones to pay for views so if it were me, I'd go with CL. Good luck .

Totally off topic. We are leaving for a short 4 night trip
to Dollywood this week and it's the first time we are boarding our two cats. We have boarded our other pets before, but they are all gone and these two have been with us since last December. We have no one to watch them so we choose to board with our vet, who we used for everyone with great experiences.

My boys are 1.5 years old and I'm soooo nervous!!! I know they won't be thrilled, but they will be safe. Once we do it once, it will be easier the next time.

Sigh.

View attachment 197082 View attachment 197081 View attachment 197083

Cute pics! I totally understand how you feel as it's hard leaving pets when we go away, but it does make it easier when you board them somewhere you know and are comfortable with .

Here are some view photos from various stays in Hawaii, which is Club Level. I've stayed both TPV and GF rooms, happy to help with any questions.

This was from a TPV, third floor room this past July. Frankly this doesn't do it justice, which I could post the panaorama shot which also includes the GF to the left.
View attachment 197141

Here's another shot from october of last year. Also in Hawaii, TPV room, third floor. This is more towards the west/lounge side of the building than the previous photo. Note this is before the fence/rock on the shoreline.
View attachment 197144

Great pics!

 

[Cluelyss]

Thank you for your input and photos! Were you happy with the view or did you feel the castle was just so far away that it really made very little sense to even have a TPV room? I'm spoiled by the Contemporary TPV rooms which were VERY close to the MK and had an incredible view of the Castle but we were looking for a change this year in resort and I've always wanted to stay at the Poly so this is my chance, or was, as whatever happened with IT yesterday it seems all the standard view rooms at the Poly are gone. =( =( =(

The view of Wishes from the Poly is AMAZING. Will you ever be in your room at night? That would be the big selling point in TPV for me.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you for your input and photos! Were you happy with the view or did you feel the castle was just so far away that it really made very little sense to even have a TPV room? I'm spoiled by the Contemporary TPV rooms which were VERY close to the MK and had an incredible view of the Castle but we were looking for a change this year in resort and I've always wanted to stay at the Poly so this is my chance, or was, as whatever happened with IT yesterday it seems all the standard view rooms at the Poly are gone. =( =( =(

Yes, extremely happy with the TPV at Poly. I have also stayed CR CL TPV a couple of times as well (was just there 2 weeks ago). Obviously the two views are totally different (and spectacular), but in many respects I prefer the Poly TPV over CR TPV. Poly offers a more serene/peaceful view overall IMHO, at CR you do have the parking lot, bus depot, and constant bus traffic always in view. Certainly the park view overshadows those nits, but they are still there. At Poly, it's just beach, water, and relaxation.

I also prefer the straight on fireworks view from Poly vs the off center from CR. But obviously both are really good!!

BTW, here are some fireworks photos from this summer. Again, Hawaii, third floor.

 

[gluestickgirl]

Yes, extremely happy with the TPV at Poly. I have also stayed CR CL TPV a couple of times as well (was just there 2 weeks ago). Obviously the two views are totally different (and spectacular), but in many respects I prefer the Poly TPV over CR TPV. Poly offers a more serene/peaceful view overall IMHO, at CR you do have the parking lot, bus depot, and constant bus traffic always in view. Certainly the park view overshadows those nits, but they are still there. At Poly, it's just beach, water, and relaxation.

I also prefer the straight on fireworks view from Poly vs the off center from CR. But obviously both are really good!!

i have to ditto all of this!! from the CR, it's like the MK is a constant whirl of motion and you're a part of it. from the poly, it's like getting a glimpse of a far off magical land. both are awesome, but i prefer the poly as well.

 

[ErinsMommy]

The view of Wishes from the Poly is AMAZING. Will you ever be in your room at night? That would be the big selling point in TPV for me.

Yes, extremely happy with the TPV at Poly. I have also stayed CR CL TPV a couple of times as well (was just there 2 weeks ago). Obviously the two views are totally different (and spectacular), but in many respects I prefer the Poly TPV over CR TPV. Poly offers a more serene/peaceful view overall IMHO, at CR you do have the parking lot, bus depot, and constant bus traffic always in view. Certainly the park view overshadows those nits, but they are still there. At Poly, it's just beach, water, and relaxation.

I also prefer the straight on fireworks view from Poly vs the off center from CR. But obviously both are really good!!

Thank you both! We just solidified and booked the TPV room at Poly! I'm so over the moon excited both that the Poly is now confirmed AND its TPV! And yes, when given the choice, we 've always loved the privacy of watching the fireworks from our room vs. watching them on the beach or in a crowd of people esp for my daughter.

 

[ErinsMommy]

Yes, extremely happy with the TPV at Poly. I have also stayed CR CL TPV a couple of times as well (was just there 2 weeks ago). Obviously the two views are totally different (and spectacular), but in many respects I prefer the Poly TPV over CR TPV. Poly offers a more serene/peaceful view overall IMHO, at CR you do have the parking lot, bus depot, and constant bus traffic always in view. Certainly the park view overshadows those nits, but they are still there. At Poly, it's just beach, water, and relaxation.

I also prefer the straight on fireworks view from Poly vs the off center from CR. But obviously both are really good!!

BTW, here are some fireworks photos from this summer. Again, Hawaii, third floor.

View attachment 197148

View attachment 197149

That's a great view thank you for sharing! Is Hawaii a club level building only? I would like to get on my reservation a longhouse building request but not sure which one now since we've moved up to TPV. Any recommendations?