Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[cleopenn]

Just back from a 5 night stay at Poly, followed by 2 nights at Orlando World Center Marriott located just outside of WDW property. We loved Poly’s proximity to MK and Epcot. Watching fireworks from the beach was amazing! Standing in the pool with the view of the castle is pretty incredible. Our kids loved the pools and water slide. The grounds were lovely. Transportation was a dream! We had no issues with housekeeping. Our room was spacious and we got connecting rooms as we’d requested.

I share these feelings as well.

That said, our 3 rooms on 1st floor of Rarotonga were tired looking, as others have stated. There was a huge line at check in and anytime we had a question for the front desk we had to wait. The restaurant options are great, except that ADRs are all taken with nothing reserved for onsite guests who are paying a premium to stay. Also, I found the number of non-Poly guests who were coming for meals made the resort seem a bit chaotic. Our last stay at WL was more peaceful, despite also being a draw for dining.

And I share these feelings as well. Our room was fine but the public areas (hallways, exterior entry doors) were dirty (as in a dirty diaper laying in the hallway for 18+ hours) and in immediate need of repairs. There is no excuse for broken door hardware at that price point. Our trip was two years ago and it sounds like nothing has changed.

The restaurant/ADR nonsense almost caused us to check out before our room was ready. We wanted to eat lunch before our room was ready and wanted a sit-down lunch after a long travel day. We were turned away from Kona because we didn't have an ADR even though the restaurant was half empty. We had to run it up several levels of management to get a table. Another day, I wanted to change an ADR by 15 minutes and was told no. When we walked into the Wave, it was 3/4 empty. In talking to the server, she rolled her eyes when I told her. She shared that Disney dining plan has caused a lot of problems with dining in general and that their staffing levels are kept very, very low.

When we moved to the Marriott, the difference between the rooms, staff availibility, service, grounds, and food were immediately apparent. Our stay at the Marriott was far and away better than Poly and for half the cost (though we actually stayed for free on points). It was interesting to experience the 2 resorts back-to-back and feel/taste/see all of the differences.

That said, we were able to enjoy the marriott because we’d already spent 5 nights enjoying the perks of such quick access to MK and the other parks while we were at Poly. And the benefit of having top FPs due to the 60+ day window, etc. I’m thankful for our stay at Poly! It helped us enjoy the parks to the maximum extent possible. Our next visit would probably be a WL/Marriott split, though.

This statement highlights the problem/issue we had with the Poly. I knew Disney resorts were different from normal resorts, I just didn't realize how different. My husband saw the $600 a night price tag and assumed he was getting the type of hard and soft product at a $600 a night non-Disney resort. We encountered a host of problems, service issues and bizarre policies the entire week.

We did have a wonderful trip overall but I cannot recommend that resort.

Would the Grand Florian be better in terms of service and condition? We ate at the GF twice during our trip and encounter management twice and they seemed professional and interested in our experience at the GF. I don't know that I can get my husband back to a Disney resort but my son would love to go again.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Would the Grand Florian be better in terms of service and condition?

Possibly. GF isn't known for the same sorts of housekeeping issues. However, it does run at a very high utilization rate and can also have dings and tired elements. People often get as upset about seeing someone doing maintenance as they get about lack of maintenance.

The ADR stuff will be exactly the same, as that is a Disney thing, and not a resort issue -- sometimes, they may be half full, but they're only staffed to handle half-full, or it's early/late in a meal period and they're staggering intake (via ADRs) to ensure service. There are union contracts/rules in play with the serving staff as well.

 

[cleopenn]

Thanks for that feedback, I appreciate it.

 

[trishadono]

Possibly. GF isn't known for the same sorts of housekeeping issues. However, it does run at a very high utilization rate and can also have dings and tired elements. People often get as upset about seeing someone doing maintenance as they get about lack of maintenance.
.

Yep

The rooms get updated often. The year or so prior to the next refresh is always when people complain. Poly is due soon I believe so then we can complain about how they changed it lol.

I had 2 stays this year and loved them so much I booked a GV CL for May. The grounds, location, pools and food options are more important to me than a stain or ding.

What is nice is that there are lots of options on and off property so people should find what works best for them.

 

[KrazeeK120]

And I share these feelings as well. Our room was fine but the public areas (hallways, exterior entry doors) were dirty (as in a dirty diaper laying in the hallway for 18+ hours) and in immediate need of repairs. There is no excuse for broken door hardware at that price point. Our trip was two years ago and it sounds like nothing has changed.

OMG...who leaves a dirty diaper IN THE HALLWAY??? Yes, housekeeping should have addressed it quicker, but the rude, gross person who left it there absolutely should not have done so. I currently have a child in diapers, and would never even consider leaving one anywhere other than a trash receptacle. You’d think people staying at a deluxe Disney resort would have more manners than that. Holy cow.

 

[meggers628]

Would the Grand Florian be better in terms of service and condition? We ate at the GF twice during our trip and encounter management twice and they seemed professional and interested in our experience at the GF. I don't know that I can get my husband back to a Disney resort but my son would love to go again.

I think the Poly and the Grand share a general manager. Unless this has change recently.

This statement highlights the problem/issue we had with the Poly. I knew Disney resorts were different from normal resorts, I just didn't realize how different. My husband saw the $600 a night price tag and assumed he was getting the type of hard and soft product at a $600 a night non-Disney resort

I definitely think my positive experience is reflective of the price I paid. Renting DVC points saved me a lot of money, and being a timeshare, also lowered my expectations as far as room conditions go. If I paid $600 for the room I might have had a more critical eye of the resort overall.

 

[Scooter2376]

Edited now that I'm at a computer:

We decided to change our trip from March to January (Yay!). For our new dates, we can get a Club Level Garden View room for slightly less than a regular Theme Park view room, but they are basically the same price.

It will be me, my husband, and our 6-year-old. Do you think we will enjoy the Club access more than the fireworks view from our balcony? Are the Club Level rooms less likely to have the housekeeping issues that some have complained about or is it all the same? Anything else I should consider?

 

[Flossbolna]

I share these feelings as well.



And I share these feelings as well. Our room was fine but the public areas (hallways, exterior entry doors) were dirty (as in a dirty diaper laying in the hallway for 18+ hours) and in immediate need of repairs. There is no excuse for broken door hardware at that price point. Our trip was two years ago and it sounds like nothing has changed.

The restaurant/ADR nonsense almost caused us to check out before our room was ready. We wanted to eat lunch before our room was ready and wanted a sit-down lunch after a long travel day. We were turned away from Kona because we didn't have an ADR even though the restaurant was half empty. We had to run it up several levels of management to get a table. Another day, I wanted to change an ADR by 15 minutes and was told no. When we walked into the Wave, it was 3/4 empty. In talking to the server, she rolled her eyes when I told her. She shared that Disney dining plan has caused a lot of problems with dining in general and that their staffing levels are kept very, very low.



This statement highlights the problem/issue we had with the Poly. I knew Disney resorts were different from normal resorts, I just didn't realize how different. My husband saw the $600 a night price tag and assumed he was getting the type of hard and soft product at a $600 a night non-Disney resort. We encountered a host of problems, service issues and bizarre policies the entire week.

We did have a wonderful trip overall but I cannot recommend that resort.

Would the Grand Florian be better in terms of service and condition? We ate at the GF twice during our trip and encounter management twice and they seemed professional and interested in our experience at the GF. I don't know that I can get my husband back to a Disney resort but my son would love to go again.

Have you considered the Four Seasons? It is less themed, but has a great location and I think it gets all the WDW perks of onsite hotels(?).

 

[Farro]

We've been at Polynesian since 10/25, leaving tomorrow. Our room was great, housekeeping great. Hotel is gorgeous. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best temperature wise, just too cool for us. Warm yesterday and today.

My only gripe is surprising to me, but I actually find the crowds that came in for Ohana and especially Trader Sam's annoying. Maybe it's because we walked through the Trader Sam's hallway a bunch to get to Fiji, but the people were always just hanging in the hallways, not moving, kind of being obnoxious.
Also, you can RARELY get a seat at Tambu, or anywhere near it, at anytime during dinner at Ohana. Families with small children just sitting at the actual bar waiting for their reservation. Didn't like that.

Overall I would recommend a stay here, but I think we missed being closer to Epcot and being able to walk in from the Beach Club. Last time we tired of Epcot, this time we tired of Magic Kingdom!

Oh - the boat to Magic Kingdom is just the best though!!! We loved that.

 

[Scooter2376]

We've been at Polynesian since 10/25, leaving tomorrow. Our room was great, housekeeping great. Hotel is gorgeous. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best temperature wise, just too cool for us. Warm yesterday and today.

My only gripe is surprising to me, but I actually find the crowds that came in for Ohana and especially Trader Sam's annoying. Maybe it's because we walked through the Trader Sam's hallway a bunch to get to Fiji, but the people were always just hanging in the hallways, not moving, kind of being obnoxious.
Also, you can RARELY get a seat at Tambu, or anywhere near it, at anytime during dinner at Ohana. Families with small children just sitting at the actual bar waiting for their reservation. Didn't like that.

Overall I would recommend a stay here, but I think we missed being closer to Epcot and being able to walk in from the Beach Club. Last time we tired of Epcot, this time we tired of Magic Kingdom!

Oh - the boat to Magic Kingdom is just the best though!!! We loved that.

Can't wait to try the boat! Glad you had a nice trip and no problems with housekeeping. I bet the restaurant crowds will annoy me too, but I'm just so excited to stay at the Poly that hopefully I can overlook it.

 

[trishadono]

Edited now that I'm at a computer:

We decided to change our trip from March to January (Yay!). For our new dates, we can get a Club Level Garden View room for slightly less than a regular Theme Park view room, but they are basically the same price.

It will be me, my husband, and our 6-year-old. Do you think we will enjoy the Club access more than the fireworks view from our balcony? Are the Club Level rooms less likely to have the housekeeping issues that some have complained about or is it all the same? Anything else I should consider?

Not exactly the same but similar. I have done both LV/MKV side and GV of cl at poly. When I had GV I didnt even use my balcony. I was happy to hang in the lounge. I even sat up on the 3rd floor at times too.

For my water side rooms I did spend more time in my own room. I could be in my pjs which was nice. For your 6yr old they can be in the lounge in pjs as long as properly covered and have footwear. Many younger ones will do this in the morning and evening.

So really it comes down to you. Would you enjoy having food and drinks in the lounge? Would you enjoy the view from the lounge? Hawaii also has a great location for both pools and the beach.

I have picked gv cl over a std room with a view. I love sitting in the evening with a wine and enjoying that great view.

Both are nice options. Only you know which your family would prefer. Let me know if need anything else.

 

[Roxyfire]

Edited now that I'm at a computer:

We decided to change our trip from March to January (Yay!). For our new dates, we can get a Club Level Garden View room for slightly less than a regular Theme Park view room, but they are basically the same price.

It will be me, my husband, and our 6-year-old. Do you think we will enjoy the Club access more than the fireworks view from our balcony? Are the Club Level rooms less likely to have the housekeeping issues that some have complained about or is it all the same? Anything else I should consider?

With the price being similar, I'd go with Club Level hands down. Even though I haven't experienced a Deluxe Club level, we did Business Class at CSR for our first trip. It was really nice being able to come back from the park and get some snacks and drinks in the evening AND get some breakfast options in the morning. But watch out, you might get spoiled by all that!

 

[Scooter2376]

Thanks so much, trishadono and Roxyfire. I booked both rooms and will cancel one soon. I am leaning toward Club Level, especially since we had to give up our PPO breakfast ADRs when I changed the trip from March to January. Eating breakfast at the lounge would definitely be easy.

So if we have a CL-GV, we will definitely be in Hawaii?

 

[dixielanfan73]

My only gripe is surprising to me, but I actually find the crowds that came in for Ohana and especially Trader Sam's annoying. Maybe it's because we walked through the Trader Sam's hallway a bunch to get to Fiji, but the people were always just hanging in the hallways, not moving, kind of being obnoxious.
Also, you can RARELY get a seat at Tambu, or anywhere near it, at anytime during dinner at Ohana. Families with small children just sitting at the actual bar waiting for their reservation. Didn't like that.

This was our biggest issue as well! We just returned from a stay from 10/21 - 10/29. We were also in Fiji. We found our biggest frustration during the whole trip was with dining/lounge crowds. After being in a crowded park all day we just didn't expect to have to deal with the same at our resort. The hallway near Trader Sams was packed form 330p on with people filling up the hall to wait in line to get in and for the first couple of days there were lines wrapped around the building even earlier due to the Hitchhiking ghost mugs. Even the patio and the to go window were packed in the evenings with to people waiting to watch the fireworks. Finding a relaxing place to get an adult beverage after a long day in the parks was quite the adventure. We stayed with a group of 12 people and 4 of them were teenagers ages (15 - 18) and we felt uncomfortable letting them walk from the patio to our rooms in Fiji at night due to the amount of off site people milling around during the late hours. I understand that they are public places and it is to be expected. I suppose we may have noticed it more because we were staying in Fiji and had to constantly walk through it to get to and from our room. We didn't seem to notice the crowds as much when we stayed in Tokelau. With all that said, for the most part, we did enjoy our stay but are now considering The Wilderness Lodge for our upcoming April Trip.

 

[Roxyfire]

This was our biggest issue as well! We just returned from a stay from 10/21 - 10/29. We were also in Fiji. We found our biggest frustration during the whole trip was with dining/lounge crowds. After being in a crowded park all day we just didn't expect to have to deal with the same at our resort. The hallway near Trader Sams was packed form 330p on with people filling up the hall to wait in line to get in and for the first couple of days there were lines wrapped around the building even earlier due to the Hitchhiking ghost mugs. Even the patio and the to go window were packed in the evenings with to people waiting to watch the fireworks. Finding a relaxing place to get an adult beverage after a long day in the parks was quite the adventure. We stayed with a group of 12 people and 4 of them were teenagers ages (15 - 18) and we felt uncomfortable letting them walk from the patio to our rooms in Fiji at night due to the amount of off site people milling around during the late hours. I understand that they are public places and it is to be expected. I suppose we may have noticed it more because we were staying in Fiji and had to constantly walk through it to get to and from our room. We didn't seem to notice the crowds as much when we stayed in Tokelau. With all that said, for the most part, we did enjoy our stay but are now considering The Wilderness Lodge for our upcoming April Trip.

I just booked our DVC stay at the Polynesian for June this morning and the hectic environment is a concern to me too. Glad to hear that over toward the DVC side things are a little more calm. I think WL is an excellent choice, in my opinion. I wanted to try for Copper Creek but I forgot about the window, oops! At any rate, I think you'll find things more relaxing there, even if more people are staying there now due to the updated amenities. The lobby is so spacious and the fireplace is inviting on a rainy evening.

 

[PolyRob]

I just booked our DVC stay at the Polynesian for June this morning and the hectic environment is a concern to me too. Glad to hear that over toward the DVC side things are a little more calm. I think WL is an excellent choice, in my opinion. I wanted to try for Copper Creek but I forgot about the window, oops! At any rate, I think you'll find things more relaxing there, even if more people are staying there now due to the updated amenities. The lobby is so spacious and the fireplace is inviting on a rainy evening.

I tried getting a spot at Tambu for my Lapu Lapu before my 8:15pm luau about a week ago, but it was full. I just got my pineapple and went elsewhere in the Great Ceremonial House . Poly will always have special place in my heart. Regardless of where I stay, I always have to visit for something and I am so happy to be returning for a BC/Poly split stay in March (best of both worlds!)

 

[Disney & ME]

We've been at Polynesian since 10/25, leaving tomorrow. Our room was great, housekeeping great. Hotel is gorgeous. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best temperature wise, just too cool for us. Warm yesterday and today.

My only gripe is surprising to me, but I actually find the crowds that came in for Ohana and especially Trader Sam's annoying. Maybe it's because we walked through the Trader Sam's hallway a bunch to get to Fiji, but the people were always just hanging in the hallways, not moving, kind of being obnoxious.
Also, you can RARELY get a seat at Tambu, or anywhere near it, at anytime during dinner at Ohana. Families with small children just sitting at the actual bar waiting for their reservation. Didn't like that.

Overall I would recommend a stay here, but I think we missed being closer to Epcot and being able to walk in from the Beach Club. Last time we tired of Epcot, this time we tired of Magic Kingdom!

Oh - the boat to Magic Kingdom is just the best though!!! We loved that.

The Tambu issue happened to us too when we couldn't get a drink or take out due to the crowds. Very frustrating when staying at the resort. With Ohana diners waiting you can't even get a seat.

 

[PrincessHanasMom]

Ok, I'm a Poly newbie and WDW novice. Getting a little overwhelmed trying to track down a clear answer, so can any of you help?

How far in advance of rope drop would you have to leave the Poly for each park?
(Not looking to be first in line, because we are handling hardest to get rides at each park via FP and will have people with us who can't walk terribly fast. Just want to be there at opening to maximize low crowd time.)

And, which is better for MK rope drop: monorail or boat?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

How far in advance of rope drop would you have to leave the Poly for each park?

I would allow an hour to an hour and a half for DHS, AK and Epcot. Epcot, you have to walk to the TTC or monorail around the whole loop and transfer, and if you have people who have walking issues you may prefer the long way, which would be half an hour plus just riding monorail. Buses for DHS and AK can be 20 minutes apart and you'll invariably miss one and have to wait.

MK is pretty quick, so call it 30-45 minutes including security at the resort for the monorail or boat. I prefer boat, but if dealing with scooters or strollers, monorail may be a better choice for you.

 

[Roxyfire]

The Tambu issue happened to us too when we couldn't get a drink or take out due to the crowds. Very frustrating when staying at the resort. With Ohana diners waiting you can't even get a seat.

Does it slow down later in the evening? Asking for a "friend" who might want a late night bread pudding fix...