Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[AquaDame]

We were also a cash villas reservation in Oct 2015 and had no issues using the DVC laundry room.

 

[Tikiman]

Ok thanks! I knew you'd have the most accurate info . And, yes, I mistyped my 3rd floor room number - thanks for correction! I was thinking after the bungalows were done that they would make all the 1st floor rooms LV. The Castle/TPV views are now totally different on the 1st floor versus the 3rd floor. We still love the 1st floor, though, and request it every trip!

I had a ground level TPV room last January and I could see the whole castle. I posted photos on my Tikiman Facebook page.

 

[TJA]

I had a ground level TPV room last January and I could see the whole castle. I posted photos on my Tikiman Facebook page.

Awesome - I just looked at your video clip! Last July I walked on the grass and snapped a few photos from various sections of Hawaii and I do remember a pretty clear view of the Castle for a few shots. We love the 1st floor rooms and the bungalows don't damper our enjoyment. The only thing I miss is seeing the 4th of July complete water show mixed in with the fireworks as the parade vanishes from sight once it reaches the bungalows. In 1503 we can still see quite a bit of the lagoon and some of the Castle in between bungalow roofs. The view is definitely not like it used to be (pre-bungalow) but it's still our favorite view in WDW.

 

[Princess Michele]

We have booked our first stay at the Polynesian and I am so excited!! We will be there July 27-30, 2016 with a split stay at Shades of Green first. This trip will be more relaxed with more pool time and sleeping in so we should be able to enjoy the resort. July cannot get here fast enough.

 

[AliceIn]

Hi, everyone. Quick review.

Just got back from the Poly last night. Had a nice time, but had issues with a filthy room that we were assigned! I promptly went down to the main desk and we (finally) got it resolved. We ended up in Aotearoa 1229. Had a partial view of fireworks. the room was clean.
I actually prefer the older decor of brown tahitian stylings, etc. The green was okay.

The resort was busy, especially with a lot of younger children. A lot of screaming (and I mean screaming) young children. Same in the parks. It is just too much for the younger kids. The magic is lost on them at that age.

Glad to hear that you had a nice time despite the hiccups.

It's disconcerting to hear so many reports about cleanliness at the Poly. So far this week I've seen reports of dirty rooms, piles of dirty dishes in the hallways, and now trash on the walkway not being cleared. I hope the management does something about these issues right away. I know Disney is cutting corners on a lot of things, but keeping the resorts clean and well-maintained should never been one of them. Has the Poly always had an issue with poor housekeeping, or is this something new?

 

[amwildwood]

Hi, everyone. Quick review.

Just got back from the Poly last night. Had a nice time, but had issues with a filthy room that we were assigned! I promptly went down to the main desk and we (finally) got it resolved. We ended up in Aotearoa 1229. Had a partial view of fireworks. the room was clean.
I actually prefer the older decor of brown tahitian stylings, etc. The green was okay.

We had cleanliness issues too - got back from Samoa 3rd fl. I'll write up something here too.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Glad to hear that you had a nice time despite the hiccups.

It's disconcerting to hear so many reports about cleanliness at the Poly. So far this week I've seen reports of dirty rooms, piles of dirty dishes in the hallways, and now trash on the walkway not being cleared. I hope the management does something about these issues right away. I know Disney is cutting corners on a lot of things, but keeping the resorts clean and well-maintained should never been one of them. Has the Poly always had an issue with poor housekeeping, or is this something new?

There have been several posts about cleanliness issues in the parks too so this seems to be a bit of a systemic issue lately.

 

[1971DBday]

You will be checking into the Poly before you know it .

AFAIK, you cannot call the front desk directly. When you call the number associated with a resort, they answer as if they are at that particular resort, but the calls are forwarded to a call center.

That's what I thought and was in a rush when I called so didn't ask for a number.

 

[Jennygt]

Does anyone know what building they are up to with the longhouse outdoor maintenance? The concrete work around the supports?

 

[CMAG38]

Hi, everyone. Quick review.

Just got back from the Poly last night. Had a nice time, but had issues with a filthy room that we were assigned! I promptly went down to the main desk and we (finally) got it resolved. We ended up in Aotearoa 1229. Had a partial view of fireworks. the room was clean.
I actually prefer the older decor of brown tahitian stylings, etc. The green was okay.

The resort was busy, especially with a lot of younger children. A lot of screaming (and I mean screaming) young children. Same in the parks. It is just too much for the younger kids. The magic is lost on them at that age.

We swam in the Oasis pool and not the Volcano (way too crowded). One day we got a cabana, and I'm sure one day soon you will have to rent these by the day and half day. The cabana was nice, but I don't like the design or color (way too orange). I'm surprised they were not designed like a tiki hut. They are also too big for the area. The proportions are off. The pool bathrooms were very clean. I had a Mango Slushee one day, and a (alcohol) Black Cherry Lemonade, which was good. We only ate at Capt Cooks. Had a Dole whip, it was good. Also, the food from the Oasis Grill looked good.

The price of bottled water has gone up to $3.00/bottle.

I won't go into all of the trip report here. I like the Polynesian, but have noticed a bit of decline in the cleanliness of the resort (it took 2 days for a spilled salad to be cleaned from the major walkway area...just simply inexcusable). Cast Members would walk by and not even say hello, Mousekeeping would not get to our room until close to 4 pm every day, which was also inexcusable. I was still happy to be there, but the GM needs to know these things, and I will pen a letter to him or her very soon. I will also note the good, and not just the bad.

The weather was beautiful and all-in-all, we had a great trip.

Please explain the filthy room. Filthy as in housekeeping didn't show up at all when you checked in?

 

[dzak1717]

Got back yesterday from our first Poly trip and it definitely lived up to the expectations. I will write a longer trip report later once I get caught up on work.

 

[CBoysMomLovesDisney]

Does the Poly still offer a photo session? I have heard about this in the past. If so, who do I call to schedule an appointment. It will be our first time staying at the Poly, have stayed at Wilderness Lodge in the past. Absolutely love the tropical theme and I'd really like to get some family photos.

 

[Lisann]

Please explain the filthy room. Filthy as in housekeeping didn't show up at all when you checked in?

Filthy as in...fingernail clippings on the carpet, creamers left in the refrigerator, stains on the daybed, stains on the carpet, the green marble top on the bureau between the closets not cleaned, the bathroom counter tops didn't appear clean. The beds were made, but I can only assume the sheets weren't changed! How could I? The rest of the room was awful. Yet it got a green light as "cleaned".

The cast member was as helpful as she could be. I did not raise my voice or behave in a nasty way. I wanted the Poly to go through the steps they needed to get me a clean room. They suggested that they could give the room a thorough cleaning "again", and I told Amanda that the stains on the daybed and the carpet would not be able to be cleaned, and that I would like another room. I had no faith in the housekeeping at that point. They were booked, and found us a presentable and clean room in another building. Amanda was the cast member, she was great. But the manager should have come out from his podium and addressed the issue after the fourth time of her not being able to get the room situation accomplished.

I had also tipped the bellman twice already, and I told Amanda I would not tip again, as this was the Poly's fault. She took care of it, and told me to have bell service speak with her (of course, after the bellman behaved unprofessionally, thinking he wasn't going to get tipped. The correct response from him should have been..."thank you for staying with us at the Polynesian and I hope you have a magical time here at Disney World"). I always tip the bell services well, but one should never have an attitude as he did. I just let it go and didn't address his rolling eyes. I think after I told him to go see Amanda, he felt better. But this was not the guests' responsibility to make him feel better.

Housekeeping, on two occasions, did not have our room clean before 4:30 pm. What's the point by then? I wanted to get ready for dinner, etc., and we just dealt with it.

A customer had dropped a salad (tomatoes, lettuce, onions, etc) on the walkway right in front of Tonga and the water area. It wasn't cleaned properly until the second day after.

Cast Members would not even say hello when they walked by in the hallway. I always say hello to people I pass.

While Capt Cooks is fairly good, the whole set up is not conducive to a lot of people in there at once. The ordering and checkout is smack dab in the middle of everything. Not a good layout in my opinion.

I will probably stay here again, but not anytime soon. There were other little things here and there that just left a sort of "eh" feeling when we left.

The resort is gorgeous at night and has a wonderful relaxed feel to it. I just hope that "relaxed" doesn't turn into lazy and ramshackled.

 

[Cluelyss]

Does the Poly still offer a photo session? I have heard about this in the past. If so, who do I call to schedule an appointment. It will be our first time staying at the Poly, have stayed at Wilderness Lodge in the past. Absolutely love the tropical theme and I'd really like to get some family photos.

We did this a few years ago, and it was amazing! I booked through Disney Fine Arts Photography.

 

[CMAG38]

Filthy as in...fingernail clippings on the carpet, creamers left in the refrigerator, stains on the daybed, stains on the carpet, the green marble top on the bureau between the closets not cleaned, the bathroom counter tops didn't appear clean. The beds were made, but I can only assume the sheets weren't changed! How could I? The rest of the room was awful. Yet it got a green light as "cleaned".

The cast member was as helpful as she could be. I did not raise my voice or behave in a nasty way. I wanted the Poly to go through the steps they needed to get me a clean room. They suggested that they could give the room a thorough cleaning "again", and I told Amanda that the stains on the daybed and the carpet would not be able to be cleaned, and that I would like another room. I had no faith in the housekeeping at that point. They were booked, and found us a presentable and clean room in another building. Amanda was the cast member, she was great. But the manager should have come out from his podium and addressed the issue after the fourth time of her not being able to get the room situation accomplished.

I had also tipped the bellman twice already, and I told Amanda I would not tip again, as this was the Poly's fault. She took care of it, and told me to have bell service speak with her (of course, after the bellman behaved unprofessionally, thinking he wasn't going to get tipped. The correct response from him should have been..."thank you for staying with us at the Polynesian and I hope you have a magical time here at Disney World"). I always tip the bell services well, but one should never have an attitude as he did. I just let it go and didn't address his rolling eyes. I think after I told him to go see Amanda, he felt better. But this was not the guests' responsibility to make him feel better.

Housekeeping, on two occasions, did not have our room clean before 4:30 pm. What's the point by then? I wanted to get ready for dinner, etc., and we just dealt with it.

A customer had dropped a salad (tomatoes, lettuce, onions, etc) on the walkway right in front of Tonga and the water area. It wasn't cleaned properly until the second day after.

Cast Members would not even say hello when they walked by in the hallway. I always say hello to people I pass.

While Capt Cooks is fairly good, the whole set up is not conducive to a lot of people in there at once. The ordering and checkout is smack dab in the middle of everything. Not a good layout in my opinion.

I will probably stay here again, but not anytime soon. There were other little things here and there that just left a sort of "eh" feeling when we left.

The resort is gorgeous at night and has a wonderful relaxed feel to it. I just hope that "relaxed" doesn't turn into lazy and ramshackled.

Wow! Fingernails?! Thank you for taking the time to type this up.

 

[Jennygt]

Filthy as in...fingernail clippings on the carpet, creamers left in the refrigerator, stains on the daybed, stains on the carpet, the green marble top on the bureau between the closets not cleaned, the bathroom counter tops didn't appear clean. The beds were made, but I can only assume the sheets weren't changed! How could I? The rest of the room was awful. Yet it got a green light as "cleaned".

The cast member was as helpful as she could be. I did not raise my voice or behave in a nasty way. I wanted the Poly to go through the steps they needed to get me a clean room. They suggested that they could give the room a thorough cleaning "again", and I told Amanda that the stains on the daybed and the carpet would not be able to be cleaned, and that I would like another room. I had no faith in the housekeeping at that point. They were booked, and found us a presentable and clean room in another building. Amanda was the cast member, she was great. But the manager should have come out from his podium and addressed the issue after the fourth time of her not being able to get the room situation accomplished.

I had also tipped the bellman twice already, and I told Amanda I would not tip again, as this was the Poly's fault. She took care of it, and told me to have bell service speak with her (of course, after the bellman behaved unprofessionally, thinking he wasn't going to get tipped. The correct response from him should have been..."thank you for staying with us at the Polynesian and I hope you have a magical time here at Disney World"). I always tip the bell services well, but one should never have an attitude as he did. I just let it go and didn't address his rolling eyes. I think after I told him to go see Amanda, he felt better. But this was not the guests' responsibility to make him feel better.

Housekeeping, on two occasions, did not have our room clean before 4:30 pm. What's the point by then? I wanted to get ready for dinner, etc., and we just dealt with it.

A customer had dropped a salad (tomatoes, lettuce, onions, etc) on the walkway right in front of Tonga and the water area. It wasn't cleaned properly until the second day after.

Cast Members would not even say hello when they walked by in the hallway. I always say hello to people I pass.

While Capt Cooks is fairly good, the whole set up is not conducive to a lot of people in there at once. The ordering and checkout is smack dab in the middle of everything. Not a good layout in my opinion.

I will probably stay here again, but not anytime soon. There were other little things here and there that just left a sort of "eh" feeling when we left.

The resort is gorgeous at night and has a wonderful relaxed feel to it. I just hope that "relaxed" doesn't turn into lazy and ramshackled.

Can i ask if you remem what the room number was for the dirty room? I want to avoid the stains ...

 

[Lisann]

Can i ask if you remem what the room number was for the dirty room? I want to avoid the stains ...

Roratonga bldg, I think 1825, maybe....It was on the right hand side of the hallway (coming from GCH), facing the monorail and parking area (the view still had garden foliage, so that was okay). I felt like I was in the Brady Bunch's basement. It had a bad mojo vibe to it.

We ended up with Room 1229, Aotearoa. Night and day.

 

[dzak1717]

I was about to write my trip report from this past weekend when I just read a previous guests report and I'm sorry to hear your stay wasn't as magical. I guess I was lucky not to run into the same problems. My only draw back was my room request through TP. Didn't even get the building, but the way the weekend turned out it was fine. Our room in Pago Pago 2119 was very clean and a nice quiet garden view, I guess you would call it. I was hoping for Tokelau but I know those rooms are very popular now. After check in we went and got a dole whip on our way to the race expo. It made the long bus ride so much better. We ate at Capt Cooks for breakfast twice and enjoyed the breakfast burrito and egg sandwich. The other times going in there during the afternoon or evening to fill up our water bottles, it didn't seem too crowded and when the line started getting long another cast member came up to the registers to help out. Our other breakfast at Ohana was great as usual, no one in my party tried the tonga toast so I can't comment on if the bread is the same. But the macadamia nut pancakes are still incredible!!!! We did spend an hour or two at the new pool bar, pain killer highly recommended. Bar tender did a great job making our drinks and explaining what they had done to that new area. One small complaint which most people wouldn't be bothered with is, I didn't realize wishes could be heard echoing throughout the resort. We had to get up super early (is 2:30am early or late night?) for the 10k and half marathon. I did enjoy staying close to the TTC since that walk is a lot easier to get to EPCOT monorail then to the main lobby. I would stay at the poly again and i know now why people on this board love it. Planning on being back at some point on our next trip to eat at the great restaurants.

 

[Karebear]

Has anyone priced the difference between the possible free dining vs the "magical deal"? We are trying to see what would be more cost efficient

I did price it out last year (similar pricing to this year) and the magical deal was better. We are a family of 4, it might be different if you have 5. Also my kids are 11 and 12 so "disney adults" but they do eat kids meals at the CS places. We ate where we wanted and what we wanted. I kept track (out of curiosity) and the deal cost us less than the free dining would have even including some adult beverages that we ordered. Hope this helps!

 

[Jennygt]

Roratonga bldg, I think 1825, maybe....It was on the right hand side of the hallway (coming from GCH), facing the monorail and parking area (the view still had garden foliage, so that was okay). I felt like I was in the Brady Bunch's basement. It had a bad mojo vibe to it.

We ended up with Room 1229, Aotearoa. Night and day.

Thx! I will steer clear of that