Playgrounds at the Polynesian or Grand Floridian?

[scanne]

Do either of these resorts have a playground? We're staying at the Polynesian in July and I'd like to be able to take my son to the playground, if there is one. Thanks.

 

[clombardi]

No playground at the Polynesian, but the kids have fun digging on the beach.

 

[jacksmom]

No playground at either, but both have great pools and beach areas!

 

[tlbwriter]

The GF has a very nice beach area; my daughter (5 at the time) loved playing there.

 

[Tess]

Maybe you should copy and paste the thread to the Polynesian FAQ page?

Just by way of information--I don't think GF ever had a playground and the Polynesian's playground was removed with the renovation of the volcano pool. It used to stand in the area where the jumping fountains are located.

 

[BCV23]

Before the playground near Samoa, there were at least two other playgrounds over the years at the Polynesian that I can remember. Each was near the GCH. One used to be near Captain Cooks and I think even earlier there was one closer to where the shops used to be. I may have the order reversed however.

Anyway, I very seldom saw any children on the playground equipment. Mine would play once and awhile for a few minutes....not even every trip I think. There is just too much else to do and too many pretty paths to explore. Beaches, pools, boats....so much to do and so little time.

 

[SpoonfulofSugar]

There are two playgrounds at the CR, only a monorail ride away...

 

[RichKoster]

The best playground of them all is located at the Polynesian Resort -- and it is air conditioned!

WDW Guests can accompany their kids to the NeverLand Club (located near the bus stop at the Polynesian Resort) and enter for free every afternoon for hours of fun! You just have to stay with your children while you are in there. Also check out all the activities inside the Great Ceremonial House for kids every day.

Not a playground in the usual sense of the word, but the kids love it! Heck, I enjoy seeing how the kids walk through the window into NeverLand, myself! And when the kids are dancing to ukelele music in the GCH, I feel like joining in the fun, too!

 

[clombardi]

Is the Neverland club unlocked during the afteroon or do you need to get permission to go in?

 

[RichKoster]

Coleen, just check with the Guest Services desk at the Polynesian Resort's Great Ceremonial House when you get to WDW, or pick up any WDW house phone and call Guest Services, and they'll let you know what hours in the afternoon the door will be unlocked with a Cast Member inside to show you all the fun things the NeverLand Club has to offer. This is a great way to have the kids get used to being there if you're going to use its childcare services one or more nights while you are on vacation at WDW. Guest Services or the CM in the NeverLand Club itself can go over the childcare rates with you -- but when you visit during the hours they'll tell you in the afternoon it is free, as long as you stay with your child for whatever afternoon hours they have set up for that on that particular day you're there.

 

[scanne]

Rich,

Hey, it's good to see a fellow Echo member here on the DIS, too!

Thanks for the tip about the Neverland Club. I guess I never even thought about that because the last time we were at the Polynesian we were childless. Now, with an almost 3 year old and an infant, all thoughts turn to their happiness!

I will be sure to take my son there a couple of afternoons. And I'll let my DH know about it, too, because one afternoon the girls in our party are having tea at the GF and the boys were going to spend time on their own. Since my son loves Peter Pan, what better than the Neverland Club! I am now even MORE excited about our trip!!!

Anne

 

[clombardi]

Thanks so much Rich!

 

[BCV23]

Colleen, as an added note, when you check in you'll receive the Polynesian newsletter "The Island Palm Press." It will list the afternnoon hours for the Neverland Club along with other children's activities. Have fun!

 

[swilphil]

I just wanted to add that we were at CR, very close to the playground, but our kids used it very little. They did have fun digging on the beach and we spent a lot of time at the different play areas in all the parks.

 

[RichKoster]

Colleen, as an added note, when you check in you'll receive the Polynesian newsletter "The Island Palm Press." It will list the afternnoon hours for the Neverland Club along with other children's activities. Have fun!

That's a great point and thanks for bringing that up! I just want to add, that all WDW Guests are entitled to "check out" the NeverLand Club like that during those afternoon hours, even if your WDW Resort has a different version of a newsletter only about that specific resort you're staying at. In other words, don't feel that just because you're WDW Resort isn't the Polynesian that you can't also do that "checking it out" thing at the NeverLand Club during those hours -- you are very welcome to do so even if you don't get the Polynesian Resort's newsletter in your room!