Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[ginny65]

We had a standard view booked at the Poly and were very pleasantly surprised when we opened the balcony doors to this view...

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The reason it was classed standard was a tree growing up along side the balcony - which prevented it from being a full on water/lagoon/castle view. I had requested Aotearoa 3rd floor as my only request.

Was your room in fact in Aotearoa 3rd floor?
Also, we are booked through a travel agent. Can I still request a room closer to the time of our stay directly with Disney? Any other room requests examples would be greatly appreciated. We just want to make sure we have a nice view (not parking lot) and definitely a full balcony.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Was your room in fact in Aotearoa 3rd floor?
Also, we are booked through a travel agent. Can I still request a room closer to the time of our stay directly with Disney? Any other room requests examples would be greatly appreciated. We just want to make sure we have a nice view (not parking lot) and definitely a full balcony.

We were also booked with a travel agency, on an August deal. Yes, we were on the 3rd floor in Aotearoa in room 3225 (I just double checked for exact room number - i keep all my Disney package info for future reference) We did online check in and requested top floor, Fiji or Aotearoa.
I did call and followed up after checking in online to be sure my requests on the online form were noted.

It was a standard room that overlooked the Luau Beach & Grand Floridian. What made it a standard view was a large tree that ran up one side of the balcony obscuring a full on view of the Lagoon & beyond. The tree only obscured about a quarter maybe a third of the view... We sat on our balcony several times & watched the EWP & the fireworks at the MK easily.

When we checked in, our assigned room was in Aotearoa on the 3rd floor, but was facing the Monorail. I asked very sweetly if anything on any floor in Aotearoa on the opposite side of the hall was available my only request at that point was to not be facing the Monorail... the lovely lady had me wait a few minutes & came back with a new room, the room directly across the hall from our originally assigned room.

I’m working my way through my resort bucket list, but i will definitely request the same room or one that is close by when we head back to the Poly! We loved staying in Aotearoa

 

[kylenne]

Was your room in fact in Aotearoa 3rd floor?
Also, we are booked through a travel agent. Can I still request a room closer to the time of our stay directly with Disney? Any other room requests examples would be greatly appreciated. We just want to make sure we have a nice view (not parking lot) and definitely a full balcony.

We booked through a TA last year and had her note our request on the reservation, then also used Touring Plans room request fax service. We got the exact thing we wanted, 3rd fl Rarotonga.

 

[smallsy]

Talk to me about the pool/food/drink situation when the poly is completely full

 

[ginny65]

We were also booked with a travel agency, on an August deal. Yes, we were on the 3rd floor in Aotearoa in room 3225 (I just double checked for exact room number - i keep all my Disney package info for future reference) We did online check in and requested top floor, Fiji or Aotearoa.
I did call and followed up after checking in online to be sure my requests on the online form were noted.

It was a standard room that overlooked the Luau Beach & Grand Floridian. What made it a standard view was a large tree that ran up one side of the balcony obscuring a full on view of the Lagoon & beyond. The tree only obscured about a quarter maybe a third of the view... We sat on our balcony several times & watched the EWP & the fireworks at the MK easily.

When we checked in, our assigned room was in Aotearoa on the 3rd floor, but was facing the Monorail. I asked very sweetly if anything on any floor in Aotearoa on the opposite side of the hall was available my only request at that point was to not be facing the Monorail... the lovely lady had me wait a few minutes & came back with a new room, the room directly across the hall from our originally assigned room.

I’m working my way through my resort bucket list, but i will definitely request the same room or one that is close by when we head back to the Poly! We loved staying in Aotearoa

Thank you. I really don't want a view of the parking lot, so hopefully we will get a nice view. I think I will just request full balcony, nice view. What do you think?

 

[ginny65]

We booked through a TA last year and had her note our request on the reservation, then also used Touring Plans room request fax service. We got the exact thing we wanted, 3rd fl Rarotonga.

I asked my TA to make the request of full balcony, nice view, but I'm not sure she did. I would like to think she did. I guess I should renew my Touring Plans subscription so that I can get the request put in a second time. Thanks! Can I call, say within a week of arriving, and request the same thing even though this reservation was made through a TA?

 

[ginny65]

Talk to me about the pool/food/drink situation when the poly is completely full

I too am interested in this. I'm a little concerned about being able to find chairs and relax around the pool in August. The pools here seem small. I'm used to the huge SAB at YC and the option of the quiet pools. We always were able to find chairs there. Also, is it correct that there are no shaded chairs at Poly?

 

[Harleydottie]

Getting ready for our trip to Poly in two weeks! Can anyone advise on the coffee situation (coffee for mom is for everyone’s safety lol).
Is the general resort coffee still awful?
Does the room have a coffeemaker?
Does it take standard grounds or are they the weird hotel coffeemakers that only take weird hotel pods?
We have a standard room if it makes any difference

 

[DISNEY1975]

I too am interested in this. I'm a little concerned about being able to find chairs and relax around the pool in August. The pools here seem small. I'm used to the huge SAB at YC and the option of the quiet pools. We always were able to find chairs there. Also, is it correct that there are no shaded chairs at Poly?

I havent stayed at the Poly for a good number of years, but will say I did go to YC on my last trip 100% due to not wanting the crowds any more at the Poly. Sadly, it is difficult if not impossible to get an actual chair at the "Volcano Pool" Its less difficult to get a lounger in the hot sun, but getting 2 or more together is hard. I prefer a chair and those are nearly impossible to get unless you are the first one at the pool for the day. And a table....forget it!

Lot of MK goers hop the monorail mid day for a break from the park. They end up at Capt Cooks. Some used to go into the pool area, not sure what the situation is now though. My last trip to the Poly was 2015 and they had just installed the fence, though it never worked. Also Oasis pool was under construction, so I cant speak for that. All common areas in the GHC are crowded daily with guests waiting for their Ohana ressie! Of course Kona and the Luau draw a crowd too and all the guests who just want to take a "look". I dont understand how the Poly gets such a draw and the GF and Contemporary are as quiet as can be! I often left the Poly for some quiet time at the other 2 monorail resorts!

That being said, my YC stay in 2017 was AMAZING! The peace! Truly relaxing resort with great dining venues, convenience to Epcot, DHS and the Boardwalk. I loved every bit of it. So for this years trip where do you think I picked? Youd be surprised, but we are staying at the Poly! Once a MK resort area girl, always a MK resort area girl. As amazing as my YC stay was, I felt like I was so out of the "loop". The YC was almost too quiet.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Are all rooms in Rarotonga standard view? I originally had a Standard View reservation, but with the free dining promo I needed to switch to Pool/Lagoon view. What are the chances for a pool view (Oasis??) in Rarotonga? Its my favorite building!

 

[Brett Wyman]

Are all rooms in Rarotonga standard view? I originally had a Standard View reservation, but with the free dining promo I needed to switch to Pool/Lagoon view. What are the chances for a pool view (Oasis??) in Rarotonga? Its my favorite building!

Even the rooms facing the Oasis pool are all pretty much obstructed or at best a partial view of the pool. So I’m pretty sure all of Rarotonga books as standard view. You can request “pool facing” though.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Even the rooms facing the Oasis pool are all pretty much obstructed or at best a partial view of the pool. So I’m pretty sure all of Rarotonga books as standard view. You can request “pool facing” though.

I honestly dont care what I am facing. When Im in the room, Im usually only facing the pillow! I just really want to be in Rarotonga and hope by having a "Pool/Lagoon" room that I didnt just kick myself out of that building!

 

[Nikki0401]

I havent stayed at the Poly for a good number of years, but will say I did go to YC on my last trip 100% due to not wanting the crowds any more at the Poly. Sadly, it is difficult if not impossible to get an actual chair at the "Volcano Pool" Its less difficult to get a lounger in the hot sun, but getting 2 or more together is hard. I prefer a chair and those are nearly impossible to get unless you are the first one at the pool for the day. And a table....forget it!

Lot of MK goers hop the monorail mid day for a break from the park. They end up at Capt Cooks. Some used to go into the pool area, not sure what the situation is now though. My last trip to the Poly was 2015 and they had just installed the fence, though it never worked. Also Oasis pool was under construction, so I cant speak for that. All common areas in the GHC are crowded daily with guests waiting for their Ohana ressie! Of course Kona and the Luau draw a crowd too and all the guests who just want to take a "look". I dont understand how the Poly gets such a draw and the GF and Contemporary are as quiet as can be! I often left the Poly for some quiet time at the other 2 monorail resorts!

That being said, my YC stay in 2017 was AMAZING! The peace! Truly relaxing resort with great dining venues, convenience to Epcot, DHS and the Boardwalk. I loved every bit of it. So for this years trip where do you think I picked? Youd be surprised, but we are staying at the Poly! Once a MK resort area girl, always a MK resort area girl. As amazing as my YC stay was, I felt like I was so out of the "loop". The YC was almost too quiet.

I too am interested in this. I'm a little concerned about being able to find chairs and relax around the pool in August. The pools here seem small. I'm used to the huge SAB at YC and the option of the quiet pools. We always were able to find chairs there. Also, is it correct that there are no shaded chairs at Poly?

We have stayed in August the last three years and will be back again this year. Does the pool get crowded yes, but even if you show up to the pool later in the day you can find a chair to plant your stuff and then roam around until someone leaves. It seems like most people stay half a day and then pack up. If we're going to start the day at the pool I usually go down first thing in the am get a great spot and sit and have my coffee, it's a beautiful way to start the day. The resort does get crowded with people just taking a look but they cannot get into the pools both are fenced and you need to be a resort guest and you magic band to open the gate.

 

[Brett Wyman]

I honestly dont care what I am facing. When Im in the room, Im usually only facing the pillow! I just really want to be in Rarotonga and hope by having a "Pool/Lagoon" room that I didnt just kick myself out of that building!

I mean that's technically a room downgrade so I would call the front desk at Poly and ask. I would assume downgrades are much easier to fulfill

 

[Disneylover99]

I havent stayed at the Poly for a good number of years, but will say I did go to YC on my last trip 100% due to not wanting the crowds any more at the Poly. Sadly, it is difficult if not impossible to get an actual chair at the "Volcano Pool" Its less difficult to get a lounger in the hot sun, but getting 2 or more together is hard. I prefer a chair and those are nearly impossible to get unless you are the first one at the pool for the day. And a table....forget it!

Lot of MK goers hop the monorail mid day for a break from the park. They end up at Capt Cooks. Some used to go into the pool area, not sure what the situation is now though. My last trip to the Poly was 2015 and they had just installed the fence, though it never worked. Also Oasis pool was under construction, so I cant speak for that. All common areas in the GHC are crowded daily with guests waiting for their Ohana ressie! Of course Kona and the Luau draw a crowd too and all the guests who just want to take a "look". I dont understand how the Poly gets such a draw and the GF and Contemporary are as quiet as can be! I often left the Poly for some quiet time at the other 2 monorail resorts!

That being said, my YC stay in 2017 was AMAZING! The peace! Truly relaxing resort with great dining venues, convenience to Epcot, DHS and the Boardwalk. I loved every bit of it. So for this years trip where do you think I picked? Youd be surprised, but we are staying at the Poly! Once a MK resort area girl, always a MK resort area girl. As amazing as my YC stay was, I felt like I was so out of the "loop". The YC was almost too quiet.

Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I’ve had no trouble getting a couple of loungers together or a table at either pools on my August trips and we go to the pools daily, but at different times each day.

I was turned off by SAB.
We spent more time each day looking for one chair to put our stuff then we did swimming.

I totally understand how the crowds of the pool area can affect your desire to return to a resort.

 

[DISNEY1975]

I mean that's technically a room downgrade so I would call the front desk at Poly and ask. I would assume downgrades are much easier to fulfill

It was actually about $1000 cheaper to book the P/L view room with free dining that it was to book the standard room, with room discount, and add the dining package. I just love the building location 3 steps from the GCH and 20 steps from the pool! Views mean nothing to me. I never look out the windows (sliding door).

Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I’ve had no trouble getting a couple of loungers together or a table at either pools on my August trips and we go to the pools daily, but at different times each day.

I was turned off by SAB.
We spent more time each day looking for one chair to put our stuff then we did swimming.

I totally understand how the crowds of the pool area can affect your desire to return to a resort.

That is great luck! Im getting older now and have switched up my 7 day, 7:00am - midnight days at WDW to 10 - 12 days 8:30am - 8:30pm !! I now do one day at the park, next at the pool or 1/2 days at the parks 1/2 day at the pool etc.. A much slower pace. I cant go gangbusters like I used to 10, 20, 30 years ago!! So yes, a chair at the pool is very important to me.

I got lucky at the YC stay. They were hosting a huge conference for GM during the week. All the attendees were at "work" all day and really nobody was swimming ever. The pool was very quiet the whole week. The lobby bar was another story!! But it didnt affect me or my stay.

 

[mickeynut1]

Talk to me about the pool/food/drink situation when the poly is completely full

I too am interested in this. I'm a little concerned about being able to find chairs and relax around the pool in August. The pools here seem small.

I was just at the Poly this past Oct and while it wasn't August, I think the resort was pretty close to (if not at) capacity. We spent a couple days at the pool and didn't find the pool to be overly crowded nor did we have any trouble getting lounge chairs together (there were 3 of us).

 

[Roxyfire]

Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I’ve had no trouble getting a couple of loungers together or a table at either pools on my August trips and we go to the pools daily, but at different times each day.

I was turned off by SAB.
We spent more time each day looking for one chair to put our stuff then we did swimming.

I totally understand how the crowds of the pool area can affect your desire to return to a resort.

Same here but I've only been in June. I can't imagine it would be much different, Disney hotel occupancy rates are incredibly high and the heat sets in by May. Many people have the same idea of going to the pool in the afternoon. I think people tend to prefer seats under the umbrellas (who doesn't?) or at a table so those are limited and often picked over. Finding a bunch of loungers together might be more difficult but if you're swimming, your entire family doesn't need one lounger each, just pile up your items on one. I do wish more people would think that way so if someone does want to sit they can more easily find a seat.

 

[ginny65]

Can you take drinks on the monorail? We would like to grab a coffee at Kona Island before heading to EPCOT via monorail. Also, what time does the monorail start running every morning?

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Can you take drinks on the monorail? We would like to grab a coffee at Kona Island before heading to EPCOT via monorail. Also, what time does the monorail start running every morning?

A CM once told me that you’re not allowed to eat or drink on the monorail because if it were to make a sudden stop you could create a mess or spill, but I always see people bringing food and drinks on. and it usually starts running from the resorts about an hour before park opening