Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[KNOTTGOOFY]

I have read that the Polynesian shares buses with the Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. IF so is the Polynesian picked up first and then the GF when heading to the parks.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Hi, new here! I’m planning my family’s first trip to Disney (two boys, 4.5 and just turned 7) and after much obsessing about our choices, we picked the Poly, the deluxe standard villa, for our stay. Going the week of April 12th, so will be a crowded week. Just booked last month so I haven’t been looking into it for ages like maybe some others do. A few questions!
1) we’ve never stayed all in one room before! I know people do it all the time but it makes me a little nervous. Is it hard to sleep in such tight quarters? Looks like we’ll be in queen bed, older boy in sofa bed and 4.5yo in Murphy bed.
2) better to be on ground floor or balcony floor given their ages?
3) is there gonna be room for the double stroller we rent?
4) my parents have unexpectedly decided to join us for half the week (just booked their flights without a heads up!), they’re using points to stay in an offsite hotel. Will it be an issue for them to hang out in the Pool area with us during any resort time?
5) finally, looks like no grocery delivery from garden grocers the day we get there since it’s Easter. Can i get a delivery the day before or do i have to wait until Monday.
Thanks!! I’m so excited but also nervous! Really splurging on this trip and my husband is not excited so I’m trying to do everything I can to minimize the whining from both the kids and him, lol.

1) Not hard, most people stay all together on vacation. With kids that small, plenty of space. The kids might be "off" the first night but they will quickly adjust and be plenty tired following nights!
2) I could go either way on ground floor or higher floor
3) Plenty of space for double stroller to remain in hallway close to door coming into room.
4) not sure how strict they are being with needing a magic band to enter, for each person.Maybe someone else can answer this one.
5) They don't accept deliveries while you are not there anymore so it must be Monday.
Congrats!!!

 

[Dreams&wishes]

I have read that the Polynesian shares buses with the Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. IF so is the Polynesian picked up first and then the GF when heading to the parks.

That's right

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

I continue to be confused about refurb plans for Poly in 2020. I called reservations and was told there is nothing planned. Some on this board have seen a room remodeled. Are those early examples vs the start of general work? I found this on a non-Disney site:
‘The Polynesian rooms will be getting complete remodel with many of the issues fixed that guests have raised awareness about over the years. The refurbishment is scheduled to begin in March 2020 with the standard rooms being the first to get remodeled, and the club level lounge and rooms being the last.’

If someone said my October stay could be in a remodeled village room, I’d stay there vs Villa. Why is so hard to discover a projects planned start and end dates?

I think they don't want to lose guests since many of us would stay elsewhere if we knew the truth.

 

[KNOTTGOOFY]

thank you

 

[kylenne]

I have read that the Polynesian shares buses with the Grand Floridian to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. IF so is the Polynesian picked up first and then the GF when heading to the parks.

I'm not sure about the mornings because we only ever took buses coming back from parks at night, but Poly dropped off first.

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

3) There is more than likely room right when you walk in by the bathroom, but we saw a lot of people that kept their double stroller either in the hall or on the balcony.

4) T

Due to fire codes, I don't believe strollers can be left in the hall despite what people do. Bottom line strollers should be kept in room and you can do that by folding if there is not enough room otherwise. Also, keep in mind leaving a stroller on the balcony would mean it could get dew, rain, insects, lizards, squirrels, etc, when left overnight.

 

[TheMick424]

So, another random question for the day: How early can you park at your resort on the day of check-in? Our flight gets into MCO on a Saturday morning and I estimate we'll be at WDW around 11-ish. Debating parking at the Poly and taking the monorail to Epcot for the afternoon (vs parking at Epcot), but undecided.

 

[Tess]

So, another random question for the day: How early can you park at your resort on the day of check-in? Our flight gets into MCO on a Saturday morning and I estimate we'll be at WDW around 11-ish. Debating parking at the Poly and taking the monorail to Epcot for the afternoon (vs parking at Epcot), but undecided.

If you are there, why aren't you checking into the resort and the parking will not be an issue? In any event, if you are a guest of the resort, you can park as early as you wish on your check-in day. We've been there as early as 6:30-7:00 a.m.

 

[TheMick424]

If you are there, why aren't you checking into the resort and the parking will not be an issue? In any event, if you are a guest of the resort, you can park as early as you wish on your check-in day. We've been there as early as 6:30-7:00 a.m.

We did online check-in. I was trying to avoid having to go to the Ceremonial House to save time and get to Epcot more quickly.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I didn’t think about requesting a non connecting door. I’m already requesting patio or balcony and away from smoking areas. Is adding the non connecting door request too much?

You can request anything you like, nothing is guaranteed. We have requested a non-connecting room and luckily, it was granted.

Where can you pick up your refillable mug at the Poly? Is it just Capt. Cooks?

CCooks and possibly BouTiki (now I can't remember lol)

1) The villas have such a nice amount of space. If you keep the sofa bed down at all times while you are in the room it might seem crowded but I think you would still be able to function around one another.

2) I don't have children yet however my DH and I made note of the fact that the ground floor rooms allowed kids to run out and play on the grass areas or the beach while mom and dad can still keep an eye on them. It seemed like it could be really convenient, but keep in mind that it means they can very easily track nature back into the room haha. We had a 2nd floor lake room in Moorea so we loved the view of the fireworks. Our original room was a 1st floor room and that is just not our preference so we switched. Did have a little duck friend visit us though and tap on the glass, which if we had kids I'm sure they would have loved. If you don't have a room that will face MK, or don't plan to watch the fireworks, you may get a better "bang for your buck" having the be able to walk right out and play.

3) There is more than likely room right when you walk in by the bathroom, but we saw a lot of people that kept their double stroller either in the hall or on the balcony.

4) Technically only guests who are staying at the Poly are allowed to use the pool. That being said, if it isn't crowded you may not have a problem but if it is busy the lifeguards may ask to see proof of resort stay. I have personally never seen this done but I know plenty of people on the board have witnessed it.

5) You should be fine to order the day before. The resort will keep cold anything that needs to stay cold and you will be able to call down, or pick up what you ordered, the day you arrive.

The Poly is an awesome resort, hope you all have an amazing trip!

It is seen as a fire hazard for guests to store their double stroller in any resort hallway and you will likely get a call or knock on your door...

So, another random question for the day: How early can you park at your resort on the day of check-in? Our flight gets into MCO on a Saturday morning and I estimate we'll be at WDW around 11-ish. Debating parking at the Poly and taking the monorail to Epcot for the afternoon (vs parking at Epcot), but undecided.

You can arrive as early as you like. The guard at the gate will ask for your name to confirm your reservation. We love check in at the Poly as it has always been a special experience, but you certainly can head directly to EPCOT as well.

 

[Mrspeaks]

I’m excited to stay at the Polynesian for the first time with my family before our cruise in October. We are staying 4 nights with two kids 7 and 5. For you experienced Polynesian travelers, how should I make the most of having a full Polynesian experience? This will be our first stay on a monorail resort, excited to try their restaurants and Polynesian culture. I think this will be a mixture of trying to squeeze in as much fun at the parks, but really enjoying the resort too.

 

[Summer2018]

I’m excited to stay at the Polynesian for the first time with my family before our cruise in October. We are staying 4 nights with two kids 7 and 5. For you experienced Polynesian travelers, how should I make the most of having a full Polynesian experience? This will be our first stay on a monorail resort, excited to try their restaurants and Polynesian culture. I think this will be a mixture of trying to squeeze in as much fun at the parks, but really enjoying the resort too.

Trader Sam’s and ‘Ohana for sure. Rent a half-day patio at the pool. Dole Whip with rum (Spikey Pineapple).

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

I’m excited to stay at the Polynesian for the first time with my family before our cruise in October. We are staying 4 nights with two kids 7 and 5. For you experienced Polynesian travelers, how should I make the most of having a full Polynesian experience? This will be our first stay on a monorail resort, excited to try their restaurants and Polynesian culture. I think this will be a mixture of trying to squeeze in as much fun at the parks, but really enjoying the resort too.

The feature pool is the Lava Pool and is a huge hit with kids; volcano water slide , very cool splash area perfect for the age of your kids. The smaller quite pool is lovely, much more peaceful and does have 3 cabanas you can reserve in advance for 1/2 day or full day. Captain Cooks is one of the best quick service on property and we love to sit outside on the terrace while having our meal. All the offerings are really good. Kona Cafe has one of the best breakfasts on property, imho. Guests rave about the character breakfast at OHANA. We prefer dinner. They have coconut races and hula lesson for kids during the dinner time. So fun! The Oasis Grill has great food as well. Movies are shown on the lawn most nights. Rooms are among the largest of any resort and you will have plenty of space to spread out. First floor rooms have a patio and most have lawn in front of them so the kids could play directly outside your room. Watching MK fireworks from the beach is always a treat, music and all! The quiet beach (more towards GF) does not have not have the fireworks soundtrack piped in but it's special in it's own right.

Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai is a MUST!!! Torchlight ceremony is at 6pm (I think) each night.

Direct access to MK via boat or monorail is WONDERFUL! If going to EPCOT, take the 5 min walk to the TTC for direct monorail (otherwise you will need to transfer).

Consider yourself warned... once you stay on the monorail loop, it's REALLY hard to stay anywhere else!

ENJOY your trip! I think our most favorite trip was when our kids were the same age as yours.

ALOHA!

 

[kylenne]

Consider yourself warned... once you stay on the monorail loop, it's REALLY hard to stay anywhere else!

I found this out the hard way!

I mean, it's not that I didn't enjoy my stay at Beach Club in November, but man...there's just something extra magical about the monorail resorts, I can't explain it.

 

[Nikki0401]

I found this out the hard way!

I mean, it's not that I didn't enjoy my stay at Beach Club in November, but man...there's just something extra magical about the monorail resorts, I can't explain it.

We found out the hard way last year too, we did a split for the first time, BC and Poly. This year we are back to Poly for the whole trip. We liked the Beach and I am glad we got to experience all that it has to offer but Poly is our favorite.

 

[Summer2018]

We found out the hard way last year too, we did a split for the first time, BC and Poly. This year we are back to Poly for the whole trip. We liked the Beach and I am glad we got to experience all that it has to offer but Poly is our favorite.

Location location location.

I always say, if they could pick up the Beach Club including Stormalong Bay and move it to the monorail loop, it would be my favorite resort.

I really do love the Polynesian though. I just wish that the lava pool was larger.

 

[kylenne]

Location location location.

I always say, if they could pick up the Beach Club including Stormalong Bay and move it to the monorail loop, it would be my favorite resort.

I really do love the Polynesian though. I just wish that the lava pool was larger.

Every resort has its little quirks but I find that I can excuse the few I dislike at the Poly a lot more readily than BC. Maybe because of The Smell and the castle view, lol.

 

[Summer2018]

Every resort has its little quirks but I find that I can excuse the few I dislike at the Poly a lot more readily than BC. Maybe because of The Smell and the castle view, lol.

Yes!

Also, when we stayed at the Beach Club, the room was much smaller than our rooms at the Poly. Maybe what I want brought over to the Poly is actually just Stormalong Bay.

 

[kylenne]

Yes!

Also, when we stayed at the Beach Club, the room was much smaller than our rooms at the Poly. Maybe what I want brought over to the Poly is actually just Stormalong Bay.

I lucked out when I stayed at BC, I was put in a corner King room (probaby because I was solo and it was a holiday weekend) so it was pretty huge. One window had the infamous ugly roof view but the other overlooked SAB and the Boardwalk! It was a gorgeous room. The downside was it was dead at the absolute end of the hall so it was a trek getting from my room to the lobby.

I know a lot of people don't like the separate buildings at the Poly because of the weather but I honestly prefer that to halls on halls on halls to get anywhere. It "feels" more compact for that reason.