Poly Refurb - How bad is it?

[wiltsan]

Greetings - Has anyone seen the refurb starting up at the Polynesian resort? We are returning the last week of October after a two year hiatus (and several years at the Boardwalk) and are so excited to return to our second home. We usually request/stay the Tahiti building with theme park view. Just received letter that the refurb is starting and that Sunset Point (where we had our vow renewal) will not be accessible :( as well as some of the beach. How disruptive will this refurb be? Will it block views? Will it take away themeing and ambiance? Heard that they might be building DC on Sunset Point and that they are going to level the Tahiti building for the same. Heartbroken but would love to still stay this October if the magic won't be totally diminished with the refurb. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[VWL Mom]

From what I understand the construction at Sunset Point was delayed but has started. Hopefully someone that is there now will let us know about the impact on the resort ambiance.

As far as DVC, the rumor is that Tahiti will be converted to DVC units. As far as I know, it is not being leveled.

[wiltsan]

Reposting because I had a typo in the title and it may have confused potential respondents.

Greetings - Has anyone seen the refurb starting up at the Polynesian resort? We are returning the last week of October after a two year hiatus (and several years at the Boardwalk) and are so excited to return to our second home. We usually request/stay the Tahiti building with theme park view. Just received letter that the refurb is starting and that Sunset Point (where we had our vow renewal) will not be accessible as well as some of the beach. How disruptive will this refurb be? Will it block views? Will it take away themeing and ambiance? Heard that they might be building DC on Sunset Point and that they are going to level the Tahiti building for the same. Heartbroken but would love to still stay this October if the magic won't be totally diminished with the refurb. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[SBETigg]

If you look for the Tikiman website online, I believe he has updates on what is affected and what is still unaffected by the ongoing refurb, and what the overall refurb will entail.

[buzznwoodysmom]

If you look for the Tikiman website online, I believe he has updates on what is affected and what is still unaffected by the ongoing refurb, and what the overall refurb will entail.

Yes, Tikiman's site has been updated very often regarding the Poly construction. There's tons of information there.

Unfortunately, I saw today on FB that he is no longer going to continue running his site. :( So sad! I have kept up with his site for years! I completely understand his reasons, but I am sure going to miss the site!:lei::papple::tikki:

[VWL Mom]

Unfortunately, I saw today on FB that he is no longer going to continue running his site. :( So sad! I have kept up with his site for years! I completely understand his reasons, but I am sure going to miss the site!:lei::papple::tikki:

Oh that's too bad. I really enjoy his site.

[wiltsan]

Yes, sought Tikiman out, thought his site was great and also read that he will no longer be writing/hosting the site. Great source if information. Also talked to Poly front desk. Not looking good for Tahiti and Hawaii TP views, Was told the refurb is a "major undertaking" and would not be what we are used to (at Poly TP view prices). Trying to decide if we change resorts :(. Would love to hear from anyone at Poly this week or next, photos too. Thanks to all that responded.

[Polynesian Dweller]

Yes, sought Tikiman out, thought his site was great and also read that he will no longer be writing/hosting the site. Great source if information. Also talked to Poly front desk. Not looking good for Tahiti and Hawaii TP views, Was told the refurb is a "major undertaking" and would not be what we are used to (at Poly TP view prices). Trying to decide if we change resorts :(. Would love to hear from anyone at Poly this week or next, photos too. Thanks to all that responded.

Hawaii TP views won't be really affected. Almost everything will be to the right of the building.

[tikiman]

Many of Hawaii TPV and Lagoon view rooms have already been recatagorized because they will not only be blocked by construction but the bungalows will affect their views. Right now only part of the beach in front of the last few rooms has a fence but the construction will stretch out into the water. People with TPV bookings in the future are being assigned rooms at the west end of the Hawaii longhouse because the east room views will be affected. You can see why in this photo.

http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/images/stories/news/bungalows01.jpg

[wiltsan]

This is very helpful Tikiman. Sounds like from your other post that Tahiti is not a good choice and Hawaii CL is booked so how will Disney handle the TPV rooms being checked in 10/27 and for the week of 10/28?

Just say sorry we sent you a letter? We received a letter last week dated 10/2013 and it said that "Sunset Point and a portion of the beach will be unavailable, please pardon the work you may see or hear in progress."

Very disheartening - we were really looking forward to returning to the Poly.

[wiltsan]

On another note, are those bungalows going to be rooms in/on the Lagoon?

[tikiman]

On another note, are those bungalows going to be rooms in/on the Lagoon?

They will be DVC villas

[Polynesian Dweller]

Many of Hawaii TPV and Lagoon view rooms have already been recatagorized because they will not only be blocked by construction but the bungalows will affect their views. Right now only part of the beach in front of the last few rooms has a fence but the construction will stretch out into the water. People with TPV bookings in the future are being assigned rooms at the west end of the Hawaii longhouse because the east room views will be affected. You can see why in this photo.

http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/images/stories/news/bungalows01.jpg
Yeah, basically they are ruining the Polynesian. There has been a certain quality that made it special and they are definitely losing. It won't be worth going to 6 months from now and frankly DVC buyers won't be buying the Polynesian that they think of. Basically a loss loss situation. They clearly don't know what made it special and made it the most revisited hotel.

Unfortunately I'm about to take my trip for the 23rd consecutive year and it will most likely be my last and since it ruins the Disney trip for me likely my last Disney trip.

I can never recommend this hotel again.

[wiltsan]

Oh, Poly Dweller, this is heartbreaking on so many levels. I can't claim 23 years like you but the Poly also holds a special place our hearts. Started going to the Poly for our honeymoon, many subsequent stays (30th bday, Millennium, just regular vacas) and our vow renewal out on Sunset Pointe.

After our DD was born we moved over to the Boardwalk Villas because we needed the space, dishwasher for bottles and it was actually more affordable than a "lagoon view at the Moorea building." (Room 2027 every visit). Spent a couple years at Brdwlk and a couple at Y&B and every time that we would go to the Poly for dinner, we would say....next time we are headed back to the Poly as it was just too busy/noisy over at the Boardwalk and frankly, the guests just didn't get it -- more of a hotel than an experience. We missed the low lighting at the Poly, the way that it was spread out, the "hoo da ha ha" music being piped in and just the laid back atmosphere in general.

We have not visited WDW in two years, are returning at our favorite time of year and were ready for our DD to experience the magic of the Poly as well.

I fear I will be spending the whole trip saying, it didn't used to be like this.....I am really torn as there aren't any Hawaii CL's available and you can see what we are accustomed to during our trips - pool, garden etc are not going to cut it.

[Polynesian Dweller]

Wiltsan, I think you'll be fine now it's the future, say middle of next year that I think will be the point the Poly will not be worth staying at with the number of things they are talking about.

The Poly has always had the indefinible it factor, you know, like you see a show or performer and you know they have "it". They are special. The DVC is a fundamental change that I at least have no doubt means the end of the place's "it". At that point it won't be the same and I won't recommend it. The hotel will just be another hotel and not that unique Disney experience when they are done.

[Aurora]

Wiltsan, I think you'll be fine now it's the future, say middle of next year that I think will be the point the Poly will not be worth staying at with the number of things they are talking about.

The Poly has always had the indefinible it factor, you know, like you see a show or performer and you know they have "it". They are special. The DVC is a fundamental change that I at least have no doubt means the end of the place's "it". At that point it won't be the same and I won't recommend it. The hotel will just be another hotel and not that unique Disney experience when they are done.

I'm curious as to why you think this. It doesn't seem that when all is said and done, the resort itself will change all that much, unless they redo the GCH, which has been rumored for years. Most of the longhouses will remain the same. The biggest change will be the bungalows, but they will be limited to around the point and won't hide the view of the fireworks from the beach.

The rooms have been changed a couple of times since opening; they no longer resemble the first rooms at all except for size. Even the pool has been completely redone in the last 20 years. So what is it about this change that you think will make the Poly "just another hotel?"

[tikiman]

Actually the bungalows will block a good portion of the view from the beach in front of Hawaii because of how far they will come out. Also the GCH will be going through major changes (not based on rumor but facts of what they are planning) including removing the waterfall feature. I think some of the changes will be improvements and I agree that converting over Tahiti and Rapa Nui will not affect the look and feel. It will not be any more drastic of a change than it was in 1978 when they added Tokelau or in 1985 when they added Rapa Nui and Tahiti. Those were major changes that changed the look and feel. Even the redesign of the entire resort and lobby in the early 90s was a major change and it still was a good place to go to. If anything they made improvements. The plans they have now will be improvements in many ways and as far as the bungalows go they were actually in the concept that Walt originally had for the resort.

I have seen the concepts for the changes and I have faith they will pull it off. I think we have to wait and judge it when they are completed.

[Aurora]

Actually the bungalows will block a good portion of the view from the beach in front of Hawaii because of how far they will come out. ...

Steve, I understand the bungalows will affect the theme park views, specifically the castle, but how much will they hurt the fireworks shows, which of course are higher in altitude? Wouldn't the fact that the bungalows are farther out, instead of close to the beach, help out in this area? You, of course, are much better informed than I am. I guess I'm not clear on how tall the bungalows will be in relation to their proximity to the shore. Haven't seen any art that would depict the view from shore.

[tikiman]

Steve, I understand the bungalows will affect the theme park views, specifically the castle, but how much will they hurt the fireworks shows, which of course are higher in altitude? Wouldn't the fact that the bungalows are farther out, instead of close to the beach, help out in this area? You, of course, are much better informed than I am. I guess I'm not clear on how tall the bungalows will be in relation to their proximity to the shore. Haven't seen any art that would depict the view from shore.

Well the fireworks are higher for sure but it all depends on how tall the bungalows are. I think the biggest impact will be placement of the Electrical Water Pageant.
I’m hoping the bungalows are far enough out and there is a little bit of elevation change to the back of the beach. Once the structures go up I guess we will have a better idea.

[Aurora]

Well the fireworks are higher for sure but it all depends on how tall the bungalows are. I think the biggest impact will be placement of the Electrical Water Pageant.
I’m hoping the bungalows are far enough out and there is a little bit of elevation change to the back of the beach. Once the structures go up I guess we will have a better idea.

:thumbsup:

[wiltsan]

Poly Dweller-hope you had safe travels and are enjoying your first few days at the World. How are things looking at the Poly with the current state of construction? Saw a Tikiman FB post of the beach and fencing in front of Tahiti. Any recs on where we should request our TPV (based on what we are accustomed to) for 10/25 check in?

Thanks too all for your help and insight, really appreciate it During this time of change at our beloved Poly.