What's happening to the Polynesian?

[alex kirby]

I have heard that the poly is going to be closed down for some period of time for some kind of work to be carried out, apparently cast members are being temporary relocated for a long period of time.
Apparently there were some major plans that got changed after some evaluations on the resort.
Does anybody know whats happening to the much loved polynesian and when, i have booked for the last week in august 2012, i hope its still open.

I really hope they arn't ripping it down!!! we love the poly just as it is, we always stay at the poly ever sinse our first trip to disney in 1980, we wouldnt never stay in any other resort!!! it has that lovely warm disney feel about it, the minute you walk into the GCH you feel like you have arrived home.

[GusMan]

According to this past thread, I think the general consensus is that the rumors about the Poly closing are probably not true.
In fact, you asked that same question in that thread - no change since then.

Are you hearing something new? If so, can you share from where?

[tappenfeat]

Are they going to add a DVC to the Poly?

[alex kirby]

This is new news, i got my information from the tikimanpages on facebook!!

[tappenfeat]

When we were in WDW in August/September, I do remember someone mentioning the Poly adding a DVC to their Resort. So, maybe this is it? We were in 'Ohana at the time.

[TinaMouse]

It seemed ok to me....I was there this past Saturday night. Now the Contemporary.....whew....needs a little updating and cleaning in the common areas!

I'm figuring it must be DVC stuff.....

[alex kirby]

i presume DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club, so what does that mean adding dvc???

[tappenfeat]

Well, assuming they are putting in a DVC, that means major renovations to that resort. They may be taking down a portion of one section and turning them into condo like rooms/timeshare, etc. I've also heard that GF may be adding DVC's also. This is hearsay, so I can't make promises or put my finger on dates or exact details. I'm sure somewhere there's info floating around on the web or it may just pop up on this thread soon.

[Drince88]

I think the GF one is a little more solid (since they're actually working on construction now. Pictures in today's update, even). They can't officially announce, though, until a certain point because it's 'real estate' and there are really strict rules on who can say what when on those type of developments.

[GusMan]

Agreed with Drince. While it always seems like there is a DVC rumor out there about this or that resort, nothing is ever official till Disney announces it. Even then, plans have been known to change.

Even with the rumor about the Poly and renovations, it sounds more like the usual "extensive renovations" more than the whole resort closing down for a period of time, if you ask me. I think a full closure would be a huge hit on Disney's pocketbook and a strain on their resort system as a whole. And if you think about it, pretty unnecessary given the fact that the resort consists of multiple buildings.

[stan2u]

keep in mind that the Poly is a very old resort, having opened at the same time as MK. Renovations may certainly be in order due to its age.

[GusMan]

Very true. But like renovations at other resorts, even extensive ones dont shut the whole resort down. I would be rather surprised if something like that really happens. I could be wrong... but who knows.

[alex kirby]

look at this link, this does not look good for the polynesian

http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/new...is-in-the-wind

[tappenfeat]

I'll be sad to see the original lobby go. It always reminded me of my first trip when we stayed there 31 years ago....sniff. Glad to see the pool rules being enforced on pool hoppers. And what is up with the beach and water? I remember swimming in that lake years ago...it seems more and more mysterious.

[TinaMouse]

Hmmmm....will be a wonderful place when it is done. But with Kona and 'Ohana out of the picture for a while.....

[tappenfeat]

Kona Cafe'? My FAVORITE WDW dining establishment..........I will be empty. I hope they replace it with a new/old Kona Cafe'....it's like losing a best friend.

[Tater]

I hope they don't do anything before the New Year, I have rezzies from 12/15-12/21 I don't want to stay anywhere else. Unless it's an upgrade to GF, but I'd rather stay at the poly.

[CBFETT]

Glad we got to stay there before this major change/rebuild or whatever happens!

[stan4d_steph]

I hope they don't do anything before the New Year, I have rezzies from 12/15-12/21 I don't want to stay anywhere else. Unless it's an upgrade to GF, but I'd rather stay at the poly.

No way anything will happen that fast. We have reservations for January.

[Tater]

I so hope you are right, I really like the club level, the food is wonderful as well as the drinks. I love the whole resort.

[Lovethemouse]

All I can say is this whole idea makes me sad . When I was a kid I used to stay at the Poly with my family every year and I have many wonderful memories there. If extensive renovations means tearing down and replacing the Great Ceremonial House I'm going to have a tough time with that! Walking into the lobby there is always what makes me feel like I'm "home."

[fairestoneofall]

Reading all of this reminds me of when they started the major resort renovations at DLH a couple of years ago. First they started remodeling the towers (which are now completely awesome, I might add) then went the waterfalls. The waterfalls that I remember playing in as a child, pretending to find treasure with Peter Pan. Now, the renovations are nearing completion and the resort is looking amazing.

Why am I typing this? I had the same feelings about the DLH renovations that you are all expressing about the proposed Poly renovations. Sure, I miss the waterfalls, and thankfully we were able to make some memories there with our children. But, just imagine what Disney has in store, I'm sure it will be amazing and (most) everyone will love it. Remember, this is a deluxe resort and to continue to get patrons to pay the price for a deluxe resort, they need to keep up with the expectations of a deluxe resort. I've only been to the Poly a handful of times, but I love it and I'm excited to see what Disney has in store for it's future.

[stan4d_steph]

If there are major structural issues, then we don't have much say in the matter. It will have to be completely redone. However, I really would prefer they keep the character of the resort intact.

[tinkaparis]

This all makes sense now!

You can reference my mini trip report on the Poly from a few weeks ago, it was not good at all and in fact my sister ended up talking extensively to a CM in management who said that the Poly would soon be upgraded to have Deluxe amenities.

As for the structures themselves, I wonder about the steel frames and boxes (rooms) that were slid in because it drove me batty, every time you were lying in bed, you could feel the floor shake while people walked around the room. It was the weirdest feeling.

The resort definitely doesn't feel luxurious like the other Deluxe resorts. ( haven't stayed at the contemporary so I don't know if it feels the same).
In any case, it is dire need of repair and upgrades. The monorail, theming and location did not make up for what was lacking nor did it make us feel good for what we paid a night.....

[Tater]

It doesn't bother me that they are going to redo, fix up, remodel. I just don't want it to be when I'm staying there. If I wanted to see construction I'd just stay home. Seems I'm always in some state of remodeling. LOL I've stayed at some expensive, luxury hotels, the Poly does not have that type of feel to it, there was something about it that made us feel at home and relaxed. The bed was comfy, the room not fancy, but fanciful. I'm surprised that tink could feel the floor shake. We stayed in the Hawaii building last time, 2nd floor near the elevator, didn't notice any shaking.