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Refurbish the Volcano Pool
For months now I have been reporting that there have been plans to work on the Volcano pool but dates and details of what they are going to do have changed. Originally scheduled to start in January it later changed to mid-February and then again to Feb 30th to begin work. People have been emailing me telling me they call the resort and they say there is nothing in the system. I can understand how that would be frustrating. Keep in mind, calling the resort number does not get you in touch with anyone at the resort. As much as they may make you feel like you are talking to the resort or even say they will forward you to the resort, I have been told many times by people at the resort that guests are not talking to them at the resort.
Unfortunately because of schedules changing because of permits, or other projects going on things seem to change dates all the time. Over the years when I have seen info about something coming up like a refurbishment the dates have almost always changed multiple times and even in some cases plans have changed or been canceled. It is one of the hardest things for me to keep everyone up to date on. I don’t blame anyone at the resort because as I am told these decisions happen outside the Polynesian. The management and Cast Members at the resort are the ones that have to deal with the anger and confusion from guests but we all need to remember that it is not their fault. Often they find out last minute also.
With that said here was the Official announcement “The Nanea Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will be under refurbishment from January 30 - April 1, 2012. Guests may use the Nanea Volcano pool; however, the slide will be down for four weeks beginning February 6, 2012. Guests wanting access to a pools slide can take pontoon transportation to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.”
On the 5th of February they put letters in the rooms to let guests know about the work being done. The photos I was sent show work being done on the volcano. The waterfall is off, the bridge over the slide is closed and the slide itself was closed. From what I hear the slide will be down and from time to time while they work 
on re-theming the rock on the volcano (repainting). The official report says the pool will not be closed but two sources at the resort have told me that there will be times that the pool is closed. Work is expected to be completed by April 1. During this time there will be a pontoon boat available to take guests from the beach of the Polynesian to the beach near the pool of the 
Grand Floridian. Photos here show the boat used before when they did this (thanks to Teri Bocian). I know its confusing and frustrating for those who are just about to get there and did not know they were working on the pool. That is why I try and do my best to report what I find out and I don't get my information from online forums (most of which I stopped reading).
Working on the pools during the Winter is something I have seen done most years. It is typical for something to be going on from February to April. Just something to keep in mind when booking future trips. There are so many other great things to enjoy at the resort and don't forget, you are at Disney World.
UPDATE 02/09/2012
So the slide work was going to be completed by 2/6 but I am told that they need additional time to remove and install the slide tube tops so they gave me a date of 3/9. I am guessing that means that the slide work will not be done until 3/9 but if I hear more I will report it.
Changes are coming
Well you may have read my report on all that may be happening to the Polynesian in the next few years. It is still uncertain when the Great Ceremonial House will have work done or come down completely, or if and when DVC will make its way into the resort but one thing is for sure, the rooms are going to get a change. As we all know every so many years the rooms get a complete redesign. I have been personally seen two of them (one in 1996-1998 and 2005-2007). Well at a location that will remain a secret, test rooms are being started for the next design to be introduced into the rooms. At this point I have no idea what they will look like and I can only guess they will be similar to the changes that the suites just went through. I had the chance to go through the suites days after they were done with the new design and I am starting to add those photos to the Tonga page. The look is much more traditional Hawaiian and brighter even though dark woods were still used. Maybe the new room design will have nothing to do with what they did in the suites but my guess is we will not know until later this year. If I had to guess I would say work on the rooms will start at the end of this year or the beginning of next.
Jim Hill Media
Jim Hill has written so much great behind the scenes information about Disney and I have enjoyed reading his thoughts about the Polynesian so I thought I would share them with my readers.
Here is some info about the now gone wave machine.
I enjoy this article and it has some great Jeff Lange photos in it.
Healthy living contest
Well many of you might know I had a heart attack in December 2010 and I can't tell people enough how I believe in eating right and staying active. Disney for me is a place with lots of great choices of food and plenty of opportunities to exercise. Not only from walking all over the parks but pools, fitness centers or just being creative on the beach at your resort. Well a great family that I keep in touch with and that loves the Polynesian take fitness to a whole new level while doing it together. They are entered in a contest that is part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living. If you would like to vote for this Polynesian loving family you can go to the link and help them out.
http://family.go.com/healthy-living-tryit-contest/new-moves/we-can-take-it-with-us--83004/
You'll Never Guess Who's Making Wine!
This is not Polynesian related but it is Disney and it is minutes from my house in California (except the Santa Ynez Valley) so I thought I would share this article I found on the Mickey Xtreme site in its news section.
"Disney Insider - Far from the fireworks, parades, and attractions of Disneyland Park, a different kind of pixie dust is making magic in Northern California ... and Tinker Bell is nowhere to be seen. Here bouquet bests balloons and the grape takes center stage in a lush setting that welcomes thrill-seekers of another breed – wine enthusiasts. Though Theme Parks can't be beat, this adult playground of sorts offers another type of Disney experience as some of the Company's most illustrious have turned their talents to winemaking. Diane Disney Miller, John Lasseter, Rich Frank, and Fess Parker are among the entertainment industry's most notable vintners, so pour yourself a glass of pinot while we reveal the latest from the grapevine.
DIANE DISNEY MILLER
Diane Disney Miller, Walt's eldest daughter, and her husband Ron loved Napa Valley so much that they purchased their first vineyard (once owned by famed candy maker Harry See!) in the 1970s, selling grapes to local vintners before building the elegant Silverado Winery in 1980. With the help of winemaker Jonathan Emmerich, they've been producing award-winning varietals ever since. In addition to Silverado, the Millers acquired six other vineyards – including Stags' Leap, Miller Ranch, Mt. George, Soda Creek Ranch, Vineburg, and Firetree – for an approximate total of 600 acres.
Named after an abandoned mining town nestled at the top of Napa Valley, the Miller's California Mission-style winery is open to the public for various tastings, tours, fine dining, and receptions. Connoisseurs can sip cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, sangiovese, petit verdot, and merlot on a sunset-kissed terrace where the views are nothing short of a real-life fairytale.
JOHN LASSETER
When Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter and wife Nancy moved to the heart of wine country in 1992, little did they know their appreciation for French wine would escalate into a family business that, at one point, would span three generations. The Lasseters realized they needed to take their passion to the next level after being introduced to winemaking through friends Marcy and Tommy Smothers (of the "Smothers Brothers" fame), owners of Remick Ridge Vineyards.
In 2002, John and Nancy purchased the Justi Creek Vineyards, nestled on 27 acres in Sonoma Valley. They promptly began renovating the historic property to employ organic farming practices and built a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly winery in 2009. Together with master oenologist Julia Iantosca, the Lasseter Family Winery in Glen Ellen has created amoureux, chemin de fer, enjoué, paysage, rhône, syrah rose, and St. Emilion signature blends from Bordeaux and Rhône varietals that include malbec, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre.
Their old-World approach to boutique winemaking reflects the fine wines they enjoy drinking themselves – and has helped them in their quest to produce the highest quality wine possible. Starting in 2012, aficionados can attend limited tastings at the arty winery that features a stainless-steel fermentation tank turned into a luxe lounge. Lucky guests might even catch John chugging along the syrah vineyard on the Marie-E, a vintage steam train that was once owned by John's mentor, animator Ollie Johnston (one of Walt's original Nine Old Men). Another trivia tidbit for animation buffs: The winery's logo features graphics that represent each family member – a wild rose for Nancy, five grapes for each of the couple's sons, and Wally B for John, a character from his short film "The Adventures of André & Wally B."
FESS PARKER
When Disney luminary Fess Parker retired from acting, he purchased a 714-acre Los Olivos ranch in 1987 and promptly established Fess Parker's Winery & Vineyard. The spirit of the actor – who was famous for starring in Disney's "Davy Crockett" television series in the late 1950s and 1960s – lives on in the Santa Ynez Valley, where his family continues to run the now-1,500-acre vineyard and produce some of the region's finest wines. Only 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, the winery is open for public tastings and is one of the stand-out stops along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a fabled stretch that's home to many of the area's top wineries.
RICH FRANK
Former Disney executive Rich Frank and his wife Connie purchased Calistoga Winery in 1992, which now operates as Frank Family Vineyards. Built in 1884, the eastern Napa Valley winery offers visitors tastings, tours, and a chance to bask in the picnic area's aromatic ambiance. Frank Family Vineyards produces limited quantities of several unique cabernet sauvignons as well as chardonnay, zinfandel, and sangiovese, which are all available at the wine shop and select restaurants.
Another type of status comes into play for stars lured into making divine libations – the personal thrill of serving their own brand of wine to family and friends. Other Disney VIPs who can't resist the call of the grape include actor/comedian Robin Williams (the voice of Genie in "Aladdin"), owner of a 224-acre vineyard in Mount Veeder, and champion race car driver Mario Andretti ("Cars"), who operates Napa Valley's 53-acre Andretti Winery.
Can't make it to wine country? Experience the feel of Napa Valley at Wine Country Trattoria, a fine-dining restaurant located in Disney California Adventure Park. Their extensive wine list features some of the world's finest wines. Or make a reservation at the elegant Napa Rose, where expert sommeliers will help you select from an award-winning assortment of California wines ... salud!"
New Polls
I added a few polls on my site a while ago to see what you all thought. One of the polls I changed because most of the items have or will happen. It was the one that asked what you would like to see added to the Polynesian. The picture shows how the voting went. Well I know the Polynesian reads my site and has even asked for feedback, but I don't think this poll made them address most of these things but in a way you all got what you wanted. Wifi was added for free back in October 2011. They did not add a fence at the pool but they have been doing wrist bands when necessary. The hot tub was planned as a new grotto pool where the quiet pool is now but plans are delayed, and DVC I believe we will see by 2016. I know the resort does care what the guests think and they try and do things to make them want to come back.
Grand Gatherings no more
Grand Gatherings Safari Celebration Dinner, Good Morning Gathering and International Dinner & IllumiNations Dessert Reception will no longer be offered at the Walt Disney World Resort as of January 28, 2012.
There are a variety of magical, memorable experiences for all of our Guests – including those traveling with a large party – to enjoy. There are tours such as Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour, events like the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party and the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage, and food and beverage locations that can accommodate larger groups such as two new restaurants at Epcot: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria and La Hacienda.
Guests are encouraged to discover more of our magical offerings, including a variety of table-service restaurants that can accommodate large parties, by calling 407-W-DISNEY.
Monorail extended hours
Monorail hours have been extended to accommodate the Epcot Evening Extra Magic Hours.
Resort Monorail - operating until 2 a.m.
TTC to Polynesian to Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom to Contemporary to TTC
Epcot Monorail - operating until 1:30 a.m.
TTC to Epcot to TTC
Express Monorail - operating until 10 p.m.
TTC to Magic Kingdom to TTC
Starting Jan. 30, delivery of complimentary newspapers to the doors of Guest rooms will be stopped* at the following resort hotels:
- Disneyland Resort: Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
- Walt Disney World Resort: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
* Exception: Signature Suites and rooms with VIP Guests will still have newspapers delivered directly to the room doors by the delivery vendor.
If desired, Guests will be able to pick up a complimentary newspaper before 1 p.m. near the elevators or other designated areas Monday-Friday.
Fast Pass changes
Just a reminder for when you head off to the parks. Starting in early March you will have a smaller window of time to use your fast pass. Originally when Fast Pass was introduced at Disneyland for Rocket Rods and it had very strict rules not only did you have to use it during the window of time on the pass but until you used that pass you could not get another one. Things have changed over the years and they started to allow more flexibility. Unfortunately with that flexibility came abuse. Disney will be changing the rules for use of your Fast Pass to be good five minutes before the pass time and 15 minutes after the pass time. Anyone arriving outside of those times will not be allowed entry to the attraction.
