At Poly Now

[drusso]

Arrived Saturday, Aug. 11; new rooms are beautifully done and grounds are lovely. Room was ready when we checked in at noon - I guess no one else wanted it - room beautiful - location horrible - patio unusable; I went back and politely asked to move and they were happy to accommodate us as long as we didn't mind waiting until after 3pm - which we were happy to do. The second room assignment is perfect. I’m not sure if the hotel is at capacity or they are understaffed; our room was not made up on Sunday and not too many of the usual ‘alohas’ – in fact many employees hardly look up when passing you. I did call the manager for towels and to request the room be made up sometime between 8am-2pm and on Monday it was. All in all – resort beautiful, convenient and relaxing. We have eaten at Kona and Narcoossee so far – both wonderful – food and service.


2007: Polynesian
2006: Port Orleans Riverside
2005: Port Orleans Riverside
2004: Swan, Polynesian, Grand Floridian
2003: Polynesian, Yacht Club
2002: Yacht Club, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk
2001: Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club
2000: Caribbean Beach, Beach Club, Contemporary
1999: Yacht Club, Boardwalk
1998: Yacht Club
1997: Yacht Club
1996: Yacht Club
1995: Beach Club
1993: Beach Club
1992: Caribbean Beach

[lovemesomedisney]

I'm so excited for you!!!! Which room or longhouse were you in the first time and which one did they switch you to??

Have a GREAT time:banana: :banana: :banana:

[mickey2minnie1]

Aloha! I love live trip reports. Keep us posted. Thanks and enjoy your trip!!

[bettydau]

I love reading about POLY experiences!

[HugsForEeyore]

I'm so excited for you!!!! Which room or longhouse were you in the first time and which one did they switch you to??

Have a GREAT time:banana: :banana: :banana:

That's what I was wondering, too! I am staying at the Poly in 3 weeks, and I usually get rooms in terrible locations with bad parking lot or dumpster views. So I was wondering where this "bad" room is, since there's a high chance I will get it, too! :teeth:

[drusso]

Rapa Nui was the first room location; Fiji the second. I'm here with the AP rate for garden view and certainly not looking for anything I'm not paying for; I don't really care about the building location - I enjoy strolling the beautiful grounds - I do care about a balcony or patio that is useable - we spend more (much more) resort time than park time at this point. If I was going to be in and out in 4 days I likely wouldn't have cared but this is a 2 week stay for us. We spent the day at the quiet pool today - towel hut was locked and towel return was overflowing; I walked back to the volcano pool for towels and let one of the lifeguards know and he told me they 'were busy' (this was at 7:45am); someone finally showed at 11:30am to open the towel hut. I saw several people asking for towels; one guest asked a staff member that walked by and was told she 'didn't do that'. Pool is VERY warm and I don't see anyone checking it. At $290 a night I'm just not getting it. I honestly loved my first two stays at the Poly but this time we are seriously considering transferring.

2007: Polynesian
2006: Port Orleans Riverside
2005: Port Orleans Riverside
2004: Swan, Polynesian, Grand Floridian
2003: Polynesian, Yacht Club
2002: Yacht Club, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk
2001: Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club
2000: Caribbean Beach, Beach Club, Contemporary
1999: Yacht Club, Boardwalk
1998: Yacht Club
1997: Yacht Club
1996: Yacht Club
1995: Beach Club
1993: Beach Club
1992: Caribbean Beach

[stitchrulz]

Please keep us posted on how your resort stay goes. We've got Sept. ressies at the Poly, but I'm concerned about the service quality of late. :confused:

Thanks!!! :)

[odhrty]

Hi
We are going in Oct and at $350 a night I'm wondering if I made the right choice. My decision was influenced by what i hope is convenient transportation, a relaxing theme and renovated larger rooms. This is my family's first visit at the parks would you recommend a different location?? :confused: Thanks for you input

[Poly Pal]

Now you've got me thinking that the rate you pay does determine where your room is located! We booked GV at $266 / night including taxes. We checked in on 7/31 at noon and our room was ready (first time in 9 or 10 stays that that was the case) and our room was in Rapa Nui, parking lot side. What made your patio "unuseable" at Rapa Nui? We had a very nice patio with a view of landscaping and the entry to Rapa Nui (no cars).

I am surprised you asked a lifeguard for towels at 7:45 a.m. I didn't think they came on duty at the pools until 9 or 10 a.m. I suppose the pools could be warm since it has been so hot in Florida.

We found he service to be warm and friendly as usual on our most recent stay. Sorry you are finding it different.

[Poly Pal]

Forgot to ask, but the one time we asked to be moved from our original room we were moved to Fiji. You are not in room 1313 (double trouble!:laughing: ) are you?

[Poly Pal]

drusso, did you end up changing resorts?

[Marty Joe]

Drusso,
I'm sure you know that changing resorts does not mean you will get better service. During our last visit in late June, there were a couple of days with questionable service. One day they never even came into the room. The rest of the time, the service was excellent. My guess is the "regulars" were having their days off. That should not mean that the "B" team can't do the job, however. As for the "Aloha's", for me it starts to wear thin around the sixth day. After I stumble back from a park, all I need is a Mai Tai and a place at the beach to park my backside.

[CoolPool]

Wow. Didn't have any of these problems during my 10 day stay end July/early August. Never had a housekeeping issue, in fact they often came too early for us westcoasters and we had to shoo them away til later. Loads of Alohas - given, as well as received. Hope you find happiness and magic...!

[drusso]

No we never did change resorts; seems the minute I posted this thread the lifeguards have magically appeared daily at the quiet pool. I do understand why the pool would be warm in this very hot weather but I also appreciate seeing someone come by daily to swish around a test tube or two to make sure all is well – even if it’s just for appearance it makes me feel better. I heard the lifeguard tell someone yesterday that the water temp was 89 – we went and crashed at the Grand Floridian (please don’t turn me in). Today they added water to the pool and it made a huge difference – thank you thank you thank you! There was also garbage left at the pool that sat there for two days (I know it must be hard to keep up with some of these ‘guests’ – I mean how hard can it be to put your garbage where it belongs and pick your towels up). The volcano pool is very refreshing – just too small and crowded at most times. I’m not sure what time it officially opens but at 7:45am there were people in the pool and two lifeguards cleaning up and hosing down the walkways. Housekeeping has been fine except for the day they missed us - although they do seem to come by late (for my liking); if I’m out of my room for 6 hours, I’d like to be able to return at 2 or 3pm to fresh towels for showers instead of looking for housekeeping in the hallways. When I mentioned the lack of ‘alohas’ what I really meant is that the staff seems to be stretched a little thin – I believe they are all ‘dancing as fast as they can’ when you approach them they are nothing but polite and truly try to accommodate you. And housekeeping must have gotten sick of me messing with the towel carts because they are leaving me a few extras at this point.
We are having a great time; just returned from dinner at Flying Fish (which was wonderful). We also used Garden Grocer to have a few things delivered and were very happy with their service.
Odhrty – Poly is the most convenient hotel onsite – transportation options are the best. The grounds are beautiful and rooms turned out very nicely. My first two stays here went without a hitch and I really can’t complain too much this go round. They are quick to try and fix whatever you’re not happy with, but if guest volume is up I believe staff should be increased as well – there was no reason in the world for 4 days to go by before someone showed up at the quiet pool or for garbage to sit or towel to spill over – plain and simple.

2007: Polynesian
2006: Port Orleans Riverside
2005: Port Orleans Riverside
2004: Swan, Polynesian, Grand Floridian
2003: Polynesian, Yacht Club
2002: Yacht Club, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk
2001: Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club
2000: Caribbean Beach, Beach Club, Contemporary
1999: Yacht Club, Boardwalk
1998: Yacht Club
1997: Yacht Club
1996: Yacht Club
1995: Beach Club
1993: Beach Club
1992: Caribbean Beach

[DBFLUKE]

Well it sounds like your great at playing devils advocate. It doesn't matter if you've gotten a better rate than some. It's still alot of $$$ . They have a reputation to live up to. Especially in Orlando where your choices are unlimited. I think repeat guests should be treated as gold, your a loyal guest.
Just a quick question for you. We will be arriving 8/29 for a week, and wanted to know how far in the nearest liquor store. We are using ME and will not have a car. (are cabs available? $$$ ) Just tryin to make the most of this trip & save the money for the kids )
Thanks A Bunch

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

To the OP thank you for this live report. From what I have read it sounds like you're having a great time and it's great to read that, because my family and I are staying at the Polynesian for the 1st time this December and I enjoy reading threads when others liked staying there.

[applechips]

We love the Poly and had nothing but a great experience when we were there in December 2006. We paid for Garden View...we had booked it with the AP discount rate, and low and behold we got the surprise of our life... we got upgraded to the concierge level Hawaii bldg, Magic Kingdom view. :goodvibes So what you pay, IMO doesn't effect where you get placed. At least for us it didn't!!! :goodvibes

[TnTWalter]

I love that you had good and bad. It was real and honest. Glad you're enjoying WDW. Reviews of Capn Cooks? O'hana? Kona? Thanks so much.
I appreciate it. Looking forward to our stay in October.

Trish:wizard:

[MsStinkerBelle]

Housekeeping has been fine except for the day they missed us - although they do seem to come by late (for my liking); if I’m out of my room for 6 hours, I’d like to be able to return at 2 or 3pm to fresh towels for showers instead of looking for housekeeping in the hallways.

I don't know why they don't advertise this more but you can request 'early' housekeeping. Disney's housekeeping schedule is much too late for my tastes and like you, if I'm coming back to my room around 2 - 3pm I prefer to have the room cleaned and stocks replenished. A quick call to Housekeeping and I scheduled for them to come by around 12pm each day. Did that once and they did it for the remainder of our stay. :thumbsup2

Rapa Nui, definitely *not* my favorite building. Fiji is much nicer.

Thanks for the report. I can't wait to get to the POLY next week! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[RacingPrincess]

I'm excited to read what happened to you and can't wait until it's our time to go..... your post was very good in noting the good and the bad but in a fair way.

Thanks!:cheer2:

[stitchrulz]

Thans for the update! Glad things have improved a bit, and you're having a good time! :)

(I do agree that the hotels should do a better job concerning the guest/cm ratio when it's running at capacity. That's how other businesses operate. :rolleyes1 )

[Allensfan]

I was really happy to see your post and I agree that you were very fair about your assesment.

I must be honest and express my concern about this resort. I have been following it closely since deciding that we might like to book there next year. I also saw that the Unoffical guide has down graded their opinion of this resort. I have always trusted the 'guide' and feel they do a wonderful job of getting the best information out to the public. I stayed at AKL last year and it just could not have been nicer.

It just seems like so many people have not been happy with Poly. It just does not seem to match the standards that I recall people saying about the resort a few years ago.

Thinking we need a back-up plan and maybe a new resort choice. :sad2:

[CoolPool]

Allensfan, I hesitate to post about resorts in which I have no actual experience in visiting.

I think the OP seems pretty happy to be at the Poly or maybe you didn't read the follow-ups. I love the AKL too and I think you'll be happier where your expectations can be met.

[Allensfan]

Allensfan, I hesitate to post about resorts in which I have no actual experience in visiting.

I think the OP seems pretty happy to be at the Poly or maybe you didn't read the follow-ups. I love the AKL too and I think you'll be happier where your expectations can be met.

I am not saying I have any experience with Poly, what i am saying is that I have NO experience there so I have been reading all I can about the resort before I book. Since I have read and heard some unpleasant things about the Poly, Iam simply nervous if it should still be my number 1 choice

[CoolPool]

You will read here and elsewhere (say, tripadvisor.com) unpleasant things about every single Disney resort.

I'd stay at AKL this winter again in a heartbeat, and that's after having a flawless 10 night stay at the Poly this summer. Just thought I'd share my lack of concern based on personal experience.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/rosesandclems/P8030235.jpg

[Allensfan]

Thanks and thanks for being comforting. I think I have an issue feeling like my family's happiness depends on me picking the right hotel. So I read all I can and hope I do not make the wrong choice.

[TnTWalter]

but I think having all the knowledge of the good AS WELL AS the bad prepares you in advance for what could go right or wrong and possible solutions. And going in with eyes wide open instead of 'everything's going to be perfect' makes the experience overall more enjoyable. IMHO.

Trish

[drusso]

Hi guys,

Just a quick update - yesterday I forgot to leave my mousekeeping tip before taking off for the day - when I returned around 2pm (yes my room was ready!) I went off down the hall looking for my lady to take care of her - well she was just so happy - and it wasn't all that much - when I returned to my room today she left me some kind of towel creation (no clue what it is) and a lovely thank you note.

TNTWalter: I put a brief review of Kona on the restaurant board - love this place! Just tried Captain Cooks for the first time today (never ate here on last two visits) - we both got the poly salad with grilled chicken - it was good - $8. Not doing O'hana's this visit - did it twice before and while good I'm in no hurry to go back - maybe when I have some little rugrats with me.

DBFluke: I have done ME last three visits, prior to that I did car service with a 30 min. grocery stop at the time it was approx. $60, gardengrocer.com is your best best - you can order a few snacks for your room and put your liquor requests in the special requests box at the bottom - there is a $12 delivery fee.

[pinktink23]

hey all! I stayed at the poly for christmas 2005, got a newly renovated room in fiji, and LOVED it! I must confess that I am truly a GF girl but i had the time of my life at the poly that christmas. The GF was overbooked so we went to the poly instead and I feel very fortunate that I was "forced" to try it. :;) If you are thinking about staying at the poly please do. The new rooms are superb and i loved fiji.