Trip Report from the Poly Concierge (8 nights, May 3-11th)

[chmb1]

Just back from 8 terrific nights at the Poly (GV Concierge, $239/nt + tax). First time at WDW in 20 years! This time with family (wife and 2 kids, ages 5 y/o and 11 months). Concierge service was great as was the food prepared by Dick. Especially enjoyed the evening Frangelico with desserts (yes, I think it was worth the money – they even have a large screen TV in the lounge for the kids to watch the Disney channel)…pool was crowded but if you have been on vacation with kids before, you are already used to it (especially if you’ve been to one of the Beaches Resorts). Nothing intolerable…used Tiffany Towncar to get there (drivers were Berkley and Mohammed - both were great, helped with the luggage, etc.) and rented a car from National to get around (full size, 4-door Camry, 4 nights for $129 using DC and Entertainment coupon) because we hate waiting for buses with the baby…ate at: Chef Mickey's (dinner w/Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip & Dale)), 'Ohana (dinner and breakfast), Kona, Captain Cook's, 1900 Park Fare (breakfast w/Mary Poppins, Pinnochio, Alice, Mad Hatter), Cindy's Castle (breakfast w/ Cindy, Snow White, Jasmine, Aladin, and Belle), Crystal Palace (lunch w/ Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet), Sci-Fi Dive-In Theater, Polynesian Luau, AK Breakastsaurus (Donald Duck, Goofy, Minnie, Chip & Dale), and the Plaza Restaurant (twice!). Fast pass worked great! …son did the Pirate Cruise (loved it but be preared to visit the Piartes of the Carribbean may times afterwards – you were going to anyway, weren’t you?)…used Motorola 2-way radios (a must)…Canon ELPH S100 digital camera (fits in pocket – took 230 picture stored on a 128MB flash card)…be sure to schedule an early afternoon break…if you stay for fireworks, you might want to wait 30-45 minutes for the crowd to dissipate before leaving…feel free to email me with any questions. I cam email you our itinerary in Excel if you like.

Chris

[Mamu]

Chris thanks for the wonderful report. Great rate on the Poly. :)

[swankybeth]

Thanks for the trip report. I'll be staying in Poly Concierge in just 20 days and I'm soooo excited!:bounce: :bounce:
That's a good rate you got. We also got a good rate, $226 plus tax. Unfortunately we're only staying there 2 nights. :( Then onto AKL!!

Beth :p

Only 20 more days!!:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[mansheffer]

Glad you had such a great time..We're heading to the Poly in August, (not concierge) and I do have some questions, particulary on the restaurants and Pirates Cruise. I tried to email you but couldn't do it, so could you email me and let me know about O'hana's and the Lua, especially how the kids liked them. Thanks.

[chmb1]

Tried to email you but could not get the address.

Kids hated luau - too long. Glad we did it once, but probably will not go again. I was disappointed that the cost only included beer or wine and not other alcoholic beverages (rum punch or anything else).

'Ohana was great both dinner and the character breakfast. We got there about 5:45pm which was just in time for the hula lessons and the coconut races (son enjoyed these and we got some great pictures). Food served here is "family-style" (they bring all the food to your table and you serve yourselves).

Email me with further questions: aconsumer@home.com

[suzymatti]

Great report!!! I have a question I will be staying at the poly concierge garden view in Sept. Is there only one building that is concierge -GV ? How was your room ? What floor were you on?? And can you see any views at all from that building? Thank you in advance for your help!!!!!!


Suzy




He who dwells in the secret place of the most high. Shall remain fixed and stable under the shadow of the Almighty.

[chmb1]

The concierge buliding that I stayed in was the Hawaii. The other building with concierge serveice is suites only. The Hawaii is directly on the beach (as well as next to the volcano pool) so if you have a lagoon view room you can see the castle and electric show from your room. If you have a garden view (as we didi), you must either go to the lounge or to the beach to see the castle. We prefered to go downstairs to the beach (about a 10 ft. walk from the building).

We stayed in roon 2520 on the second floor. Very quiet with a garden view of the quiet pool (in the distance). The second floor rooms (all no-smoking) have a bay window but no balcany. The Concierge Lounge is also on the 2nd floor. The 3rd floor has balcanies but is a smoking floor. The 1st floor rooms have a small patio and are also no-smoking.

Hope this helps.

Chris

[Nanajennymouse]

Thanks for posting!

[suzymatti]

THANKS CHRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Credit Man]

Thanks for posting.

[ZerasPride]

Hi Chris! Thanks for posting, I enjoyed your report. I am hoping you can help ease my mind about the "stinky" smell some people have reported. I am a bit concerned as my trip is only a week and a few days away, it is not possible for me to switch my reservation. I am very sensitive to "stinky" smells and would like to get your thoughts on this issue.

I will be in a gardenview room (have requested Tokelau) and hope I will not have a problem with the smell as this is a newer building. Again, any thoughts you'd care to share on this?

Thanks.

Lisa

[chmb1]

Lisa,

I never smelled anything that I haven't smelled at other resorts. Don't really know what other people are referring to. I wouldn't worry about it. The only thing you'll smell is Pixie Dust! Hope you have as nice a trip as we had.

Chris

[Tink464]

I'm curious how did you get such a good rate for Poly conceirge? It's normally $405.00 a night during this time period?

[chmb1]

Tink464,

We got the April/May AP discount. The savings paid for the APs + more. If you can't swing APs for everyone, you only need one (even a child's) to qualify for the discounted rate. Unfortunately, you have to wait one or two months before your reservation before WDW releases the discounted rates, so we just book early at thr regular rate and wait until the AP rates are released. After that it just takes one (to a few) call(s) to get the CRO to change the rate on our reservation to the AP rate.

Chris

P.S. See www.mousesavers.com for more info on these rates.