Just returned from Poly!

[flit]

Hi Everyone!

I am a longtime lurker with very few posts. I have gained a wealth of information from the DIS. Thank you!

We were at the Poly from 8/12-22/07, garden view room in Fiji, 3rd floor (the only requests I had made were nonsmoking and a balcony). We had never stayed at the Poly before ( POR and ASMo previously). All I can say is WOW! The Poly was great. All of the CMs were friendly and helpful. Our room was cleaned early each day. Captain Cooks was clean, fast, and good.

There were a few posts about the decline in service before I left that had me a little worried, so I just wanted to post and say my family thought it was perfect.

Oh, the pool was a little crowded, but not to the point of us not wanting to get in. We were always able to find chairs. Wishes from the beach was relaxing and beautiful.

We used ME from the airport and it went smoothly also. Our flight landed at 12:45, we were at the Poly by 1:45, and our luggage was in our room when we got back from AK at 7:00 ( don't know what time it was actually brought to the room). We also had water delivered from gardengrocer which arrived as planned also.

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Thanks again for all of the helpful hints.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you tried to self scan ordering system at Captin Cook's what did you think of it?

 

[flit]

CR Resort Fan 4 Life - We used the self ordering screens frequently, especially at breakfast. I thought they worked very well. Even my 9 yo figured it out first try. After you pick the items you want, it prints a ticket which you take to the cashier along with any other items (cereal, milk, etc). She gives you a little thing that lights up when your order is ready and you go get it. The times we were there it was not very crowded( between 7:30 and 8:00 am), so we never had to wait for a screen. We did pass by when it was a little busier on a couple of days and there were no lines for the screens, but the cashier lines had about 4-5 people each.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Thanks for posting! And glad you had an enjoyable trip!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CR Resort Fan 4 Life - We used the self ordering screens frequently, especially at breakfast. I thought they worked very well. Even my 9 yo figured it out first try. After you pick the items you want, it prints a ticket which you take to the cashier along with any other items (cereal, milk, etc). She gives you a little thing that lights up when your order is ready and you go get it. The times we were there it was not very crowded( between 7:30 and 8:00 am), so we never had to wait for a screen. We did pass by when it was a little busier on a couple of days and there were no lines for the screens, but the cashier lines had about 4-5 people each.

Thank you so much for that information. I can't wait to try it when my family and I are staying at the Polynesian this coming December and I hope our stay will be as good as you're stay was.

 

[luvfigment]

Thanks for the post and review. I will be going in October and it is fun to read other people's reviews of the resort you are going to stay at. I also found the information on Capt Cooks helpful...how long would it take to get the breakfast food after you ordered it?

 

[LtlTee]

I'm not the OP, but we were also at the Poly at the end of June/beginning of July and used the self-service screens at Captain Cook's. It was a great system, and I think our average wait time was about 5 minutes from the time we paid until we got our food.
The Poly is our favorite hotel and we had a wonderful stay.

 

[flit]

luvfigment - The cashier would tell us "Your order will be ready in 5-7 minutes". I didn't time it, but it was usually enough time to get everyone settled at a table and get whatever condiments, utensils, etc. we needed and the buzzer would go off.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

CR Resort Fan 4 Life - We used the self ordering screens frequently, especially at breakfast. I thought they worked very well. Even my 9 yo figured it out first try. After you pick the items you want, it prints a ticket which you take to the cashier along with any other items (cereal, milk, etc). She gives you a little thing that lights up when your order is ready and you go get it. The times we were there it was not very crowded( between 7:30 and 8:00 am), so we never had to wait for a screen. We did pass by when it was a little busier on a couple of days and there were no lines for the screens, but the cashier lines had about 4-5 people each.

We're going to be staying at the Poly in 37 days (but whose counting?) and we're on the ddp. Is it clearly marked what can be ordered for those on the ddp? Just wondering w/the self ordering...is there someone near by in case we need to ask questions? Thanks for any info.

Sounds like you really enjoyed your trip!

 

[simonkodousek]

Flit,

I'm glad to hear you had a good time at the Polynesian! It is my favorite Disney World resort!

If you tried to self scan ordering system at Captin Cook's what did you think of it?

I know that the OP already answered this question, but I just wanted to voice my opinion.

We used the touch-screen ordering system every day at breakfast and had no problems except for some people who took far too long to order. Anyway, it was fast and easy and I have no complaints.

 

[Poly Pal]

flit I am glad you had a great time at the Polynesian! I read your post and wanted to shout, "I told you so!" to all those negative posters!

We had the same experience at Captain Cooks. The back-up at the cashier is caused by people on the DDP not understanding what is and isn't included. We got stuck behind two nice boys who were just trying to get a snack and the cashier was trying to help them get the best value. My wife said, "There should be a separate cashier for guests on the Dining Plan." We were not on the dining plan so I did not pay attention to signs explaining what was included.

 

[Mamu]

So glad to hear you enjoyed the Poly. This resort is my favorite resort. We love everything about it. My Grandchildren also love the Poly. We will be returning next September with 3 of our GC. I'm looking to stay at AKL (been there once) did enjoy the lodge very much, but it not the Poly (my first love)

I know not everyone agree's, there's something magical about the Poly, all 5 of my Grandchildren agree.

 

[SeaSpray]

Welcome back, flit, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Polynesian resort! It's our favorite resort, and we were just there last month. Already booked to go back next May!!

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

We will be at the Poly in 34 days Can't wait to experience it all. To the OP, what room # did you get. Were you overlooking the marina or the cove? We have requested 1st or 3rd Fiji. Just wondering what you thought. Glad you had a nice stay-makes me feel good to hear positive feedback. I will make sure to post mine when I get back!

 

[bytheblood]

Thanks for the great feedback. And... to the Dis!!

 

[kinggoofy]

Hi all, we were at POLY from Aug 8 to 19th.

I said to DW on the way home, "this is one trip we will never forget." It was our 1st Poly stay and we already know...it wont be the last. We already booked next year.

We did notice that the mousekeeping was lacking. Our room was cleaned by 3pm everyday. BUT, there were a few days that i purposely left something on the floor...i.e...peice of paper, straw and a band aid wrapper. They were not picked up. Also, we had a bathroom light that went out and no one came to fix it for 3 days. By the end of the 1st day the light was out, i change it myelf. Took a light from another sockit. They finally came to fix the light 3 days later....all of this said.,..it was no big deal.

Another thing that was a bit nagging was the wait at the pool bar on Friday Aug 17th. there was no pool waitress walking around and there was only one bartendeer, Tim, who was by himself. All the others were at a seminar.

NOW, the good........

1. we were upgraded to Samoa 3rd Floor Pool View. We had AP Rate GV. We almost got upgraded to Concierge...but we would have had to stay 1 night in regular room and then switch. DW made the decision to take the Samoa 3rd Floor pool view right away. It was PERFECT.

2. the torch lighting ceremony starts at 6pm everyday from Tues - Saturday. It last about 5-7 minutes and is something to see. Amazing.

3. there were no real issues at the pool in regards to waiting for a table. we always found one in a timely manner.

4. Not only did DW find a new "home" summer resort, we both also found a new place to eat that we NEVER tried before. Ohana's dinner. It was so good. We ate there twice. The second time we had a window seat looking straight at the MK.

5. The Spirit of Aloha show is a MUST SEE. The performers are incredible.

6. 3 or 4 nights we just chilled out on the 2nd floor lounge area and listened to Kalua. (I think i spelled his name right.) He plays the guitar and is very good and very relaxing to listen too.

7. 2 days we rented the sea racers and they were fun. If you are an AP holder, you get a 15% discount on your rental.

After a few days we found a few short cuts to the bus stops and to the GCH. We cut thru the buildings to make it a straight walk instead of taking the winding walkways.

Also, we have already booked our trip for next year. We are going to be there August 20th - 31st. AAA Rate for now. Total of $289 per night. After tax its $325 per night. Total of +/- $3575.00. (this year the AAA Room Only rate was $279.00) We got the AP rate for this year and it was $249.00 per night. The AAA Rate only went up $10 per night.

KG

 

[LtlTee]

1. we were upgraded to Samoa 3rd Floor Pool View. We had AP Rate GV. We almost got upgraded to Concierge...but we would have had to stay 1 night in regular room and then switch. DW made the decision to take the Samoa 3rd Floor pool view right away. It was PERFECT.


KG

Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay!
We had the same view -- Samoa 3rd floor pool view and we loved it. (although ours was only with a AAA rate, as there were no AP discounts when we went). It is an awesome location, isnt't it?

 

[kinggoofy]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay!
We had the same view -- Samoa 3rd floor pool view and we loved it. (although ours was only with a AAA rate, as there were no AP discounts when we went). It is an awesome location, isnt't it?

The Volcano Pool view is excellent. I think the only thing better is the Lagoon View / MK View.

But no complaints here.

 

[LJD2143]

Newbie here!

I'm in total agreement with you on the 3rd floor Samoa location with Volcano Pool view. We had room #3604 last year and I'm hoping to get something close to that again this year. (Sept 22-29) It was the perfect room for our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 young boys ages 9, 6 and 6). Beautifully remodeled and plenty of room!

 

[Jennygt]

Newbie here!

I'm in total agreement with you on the 3rd floor Samoa location with Volcano Pool view. We had room #3604 last year and I'm hoping to get something close to that again this year. (Sept 22-29) It was the perfect room for our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 young boys ages 9, 6 and 6). Beautifully remodeled and plenty of room!

We will be at the Poly 9/21-9/28, see you there! Thanks for the update all, I am looking forward to this soo much, our first stay at the Poly and DS will be turning one during our trip. The info on Capt. Cooks was great thanks!