The *ALL NEW* Polynesian Resort FAQ thread - *APRIL 2009*

[2manypets]

ok, don't yell at me too loud... but why is it worth paying the extra money for concierge? I know you get the "personalized check in" and the snacks and the lounge area but wasn't sure if I was missing something or not. Also, from the pics I've seen of the concierge longhouses, the 2nd floor rooms do not have balconies, just the 3rd floors. Am I correct? just wanted to hear some opinions

I've chosen to do Club Level this trip basically because I want to feel special and be pampered for a change. We'll only use the lounge for drinks and a small breakfast, but I also have some hard to get ressies that they're more likely to get than me. Also for the turn down service, view from the lounge. If it wasn't for the pin code though, we wouldn't be able to afford it.

 

[mmmears]

ok, don't yell at me too loud... but why is it worth paying the extra money for concierge? I know you get the "personalized check in" and the snacks and the lounge area but wasn't sure if I was missing something or not. Also, from the pics I've seen of the concierge longhouses, the 2nd floor rooms do not have balconies, just the 3rd floors. Am I correct? just wanted to hear some opinions

Hi. It's definitely a personal choice as to whether or not something is worth the cost. And it's really easy to say "yes -- I always want to stay CL" if you're not the one paying for it! So, I'll give you my opinion on this one. We've stayed at Club Level and regular rooms several times each at WDW.

In addition to the "snacks" which to some of us are more like meals (just depends on how much food makes a meal for you), you get the pre-planning help of the IPO. At the Poly specifically, you also get the beautiful lounge with a view of the MK fireworks and you know exactly which building you'll be staying in. Like all lounges, there are drinks available all day, CMs to help you with your questions or to make any last minute reservations you might need. It's just more detailed, personalized service, really. The IPO at AKL has bought a few items for me and they will be ready and waiting (hopefully) in our room when we check in. They are a surprise for my DD.

As to the cost... honestly, it's hard to justify it for me. At AKL, I'm only paying 40 or 50 dollars more per night, and I have no problem saying that it's worth it. When the difference becomes hundreds of dollars a night, I usually pass on CL, at Disney as well as at other destinations. Would I pay full price for this? No. But it's a nice perk, I want to be spoiled on this trip, and CL rooms were included in the 4/3 deal.

If someone offered to pay for it for me, I'd always stay club level. But since I don't have unlimited funds, I choose carefully when to stay there. We've spent about half our time at WDW in club-level and half in regular rooms and we've always had a great time. It's a nice "extra" but definitely not a necessity.

Hope this helps... Haven't stayed yet at the Poly, so I can't give you a definitive answer.

 

[OandA]

ok, don't yell at me too loud... but why is it worth paying the extra money for concierge? I know you get the "personalized check in" and the snacks and the lounge area but wasn't sure if I was missing something or not. Also, from the pics I've seen of the concierge longhouses, the 2nd floor rooms do not have balconies, just the 3rd floors. Am I correct? just wanted to hear some opinions

It's not worth it. Unless of course you stay in the hotel and never go out and enjoy the reason you are at the Poly which of course is Disney. I don't hang out at the hotel and before bed I'd rather watch the fireworks from the beach on the Poly than in a lounge.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

It's not worth it. Unless of course you stay in the hotel and never go out and enjoy the reason you are at the Poly which of course is Disney. I don't hang out at the hotel and before bed I'd rather watch the fireworks from the beach on the Poly than in a lounge.

What's stopping someone staying CL from watching Wishes on the beach? In fact, this is a great option for guests staying CL because the beach is right next to Hawaii (the CL building).

Another benefit to staying CL is the longhouse location. It's my favorite - very close to GCH, beach, volcano pool, quiet pool, and MK boat dock.

 

[mmouse37]

That's an excellent idea.

WDW sells green bags too. I have a couple and love using them at home.

Selling them at CC would be a convenient too.

I have several of the red Mickey ones they sell at the Disney Store and use them for all my shopping...they make great tote bags as well on trips.

MJ

 

[mmouse37]

It will be tight but I think you'll make it or close to it. There will not be many people at the bag check or turnstiles unless it's early EMH. And even if you're a few minutes late, you'll be fine. I think the restaurants understand the vagaries of WDW transportation.

mmmears, good health to you and your DH!

Would it be quicker to take a taxi to Beach Club and then walk in the back entrance to World Showcase?

MJ

 

[OandA]

What's stopping someone staying CL from watching Wishes on the beach? In fact, this is a great option for guests staying CL because the beach is right next to Hawaii (the CL building).

Another benefit to staying CL is the longhouse location. It's my favorite - very close to GCH, beach, volcano pool, quiet pool, and MK boat dock.

Oh, nothing is stopping them. But you are paying a lot more to use the lounge. I'm saying that I did CL last time for 1/2 of our stay and found it useless. I didn't use any part of it. A lot of people near us did it for the lounge fireworks view and I liked it on the beach better.

 

[WeRblam]

Does anyone know how much it is to Valet Park per day at the Poly?

Also, where is the parking lot? Is it large? Do you have to show your key along with the parking badge for your car like at the GF?

Thanks! Lisa

 

[k&a&c'smom]

WeRblam - Valet parking is $10 per day at all the deluxe resorts - but once you've paid for the day at your resort, you can valet for free at any other deluxe resort. Yes, you have to show your ID when entering - at least we did a couple weeks ago. Same process as at the GF, AKL, Contemporary, WL, BWI. (we drove to all those resorts our last two trips!)

The parking lot is across the driveway from the Poly, much closer than the GF. I'm not sure which area is self-park, hopefully someone else can answer that better.

mmmears - your philosophy about club level is exactly the same as ours!

 

[BCV23]

Just wondering....do any of you who have never stayed at the Poly ever wake up and think, "Am I really staying at the Poly?" It's like I have to pinch myself every day so that I know that my dream is finally coming true. The worst thing is, I'm a single mom traveling with my DD and I don't have an adult to share my excitement with! Thanks to all of my Poly friends who understand and share my wonderment of this whole planning process.

Share away with us. Even those of us who won't be back for months love sharing the excitement I think.

I have several of the red Mickey ones they sell at the Disney Store and use them for all my shopping...they make great tote bags as well on trips.

MJ

I haven't seen the red ones. I bet they're festive.

Would it be quicker to take a taxi to Beach Club and then walk in the back entrance to World Showcase?

MJ

No, it wouldn't. The cabs can't go as fast as the monorail (at least legally) and have to stop at a couple stoplights. And the walk to Norway from the BC front entrance is probably farther than from the front entrance to Epcot. The BC is closer to England and France but that's about it. We stay at BCV a lot. Norway is just as quick from the front of the park...probably quicker.

And the monorail is more fun..... and free.

WeRblam I'm not sure which area is self-park, hopefully someone else can answer that better.

mmmears - your philosophy about club level is exactly the same as ours!

Most of the area directly in front of the GCH is valet. The self park is closer to the guard shack and the bus stop. There's another lot to the right of the guard shack that's convenient for those in Rapa Nui and Tahiiti.

I too agree with mmmears about concierge.

 

[NJBILL]

ok, don't yell at me too loud... but why is it worth paying the extra money for concierge? I know you get the "personalized check in" and the snacks and the lounge area but wasn't sure if I was missing something or not. Also, from the pics I've seen of the concierge longhouses, the 2nd floor rooms do not have balconies, just the 3rd floors. Am I correct? just wanted to hear some opinions

We have done both,and will be CL this trip also. As we always had our 3children with us sometimes my older son over 18, we found that the snacks food and drinks (adult & soda) was worth it for us. Although I do a lot of the planning myself, the concierge may be a bit better at getting hard to get ADR's and special events,and if you do have any type of issue, they are there to help you. For us, it translated to about $100 a day more than non CL, so we eat and drink that up, so its pretty much a wash from a financial perspective for us.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

WeRblam - Valet parking is $10 per day at all the deluxe resorts - but once you've paid for the day at your resort, you can valet for free at any other deluxe resort.

I believe valet parking increased recently to around $12.

ok, don't yell at me too loud... but why is it worth paying the extra money for concierge? I know you get the "personalized check in" and the snacks and the lounge area but wasn't sure if I was missing something or not. Also, from the pics I've seen of the concierge longhouses, the 2nd floor rooms do not have balconies, just the 3rd floors. Am I correct? just wanted to hear some opinions

I'm definitely not going to yell at you because I'm from the school of thought that a lagoon view room is good enough and a garden view room is just fine in a pinch. I've actually done both because I felt the CL offerings weren't 'worth it' for myself and DD.

Now with that said, this past December around Christmas the Tiki Gods smiled upon me and I got a complimentary upgrade from my garden view room to garden view concierge. My DD and I got to enjoy all the perks of CL without having paid the price differential. Being able to handle my account and make ADRs from the concierge desk in the Hawaii building (plus there is this KILLER view of Cinderella's Castle from the concierge desk there) either in person or by calling down was a very nice and useful perk, especially being a single mom with a kid in tow.

Concierge level isn't for everyone and frankly I think lagoon or even a MK view is well worth the money. However, as I learned from my December trip, Concierge Level pays off big time when the parks are insanely crowded. That would be the only time I would recommend it. We had a prime place to watch the fireworks without DD having to change out of her pajamas, a place to grab snacks and drinks without having to deal with the crazy crowds in the parks at Christmas. We got to see the New Years Eve fireworks from the comfy coziness of the lounge.

Hope that helps!

 

[momatater]

We have done both,and will be CL this trip also. As we always had our 3children with us sometimes my older son over 18, we found that the snacks food and drinks (adult & soda) was worth it for us. Although I do a lot of the planning myself, the concierge may be a bit better at getting hard to get ADR's and special events,and if you do have any type of issue, they are there to help you. For us, it translated to about $100 a day more than non CL, so we eat and drink that up, so its pretty much a wash from a financial perspective for us.

Same for us! I have 3 boys and we eat at the lounge a lot! I never get the DDP (unless it's free). We eat breakfast there, get drinks, snacks coming and going from the parks, pool and where ever else we are going and we could definately spend and extra $100 or so on those things alone, so it's definately worth it for us. I also feel the IPO services are priceless....I just tell them what dinner ressie I want and other activities and let them worry about it! I have been pretty lucky getting everything I wanted through them, not so lucky when making my own ressies!

One more thing....we've been to WDW so much that we spend a lot of time enjoying the resort during each stay. Other than a few reservations for dinner or recreation, we just go with the flow. We are NOT commando style park visitors!!

 

[TiGGer449]

For those who have stayed in a few different longhouses ... is there any difference in shower pressure? I've read some reviews about low water pressure and some that say its fine. I'm wondering if some longhouses have consistently better pressure than others. Thanks!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

For those who have stayed in a few different longhouses ... is there any difference in shower pressure? I've read some reviews about low water pressure and some that say its fine. I'm wondering if some longhouses have consistently better pressure than others. Thanks!

No differences from what I can recall between Hawaii, Tuvalu and Samoa. Water pressure is pretty low/lousy at Disney World in general.

 

[juliebee]

regarding the 'worth' or value of going club level...
Another thing we found really invaluable on our trip was the fact that we had the lounge as another living space. We were there just recently in the very crowded Spring Break time and when we'd go to Capt Cooks for some lunch or dinner, all the tables were full. It was great to carry everything back to the club lounge to enjoy our meal in some peace. In the afternoon when my husband wanted to nap, the rest of us went to the lounge with our computers and toys and just chilled. And I'm a night owl, so it was great to have a safe great place to go while the family slept. It was very worth it for us because of the expanded living space it basically offered us. Plus the food and drink!

I wouldn't have been able to do it without the 4/3 deal, so I also considered it a special treat for that trip. Next trip will most likely be without CL, and I'm sure we will manage fine.

 

[TJM1976]

Thanks for all your feedback on the concierge level rooms!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Tinkerbellie, looks like I'll be arriving the day after you! We'll also be playing in the sand and hanging by the pool in the afternoon. It'll be just me and my DD4...maybe we'll see you there! My DD would love some buddies to swim with

I have no idea how to do those multiple quotes so for your tonga toast question - I've only had it at Captain Cooks and I've never eaten breakfast at Kona Cafe (only dinner) so I can't give you an opinion on Kona cafe breakfast or if the Tonga Toast tastes different. I will say that unlike some other people, I really like Captain Cooks. I like the touch screen ordering and the food they offer. The ony thing about that place is that it can get crowded - so order, go pay, then you get your food when it is ready. The outside is a lovely place to sit and enjoy in the morning and have your breakfast - and watch the ducks try to get any crumbs your kids might spill!

My daughter just turned 5 & she would love to have other kids to play with! We go to the pool every afternoon (after nap - husband's nap!! not sure if kids will nap this year. My husband and I really like getting an umbrella table so we can order drinks, eat snacks, and relax (I burn easy so yeah for umbrella tables!). We'll be there with our son who is 6 also (family photo is my avatar). I can't wait!!! Come join us if you need any adult conversation Although at Disney, I think we all resort to being kids!

 

[johnsonet]

That's an excellent idea.

WDW sells green bags too. I have a couple and love using them at home.

Selling them at CC would be a convenient too.

I got the green one with the blue Mickeys

I'm not sure but I might just spring it on them early at the first gas station we always stop at in Florida (Live Oak) just so I can bask in their excitement while we're finishing off the drive there. I did do the online check in, just to speed things up a bit, and since we're not doing the DDP this time I put charging privileges on the KTTW cards.

What do you think the odds are that the room will be ready? So far it has been 6 out of 7 times. I think my "luck" might just run out this trip!

How is your cold? Are you feeling better yet? I know it stinks to fly when you're all stuffed up.

Sounds exciting! Hope your room is ready. Ours was - around 2:30pm. Maybe on-line check-in actually helps with that, as they ask for your expected arrival time

Just wondering....do any of you who have never stayed at the Poly ever wake up and think, "Am I really staying at the Poly?" It's like I have to pinch myself every day so that I know that my dream is finally coming true. The worst thing is, I'm a single mom traveling with my DD and I don't have an adult to share my excitement with! Thanks to all of my Poly friends who understand and share my wonderment of this whole planning process.

Yes, I'm sure everyone here totally understands your excitement You're going to have a great trip

ok, don't yell at me too loud... but why is it worth paying the extra money for concierge? I know you get the "personalized check in" and the snacks and the lounge area but wasn't sure if I was missing something or not. Also, from the pics I've seen of the concierge longhouses, the 2nd floor rooms do not have balconies, just the 3rd floors. Am I correct? just wanted to hear some opinions

I've chosen to do Club Level this trip basically because I want to feel special and be pampered for a change. We'll only use the lounge for drinks and a small breakfast, but I also have some hard to get ressies that they're more likely to get than me. Also for the turn down service, view from the lounge. If it wasn't for the pin code though, we wouldn't be able to afford it.

Hi. It's definitely a personal choice as to whether or not something is worth the cost. And it's really easy to say "yes -- I always want to stay CL" if you're not the one paying for it! So, I'll give you my opinion on this one. We've stayed at Club Level and regular rooms several times each at WDW.

In addition to the "snacks" which to some of us are more like meals (just depends on how much food makes a meal for you), you get the pre-planning help of the IPO. At the Poly specifically, you also get the beautiful lounge with a view of the MK fireworks and you know exactly which building you'll be staying in. Like all lounges, there are drinks available all day, CMs to help you with your questions or to make any last minute reservations you might need. It's just more detailed, personalized service, really. The IPO at AKL has bought a few items for me and they will be ready and waiting (hopefully) in our room when we check in. They are a surprise for my DD.

As to the cost... honestly, it's hard to justify it for me. At AKL, I'm only paying 40 or 50 dollars more per night, and I have no problem saying that it's worth it. When the difference becomes hundreds of dollars a night, I usually pass on CL, at Disney as well as at other destinations. Would I pay full price for this? No. But it's a nice perk, I want to be spoiled on this trip, and CL rooms were included in the 4/3 deal.

If someone offered to pay for it for me, I'd always stay club level. But since I don't have unlimited funds, I choose carefully when to stay there. We've spent about half our time at WDW in club-level and half in regular rooms and we've always had a great time. It's a nice "extra" but definitely not a necessity.

Hope this helps... Haven't stayed yet at the Poly, so I can't give you a definitive answer.

ITA - And any stay at the Poly is great. Sometimes the extra amenities of CL are "worth" the extra cost to me and other times, they're not. Staying CL IS extra special

Does anyone know how much it is to Valet Park per day at the Poly?

Also, where is the parking lot? Is it large? Do you have to show your key along with the parking badge for your car like at the GF?

Thanks! Lisa

The parking lot is VERY convenient at the Poly if you're staying in Niue or Raratonga especially Self-parking there is VERY easy, unlike at GF. LOTS of spaces before you reach the valet spaces. We had great luck self-parking last month.

For those who have stayed in a few different longhouses ... is there any difference in shower pressure? I've read some reviews about low water pressure and some that say its fine. I'm wondering if some longhouses have consistently better pressure than others. Thanks!

Niue had really good pressure last month. I can't remember about the other longhouses I've been in in the past... only that I do not understand why the shower heads are so LOW

regarding the 'worth' or value of going club level...
Another thing we found really invaluable on our trip was the fact that we had the lounge as another living space. We were there just recently in the very crowded Spring Break time and when we'd go to Capt Cooks for some lunch or dinner, all the tables were full. It was great to carry everything back to the club lounge to enjoy our meal in some peace. In the afternoon when my husband wanted to nap, the rest of us went to the lounge with our computers and toys and just chilled. And I'm a night owl, so it was great to have a safe great place to go while the family slept. It was very worth it for us because of the expanded living space it basically offered us. Plus the food and drink!

I wouldn't have been able to do it without the 4/3 deal, so I also considered it a special treat for that trip. Next trip will most likely be without CL, and I'm sure we will manage fine.

Great points. I agree! I always love having the extra space of the CL lounges.

 

[WOODY13]

In the afternoon when my husband wanted to nap, the rest of us went to the lounge with our computers and toys and just chilled.

Does that mean they have a hook up to get online in the lounge? I understand that I have to pay $9.95 per 24 hour period. Another question, is the $9.95 charge only good for one computer or everyone in the room?