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

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Yes there are hairdryers in the rooms. If you look back a couple of pages, you can even see a close up of the dryer.

congrats on your upcoming wedding!!!!!!

Thank you very much! We are getting really excited! It's this friday!~ So close!

 

[BCV23]

Thank you very much! We are getting really excited! It's this friday!~ So close!

Best Wishes!

What a perfect place to honeymoon!

 

[kaffinito]

Glad you made it home. I looked for you, but never spotted you. I'm actually jealous or all of you who are comfy at home -- I'm pacing around the Austin airport, waiting for another 3 hr flight... And I hate flying. But we had a great trip!

Yuck! I feel for you - I hate flying too! I tried seeing if I could spot you on the balcony since we watched Wishes from the beach most nights we were there, but couldn't remember if you had two d's or just one. Hope you had a good flight home!

To all those who just came back...welcome home. I hope you had a magical vacation.

And finally 5 months to go until our magical vacation.

Thank you and looking forward to your trip reports!

Hi Kaffinito, welcome back! Sounds like you had a great trip...I forget...did you end up in Tokelau? What was your favorite thing about the Poly? I'm glad you got walk ups at Kona and 'Ohana...I've been trying to get an 'Ohana breakfast for about a month now and it's booked up my whole vacation...I"m hoping someone decides to sleep in! What was your favorite meal at WDW? I look forward to hearing more about your trip...ours is now 6 short days away, and I'm still not even close to ready. No packing, no planning, zilch. I'm starting to catch DD's cold so it looks like we'll both be recuperating on vacation, but, what a place to be sick, right?

Hi to you too! Better get packing! We ended up in Tokelau, and it was a good place for us. I highly recommend Samoa for you, since it's very close to the monorail, Captain Cooks, both pools, the boat dock, etc. They are definitely rebuilding the outside stairs at Fiji now. The workmen I spoke with said it would be at least a month before completion (But will probably be done before then )

For O'hana I would try the front desk concierge first, then if that doesn't work just show up in the AM and ask at the check in desk for Ohana. Even when the front desk said I couldn't get in, I did a "walk up" there and was seated in ten minutes for dinner. There were folks doing walk ups for Crystal Place (20 minutes to an hour and a half wait depending on party size) and we did several meals as walk ups at Kona Cafe. More for you later - I took pics with you in mind.

back when I was married, my NSDXH (not so dear ex husband )

Tomorrow is ADR day (90) and I purchased our Auto-Train tickets over the weekend. Amtrak has a special promotion Kids ride for $19..Cost $768 round trip for the 5 of us, which includes dinner and continnetal breakfast.. Hopefully we will get all of our ADR's..

Yeah for you! Pretty soon you'll be there enjoying the lovey Poly!

Does the rooms at the Poly include hair dryers? My very soon to be wife would like to know. If she doesn't have to pack her's that's less in her suitcase.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Have a marvelous honeymoon!

 

[mmmears]

Yuck! I feel for you - I hate flying too! I tried seeing if I could spot you on the balcony since we watched Wishes from the beach most nights we were there, but couldn't remember if you had two d's or just one. Hope you had a good flight home!

We have one DD, and we were up on our balcony 3 nights out of 7!!! It was a great way to watch Wishes, and we could even hear some of the sounds and music drift across the lake.

Glad you had a great time! Being at the Poly was so relaxing for us -- we just loved it! I don't think that this will be our last stay at the Poly...

Our flight home was as good as a flight can be -- it was our first time on Jet Blue and most probably not our last...

Couldn't help but fall victim to the bouncback promotion left in our room...

 

[Ghick56]

Please explain about the BounceBack offer. I know you have to book your next trip while you are still there- but what are the other specifics of the offer?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[mmouse37]

Thank you very much! We are getting really excited! It's this friday!~ So close!

It's is good luck to have your honeymoon at the Poly....we did!!! 30 years ago and are checking back in Saturday to celebrate our 30th anniversary!!!

MJ

 

[mmouse37]

*Sigh* just tried to upgrade to LVCL and they said there is no availability for our dates.

Maybe we'll keep trying, you never know right?

I have been trying almost every day for several weeks and can't upgrade...no availabiity for CL at all for the time we are going....what crummy economy??? LOL!!!

MJ

 

[kaffinito]

Please explain about the BounceBack offer. I know you have to book your next trip while you are still there- but what are the other specifics of the offer?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The bounceback they had at the Poly was for 40% off a deluxe villa resort or 30% off a deluxe resort. The dates were somewhat ok but spaced out, I just remember that the deal ended on 12-24. You had to put down one nights room rate + tax at time of booking.

 

[dfarner]

Hello! We booked the Poly (club level) right at the end of the 4/3 promotion and I have enjoyed reading this thread everyday since. The thread itself has gotten me so excited for our trip in July. Here's where I need some advice from everyone that has stayed at the Poly (I have not). We are booked for 7 nights with 8 day park hopper tickets. We are going to go down to Orlando a few days early and stay near SeaWorld and do that park a couple of days. Then the plan is to move over to the Poly on 7/8. I hate split stays, but 9 nights at the Poly isn't in the budget (1,000 for the additional 2 nights-I had my DH call last night just to be sure). Well, yesterday I was reading some of the Swan/Dolphin threads and decided to get a quote for the 9 nights. With the current $99-for-the-second-room special and my teacher discount we can get 2 rooms for 9 nights for the price of 7 (1 room) at the Poly. Now I am seriously torn between the two. Has anyone stayed at both resorts and could give me some advice? We will be going to all 4 parks, but probably MK the most. Help please .

 

[two*little*birds]

I have been trying almost every day for several weeks and can't upgrade...no availabiity for CL at all for the time we are going....what crummy economy??? LOL!!!

MJ

Do you have a pin code? We do and I was told that's part of the problem. So even though there is availability, I think they only allow a certain # of people to use a pin against these rooms (CL). I could be wrong, but that's what someone else told me.

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi. My DD is always cold and had one of those North Face fleece (thin one) sweaters with her all the time. Once or twice it was chilly at night -- nothing that a light jacket wouldn't fix. But we were moving around alot -- if you are going to sit for an hour or two to watch the parade & fireworks, I would definitely bring a jacket. It was pleasantly warm, but not hot or humid while we were there. Perfect for us, since we run around alot and the heat and humidity really slow us down.

Weird thing -- when we left home it was 60 degrees and rainy. It's supposed to be 90 today! Really unusual for us, especially since it's warmer than Florida!

thanks! I will definitely pack a sweatshirt for both of us and some long pants. Glad I asked! I will have the same weirdness for weather here. The day before and the day I leave it will be in the 70's - 80's...not normal for NH in April!

Thanks taylor3297 & lissiesmom for the information about Pop Werner Football at WDW. That is what I was hoping but it is good to have it confirmed.

Carlix30, taylor3297 is correct - UG stand for Unofficial Guide.

you're welcome! I fretted about it forever and never ended up going, but it didn't sound like it would affect crowds at all. Have fun!

HI everyone, I have a question for those of you who have been to MNSSHP, I hope someone can help! I know the tickets go on sale May 1st, but the park hours for September won't be posted until June. Do I need to buy the tickets right away, or can I wait until June when I can plan my whole week? I'm thinking they won't sell out right away, especially for September. What do you think? Thanks!!!!

I booked my MNSSHP tickets about three weeks before I left, and I was there for the first party in September. I don't think they sell out, except maybe close to/on Halloween. You will have plenty of time to plan your week...my biggest stress was, will it rain the night of the party? It did rain at first, but then cleared and we were still able to enjoy the rest of the night. You will absolutely love it, I wish I could go back again. We bought the soundtrack and listen to it every day while wer'e driving. You'll be singing Boo to you for weeks after you leave!

If you want to find us. We will be the newlywed couple with honeymoon buttons on. I use a blue Jansport backpack with a green mickey ear attached to the backpack. Look for us!

I will look out for you guys. What a great place to honeymoon...congratulations We have a brown stroller and I'll try to attach a LGMH to it if I can find one. Enjoy your wedding, and hope to catch up with you soon!

Although it wasn't in the 80s when we were there, I will say that that wind at night was rather chilly if you were hanging out on the Poly beach. I'd recommend something warm to wear if the wind kicks up while you are there. We were unprepared and had to all buy hoodies at WDW.

Thanks, Juliebee! My DD is never cold, but lately I'm cold all the time. I've had a cold that never ends since February, got rid of it for a week, and now have a new one so I will definitely need something to keep me warm at night!

Hi to you too! Better get packing! We ended up in Tokelau, and it was a good place for us. I highly recommend Samoa for you, since it's very close to the monorail, Captain Cooks, both pools, the boat dock, etc. They are definitely rebuilding the outside stairs at Fiji now. The workmen I spoke with said it would be at least a month before completion (But will probably be done before then )


For O'hana I would try the front desk concierge first, then if that doesn't work just show up in the AM and ask at the check in desk for Ohana. Even when the front desk said I couldn't get in, I did a "walk up" there and was seated in ten minutes for dinner. There were folks doing walk ups for Crystal Place (20 minutes to an hour and a half wait depending on party size) and we did several meals as walk ups at Kona Cafe. More for you later - I took pics with you in mind.







Yeah for you! Pretty soon you'll be there enjoying the lovey Poly!

I'm glad you liked Tokelau. I'm just going to wait until I get there, tell them what I'm looking for and see what I get (and hope to get a decent view or location). I'm looking forward to those pictures, thanks for thinking of us . Thanks for the tips on 'Ohana. DD is dying to eat with Lilo and Stitch so I'll ask concierge first, then try walk up. The only day we could do it is our departure day, and I already have a ressie for Kona that I could cancel, so I'll cross my fingers and hope for the best

PS...my countdown clock conked out and disappeared? what the heck???

 

[taylor3297]

Hello! We booked the Poly (club level) right at the end of the 4/3 promotion and I have enjoyed reading this thread everyday since. The thread itself has gotten me so excited for our trip in July. Here's where I need some advice from everyone that has stayed at the Poly (I have not). We are booked for 7 nights with 8 day park hopper tickets. We are going to go down to Orlando a few days early and stay near SeaWorld and do that park a couple of days. Then the plan is to move over to the Poly on 7/8. I hate split stays, but 9 nights at the Poly isn't in the budget (1,000 for the additional 2 nights-I had my DH call last night just to be sure). Well, yesterday I was reading some of the Swan/Dolphin threads and decided to get a quote for the 9 nights. With the current $99-for-the-second-room special and my teacher discount we can get 2 rooms for 9 nights for the price of 7 (1 room) at the Poly. Now I am seriously torn between the two. Has anyone stayed at both resorts and could give me some advice? We will be going to all 4 parks, but probably MK the most. Help please .

If you stay at the Swan and Dolphin there is something/benefit you miss out on (which I can't remember what it is right this minute) because even though it is on Disney Property, it isn't a Disney owned hotel. Someone on here who will remember what I can't at this moment.

 

[BreezysMom]

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

 

[Sphyrna]

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

 

[Sphyrna]

If you stay at the Swan and Dolphin there is something/benefit you miss out on (which I can't remember what it is right this minute) because even though it is on Disney Property, it isn't a Disney owned hotel. Someone on here who will remember what I can't at this moment.

From what I remember from listening to the podcast, you can't use Magical Express with the Swan & Dolphin. Also, you can't have purchases bought in the park sent to your resort. I believe those were the 2 main things.

 

[maiapapaya]

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

This sounds sooo much like my DH!
At the beginning he was all "Whatever. Just tell me when and where." Now he's insisting that we upgrade to MK view so he can watch the fireworks every night from his balcony.

 

[Pugsly]

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

Thanks for ending my day with a laugh!

 

[NJBILL]

Sorry to go off topic but...
Have you taken the auto-train before? I am just curious of your experience and how you pass the time. I have looked into it occasionally but could never get my head wrapped around sitting in those seats for 20 hours (even if you can get up and walk around).

Thanks

Not bad at all. We have made the trip by train 5 times since my kids were small..You leave at 4pm and arrive around 8:20. You get a free dinner and continental breakfast. There are electrical outlets at each seat so kids play their video games or watch movies,as well as look out the window and see different states..My kids still enjoy it and they are 12,12, and 14 now. It takes a little planning,and some patience, but between eating,sleeping,walking around,the time moves pretty quickly.

 

[mmmears]

Teehee....He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

I love this! There's something great about a guy who loves Disney, even if he's still in the closet!

 

[mmmears]

From what I remember from listening to the podcast, you can't use Magical Express with the Swan & Dolphin. Also, you can't have purchases bought in the park sent to your resort. I believe those were the 2 main things.

I think you also can't be on the dining plan (no biggie to me, but a big deal to some people).

Also, I'm not sure that you can charge stuff to your room from the parks (that would be a big deal to me).

S/D is in a great location, though, so for me that would make up for a lot!