ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: Summer 2011 Edition!

[maine girl]

Will be at the Poly for the first time Sunday. We have been staying at the AKL for the past three visits, but the discount we received had no rooms there. My eldest daughter is very excited because she has always wanted to stay at the Poly. My youngest daughter just was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 4 weeks ago so it will be good to be at a hotel on the monorail. It sounds like we will have a good time.

 

[Dalpal]

We leave Monday!..
We have a res. @ Trails End Restaurant at the campsites. Does anyone know if we can take the ferry from the Poly? Its for 7PM. Any suggestions?

 

[mikkiwikki]

I don't think I can find one complaint about our Poly stay! And btw, they were checking room keys EVERY day at the pool and issuing wrist bands.

Glad to hear this!
We will be there in 8 days! I also am afraid Im about to spoil my family andthere will be no turning back! oh well

 

[logpey]

We leave Monday!..
We have a res. @ Trails End Restaurant at the campsites. Does anyone know if we can take the ferry from the Poly? Its for 7PM. Any suggestions?

Take the POLY water taxi or monorail to Magic Kingdom then you will take the water taxi from Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness for dinner ressies! Enjoy!

 

[logpey]

Ok everyone, you were SO right! We just got back yesterday from our 1st Poly stay. You all warned me. Once we went Poly, we'd never want to go anywhere else again (we've done CSR, POR and WL in the past.) I must admit, I didn't believe you. BOY WAS I WRONG! Is it possible to be in love with a resort?
So, you've found a fellow Poly worshipper folks!

I'm glad you had a wonderful time, its a happy place!

 

[logpey]

Glad to hear this!
We will be there in 8 days! I also am afraid Im about to spoil my family andthere will be no turning back! oh well

Take your chances, its well worth it! Spoil away>>>>>

 

[1971DBday]

I am hoping we get Tokelau...just seems to fit us from what I've read. I'd love third floor or second. Anyone know how often that is requested? We arrive at 8:00 on the arrival night. So, rooms may not be plentiful at that time??!!

We have the same concern since we won't arrive until about 8:00 p.m. as well. I plan on doing the online check-in, so hopefully our rooms will be pre-assigned since we are arriving with DSIL and DBIL we have two rooms to worry about. We are trying to get Samoa again. The kids love being right next to the volcano pool. We have always asked for 1st floor so it's a quick run to our room when DD5 (previously 3 and 4 on other trips to the Poly) announces she needs to use the bathroom. We just prefer to take a break from public bathrooms when we can at WDW.

Anyone ever arrived later in the day and not get their request?

 

[Dalpal]

Take the POLY water taxi or monorail to Magic Kingdom then you will take the water taxi from Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness for dinner ressies! Enjoy!

Thanks! It's what I figured we would have to do. Never been to this restaurant, but we wont be going to any parks, so I figured we could go early and check out the stables, and such.

 

[momtobrynncess]

It can't come soon enough!!! I even put in to take the day prior to vacation off from work just to get everything ready, so I'm not running around with my hair on fire the night before...... We are short that day, so not sure if I'll get it. Oh well.....

 

[kimgof]

Holy Mackrel! Look at that ticker! I better start packing

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Take the POLY water taxi or monorail to Magic Kingdom then you will take the water taxi from Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness for dinner ressies! Enjoy!

How long would you allow for this? We have a ressie for the Haunted Carriage Ride at FW in October. So, we will be going from the Poly and just want to be sure to be on time. Will an hour be safe?

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

DD8 was eating a pineapple popsicle and said "this tastes like the Poly!" It's shameful how we brainwash our kids! (but she's right ... those things taste amazing and they do remind me of the Poly!)

I had a pineapple/coconut popsicle last night and I said the same thing to my DH - too funny!! And when I where my coconut body lotion, the kids say I smell like 'vacation'

Will be at the Poly for the first time Sunday. We have been staying at the AKL for the past three visits, but the discount we received had no rooms there. My eldest daughter is very excited because she has always wanted to stay at the Poly. My youngest daughter just was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 4 weeks ago so it will be good to be at a hotel on the monorail. It sounds like we will have a good time.

Have fun! The Poly is GREAT!!! And you can NOT BEAT the monorail.

How long would you allow for this? We have a ressie for the Haunted Carriage Ride at FW in October. So, we will be going from the Poly and just want to be sure to be on time. Will an hour be safe?

The actual ferry rides are not bad (maybe 10 minutes each tops) but you never know if you will actually catch the ferry. I have waited 20 minutes or more for a boat. So an hour is probably good (20 minutes wait, 10 minute ride, 20 minute wait, 10 minute ride) but if you want to see anything prior or walk around, definitely add in another 30 minutes. Of course, there is always the chance you arrive just in time but I wouldn't count on it!

Another option is to take the monorail to the Contemporary and then get the boat to Fort Wilderness from the Contemporary's dock (although it sometimes stops at WL first). I prefer doing this because I build in a little bit of time to walk around the Contemporary and shop and such.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

We have the same concern since we won't arrive until about 8:00 p.m. as well. I plan on doing the online check-in, so hopefully our rooms will be pre-assigned since we are arriving with DSIL and DBIL we have two rooms to worry about. We are trying to get Samoa again. The kids love being right next to the volcano pool. We have always asked for 1st floor so it's a quick run to our room when DD5 (previously 3 and 4 on other trips to the Poly) announces she needs to use the bathroom. We just prefer to take a break from public bathrooms when we can at WDW.

Anyone ever arrived later in the day and not get their request?

Ahhh....I am still thinking on the Longhouses...I am sure I will be happy no matter where we end up! LOL I had heard that doing on-line check-in keeps you from changing your room once you check-in. I was thnking what if we get something we would rather not have? But, at the same time, your point is a good one. I don't know...just because this is our first time at the Poly, I want it totally PERFECT!!!!! I hear ya on the restrooms thing, also!! I really hate using public restrooms and avoid if at all possible. I always have done that! My little guy, however seems to ENJOY them!!!! LOL I swear every opportunity he gets to use one, he does! So, while I know where all the good snacks are in the parks, he knows where all the best bathrooms are!! As for arriving late, I am hoping that because we are getting in on a Thursday night, it will help that it won't (hopefully) be a heavy check in day and there will be options for rooms open...not just the one we are assigned (in the event of wanting to change it). But, yeah...I'm concerned about the late arrival time. We did it though so that the kids still get that day in of school and DH gets that day in of work (saves everyone the day) and we will be able to get started in the World first thing the next morning!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I think my DH secretly loves Disney...or at least the Poly!

It is no secret that I am the obsessive Disney freak and that I bribe my DH to go. He doesn't dislike it but I always have to convince him. Well, we just went in May (to WL) and I thought it would be really hard to convince him to go this Oct. I've told him he owes me (because he is missing our 10 year anniversary in sept due to the family farm harvest) but I also was not counting on a Disney trip. Well, I told him I had to stay at the Poly and this time I wanted a 'sleep in' vacation with lots of other stuff (not just parks) and he said ok. He was asking me the dates last night and text his friends to see if they would be in Orlando at the same time. I don't understand I really wonder if he loves the place and he just won't admit it because he thinks it's not manly. Either way, he seems to be excited - well, as excited as my DH can get.

So I'm planning lots of new things (this will be our 4th Poly stay) - Spirit of Aloha (we've never gone ), Cabana rental, Parasailing, Fishing, and some watercraft rentals. So even though I've stayed a few times, I still have questions. I'm so excited to be counting down with my Poly peeps!!!!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

The actual ferry rides are not bad (maybe 10 minutes each tops) but you never know if you will actually catch the ferry. I have waited 20 minutes or more for a boat. So an hour is probably good (20 minutes wait, 10 minute ride, 20 minute wait, 10 minute ride) but if you want to see anything prior or walk around, definitely add in another 30 minutes. Of course, there is always the chance you arrive just in time but I wouldn't count on it!

Another option is to take the monorail to the Contemporary and then get the boat to Fort Wilderness from the Contemporary's dock (although it sometimes stops at WL first). I prefer doing this because I build in a little bit of time to walk around the Contemporary and shop and such.

Aha.....didn't even really think about that...the monorail to the ferry...good idea! Maybe that would be a better option? Thanks for the help on the timing! We have dinner ADR's at Narcoossee's at 6:00, but I want to go back and change before heading to the carriage ride. So, I am figuring on being able to head out by about 8:30 or so. Our carriage ride is at 10:00. I think we will be ok.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Ahhh....I am still thinking on the Longhouses...I am sure I will be happy no matter where we end up! LOL I had heard that doing on-line check-in keeps you from changing your room once you check-in. I was thnking what if we get something we would rather not have? But, at the same time, your point is a good one. I don't know...just because this is our first time at the Poly, I want it totally PERFECT!!!!! I hear ya on the restrooms thing, also!! I really hate using public restrooms and avoid if at all possible. I always have done that! My little guy, however seems to ENJOY them!!!! LOL I swear every opportunity he gets to use one, he does! So, while I know where all the good snacks are in the parks, he knows where all the best bathrooms are!! As for arriving late, I am hoping that because we are getting in on a Thursday night, it will help that it won't (hopefully) be a heavy check in day and there will be options for rooms open...not just the one we are assigned (in the event of wanting to change it). But, yeah...I'm concerned about the late arrival time. We did it though so that the kids still get that day in of school and DH gets that day in of work (saves everyone the day) and we will be able to get started in the World first thing the next morning!!

Restrooms - I have found the restrooms by the east pool to be AWESOME! And they are fairly close to the volcano pool. And the volcano pool bathrooms are not bad at all, they just get really wet in the first few stalls. I recommend going to one of the last stalls to avoid the water puddles.

Longhouse - I have only stayed at Tokelau but I LOVE it! I love that all the rooms have a decent view (no bad views), they all have a balcony or patio, the location is central (to me, I like being between TTC and GCH), and I like the bathroom layout with the ONE sink. I heard some longhouses have 2 sinks but I like more room to put my stuff. Even if we have more than one person in the bathroom at a time, we usually aren't both using the sink at the same time.

Requests - I have always made my request in advance and have always received my request (lucky, yeah!). I request: Tokelau (first because it is most important to me) and then patio (although the first time, I did not request a patio and we enjoyed a 3rd floor room).

Online Checkin - Since they started the online checkin, I have done it. I have received my requests and had the room ready upon our arrival. The line was short and checkin is quick. I've never not liked my room location so I haven't had to ask to change it.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I think my DH secretly loves Disney...or at least the Poly!

It is no secret that I am the obsessive Disney freak and that I bribe my DH to go. He doesn't dislike it but I always have to convince him. Well, we just went in May (to WL) and I thought it would be really hard to convince him to go this Oct. I've told him he owes me (because he is missing our 10 year anniversary in sept due to the family farm harvest) but I also was not counting on a Disney trip. Well, I told him I had to stay at the Poly and this time I wanted a 'sleep in' vacation with lots of other stuff (not just parks) and he said ok. He was asking me the dates last night and text his friends to see if they would be in Orlando at the same time. I don't understand I really wonder if he loves the place and he just won't admit it because he thinks it's not manly. Either way, he seems to be excited - well, as excited as my DH can get.

So I'm planning lots of new things (this will be our 4th Poly stay) - Spirit of Aloha (we've never gone ), Cabana rental, Parasailing, Fishing, and some watercraft rentals. So even though I've stayed a few times, I still have questions. I'm so excited to be counting down with my Poly peeps!!!!

My DH is the same way! He has wanted to stay there forever, so he's getting his wish this time! He prefers the resorts to the parks, though! He complains about the trips, but jumps in a Disney conversation when he has something to contribute and even helped a woman he works with plan her family's trip!! LOL He's a closet fan I think!!! We are doing the waterparks for the first time this trip to keep the fam happy!!! You will get back just as I am getting ready to head there!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Restrooms - I have found the restrooms by the east pool to be AWESOME! And they are fairly close to the volcano pool. And the volcano pool bathrooms are not bad at all, they just get really wet in the first few stalls. I recommend going to one of the last stalls to avoid the water puddles.

Longhouse - I have only stayed at Tokelau but I LOVE it! I love that all the rooms have a decent view (no bad views), they all have a balcony or patio, the location is central (to me, I like being between TTC and GCH), and I like the bathroom layout with the ONE sink. I heard some longhouses have 2 sinks but I like more room to put my stuff. Even if we have more than one person in the bathroom at a time, we usually aren't both using the sink at the same time.

Requests - I have always made my request in advance and have always received my request (lucky, yeah!). I request: Tokelau (first because it is most important to me) and then patio (although the first time, I did not request a patio and we enjoyed a 3rd floor room).

Online Checkin - Since they started the online checkin, I have done it. I have received my requests and had the room ready upon our arrival. The line was short and checkin is quick. I've never not liked my room location so I haven't had to ask to change it.

Hmmm...so maybe I will go with my gut on the Tokelau request!!! I guess I could do the on-line check-in and take my chances...even though there shouldn't really be many lines by the time we get there. When is the best time to put in my request and how do I do it? I never requested something specific.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Another question...if you go to the Tambu lounge and get say a Lapu Lapu ...can you take it down by the pool with you? I am thinking the night we arrive (hoping to be checked in around 9:30) the kids may want to swim for a bit before heading to bed. DH and I may like to have a drink while watching them swim, but I'd like to start my trip to the Poly off right with the glorious pineapple!!! LOL We will not be doing anything other than that since we get in late. So at least letting the kids swim and the adults enjoy a quick wind-down drink would be perfect after school / work then travel all day!!

 

[maryj11]

Ahhh....I am still thinking on the Longhouses...I am sure I will be happy no matter where we end up! LOL I had heard that doing on-line check-in keeps you from changing your room once you check-in. I was thnking what if we get something we would rather not have? But, at the same time, your point is a good one. I don't know...just because this is our first time at the Poly, I want it totally PERFECT!!!!! I hear ya on the restrooms thing, also!! I really hate using public restrooms and avoid if at all possible. I always have done that! My little guy, however seems to ENJOY them!!!! LOL I swear every opportunity he gets to use one, he does! So, while I know where all the good snacks are in the parks, he knows where all the best bathrooms are!! As for arriving late, I am hoping that because we are getting in on a Thursday night, it will help that it won't (hopefully) be a heavy check in day and there will be options for rooms open...not just the one we are assigned (in the event of wanting to change it). But, yeah...I'm concerned about the late arrival time. We did it though so that the kids still get that day in of school and DH gets that day in of work (saves everyone the day) and we will be able to get started in the World first thing the next morning!!

We have done online check in and changed our room location twice. So doing online check in doesnt mean you cant change your room location once you check in.
We asked to moved to a different location at the check in desk on our day of arrival and they changed it. We also asked on another trip to be moved to another location after we had been there 2 days and they moved us to a perfect spot.