ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

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Woohoo - my son and I will be there at the same time too! I requested Tokela (sp?) but dont know anything for sure yet. I also requested top floor as we paid for GV and I read might get a glimpse of the castle.... :cool1:

I stayed in room 1915 (I THINK that was the number) and it was the far northeast room on the 1st floor. If we went out about 5 feet, we had a castle view but we could not see it from our room. I have heard that on the higher floors, you get a sideways glimpse of the castle in a few of the rooms. But these are very few and I would not expect to get one of these at all. If you really want a castle view, book it! But Tokelau is my favorite and I am fine with paying for a GV and walking out to the beach to see the castle if I need to.

Just booked our first stay at the Poly. I've heard the coffee at Kona Cafe is great. Can you get it 'to go'? Any other suggestions/must-do for a first timer?

There is a Kona Island Cafe Coffee Bar next to the Kona Cafe (and conveniently located next to the monorail entrance!) They are open in the mornings and in the evenings it turns into a sushi bar. Here is a menu from allearsnet:

Grown in Kona, Hawaii, Roasted in Orlando, Florida, Served in Disney's Polynesian resort at Kona Cafe

Kona Blend Coffee - Regular $1.99 Grande $2.59

Kona Blend Decaf Coffee - Regular $1.99 Grande $2.59

Espresso - Single $3.49 Double $4.49

Kappuccino - Regular $3.99 Grande $4.99

Kafe Latte - Regular $3.99 Grande $4.99

Kafe Mocha - Regular $4.49 Grande $5.49

Kafe Au Lait - Regular $4.29 Grande $5.29

Assorted Pastries and Desserts from the in-house bakery.

I HAVE tried getting take out from Kona Cafe (in the evenings) and they would NOT let me. Not sure if that is standard or I just got the wrong person to help me (they previously told me I could get take out and that is why I went back later for my dessert).

As for the espresso drinks here, they were horrible when I tried them a couple years ago so I won't buy coffee here. Then again, I'm actually ok brewing it in my room or the nescafe :scared1: (I know, I am one of the few but it reminds me of when I backpacked around Greece and they served nescafe EVERYWHERE!)

I have 12 more days and I will be at the Poly. :cool1:Can someone tell be about the online check in and the best place to request. GV near the GCH and not too far to go to see the water parade.:confused3 A balcony too if not too much to ask.:goodvibes Thanks so much in advance:goodvibes

Check out tikiman's site for some VERY in depth views of the longhouses:

http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/quick-longhouses

I always book the cheapest (GV) and have always requested Tokelau based on several things (slightly larger rooms, recently remodeled, located close to the pools and GCH but still an easy walk to TTC, all rooms have balconies or patios, one sink in bathroom...) We also prefer a ground floor room to have room to walk around in the mornings on our patio.

We are going to be there in one week so I figure it is not time to unlurk!!! Looks like we will be there the same time as Brea, Preachermouse, Cricketgirl and others. We are only there for four nights -- it is a quick girls trip. Me, my dd (11) and a good friend and her dd (10) and dd (13). She hasnt been in years and her daughters have never been. We have a GV room so I requested Tokelua, third floor when I made the reservation. I am excited out of my mind about the trip and am hoping that her girls love WDW as much as my daughter does. The girsl all go to camp together in the summer so they know each other well and we should have good chemistry on the trip.

So, my question for all of you -- I have never done online check-in before but see that others going the same time period have already done that. Where do I go to do that? Since I made my longhouse request, should I see that on my reservation? Once you do online checkin -- do they send you a confirming email back with your longhouse on it? What is the advantage to doing this?


Thanks.

Lauren

They do not assign you to a room until a few days before you arrive but you really won't know the room or the longhouse until you get to the resort.

On-line check in helps you get through the check in process quicker when you get to the resort. They already have your credit card on file, have your packet ready, and just show you on the map where your room is. There is also a separate line for on-line check in. I have used it since they implemented on-line check in and have found it convenient at some times and just the same as regular check in others (because maybe there isn't any line at either or they have to redo buttons or whatever). I have also received all my requests at the Poly whether I have done online checkin or not. But that is lucky too!
 
Evening from the Poly beach!
The only time I think the GF is romantic..

DSCF5251.jpg
 


I posted my question to the CL thread, and thought I might get some opinions here, too:




Every time I look at Tripadvisor or AllEars I see a common complaint that the Hawaii rooms are in need of repair and are showing their age. Of course, I've read this about WL and CR, too, and so far, I haven't experienced this, but it doesn't mean that others haven't.

Has anyone been completely satisfied with the cleanliness and state of their Hawaii room? How would you rate the condition of your room and the mousekeeping? Can you tell I had a cleanliness issue with my last Poly stay?!

How efficient were the lounge CMs at replenishing the food? I've read multiple reports that once they run out, they don't replenish the food up until the serving time ends - they just tell the guest that they're "all out." And, I've also read that the KKC lounge can get very crowded and crazy at peak times. Are the CMs able to keep up with the crowds and clean the tables pretty quickly or is it often a mess and hard to find a table?
 
I have a stupid question I hope someone can answer.

Last year when I was hoping to stay at the Poly there were rumors that they were going to get rid of the splash area and finally put in a hot tub. The year passed by and it never happened. I haven't been around the Poly thread lately so I am curious. Are there any rumors that they will finally get one at the Poly? Also someone at work mentioned they might be redoing the Poly some time soon?

I am determined to stay at the Poly during one of my next two trips but since they are in the winter I was kind of wishing the Poly had the hot tub.

It's not make or break, just would be nice on a chilly evening.
 
I have a stupid question I hope someone can answer.

Last year when I was hoping to stay at the Poly there were rumors that they were going to get rid of the splash area and finally put in a hot tub. The year passed by and it never happened. I haven't been around the Poly thread lately so I am curious. Are there any rumors that they will finally get one at the Poly? Also someone at work mentioned they might be redoing the Poly some time soon?

I am determined to stay at the Poly during one of my next two trips but since they are in the winter I was kind of wishing the Poly had the hot tub.

It's not make or break, just would be nice on a chilly evening.

Like you said, it is all just rumors. Until anything is confirmed, I would not base your trip on any rumors. And you can always switch resorts if you want to.

While the Poly does not have a hot tub (or 'spa'), the volcano pool does have a whirlpool section with seating. It is not hotter than the rest of the water in the pool though.

I have to say that I have had no desire to go to Disney in the winter because I like to swim! But if I were, I would also prefer a resort with a hot tub so I understand where you are coming from! Good luck with your decision!
 


I have a stupid question I hope someone can answer.

Last year when I was hoping to stay at the Poly there were rumors that they were going to get rid of the splash area and finally put in a hot tub. The year passed by and it never happened. I haven't been around the Poly thread lately so I am curious. Are there any rumors that they will finally get one at the Poly? Also someone at work mentioned they might be redoing the Poly some time soon?

I am determined to stay at the Poly during one of my next two trips but since they are in the winter I was kind of wishing the Poly had the hot tub.

It's not make or break, just would be nice on a chilly evening.

The Poly would not be my resort of choice in the winter. We stayed at BW in October and BC in December. We swam both trips, but the majority of our pool time was spent at the hot tub. It is a nice option on a rainy or chilly day.
 
Like you said, it is all just rumors. Until anything is confirmed, I would not base your trip on any rumors. And you can always switch resorts if you want to.

While the Poly does not have a hot tub (or 'spa'), the volcano pool does have a whirlpool section with seating. It is not hotter than the rest of the water in the pool though.

I have to say that I have had no desire to go to Disney in the winter because I like to swim! But if I were, I would also prefer a resort with a hot tub so I understand where you are coming from! Good luck with your decision!

The Poly would not be my resort of choice in the winter. We stayed at BW in October and BC in December. We swam both trips, but the majority of our pool time was spent at the hot tub. It is a nice option on a rainy or chilly day.


Thanks for the replies. The Poly is my dream resort but really isn't the best choice for the colder months. Unfortunately I have no idea when I will be back and am afraid I will never stay there:sad1: I am thinking of maybe picking the GF for a few nights on the Dec trip so that we can head to the Poly for some meals. Hopefully we'll be back during the summer or fall so we can finally stay there.
 
So happy to be back on a Poly thread, especially a new one!

We will be back for 6 nights in May/June and 6'ish nights in October. DH actually suggested that we stay at AS-Sports and use the money saved to attend a 2nd MNSSHP in October. I said that *maybe* we could give up theme park view and stay garden view instead...maybe. ;)

A year ago, when our first Poly stay was ahead of us, I joked that I would be spoiled and would never be able to stay anywhere else again. Now that we've been there, I realize how very spoiled I became. I guess there is just something about falling asleep with the lights of the castle shining into my room that makes me wonder if I will ever be able to enjoy any other room at Disney.

Oh how I love you 3410 Tuvalu. :lovestruc

I love your ticker and I am SOOOO jealous that you get to go to Star Wars Weekend!!!!
 
I posted my question to the CL thread, and thought I might get some opinions here, too:




Every time I look at Tripadvisor or AllEars I see a common complaint that the Hawaii rooms are in need of repair and are showing their age. Of course, I've read this about WL and CR, too, and so far, I haven't experienced this, but it doesn't mean that others haven't.

Has anyone been completely satisfied with the cleanliness and state of their Hawaii room? How would you rate the condition of your room and the mousekeeping? Can you tell I had a cleanliness issue with my last Poly stay?!

How efficient were the lounge CMs at replenishing the food? I've read multiple reports that once they run out, they don't replenish the food up until the serving time ends - they just tell the guest that they're "all out." And, I've also read that the KKC lounge can get very crowded and crazy at peak times. Are the CMs able to keep up with the crowds and clean the tables pretty quickly or is it often a mess and hard to find a table?

Okay..here goes,

The poly is dated and worn but it is is lovingly maintained! I believe it is dated due to nastalgia not due to uncaring CM or maintenance crew. The poly is not for everyone. There is GF people., then there's Poly people not that it's a bad thing to be a GF or a Poly person. When someone pay upwards of $600 a night in Virginia beach they would expect GF type of atmosphere.. But at Disney $600 a night is for the Poly or GF.. What I am trying to say is when we arrive at the Poly we expect Tiki torches, laid back village atmosphere with all it's quirks and dings. I wouldn't want it any other way.! When you check in to the GF you expect the grandiose atmosphere of the GF and some wouldn't have it any other way!

If anyone expects the Poly to be perfectly maintained with no painted over Knicks and dings then they will definitely not be happy!

As far as cleanliness of the room.. I have not personally searched the room for dust or grim.. I know if my carpet was dirty or my sheet were not changed I would call the housekeeping manager and have a Personal consultation. If that did'nt resolve my issue I would speak with the general manager.

****warning.. If you are expecting perfection.. The Poly is not for you****

Food- I never really hovered around the lounge when the main items were put out but I have had samples of their offerings. Some people think that the food is supposed to supplement their dining budget.. I guess it does if you like oatmeal a muffin or cold cereal in the morning. But the food is not put out to supplement a meal for dinner. It is put out as a perk. When people abuse it, it becomes very expensive. There was talk about eliminating the food and drinks due to guests abusing it and if they did we would still stay in the Hawaii building. We have actually seen people bringing their own food containers to fill up to take back to their room. We have seen people loading up their cooler with ALL the sodas that we're provided in the fridge. I have and would expect to clean up my OWN FAMILY'S mess after eating what ever they have available lounge. they have a little area by the trash can to deposit the dishes that you use. The lobby is a communal area for CL guest and common courtesy is a must.
These poor CM work verry hard in the lounge and tips are far and few between.

Around serving time there is usually a line but it thins out in about 10 minutes. The lounge is a bit crowded around that time. we just avoid it.
 
Crazy week at work and I come back to the Winter Edition closed and a new January 2012 edition.....:thumbsup2

Great job Guitarob!!!!!
 
Ok! I did it! I changed from the WL to the Poly! We are only staying GV this time where as in Dec we were TPV CL. I hope I'm not disappointed! I also didn't make any building requests... what do you think? Should I make a building request or take a chance?? :confused3

I am excited to be back at the Poly though! :banana:
 
Ok! I did it! I changed from the WL to the Poly! We are only staying GV this time where as in Dec we were TPV CL. I hope I'm not disappointed! I also didn't make any building requests... what do you think? Should I make a building request or take a chance?? :confused3

I am excited to be back at the Poly though! :banana:

:woohoo::woohoo: I would make a request. I'm picky about locations, though.
 
Where would you pick for a GV room and why? LOL... I sound like an interviewer!

Speaking of... did you follow up on that thing I told you about? :goodvibes

If I wasn't going to be in Hawaii I would definitely choose Tokelau because of it's close proximity to the GCH and both pools.

I did follow up and I'm just waiting to hear back. I'm hoping for some pixie dust!
 
If I wasn't going to be in Hawaii I would definitely choose Tokelau because of it's close proximity to the GCH and both pools.

I did follow up and I'm just waiting to hear back. I'm hoping for some pixie dust!

That is what I was thinking! I may call and request it. I prefer to be in Hawaii but we are only there 5 nights and saving up for my 3 Disney Cruises coming up! :goodvibes We have Deluxe dining so we will have mugs and lots of food so CL isn't really necessary for us. Neither one of us are drinkers. The only thing I will miss is the lounge and the view. But I can go to the beach! :thumbsup2

And I am sure some pixie dust will come your way! Let me know when it does! :dance3:
 
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