ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[MikeRx]

Kids!!! You change there diapers, send them to college and cant even include mom on a disney trip.
You will have to forget your wallet on your next trip in 2013. "Sorry, crazy, forgetfull mom forgot her wallet".

Some of us aren't so ungrateful , This will be our second trip to reward my MIL for being such an awesome Grammy. She took her family to the Poly in the 80's and on a trip 2 years ago and a visit to the Luau and a wonderful stay at the BC CL for which she paid I said...you need to come back here... and just under 2 months away we will be there! I'm not bragging, simply realized several years ago that she is our only remaining parent and we have to treasure every day with her. I guess there are some really good things that happen when you become an older parent too.

Mike (43), DW, DS (4), DMIL

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Some of us aren't so ungrateful , This will be our second trip to reward my MIL for being such an awesome Grammy. She took her family to the Poly in the 80's and on a trip 2 years ago and a visit to the Luau and a wonderful stay at the BC CL for which she paid I said...you need to come back here... and just under 2 months away we will be there! I'm not bragging, simply realized several years ago that she is our only remaining parent and we have to treasure every day with her. I guess there are some really good things that happen when you become an older parent too.

Mike (43), DW, DS (4), DMIL

How nice of you guys! I'm sure she appreciates you

We treated my mother to three of our WDW trips as a way to show our appreciation for being a wonderful mom and nana. Please, do treasure every moment. I'm sure your MIL does as well

 

[jennyjinx3]

Glad you are loving the Poly. (knew you would) and wishes will never be the same for you after watching it on the heavenly Poly beach! Now what are you gonna do when your booking your next trip and the Poly bug starts rolling around in your head? Nothing else will compare. Poly is an addiction!

So true!! We were originally going to try somewhere new this trip but the Poly crept back in and we are scrimping and saving just to get back there. it didn't help we bought the "wish you were here" print, and it stares at us from our bathroom wall everyday!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Sticker shock buying AP for all five adult rate family members at once but I wish I would have done it sooner! Now we have an excuse to jump on a plane (maybe getting last minute deal) arriving staying for couple days.. Maybe a long weekend and be back in philly without missing a beat. wake up and say eh let's go to Disney. I am all about "the money I can save" and the more we go on the AP the better I feel about the price.

Oh, don't get me started! We originally bought AP's to cover our Sept 2011 and June 2012 trips. We already snuck in a bonus trip in January and now I can't stop trying to figure out a way to add a fourth. Guess I know what I'm off to do now...

 

[carlnix30]

Oh, don't get me started! We originally bought AP's to cover our Sept 2011 and June 2012 trips. We already snuck in a bonus trip in January and now I can't stop trying to figure out a way to add a fourth. Guess I know what I'm off to do now...

Looks like we are arriving same day at the poly and both staying CL! but you are gonna be too busy chasing all your little ones around for us to meet and compare our opinions on the content of the evening punch!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Looks like we are arriving same day at the poly and both staying CL! but you are gonna be too busy chasing all your little ones around for us to meet and compare our opinions on the content of the evening punch!

That's great. We will probably cross paths in the lounge. We are hard to miss! Yep, I'll be the one running by slurping my punch out of a sippy cup so that I don't spill .

 

[SA53]

Hello Poly experts,

I am thinking of changing my POR Royal Room to the Poly for our July trip. Both of my parents, in their 80s, are coming with us and I am thinking having a monorail resort will help if they need a break from the parks. My question is, my mom has some mobility issues, not major, but she will probably have a walker. How far is the walk between the lobby and the longhouses, longhouses to beach? I have looked at a map but am having a hard time guessing the distances. The reason I am thinking of changing out of POR is the length of the walking to the rooms so if it is just as far at the Poly that would be crazy for me to change. I am also thinking maybe I should go to WL where the walk will be inside and ac-ed but the Poly is my dream resort.

It is my parents first and most likely last trip to WDW so I want it to be perfect!!!

TIA,

K in SA

 

[Carrie772]

I want to publicly thank Carrie772 for helping me pick a garden view some weeks ago that is more than a garden view. Just checked in a couple hours ago and got my request, Fiji third floor, with view of marina, Contemporary, and Space Mountain. No complaints here!

(I am a first time Poly guest by the grace of a pixie dust upgrade from a POR Royal Guest Room.)

We just enjoyed the Electric Water Pageant and heading back to the beach in a few minutes to catch Wishes from a whole new point of view.

Thanks again to you and everyone else who posted helpful information for me to learn from.

You are welcome! I am so glad that I helped you! Isn't Fiji great? I just love the fact that it's a garden view PLUSSED. Have an awesome trip. And I agree with a PP: I wonder where you stay next go around?

 

[maiapapaya]

How nice of you guys! I'm sure she appreciates you

We treated my mother to three of our WDW trips as a way to show our appreciation for being a wonderful mom and nana. Please, do treasure every moment. I'm sure your MIL does as well

So nice of those who include the grandparents. I agree wholeheartedly about treasuring every moment. We had planned on bringing my mother with us on our first trip to Disney with the kids, we always told her this ("When we go to Disney, you're coming too!") Unfortunately my mother passed away before our adoption of our youngest daughter was completed and she was never able to make that trip. Our first Disney vacation was bitter-sweet without Mom. Unfortunately my in-laws don't seem that interested in going to Disney. I feel kind of bad for our kids (and my in-laws!). I look forward to sharing Disney with future grandchildren.

So true!! We were originally going to try somewhere new this trip but the Poly crept back in and we are scrimping and saving just to get back there. it didn't help we bought the "wish you were here" print, and it stares at us from our bathroom wall everyday!

We have a Disney print in our bathroom too! The one with the sandpails sitting on the deck.

Oh, don't get me started! We originally bought AP's to cover our Sept 2011 and June 2012 trips. We already snuck in a bonus trip in January and now I can't stop trying to figure out a way to add a fourth. Guess I know what I'm off to do now...

So jealous! I wish my DH would let us get annual passes! Unfortunately we're in Canada and live over two hours from the nearest airport, three from the most-resonably priced flights which for us are in Detroit (airfare here is ridiculous!) Kind of makes makes spontaneous trips a little less appealing.

 

[MHTeacher]

Oh, don't get me started! We originally bought AP's to cover our Sept 2011 and June 2012 trips. We already snuck in a bonus trip in January and now I can't stop trying to figure out a way to add a fourth. Guess I know what I'm off to do now...

Disney know what they're doing for sure! We upgraded our tickets to APs back in May 2010, because we were planning to return that December for my DD's 16th birthday. Then we managed to find a way to sneak two more trips in before they expired in May!

 

[maiapapaya]

Hello Poly experts,

I am thinking of changing my POR Royal Room to the Poly for our July trip. Both of my parents, in their 80s, are coming with us and I am thinking having a monorail resort will help if they need a break from the parks. My question is, my mom has some mobility issues, not major, but she will probably have a walker. How far is the walk between the lobby and the longhouses, longhouses to beach? I have looked at a map but am having a hard time guessing the distances. The reason I am thinking of changing out of POR is the length of the walking to the rooms so if it is just as far at the Poly that would be crazy for me to change. I am also thinking maybe I should go to WL where the walk will be inside and ac-ed but the Poly is my dream resort.

It is my parents first and most likely last trip to WDW so I want it to be perfect!!!

TIA,

K in SA

Tha Poly isn't really that spread out. It is virtually steps from the GCH to the longhouses that you see on the map around it (Nuie, Samoa, Figi ...) Nuie doesn't have an elevator though. I would recommend Samoa. It is very centrally located to the GCH, pools & beach. It also has some lovely views if you request the volcano pool side. Maybe you could have noted on your reservation that you have a member of your party who has mobility issues so they make an effort to locate you as close as possible to the GCH?

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

So nice of those who include the grandparents. I agree wholeheartedly about treasuring every moment. We had planned on bringing my mother with us on our first trip to Disney with the kids, we always told her this ("When we go to Disney, you're coming too!") Unfortunately my mother passed away before our adoption of our youngest daughter was completed and she was never able to make that trip. Our first Disney vacation was bitter-sweet without Mom. Unfortunately my in-laws don't seem that interested in going to Disney. I feel kind of bad for our kids (and my in-laws!). I look forward to sharing Disney with future grandchildren.



So jealous! I wish my DH would let us get annual passes! Unfortunately we're in Canada and live over two hours from the nearest airport, three from the most-resonably priced flights which for us are in Detroit (airfare here is ridiculous!) Kind of makes makes spontaneous trips a little less appealing.

I'm so sorry that you didn't get to a do a trip with your mom. I KNOW she is there in spirit cheering you on and enjoying the magic with you It is just so hard to lose a parent. I lost my dad last summer and my mom right after we got back in September and it still hurts every single day

About the AP's, don't be too jealous. 12 months of magic may mean no Disney at all in 2013 for us . Having AP's and living a 1000 miles away is a dangerous thing! My original plan was just a smart way to save money over two annual trips. Trust me when I say that while there was more magic, there will be no money saved.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

Disney know what they're doing for sure! We upgraded our tickets to APs back in May 2010, because we were planning to return that December for my DD's 16th birthday. Then we managed to find a way to sneak two more trips in before they expired in May!

Yep, those AP's are a real money saver, huh!

The mouse also got me with an comp upgrade from GV to LV in Hawaii in January. It will be TPV in Hawaii for us now. I tell myself the AP discount makes it worth it, but....

Oh, well. You only live once!

 

[carlnix30]

Hello Poly experts,

I am thinking of changing my POR Royal Room to the Poly for our July trip. Both of my parents, in their 80s, are coming with us and I am thinking having a monorail resort will help if they need a break from the parks. My question is, my mom has some mobility issues, not major, but she will probably have a walker. How far is the walk between the lobby and the longhouses, longhouses to beach? I have looked at a map but am having a hard time guessing the distances. The reason I am thinking of changing out of POR is the length of the walking to the rooms so if it is just as far at the Poly that would be crazy for me to change. I am also thinking maybe I should go to WL where the walk will be inside and ac-ed but the Poly is my dream resort.

It is my parents first and most likely last trip to WDW so I want it to be perfect!!!

TIA,

K in SA

I can honestly say without a doubt you will be better off at the poly rather than POR or the WL.
My oldest son stayed in the POR" it was perfect for him but he is physically fit. It is a huge resort with lots of walking. Wilderness lodge is gorgeous, my wife and I stayed there for our first ever trip to Disney. But you must take a bus or boat ANYWHERE on Disney property. Not good for the ones with a walker.

My wife has knee and ankle problems almost every trip we have taken she has been in a brace or in a scooter. The poly, contemporary or GF would be a better fit for you and yours.
Be sure no matter where you go you request a "handicap accessible" room they will love you for it and you most definately qualify!
Might I suggest calling apple scooter in Orlando. They are reasonably priced. The scooter would be at any resort you decide when you arrive. And they come and get it when you are done. It also will be accommodated on any Disney transportation. Has made trips to Disney (when needed by my wife) so much more enjoyable and she doesn't feel like she is holding our group back.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

So everyday I go to the Disney Memories/one more day website to enter to win. And everyday, Kelly Ripa says if she has one more day, she would go to the luau at the Polynesian Village Do you think she knows the name changed or she's just old school? Either way, EVERY day, I hear her talk about the Polynesian - makes me wistful!

Hello Poly experts,

I am thinking of changing my POR Royal Room to the Poly for our July trip. Both of my parents, in their 80s, are coming with us and I am thinking having a monorail resort will help if they need a break from the parks. My question is, my mom has some mobility issues, not major, but she will probably have a walker. How far is the walk between the lobby and the longhouses, longhouses to beach? I have looked at a map but am having a hard time guessing the distances. The reason I am thinking of changing out of POR is the length of the walking to the rooms so if it is just as far at the Poly that would be crazy for me to change. I am also thinking maybe I should go to WL where the walk will be inside and ac-ed but the Poly is my dream resort.

It is my parents first and most likely last trip to WDW so I want it to be perfect!!!

TIA,

K in SA

If it will be their only trip, I would absolutely book the Poly. Obviously you are on a Poly thread where we all the resort. But many of us go to other resorts as well. Here is why I say choose the Poly (and I've been to both WL and POR):

- Ambience and view - even just sitting at the pool, you will see Cindy's castle. You just can't beat that.

- Distance to the parks. You can take the monorail to MK as well as the Grand Floridian and Contemporary - both fun resorts to visit. I suspect you might want to arrange some time to see the old time band that plays in the evenings outside Mizner's Lounge at the GF. I bet your folks would LOVE it! Also, you can take a monorail to Epcot. You will need to walk a bit to get to the TTC to get the monorail though but it is a pleasant, nice walk and there is no hurry to get to the TTC. For my family, it doesn't take more than 5 minutes to get to the TTC. Now if you stay at POR, you will walk more than that to get to many places and then take a bus (or a boat to DTD). And if you stay at WL, your internal walk MIGHT be shorter if you take a bus but it will still be a little bit of a walk to the boat. And while the boat is nice, you can always take a boat from the Poly to the MK too.

There are so many other reasons I would choose to stay at the Poly over the other two resorts (dining options are better, shopping is better, theming is so relaxing and beautiful, the pools are better, and of course the location). If you do want to be near the Great Ceremonial House and main pool, all the buildings located next to it are very close (Niue and Rarotonga are just steps away). If you really want to make it special, stay CL in Hawaii so your folks always have a close lounge to relax in and get some snacks and drinks without the chaos of Captain Cooks during the busy hours.

Oh, long post! Good luck deciding!

-

 

[maiapapaya]

I'm so sorry that you didn't get to a do a trip with your mom. I KNOW she is there in spirit cheering you on and enjoying the magic with you It is just so hard to lose a parent. I lost my dad last summer and my mom right after we got back in September and it still hurts every single day

About the AP's, don't be too jealous. 12 months of magic may mean no Disney at all in 2013 for us . Having AP's and living a 1000 miles away is a dangerous thing! My original plan was just a smart way to save money over two annual trips. Trust me when I say that while there was more magic, there will be no money saved.

I'm sorry that you have also lost both of your parents. My father has also passed away now too, so I know what a hole having neither of your parents there leaves.

Thanks for helping me deal with my AP envy! I think I would rather know we can go every year rather than a couple of times close together and then have to suffer through a long dry spell!

 

[dairyqueenmom]

Checking in on Thursday!!! We were upgraded from POFQ due to the Royal Suites not being readay. I have always wanted to stay here - very excited to get a chance. I am also running the Princess 1/2 Marathon while we are there, so glad I will be able to get good coffee while on property!

 

[Venomhatch]

Checking in on Thursday!!! We were upgraded from POFQ due to the Royal Suites not being readay. I have always wanted to stay here - very excited to get a chance. I am also running the Princess 1/2 Marathon while we are there, so glad I will be able to get good coffee while on property!

Checking in on Friday after you lol. So maybe see ya around. Look for lime green DIS mickey tags.

 

[mesaboy2]

Checking in on Thursday!!! We were upgraded from POFQ due to the Royal Suites not being readay. I have always wanted to stay here - very excited to get a chance. I am also running the Princess 1/2 Marathon while we are there, so glad I will be able to get good coffee while on property!

Same situation for me, been here this weekend. Methinks you're gonna love it!

Checking in on Friday after you lol. So maybe see ya around. Look for lime green DIS mickey tags.

Do you still need pics of Tuvalu TPV from the outside? I took some this morning for you, but won't be able to get them on the web until sometime Tuesday. Those rooms look fantastic in terms of view to me.

Signed,
A fellow POR RGR transplant

 

[Venomhatch]

Same situation for me, been here this weekend. Methinks you're gonna love it!

Do you still need pics of Tuvalu TPV from the outside? I took some this morning for you, but won't be able to get them on the web until sometime Tuesday. Those rooms look fantastic in terms of view to me.

Signed,
A fellow POR RGR transplant

Hey yes of course Ill pm you my email address for the pics.

Thanks