ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[sargenca]

we got our Rapa Nui request.

What is that?

Rapa Nui is one of the buildings (longhouses) at the Poly. It is not a building that is closest to the GCH, and you mentioned that being important to you - so I will let others chime in on that!

You can go to the TikimanPages website (just Google: Tikiman Polynesian) to get a lot of information about each longhouse...

 

[mommyrosa2]

Rapa Nui is one of the buildings (longhouses) at the Poly. It is not a building that is closest to the GCH, and you mentioned that being important to you - so I will let others chime in on that!

You can go to the TikimanPages website (just Google: Tikiman Polynesian) to get a lot of information about each longhouse...

I'll do that...thank you so much

 

[Eagle Dad]

We are heading to the Poly in August for the first time in 4 years. I had a question about the sundries at Samoa Snacks. Do they sell milk in 1/2 or gallon sizes? I remember them having cereal and other groceries but couldn't remember about milk. We had used Garden Grocer the last time and I will not really have enough to buy to reach their minimum order. Thanks!

 

[kinggoofy]

Ok thanks for the tip. How about later at night, was it crowded then ? Like around when the fireworks and EP start ?

We didnt use the pool at night.

We sat by the pool bar a few nights watching the fireworks and parade. We had no trouble getting a table. But I did notice that there were alot of people on the beach watching the nightly movie.

I would say this much, if you really want to watch the parade and fireworks from the beach or sit on chairs on the beach or use the hammocks or swings....get there early. They fill up fast.

 

[mickeynut1]

My question to all the Poly lovers, does the room view really matter at this resort? We're looking to do another 10-day next August and may be looking to do a split stay between a moderate and the Poly. If I book a Std vw room, to keep the cost down, will it be a horrible location? Are there any standard view rooms closer to the main building? Any suggestions based on past experiences would be greatly appreciated.

There are no bad views at the Poly, IMO. We stayed in Samoa and loved the location. It was so convenient and just steps from the GCH, the volcano/quiet pools, the beach, and Captain Cooks . The Poly is an awesome resort and I know you'll have a great time .

 

[maryj11]

We didnt use the pool at night.

We sat by the pool bar a few nights watching the fireworks and parade. We had no trouble getting a table. But I did notice that there were alot of people on the beach watching the nightly movie.

I would say this much, if you really want to watch the parade and fireworks from the beach or sit on chairs on the beach or use the hammocks or swings....get there early. They fill up fast.

Ok we will get there early. When we were there last September there were only about 10 people on the beach, It was great and there were only about 6 people in the pool ! We will be there in October this year I hope it's not crowded.

 

[TeamTilson]

There are no bad views at the Poly, IMO. We stayed in Samoa and loved the location. It was so convenient and just steps from the GCH, the volcano/quiet pools, the beach, and Captain Cooks . The Poly is an awesome resort and I know you'll have a great time .

I requested a standard view and when we checked in, they gave us Fiji bldg 2nd floor (no balcony unfortunately) but fantastic view of the volcano slide, GCH, marina, and lagoon. It was also a quick walk to the pool and GCH. Poly surprised us with this great building! You never know what you'll get but all views are great views!

 

[etxmomof2]

Hi all! I am planning my first trip to the Poly and so appreciate all your tips and information.

I have a question that I haven't found the answer for yet. Can you ask for upgrades at check-in and how often are they given? Our TA suggested it, but I'm always reluctant to ask.

 

[gaildmoody]

Hi all! I am planning my first trip to the Poly and so appreciate all your tips and information.

I have a question that I haven't found the answer for yet. Can you ask for upgrades at check-in and how often are they given? Our TA suggested it, but I'm always reluctant to ask.

Asking for upgrades for free isn't really PC at Disney and 99% of the time you won't get it by asking for it. Upgrades are typically given at random. Now if you want to upgrade and pay for it that is a different thing.

If you're TA was a good TA he/she would simply call the resort herself and see what she could do. At least that is what I would do.

 

[gaildmoody]

OMG OMG OMG!! I can HARDLY wait! 2 weeks from tomorrow we will be checking in!! These 14 days can't go fast enough!

 

[kinggoofy]

OMG OMG OMG!! I can HARDLY wait! 2 weeks from tomorrow we will be checking in!! These 14 days can't go fast enough!

We thought the EXACT samething. Then before you knew it, we were packing up and getting on a plane back to reality.

Dont rush it .

I have never seen Aug 12th to Aug 25th go so freakin fast in my life.

 

[wmoon]

Loving the look of the Polynesian

We are planning a 18 day trip next summer (July) to WDW and trying to choose a hotel.

Does anyone have any ideas about the refurbishment planned? Its theonly thing making me think twice about booking here

Grateful for any thoughts. x

 

[Mousemommy1]

Loving the look of the Polynesian

We are planning a 18 day trip next summer (July) to WDW and trying to choose a hotel.

Does anyone have any ideas about the refurbishment planned? Its theonly thing making me think twice about booking here

Grateful for any thoughts. x

Based on the information available, the longhouse refurbs should be wrapping up in July, if the schedule is correct....that being said, I had no second thoughts about booking with the room refurbs going on. It's very likely that they will block off one longhouse at a time to do the whole thing, so there would be no guests in the longhouse at the time. We just spent 11 days at WL in July, in the midst of extensive renos, and barely noticed a thing. Disney does a great thing at hiding these things.

 

[mickeynut1]

I requested a standard view and when we checked in, they gave us Fiji bldg 2nd floor (no balcony unfortunately) but fantastic view of the volcano slide, GCH, marina, and lagoon. It was also a quick walk to the pool and GCH. Poly surprised us with this great building! You never know what you'll get but all views are great views!

Sounds like you had a great view . The Poly seems like it's a big, spread out resort, but it's really not. Some longhouses are closer to certain things than others, but I think everything is easily accessible from all buildings, and I agree that all the views are great .

Hi all! I am planning my first trip to the Poly and so appreciate all your tips and information.

I have a question that I haven't found the answer for yet. Can you ask for upgrades at check-in and how often are they given? Our TA suggested it, but I'm always reluctant to ask.

As the pp said, asking for an upgrade with plans to pay for it is one thing, but asking for a free upgrade is usually a sure way of not getting one. Upgrades are usually given for maintenance issues, overbooking, etc., so the best thing is to book what you want/can afford so you're not disappointed when you check in .

OMG OMG OMG!! I can HARDLY wait! 2 weeks from tomorrow we will be checking in!! These 14 days can't go fast enough!

Have a great trip .

Loving the look of the Polynesian

We are planning a 18 day trip next summer (July) to WDW and trying to choose a hotel.

Does anyone have any ideas about the refurbishment planned? Its theonly thing making me think twice about booking here

Grateful for any thoughts. x

From the information that's currently out, it looks like you will be ok for a July trip. We will be at the Poly the middle of July 2013 and as long as the volcano pool is open, we will stick with our plans to stay there. I can handle things going on around the resort, but if the pool is closed, we will change our resort as that's important to us (especially the volcano pool as that's our favorite pool on property ).

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Made it home to the Poly!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

 

[luvdmouse]

We are going the very end of March. Anyone know what refurbishment will be going on during that time?

 

[luvdmouse]

We are going the very end of March. Anyone know what refurbishment will be going on during that time?

 

[chimo2u]

We thought the EXACT samething. Then before you knew it, we were packing up and getting on a plane back to reality.

Dont rush it .

I have never seen Aug 12th to Aug 25th go so freakin fast in my life.

Too True!!! AS excited as I am for our trip to begin in 26 days, I am actually fine with just enjoying the days until then and not pushing to get through too quickly because once we get there I know it will fly by sooooo fast! I am trying to cherish every moment because it will be a good 2-4 years before I get the chance to come back! I love WDW, there's nothing better

 

[mykidsrock76]

We just upgraded from CSR to the Poly for our 4-night trip in 12 days!!!! I have been looking through this thread but have not been able to sit down and read it all.

What are the best tips anyone can give to a total Poly newbie?

A little background- it will be myself, DH, DD (9) and DS (7). We're celebrating our 10 year anniversary, DH's 40th bday and DD getting over a very serious illness.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[guitarob]

We just upgraded from CSR to the Poly for our 4-night trip in 12 days!!!! I have been looking through this thread but have not been able to sit down and read it all.

What are the best tips anyone can give to a total Poly newbie?

A little background- it will be myself, DH, DD (9) and DS (7). We're celebrating our 10 year anniversary, DH's 40th bday and DD getting over a very serious illness.

Thanks!!!!!

Don't forget to take time to enjoy the feeling of the resort, even in just the little moments. It's really good at just sucking you in if you let it.

I love the nights especially. Rushing around all day can be so hectic and exhausting, even if you're just having a ball. One of my favorite things about the Polynesian is it's atmosphere.

I make it a point to take the leisurely walk from the TTC through the Poly grounds back to my room after spending the night at Epcot and getting Drunk on Illuminations and Disney happiness. I'm usually beat, just can't wait to get back to the room and get some rest. The tiki torches, music, lighting and sounds from the lagoon and pools combine in such an intoxicating manner. The day is winding down, the air takes on such a relaxing feel, and lulls you into a slower pace. Gets me every time.