ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: September 2012

[BuzznBelle'smom]

The problem is, you can't even BOOK CL in January- mid March right now (likely because of the planned renos). So, I believe pixarmom is settling on Samoa for right now, but is looking for a backup request for that in case that doesn't come through.

Yeah, I'm also disappointed with no club level in Jan. My TA has it in her tickle file, to keep asking every now and again. I find it very odd that they would have both Contemporary and Ploy Club level down at the same time--especially so close to Feb. break.

In the mean time, we'll be doing GV, and I requested the Tahiti building (a personal favorite, close to the TTC). If club level pops up for my dates, I'll be all over that like white on rice.

 

[cmesq61]

Just booked 5 nights at the poly in January - my family's first time staying there and my parent's first time to Disney ever.

My husband and i have been around the moderate block at disney, though my 3yo ds is so spoiled - he's only been at AKV on rented DVC points. I think the monorail will make up for it though!

Can't wait!

You'll love it--so happy for you!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

We stayed for three days on our recent trip, and I enjoyed the hotel a lot. My wife and I even did the Hula lesson. (I got the sense most people don't bother, because they seemed really thankful that we participated.)

But I can't decide whether Poly is the ideal resort in October. In the summer, an ideal plan for the resort is to go to MK, come back in the afternoon and swim, and then go back to the MK in the evening. This is so easy with the monorail. But when the MK closes at 7pm for MNSSHP, that isn't really practical.

On the other hand, watching the Hallowishes fireworks from the Poly beach was incredible. The Hallowishes fireworks display is so wide that I actually think you get a better view from the Poly than in the park.

I love the Poly in October - or anytime We stayed last year at the Poly in October and the monorail to BOTH MK and EP can't be beat! It is still plenty warm enough to swim in October as well.

And I just happen to be going in less than 2 weeks to the Poly but for a very quick trip - shhh, the kids don't know!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Due to the short length of our trip, I am not making any dining reservations. While I know Captain Cooks carries some premade Sushi, I am more interested in the fresh made sushi at the sushi bar. I have dined at the Sushi bar a couple of times and enjoy some of the rolls they have. I also know they are walk up and can be hard to get a seat if you aren't there early. I have also dined at Kona cafe and seem to recall them offering the sushi menu there and have found that I can USUALLY get a table quickly when I just walk up, especially in the earlier hours. And I happened to look at Tambu Lounge's menu and they have a sushi roll on their appetizer menu. The goal of what I am trying to accomplish is to get a seat at a restaurant/lounge/etc for me and my two kids where we can have sushi (specifically the mango/shrimp roll) and steak (any decent kind for my son). We would dine at 5 pm.

So here are a few questions:

1. Does Kona Cafe still offer the sushi menu as well as their dinner menu?
2. Can you order from the Kona Cafe menu if you sit at the Sushi bar (and get a steak)?
3. Does Tambu Lounge serve the full sushi menu or only the one roll (that is currently listed on allearsnet)? For that matter, does Tambu Lounge serve anything from the Kona Cafe - or again, is it only that appetizer menu?

Thanks everyone!

 

[brea]

So excited. Coming back and looking forward to it! 1/27/13 thru 2/2/13!!!

 

[jreeves628]

I see from the photo on the first page that there is a boat launch and a ferry to MK at the TTC. Is one better or faster than the other?

Which way do you take to get to MK quickly?

 

[kathie859]

We checked in yesterday for a 6 night stay---Hawaii Bldg, CL. If it wasn't for the view of the castle, I'd be bummed. In comparison to the BWI---we'll, there IS no comparison. The room, while very clean, is worn and dated. Lighting is hideous--I put my makeup on by the window to get decent light. So far the food in the CL has me underwhelmed--not as much or the variety of BWI. I'm in the Lounge now waiting for the appetizers---but they are obviously behind schedule---it's 5:10 (almost) and not a snack in sight. The lounge is also worn and dated and there's no fresh flowers on the tables. Next trip, it's back to the BWI for me!

 

[pixarmom]

The Poly is great any time of year. Have a great trip .

Agreed! We usually stay in the winter, but as Poly is our two older boys' favorite resort and my favorite MK area resort, it's good any time of year!

Yeah, I'm also disappointed with no club level in Jan. My TA has it in her tickle file, to keep asking every now and again. I find it very odd that they would have both Contemporary and Ploy Club level down at the same time--especially so close to Feb. break.

In the mean time, we'll be doing GV, and I requested the Tahiti building (a personal favorite, close to the TTC). If club level pops up for my dates, I'll be all over that like white on rice.

Hi BuzznBelle'smom! I finally found the general rehab schedule, so that's been helpful in thinking about my backup requests. Under each longhouse on tikiman's site, he lists the anticipated rehab timeframe. I know things can change at any time and this is just an estimate, but unfortunately for me, it says that Samoa's rehab is anticipated for January - March. Boo! I'll still request Samoa, and then if it's not available when we arrive, maybe Rarotonga, third floor, facing the quiet pool. Any reviews of Rarotonga? I used to not care about longhouse selection, but with three kids and a husband who likes to be close to the GCH, I've changed my tune!

So here are a few questions:

1. Does Kona Cafe still offer the sushi menu as well as their dinner menu?
2. Can you order from the Kona Cafe menu if you sit at the Sushi bar (and get a steak)?
3. Does Tambu Lounge serve the full sushi menu or only the one roll (that is currently listed on allearsnet)? For that matter, does Tambu Lounge serve anything from the Kona Cafe - or again, is it only that appetizer menu?

Thanks everyone!

I love Kona sushi - but have not stayed at Poly since last year. I would be interested to hear the responses, too!

We checked in yesterday for a 6 night stay---Hawaii Bldg, CL. If it wasn't for the view of the castle, I'd be bummed. In comparison to the BWI---we'll, there IS no comparison. The room, while very clean, is worn and dated. Lighting is hideous--I put my makeup on by the window to get decent light. So far the food in the CL has me underwhelmed--not as much or the variety of BWI. I'm in the Lounge now waiting for the appetizers---but they are obviously behind schedule---it's 5:10 (almost) and not a snack in sight. The lounge is also worn and dated and there's no fresh flowers on the tables. Next trip, it's back to the BWI for me!

Sorry to hear your review - hopefully the rehab will address some of those issues. But I know that doesn't help for now - hope you still enjoy your trip! And of course, I love to hear good things about BWI CL - stayed there last year and we're booked for the second half of our stay in January - 1/2 Poly and 1/2 BWI CL!

 

[MikeRx]

We just booked the Poly for April 12-18th this weekend to compliment our Disney Cruise on the Dream (18-21)! I was able to get all of our ADRs including BoG at the 180 day mark.

Making plans for this great trip has me nearly looking past our “what the heck trip” in December.

Mike

Mike, DW, DS (4), DMIL



Mike DW DS (4) DMIL

First visit 1976, WDW 2/2010 BC CL, Disneyland GC 12/2010, WDW 4/2012 POLY TPV, WDW 7/2012 (off site meeting), WDW 12/12 POP and 4/2013 POLY with Disney Dream cruise!

 

[cmesq61]

I see from the photo on the first page that there is a boat launch and a ferry to MK at the TTC. Is one better or faster than the other?

We love the ferry. Cool, gorgeous views-ESP during fireworks. Can't speak to the small resort boats as they are not accessible.

 

[gaildmoody]

I see from the photo on the first page that there is a boat launch and a ferry to MK at the TTC. Is one better or faster than the other?

Which way do you take to get to MK quickly?

Well there is a boat actually at the Poly that takes you to the MK so not sure why you would go over to the TTC. We prefer the boat unless we are already in the GCH.

 

[tinkermommyof3]

We checked in yesterday for a 6 night stay---Hawaii Bldg, CL. If it wasn't for the view of the castle, I'd be bummed. In comparison to the BWI---we'll, there IS no comparison. The room, while very clean, is worn and dated. Lighting is hideous--I put my makeup on by the window to get decent light. So far the food in the CL has me underwhelmed--not as much or the variety of BWI. I'm in the Lounge now waiting for the appetizers---but they are obviously behind schedule---it's 5:10 (almost) and not a snack in sight. The lounge is also worn and dated and there's no fresh flowers on the tables. Next trip, it's back to the BWI for me!

Sorry you are disappointed in Poly CL. I understand the difference in BWI and Poly. Have stayed at both. BWI does have a more upscale, polished feel and environment--GF like. But, we love the Poly for the laid back atmosphere. They are drastically different as you are seeing. As for the food, our last stay in Poly CL we were impressed with the food offerings. I know this can be hit or miss at any CL lounge depending on the time of stay. I hope your trip improves. Enjoy your wonderful view of the castle. We are checking into the Hawaii building in less than two weeks and cannot wait!

 

[weedles]

Have been so wrapped up in the FLE updates I lost track of our countdown...17 days til we arrive at the Poly

What started out as a short visit turned into 12 days at the one resort Ive been dying to stay at I figured being the 5th visit in three years it was time to put my foot down this time lol

So yup shameless ticker checker

 

[hulagirl87]

So excited. Coming back and looking forward to it! 1/27/13 thru 2/2/13!!!

we'll be there at the same time! 1/24-2/1!! so excited.

We haven't been to Disney in a few years and I keep seeing people mentioning online check in. I'm sorry if this is a really dumb question, but how do you do this?

 

[mickeynut1]

So excited. Coming back and looking forward to it! 1/27/13 thru 2/2/13!!!

Your trip will be here before you know it .

We checked in yesterday for a 6 night stay---Hawaii Bldg, CL. If it wasn't for the view of the castle, I'd be bummed. In comparison to the BWI---we'll, there IS no comparison. The room, while very clean, is worn and dated. Lighting is hideous--I put my makeup on by the window to get decent light. So far the food in the CL has me underwhelmed--not as much or the variety of BWI. I'm in the Lounge now waiting for the appetizers---but they are obviously behind schedule---it's 5:10 (almost) and not a snack in sight. The lounge is also worn and dated and there's no fresh flowers on the tables. Next trip, it's back to the BWI for me!

I'm sorry you're not having a good stay. I hope things turn around and you are able to have a magical trip and enjoy CL .

We just booked the Poly for April 12-18th this weekend to compliment our Disney Cruise on the Dream (18-21)! I was able to get all of our ADRs including BoG at the 180 day mark.

Making plans for this great trip has me nearly looking past our “what the heck trip” in December.

You picked a great resort to start off your vacation . We booked the Poly for after our Dream cruise in July 2013 and can't wait to get back to paradise .

Have been so wrapped up in the FLE updates I lost track of our countdown...17 days til we arrive at the Poly

What started out as a short visit turned into 12 days at the one resort Ive been dying to stay at I figured being the 5th visit in three years it was time to put my foot down this time lol

So yup shameless ticker checker

You will LOVE the Poly.....have a great trip .

we'll be there at the same time! 1/24-2/1!! so excited.

We haven't been to Disney in a few years and I keep seeing people mentioning online check in. I'm sorry if this is a really dumb question, but how do you do this?

Hopefully the time goes fast for you .

For online check in, just log into your account/reservation and there should be a link for it .

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

We checked in yesterday for a 6 night stay---Hawaii Bldg, CL. If it wasn't for the view of the castle, I'd be bummed. In comparison to the BWI---we'll, there IS no comparison. The room, while very clean, is worn and dated. Lighting is hideous--I put my makeup on by the window to get decent light. So far the food in the CL has me underwhelmed--not as much or the variety of BWI. I'm in the Lounge now waiting for the appetizers---but they are obviously behind schedule---it's 5:10 (almost) and not a snack in sight. The lounge is also worn and dated and there's no fresh flowers on the tables. Next trip, it's back to the BWI for me!

I'm sorry you aren't happy with Poly CL. I'm a Poly lover, as it is our favorite resort. As much as I love the Poly, I feel that CL service is better at BC. I love the theming of the Poly, and the view from the lounge is fabulous. Those things keep us going back.

I don't know if this will help you or not, but to help with the lighting in the bathroom I remove the cover from the light fixtures next to the mirror. The covers slide off and back on easily. It helps me to see better to put on makeup.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

We checked in yesterday for a 6 night stay---Hawaii Bldg, CL. If it wasn't for the view of the castle, I'd be bummed. In comparison to the BWI---we'll, there IS no comparison. The room, while very clean, is worn and dated. Lighting is hideous--I put my makeup on by the window to get decent light. So far the food in the CL has me underwhelmed--not as much or the variety of BWI. I'm in the Lounge now waiting for the appetizers---but they are obviously behind schedule---it's 5:10 (almost) and not a snack in sight. The lounge is also worn and dated and there's no fresh flowers on the tables. Next trip, it's back to the BWI for me!

We stayed at BWV this past summer so I have stayed at both resorts. I have never stayed CL though so I can't compare the two on that level. I did enjoy our stay at the BW more than I thought I would but for me, I prefer the Poly. But when you pay so much more for CL, you expect a certain level of service and amenities and it's too bad that the Poly did not live up to another Disney resort (they really should have the same level of service!) As for lighting, I have never had an issue but the colors in the rooms can be darker unlike BW where everything is white so it certainly makes a difference when you close your curtains or only have one light on. Were there other things about the Poly that were not up to par or was it primarily CL?

I see from the photo on the first page that there is a boat launch and a ferry to MK at the TTC. Is one better or faster than the other?

Which way do you take to get to MK quickly?

The QUICKEST way to get to MK is via monorail from the GCH. An alternative is to use the resort boat launch but that is slower and does stop at GF although it is a nice boat ride if you are interested in taking it slow and enjoying the scenery. The ferry from TTC is large to accommodate all the day travelers that drive to MK. Since TTC is MK's parking lot, they park and then take the ferry or monorail to MK. While I have heard that occasionally a character could be found on the ferry (chip and dale), I am not sure if that is still the case and/or if it is only the first morning ride.

So if you are staying at the Poly, take the monorail to MK to get their quickly or take the resort boat launch if you want. Walking to the TTC to get transportation is generally going to take longer (unless you are going to Epcot or in a longhouse that is closer to the TTC).

 

[meuseman]

Just updated our reservation to include dining (passholder rate). In 12 days we will be at the Poly for the first time since our honeymoon!! And the kids have no idea...

 

[auntfrannie]

We checked in yesterday for a 6 night stay---Hawaii Bldg, CL. If it wasn't for the view of the castle, I'd be bummed. In comparison to the BWI---we'll, there IS no comparison. The room, while very clean, is worn and dated. Lighting is hideous--I put my makeup on by the window to get decent light. So far the food in the CL has me underwhelmed--not as much or the variety of BWI. I'm in the Lounge now waiting for the appetizers---but they are obviously behind schedule---it's 5:10 (almost) and not a snack in sight. The lounge is also worn and dated and there's no fresh flowers on the tables. Next trip, it's back to the BWI for me!

I agree with you, Kathie. I was there last week and wasn't impressed. I love the Polynesian I just don't think staying CL is worth the extra money. I'm glad I got to experience it at a reduced AP rate.

 

[gaildmoody]

The QUICKEST way to get to MK is via monorail from the GCH. An alternative is to use the resort boat launch but that is slower and does stop at GF although it is a nice boat ride if you are interested in taking it slow and enjoying the scenery. The ferry from TTC is large to accommodate all the day travelers that drive to MK. Since TTC is MK's parking lot, they park and then take the ferry or monorail to MK. While I have heard that occasionally a character could be found on the ferry (chip and dale), I am not sure if that is still the case and/or if it is only the first morning ride.

So if you are staying at the Poly, take the monorail to MK to get their quickly or take the resort boat launch if you want. Walking to the TTC to get transportation is generally going to take longer (unless you are going to Epcot or in a longhouse that is closer to the TTC).

Just as an update to this... the boat from the Poly doesn't stop at the GF on the way to the MK, just on the way back. I find it much quicker to take the boat to the MK and the monorail back. Of course pending I didn't just miss the boat and have to wait another 15 minutes!