ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: September 2012

[Napria]

So excited! It has been my dream to stay at the Polynesian since my parents took my sister and me to WDW in 1981 as a High School graduation present. One night my sister and I went off exploring on our own and when the monorail stopped at the Poly we got off. I still remember clearly the sights and "feel" of stepping in to that truly magical resort. We both said that one day we would like to stay there. Well it's taken me 34 years, but I'm going!

 

[laura428]

We're here!!!!!!!! And I have to say that it's everything we'd hoped for. The kids are gaga for all things Poly, and even my Disney'd out DH gave me a big hug yesterday and thanked me for making all of the arrangements. Fireworks from our balcony were unreal - cant believe we have that view until next Sunday!!!

One question: when we called the front desk to ask what channel we tune into to hear the music for the fireworks, we were told 105. We can't get 105, only up to 93, and so they sent someone up to check on it. But the person who came to the room was confused - she said that the tvs had never gone to 105....?

Any ideas? We'd love to have the full-blown TPV experience, if possible!

 

[HappyMomma]

Does anyone know if Tahiti and/or Tokelau have standard rooms? I think I may request one of those. But not sure if I can since we booked a standard room?

The reason I'm thinking one of those.....Tokelau, bigger rooms.....Tahiti, we love quiet and being away from the fray........and I see a parking lot fairly close as well. We are driving down. Will the parking lot be an eyesore to us? it looks just far enough away to offer green space to view. TIA.

 

[mickeynut1]

Soooooo excited!!! 8 more days for us!!!

We are at OKW for the first 8 nights and then checking-in to Poly CL on 11/11. Looking forward to stay CL for the first time!

How exciting......have a great trip .

So excited! It has been my dream to stay at the Polynesian since my parents took my sister and me to WDW in 1981 as a High School graduation present. One night my sister and I went off exploring on our own and when the monorail stopped at the Poly we got off. I still remember clearly the sights and "feel" of stepping in to that truly magical resort. We both said that one day we would like to stay there. Well it's taken me 34 years, but I'm going!

Congrats on booking the Poly......it's an awesome place to stay and you will love it .

We're here!!!!!!!! And I have to say that it's everything we'd hoped for. The kids are gaga for all things Poly, and even my Disney'd out DH gave me a big hug yesterday and thanked me for making all of the arrangements. Fireworks from our balcony were unreal - cant believe we have that view until next Sunday!!!

When we first stayed at the Poly, we loved it the minute we checked in . Have a great time and enjoy.....being anywhere at the Poly is great, but having a view of the fireworks from your balcony just adds to the magic .

Does anyone know if Tahiti and/or Tokelau have standard rooms? I think I may request one of those. But not sure if I can since we booked a standard room?

The reason I'm thinking one of those.....Tokelau, bigger rooms.....Tahiti, we love quiet and being away from the fray........and I see a parking lot fairly close as well. We are driving down. Will the parking lot be an eyesore to us? it looks just far enough away to offer green space to view. TIA.

I'm not too familiar with all of the longhouses, but I think standard/garden view rooms are available in Tokelau and Tahiti....but hopefully someone can verify that .

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Does anyone know if Tahiti and/or Tokelau have standard rooms? I think I may request one of those. But not sure if I can since we booked a standard room?

The reason I'm thinking one of those.....Tokelau, bigger rooms.....Tahiti, we love quiet and being away from the fray........and I see a parking lot fairly close as well. We are driving down. Will the parking lot be an eyesore to us? it looks just far enough away to offer green space to view. TIA.

Yes, they have garden view rooms. Tikiman has a great site with information on the rooms so google that with Polynesian and it should come up for you.

We prefer Tokelau for its central location, all rooms have balcony or patio, and all views are pretty (no parking lot). Tahiti is set near the beach so it also has all pretty views, even on the opposite side of the water. We have driven and parked at the Poly and stayed at Tokelau. While certainly other longhouses may be closer to a lot, it was not a bad walk at all.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I told the kids last night about our quick trip (DH is working out of state and can't come with us this time). We leave tonight late and stay at Hilton Bonnet Creek for one night. We've done this late night flight and stay at HBC a few times now. It works well because the late night flight we pick is cheap and I use my Hilton Points and stay for free The HBC has nice rooms, a really cool pool with a lazy river type thing in it, and they have the yummiest cinnamon rolls.

We arrive at the Poly tomorrow but just for 2 nights. It will be a quick trip - but lots of fun!!! My daughter said she is getting 700 dole whips per day She is 8 and when I told them last night about this trip, she pulls out a notebook and starts writing a packing list. Then she writes a list of food and drinks she wants to get! She SO takes after me My son was just happy to get out of school for 2 days. He's been taking over his dad's job while he is out of town - laying on the couch with the tv remote letting DD and I pack. But the end result will be great

The kids did say something odd about staying at the Poly though. They typically ask to stay at this resort or say it is their favorite. This time, DD said she was happy to stay here but next time maybe we could stay at the Boardwalk again We did get a 1 BDR villa this summer at BWV and the villas are so much better for a family stay than just one room but the location and amenities of the Poly wins out for me. She said she was happy to stay at the Poly but when Dad comes again, we should consider the Boardwalk. First time she has ever said she liked another resort better, or at least the same, as the Poly. DS said he didn't care which is odd too because he loves the Poly. Don't get me wrong, they are both happy with the choice but this was the first time they didn't faint at the sound of staying at the Poly. If anyone else has experienced this type of thing with their kids as they get older, I'd like to know!

 

[HappyMomma]

Yes, they have garden view rooms. Tikiman has a great site with information on the rooms so google that with Polynesian and it should come up for you.

We prefer Tokelau for its central location, all rooms have balcony or patio, and all views are pretty (no parking lot). Tahiti is set near the beach so it also has all pretty views, even on the opposite side of the water. We have driven and parked at the Poly and stayed at Tokelau. While certainly other longhouses may be closer to a lot, it was not a bad walk at all.

Thank you! I didn't realize standard and garden view were the same? I always thought standard was code for parking lot.

We've already requested 3rd floor balcony. I guess you can send a fax a week before? (I never knew about this and will have to figure that out.) And I'll further request one of those longhouses. Thank you so much!

 

[Napria]

Has anyone rented a Hobie Cat (small, double hull sailboat) from the Poly's marina? How many people fit on it?

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Thank you! I didn't realize standard and garden view were the same? I always thought standard was code for parking lot.

We've already requested 3rd floor balcony. I guess you can send a fax a week before? (I never knew about this and will have to figure that out.) And I'll further request one of those longhouses. Thank you so much!

Poly's lowest rate is a garden view. There are very few rooms with bad views and even those that face a parking lot still have a view of the manicured lawns/gardens!

Do not fax your request in - that is old information. IF you use online check-in, you can request a longhouse and/or balcony but only two items are accepted online. If you want to request something and you are not using online check in or you just want to verify, call central reservations no more than 10 days in advance but not less than 3 days. At 3 days, they are already putting people into rooms. Call and make sure that your first request is the one you most want. For instance, if a longhouse is your preferred request, let them know your first request is 'Tokelau' (or whatever) and then your subsequent request is '3rd floor balcony room'.

One of the reasons I request Tokelau is because all rooms have a patio or balcony so I know that even if I don't get the 2nd room request (usually patio room), I at least know that if I get Tokelau, I will get a balcony or patio.

Good luck and don't worry too much - all the rooms are really great!

 

[mickeynut1]

I didn't realize standard and garden view were the same? I always thought standard was code for parking lot.

We've already requested 3rd floor balcony. I guess you can send a fax a week before? (I never knew about this and will have to figure that out.) And I'll further request one of those longhouses. Thank you so much!

I think the categories have been changed and what was called "garden view" is now categorized as "standard".

I agree not to fax in any requests as that is a thing of the past. I always put requests in when I book our trip, and then I call back a day or two prior to arrival to verify everything. I have never done online check in, but from what I've read, if you do have requests, it's best not to do online check in because you will get a packet with everything in it upon arrival vs actually checking in/speaking with a CM. If you get assigned a room that doesn't meet any of your requests, you could ask the CM if it's possible to wait for another room, which can't be done when you do online check in. I know requests are just that and are not guaranteed, but sometimes a room that matches your request(s) might be available later in the day if you are willing to wait. With that said, I don't think there is a bad room/location at the Poly, so if you don't get your requests met, you will still have a great room/location .

 

[A MK Family]

Woohoo...we will be there in 24 hours....

 

[HappyMomma]

Woohoo...we will be there in 24 hours....

So excited for you! Have a fabulous time!

 

[DebbyLof428]

Woohoo...we will be there in 24 hours....

Enjoy. Aloha

 

[mickeynut1]

Woohoo...we will be there in 24 hours....

Have a great time .

 

[HappyMomma]

Is the pool heated? I just know my crazy kids will want to swim in January.

 

[pixarmom]

Is the pool heated? I just know my crazy kids will want to swim in January.

Yes! Our kids swim in January.

 

[cmadara]

So close I can almost here hear the music and see the tiki torches

 

[pixarmom]

Does anyone have an update on the room refurbishments or a schedule? We are arriving on on February 23rd for the Princess Half Marathon and I'm wondering if some (or all) of the longhouses will be refurbished by then. If the refurbishment is underway, I'd want to request a room that is already refurbished.

Check tikiman's site. I had trouble finding the reported schedule at first, but if you click on "longhouses" and go to each longhouse individually, it lists planned rehabs in the stats for each longhouse. So for example, under "Hawaii," it lists "Next Rehab: January-March 2013."

 

[mickeynut1]

Is the pool heated? I just know my crazy kids will want to swim in January.

Yes, the pools are heated .

So close I can almost here hear the music and see the tiki torches

Have a great time .

Check tikiman's site. I had trouble finding the reported schedule at first, but if you click on "longhouses" and go to each longhouse individually, it lists planned rehabs in the stats for each longhouse. So for example, under "Hawaii," it lists "Next Rehab: January-March 2013."

Thanks for this . I haven't kept up with any refurb information as i could never find it on tikiman's site.

 

[A MK Family]

Great! Thanks! Just waiting for connection, reminding myself that flying with three kids will be worth once we are at the Poly!