ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: September 2012

[CuteAsMinnie]

Ok, I'm 40, hubs is 43. Taking our 5 and 4 year old, all for our first Disney trip. Staying club level at the polynesian. In reading through this thread, a lot of people mention checking in online. We check in on Saturday, so five days away. I booked through a travel agent. I haven't gotten any emails or information about checking in online. Should I worry or just show up? I have a confirmation number so not too worried.

Online check-in isn't required, it just makes the onsite check in process faster. However, I've read in several places that you shouldn't do online check in if you're staying Club level Not sure if this is still true - maybe someone else can weigh in.

Sometimes, not always.

However, a CL stay definitely does not warrant on-line check-in. There is no point since CL has separate check-in anyway.

You may send IPO a 'looking forward to our arrival and thank you for trying to honoring our room/special requests' email.

Enjoy! You will love Poly CL!

 

[hebbynan]

Anybody have any construction updates on Tokelau? I think they have been running on schedule with the other longhouses so far. I was hoping to get one of the new rooms in Tokelau; we will be checking in on June 2nd. Any news would be helpful, Thanks!

Reposting 3PrincessesDad's original question.....anyone there recently have any updates for us? TIA

 

[Princess_Au]

Oh gosh, I can't believe I'm so indecisive, but I think I'm going to switch our reservation from AKL to the Poly. We have never stayed there, so can you please help me with what to request?

We will get a garden room and will have 2 kids, ages 8 and 4.

Here's what is important to us:

- a balcony or patio
- 1st floor would be nice to avoid steps/elevator (but does this make for a worse view in a garden room?)
- a room close to the volcano pool

Thanks!

 

[solana131]

When I called to pay off my trip last week, the CM told me that it said in their system, the GCH will be renovated from August through October. I remember reading about possible work on the GCH "later in the year" on Tikiman. I'm kind of nervous about that. What if Captain Cooks is closed? Or the fountain isn't working? Those are big reasons we like the Poly so much! I thought "later in the year" would not be August

 

[erinscreen]

Anybody have any construction updates on Tokelau? I think they have been running on schedule with the other longhouses so far. I was hoping to get one of the new rooms in Tokelau; we will be checking in on June 2nd. Any news would be helpful, Thanks!

Reposting 3PrincessesDad's original question.....anyone there recently have any updates for us? TIA

This isn't extremely helpful, but when I was there last week, Tokelau was completely closed up still. However, Niue and Rarotonga were open which makes me think that they are on schedule at the moment. I stayed in Samoa and will post pics later tonight.

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

Us too
looking to request a standard room with a balcony or patio
any room suggestions?
thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

Oh gosh, I can't believe I'm so indecisive, but I think I'm going to switch our reservation from AKL to the Poly. We have never stayed there, so can you please help me with what to request?

We will get a garden room and will have 2 kids, ages 8 and 4.

Here's what is important to us:

- a balcony or patio
- 1st floor would be nice to avoid steps/elevator (but does this make for a worse view in a garden room?)
- a room close to the volcano pool

Thanks!

We loved Samoa, however, balconies are only on the 3rd floor. For our Poly stay, my requests were "Samoa, first floor, facing volcano pool" (in that order) and the first 2 requests were met, with the 3rd being met if we wanted to move the next day. We decided to stay put as we had a nice view of the quiet pool and we didn't check in until around 1:00 a.m., so we didn't want to bother moving to a different room the next day after getting in so late (although I did think it was a very nice gesture for the CM to offer that option). We loved Samoa as it was very convenient to everything and was just steps from the volcano pool, the GCH, Captain Cooks, and the beach.

 

[sjs314]

When I called to pay off my trip last week, the CM told me that it said in their system, the GCH will be renovated from August through October. I remember reading about possible work on the GCH "later in the year" on Tikiman. I'm kind of nervous about that. What if Captain Cooks is closed? Or the fountain isn't working? Those are big reasons we like the Poly so much! I thought "later in the year" would not be August

First I heard of dates for GCH being closed, it is our first stay I really was hopeing to see the indoor waterfall

 

[DznyCrzy11]

When I called to pay off my trip last week, the CM told me that it said in their system, the GCH will be renovated from August through October. I remember reading about possible work on the GCH "later in the year" on Tikiman. I'm kind of nervous about that. What if Captain Cooks is closed? Or the fountain isn't working? Those are big reasons we like the Poly so much! I thought "later in the year" would not be August

Ugh, that will be when we are there!!! Since the renovation time is so short, hopefully it's just minor updates for now. I'm pretty sure Captain Cooks will still be open, since that's the only QS place at the resort but hopefully the waterfall in the lobby will still be working as well!!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

 

[DznyCrzy11]

First I heard of dates for GCH being closed, it is our first stay I really was owing to see the indoor waterfall

The GCH wouldn't be completely closed, that's where the resort restaurants and shops are, as well as guest services.

Sent from my GalaxyS II

 

[jw50]

When I called to pay off my trip last week, the CM told me that it said in their system, the GCH will be renovated from August through October. I remember reading about possible work on the GCH "later in the year" on Tikiman. I'm kind of nervous about that. What if Captain Cooks is closed? Or the fountain isn't working? Those are big reasons we like the Poly so much! I thought "later in the year" would not be August

There are no refurbishments at the Poly currently listed on the Disney TA website, however the refurbishments that do show are only ones that have already started or are scheduled to start in May. Until Disney does publish information about a GCH refurbishment I would not be concerned about it. Even if they do post a scheduled refurbishment that doesn't mean that it will actually happen. They posted a scheduled maintenance closure of the Volcano pool back in March that didn't happen.

Since there is no way to really know if a refurbishment is going to happen until it starts it is best to not worry too much about rumors. When they did the last refurbishment of Captain Cooks they just relocated it for awhile.

Same with the DVC construction at the Poly, no reason to worry about until it actually starts.

 

[erinscreen]

As promised, here are some pictures from my stay at the Poly. This was 5/4-5/9. We were in Samoa, room 2602.

The room


It's the shower


Toilet


The bathroom is one big room with two sinks


The closets and coffee maker area--does not appear to have changed


Sorry I didn't take more, but I was in a hurry. I hope these help give you an idea! The rooms are great--very breezy feel and not dark at all. The walls are a light green color.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Ok, I'm finally going to try and upload resort specific clothing/ some merch. from Boutiki last week. First time adding pics, so I'm just going to try one first and see how it goes!

Oh, I hope they still have those mugs when we go down in Sept!!!! I love it!!!

 

[solana131]

As promised, here are some pictures from my stay at the Poly. This was 5/4-5/9.

Thank you so much! I just love the new decor and can't wait to see it in person...it just looks so pretty and calming Just what we need after a hectic August day at the parks!

 

[Tinks]

Oh, I hope they still have those mugs when we go down in Sept!!!! I love it!!!

I bought this mug last July. The design washes off, even when you only hand wash it. I loved it, but I cannot recommend it.

 

[lolobug]

Can you book for the end of January yet?

 

[Ferrentinos]

I remember reading in earlier posts that a cabana had been damaged and removed for repairs. Anyone know if it is back yet? I'm hoping my cabana reservation in July isn't effected!

 

[mickeynut1]

As promised, here are some pictures from my stay at the Poly. This was 5/4-5/9. We were in Samoa, room 2602.

Great pics.....thanks for posting .

Can you book for the end of January yet?

You can book room only now by calling. Room only reservations can be booked 499 days out (but you have to call). You will be quoted the highest rate for 2013, which will automatically be adjusted once the 2014 rates are released. A deposit equal to 1 night's room rate + tax is required at booking. The new rates were always known to come out in August, but have been released as early as June/July the last two years. To book a package or book online, you have to wait until the new rates come out. Keep in mind that if you want a package, it's best to wait and book because tickets can't be "added" to a room only reservation to make it a package. The room only would have to be cancelled/refunded and the package booked, requiring a new deposit. Since room only and packages are different reservation systems, money paid toward one cannot be applied to the other. HTH .

 

[lolobug]

Great pics.....thanks for posting .

You can book room only now by calling. Room only reservations can be booked 499 days out (but you have to call). You will be quoted the highest rate for 2013, which will automatically be adjusted once the 2014 rates are released. A deposit equal to 1 night's room rate + tax is required at booking. The new rates were always known to come out in August, but have been released as early as June/July the last two years. To book a package or book online, you have to wait until the new rates come out. Keep in mind that if you want a package, it's best to wait and book because tickets can't be "added" to a room only reservation to make it a package. The room only would have to be cancelled/refunded and the package booked, requiring a new deposit. Since room only and packages are different reservation systems, money paid toward one cannot be applied to the other. HTH .

Last year in January there was a 30% or 35% room-only discount. Does anyone know which it was and do you think it will be available then?

 

[brunette8706]

Hello Diser's!

We just booked a one night stay at the Poly! Can anyone tell me if the rooms have been remodeled with new bedspreads (white)? I thought someone was mentioned this earlier this year, but I wasn't sure.

thanks so much!
Brunette