ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: June 2013

[karriealex]

deluxe does spoil you, especially the monorail resorts. I hate to say it but that's how we feel about AKL!! Booked AKL for a quick trip with the winter discount, paid $190 a night per room for pool view. We took our older daughter and her best friend and picked up younger daughter at the Outback Bowl in Tampa where she had performed at halftime. So five virtual adults. So thankful we booked two connecting rooms as they seemed extra small since they are so dark. The bathroom, OMG, You get out of the shower and you need to open the door immediately it's so claustrophobic in there. We are just home tonight from three nights in Tokelau again and I have to say, I like the rooms there for the size (it was just myself and my husband this time) but why, oh why did they do away with the full length mirror?? I missed that most of all, and wish thaty they could get some more powerful hairdryers! Other than that, perfect room, perfect location, 3929 right next to the elevators!

You are not alone in how you feel about AKL. We have stayed there twice and we wont again. It is beautiful and all but the rooms are too small and too dark for my taste. It is kind of why I am also hesitant to stay at WL because they were designed by the same person. We are three adults and a 15 year old and we really need our space. The full length mirror didn't really bother me because I am overweight and the last thing I want to see is a full length view of myself ROFL. They do need stronger hair dryers. It was a pain when my hair was long but not so bad now that it is short.

How was the construction and noise over at Tokalau?

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Have a safe and wonderful trip!!!!

Thank you! The whole family is so excited and really tired from "life" so we can't wait for the week of fun and relaxation! The kids are going through their pins right now but I keep telling them they need to go to sleep - but y'all know how that is

I got the shock of my life today. You all know we stayed at the Poly in August and then went to Portofino Bay. Well the Portofino Bay part of the trip was horrible. I called management to let them know what happened so they could change things and no one else would have to go through what we did. When I was telling her what happened all she kept saying was OMG OMG OMG. Well she begged us to give them another chance and offered us the two days we stayed. I waited and waited for the certificate, I called twice with no return call and figured oh well I got lip service. Well for the heck of it I called today and got the same lady. She fell all over herself apologizing and asked if she could email me the certificate and call to make sure I got it. I said fine. The email came, she called, and I told her I got it. Well when I opened it up it was not for two days at club level but THREE and with a roll away bed!!! I almost fell over. That is over 1200.00!!! I never called just to get something I just didn't want others to have the same experience. I am totally blown away. We will use it when we do our annual trip in June but we will go there first and then to Disney because no matter what there is nothing like a Disney resort.

I know you had a bad experience there and I let you know we did as well - but I didn't tell you the story! We only stayed one night but they put us in the dog friendly area which I had no idea they had. We actually went to the pool straight away and I had no idea about this until we got back to the room. Well, I'm allergic to dogs!! And when I called - sneezing and stuffy, they said that I didn't mention it in my reservation and they had no where to move me. I could not believe it. I went to the front desk and they said the same thing. I was LIVID!!!! How was I supposed to make it through the night barely able to breath? I told my husband I was out of there and a motel 6 would be find with me. As I showered (to get the dander out of my eyes and flush them out), he had a talk with management. So I'm drying off, put on my clothes, shoving things in the suitcase - and he says, come with me. Turns out, there was another non-dog room available. And because he didn't want me to be stressed, he handled it all - to the tune of the entire stay - hotel and food - being comped along with an offer to return. Given that really was my only complaint (we loved the pool and the service there), I now give them a because they turned it around for us. Yes, we were inconvenienced and spent extra time with this ordeal but comping the night and food was beyond my discomfort (well, if I didn't move rooms that is). Anyway, I'm sorry to go but wanted to tell you that I was also amazed at management's concern. They did offer us 'more' if we returned (more than one night comp) but DH knew my immediate satisfaction was more important - at the time!!!! I would now like to have such a certificate So YEAH!!!!

deluxe does spoil you, especially the monorail resorts. I hate to say it but that's how we feel about AKL!! Booked AKL for a quick trip with the winter discount, paid $190 a night per room for pool view. We took our older daughter and her best friend and picked up younger daughter at the Outback Bowl in Tampa where she had performed at halftime. So five virtual adults. So thankful we booked two connecting rooms as they seemed extra small since they are so dark. The bathroom, OMG, You get out of the shower and you need to open the door immediately it's so claustrophobic in there. We are just home tonight from three nights in Tokelau again and I have to say, I like the rooms there for the size (it was just myself and my husband this time) but why, oh why did they do away with the full length mirror?? I missed that most of all, and wish thaty they could get some more powerful hairdryers! Other than that, perfect room, perfect location, 3929 right next to the elevators!

LOVE the room size in Tokelau!!! We were given a choice room in - um, what's the longhouse everyone likes next to the pool? HA! We saw it and I turned around and couldn't stay in it. OH MY, PLEASE let me get TOKELAU this time!!! Darn this online check-in - it is erroring out continuously!!!!

 

[LovinPooh]

I m new to the poly. It has been my dream for years. Finally with the room discount i was able to book. All that was left was standard, but i do not care. Poly is my dream resort.
I do have couple questions if you poly pros dont mind
Do all rooms come with a day bed?
What do you think of rarotonga? Being close to the food court n transporatation is important. As far as view i think it would be insane to sit on my balcony and watch the monorail. Which is what got me thinking rarotonga. Now when i do online check in can i request this? Or should i call and ask for "rarotonga, 3rd floor monorail view"?
Any input you all can give to make this magical would be great!
Thank you

 

[rcraw45425]

You are not alone in how you feel about AKL. We have stayed there twice and we wont again. It is beautiful and all but the rooms are too small and too dark for my taste. It is kind of why I am also hesitant to stay at WL because they were designed by the same person. We are three adults and a 15 year old and we really need our space. The full length mirror didn't really bother me because I am overweight and the last thing I want to see is a full length view of myself ROFL. They do need stronger hair dryers. It was a pain when my hair was long but not so bad now that it is short.

How was the construction and noise over at Tokalau?

We heard no construction noise, we faced the TTC. My biggest complaint was Monday night we heard Richard Petty Driving experience running laps until close to 11PM. I did notice this morning when we were getting ready to check out that we heard a lot of noise down below from the housekeeping guys with their little carts full of laundry.

WL rooms are also a little on the smallish dark side. Our first stay there our girls were little so it wasn't much of an issue, we stayed again CL a few years back and it did get tight at times. The AKL fiasco, as we call it started with going to our connecting rooms on Zebra trail aka the never ending hike to find that they connected, to the rooms on the other sides! Room coordinator moved us to Giraffe trail to connecting rooms, the kids room wound up having bunk beds which did not thrill three teen aged girls (two college bound). Naturally the youngest was stuck with the bunk bed, which had terrible non mattress mattresses. Not meant for grown ups! WL, IMO, has a couple of things going of it that AKL lacks, WL has location, the boat to MK and view of Wishes and also the ability to take a resort launch to CR giving it access to the monorail resorts. AKL is just too too isolated. We drove over there today to have lunch at Sanaa before driving home and it's so isolated from the read of the "world"

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray to the tiki gods my dole whip doesn't weep...



And if I should wake in the middle of the night, I pray that the monorail is still young and sprite...



But if nothing goes my way, that's okay, because I know an Island Sunset is coming my way...



Good night, sleep tight and for heaven's sake, don't let ANY bedbugs bite!



And if they do, I'll sleep here instead...



or maybe here...



but no worries, because I will dream - and a dream is a wish your heart makes...when you're fast asleep...

 

[karriealex]

Thank you! The whole family is so excited and really tired from "life" so we can't wait for the week of fun and relaxation! The kids are going through their pins right now but I keep telling them they need to go to sleep - but y'all know how that is



I know you had a bad experience there and I let you know we did as well - but I didn't tell you the story! We only stayed one night but they put us in the dog friendly area which I had no idea they had. We actually went to the pool straight away and I had no idea about this until we got back to the room. Well, I'm allergic to dogs!! And when I called - sneezing and stuffy, they said that I didn't mention it in my reservation and they had no where to move me. I could not believe it. I went to the front desk and they said the same thing. I was LIVID!!!! How was I supposed to make it through the night barely able to breath? I told my husband I was out of there and a motel 6 would be find with me. As I showered (to get the dander out of my eyes and flush them out), he had a talk with management. So I'm drying off, put on my clothes, shoving things in the suitcase - and he says, come with me. Turns out, there was another non-dog room available. And because he didn't want me to be stressed, he handled it all - to the tune of the entire stay - hotel and food - being comped along with an offer to return. Given that really was my only complaint (we loved the pool and the service there), I now give them a because they turned it around for us. Yes, we were inconvenienced and spent extra time with this ordeal but comping the night and food was beyond my discomfort (well, if I didn't move rooms that is). Anyway, I'm sorry to go but wanted to tell you that I was also amazed at management's concern. They did offer us 'more' if we returned (more than one night comp) but DH knew my immediate satisfaction was more important - at the time!!!! I would now like to have such a certificate So YEAH!!!!



LOVE the room size in Tokelau!!! We were given a choice room in - um, what's the longhouse everyone likes next to the pool? HA! We saw it and I turned around and couldn't stay in it. OH MY, PLEASE let me get TOKELAU this time!!! Darn this online check-in - it is erroring out continuously!!!!

I am very very glad they did something for you too. I was also shocked when I saw the dogs when we checked in. I had no idea thy allowed them.

I hope the check in is working for you in the morning. What to,e do you arrive? If it is early enough they have the chance to move you if the room is not where you want, This is a big celebration for you and I would like it to be perfect for you!

 

[mariamouse]

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray to the tiki gods my dole whip doesn't weep... http://s882.photobucket.com/user/lauramoos/media/null-5.jpg.html And if I should wake in the middle of the night, I pray that the monorail is still young and sprite... http://s882.photobucket.com/user/lauramoos/media/DSC00737.jpg.html But if nothing goes my way, that's okay, because I know an Island Sunset is coming my way... http://s882.photobucket.com/user/lauramoos/media/DSC00740.jpg.html Good night, sleep tight and for heaven's sake, don't let ANY bedbugs bite! http://s882.photobucket.com/user/lauramoos/media/DSC00731.jpg.html And if they do, I'll sleep here instead... http://s882.photobucket.com/user/lauramoos/media/IMG_3014.jpg.html or maybe here... http://s882.photobucket.com/user/lauramoos/media/DSC00769.jpg.html but no worries, because I will dream - and a dream is a wish your heart makes...when you're fast asleep... http://s882.photobucket.com/user/lauramoos/media/Poly_Pool.jpg.html

So cute! Have a blast.

 

[karriealex]

So cute! Have a blast.

That was so cute, Of course now I am craving a Dole Whip LOL

 

[Cory's Gal]

I am so excited!! We actually get to stay at the Poly this February 8-15th!! My parents are treating themselves, me and my family, my brother and his family, and my sister and her husband to a WDW trip!!! We were originally booked at the Grand Floridian but when discounts came out we are all now staying Club Level at the Poly!!!! I have been dreaming of staying here for many years!! There will be 13 of us total in 4 rooms!!! WE can't wait to tell the kids their surprise at Thanksgiving!!!! Thanks guitarob for an awesome thread!!!!!

~Beth

 

[rcraw45425]

That was so cute, Of course now I am craving a Dole Whip LOL

Jeff and I discovered the orange ones at Aloha Isle. Reminded me of a orange Push Up from my childhood. Unfortunately, not available at Captain Cooks. We did have original Dole Whips at the Poly though. Funny thing, I believe that a Dole Whip is becoming a prerequisite in choosing a hotel now!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I am very very glad they did something for you too. I was also shocked when I saw the dogs when we checked in. I had no idea thy allowed them. I hope the check in is working for you in the morning. What to,e do you arrive? If it is early enough they have the chance to move you if the room is not where you want, This is a big celebration for you and I would like it to be perfect for you!

We will be in Orlando already and will probably arrive about noon on Sunday. As long as we get Tokelau, I will be happy!

 

[jaz0308]

I m new to the poly. It has been my dream for years. Finally with the room discount i was able to book. All that was left was standard, but i do not care. Poly is my dream resort.
I do have couple questions if you poly pros dont mind
Do all rooms come with a day bed?
What do you think of rarotonga? Being close to the food court n transporatation is important. As far as view i think it would be insane to sit on my balcony and watch the monorail. Which is what got me thinking rarotonga. Now when i do online check in can i request this? Or should i call and ask for "rarotonga, 3rd floor monorail view"?
Any input you all can give to make this magical would be great!
Thank you

Hi and Welcome to Poly love! We have stayed twice and requested Raratonga both times. We absolutely love it! For us, being close to food court/transportation was most important! You literally walked out of the building and into GCH! It is also very close to the TTC. We request ground floor as we like to have a patio for kids to play but highly recommend Raratonga...think it is overlooked as a gem!

 

[LovinPooh]

Thank you! Sounds like a perfect spot for us then

 

[karriealex]

We will be in Orlando already and will probably arrive about noon on Sunday. As long as we get Tokelau, I will be happy!

I will be saying Tokelau prayers for you. Maybe with everyone trying to get far away from the construction that you will get your wish no problem. I so hope that is true for you. I just so want your trip to be perfect and magical!!!!!!

 

[karriealex]

I m new to the poly. It has been my dream for years. Finally with the room discount i was able to book. All that was left was standard, but i do not care. Poly is my dream resort.
I do have couple questions if you poly pros dont mind
Do all rooms come with a day bed?
What do you think of rarotonga? Being close to the food court n transporatation is important. As far as view i think it would be insane to sit on my balcony and watch the monorail. Which is what got me thinking rarotonga. Now when i do online check in can i request this? Or should i call and ask for "rarotonga, 3rd floor monorail view"?
Any input you all can give to make this magical would be great!
Thank you

You are going to fall in love and get hooked as we all are; Yes all rooms have the couch that pulls down into a daybed. My kids fight over it. I have slept on it myself and it s really comfortable. I bet if you called CRO and asked that that particular vew be added to your reservation that you might have a good chance of getting. It is not as popular view as others and they might love that someone wants that view. if i had my choice I would love that view too but dh is against it, I would call and add it to the reservation because there is just so much you can ask for on online reservation. I mean you could ask for that longhouse and floor but not which side of the building you want so you run the risk of getting the other side. Good luck on getting exactly what you are dreaming of.

 

[LovinPooh]

Thank you!
That is so great. We are a family of four with two teens. And they are rotten about the beds lol. So we usually bring an air mattress and one sleeps on that on the floor. That day bed is going to be huge. They also like filling those mugs, so being close to capt cooks is good. Rarotonga sounds like a perfect fit. I cant even express how over the moon i am about this resort. Its been like that "someday" resort for years.
I am going to call and add that view to my reservation. I feel better knowing that view isnt so popular. Sitting with my mug watching the monorail go by is a dream.
Nevermind ohanas being right there. Got three adrs booked for ohanas. Those potstickers are delicous lol!
Thank you! So glad i found this thread

 

[psac]

Thanks for the visual poem, Tinkerbellie!!

 

[Lita]

I m new to the poly. It has been my dream for years. Finally with the room discount i was able to book. All that was left was standard, but i do not care. Poly is my dream resort. I do have couple questions if you poly pros dont mind Do all rooms come with a day bed? What do you think of rarotonga? Being close to the food court n transporatation is important. As far as view i think it would be insane to sit on my balcony and watch the monorail. Which is what got me thinking rarotonga. Now when i do online check in can i request this? Or should i call and ask for "rarotonga, 3rd floor monorail view"? Any input you all can give to make this magical would be great! Thank you

We stayed in Rarotonga in May and loved it! It was nice to not have much of a walk after coming back from the parks. We had a monorail view and did not hear it at all. We will definitely request that longhouse in the future. The walk wasn't bad to and from the TTC either. Love the location! You can request balcony and longhouse during online check in.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[carly102982]

Hi everyone. I am new to Poly and working on my online check in. I have been researching for a couple days. There are 5 of us and we have the standard/garden view booked for dec 1-6. I just know my boys would love a view of the monorail. So after researching I was thinking Aotearoa. Monorail view plus it's close to the beach which my boys would also love. I was also looking at Rarotonga? I think those are my only choices for monorail view right? Anybody have any reason why it would be better other than proximity to the TTC which I'm not worried about. I don't care to walk. Also with young kids do you all think ground floor is better? Second floor balcony would have been nice I guess but the two with monorail views don't have balconies right? Would be nice to sit and relax on after the kids crash. Thanks so much for any advice!

Oh and thanks to tikiman. Your site has helped me so much!

 

[karriealex]

Hi everyone. I am new to Poly and working on my online check in. I have been researching for a couple days. There are 5 of us and we have the standard/garden view booked for dec 1-6. I just know my boys would love a view of the monorail. So after researching I was thinking Aotearoa. Monorail view plus it's close to the beach which my boys would also love. I was also looking at Rarotonga? I think those are my only choices for monorail view right? Anybody have any reason why it would be better other than proximity to the TTC which I'm not worried about. I don't care to walk. Also with young kids do you all think ground floor is better? Second floor balcony would have been nice I guess but the two with monorail views don't have balconies right? Would be nice to sit and relax on after the kids crash. Thanks so much for any advice!

Oh and thanks to tikiman. Your site has helped me so much!

I believe both buildings have balconies on the monorail side. Yes first floor would be better with little ones but if you are diligent a balcony floor would work. I believe these are the lesser requested rooms so you may have a greater chance of getting what you want.