ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[alex9179]

Yippee! Just applied AP discount to our stay at AOA and Poly. Saved a whopping $15 for our Cars room, but saved $200 at the Poly. That's dinner at 'Ohana, so I'm good with that

So 20% off AOA and 35% off Poly GVCL. I know it's not as much as AP holders were used to, but it's enough for me! I'm happy with any money saved, but then this isn't a regular destination for us.

[RedheadRinger]

What type of coffee makers do they have in the rooms at Poly?

[Tebrown96]

Originally Posted by sargenca

Rapa Nui is our family's favorite! We got it one year on a trip with our nephew. We had requested Tokelau and were a little dissapointed to get Rapa Nui - but we feel in love with it and always request it now! We always request ground floor and last year got the room on Tikiman's site that he has a picture of - called the worse view at the Poly (room 1110). We didn't mind and liked having a glimpse of the monorail. You will LOVE having that small parking lot right there, and you can drive right up to the door (complete with overhang) to load and unload. It is also very close to the TTC and the beach to watch the fireworks... i will say though, Rapa Nui doesn't have a big fan-base/following.

Hope you have good weather and luck with the room. After multiple trips to the Poly, we are squeezing in an extra trip to Disney but staying at the Pop this time. Never stayed at a value, so this will be a BIG adjustment! We'll be back at the Poly next year and crossing our fingers that DVC/remodel won't interfere in the future with our lovely longhouse, Rapa Nui.

p.s. Noticed you are in MS. Vicksburg is my hometown

We stayed in Rapa Nui in May for our first Poly trip and we really liked it! For the amount of time we spent in our room (virtually none!), we didn't need a view. But I even liked just being on the balcony (we were on the 3rd floor) looking out on the foliage/walkways. It was close to the TTC, which we used A LOT and not far from the pools/GCH, either. We thought it was a great location and would probably ask for it if we make another trip to the Poly!

[maiapapaya]

Originally Posted by mouseCT

Hi All,

Thank You all for a great website and board with tons of information!

I am New to this board and would like to introduce myself, I am husband to a wonderful wife and a father of four beautiful children ages 12,14,15,17. We have been to WDW 7 times- 2 off site, 2 @ All-star Movie, 3 times @ Coronado Springs.
We just booked the Ambassador suite at the Polynesian for the Christmas holiday. It was a huge nut to swallow but we only go around once.
I will be emailing the CL with my dinning wishes and have them perform their magic after I get my reservation numbers from my travel agent.
Looking for any information and hints that could help me on this dream vacation ours. I also see that the rooms have been updated a year or so ago- pictures? Should I request the first or second floor?
Any of your help would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome!
Sounds like you have booked a dream trip!
A few weeks ago Mary T in PA posted these pictures of the Princess Suite, I imagine it would have similar decor to the Ambassador suite.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...postcount=3275

We have never stayed in the suites, but wrt the balcony question I think it would just be a preference thing. According to Tikiman's site the first floor suite has a "large yard" or the second floor Ambassador Suite has a "large balcony."

WRT Poly tips, make sure to take time to enjoy the resort!!
Must do Poly things:

• watch Wishes & the EWP from the beach
• take the small launch back from the MK at least once, it's very relaxing and you get a different perspective of the resort
• take in the torch lighting ceremony
• rent a pool cabana
• bonfire & movie on the beach
• rent searaycers
• hula lessons in the lobby

Happy planning!

[HeyIt'sMe]

Just checking in! When the GP discounts came out yesterday DH & I decided to head back to the Poly so we'll be there Oct 25-28 for DD's Fall Break. While we are always excited for a trip to WDW we are super excited this year since we didn't think we'd be going. This is the latest I have ever planned a WDW trip......love the short countdown!

[whamma]

Just trying to decide if it's worth it. We're staying 3 nights at the Poly next week (9/6-9/9). We don't arrive until 10 p.m. the first night. Also while we are there NOJ is going on at MK so there are no fireworks either night. Right now we're just staying in a standard view room (DH, DS 15, DD 9 and me) and the upgrade to club level is a total of $350 (with an AP discount). We are going to WDW as a "surprise" for DD's 10th birthday which is 9/8. Any opinions??? We've never stayed club anywhere before so we won't be comparing the Poly to any other club level.

[maryj11]

What exactly is club level ? I have never stayed club level and just wandered because garden view club level is all that is available on the dates we want ?

[ajh88]

Woot! I just had to log in and do my happy dance - called and got the GP discount applied for our October trip...saved almost $1300!!!

So happy - I was all prepared to upgrade to TPV CL to save $450 using the AP rate (the only TPV rooms available with AP discount), but when the CM gave me the total for the GP discount in our non-CL TPV room, I was thrilled!

Someday we will try CL - but we love Tuvalu so much - can't wait to be chillin' on the 3rd floor in 35 days!

[CindyIsMyFave]

Just thought I should post on here and say hello. We are headed to Poly on Sat. for 3 nights - and it's my first trip back there in . . . at least 15 years I think! Cost just became too prohibitive as I was in college and grad school. So my parents and I became a Moderate family. When DH and I started going alone, we stuck with that. But! On a whim at New Year's, we booked a bounceback offer at Poly "just to have it." And the stars have aligned, and we're really going! (We added on a Fri. night stay at ASMu just to get down there sooner, but of course the real vacation will start once we check into Poly Sat.!)

We've requested Tokelau upper floor or Samoa 3rd floor, and we'll be doing 'Ohana for the first time. (Kona is already a fave.). Though we're usually pretty commando, I've built in extra resort time this time. Poly and GF are my childhood resorts, and I have so many memories. I'm just so thrilled to be finally returning! Thanks for letting me share.

[maiapapaya]

Originally Posted by maryj11

What exactly is club level ? I have never stayed club level and just wandered because garden view club level is all that is available on the dates we want ?

There are a few differences between CL and a standard room. First, all CL rooms are located in Hawaii (with the exception of the suites). The building is secured and guests need their keycard to enter.

There is a lounge on the lagoon side of Hawaii on the second/third floors. There is a large, wall-height window in the lounge overlooking the lagoon and castle (there are pictures on the first page of the thread http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...6&postcount=10 ) In the evening you can enjoy Wishes in the lounge and the soundtrack is piped in.

There is food service offered in the lounge and this is included in the cost of the room. In the morning there is a light breakfast with coffee/juice/tea, fruit, baked goods and oatmeal. During the day there are snacks such as fruit, cookies, crackers etc. There is always soda on hand and you can ask a CM for beer. You can take food/beverages from the lounge back to your room or to the pool/beach area. At dinner time there is an h'orderves type menu offered, with finger foods, crackers & cheese, etc. Later in the evening desserts, liqueurs, beer and alcoholic punch are served. You can find a link to the menu on the first page of this thread.

Another "perk" of CL is the use of the Poly's IPO office (Itinerary Planning Office). They can book ADR's and recreational activities for you.

It's really a matter of opinion as to whether the extra money is worth it for you. Our family likes having the extra space of the lounge to get out of the room. We are also pretty light eaters, so the food offerings work well for us (with our big meal of the day at lunch time). If you are big eaters the food in the lounge will not be a good meal substitute for you.

Hope this helps!

[DznyCrzy11]

Originally Posted by CindyIsMyFave

Just thought I should post on here and say hello. We are headed to Poly on Sat. for 3 nights - and it's my first trip back there in . . . at least 15 years I think! Cost just became too prohibitive as I was in college and grad school. So my parents and I became a Moderate family. When DH and I started going alone, we stuck with that. But! On a whim at New Year's, we booked a bounceback offer at Poly "just to have it." And the stars have aligned, and we're really going! (We added on a Fri. night stay at ASMu just to get down there sooner, but of course the real vacation will start once we check into Poly Sat.!)

We've requested Tokelau upper floor or Samoa 3rd floor, and we'll be doing 'Ohana for the first time. (Kona is already a fave.). Though we're usually pretty commando, I've built in extra resort time this time. Poly and GF are my childhood resorts, and I have so many memories. I'm just so thrilled to be finally returning! Thanks for letting me share.

You will love it!!! Have a great time!

Sent from my GalaxyS II

[alex9179]

Originally Posted by whamma

Just trying to decide if it's worth it. We're staying 3 nights at the Poly next week (9/6-9/9). We don't arrive until 10 p.m. the first night. Also while we are there NOJ is going on at MK so there are no fireworks either night. Right now we're just staying in a standard view room (DH, DS 15, DD 9 and me) and the upgrade to club level is a total of $350 (with an AP discount). We are going to WDW as a "surprise" for DD's 10th birthday which is 9/8. Any opinions??? We've never stayed club anywhere before so we won't be comparing the Poly to any other club level.

Personally, I would not do CL for this stay. There is a substantial difference in price and you will not be able to take real advantage of the lounge on your first night, maybe beverages. IPO may not be able to help you secure ADRs, since your stay is right around the corner (and you've likely taken care of that, anyway), the fireworks viewing isn't available, so I would hold this option in reserve for another time.

One thing to consider is if you'll be in the parks for the majority of the day or are you planning on hanging out at the resort. I think CL is a great addition if resort time is a big part of your vacation.

[gaildmoody]

Ok... quick question. Would you Poly lovers, like myself, pay $250 (my agent discount) for a night at Poly? Let me explain... we are actually staying CL beginning 9/15 for 5 nights but we are flying in 9/14 but our flight doesn't get in until 8:33pm which means we aren't at the resort until 9:30-10pm. We actually booked POFQ for the night as I can't see paying $250 just to sleep for a few hours. But again it would be nice to already be there! Of course we would have to switch rooms because that is a standard view room. Thoughts?

[Mousemommy1]

Originally Posted by gaildmoody

Ok... quick question. Would you Poly lovers, like myself, pay $250 (my agent discount) for a night at Poly? Let me explain... we are actually staying CL beginning 9/15 for 5 nights but we are flying in 9/14 but our flight doesn't get in until 8:33pm which means we aren't at the resort until 9:30-10pm. We actually booked POFQ for the night as I can't see paying $250 just to sleep for a few hours. But again it would be nice to already be there! Of course we would have to switch rooms because that is a standard view room. Thoughts?

Please know that I am only hoping to become a Poly lover (having never stayed there), but we are staying CL from 4/20-4/28, however, due to flights being cheaper flying in on 4/18 - we have booked the extra 2 nights at POR for less than one night at POLY CL! Since our flight doesn't get in until 8:30 pm on 4/18, I definitely wouldn't want to pay the $379 for another CL room, so we will get to experience POR for 2 nights and then move over.

[alex9179]

Originally Posted by gaildmoody

Ok... quick question. Would you Poly lovers, like myself, pay $250 (my agent discount) for a night at Poly? Let me explain... we are actually staying CL beginning 9/15 for 5 nights but we are flying in 9/14 but our flight doesn't get in until 8:33pm which means we aren't at the resort until 9:30-10pm. We actually booked POFQ for the night as I can't see paying $250 just to sleep for a few hours. But again it would be nice to already be there! Of course we would have to switch rooms because that is a standard view room. Thoughts?

I would stick with your current plan. On 9/15 you can have POFQ transfer your luggage to the Poly while you go on about your day at the parks. We had this same dilemma and I ended up booking AOA for two days before our Poly stay for a bit less money...although I would have preferred POR (AB rooms weren't available).

I, too, couldn't see paying CL rate when we weren't going to utilize any CL perks. If you're changing rooms anyway, why not save a bit on accommodations?