ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: September 2012

[HappyMomma]

Can robes be requested if you are staying in a standard room? Or is this a club level perk only? TIA

[gmi3804]

Rapa Nui. I'm contemplating requesting it for my October F & W-centric trip, and I like its proximity to the Epcot monorail. I also like the "private" parking lot, and larger floor plan. I'm a bit concerned, however, with its distance from GCH; does it feel remote and too separate from the rest of the resort? Will there be king bed rooms after the reno?

Go.

[DMLAINI]

In April we will be staying at POR. What's the best way to get to the Poly from POR? We wanted to see the torch lighting, eat at Captain Cooks, and then watch the EPW and Wishes from the beach. Where can I find what times these things take place? Also, what's the best way to get from the Poly back to POR? Thank you

[gmi3804]

Originally Posted by DMLAINI

In April we will be staying at POR. What's the best way to get to the Poly from POR? We wanted to see the torch lighting, eat at Captain Cooks, and then watch the EPW and Wishes from the beach. Where can I find what times these things take place? Also, what's the best way to get from the Poly back to POR? Thank you

Bus to MK, then boat or monorail to Poly.

[hebbynan]

Originally Posted by NicoleK1974

We went in December, even though we heard some pretty rough things about it, but my overall opinion is do it at least once!
We sprung for the most expensive seats and had front row, center tables so that was great.

Our server was fantastic.
I have an allergy to nuts, which are now in a few different items on the new menu, and she brought out identical items without the nuts, and instead of the macadamia nut chocolate mousse, she brought out a nice fruit plate with some caramel dipping sauce and about 6 freshly made, yummy chocolate chip cookies.

The food was overall about a C+....nothing great, but not bad. It came out hot and stayed warm, despite the slightly cool temps. (Would have liked a jacket by the end of the main course....the BBQ sauce is a must because there wasn't much seasoning on the meat.

The show was about a B.....kinda hokey, a little cheesy, but my daughter (4 at the time) LOVED getting up and dancing when they asked for participation.

I've heard people leave reviews that there is 30 minutes of special dances (birthday people, etc) but in our case, there were only 3, about 3-4 minutes each.

You must....YES, ABSOLUTELY MUST stay until the end!!!

The fire dancer is absolutely mind blowing, amazing.

My brother, who is rarely overly impressed with anything, and even more rarely verbal about it if he is, was hooting, hollering, pounding on the table, clapping, etc during the whole thing and at the end, he got up from the table and said "Holy $____ That guy was INCREDIBLE!" (And ladies....he's super hot too, and a great, shining, over the top (but not obnoxious) personality to boot! Lol!)
My 4 year old sat there wide eyed, her mouth wide open and did not say a word through this whole performance, and at the end said nothing but "Wow Mommy!"

So, yes! Take the chance, at least once (I know we will go again when we go back).

If you go strictly for the food, are expecting a Broadway calibre show or are squeamish about a little skin showing, then you will probably be disappointed, but go with an open mind and join in the fun when you can!

Thank you so much for your review! We're doing this on the first evening at the Poly this trip. All 4 of us are excited! So it's nice to know we won't be disappointed...and wow....I'm sure DS 13 will LOVE all the extra 'skin' as he just now realized girls don't have cooties anymore! LOL

[hollygolitely93]

Originally Posted by gmi3804

Rapa Nui. I'm contemplating requesting it for my October F & W-centric trip, and I like its proximity to the Epcot monorail. I also like the "private" parking lot, and larger floor plan. I'm a bit concerned, however, with its distance from GCH; does it feel remote and too separate from the rest of the resort? Will there be king bed rooms after the reno?

Go.

Last year we went to Poly for a dinner via monorail at MK but then used a taxi for ride home back to POR...it was like $10 and got us hom in like 5 minutes...given I had grandparents and little ones in my party it was worth a taxi to get home easily and quickly. Just a thought!

[jw50]

Originally Posted by gmi3804

Rapa Nui. I'm contemplating requesting it for my October F & W-centric trip, and I like its proximity to the Epcot monorail. I also like the "private" parking lot, and larger floor plan. I'm a bit concerned, however, with its distance from GCH; does it feel remote and too separate from the rest of the resort? Will there be king bed rooms after the reno?

Go.

I am sure that some people would feel that it is "remote" since it is not overlooking the Volcano pool and steps from the GCH but I think it is a great location. Close to the TTC and the bus stop and it only takes a few minutes to walk to CCs. It is the quietest location at the Poly and to me that is one of its biggest selling points. If I wanted loud I would go to one of the values.

No idea about the king beds, although as they finish with the other longhouses that should give you a good idea about availability of the kings. I think Rapa Nui is last on the list for the rehab.

[DebbyLof428]

Yeah, booked last minute trip for next month!!!! Poly CL here we come. Now I just have to decide where to stay for the first 3 nights.

[Ferrentinos]

Another room request question... When we where there in December we stayed in Rarotonga and LOVED the location and loved our room! When we do our online check in (ugh... still 2 months away!) I'm not sure what to do ... we would really like to be on the 3rd floor this time (we were on the 2nd floor last time without a balcony) and we'd really like to be in Rarotonga... but we also really would LOVE to have a king bed for us so that DD2 can just sleep on the pull-out sofa and I heard that there will be king beds in Rarotonga after renovations... I don't want to get too specific with requests... but I can't tell which is most important... being in that building on that floor? Having a king bed anywhere in that building? Having a king bed on the 3rd floor of any building?? I can't seem to decide on the biggest priorities! Can any of you help me sort through this!?!? I know that I still have time to think about it... but I thought that I'd turn to you lovely people to help me decide! Thanks!!

[Jafar30]

The Polynesian is definitely one place I want to stay at

[gmi3804]

Originally Posted by Ferrentinos

Another room request question... When we where there in December we stayed in Rarotonga and LOVED the location and loved our room! When we do our online check in (ugh... still 2 months away!) I'm not sure what to do ... we would really like to be on the 3rd floor this time (we were on the 2nd floor last time without a balcony) and we'd really like to be in Rarotonga... but we also really would LOVE to have a king bed for us so that DD2 can just sleep on the pull-out sofa and I heard that there will be king beds in Rarotonga after renovations... I don't want to get too specific with requests... but I can't tell which is most important... being in that building on that floor? Having a king bed anywhere in that building? Having a king bed on the 3rd floor of any building?? I can't seem to decide on the biggest priorities! Can any of you help me sort through this!?!? I know that I still have time to think about it... but I thought that I'd turn to you lovely people to help me decide! Thanks!!

What's most important to you?

[HappyMomma]

Originally Posted by DebbyLof428

Yeah, booked last minute trip for next month!!!! Poly CL here we come. Now I just have to decide where to stay for the first 3 nights.

Woo hoo!

[mickeynut1]

Originally Posted by HappyMomma

Can robes be requested if you are staying in a standard room? Or is this a club level perk only? TIA

Having a robe in the room is a CL perk. They might be for sale in the gift shop, but I have never heard of them being available by request when booked in a standard room.

Originally Posted by DebbyLof428

Yeah, booked last minute trip for next month!!!! Poly CL here we come. Now I just have to decide where to stay for the first 3 nights.

Congrats .

Originally Posted by Jafar30

The Polynesian is definitely one place I want to stay at

We have only stayed at the Poly once and have stayed at other resorts since, but the Poly will always be our favorite. It's an awesome resort......I hope you are able to stay there .

[sjs314]

Originally Posted by Ferrentinos

Another room request question... When we where there in December we stayed in Rarotonga and LOVED the location and loved our room! When we do our online check in (ugh... still 2 months away!) I'm not sure what to do ... we would really like to be on the 3rd floor this time (we were on the 2nd floor last time without a balcony) and we'd really like to be in Rarotonga... but we also really would LOVE to have a king bed for us so that DD2 can just sleep on the pull-out sofa and I heard that there will be king beds in Rarotonga after renovations... I don't want to get too specific with requests... but I can't tell which is most important... being in that building on that floor? Having a king bed anywhere in that building? Having a king bed on the 3rd floor of any building?? I can't seem to decide on the biggest priorities! Can any of you help me sort through this!?!? I know that I still have time to think about it... but I thought that I'd turn to you lovely people to help me decide! Thanks!!

It sounds like King bed and 3rd floor seem to be at the top of your list and I would probably request those first then the longhouse last. According to Tikiman's site King Rooms will be a bookable catagory so that could help

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Originally Posted by gmi3804

Rapa Nui. I'm contemplating requesting it for my October F & W-centric trip, and I like its proximity to the Epcot monorail. I also like the "private" parking lot, and larger floor plan. I'm a bit concerned, however, with its distance from GCH; does it feel remote and too separate from the rest of the resort? Will there be king bed rooms after the reno?

Go.

I personally don't feel any longhouse at Poly feels remote or removed from the GCH. Honestly, the resort is quite compact compared to most of the mods and values. The landscaping/theming really ties the whole resort together to give you the feel of an island getaway. My DH and kids would be the first to complain about a long walk anywhere but everyone really enjoys walking the pathways around the resort as the lush foliage and tiki torches make you feel relaxed....each walk feels special Can't help with the king bed question but definitely request Rapa Nui.

Originally Posted by Ferrentinos

Another room request question... When we where there in December we stayed in Rarotonga and LOVED the location and loved our room! When we do our online check in (ugh... still 2 months away!) I'm not sure what to do ... we would really like to be on the 3rd floor this time (we were on the 2nd floor last time without a balcony) and we'd really like to be in Rarotonga... but we also really would LOVE to have a king bed for us so that DD2 can just sleep on the pull-out sofa and I heard that there will be king beds in Rarotonga after renovations... I don't want to get too specific with requests... but I can't tell which is most important... being in that building on that floor? Having a king bed anywhere in that building? Having a king bed on the 3rd floor of any building?? I can't seem to decide on the biggest priorities! Can any of you help me sort through this!?!? I know that I still have time to think about it... but I thought that I'd turn to you lovely people to help me decide! Thanks!!

My thoughts are this. If you request one specific longhouse and rooms are not available, the assigner has no real info on preferences. I would request 3rd floor, near quiet pool.That would put you in Rarotonga, Tokelau, or Samoa. Each is near the pools, GCH and bus stop and all are on the TTC side of the marina for quicker walks to board the monorail to Epcot. Beds? Well, any room will have plenty of space for the 3 of you including a pack-n-play if needed. I am not sure you would want the little one on a pull-out sofa as bed rails usually don't fit well on those types of beds (assuming the 2 yr old needs rails). I am also not sure if the King bed rooms will have an occupancy over 2 people but maybe someone else would have more insight on that.