ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[Britnole]

Hi, this is my first time posting but I've been following this thread for a few weeks. I am planning a trip with my DH and 4-year-old DD in January 2013 and have decided on the Poly, thanks to the great reviews I've read here. I've been to WDW several times (I was there this week) but never stayed at the Poly. We stayed at the Contemporary in 1975 and I still remember taking the monorail over to the Poly to shop and eat and thinking how relaxing it was there. I can't wait for our trip next year.

As I said, I was at WDW earlier this week for a conference. We stayed at the Yacht Club and while that hotel was very nice, it was just too big for my liking. The walk back to our rooms at the end of a long day was tiring and not as pleasant as I imagine the Poly walk would be. Also, I would not recommend staying at a conference hotel if I were going with my family. We crowded the lobby at times and there were many of us (not me!) who came back to the hotel well after midnight with a little too much to drink.

We went to AK on Monday and decided to take a quick visit to MK. We took the bus to the TTC with plans to take the monorail. As noted here, the monorail was down for service so we took the ferry. I loved the ferry, especially because it was the perfect way for me to get some photos of the Poly and examine it from afar. We didn't get the chance to walk around the Poly but seeing it from the water and realizing how close it is to everything solidified my choice to stay there next time. Also, even though it was a warm day there was not a single person on the beach by Tahiti and the Volcano pool and main beach looked quiet too. It looked so peaceful and relaxing - very different from the Yacht Club.

[HalloweenNut]

Originally Posted by Britnole

Hi, this is my first time posting but I've been following this thread for a few weeks. I am planning a trip with my DH and 4-year-old DD in January 2013 and have decided on the Poly, thanks to the great reviews I've read here. I've been to WDW several times (I was there this week) but never stayed at the Poly. We stayed at the Contemporary in 1975 and I still remember taking the monorail over to the Poly to shop and eat and thinking how relaxing it was there. I can't wait for our trip next year.

As I said, I was at WDW earlier this week for a conference. We stayed at the Yacht Club and while that hotel was very nice, it was just too big for my liking. The walk back to our rooms at the end of a long day was tiring and not as pleasant as I imagine the Poly walk would be. Also, I would not recommend staying at a conference hotel if I were going with my family. We crowded the lobby at times and there were many of us (not me!) who came back to the hotel well after midnight with a little too much to drink.

We went to AK on Monday and decided to take a quick visit to MK. We took the bus to the TTC with plans to take the monorail. As noted here, the monorail was down for service so we took the ferry. I loved the ferry, especially because it was the perfect way for me to get some photos of the Poly and examine it from afar. We didn't get the chance to walk around the Poly but seeing it from the water and realizing how close it is to everything solidified my choice to stay there next time. Also, even though it was a warm day there was not a single person on the beach by Tahiti and the Volcano pool and main beach looked quiet too. It looked so peaceful and relaxing - very different from the Yacht Club.

We just got back from a week long stay at the Poly and my whole family agreed that staying there was one of the nicest things about the whole vacation. As you said it's so peaceful and relaxing to come back from the hustle and bustle of the parks. The staff are all so friendly and my wife and mother thought the shopping was better there than they had seen elsewhere. All in all we're totally spoilt now and although I don't know when we'll be back to WDW I now can't imagine staying anywhere but the Poly!

[maiapapaya]

Originally Posted by Britnole

Hi, this is my first time posting but I've been following this thread for a few weeks. I am planning a trip with my DH and 4-year-old DD in January 2013 and have decided on the Poly, thanks to the great reviews I've read here. I've been to WDW several times (I was there this week) but never stayed at the Poly. We stayed at the Contemporary in 1975 and I still remember taking the monorail over to the Poly to shop and eat and thinking how relaxing it was there. I can't wait for our trip next year.

As I said, I was at WDW earlier this week for a conference. We stayed at the Yacht Club and while that hotel was very nice, it was just too big for my liking. The walk back to our rooms at the end of a long day was tiring and not as pleasant as I imagine the Poly walk would be. Also, I would not recommend staying at a conference hotel if I were going with my family. We crowded the lobby at times and there were many of us (not me!) who came back to the hotel well after midnight with a little too much to drink.

We went to AK on Monday and decided to take a quick visit to MK. We took the bus to the TTC with plans to take the monorail. As noted here, the monorail was down for service so we took the ferry. I loved the ferry, especially because it was the perfect way for me to get some photos of the Poly and examine it from afar. We didn't get the chance to walk around the Poly but seeing it from the water and realizing how close it is to everything solidified my choice to stay there next time. Also, even though it was a warm day there was not a single person on the beach by Tahiti and the Volcano pool and main beach looked quiet too. It looked so peaceful and relaxing - very different from the Yacht Club.

Welcome Britnole! Prepare to become an addict! People either hate the Poly or love it. If you fall into the latter category you will never want to stay any where else on site again!

[hebbynan]

Hello Everyone! I'm new to this particular thread. We've always stayed at a value resort or Shades of Green (when with my parents), but are looking to stay at the Poly October 2013 - it's never too early to plan you know! I have a question for you Ploy Gods and Goddesses......which longhouse would be the best: Rarotonga or Tokelau? We'd like to be semi close to the GCH, but DH is concerned about views. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!!

-Heather

[Mrs K]

Originally Posted by hebbynan

Hello Everyone! I'm new to this particular thread. We've always stayed at a value resort or Shades of Green (when with my parents), but are looking to stay at the Poly October 2013 - it's never too early to plan you know! I have a question for you Ploy Gods and Goddesses......which longhouse would be the best: Rarotonga or Tokelau? We'd like to be semi close to the GCH, but DH is concerned about views. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!!

-Heather

Of the two, I like Tokelau. We also like Samoa. The Poly is beautiful and everyone has their favorite longhouse.

[hebbynan]

I have another question for all your Poly Goddesses.....I just checked out Tiki Man's website and back in October 2011 he posted that there are major changes supposedly coming to the Poly in 2013 - with the most rumored to be DVC. Have any of you heard anything about this? We're looking to book here in October of 2013, but I really don't want to go here if there's going to be major construction happening.

[Mousemommy1]

Everyday of May, it has rained where we are!!!! How about some gorgeous Poly pics to warm me up!!!!

71 days until my 1st Poly stay!!! I cannot wait until our 10 glorious nights!!!

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Originally Posted by hebbynan

Hello Everyone! I'm new to this particular thread. We've always stayed at a value resort or Shades of Green (when with my parents), but are looking to stay at the Poly October 2013 - it's never too early to plan you know! I have a question for you Ploy Gods and Goddesses......which longhouse would be the best: Rarotonga or Tokelau? We'd like to be semi close to the GCH, but DH is concerned about views. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!!

-Heather

The "best" longhouse is very subjective. Everyone has different ideas of a great view. For our family, the ONLY room that would be a downer is a room where we overlooked a parking lot. So I would not want the parking lot side of Rapa Nui. We have stayed in both Tokelau and Aotearoa and loved them both for different reasons Tikiman's site definitely gives great descriptions of each longhouse's attributes.

Originally Posted by hebbynan

I have another question for all your Poly Goddesses.....I just checked out Tiki Man's website and back in October 2011 he posted that there are major changes supposedly coming to the Poly in 2013 - with the most rumored to be DVC. Have any of you heard anything about this? We're looking to book here in October of 2013, but I really don't want to go here if there's going to be major construction happening.

This is a frequent topic on this thread. If you go back about 10 pages or so you will see a discussion. It is all just "guessture" at this point and nothing more. There are many rumors but nothing concrete. The best guess is that WHATEVER might happen, will not start until the GFV construction is complete. R/E Oct 2013 planning, just make sure you have a 2nd and 3rd choice resort researched so that you can make a quick decision should anything become concrete. Being a member of this community already gives you a leg up on all those unknowing/unsuspecting tourists

[Tinkerbellie16]

Originally Posted by maiapapaya

Nofree dining, but we got a great code - 30% off the room rate (which works out as a better deal than FD). Yes, we love WDW in October. The weather is beautiful and MK is all decorated for fall/Halloween.

I agree - I love WDW in October - still warm but not horribly hot and I LOVE LOVE LOVE MNSSHP!!!

Originally Posted by hebbynan

Hello Everyone! I'm new to this particular thread. We've always stayed at a value resort or Shades of Green (when with my parents), but are looking to stay at the Poly October 2013 - it's never too early to plan you know! I have a question for you Ploy Gods and Goddesses......which longhouse would be the best: Rarotonga or Tokelau? We'd like to be semi close to the GCH, but DH is concerned about views. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!!

-Heather

I am biased and I always stay in Tokelau - central location, not a bad 'garden view', one sink in the bathroom (I'm one of the folks that don't want 2 sinks to crowd up my counter space), a tad bit larger rooms, and all rooms have a patio or balcony.

[DisMom72]

Hello All! Getting ready for our first ever Poly stay We check in in 33 days......but who's counting We will be there right around Father's Day. I was concidering renting a cabana as a suprise for my husband (Tinkerbellie16 thanks for the amazing photo's and cabana scoop ). Does anyone know the cancellation policy for the cabana's?? I know there is a lot of rain in June, just wondering what happens if it rains Thanks so much for your help and thanks so much for all of the awesome information on this thread! It has definitely made the planning process soooo much easier

[hebbynan]

Originally Posted by DisMom72

Hello All! Getting ready for our first ever Poly stay We check in in 33 days......but who's counting We will be there right around Father's Day. I was concidering renting a cabana as a suprise for my husband (Tinkerbellie16 thanks for the amazing photo's and cabana scoop ). Does anyone know the cancellation policy for the cabana's?? I know there is a lot of rain in June, just wondering what happens if it rains Thanks so much for your help and thanks so much for all of the awesome information on this thread! It has definitely made the planning process soooo much easier

Hey DisMom72...Stewartstown??? Too funny - I live in Dallastown!!

Enjoy your trip and I'd love to see some pictures when you get back!!!!

[cheer34]

Loved, loved, LOVED the Polynesian. It was our first trip to Disney and while we don't really have anything to compare to, I can't fathom how any other resort could be better. The pool, the location, the monorail, the tropical feel. It was so great to come back from the park and relax at the Polynesian.

One thing, the pool got quite crowded at some points and the lifeguards went around to those sitting at the few tables around the pool and asked everyone for room keys. MOST people got up and left. I heard one woman declare that she had no idea that other hotel's guests couldn't use the pool. Really???

We stayed Club level, and with two picky kids, it was well worth the money. Plus mousekeeping left some stellar towel animals.

I'll post some pics on the next post. We cannot WAIT to go back!!

[cheer34]

Sorry...apparently I need 10 posts in order to post links. I only have 5.

[cheer34]

So with that post I am up to 6.

And now I am going to do another so that I'll only have 3 more to go!

Can they bottle the smell in the Great Ceremonial House? I loved the way it smells in there.

And the Dole Whip. YUM. And on a whim one night, we were hungry and got the pulled pork nachos from Capt Cooks. Thought it sounded bizarre, but figured what the heck and they were SOOOO good.

I wish I was back on the beach having a pina-colava right now.

[cheer34]

Sorry..has to be done....Post 8