1st time at Poly!!!

[disneyfan67]

All of you people who are going to the Poly for the first time, I almost envy you. I remember the excitement of staying there for my first time in Oct 2002 and couldn't wait to check in and start my trip. We drove for two days from Chicago with two 5 year old's, two Grandparents, me and my wife. I swear the excitement of finally staying there and seeing WDW again was the only thing keeping me going on that long drive. I arrived in Orlando the night before and stayed off site for one night. Trust me, I couldn't wait to check out and get my first family vacation started. I still remembering the feeling of pulling up for the first time and getting my luggage put on that cart. After covering 1200 miles with a truck full of anxious people and kids, I was finally there.

I was the one who had pushed everyone in my group to stay at the Poly and no one including my wife had any idea of what to expect. I had seen it on my first trip back in 1989 and swore I would stay there one day. My wife wasn't too thrilled about the money we had spent, but that thought soon vanished when we walked into the GCH for the first time. I can't properly describe the feeling I felt, when the bell hop/valet showed us to our rooms and we went in for the first time. I sat on the balcony for a few minutes and even though it was only a garden view, I just absorbed it in. I snuck off and rented a surrey bike with my kids and did some exploring as everybody else was getting lunch at Kona and figuring out the game plan for the day. I probably looked a little foolish driving around with two 5 year old's in the front basket and me smiling just peddling along, but it's a memory that will last a lifetime. That 6 night vacation ended way too quick and I was hooked on the Poly ever since.

Sorry to ramble on, but this thread brought back some great memories. To everyone who is staying there for the first time, my advice is for you to enjoy every minute, check out time comes way too soon. Try and walk around and enjoy everything the resort has to offer, the restaurants, Tambu Lounge, the pools, and of course the beach. I'm glad I'm going in July and it can't come soon enough.

 

[ktink]

All of you people who are going to the Poly for the first time, I almost envy you. I remember the excitement of staying there for my first time in Oct 2002 and couldn't wait to check in and start my trip. We drove for two days from Chicago with two 5 year old's, two Grandparents, me and my wife. I swear the excitement of finally staying there and seeing WDW again was the only thing keeping me going on that long drive. I arrived in Orlando the night before and stayed off site for one night. Trust me, I couldn't wait to check out and get my first family vacation started. I still remembering the feeling of pulling up for the first time and getting my luggage put on that cart. After covering 1200 miles with a truck full of anxious people and kids, I was finally there.

I was the one who had pushed everyone in my group to stay at the Poly and no one including my wife had any idea of what to expect. I had seen it on my first trip back in 1989 and swore I would stay there one day. My wife wasn't too thrilled about the money we had spent, but that thought soon vanished when we walked into the GCH for the first time. I can't properly describe the feeling I felt, when the bell hop/valet showed us to our rooms and we went in for the first time. I sat on the balcony for a few minutes and even though it was only a garden view, I just absorbed it in. I snuck off and rented a surrey bike with my kids and did some exploring as everybody else was getting lunch at Kona and figuring out the game plan for the day. I probably looked a little foolish driving around with two 5 year old's in the front basket and me smiling just peddling along, but it's a memory that will last a lifetime. That 6 night vacation ended way too quick and I was hooked on the Poly ever since.

Sorry to ramble on, but this thread brought back some great memories. To everyone who is staying there for the first time, my advice is for you to enjoy every minute, check out time comes way too soon. Try and walk around and enjoy everything the resort has to offer, the restaurants, Tambu Lounge, the pools, and of course the beach. I'm glad I'm going in July and it can't come soon enough.

Loved the story! We are very excited. We sat down and watched an old planning DVD and watched the Polynesian bit. DH who doesn't get really excited this far in advance. Told me he was getting excited about this trip already and I asked him why. He said, " Because of where we're staying". I'm really hoping that the deluxe bug will bite him! DDs are also very excited. We're just bouncing off of the walls here.

 

[MrsTomMorrow]

I agree, that was a great story! Thanks for sharing it! I am now even more excited about our first stay at the Poly (if thats possible!)!

 

[mom2kazkids]

Another first timer to the Poly checking in. My DH, DS, DD and I will be checking in on April 23 and staying until May 4. I received my final documents today. I requested either Tokelua or Tahiti 3rd floor, I cannot wait to see what we get. I have breakfast and supper at Kona, as DH is not a fan of the menu for Ohana. I cannot wait to get there, we leave from Green Bay in less than 28 days.

Barb

 

[TnTWalter]

We're so excited. We had breakfast on our last trip at O'Hana which was so fun. I remember thinking "I wish we could stay here someday".....Voila!

Lookng forward to the Pool, Kona, O'Hana, Captain Cook's, Monorail, Wishes, and Electric Water pageant. Running to GF Gym along beach, walking to TTC. Free kid activities, torch lighting, beach.

Dumb question...but no one mentions the boat....don't they have a boat that goes to MK?

Trish

 

[marvin12]

We are also staying first time at the poly cl. Our stay is dec07 and we are so looking forward to it.

 

[kstinw19]

You will have a great time, and be prepared to not be happy with any other resort. Its hard to go back to a non monorail resort once you stay there.

ITA with this statement!! Growing up, my dh's family went to Disney every year and always stayed at the BC. When we booked our first trip with our kids, I booked it at the Poly. He wasn't too happy about it but I told him to trust me.

Well...he absolutely got the joke!! You just can't put a price on the convenience of the monorail, especially with young kids.

But last year we decided to give the BC one last attempt...although it was very nice...it just wasn't the same.

So back to the Poly we go

 

[DiznEeyore]

Dumb question...but no one mentions the boat....don't they have a boat that goes to MK?

Trish

They sure do! It's shared with the GF ... and it's one of our favorite ways to go back and forth to the MK.

And we're only 50-some days away from our fourth Poly stay!!

 

[GOOFYDONALDMICKEY]

We have stayed at the Poly 20+ visits and continues to be my favorite with the GF as a close second. As everyone has stated - see wishes from the beach. For a drink on the beach try the Lava Flow - discovered this one in Hawaii. For an interesting tidbit (haven't read all of the posts above but...) I have always thought that it was neat that there was Hawaiin music playing underwater in the volcano pool. Try your hand at sailing from the Poly marina. And...Ohana's is a must.

 

[disneyfan67]

ITA with this statement!! Growing up, my dh's family went to Disney every year and always stayed at the BC. When we booked our first trip with our kids, I booked it at the Poly. He wasn't too happy about it but I told him to trust me.

Well...he absolutely got the joke!! You just can't put a price on the convenience of the monorail, especially with young kids.

But last year we decided to give the BC one last attempt...although it was very nice...it just wasn't the same.
So back to the Poly we go

It isn't the same because I know from personal experience. On my second family trip in Feb 2004 my parents invited us to with them to WDW and stay on property through the Shades Of Green program. (My dad was retired Navy) We got two rooms at the Contemporary resort in the now demolished North Garden wing rooms, for under a $100 dollars a night. We jumped on the chance due to the great deal and thought being at Disney was only the important thing. Well, it wasn't and after a couple of nights in those wild looking (pre refurbishment) rooms and bland hallways, we were missing the warmth of the Poly. The pool at the CR was ice cold, strangely silent and didn't have a lot of people in it while we were there. It was a nice visit, but it wasn't the same feeling of the last trip.

Don't get me wrong, I was very grateful of the discount, but the vacation was missing something and while it was fun, my family was ready to go home after 7 days. For the last day/night we decided to splurge and we stayed at the Poly. It had rescued the vacation and we didn't even go the parks that day, but just stayed in that beautiful pool and relaxed. That showed me that the resort can be a big part of the vacation and can make the difference between a good vacation and a great one.

 

[HaleysMom2]

DisneyFan67----Thank you for such a wonderful story! Now I really can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TinkTatoo]

We are there for the first time this July and we are really excited. We love the Contemporary and I can't wait to see how the Poly compares

 

[MickeyMacks]

Bumping 'cause there's good stuff for us first timers on this thread!

 

[Cool-Beans]

The music from Wishes isn't piped in everywhere. If you want to watch from a beach, pick the main one in the center of the resort kind of - the one you'd hit first when exiting the lobby/Grand Ceremonial House.

Some balconies are better than others when it comes to watching the Electric Water Pageant. If your view is semi-blocked by palm trees, you might want to walk on down to watch.

Yes, there is a boat that goes right to the Poly, but if you're staying over by Rapa Nui or Tahiti it would be faster and easier to take the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and walk over.

If you can get to the big pool before it is crammed with people, lie on your back and dip your ears under the water and listen to the music.

Walk the grounds slowly at night. So pretty.

 

[kileybeth]

thanks for bumping this thread, great info and story and vibes!!

counting the days!!!!

 

[mickeymomtx]

Only 38 more days until our first ever Poly stay. We are celebrating our 26th anniverary and our first month as empty nesters. There are so many great tips on this thread and others. We can't wait to sit at the beach to see the fireworks and walk the romantic tiki torch walkways.We are also looking forward to the convenience of the monorail. Hope to see you all there soon!

 

[Laren]

We're staying at the Poly in a month, yay! First time for me since the early 80's, first time ever for my husband and child! I was wondering if someone could tell me where the laundry facilities are? Are there more than a couple machines? If you used them did you find them to be clean? (I'm picky LOL) We're going 8 nights 9 days so I'm going to have to give in and do laundry at some point LOL.

Sorry if this question should have its own thread, I hope the OP has a GREAT and magical time on their first Poly trip!!!!

TIA
Laren

 

[MrsTomMorrow]

Thanks for the bump! I was about to do it myself! We will be arriving in jst a few weeks-on the 31st! I'd love to hear more!!

 

[jcarter29]

I was wondering if someone could tell me where the laundry facilities are? Are there more than a couple machines? If you used them did you find them to be clean? (I'm picky LOL) We're going 8 nights 9 days so I'm going to have to give in and do laundry at some point LOL.



Great question...I didn't realize they had onsite laundry facilities...I will be watching for a response.

kim

 

[sharonW]

You are in for such a treat!! Poly is top
notch! Kona wonderful and the tonga toast
a must! YUM! Spectacular views of MK, fireworks
and the electrical pageant make this resort at the
top of the disney resort chain. Have a most magcial
trip!!