4 night Polynesian on GOLD plan...quick report

[Mum2monsters]

My DH, 3 year old DD, 10 month old DS & myself spent 4 wonderful nights in Aotearoa @ the Polynesian Resort. We had a garden view (monorail) 1st floor patio. The rooms had been renovated in the last year. VERY Clean, still new looking. The rooms haven't changed much. Still have the bamboo chair rail & bed canopies. Similar bedding & same furniture as far as I can tell. The bathroom looked exactly the same from when we last visited 11/01.
When we got to the resort, we were quickly checked in. The bellhop on the golf cart was nice enough to show me to a good parking spot, then picked me up and proceeded to the room. He was good... I tipped him $10. When we entered the room, balloons, party favors and a delicious cake awaited for my birthday. I must have given them my birthdate at some point in the reservation process because it was a total surprise. It made my husband feel guilty that he didn't call in advance and do something more. I was happy with what they did.
My husband and I were on the Gold Plan. So cool! It was mostly worth it because my DH loves to bass fish. So he went out every day on a guided tour, which normally would have cost about $200 a shot. That was about $1000.00 right there and we only spent $1112 extra for the plan. We also ate 3 meals per day (we were SO full) at nice sit down restaurants...Teppanyaki in Japan, Ohana for dinner once and breakfast twice, Chef Mickey for dinner, Crystal Palace, Norway (princess Breakfast), Coral Reef, Rainforest Cafe, Boma, and Kona Cafe, of course. We ate A LOT! Would have spent over $800.00 if not on the plan. Tax and Tip WERE INCLUDED! NO alcohol though. We would normally get a beer or 2 and pay seperately, then leave a tip that would boost the included tip to 20%. They all deserved it. Wait staff in Disney is phenomenal.
And we rented water mice a few times, got free tix to see La Nouba (never went though)...there was so much that was included that we never did, BUT it was still worth it!!!
Our mousekeeper was fantastic, left us washcloth creatures daily. I tipped $10/day...a bit steep, but she appeciated it (I came to the room a few times and she always was thanking me...it's a good feeling).
I wouldn't change a thing, except maybe to extend our stay. Oh and we did REQUEST Niue 1st floor (Samoa was our 1st choice but it was being renovated), but we didn't get it. No Big Deal.

Oh and another thing (this is getting lengthy), we had a couple we knew stay in our room 1 night. "Legally" you need to report them and pay an additional 25.00 per person for that night. When I went up to report them (I needed a parking pass for them to park there) the lady at the front desk was SO awesome. She didn't charge me AND she gave me 2 new key cards for our friends to use AND said not to worry, "they are all set". They ended up staying another night. It was tight, but we all had fun.

Anyhoo, feel free to ask any questions...we are planning another trip in a year or so.
BTW, the weather was great when we were there 70-78 mostly.

TTFN,
Erin & Family

Polynesian 2x 1970's
Off site many times 1980's & 90's
Polynesian 11/01
Polynesian 02/03

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Sounds like a great trip - thanks for posting!

 

[twinmomto3boys]

Thanks for posting. I was interested in those Poly renovations. So do you think they just cleaned them up and changed the bedding? What about the carpet? Sounds like a nice trip.

 

[Mum2monsters]

I definitely think they renovated this longhouse completely, the rooms just have the same layout so it still looks familiar. The carpet was definitely new as well as the wallpaper. The A/C is VERY new, its activated by movement. It worked fine for us. I know some people hate that type of A/C.



Erin

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Loved your quick report, but hope you'll do a longer one soon (Hint, hint!)

 

[pumba]

when we appreciate something like mousekeeping.....and we give them a tip.....they are so appreciative with it......thanks so much for your great report.....