Advice Needed on Polynesian Visit in Nov

[FanOfEeyore]

After many online searches, reading, and reflection, we finally decided to visit WDW right after Thanksgiving 2004 and to stay at the Polynesian! We plan on staying for 6 nights at the concierge level. This will be my 2nd time visiting WDW with our kids (ages 3 and 8) and the 4th time that I've been there since I was but a lad. However, this will be the 1st time that any of us will be staying at a Disney Resort. I'm really envious at some of you because of the number of times you have visited WDW so I know that I can get some good advice here ...

The concierge level is a bit more pricey but everyone seems to think that it is worth it. How have those who stayed at the Poly Concierge liked it? Any advice on how to get the most of the concierge level perks.

In order to save some money we are planning to get a concierge room with a Garden View (vs. a Lagoon view which is much more $$). We're figure that we can view the fireworks and water parade from the Concierge Lounge. Since we are going during the off-peak season, we are hoping that we might get upgraded to a lagoon view room upon request at check-in (obviously with no extra charge). We have some flexibility on our start date which may (or may not) help in getting upgraded. Would it be better to start our vacation the Friday, Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving?

Also, based on our stay, what would be the recommendation as to the order in which we visit the Theme Parks? Unlike our previous visit (only 4 nights), we don't want to get burnt out.

Lastly, what has been your experience as to the weather during late Nov/early Dec at WDW. Obviously, no one can predict the weather that far in advance but our kids love the water. Are we kidding ourselves to think that we might have the opportunity to swim during our stay? Are the pools at Poly heated? Heck, being a New Englander, 70 deg F will feel really warm during that time of year.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[WoodysRoundup]

We stayed at the Poly last year at exactly the same time you are going! Although we had a wonderful time, we were surprised at the crowds. Granted, it's nothing like summer crowds, but we expected the parks to be far less crowded than they were. We did walk on some rides so I hesitate to even use the word "crowded", but there were some waits of 30 min. or more - different from what we expected. I think the secret may be out and people are really interested in seeing the holiday decorations and parties. (MVMCP)

Poly was wonderful and we found the Raratonga bldg. to be a perfect location for almost all aspects of the resort. It is the closest to the monorail, restaurants, and shops. And only a short walk to the volcano pool.

Have a great trip!

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by FanOfEeyore
we are hoping that we might get upgraded to a lagoon view room upon request at check-in (obviously with no extra charge).

Good luck. I have found that Polynesian very rarely gives upgrades. The only ones I hear of occur when there is a major problem with a reservation or something.

As for gettting the most out of the perks, the biggest one is the convenience of having breakfast available in the lounge. Also soda...although I heard they no longer leave bottled water out. The appetizers are good some nights...some nights we didn't care for them. Sushi night...bleh.