ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[pmaurer74]

I am excited about the quiet pool refurb that will make it a zero entry this will be better for our little ones since I think the large pool will be overwhelming for them.

 

[Stubbzilla]

What do you like to get for breakfast for a snack credit at Poly?

We'll be there the first week of March. Been to DLR a million times but first time to WDW.

 

[jeanylaser]

this will be our first time in Poly because we never stayed there before!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello again

I have my first question.. get comfortable, there's bound to be more before this trip

I have an Ohana dinner and breakfast booked during our stay at the Poly. I've started wondering if we shouldn't try Kona as well. My feeling is.. we'll be right there why not? Dh's isn't fussy either way.

So, do most of you like/enjoy Kona and which meal would you recommend?

I'm no Poly expert by any means, this next trip will be our first stay there. But - we have gone to breakfast at Kona on our last two trips and LOVE it!! And I'm not normally a breakfast eater! We always have excellent service there and the food is fantastic! I highly recommend it. The Tonga Toast is the best!

 

[clanmcculloch]

I'm so bummed. I saw the latest Tikiman update on the quiet pool and saw that the refurb will be going on through our whole trip. Originally it was only going to be closed on our arrival day and one more day. We're staying CL GV so that means we'll be facing the quiet pool. I'm also not thrilled about the zero entry and I'm assuming elimination of the deep end. My kids love having the deep end to swim. Having a zero entry area means less area for real swimming. I know, it's February so the pool likely won't be packed anyway. I'm still bummed though.

 

[Tess]

I'm so bummed. I saw the latest Tikiman update on the quiet pool and saw that the refurb will be going on through our whole trip. Originally it was only going to be closed on our arrival day and one more day. We're staying CL GV so that means we'll be facing the quiet pool. I'm also not thrilled about the zero entry and I'm assuming elimination of the deep end. My kids love having the deep end to swim. Having a zero entry area means less area for real swimming. I know, it's February so the pool likely won't be packed anyway. I'm still bummed though.

Couldn't agree with this more. We have always enjoyed the quiet pool because it had a deep end AND was more quiet than the hubub at the volcano pool. With a zero entry added and shallow depth leveling, there will definitely be even more little ones around it and it will no longer be as quiet. It was always a nice little escape since it wasn't as overrun with people and finding a seat was never all that difficult.

That said, I am eager to see how they renovate the area itself. I'm curious if they will change anything other than the pool structure.

BTW, pmaurer74, the quiet pool is not a small pool, just not themed like the volcano pool.

 

[carlnix30]

Couldn't agree with this more. We have always enjoyed the quiet pool because it had a deep end AND was more quiet than the hubub at the volcano pool. With a zero entry added and shallow depth leveling, there will definitely be even more little ones around it and it will no longer be as quiet. It was always a nice little escape since it wasn't as overrun with people and finding a seat was never all that difficult.

That said, I am eager to see how they renovate the area itself. I'm curious if they will change anything other than the pool structure.

BTW, pmaurer74, the quiet pool is not a small pool, just not themed like the volcano pool.

Sound like the quiet pool is going to be the not so quiet pool. maybe they will install a hot tub.. New rumor anyone.

 

[rcsilverspring]

Sound like the quiet pool is going to be the not so quiet pool. maybe they will install a hot tub.. New rumor anyone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I knew this was coming,but I'm not happy about it at all! We (6 adults, no kids) always swim (key word here: SWIM) in the quiet pool for that exact reason, a deep end to actually swim, because it IS quieter and because there are far fewer children. The only positive I see for us is that it is not scheduled to be closed during our visit in May.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

So, do most of you like/enjoy Kona and which meal would you recommend?

We love Kona for breakfast mainly. Our favorite things are the Big Kahuna Breakfast, Macadamia Nut Pancakes and for DD, the Mickey Pancake (3 pancakes that makeup a Mickey 'head'). Plus Lili'koi juice and for me, the French Press of 100% Kona Coffee. Some folks rave about the Tonga Toast. It's good but trust me when I say you'll need an insulin shot afterwards. Saying it's sweet would be a vast understatement.

Lunch and Dinner are nice. Service can be a little slow at times but not so much that it seriously interferes with the meal. There are several CMs who have been there for years and remember us when we visit.

Oh, and for dessert, you gotta try the chocolate fondue. Yummy!

 

[minniebeth]

What do you like to get for breakfast for a snack credit at Poly?

There are probably more choices, but the ones I know for sure are things like bagels, 2 pcs toast, muffins (nice because they are large and yummy!), pastries, a pkg of Pop Tarts (2), cereal, oatmeal, juice, milk. They have cream cheese, butter, and the like for your breads free of charge by the untensils, microwave, etc.
You could do a Dole Whip! I've never done it for breakfast, but have been tempted!

Also, I think their CS for breakfast is good and the portions large. You get a meal and 2 drinks for breakfast. We always share 1 cs and each person to get their own drink, a good value and use of a credit.

Enjoy! Hope you like WDW! I'm a DLR lover too!

 

[minniebeth]

Ok, I just want to cry about the upcoming changes to the Poly quiet pool. SERIOUSLY. The Polynesian is our all time favorite resort with many stays and many good memories. The quiet pool is part of that! I've always been disappointed with the lack of a hot tub at the Polynesian and now with this, I am so, so disappointed. We love the quietness and the deep end of the pool!

I really don't understand the need to have them change the way it is. Every other resort has either multiple or sizable quiet pools. If the Poly had other "quiet pools" maybe I could see it, but I just don't.
It will become the volcano pool part II.

Ok, vent over.
The Polynesian will always remain my favorite in my heart, but I'm really sad.

 

[rcsilverspring]

Ok, I just want to cry about the upcoming changes to the Poly quiet pool. SERIOUSLY. The Polynesian is our all time favorite resort with many stays and many good memories. The quiet pool is part of that! I've always been disappointed with the lack of a hot tub at the Polynesian and now with this, I am so, so disappointed. We love the quietness and the deep end of the pool!

I really don't understand the need to have them change the way it is. Every other resort has either multiple or sizable quiet pools. If the Poly had other "quiet pools" maybe I could see it, but I just don't.
It will become the volcano pool part II.

Ok, vent over.
The Polynesian will always remain my favorite in my heart, but I'm really sad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obviously (see above post), I am totally with you on this. My adult dds and their bfs like to go late at night. Hopefully, it will still be the "quiet pool" that time of day.

 

[Darkfirewolfe]

I'm unsure of how I feel about the pool changes - I can understand about the need to include the zero grade entry for accessibility, and I'm sure regardless of the depth, there will be good swimming. I hope regardless of what happens it reminds a quiet pool without of the hub-bub of the Volcano pool.

And I would really like a hot-tub, even if they are dangerous :oly pout::



Also, I just wanted to share my link for my Trip Report - it's Oct 2010 and I was at the Polynesian - so there will be a lot of good Poly Pics

Running After the 'Rents

 

[minniebeth]

I'm unsure of how I feel about the pool changes - I can understand about the need to include the zero grade entry for accessibility, and I'm sure regardless of the depth, there will be good swimming. I hope regardless of what happens it reminds a quiet pool without of the hub-bub of the Volcano pool.

And I would really like a hot-tub, even if they are dangerous :oly pout::



Also, I just wanted to share my link for my Trip Report - it's Oct 2010 and I was at the Polynesian - so there will be a lot of good Poly Pics

Running After the 'Rents

Believe me, no one advocates more than I do for "accessibility", but do you have any idea how many resorts have quiet pools that are no differently accessible than the Poly's quiet pool? Unless they make the changes to all of them, I would LOVE to know the reasoning behind the change.

And yes, I would love a hot tub at the Poly...why are they dangerous? All the other Disney moderates and deluxes have them.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

We love Kona for breakfast mainly. Our favorite things are the Big Kahuna Breakfast, Macadamia Nut Pancakes and for DD, the Mickey Pancake (3 pancakes that makeup a Mickey 'head'). Plus Lili'koi juice and for me, the French Press of 100% Kona Coffee. Some folks rave about the Tonga Toast. It's good but trust me when I say you'll need an insulin shot afterwards. Saying it's sweet would be a vast understatement.

Agreed! This past October was our first time staying at the Poly but at least once every trip (2 or 3 trips per year since 2003) we would have breakfast at Kona. I have to have my press pot of Kona coffee and as sweet as it is I can't say no to the Tonga toast...without my Kona coffee and TT my vacation is not complete!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

It's good for us because ... the monorail (can't stress that enough!)

I couldn't agree more...when we would stay either offsite or at other resorts off the monorail line we never really thought we were missing out on anything. Once we stayed at the Poly and found how convenient it was we really don't want to stay elsewhere.

 

[Stubbzilla]

There are probably more choices, but the ones I know for sure are things like bagels, 2 pcs toast, muffins (nice because they are large and yummy!), pastries, a pkg of Pop Tarts (2), cereal, oatmeal, juice, milk. They have cream cheese, butter, and the like for your breads free of charge by the untensils, microwave, etc.
You could do a Dole Whip! I've never done it for breakfast, but have been tempted!

Also, I think their CS for breakfast is good and the portions large. You get a meal and 2 drinks for breakfast. We always share 1 cs and each person to get their own drink, a good value and use of a credit.

Enjoy! Hope you like WDW! I'm a DLR lover too!

Thanks, that helps. I looked at the online menus but it's hard to tell what will be a snack credit and what won't. I'm not the type of person who leaves food to chance.

 

[carlnix30]

Thanks, that helps. I looked at the online menus but it's hard to tell what will be a snack credit and what won't. I'm not the type of person who leaves food to chance.

Its amazing how one day an item will be a snack credit, then the next it isnt. I really dont think the people at the register have a list of snack credit items. we always stay CL and they provide continental type breakfast items but we still order granola bars, starbucks coffee, filters and snack items from garden grocer to be delivered upon arrival. No "leaving food to chance"

generally if it costs less than $4 it will be a snack credit, but dont rely on that either.

 

[Luvamouse]

we like Kona.. but the atmosphere is just tables and chairs. it definatley lives up to its name Kona Cafe we felt kind of stuffed in there(too many tables not enough floor) but the food is excellent..


Shrimp and Scallops - Panko breaded shrimp and pan-seared scallops with sticky rice and Ponzu, spicy guava, passion fruit, and wasabi cream sauces. - $20.99
and
Pan-Asian Noodles - Asian egg noodles with sliced chicken, pineapple, seasonal vegetables, and a House-made sweet-and-sour sauce. With shrimp $17.99. Can be made vegetarian upon request. - $17.99

I could not agree more with these two choices I'd also like to add I find the Tuna Oscar amazing. I say make an ADR, the worst that happens is you cancel-- as we did upon arrival on our last trip! The MK was calling our name. On another night, DH and I headed to the sushi bar where I got sushi and he got dinner from Kona. Probably still an option, you could find out here or when you arrive in case you want to change.

Whine away! I think mostly everyone here shares your pain! The next trip is never soon enough! In fact, I'll be checking into Poly in 28 days with DD, my sister and 2 nieces for a surprise birthday trip for DD! 28 days seems way to long to wait! Especially because we're all dying to get out of this ridiculous snowy winter!!!

As I broke the 4 inches of ice off of my cows' water tub this morning... it was -6 degrees... I was humming Kenny Chesney's "Somewhere In The Sun" and thinking of the Poly.... we check in 28 days from yesterday too!!! It doesn't match your ticker below, it is a bonus trip??

I'm so bummed. I saw the latest Tikiman update on the quiet pool and saw that the refurb will be going on through our whole trip. Originally it was only going to be closed on our arrival day and one more day. We're staying CL GV so that means we'll be facing the quiet pool. I'm also not thrilled about the zero entry and I'm assuming elimination of the deep end. My kids love having the deep end to swim. Having a zero entry area means less area for real swimming. I know, it's February so the pool likely won't be packed anyway. I'm still bummed though.

I could cry... I've looked at the Allears rehab schedule, never thinking to look at Tikiman's page, and saw nothing about the pool rehab-- only the 'Ohana refurb. I certainly hope the Volcano pool quick refurb isn't also going on when we are there... My family loves the quiet pool-- even though it often is nothing like that--- because it can often be a bit slower than the Volcano Pool. I certainly wouldn't have changed our dates, but I wish I'd known. I never even heard from my TA, and that's a surprise... At least I know before we go... sigh...

I couldn't agree more...when we would stay either offsite or at other resorts off the monorail line we never really thought we were missing out on anything. Once we stayed at the Poly and found how convenient it was we really don't want to stay elsewhere.

Last night, DH came in from a long, freezing day of outside work with firewood, cows, etc. and without taking his heavy jackets off, sat at the kitchen table with me and our DDs to look at ALL the slideshows of the other resorts we MIGHT consider. No good. He kept saying, "show me the Poly again..." In the end, he doesn't care the price, it just is the Poly... monorail, atmosphere, laid back nature... it is home. DDs are the same... And in reality, I never see another one that I think I'd like to stay at in the end

 

[janiebegood]

Is there any disadvantage to doing online check-in?

I read that club level guests might not want to, but we're just regular TPV guests.

Thoughts? Opinions?