ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[jetskigrl]

Aloha friends

guitarob, the thread is awesome. You have done such a excellent job! It is also great that you are going soon so you can get updated info and new pictures . Thank you so much for continuing the best thread on the DIS

It is nice to see so many new poly lovers on the thread. I have not been frequenting the board lately so I know I have missed some trip reports/reviews and plan on going back and reading each page. I hope you all had great stays and I am looking forward to catching up.

Sadly, we have had a horrific summer and I am debating a trip in the fall or early December. After I got cleared and was on the mend from my medical issues my Mom got diagnosed on June 28th with lung cancer that had already spread through her body. We lost her last Sunday just 6 weeks after her diagnosis. My Mom and I were really close as was my Breezy So, we need some Poly therapy along with Disney magic...and soon!

I am waiting to see about these alleged discounts that are supposed to come out tomorrow for fall and 2011 before I make my final decision but I am definitely booking a trip to Disney tomorrow regardless if it is for October or December or adjusting our March trip to earlier dates. I am sure planning and looking forward to a trip to the Poly will be good therapy for all of us. My Dad, even expressed a remote interest in joining us. I would love to take my Dad to Disney World and the Poly! I know he would love the holiday decor if we went in early December which would coincide with Mom's b-day so I am aiming for early December if possible.

Sorry to be a bit of a downer... I have missed this thread and all my Poly peeps. I look forward to be more active posting and planning again!

I am so very sorry for your loss!!!

 

[disneymumma]

Sadly, we have had a horrific summer and I am debating a trip in the fall or early December. After I got cleared and was on the mend from my medical issues my Mom got diagnosed on June 28th with lung cancer that had already spread through her body. We lost her last Sunday just 6 weeks after her diagnosis. My Mom and I were really close as was my Breezy So, we need some Poly therapy along with Disney magic...and soon!

My heart hurts to hear of your loss, BreezysMom. May continuing waves of peace and comfort surround you and your family. ...and may you get a GREAT discount for some memorable Poly days of refreshing for the holidays!

 

[jetskigrl]

All I can say is WOW!!!! We had a wonderful 11 days at the Poly. We had room 3508 (TPV, Hawaii building). It was simply amazing. I thought that we would be ready to come home after that amount of time but I could have easily stayed longer. The view from the room was perfect and we watched the fireworks from our balcony every night we were there (it never gets old, LOL).

There were a couple less-than-Disney-like situations but overall, I cannot complain. I found the Poly, and especially the Club level to be amazing. We were very pleased with our decision to forgo the dining plan and stay club level. It worked out perfectly for our family. We ate much less then normal due to the heat so one big meal a day (lunch) was fine (with breakfast and snacks/appetizers in the lounge).

Everything else went better than planned. I found the heat to be tolerable (thanks to the cloud cover and afternoon rain) and the Disney transportation worked out well for us. We only had one long wait (25 minutes) and that was for a Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon bus in the evening. I think the whole time we were there, we only had to stand on the busses or monorail about 4 or 5 times (and we used all modes of transportation quite a bit).

If anyone has any specific questions about the Poly, just let me know. I'll be glad to share our experience.

 

[leane]

I am so very sorry for your loss. We went to Disney after caring for my dad for 10 long years. It is the best medicine!

 

[jkstewart1800]

Breezysmom My heart goes out to you during your time of mourning. I lost my own mother to breast cancer when she was 42 and I was only 12.... I will be praying for you.

 

[logpey]

I just saved over 3000.00 by rebooking my 12 night stay!!!!! I gave up free dining, but for just one that isn't much, I also gave up all the other add ons to the package that I would never use anyway. Now I just have to get through chemo and radiation and be in a good health position come Nov.

God Bless! Think Disney, Disney, Disney!!!!

 

[logpey]

All I can say is WOW!!!! We had a wonderful 11 days at the Poly. We had room 3508 (TPV, Hawaii building). It was simply amazing. I thought that we would be ready to come home after that amount of time but I could have easily stayed longer. The view from the room was perfect and we watched the fireworks from our balcony every night we were there (it never gets old, LOL).

There were a couple less-than-Disney-like situations but overall, I cannot complain. I found the Poly, and especially the Club level to be amazing. We were very pleased with our decision to forgo the dining plan and stay club level. It worked out perfectly for our family. We ate much less then normal due to the heat so one big meal a day (lunch) was fine (with breakfast and snacks/appetizers in the lounge).

Everything else went better than planned. I found the heat to be tolerable (thanks to the cloud cover and afternoon rain) and the Disney transportation worked out well for us. We only had one long wait (25 minutes) and that was for a Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon bus in the evening. I think the whole time we were there, we only had to stand on the busses or monorail about 4 or 5 times (and we used all modes of transportation quite a bit).

If anyone has any specific questions about the Poly, just let me know. I'll be glad to share our experience.

Sounds like a wonderful time! I thought the heat was pretty tolorable as well...

 

[jdd]

I found the Poly, and especially the Club level to be amazing. We were very pleased with our decision to forgo the dining plan and stay club level. It worked out perfectly for our family. We ate much less then normal due to the heat so one big meal a day (lunch) was fine (with breakfast and snacks/appetizers in the lounge).

That's so great to hear! I've read some less than enthusiastic reviews of club level lately, so it's great to hear it worked out well for your family. That's our plan as well - breakfast and snacks in the lounge, along with a big sit down lunch. If we need to fill in any gaps, we can, but we're not big eaters, and usually find we're more thirsty than hungry when it's so hot!!

Would love to see some pictures!

 

[esmerelda51]

Thank you logpeg. Have been on chemo for awhile now and tomorrow I start 6 weeks of radiation. I should be done by the end of Sept. That gives me all of Oct to get my strength back. I am so glad I switched to room only because I won't have to pay the rest until I get there and if needed I can cancel only 5 days out.

 

[leane]

My husband will get two more days combined with a weekend before the year is through, I've never seen WDW at Christmas time, would it be crazy to make a whirlwind trip there maybe in November, being that I literally just got back? Has anyone gone for a 3 night trip before? And if so what should I make a point to see at Christmas time. I can't believe my husband is really entertaining the idea of a quick trip there... The disney magic is working!!!!

I dont think you are crazy! I would go for it!

 

[YanksWinAgain]

attaching the yellow ME tags to the bags right now... I figure we will be waiting on line for Pirates this time tomorrow...

 

[coopersmom]

All I can say is WOW!!!! We had a wonderful 11 days at the Poly. We had room 3508 (TPV, Hawaii building). It was simply amazing. I thought that we would be ready to come home after that amount of time but I could have easily stayed longer. The view from the room was perfect and we watched the fireworks from our balcony every night we were there (it never gets old, LOL).

There were a couple less-than-Disney-like situations but overall, I cannot complain. I found the Poly, and especially the Club level to be amazing. We were very pleased with our decision to forgo the dining plan and stay club level. It worked out perfectly for our family. We ate much less then normal due to the heat so one big meal a day (lunch) was fine (with breakfast and snacks/appetizers in the lounge).

Everything else went better than planned. I found the heat to be tolerable (thanks to the cloud cover and afternoon rain) and the Disney transportation worked out well for us. We only had one long wait (25 minutes) and that was for a Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon bus in the evening. I think the whole time we were there, we only had to stand on the busses or monorail about 4 or 5 times (and we used all modes of transportation quite a bit).

If anyone has any specific questions about the Poly, just let me know. I'll be glad to share our experience.

So happy to hear you had a great vacation! Would love to see pictures of your room, if you have them. (We're planning a December club level stay, and sounds like we plan to use the amenities a lot like you did.)

Did you experience any of the issues with room condition and/or service issues (lack of food and drinks) in the club lounge?

 

[GaSwan]

...we have ressies at Poly TPV in December--so I know that is either Tuvalu or Tahiti buildings--but I can't decide which. (Club level is out of our price range.)

We have never been to Poly before, and what is most important for this trip is the best possible view of the fireworks and castle. My elderly (82) SIL will be with us, and because of her age and health by the end of the day the only way she can see the fireworks will be from the balcony to our room.

I had originally picked Tahiti after reading Tikiman's site, but after trying to sort through the opinions here regarding Tuvalu v. Tahiti I am confused.

I know this has been the subject of (mostly) good humored debate, so, if the view for fireworks and castle is the most important factor, which in your opinion, is the better longhouse?

thanks

Lee

 

[SnowWhite1]

I am wondering about the views too - so far our only request is theme park view and 3rd floor. Which longhouses are an option for theme park view? When I looked at the tikiman site it only looked like Tahiti...but am I just confused?

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

Aloha friends
Sadly, we have had a horrific summer and I am debating a trip in the fall or early December. After I got cleared and was on the mend from my medical issues my Mom got diagnosed on June 28th with lung cancer that had already spread through her body. We lost her last Sunday just 6 weeks after her diagnosis. My Mom and I were really close as was my Breezy So, we need some Poly therapy along with Disney magic...and soon!

I am so sorry to hear about your mom My thoughts and prayers are with you.. and I really hope you all get your poly trip this winter

I just saved over 3000.00 by rebooking my 12 night stay!!!!! I gave up free dining, but for just one that isn't much, I also gave up all the other add ons to the package that I would never use anyway. Now I just have to get through chemo and radiation and be in a good health position come Nov.

Prayers for you too!! I hope you are rested, well and healthy for your trip.

 

[jetskigrl]

So happy to hear you had a great vacation! Would love to see pictures of your room, if you have them. (We're planning a December club level stay, and sounds like we plan to use the amenities a lot like you did.)

Did you experience any of the issues with room condition and/or service issues (lack of food and drinks) in the club lounge?

We saw a little sampling of the things I read about on the boards, but nothing that I would have noticed otherwise. I think I was looking for it because of everything I had read, LOL.

There were always open tables any time we were in the lounge and nearly everyone cleaned up after themselves. I think only twice did I see anything left at a table after someone was finished. In fact, many times the lounge CMs would remove the dishes from the tables before the people even got up (which I can see why it would have given people a reason to believe that the staff always cleans up). But there was a place for the dirty dishes and nearly everyone I saw but their dirty dishes there (and threw their trash away).

There was sometimes a short line for food right at 5:00 but I never saw them run out of anything. Even when we arrived at 6:30, there was plenty of evening appetizers. The food was constantly being replenished. On the night they were serving sushi, one gentleman had about 8 little trays in front of him (the sushi was served with 2 pieces on a little tray). But there was still plenty of food available for others. A tray of food would be finished and a new one would replace it right away.

I saw one family in their pajamas on one morning, but nothing more extreme than that. I also noticed kids coming or going from the pool in just bathing suits but it didn't seem out of place at all since the lounge is just a few steps away from the pools in the first place. I was actually quite embarrased though when we stopped by on our way to the pool and I realized (after we were already in the lounge) that my DS didn't have shoes on (yikes...I was one of them, LOL).

I also do not recall any time that I went for a drink and it was not available. The evening "adult" punch runs out quickly (it is sooooo good), but if you find it empty, you just ask a CM and a new one magically appears

We found all the CMs to be wonderful (both in the lounge and downstairs). They were great help to us. I had read about the awesome towel animals that some mousekeepers will leave and asked one of the CMs if she could arrange to have an elephant placed in our room on one of our AK days (my DD loves elephants and our mousekeeper didn't leave any towel animals). I left an extra tip envelope with the mousekeeper's name and "for towel animal" written on it, just in case. Sure enough, the CM made it happen and we had an elephant mascot for the remainder of the trip

As for room conditions, that is one area that probably does need some TLC. There was one spot in the hall where the wallpaper was pealing off around a vent and a couple of small things in our room that needed fixing (one closet door handle was loose, etc). But nothing major and I was so caught up in having the lounge service, balcony, view of the MK, etc that the other stuff was just too minor to bother me

I will try to get some pictures posted soon. I haven't uploaded them to my computer yet.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Joining in the fun - we just booked Poly for January !

We were last there in 2009 in CL - so wonderful! Booked garden view this time (had to mind the budget) - sure will be missing the lounge but still looking forward to a fantastic stay!

 

[coopersmom]

We saw a little sampling of the things I read about on the boards, but nothing that I would have noticed otherwise. I think I was looking for it because of everything I had read, LOL.

There were always open tables any time we were in the lounge and nearly everyone cleaned up after themselves. I think only twice did I see anything left at a table after someone was finished. In fact, many times the lounge CMs would remove the dishes from the tables before the people even got up (which I can see why it would have given people a reason to believe that the staff always cleans up). But there was a place for the dirty dishes and nearly everyone I saw but their dirty dishes there (and threw their trash away).

There was sometimes a short line for food right at 5:00 but I never saw them run out of anything. Even when we arrived at 6:30, there was plenty of evening appetizers. The food was constantly being replenished. On the night they were serving sushi, one gentleman had about 8 little trays in front of him (the sushi was served with 2 pieces on a little tray). But there was still plenty of food available for others. A tray of food would be finished and a new one would replace it right away.

I saw one family in their pajamas on one morning, but nothing more extreme than that. I also noticed kids coming or going from the pool in just bathing suits but it didn't seem out of place at all since the lounge is just a few steps away from the pools in the first place. I was actually quite embarrased though when we stopped by on our way to the pool and I realized (after we were already in the lounge) that my DS didn't have shoes on (yikes...I was one of them, LOL).

I also do not recall any time that I went for a drink and it was not available. The evening "adult" punch runs out quickly (it is sooooo good), but if you find it empty, you just ask a CM and a new one magically appears

We found all the CMs to be wonderful (both in the lounge and downstairs). They were great help to us. I had read about the awesome towel animals that some mousekeepers will leave and asked one of the CMs if she could arrange to have an elephant placed in our room on one of our AK days (my DD loves elephants and our mousekeeper didn't leave any towel animals). I left an extra tip envelope with the mousekeeper's name and "for towel animal" written on it, just in case. Sure enough, the CM made it happen and we had an elephant mascot for the remainder of the trip

As for room conditions, that is one area that probably does need some TLC. There was one spot in the hall where the wallpaper was pealing off around a vent and a couple of small things in our room that needed fixing (one closet door handle was loose, etc). But nothing major and I was so caught up in having the lounge service, balcony, view of the MK, etc that the other stuff was just too minor to bother me

I will try to get some pictures posted soon. I haven't uploaded them to my computer yet.

Thank you for your complete and candid review. I'm assuming, since you didn't mention it, that other than a few little maintenance issues, you were satisfied with your room and, more importantly, it's cleanliness?

Fingers crossed that complaints were made (the things we heard earlier this month) and problems solved in those areas.

 

[esmerelda51]

If anyone is interested: I just canceled my original package of Theme Park view 11/13-11/25. Made my new hotel only this morning on-line. So a Theme Park view may have openned up.

 

[crostorfer]

Can anyone tell me what time to pool bar opens? We arrive early in the morning and after breakfast at O'Hana we plan on chilling by the pool until our room is ready. And also, what is the best drink the pool bar serves and how much it costs? Thanks!