Back
late last night and still recovering. The Poly was beautiful as ever. We had an immaculate, well-maintained room (Samoa 3614). You could smell that the mousekeeper had cleaned with bleach before we checked in and everything was ship shape, even behind the beds, etc.-- I know because I turned the room upside down looking for my son's lost stuffed animal.
We requested (and got) turndown service every night, and early cleaning every day. Our room connected with my parents' (3615), and I noticed that while they had the usual push button flush on the toilet, we had a front flush lever, which I liked so much better. Also, we got channel 96 (old Disney cartoons "secret" channel) and they didn't. It's the little things... LOL
Check in was a challenge, not because of anything the Poly staff did but because of DVC (long story). Poly staff were excellent and worked hard to rectify the situation they didn't create. Special note: Be kind to your CMs and they will go above and beyond for you, as they did for me. Be mean, and well... good luck to you. I had a great conversation about this with a CM as we worked on my issue. Nuff said.
Lots of "Aloha"s throughout our stay, and the front desk CM remembered me and my room number whenever I saw her during the week. She was very sweet, and I'll be sending some praise about her and her managers to TPTB.
Captain Cook's was a bit more chaotic than I've ever experienced, and they need to stay on top of table clean-ups. I'm not fussy, but I never saw anyone doing this.
Kona was very nice. They were training someone in at my table, and didn't miss a beat. No Ohana this trip.
The pool did get busy yesterday afternoon before we left. I'll try to post a picture once I download them, but it's the first I've seen it that crowded. Otherwise, it was great, and we always managed to find a place to park and drink! LOL I noticed they re-opened the smokers' poolside area on Sat., although there wasn't much furniture up there yet. Wishes while swimming was a regular thing for us, and we enjoyed it as ever.
Rapa Nui roof was being worked on, but other than that, not much going on in the way of construction/refurb.
Monorail service was good, although Friday night it was
very slow when a downpour struck and everyone fled. 4 TTC monorails passed before the resort one arrived. I'd have gone to the express, but didn't want to fight the crowd in back of me to exit the resort line.
Bus service was surprisingly right on!

Never waited more than 15 to get to TL, DHS, or AK. I say this as someone who has fully loathed the bus transport for some time now. My mom and sis had a looooong wait and ride getting back from DTD, but I don't think anyone has a good time getting to and from the bus Bermuda Triangle that is DTD.
Boat service was lovely as usual and is such a peaceful way to travel. Don't overlook it.
Anyway, those are the things that jump to mind. More later, if I think of it. I'll post some pics soon. Hope the mini-review helps, and I'll try to answer questions, if any. Aloha!
ETA: OMG, how could I forget the loop music? As someone who is in lovelovelove with the old loop, I may be biased, but the new loop was meh. Felt pretty generic Polynesian if that makes sense. Didn't bum me out but also didn't give me that good vibe the old one did. Anyway, JMO, YMMV.