ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[jetskigrl]

I am right between you guys! We actually leave in 4 days, but we have two days in the car.... but just the idea that we are 'on the way' counts... right!

BTW - does anyone have the link to the Poly August thread?

Do you just C&P the URL? If so, lets see if this work, LOL.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2469447

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Does anyone have any photographs of 'Ohana or the Kona Island that they wouldn't mind sharing with everyone? Food, interior, signs, all would be appreciated.

Here are pictures of the sign for the Boutiki store, Ohana and Captain Cooks. So if you want to add them that's fine with me, just be sure to mention that these are my photos.

 

[bluejasmine]

So today I bought some adorable red, green and orange glass tea light holders and tea light candles, I have to get rose petals, champagne, chocolates, and string lights for our room, as a suprise for DH on the night of our anniversary when we return from Narcossee.

Trying to think of anything else I can put in the room to make it romantic.. Any suggestions? We are driving so Im not worried about having enough packing room..

Also got the cute (clear pink and blue) plastic tiki cups for us to enjoy some of that blended juice from the CL (bringing a bottle of rum) at the pool or beach..

I have my disposable ponchos and a pop up hamper, just need to buy a few tolitries and the plastic suction cup hooks for the bathroom to hang bathing suits and beach towels, my flavored creamer for my morning coffee and Im done.. Now if only the next 45 days would hurry!!! LOL

 

[dizneechic]

Does anyone have any photographs of 'Ohana or the Kona Island that they wouldn't mind sharing with everyone? Food, interior, signs, all would be appreciated.

Not the best pictures since I was only capturing for me and not really trying for anything great but here are a few that I have from Feb.

Ohana Island from window seat near center of the restaurant

Parade of children during dinner at Ohana

Monorail waiting area

View of fountain at night outside the GCH from Monorail waiting area

 

[916chipndale]

WOW thats amazing! Thanks so much! We wont need to leave an hr early to make our ADrs! I will give it about 20 min atleast (GF,CR,MK,EP) on the monorail and maybe 30 with the boat and 30 with the bus! I dont think I will EVER want to stay anywhere else with this luxury! LOL

Thanks everyone for their patience with my 101 questions, you all will make my trip even that much more amazing!

the times i told you was with no waiting but the waits for the monorail is only like 5 min

 

[guitarob]

Here's a little Polynesian Resort history for your enjoyment.

I found this a long time ago, and re-visited because of a couple of posts on the Theme Park board asking for "retro" Disney. Enjoy!

Widen Your World, Polynesian Page

Walt Dated World, Polynesian Page

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Also a few have mentioned Rum Are you bringing bottles with you, purchasing there in the gift shop (wouldn't THAT be fab!) or picking up off site and bringing back to the room. A girl's gotta prepare ya know, LOL!

The Poly store has liquor for sale and it is definitely cheaper to buy a small bottle of rum (I don't believe the sizes are all that big) and a mixer than to buy the drinks at the bar BUT it is much cheaper to have your own. If you drive, you can stop at a liquor store. If you don't, I have heard of a couple of grocery delivery services and I am going to try that this time (wegoshop will get what YOU want and they do deliver liquor as long as someone 21 or older signs for it.)

I have more photos from around the resort and from the Luau. Anyone interested? I don't want to put too many up here!

You have to ask???? GO FOR IT!!!!

Zuzu and Tinkerbellie - We are a cat loving family (8!!!)So sorry to hear about your cats. We have lost 2 over the past few years and it is heartbreaking. We lost our 14 1/2 yr. old dog 2 weeks ago and I still get weepy just thinking about it. He hadn't been doing well lately and was on several meds, had difficulty walking, etc. He spared us the difficulty of making that "big" decision and just passed during his morning walk. So very sad for us, so I can totally imagine what you're doing through Tinkerbellie. Thoughts and prayers to both of you.

Oh Tinkerbellie, I totally know what you mean - honestly we were worried more about Smokey, who is 13 and hasn't been eating well lately (he has a vet appt on Wednesday) while we were gone, but apparently he did great. Thank goodness for good kitty sitters!!! Good luck coming to terms with things - it's been a long time since this has happened to me and only once have I had to put my horse down when I was 15 (talk about a bad time to have to do that). I think you're right to take care of things before you go on vacation, otherwise you'll worry too much.

Thank you very much for the thoughts. I feel so guilty for having to "decide" when my cat passes and I appreciate all the support. I haven't made the appointment yet but my children are going to their grandma's in a week so I'm going to schedule it for when they are gone. I hope that's the right thing to do. They know Norman is sick and might 'pass' soon so I am preparing them. Ugh.

 

[leane]

We want to catch the torch lighting ceremony how long does it last?

We have a 640 pm ressie at Whispering Canyon Cafe. We have a car so we can get there pretty quick if I recall, driving but would we have time to go via boat.

Our plan is leave from the poly (DM and dd's are spening the night here) - to WL for dinner and to BLT TOWL (dh and I only solo night at BLT) and take the kids and DM back to poly via monorail after, enjoy a few lapu lapu's and head back to BLT for the night via the monorail. It is a MNSSHP night so the monorail goes until 12 am right? if so that rocks !!! I love the not needing to drive. And that will help with the loopy feeling I will get from the lapu lapu

 

[dizneechic]

The Poly store has liquor for sale and it is definitely cheaper to buy a small bottle of rum (I don't believe the sizes are all that big) and a mixer than to buy the drinks at the bar BUT it is much cheaper to have your own. If you drive, you can stop at a liquor store. If you don't, I have heard of a couple of grocery delivery services and I am going to try that this time (wegoshop will get what YOU want and they do deliver liquor as long as someone 21 or older signs for it.)


Thank you very much for the thoughts. I feel so guilty for having to "decide" when my cat passes and I appreciate all the support. I haven't made the appointment yet but my children are going to their grandma's in a week so I'm going to schedule it for when they are gone. I hope that's the right thing to do. They know Norman is sick and might 'pass' soon so I am preparing them. Ugh.

Woot. We did decide to get a rental car so maybe a quick stop before our arrival may be in order.

As for your kitty and doing it while the kids are away, might I suggest you have them say goodbye *just in case* he passes while they are gone. This way they can have some closure for the inevitable and wont be upset about the fact they didn't say goodbye, even though they will still be sad, at least its *something*.
My mom got rid of one of my favorite cats as a kid while I was away at my aunts and it's been well over 30 years and I am STILL resentful. Maybe it's me holding one heck of a grudge but if I knew I would have at least been able to part ways vs being frustrated all these years over it.
My BFF also had a similar experience with her elderly dog recently and put him down while the kids were in school. They fibbed to the kids about coming home and finding her and then bringing to the vet to try to help when in fact it was the opposite (planned to be put to sleep). Her kids are the type that ask 100's of questions so what she thought would be easiest has turned into one big lie that they keep adding onto trying to have answers that make sense to the kids. Not to mention playing cover up with the rest of the family that knows the truth of the matter.
Good luck with however you decide. It's not easy being a parent and having to deal with loss of your furry ones for you or the kids!

 

[leane]

My DD just started running a 102 fever today. Oh man!!! I figure she'll probably be better by the weekend, but now I have to worry about the rest of us catching it.....

Broken toe, sick kid, I'm starting to think this trip wasn't meant to be...

Hope everyone feels better soon I broke my thumb and sprained the other thumb while in DW in March, hence my do-over trip in Oct. I think I might have been better just taking the road rash on my nose rather than bracing my fall....

 

[bluejasmine]

IM bringing a bottle of rum (to enjoy in our new tiki cups) they are like $15 for a big bottle here, and a bottle of champagne, that I will have to hide and in the suitcase and then place in the fridge the day of our anniversary, praying DH wont notice it..lol

Im looking fwd to enjoying some mai tai, blue hawaiian, pina colada and colavas at dinner and at Tambu Lounge but we are bringing our own rum to enjoy around the room, pool and the beach. Just seems cheaper..Just found out about that Prime Outlet there in Orlando and will be doing some major shopping! My bday is next month but i told DH I just want to wait and go shopping at Prime for my bday and he said that was ok! Hes so good to me!

I just wish it was closer to SEPT!

 

[leane]

Great new thread!!!

For those of you who have switched your reservations around, can you advise me?

I got a code awhile ago for 40% off and made res. for the last week in October -- we ended up with a TPV room. I'm now thinking I'd rather be in a regular GV CL room if possible. Do you know if there are any codes out there that might allow me to make the switch? Also, how would I go about doing it?

Thanks!

I would call back... and if it isn't available today, call tomorrow and the next day, and the next day.
All that was available for me (oct 20-23) 2 weeks ago was a TPV room. Friday a LV CL became available them Sat. the TPV CL became available. I dont know this for sure, but it seems like they might release rooms day to day to the 40% pin code dependant on bookings????

I am just praying for the AP rate to come out SOON so I can change to that and add the dining plan

 

[leane]

We are planning a family trip to Disney for Feb 2011. DH and I are the grandparents, daughter and 8 yr old grandson, son and daughter in law. Arrival will be midweek or towards end of school vacation week into the following week probably Tuesday or Weds.
We were planning on staying offsite at a condo as we have before.... then a health scare made me realize that life is too short,,,and I want to stay at the Polynesian!!
So, I am about to embark on our journey to plan this trip.
Can you help?
Do I make our room ressies now? Am I too late because of school vacations?
Will I be able to get better rates later?
We are Florida residents but I don't know if Feb is a time they give resident discounts. My husband is also retired military.

I would like room suggestions also. I think we'd prefer quiet and central. I dont want to be a LONG walk from the monorail. I think we'd just go to the beach to watch the fireworks vs watching from the room even if we could.
I dont think I want 1st floor... probably would want 3rd... do you have to walk up or are there elevators?

I have read through all these pages, now have to go read all the links! Thanks to all who are sharing. Amazing how exciting a picture is!

I cannot tell you how excited this makes me to think about planning this at long last. Hopefully the health things works out ok and we just have an amazing time.

Any advice- ALL advice, greatly appreciated.

Wishing you heathy months ahead!!

We booked our first visit to WDW 2/27-3/12 and they were offering the buy 4 get3 for free at that time. We ended up buying DVC and switched to villa's but thought I would mention it for you.

happy planning


Tinkerbellie and ZuZu
sorry about kitties. We lost our "baby" a few years back. He had kidney disease and it was too expensive for all of the treatments and we had him put down. I will never forget calling DH begging him to go get him back and when he called they had already put him down.
(((hugs))))

 

[logpey]

My husband and I will have a date night with kids in Neverland Club during our trip, Which restaurant should we have a date night at? Which is most romantic-prob not flying fish, I just thought walk around Boardwalk afterward!
Any suggestions would be appreciated... THX

 

[jkstewart1800]

Do you just C&P the URL? If so, lets see if this work, LOL.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2469447

THANKS! I just jumped on board... or should I say.... I just jumped ON the board! LOL

 

[jkstewart1800]

The Poly store has liquor for sale and it is definitely cheaper to buy a small bottle of rum (I don't believe the sizes are all that big) and a mixer than to buy the drinks at the bar BUT it is much cheaper to have your own. If you drive, you can stop at a liquor store. If you don't, I have heard of a couple of grocery delivery services and I am going to try that this time (wegoshop will get what YOU want and they do deliver liquor as long as someone 21 or older signs for it.)



You have to ask???? GO FOR IT!!!!





Thank you very much for the thoughts. I feel so guilty for having to "decide" when my cat passes and I appreciate all the support. I haven't made the appointment yet but my children are going to their grandma's in a week so I'm going to schedule it for when they are gone. I hope that's the right thing to do. They know Norman is sick and might 'pass' soon so I am preparing them. Ugh.

I was with my dad when we put our kitty to 'sleep' when I was a little girl. I wanted to go and see that my pet was truly at rest and to be with her in her final moments. Everyone knows their kid best, so do what you will, I just wanted to share my perspective from my own real life experience... I was about 9....

 

[mirlow]

I found Tonga to be very quiet and we had the BEST view of the castle - straight on overlooking the marina! I didn't realize how close the walk was to GCH - literally steps away and that rocked.

I would love to see your pictures. What type of suite did you have?

I hope your dd gets her blanket back!

 

[mdrob214]

My husband and I will have a date night with kids in Neverland Club during our trip, Which restaurant should we have a date night at? Which is most romantic-prob not flying fish, I just thought walk around Boardwalk afterward!
Any suggestions would be appreciated... THX

I can only tell you that we were very underwhelmed with Narcoossee's. I had heard good and bad, but it's been on my list for a few trips and has always gotten canceled. Wish we'd canceled this trip! For 4 of us, our bill came to over $400! It was NOT a $400 meal. Or even $200, in my opinion. We had the dining plan, so didn't pay that much--just the portion for our wine, which was excellent.

It wasn't all bad, though. The Key Lime creme brulee dessert was delicious, as was the crab cake appetizer DS and I shared. The service was great and the atmosphere was relaxing--although they don't enforce their own dress code, which makes me wonder why they bother? My son was the only one at our table who truly enjoyed his entree, however. Maybe we just were there on a bad night?

ETA--Citrico's is on the list for our next trip. I've heard great things. I really like how the GF restaurants are all so easy to get to/from when staying at the Poly.

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi guys, I just noticed you started a new thread and can't believe you reached the max on the old one already! Thought I'd pop on and say Aloha to everyone...I've been MIA as I'm always on all the AKL threads...we're doing AKL CL next year and I avoid this thread as much as possible as I don't want to change my mind and switch to the Poly again! I'm really excited about trying a new resort, but then I look at the pictures here and see my old friends and I get that Tuvalu longing again, and well, y'all know the rest! Once a Poly addict, always a Poly addict! We will still be making ressies at 'Ohana and Kona, and watching the EWP/fireworks a few times from the beach, but I will longingly look up at Tuvalu and wish I was watching everything from up there! I hope you are all well and enjoying this amazing summer weather!

 

[mdrob214]

More photos! You all are going to get tired of me

I found a few more from the Luau:

Learning to Hula:

July birthday and other celebrations folks were asked to come up:

July wedding and anniversary celebrants:

Pete's Fire Punch:
Sorry for the silly face.
I can't remember the description of the drink itself, but it was yummy! It comes in this coconut monkey so I HAD to get one (the cup was inside, and we took the monkey home--it has a slot in the head and it's a coin bank.)

Fire Punch and a virgin Pina Colada! Ahhh, vacation!