ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[Bean Counter]

We will be in Hawaii TPV in November thanks to a bounceback from our April trip. Was there a bounceback offer in the room for next year yet?

As of mid-August, the offer was for the 2010 year only. It was the first thing I looked for when we got to the room.

 

[DebbyLof428]

As of mid-August, the offer was for the 2010 year only. It was the first thing I looked for when we got to the room.

Thanks for the reply. Hopefully there will be something in November.

 

[maiapapaya]

As of mid-August, the offer was for the 2010 year only. It was the first thing I looked for when we got to the room.

Thanks for the reply. Hopefully there will be something in November.

Hoping for a good 2011 bounce back in November too! How pathetic - we're still over 2 1/2 months from our trip and we're already hoping for a discount for next year! Hopeless addicts are we all!

 

[DebbyLof428]

Hoping for a good 2011 bounce back in November too! How pathetic - we're still over 2 1/2 months from our trip and we're already hoping for a discount for next year! Hopeless addicts are we all!

Yes and my drug of choice is the Poly lol

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi Poly Friends,
I'm more of a reader on this thread, but I did post a ? a while back and I didn't ever see an answer and thought I might try again.

Just wondering where, specifically, the music for Wishes is best heard when watching from the Poly. My DS11 is hearing impaired and I would like to be in the most optimal spot for him.

We are SOOOO excited about our first Poly stay, paying the balance tomorrow! I have requested Tokelu 2nd or 3rd toward the beach end (GV room). Any other thoughts about 1st timers with GV requests, I would love the expert advice

Thank you all, I love all of the info on this thread!

 

[guitarob]

Just wondering where, specifically, the music for Wishes is best heard when watching from the Poly. My DS11 is hearing impaired and I would like to be in the most optimal spot for him.

I have indicated in red the general area the speakers are located along the beach. This is a path that runs in front of Hawaii, and it has speakers every so many feet along it. If you are anywhere on that beach you should hear just fine, take a look along the area, and listen, you'll spot the speakers and be able to locate the perfect spot for DS. There is music playing all day through the same speakers, so a short scouting trip before the show will get you right where you need to be!

I'll do some looking around while I'm there and pinpoint exactly where the speakers are on a map to put in the main FAQ as this seems to be a popular question.

Have a great trip!!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

thank you SO much for the info!!! I can't wait to try it out! I wonder if they will have the sound track playing for Happy Hallowishes too during MNSSHP? There are 4 MNSSHP's the week in Oct. we are there. We have done it 2x and are thinking we may skip this time, but I would love to see/hear the fireworks! Thanks guitarob!

 

[leane]

Paid off our balance today not that it didn't fell real before but it is so much closer now. 51 days an we will be sipping a lapu lapu at the pool


I am not planning a 2011 trip unless we can get a bounback offer that I can't refuse. Here is to hoping, with others, a bounceback is available for 2011 in Oct

 

[DisneyDoc5]

guitarob, the map is awesome, thanks again!!!

 

[kungaloosh22]

Thanks guitarob, I really appreciate that map of the speaker area.

I love it here, and I think the reason I love it so much it is like getting 2 vacations in one. You get the feel of the tropical vacation, yet you get Disney too!

I couldn't agree more! Besides WDW, our favorite vacation spot is Hawaii. We love all things tiki and tropical (we even have a 10-foot 2-level drop waterfall in our backyard). The Poly is perfect for us!

Only 426 days until my next stay at the Poly!

I'm a little jealous of those of you close to your trip, but this time around I'll really have time to plan it right! Last time was a 1-month advance planning spur-of-the-moment thing. This time I even have time to lose weight, get in shape, and break in a pair of walking shoes....

What? It could happen!

 

[guitarob]

Thanks guitarob, I really appreciate that map of the speaker area.

guitarob, the map is awesome, thanks again!!!

You're welcome! Glad to help!

This time I even have time to lose weight, get in shape, and break in a pair of walking shoes....

What? It could happen!

Sounds like my plan. I have manged to break in some shoes... I wish you better luck!

 

[schaery]

I think if you look hard at menus and be a little creative (like incorporating a smoothie, frozen cappacino, fresh fruit) the options are pretty decent.

To answer your question, Tonga Toast is part of a CS meal and cannot be used for a snack credit.

I usually make a smoothie for breakfast at home. Are there places you can recommend to get them at WDW?

Subject change: I've read so many reviews about the different longhouses that I got brainstrain. Decided to request Tokelau. Any opinions on that longhouse? It will be a GV, and I requested 3rd floor.

 

[Tess]

Woo hoo!! Under 3 weeks until we are immersed in the Poly and Disney magic


So DH needs to rent a car for a day while we are at WDW. Years ago we rented for a day while staying at CR and someone (shuttle?) came and picked him up and drove him to go pick up the car. We don't recall what company that was. Has anyone rented a car from somewhere onsite while staying at the Poly? My brother told me SoG has a Hertz desk - would DH be able to get over there to pick up a car - or not, because he's not military? I think there are 2 other rental companies onsite (maybe Alamo and National?) - I'll try them if Hertz doesn't work (we can get a discount w/ them). Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Alamo and/or National are at the Car Care Center. You simply call the shuttle with a pick up time and head over to pick up your vehicle. You can make a reservation online and if you have an AP, use it for a discount.

 

[Tess]

I have indicated in red the general area the speakers are located along the beach. This is a path that runs in front of Hawaii, and it has speakers every so many feet along it. If you are anywhere on that beach you should hear just fine, take a look along the area, and listen, you'll spot the speakers and be able to locate the perfect spot for DS. There is music playing all day through the same speakers, so a short scouting trip before the show will get you right where you need to be!

I'll do some looking around while I'm there and pinpoint exactly where the speakers are on a map to put in the main FAQ as this seems to be a popular question.

Have a great trip!!

We also found that at the end of the boat dock the sound was good (right side) and there are benches. It was never very crowded with other guests either. Another nice and quiet location is at the marina where the bikes are parked. That said, we didn't visit that spot this past June and I won't guarantee the sound is great, but it was in the past.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

thank you SO much for the info!!! I can't wait to try it out! I wonder if they will have the sound track playing for Happy Hallowishes too during MNSSHP? There are 4 MNSSHP's the week in Oct. we are there. We have done it 2x and are thinking we may skip this time, but I would love to see/hear the fireworks! Thanks guitarob!

They did last year!! We watched Hallowishes from the beach...and sadly lost our camera there. Spent two solid weeks checking with lost and found before finally accepting it. Still check the found cameras blog every now and then.


But, YES!! They piped in the music for Hallowishes. I'm pretty sure we also watched Holiday Wishes (avec music) from the Poly beach.

 

[mom2travel]

Alamo and/or National are at the Car Care Center. You simply call the shuttle with a pick up time and head over to pick up your vehicle. You can make a reservation online and if you have an AP, use it for a discount.

Thanks - that's what we must have used last time we needed a car. I was hoping to use a Hertz discount, but I'll tell DH to just book one of those companies

 

[mom2mek]

Thanks - that's what we must have used last time we needed a car. I was hoping to use a Hertz discount, but I'll tell DH to just book one of those companies

This is a GREAT service!! We used the Car Care Center when we were there in May. My mom and I were attending a conference at the Gaylord, but wanted to stay at the Poly instead (duh, right?) plus we wanted to use Magical Express, so we used Alamo at the Hess station right inside the MK gates. It was fabulous!

I called for a pick up at a time that was convenient and they were right on time. It took all of 5 minutes to get there, my car was ready, and a few minutes later I was back at the Poly! It was great!

Go to alamo's site and use the code ORLR72 for location. I found the rates to be a bit cheaper too since they don't have as many airport fees.

Then when I returned it, I waited outside for a shuttle back to the Poly (but there were people who were waiting to go to a park too, so you can certainly do that as well). Then we were able to use ME to go back to the airport at the end of our trip! We saved money too since we only needed the car for the few days we were going back and forth to the Gaylord - after that we were at the Poly and used Disney transportation. HTH!

Sara

 

[PixiePoppins]

I LOVE this thread!

We are staying at the Poly from Oct 16-24. First time for me since the 1970s and first time ever for DH and 3 kids. We had planned to stay at POR, but I switched over once the room discounts came out. The kids don't know yet, and will be so thrilled. We have visited the Poly during the last two trips to watch Wishes and go to Ohana, so they know it's wonderful. In 2008, they didn't have music piped in for Wishes, is this recent? or maybe wasn't working when we were there?

I too have braindrain trying to decide which, if any, longhouse to request. I'm down to either requesting a 3rd floor anywhere and leaving it up to the Tiki Gods, or asking for 3rd floor at Tokelau. Watch me not get either...but I'm sure we'll still be thrilled. The only thing I don't want is one of the 2nd floor no balcony rooms.

Can't wait to go and try one of those lapu lapu drinks!!!

 

[mom2travel]

This is a GREAT service!! We used the Car Care Center when we were there in May. My mom and I were attending a conference at the Gaylord, but wanted to stay at the Poly instead (duh, right?) plus we wanted to use Magical Express, so we used Alamo at the Hess station right inside the MK gates. It was fabulous!

I called for a pick up at a time that was convenient and they were right on time. It took all of 5 minutes to get there, my car was ready, and a few minutes later I was back at the Poly! It was great!

Go to alamo's site and use the code ORLR72 for location. I found the rates to be a bit cheaper too since they don't have as many airport fees.

Then when I returned it, I waited outside for a shuttle back to the Poly (but there were people who were waiting to go to a park too, so you can certainly do that as well). Then we were able to use ME to go back to the airport at the end of our trip! We saved money too since we only needed the car for the few days we were going back and forth to the Gaylord - after that we were at the Poly and used Disney transportation. HTH!

Sara

Thank you!

 

[bluejasmine]

So I got my email from Conceirge with my welcome letter! Only problem is now I cant find my packet of mickey mail! I have everything else I need!

Had to pick DS up from highschool as he is sick, has a dr appt later this morning.. Of course the curse of the trip around the corner AGAIN!