ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[vinotinto]

We too have 8:05 Akershus ADRs. Should we drive? I'd prefer to monorail, but I also want to be there close to on time. Suggestions?


I little woohoo dancing for leaving 2 weeks from today!!!

Well, there are 3 choices:
1) drive - will definitely get you there on time. But, Epcot is great for adult drinks, which of course you are not thinking about about at 7:30 am, but have to be factored in for the return. This is the reason why we didn't drive.

2) cab - not a choice if you have young kids. At first, I thought we would just take a cab, but what about car seats? It's s short drive, but it is on a highway.

3) monorail - will get you there comfortably and safely, but not by 8:05 am. We decided that getting there a little later was OK, compared with the safety issues of cab and driving.

Your pick

 

[BCV23]

If you have a chance I would love to know/see about the current selection of Poly merchandise from Boutiki, especially the art work by Larry Dotson. Thanks and have a great trip. Aloha.

I'll be glad to check. Don't you love his piece with Mickey and Minnie on the Polynesian beach with the castle in the background? Aloha!

Hi BCV!! If you could report back on the activities schedule. We are only leaving the resort on Thursday AM for an Epcot visit. Other than that it is just resort days.

Will do. A resort vacation spent at the Polynesian.....aahhh!

Have a wonderful time, BCV!!

Thanks!

 

[DaisyD]

We came back last night from 9 days at the Poly. My only complaint is the racket at the pool now. Instead of relaxing and listening to the Polynesian music, we were subjected to two huge speakers blasting AC/DC and Black Sabbath. It was so loud the bartender could barely hear people ordering. We were told that the music continues til 6pm every day or weather permitting. The recreational director said that Disney is trying to attract teens and this is going to be at all the resorts. The only people at the pool that morning, and yes this was at 10am, were parents with small children. I finally went up and complained to the resort manager. It was so loud that we couldn't even hear each other at the pool table. Needless to say, we didn't spend long at the pool that day and never went back to it. We usually try to hang out at the pool every day for a while but that didn't happen. This was the most disappointing thing to happen. I told the resort manager that this is our favorite resort and we love staying there but unless they get rid of this intrusive music at the pool we will be going to the Swan. The pool is much bigger and prettier then the Poly pool and best of all it is peaceful.

 

[BelleRocks]

We came back last night from 9 days at the Poly. My only complaint is the racket at the pool now. Instead of relaxing and listening to the Polynesian music, we were subjected to two huge speakers blasting AC/DC and Black Sabbath. It was so loud the bartender could barely hear people ordering. We were told that the music continues til 6pm every day or weather permitting. The recreational director said that Disney is trying to attract teens and this is going to be at all the resorts. The only people at the pool that morning, and yes this was at 10am, were parents with small children. I finally went up and complained to the resort manager. It was so loud that we couldn't even hear each other at the pool table. Needless to say, we didn't spend long at the pool that day and never went back to it. We usually try to hang out at the pool every day for a while but that didn't happen. This was the most disappointing thing to happen. I told the resort manager that this is our favorite resort and we love staying there but unless they get rid of this intrusive music at the pool we will be going to the Swan. The pool is much bigger and prettier then the Poly pool and best of all it is peaceful.

That's horrible! I will definitely be saying something if that is the case while we are there.

 

[disneymumma]

We came back last night from 9 days at the Poly. My only complaint is the racket at the pool now.

Wow! It certainly wasn't like that when we were there from 9/8-14. They did have music playing - mostly M. Cyrus, J. Beiber type songs (think Radio Disney) and it never was very loud - in fact, we couldn't hear it anywhere from mid to the far end of the pool. Hope they haven't ramped up the volume. So sorry if it put any damper on your trip. Hope the rest of your trip was magical and that the good overshadowed the unfortunate.

 

[BabyFu18]

We came back last night from 9 days at the Poly. My only complaint is the racket at the pool now. Instead of relaxing and listening to the Polynesian music, we were subjected to two huge speakers blasting AC/DC and Black Sabbath. It was so loud the bartender could barely hear people ordering. We were told that the music continues til 6pm every day or weather permitting. The recreational director said that Disney is trying to attract teens and this is going to be at all the resorts. The only people at the pool that morning, and yes this was at 10am, were parents with small children. I finally went up and complained to the resort manager. It was so loud that we couldn't even hear each other at the pool table. Needless to say, we didn't spend long at the pool that day and never went back to it. We usually try to hang out at the pool every day for a while but that didn't happen. This was the most disappointing thing to happen. I told the resort manager that this is our favorite resort and we love staying there but unless they get rid of this intrusive music at the pool we will be going to the Swan. The pool is much bigger and prettier then the Poly pool and best of all it is peaceful.

Oh my goodness, that sounds crazy and not at all relaxing like you'd imagine the poly beach/pool area to be. We were there earlier in the summer and they did play music around the pool but it was more pre-teen oriented I'd say and it was only during the "beach/dance party" that was listed on the activities schedule. If it went on from morning to early evening, with the music like you experienced I'd probably say something about it too. I didn't mind the music when it was just a couple hours during the busiest time at the pool, because in the evening it wasn't there and the pool/beach area was nice and relaxing. I hope they really reconsider adding intrusive music around the pool as an all day, everyday thing or many people will be complaining.

 

[maiapapaya]

We came back last night from 9 days at the Poly. My only complaint is the racket at the pool now. Instead of relaxing and listening to the Polynesian music, we were subjected to two huge speakers blasting AC/DC and Black Sabbath. It was so loud the bartender could barely hear people ordering. We were told that the music continues til 6pm every day or weather permitting. The recreational director said that Disney is trying to attract teens and this is going to be at all the resorts. The only people at the pool that morning, and yes this was at 10am, were parents with small children. I finally went up and complained to the resort manager. It was so loud that we couldn't even hear each other at the pool table. Needless to say, we didn't spend long at the pool that day and never went back to it. We usually try to hang out at the pool every day for a while but that didn't happen. This was the most disappointing thing to happen. I told the resort manager that this is our favorite resort and we love staying there but unless they get rid of this intrusive music at the pool we will be going to the Swan. The pool is much bigger and prettier then the Poly pool and best of all it is peaceful.

Wow, that is crazy! I can see some Disney radio-type music playing during the activities, but blasting AC/DC & Black Sabbathesque music all day?! I can't imagine what they are thinking! First, the pool is for the ENJOYMENT of all of the guests, not just the handful of teenagers that might be in there at any given time. And, besides, my teenager definitely has no interest in AC/DC or Black Sabbath anyways. Who is the idiot who thought up this lame idea? I hope guests complain en masse. We definitely will if this is still going on during our trip.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Wow, that is crazy! I can see some Disney radio-type music playing during the activities, but blasting AC/DC & Black Sabbathesque music all day?! I can't imagine what they are thinking! First, the pool is for the ENJOYMENT of all of the guests, not just the handful of teenagers that might be in there at any given time. And, besides, my teenager definitely has no interest in AC/DC or Black Sabbath anyways. Who is the idiot who thought up this lame idea? I hope guests complain en masse. We definitely will if this is still going on during our trip.

I know we certainly never heard it when we were down a couple of weeks back!

Actually, come to think of it, I did here a bit of a song here or there...however, (a) it was never, like, an entire album and (b) not so loud. Maybe it depends upon the person playing the music?

 

[disneymumma]

You know it's chilly when you actually enjoy doing the laundry because you get to stand in front of a warm dryer folding clothes. ...just stopping in for some Poly warmth. Ahhhh.....

 

[maiapapaya]

I know we certainly never heard it when we were down a couple of weeks back!

Actually, come to think of it, I did here a bit of a song here or there...however, (a) it was never, like, an entire album and (b) not so loud. Maybe it depends upon the person playing the music?

Maybe. I remember a month or two ago someone else complaining about this, but then others have said it was fine. Still think it's crazy.

You know it's chilly when you actually enjoy doing the laundry because you get to stand in front of a warm dryer folding clothes. ...just stopping in for some Poly warmth. Ahhhh.....

LOL. I was just doing this a few hours ago. Our house is freezing, esp. because we have some construction going on. The laundry was sooo warm!

 

[dizneechic]

LOL. I was just doing this a few hours ago. Our house is freezing, esp. because we have some construction going on. The laundry was sooo warm!

You know it's chilly when you actually enjoy doing the laundry because you get to stand in front of a warm dryer folding clothes. ...just stopping in for some Poly warmth. Ahhhh.....

Hmm I have some laundry cooking right now... your making me want to actually go do it!!

 

[DaisyD]

I'm not sure if it depends on the person being the pretend DJ or not. I did speak with the bartender who told me they have had soo many complaints about the music and nothing is ever done about it. He said all you can do is keep complaining and maybe one day they will listen. When I told him that I thought the music choices were poor for this type of resort he said "Oh that's nothing. You should be here on days they play much worse". My 27 y/o daughter said she felt this type of music blaring at the pool was more in tune with a Sandels resort. I thought it was more like Spring Break in the islands. I kept thinking they were going to bring out the girls for the wet t-shirt contest at any moment. LOL

Even if the music was more Disneyfied I still don't think it needs to be blared all day long at what used to be a nice relaxing pool. Bring back the Polynesian music please!

 

[dragonfly57005]

I know 85% of you return to the Poly...we won't be one of them.

It's all about first impressions and let's just say they were more than lacking.

We arrived off of the ME and are met by a bell hop. The word is me, not welcomed. Immediately asked: did you do the on-line check in. I said no we are in Hawaii. He scowled at me and asked why we didn't do it. Ummm....I have this piece of paper that the IPO said to show you instead. He looks at it and still scowled.

The ride to Hawaii....sucked. I'll give him credit for getting there as fast as he could...seriously that ride was scarier than Snow White's Adventure. I'm hanging on to my one year old while praying that the 3,5,and 7 yr olds don't fall out the other side of the seat. I had no clue where anything was at because I was so disorientated as to what direction we were in.

I liked the zero entry pool for my kids. We opted to use it at night because then the music wasn't blasting at us.

I liked all of the beautiful plants, but I found it unnerving to have the tiki music playing constantly.

Why do the smokers have to be at the entrance to the GCH? Yuck. Not sure where to stick them.

When we go back in 2-3 years, it won't be the Poly. I won't be taking up a room at your beloved hotel. You all can have it back. I'm returning where the staff are nicer.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

Checking in to Poly CL in 11 days! Can't wait!

 

[mom2travel]

I know 85% of you return to the Poly...we won't be one of them.

It's all about first impressions and let's just say they were more than lacking.

We arrived off of the ME and are met by a bell hop. The word is me, not welcomed. Immediately asked: did you do the on-line check in. I said no we are in Hawaii. He scowled at me and asked why we didn't do it. Ummm....I have this piece of paper that the IPO said to show you instead. He looks at it and still scowled.

The ride to Hawaii....sucked. I'll give him credit for getting there as fast as he could...seriously that ride was scarier than Snow White's Adventure. I'm hanging on to my one year old while praying that the 3,5,and 7 yr olds don't fall out the other side of the seat. I had no clue where anything was at because I was so disorientated as to what direction we were in.

I liked the zero entry pool for my kids. We opted to use it at night because then the music wasn't blasting at us.

I liked all of the beautiful plants, but I found it unnerving to have the tiki music playing constantly.

Why do the smokers have to be at the entrance to the GCH? Yuck. Not sure where to stick them.

When we go back in 2-3 years, it won't be the Poly. I won't be taking up a room at your beloved hotel. You all can have it back. I'm returning where the staff are nicer.

Sorry you didn't enjoy your experience. We have always found the Poly to be great and the staff very friendly. I hope on your next WDW trip you find the resort that is magical for your family

 

[buzzmom12]

Checking in 1 week from tomorrow! We can't wait.

 

[coopersmom]

I know 85% of you return to the Poly...we won't be one of them.

Why do the smokers have to be at the entrance to the GCH? Yuck. Not sure where to stick them.

Is this accurate? I hate, H-A-T-E, cigarette smoke and can't believe that Disney, a place 100 percent geared to children and families, would allow smoking anywhere near a main entrance or exit of ANY of their facilities where other guests have no choice but to walk through the stink (not to mention the cancerous chemicals). That is appalling!

Most states now have laws about smokers NOT standing right next to the entrance or exit point of buildings, for that very reason.

 

[maiapapaya]

I know 85% of you return to the Poly...we won't be one of them.

It's all about first impressions and let's just say they were more than lacking.

We arrived off of the ME and are met by a bell hop. The word is me, not welcomed. Immediately asked: did you do the on-line check in. I said no we are in Hawaii. He scowled at me and asked why we didn't do it. Ummm....I have this piece of paper that the IPO said to show you instead. He looks at it and still scowled.

The ride to Hawaii....sucked. I'll give him credit for getting there as fast as he could...seriously that ride was scarier than Snow White's Adventure. I'm hanging on to my one year old while praying that the 3,5,and 7 yr olds don't fall out the other side of the seat. I had no clue where anything was at because I was so disorientated as to what direction we were in.

I liked the zero entry pool for my kids. We opted to use it at night because then the music wasn't blasting at us.

I liked all of the beautiful plants, but I found it unnerving to have the tiki music playing constantly.

Why do the smokers have to be at the entrance to the GCH? Yuck. Not sure where to stick them.

When we go back in 2-3 years, it won't be the Poly. I won't be taking up a room at your beloved hotel. You all can have it back. I'm returning where the staff are nicer.

Sorry you didn't enjoy your stay at the Poly, I hope you took your complaints to the management. But I don't think there was a need to be snotty with the people in this thread, we're not responsible for a rude CM (every resort has them) or smokers hanging around the GCH.

 

[sassy2000]

Four days from now, we will be checked in at the Poly!!!! I'm so excited, I can hardly sleep. I finally started packing last night. Will hopefully finish tonight! Yea!!!!!!

 

[dizneechic]

Is this accurate? I hate, H-A-T-E, cigarette smoke and can't believe that Disney, a place 100 percent geared to children and families, would allow smoking anywhere near a main entrance or exit of ANY of their facilities where other guests have no choice but to walk through the stink (not to mention the cancerous chemicals). That is appalling!

We too aren't fans of smokers, in fact my dh is highly reactive to cig smoke but we do respect their right to smoke in designated areas, and yes unfortunately the at back entrance to GCH they have an area allocated. We did however discover using the side entrance which was just a few feet over avoided us having to walk through when someone was smoking. It worked out perfectly for us because most times when we were going through GCH, it was to walk up the staircase located right at those side doors to get to the monorail.