Wow - I can't believe our Poly vacation has come...and gone
I would have posted sooner but I've had to basically do two weeks of work in one this past week (because of course I don't really get a vacation - just postpone the inevitable
)
Keep in mind this is our 3rd time staying at the Polynesian and we have stayed at other onsite and offsite resorts before. We also travelled with our friends, a husband and wife, and it was their first time at the Poly and WDW.
Check-in:
I did online check-in for all of us. We were the only ones in line and both check-in lines were empty when we entered from the Magical Express bus around 5pm on Saturday. Our request for ground floor Tokelau and rooms close to each other was all granted. There was a very nice person handing out leis and we were all smiles. Great start to the trip!
Longhouse:
I have always stayed in Tokelau and like the location. This time we were in 1938 which is the last room opposite the beach side (last year we had the last room on the beach side and it was FABULOUS). The location actually ended up being really great because there is a sliding door on this side and we just zoomed in and out to get to the bus stop or GCH. The automatic door though got stuck several times during our stay (stuck open). I did notify maintenance and they would fix it right away but it kept happening. No worries for us but we felt bad for maintenance!
Room:
The rooms was pretty much the same as always! I noticed more wear and tear in the bathroom. The back of the door had peeling paint near the top where the moisture sticks. The doorknob was loose on the door but we could still lock it. And the bathroom vent didn't work. We called maintenance and they said it was working, we just couldn't hear it. I dispute that because I shared that bathroom with 3 other people and there wasn't much ventilation
It frankly was minimal and expected wear on a room so I wasn't phased by it. Everything else in the room was in great condition and worked very well.
Mousekeeping:
There were a few things that weren't done like refilling kleenex and vacuuming (sand from the beach). I tipped everyday with a nice note AND cleaned the room prior to their arrival (I felt bad about them cleaning up for 4 people) but there was no extra effort and the housekeeping was minimal. We never received towel animals and while I was disappointed, I understand this is a random thing and can't be counted upon. C'est la vie!
Grounds:
Gorgeous!!!! There is so much attention to the landscaping and maintenance of the grounds. It really is a pleasure to walk around and enjoy this resort!
Volcano Pool:
We were always able to find a table, even if we lurked for a few minutes
The pool was actually a slight bit chilly but still enjoyable. They played some rock music in the afternoons but only one day was the music even slightly loud and it did not hamper our ability to have a conversation. I'll admit that I find the totally enclosed slide a little bit scary
but we all enjoyed it, especially my son who kept going on it. The pool bar staff looked familiar and I talked to them about past poolside libations. They made all the drinks so delicious and my favorite was the Banana Cabana!
Interesting note: We brought my son's snorkel and mask and the lifeguards would not permit the snorkel in the volcano pool. That was fine and we understood but it didn't occur to me prior that it would be an issue.
East Pool:
The east pool was warmer than the volcano pool and it was much more pleasant to hang out there. Of course there is barely anyone at that pool (maybe 5 to 10 people at a time) so you can find lots of seating. I also like the bathrooms at this pool - easy to get to and clean (and not cold and wet like at the volcano pool). We love the deep end here and did lots of ring diving and jumping in the deep end. My DD6 preferred this pool. My DD8 could care less as long as he is in a pool. My DH & I preferred this pool but enjoy the volcano's pool atmosphere as well.
One more note: I don't usually like hot tubs but oddly enough found myself wishing they had one this trip. It's not a deal breaker, but if they do a rehab on the East pool, I am curious to know if it will involve a hot tub.
Ohana - breakfast & dinner:
Breakfast - this is a well-oiled machine! We liked the characters and the food was ok. My kids enjoyed it. We liked the POG juice, welcome breads/pastries, and the mickey waffles. The bacon is ... sad but edible. The potatoes were ok and the eggs were eggs. If it were just me, I'd grab breakfast at Capn Cooks. But for a family breakfast with characters (and the benefit of already staying at the Poly), it did the trick.
Dinner - OMG - pure gluttony. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere, kids activities, and the food. The service was slightly better than last year but we had the same waiter and knew his M.O. so we made sure to ask for everything when we wanted it or if we wanted more. The food is awesome (how can they make broccoli taste good?????) and the bar drinks are
Kona Cafe - dinner:
Thumbs down. I was willing to give this place another chance since our first time in 2007 it was great but in 2009 it was not. It's even worse. The food portions were tiny, the taste was so-so, the service was spotty, and the limited menu left a lot to be desired. Did I mention that they got rid of the Coconut Kiki Tart???? They replaced it with a pineapple upside down cake that was not edible. I've never eaten breakfast here and am willing to try that, but I won't be having dinner here again unless there are some radical changes.
Staff:
Everyone at the Poly said Aloha, had a smile, and were so nice! Tim in the upstairs gift shop was especially great and my DS8 traded pins with him every night.
Shopping:
I love Bou-tiki (and the upstairs shops). I did see Poly merchandise but did not purchase any. I especially like the generic clothes they have that are beach and resort casual that are not Disney. They have Roxy and other brands. I found a cute white lined skirt for $22!
Neverland Club - The unexpected WOW!
We put the kids in the club the 2nd to last night we were there and wished we had done this sooner...and more often! It was so nice to be able to just hang out with the adults and the kids WANTED to get rid of US
They met new friends, ate dinner, watched movies, played video games, and did crafts and they had a great time. They BEGGED us to go back the next night but it was our last night and we wanted to spend it altogether. So the cost for 2 kids for 4.5 hours was just over $100. We really didn't want to spend the money and were really hesitant but DH & I just needed some time without the kids and vice versa. It was worth every penny. If I ever have the good fortune to go to the Poly another time with the kids, I will save the money for at least 2 nights here.
Transportation:
Monorail - ROCKS! Buses - so so. Bus to DTD - HORRIBLE as usual. Why oh why don't I practice what I preach and take a taxi to DTD????
Will I go back to the Poly? I certainly hope so!
Would I recommend the Poly? Absolutely!
When's my next trip to WDW? I have no idea
Y'all have really created a monnnnnnstah. 
Have a fun and excited trip everyone!
and enjoyed that as well. 
I also saw pamphlets on it around that time. Dad reminded us of how there was no way on Gods green earth we could afford to stay there,,,,ever! That vacation in 1978 was a freebie to begin with [dads work paid for it] we stayed way, way off-site.
