ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[DisneyDoc5]

look at my ticker!!! Ok, so I have started waking up in the night and laying in bed thinking about packing and how close the trip is getting. The kids (and even DH) are starting to talk about it non-stop (welcome to my world people!!!) We are having a Lilo and Stitch/ Poly Luau night Sunday to get ready for the aloha vibe! (if you haven't looked at it, check out the Post Family Fun nights thread on the the Family board, very fun!!!) Thanks for giving me a place to share my Poly excitement!!!

Missoutandabout (think I got that right), make sure you not only try a dole whip, but I highly recommend the dole whip float (pineapple juice with the pineapple ice cream), it's amazing, find it in Adventureland, MK. My mouth is watering already!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Woo hoo!!! I love AC/DC

cup is either half empty or half full, I like the half full approach to life, so bring on the rock! Our trips overlap a day, have a great time!

 

[guitarob]

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.

Very well said.

 

[dizneechic]

cup is either half empty or half full, I like the half full approach to life, so bring on the rock!

This made me chuckle! My kids school cafeteria has started playing music on Fridays as a "treat" if the kids have a good week in there (noise levels down). When they came home last Friday they were singing AC/DC and my 5 y/o told me they were playing my favorite "rock band" songs (My Own Worst Enemy & The Middle). At 1st I was a little peeved because of some of the lyrics (I hope they have the clean radio versions!) but then I thought hey, they already know the songs (from us at home) and while I don't necessarily think they are school appropriate it's a reward for the kids that they think is totally cool and they hear FAR worse stuff on the darn bus!!

So as you said... bring on the rock!

 

[Kteacher]

Almost packed . Can't wait to see the Poly again

 

[maiapapaya]

Maiapapaya, I was thinking the same thing. Thanks for having all our backs..and now I've got yours.

Very well said.

Thanks. I get that everyone has different tastes, and we don't always have magical vacations, and sometimes there are issues ... but I didn't quite get the negative vibe thrown at everyone at the end of the post.

Loved your post soarinup. Hope your dream resort lives up to your expectations, tackiness and all!

 

[kungaloosh22]

In my honest opinion it's not dated and tacky, it's TIMELESS and terrific!

Did you guys notice on tikiman's site that they're now adding 2 cabanas by the volcano pool? I probably won't use them myself, but I think it's a nice addition. You can read about it here.

 

[PolynesianAlex]

I KNEW something was going on there. Late nights during my august trip we saw people working there. But im dissapointed. This is where they could of built hot tubs

 

[leane]

look at my ticker!!! Ok, so I have started waking up in the night and laying in bed thinking about packing and how close the trip is getting.

Me too! I was up an hour and a half early this morning because I am dreaming, bad dreams, about the trip. Why is it in my dreams no matter how fast I try to move I can never get where I am going but when I am there it flies by..

2 weeks from today. I have convinced my kids that I postponed the trip until December... let the surprising commence.

 

[DaisyD]

In my honest opinion it's not dated and tacky, it's TIMELESS and terrific!

Did you guys notice on tikiman's site that they're now adding 2 cabanas by the volcano pool? I probably won't use them myself, but I think it's a nice addition. You can read about it here.

They just finished installing them when we we left on Oct3. It only took them 3 days to put them up. When we first arrived at the Poly on the 25th it was still the same old smoking area. They are situated on the part that used to be the smoking area at the pool. I am hoping they add more to the pool where there isn't steps needed to access them. My mom can't do steps that well and we are always need the zero entry side of the pool. It would be great to have a couple down that end too. When we stayed at the GF last year we rented one of the cabanas and it was great. These will make a nice addition to the pool.

 

[vinotinto]

Yeah, I liked the rockin' music and I also prefer it to Hannah Montana-type of stuff, since I'm not part of that generation. They played "She's a Brickhouse" which is my DH's favorite song, and he went nuts. It was very loud, so I can see how someone would be dissapointed if they were expecting a restful pool experience.

We went one morning to the pool (instead of doing a morning in the park and an afternoon at the pool), and that was quiet, so if you're looking for peace, I recommend going to the pool 9-11:30 am.

Edited to add: The cabana rentals are pretty expensive because we are usually at the pool from around 2 pm - 4:30 pm. Since that covers two time periods it would cost us the full day price. Also, based on the picture, it looks like that's where they had the tables with the umbrellas. Did they remove some of the tables with chairs that were on that side to accomdate the cabanas?

 

[DaisyD]

Yeah, I liked the rockin' music and I also prefer it to Hannah Montana-type of stuff, since I'm not part of that generation. They played "She's a Brickhouse" which is my DH's favorite song, and he went nuts. It was very loud, so I can see how someone would be dissapointed if they were expecting a restful pool experience.

We went one morning to the pool (instead of doing a morning in the park and an afternoon at the pool), and that was quiet, so if you're looking for peace, I recommend going to the pool 9-11:30 am.

I don't want to give folks the wrong idea. I love that kind of music. I am of the AC/DC, Black Sabbath age and always listened to it. My problem with it was that it was 10am and the only people at the pool were parents and their little kids. It was sooo loud we couldn't talk to each other. I felt like I was at a concert. When the bar opened up we tried ordering drinks and couldn't be heard. I was ready to write down what I wanted. That is when I went to complain. It was just too much.
I really don't think this is the type of thing I want at the nice relaxing Poly pool. I don't care of its Hannah Montana or Pink Floyd, and yes that music blasted too. After I complained to the resort manager, the music was turned down some so we could actually hear each other but was still annoying. He said they do this type of music on Mon-Wed-Fri for the teen set. This happened on Tuesday. Sorry but if I want this type of atmosphere I'll go hang out at one of the Vegas nightclub pools. LOL

 

[mom2travel]

Only 353 days til i get to stay at my dream hotel resort! POLYNESIAN here I come!

When I first saw the POLY I was 13 yrs old, July 9th 1978.My parents had 6 children and Mom was a stay at home mom. So needless to say,, we had no money! When I saw the POLY as we passed it,[ on monorail I think] I knew it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. 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.

Now here I am, going to that "untouchable" resort. Funny how things go. So that is why I must go to the POLY. Almost everyone I know has said its "dated" or "Brady bunch Hawaii". I know it is, I don't care. I have to go. Because it was not possible in my childhood. I HAVE to go!

I went to WDW in January, first time since the 80's, and my [then] husband said it was dated, and tacky. I don't fault him for that. It could be said it is, but I just love it!

Poly club-level, here I come!

Congratulations!! So happy for you - you will LOVE the Poly

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I don't want to give folks the wrong idea. I love that kind of music. I am of the AC/DC, Black Sabbath age and always listened to it. My problem with it was that it was 10am and the only people at the pool were parents and their little kids. It was sooo loud we couldn't talk to each other. I felt like I was at a concert. When the bar opened up we tried ordering drinks and couldn't be heard. I was ready to write down what I wanted. That is when I went to complain. It was just too much.
I really don't think this is the type of thing I want at the nice relaxing Poly pool. I don't care of its Hannah Montana or Pink Floyd, and yes that music blasted too. After I complained to the resort manager, the music was turned down some so we could actually hear each other but was still annoying. He said they do this type of music on Mon-Wed-Fri for the teen set. This happened on Tuesday. Sorry but if I want this type of atmosphere I'll go hang out at one of the Vegas nightclub pools. LOL

It was sooooo loud it drove you to drink at 10 in the morning?!?!

KIDDING, KIDDING, KIDDING!!! Can never be too careful on the DIS...gotta have that disclaimer.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

look at my ticker!!! Ok, so I have started waking up in the night and laying in bed thinking about packing and how close the trip is getting. The kids (and even DH) are starting to talk about it non-stop (welcome to my world people!!!) We are having a Lilo and Stitch/ Poly Luau night Sunday to get ready for the aloha vibe! (if you haven't looked at it, check out the Post Family Fun nights thread on the the Family board, very fun!!!) Thanks for giving me a place to share my Poly excitement!!!

Missoutandabout (think I got that right), make sure you not only try a dole whip, but I highly recommend the dole whip float (pineapple juice with the pineapple ice cream), it's amazing, find it in Adventureland, MK. My mouth is watering already!

I'm feeling the same way as our trip gets closer! I even put the monorail spiel on my phone as a ringtone. I'm soooo looking forward to a dole whip float!

 

[DaisyD]

It was sooooo loud it drove you to drink at 10 in the morning?!?!

KIDDING, KIDDING, KIDDING!!! Can never be too careful on the DIS...gotta have that disclaimer.

I wish the pool bar opened at 10am! Unfortunately it doesn't open til noon though. LOL! We found it we swam to the far end of the pool the waterfall drowned out some of the music so we stayed on that end quite awhile. I just hope they do away with the music. The Poly is our favorite resort and I would hate to have to go somewhere else during our Disney trips. Since they are doing this at all the WDW resorts my only other option would be the Swan/Dolphin. Having stayed there before I can say it's just as nice if not better then the Poly in terms of atmospher, rooms and the pool. It is missing the monorail which I do love.

 

[vinotinto]

I don't want to give folks the wrong idea. I love that kind of music. I am of the AC/DC, Black Sabbath age and always listened to it. My problem with it was that it was 10am and the only people at the pool were parents and their little kids. It was sooo loud we couldn't talk to each other. I felt like I was at a concert. When the bar opened up we tried ordering drinks and couldn't be heard. I was ready to write down what I wanted. That is when I went to complain. It was just too much.
I really don't think this is the type of thing I want at the nice relaxing Poly pool. I don't care of its Hannah Montana or Pink Floyd, and yes that music blasted too. After I complained to the resort manager, the music was turned down some so we could actually hear each other but was still annoying. He said they do this type of music on Mon-Wed-Fri for the teen set. This happened on Tuesday. Sorry but if I want this type of atmosphere I'll go hang out at one of the Vegas nightclub pools. LOL

I totally get it. I thought it was cool for a few songs, but it did get to be a bit too much, especially considering the pool area is small.

I also see the different opinions. Even within families, there may be different viewpoints. I enjoyed the Poly and would probably return. I thought the pool's small size was perfect and the lagoon setting was quite lovely. I also thought the location next to the TTC was ideal. My DH, however, was completely unimpressed and would prefer to go back to an Epcot area resort.

 

[crostorfer]

We spent last week, September 26th -October 1st at the Poly and we LOVED it. We had a lagoon view room in Aotearoa, which was unexpected but a pleasant surprise. We were in 3217, which is the very last room on the end closest to the Grand Floridian. Luau cove could be seen from our balcony, as well as the secluded beach on that side, and a clear view of Space Mountain and the castle across the lake. The monorail was also so close you could throw a stone at it and hit it, but you never heard it when the patio door was closed.

The staff was wonderfully warm and friendly. We recieved a friendly "aloha" from every castmember we passed from mousekeeping to the landscapers.

The pool was usually busy in the afternoon, but never so crowded that it felt uncomfortable, we were always able to find chairs. The wait for the slide was never more than 5 or 6 kids in front of us. The hammocks were fabulous to rest it, and I can't say enough about relaxing under a coconut shell on the beach with a drink. It was truly heaven.

I don't understand why so many people complain about Captain Cook's. Its not huge, but its not tiny either. Maybe in the more crowded time of year it would be a problem, but we never had to wait in a line and were always able to get what we wanted.

The coffee, however, is my one complaint. Even at Kona. Blech, blech, blech. I don't blame the Poly though, you can't get a decent cup of coffee anywhere on Disney property. I saw a Starbucks at Citywalk on the way into Universal and I think I heard angels sing from upon high. I beelined it there for a Venti triple shot.

IMO, Aotearoa would be a perfect spot for people on their Disneymoon or adults wanting a more quiet stay. The beach on that side is nearly deserted and is shielded from the noise of the pool. Most of the time we just heard the Hula music. It was much more secluded and romantic feeling than the main area of the resort.

We absolutely loved it there, but on our next stay we will probably go with the Beach Club due to it's proximity to the World Showcase, it was my daughter's favorite thing to do. But on subsequent trips, I would absolutely book there in a heartbeat. Thanks for such a great vacation!!!

 

[Missoutandabout]

Wondering if any of you Poly folks about to go could do me a huge favor? Pretty, pretty please with a huge Lapu Lapu on top?

I might be going insane -- which is entirely probable -- but I thought I saw a Lilo plush there at Trader Jack's? When we were there a couple weeks ago, we got our kiddo a 15" Stitch plush and I thought there was a Lilo there right next to him. Of course, now she's asking if Santa can bring her a Lilo for Christmas.

(I called Disney's Merchandise Mail Order and they said they couldn't locate any Lilo plush in their systems).

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to tell me if they spot a Lilo plush in either of the Poly gift shops. And, if you're trying for sainthood and the undying gratitude of a stranger on the DIS Boards, if you managed to write down the item code from the back of the tag to pass along to me, I'd be your virtua-Best Friend Forever... and you'd send my 3 year-old over-the-moon. I'm sure, with that item number (for example, 15" Stitch Plush's item number is right above the sku on the tag and it reads: 122-44835), I can then call back Disney's Merchandise Mail Order and have them send it to me.

Sorry, I know that's a lot to ask of someone trying to enjoy their Poly time and I'm not expecting anyone to... just thought I'd ask in case. At any rate, cheers and enough of my begging.

 

[leane]

Wondering if any of you Poly folks about to go could do me a huge favor? Pretty, pretty please with a huge Lapu Lapu on top?

I might be going insane -- which is entirely probable -- but I thought I saw a Lilo plush there at Trader Jack's? When we were there a couple weeks ago, we got our kiddo a 15" Stitch plush and I thought there was a Lilo there right next to him. Of course, now she's asking if Santa can bring her a Lilo for Christmas.

(I called Disney's Merchandise Mail Order and they said they couldn't locate any Lilo plush in their systems).

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to tell me if they spot a Lilo plush in either of the Poly gift shops. And, if you're trying for sainthood and the undying gratitude of a stranger on the DIS Boards, if you managed to write down the item code from the back of the tag to pass along to me, I'd be your virtua-Best Friend Forever... and you'd send my 3 year-old over-the-moon. I'm sure, with that item number (for example, 15" Stitch Plush's item number is right above the sku on the tag and it reads: 122-44835), I can then call back Disney's Merchandise Mail Order and have them send it to me.

Sorry, I know that's a lot to ask of someone trying to enjoy their Poly time and I'm not expecting anyone to... just thought I'd ask in case. At any rate, cheers and enough of my begging.

I found this on ebay. You might want to check it out. It is Lilo with scrump and stitch is holding a poinsetia (sp) - New with tags still on
http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Lilo-Sti...632?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518db0fd60