ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[BreezysMom]

I have spoken to three completely different CMs at CRO this week and gotten the same answer all three times. They all seemed pretty knowledgeable and were very professional as well-- so I'd take this advice to the bank re: room requests:
They said that the room assigning software runs independently of the check in/ reservations process. Essentially, the room assigning program pulls BASIC data over from reservations in advance of the arrival date and makes room assignments. This program does NOT read the notes re: requests. It is entirely irrelevant when and how you do check in because the rooms are assigned before the check in is even done in most cases. Then, the front desk CMs get the days' assignments and make any changes that the computer did not know about. This would include looking at the guests' folios for requests and making any necessary changes. (Special needs are already accounted for ie: roll in showers.) They also might have to make last minute adjustments due to maintenance or guests extending their stays, etc.
From that, I gather that the busier things are when the front desk coordinator is reviewing this, the less likely requests would be noticed and honored up-front. You'll still be asking for a switch at the desk. Since you do have to go to the desk even with online check in, you might as well do that and deal with the room assignment when you do everything else. I asked the CMs I talked to and they said that yes, the front desk CMs can still make changes at the time you check in as needed based on availability!

Finally, when I booked the first time, the agent took my request and made the usual "its just a request" disclaimer. EACH CM I have talked to read back my request to me (and it was in the notes verbatim) when confirming the entire reservation for me.

My SIL is going the first week of March. She just booked on Monday, and she asked me for recommendations. I gave her a few ideas. She reported to me that the CM she talked to let her know that she should not expect anyone to recognize those requests in advance of check in... this is very different verbiage than what I heard when I booked: but I booked a couple of days before the most recent "upgrade" to their systems. YMMV-- could just be that one CM she talked to, or could be the new standard disclaimer.

I think overall, it is a computer making room assignments instead of a person. I am not really sure as there has been so much conflicting information about the new system.

I think that there is very few people that actually make room location requests overall at Disney resorts. We here on the DIS are in the know about them so we do all the research and try to secure the optimal location for our wants/needs I do know that when you do check in and they give you a room assignment, if it is not to your liking, you can always graciously ask for a room in the Longhouse you were hoping for, and the CM will most likely look for availability. If there is none, and you take the room assigned and if you find it really is not to your liking, you can always go back down to the desk (as opposed to calling from your room, since you will be calling a centralized call center) and seeing if possibly the next day there may be availability to move to a room in your desired location?

In all honesty, I have walked around the Poly resort plenty and I can say that there are very few rooms that I have thought to myself "wow, I would not want to stay there?"

There are quite a few Poly FAQ lovers who had there hearts set on a certain Longhouse and were placed in the total opposite and have been very pleased in the end I guess my point is, if you focus so much on location, prior to arriving...why set yourself up for initial disappointment upon check in

I am a huge fan of letting the Tiki Gods do their work, especially for first time Poly guests. For my first trip, I requested a balcony and that is what I got. The view and location were a total bonus

I just had to come and post! We had a trip booked for May to POP Century. I called to make some changes and learned I had a PIN code. DH and I talked last night and today I called to change our stay to the Poly in October! I am SOOO excited and cannot wait. I have so much reading to do. Thanks for this thread!

There are a few of us going in October! Happy planning

 

[polyforme]

I don't do online check-in when I'm staying CL. When you stay CL, a CM will bring you from the main entrance of the GCH where you're dropped off over to the Hawaii building by cart where you'll be checked in by the club CMs. If you do online check-in then you have to stand in in the online check-in line GCH to check in for your reservation. I personally prefer being able to sit down in the comfy chairs in the Hawaii foyer area rather than standing in line in the GCH. It's one of the many little intangible perks of staying CL. It's small, but we like it.

I agree- when you check into the Hawaii building it is nice to sit down, check-in and have a lovely view of the castle!!

 

[BreezysMom]

I don't do online check-in when I'm staying CL. When you stay CL, a CM will bring you from the main entrance of the GCH where you're dropped off over to the Hawaii building by cart where you'll be checked in by the club CMs. If you do online check-in then you have to stand in in the online check-in line GCH to check in for your reservation. I personally prefer being able to sit down in the comfy chairs in the Hawaii foyer area rather than standing in line in the GCH. It's one of the many little intangible perks of staying CL. It's small, but we like it.

This is correct advice...if you are staying CL. DO NOT do online check in. It actually works opposite for CL guests than what the system is intended for for non CL guests....to make the check in process quicker.

There have been many reports that when you are staying CL, when you do on line check in you have to go to the lobby and check in there, then head to Hawaii.

Also, as far as staying CL...they do their own room assignments for the most part. So if you are staying CL, when the Poly IPO sends the worksheet for dining and activity requests, I always note my room location requests to them on the last page. Of course understanding that it is only a request

 

[dizneechic]

What I'm hoping is that something extra special will happen for you on that one extended day -- something that you wouldn't have experienced if everything stuck to the original plan.

In any case, I agree with BreezysMom -- I like your proactive and upbeat spirit! (And BreezysMom, I love your upbeat spirit all through this thread! )

That is such a bummer Way to be proactive and upbeat about it! I hope you have safe travels and look forward to hearing a full report upon your return

That totally sucks. I hope you get everything worked out and can get there Sat morning without delays. The weather this winter has been crazy. We have had very little snow here in WI but you guys in the Northeast have been pounded. Gosh--my family in SC has more snow on the ground right now than we do. So strange....

Crossing my fingers for your Sat flight.....maybe troubles b4 ur stay will mean pixie dust DURING ur stay Don't forget to spy on the quiet pool construction and report back to those of us going about our boring daily lives Have fun!

Thanks everyone! Here is our yard from yesterday, snow up to my almost 6y/o's thighs. We ended up with 19" total and another snowday today (and school is off tomorrow as well) so we have crazy kids driving momma up the wall here.

The upside is the kids don't know were going yet (today was supposed to be the big surprise) so at least they aren't whining about not being there and it's really just us parents wishing we were there instead!

Not expecting any extra pixie dust, the weather switched from rain yesterday on our extended days to sunny so that's more than enough! We also have friends who are flying down the same time and they managed to get on both of our new flights and switched night one to the Poly as well so that will be a huge surprise for the kids (my ds's good friend is going and he has NO idea!).

If only I could shake the nightmare I've had the last two nights about Poly being overbooked and us being "upgraded" to the Pop!

 

[sandym718]

I am posting this here because I trust this mini-community-- you guys have a lot of WDW experience AND obviously we are all of similar tastes when it comes to vacations because we all pretty much love the POLY and visit it repeatedly. So, I trust your excellent taste and judgment!

We have never done DTD. This trip the parks will be closing earlier, so I am considering an evening at DTD. We are on DXDP so we'd be looking for a somewhat low key but delicious dinner using one TS. The plan would be to head over there leaving the POLY between 5:30 and 6:30 (assuming DD23mo naps as usual.) Obviously the meal needs to be kid friendly. After the meal we'd hit one or two of the fun shops-- World of Disney for sure.

Also need transportation advice.

Thanks!!!!

Look at that ticker o' mine!

We love Wolfgang Puck Cafe, we'll be returning for our 3rd time in March (as well as the 3rd time to the Poly). A good selection for everyone, I personally LOVE the pumpkin ravioli, the kids love their pasta, DH tries different things. Excellent desserts. Casual atmosphere, very kid-friendly.

T-Rex would be another very fun choice, but it's not on the Dining Plan. We paid OOP for it last time and the kids loved it.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hello everyone

We are looking forward to our very first Poly stay in about 7 1/2 month!!

Now I'm going back to read all 205 pages of this thread!

 

[Tess]

Hello everyone

We are looking forward to our very first Poly stay in about 7 1/2 month!!

Now I'm going back to read all 205 pages of this thread!

If these 205 pages aren't enough for you , there are a couple of old FAQs as well. Nice to have you along Momof2Disneyboys.

 

[DisneyChristmas]

I agree- when you check into the Hawaii building it is nice to sit down, check-in and have a lovely view of the castle!!

And if the CMs at the parking drop-off are swamped and cannot take you by motor cart to the Hawaii building, grab at least one piece of luggage and walk to the Hawaii building and knock on the big glass door. Seriously. We've done this twice and have been welcomed by a CM even if we had to wait a few minutes while others are checking in.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

If these 205 pages aren't enough for you , there are a couple of old FAQs as well. Nice to have you along Momof2Disneyboys.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

We have visited the Poly LOTS of times. We've eaten at Ohana once and Kona twice. All for breakfast. And we've toured most of the resort a time or two.

We are doing a split stay this time - 5 nights at CBR and then 4 nights at the Poly. We are so excited!!!!

I just hope to get a room with a balcony!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Woohoo!! We're officially all set for our fall trip. After some date juggling, we'll be in a deluxe room at WL CL September 25-27 and then September 27-October 2 in two TPV CL rooms at the Poly!!! Can't wait!!!!!!

 

[minniebeth]

Hi Everyone!
Wanting to share some of our experiences at the Polynesian from 1/6-1/11 (Marathon Weekend):

We are Poly fans from when I was a little girl. We've had many stays in the last (way too many) years. My DDs and I were just there this summer for a girls' only trip, so it was fun to go back so soon and have a chance to compare experiences.

We did experience some kinks that were in isolation, frustrating, but nothing that wasn't worked out. We stayed at Pop Century the night before so we could pick up our Marathon Weekend race packets at Wide World of Sports. We had our luggage transferred from Pop to the Poly early in the am and did not receive it until 4:00 which I guess is standard, but we didn't know about.
Just an FYI, if you do get luggage transferred, they will not deliver it to your room unless you are in it. Not a big deal since we were just hanging around the Poly, but would not have been if we were planning on being at the parks. We did get the wrong luggage delivered to us not once, but twice. Ok, not a great way to start off, but we got over it. We also had an issue checking in with a credit we were due from the group we were running with, it was not the Poly's fault, but the management was AWESOME in helping us work it out.
We had a group of 5 rooms that we requested to be together and we ended up in Fiji 3rd floor, GV side toward the beach/luau cove. It was a really nice spot and they did a great job keeping our group together. We've been in Hawaii, Somoa and Tuvulau several times each, but this is the 2nd time being on this side of the GCH. (Other building being Aotearoa.) I personally really like this area.

As far as maintainance/housekeeping goes, our room was clean and we did have a slow shower drain, but nothing terrible. Housekeeping was great...we were a family of 5 and it seemed that with the Marathon weekend, someone was always in our room sleeping, resting up, showering, etc. They kept a close eye on when we came and went and had the room done when we left. We originally requested extra towels with the running and each day after that we were always stocked with extras. On arrival day, my DD13 called for more shampoo, conditioner, soap and shower gel, telling them about the marathon. She said "we need to get clean" in her awkward 13yo lingo. When we got back from dinner that night, I'm not exaggerating, we had 3 whole garbage bags filled with each of the requested items, lol!

Captain Cook's was great and easy to use, my DDs have food allergies and they are so wonderfully accomodating to them. The food manager remembered my one DD from the summer and how she liked her food ordered!
Several families in our party went to Kona each day for breakfast. Service and meals varied from awesome to not so great. Overall, it was ok.
My personal experience with one waiter was disappointing as he was condescending to me about my DD's allergy situation. Once the chef came out, things were great as usual with Disney and food allergies.
My DD8 had the kids french toast there for breakfast, and we were disappointed with the serving portion. It was one small slice of french toast cut in half with 2 tiny piece of bacon. She's not a big eater, but we felt it out of sync with Disney's portions elsewhere.

Marathon Weekend transportation was great~ trying to find a CM to give you information about it and how and when to use it...not so great. I asked 3 different people the same question in a matter of 5 minutes Friday night before the 1/2 marathon and got 3 different answers...all wrong. This was pretty much consistent throughout the weekend. But like I said, once you figured out where to be, the transporation was great.

If you are ever at the Poly during Marathon Weekend, just know that the morning of the actual Marathon, the Poly is a ZOO, capital Z double OO. Public areas, restrooms, restaurants, transportation, you name it. Put your patient hat on! The Poly is in close proximity to some of the spectator spots on the marathon route. Same with the 1/2 but it is over earlier, and you just don't get the crowd like on Sunday.

....and for the final report, "breaking news" (not really )
My DH and DS were sitting by the pool one afternoon (not swimming, just hanging out, it was too cold!) and one of the lifeguards came by and asked to see their room key and gave them wristbands and said they were checking each day now to not only swim, but hang out by the pool as well. Including holidays for the beach for Wishes. My DH told the lifeguard it was about time (more for swimming than the beach) that it is one of our biggest complaints during peak times. Well, I'll believe it when I see it, but it will be interesting to do a "wristband watch".

We do so love the Poly, and did have a great stay as usual.
Hope everyone who is going has a magical trip!
~Beth

 

[woodkins]

I hope the pool wristbands do become standard operating procedure. When we were there this past Sept the pool and beach area were VERY crowded and it was obvious by the "luggage" and comments of many of the people there that they were not Poly guests. One family sitting at 2 poolside tables with a large rolling cooler full of beers were talking loudly about how they couldn't believe people would pay so much $$ when they could just take the monorail over and swim for free Needless to say I ended up casually mentioning it to a lifeguard and the family ended up packing it in early. For every family that is this obvious I wonder how many are not so obvious. If it means the volcano pool slide is shorter and pool chairs are available I am all for it

 

[BreezysMom]

Hi Everyone!
Wanting to share some of our experiences at the Polynesian from 1/6-1/11 (Marathon Weekend):

We are Poly fans from when I was a little girl. We've had many stays in the last (way too many) years. My DDs and I were just there this summer for a girls' only trip, so it was fun to go back so soon and have a chance to compare experiences.

We did experience some kinks that were in isolation, frustrating, but nothing that wasn't worked out. We stayed at Pop Century the night before so we could pick up our Marathon Weekend race packets at Wide World of Sports. We had our luggage transferred from Pop to the Poly early in the am and did not receive it until 4:00 which I guess is standard, but we didn't know about.
Just an FYI, if you do get luggage transferred, they will not deliver it to your room unless you are in it. Not a big deal since we were just hanging around the Poly, but would not have been if we were planning on being at the parks. We did get the wrong luggage delivered to us not once, but twice. Ok, not a great way to start off, but we got over it. We also had an issue checking in with a credit we were due from the group we were running with, it was not the Poly's fault, but the management was AWESOME in helping us work it out.
We had a group of 5 rooms that we requested to be together and we ended up in Fiji 3rd floor, GV side toward the beach/luau cove. It was a really nice spot and they did a great job keeping our group together. We've been in Hawaii, Somoa and Tuvulau several times each, but this is the 2nd time being on this side of the GCH. (Other building being Aotearoa.) I personally really like this area.

As far as maintainance/housekeeping goes, our room was clean and we did have a slow shower drain, but nothing terrible. Housekeeping was great...we were a family of 5 and it seemed that with the Marathon weekend, someone was always in our room sleeping, resting up, showering, etc. They kept a close eye on when we came and went and had the room done when we left. We originally requested extra towels with the running and each day after that we were always stocked with extras. On arrival day, my DD13 called for more shampoo, conditioner, soap and shower gel, telling them about the marathon. She said "we need to get clean" in her awkward 13yo lingo. When we got back from dinner that night, I'm not exaggerating, we had 3 whole garbage bags filled with each of the requested items, lol!

Captain Cook's was great and easy to use, my DDs have food allergies and they are so wonderfully accomodating to them. The food manager remembered my one DD from the summer and how she liked her food ordered!
Several families in our party went to Kona each day for breakfast. Service and meals varied from awesome to not so great. Overall, it was ok.
My personal experience with one waiter was disappointing as he was condescending to me about my DD's allergy situation. Once the chef came out, things were great as usual with Disney and food allergies.
My DD8 had the kids french toast there for breakfast, and we were disappointed with the serving portion. It was one small slice of french toast cut in half with 2 tiny piece of bacon. She's not a big eater, but we felt it out of sync with Disney's portions elsewhere.

Marathon Weekend transportation was great~ trying to find a CM to give you information about it and how and when to use it...not so great. I asked 3 different people the same question in a matter of 5 minutes Friday night before the 1/2 marathon and got 3 different answers...all wrong. This was pretty much consistent throughout the weekend. But like I said, once you figured out where to be, the transporation was great.

If you are ever at the Poly during Marathon Weekend, just know that the morning of the actual Marathon, the Poly is a ZOO, capital Z double OO. Public areas, restrooms, restaurants, transportation, you name it. Put your patient hat on! The Poly is in close proximity to some of the spectator spots on the marathon route. Same with the 1/2 but it is over earlier, and you just don't get the crowd like on Sunday.

....and for the final report, "breaking news" (not really )
My DH and DS were sitting by the pool one afternoon (not swimming, just hanging out, it was too cold!) and one of the lifeguards came by and asked to see their room key and gave them wristbands and said they were checking each day now to not only swim, but hang out by the pool as well. Including holidays for the beach for Wishes. My DH told the lifeguard it was about time (more for swimming than the beach) that it is one of our biggest complaints during peak times. Well, I'll believe it when I see it, but it will be interesting to do a "wristband watch".

We do so love the Poly, and did have a great stay as usual.
Hope everyone who is going has a magical trip!
~Beth

Thanks Beth for the review. I love third floor Figi. It was great that they were able to get you all togther!

I hope the wrist band policy is there to stay.

I hope you did well in the marathon??

 

[HG_MOM]

We just booked out first stay at the Poly for September!!! It has been my dream resort for as long as I can remember!! Can't wait, my daughter will be turning 5 while we are there.
Love reading all the reports and seeing all the photos!!

 

[BreezysMom]

We just booked out first stay at the Poly for September!!! It has been my dream resort for as long as I can remember!! Can't wait, my daughter will be turning 5 while we are there.
Love reading all the reports and seeing all the photos!!

What a fabulous way to celebrate

 

[cinmell]

....and for the final report, "breaking news" (not really )
My DH and DS were sitting by the pool one afternoon (not swimming, just hanging out, it was too cold!) and one of the lifeguards came by and asked to see their room key and gave them wristbands and said they were checking each day now to not only swim, but hang out by the pool as well. Including holidays for the beach for Wishes. My DH told the lifeguard it was about time (more for swimming than the beach) that it is one of our biggest complaints during peak times. Well, I'll believe it when I see it, but it will be interesting to do a "wristband watch".

I hope the id checking and wrist bands are permanent.

I hope the pool wristbands do become standard operating procedure. When we were there this past Sept the pool and beach area were VERY crowded and it was obvious by the "luggage" and comments of many of the people there that they were not Poly guests. One family sitting at 2 poolside tables with a large rolling cooler full of beers were talking loudly about how they couldn't believe people would pay so much $$ when they could just take the monorail over and swim for free Needless to say I ended up casually mentioning it to a lifeguard and the family ended up packing it in early. For every family that is this obvious I wonder how many are not so obvious. If it means the volcano pool slide is shorter and pool chairs are available I am all for it

I hope the wrist band policy is there to stay.

 

[lindsroc]

Are there any "cons" to the Fiji longhouse??? We have a garden view room booked, and Fiji with a balcony looks like it would be a great room. Are there any rooms in Fiji that arent so great? How far of a walk is it to GCH, TTC etc? Cant wait to go!!!!

 

[Carrie772]

Are there any "cons" to the Fiji longhouse??? We have a garden view room booked, and Fiji with a balcony looks like it would be a great room. Are there any rooms in Fiji that arent so great? How far of a walk is it to GCH, TTC etc? Cant wait to go!!!!

We have been in Fiji 3 times. Once on the third floor overlooking the beach: Lovely! It was so nice to wake up and look out the balcony and watch for the first monorail of the day whoosh past.

Second time to stay was on the 2nd floor without a balcony. It was just okay. The view was still awesome, but I really felt weird not being able to walk out on the balcony.

Third time we were on the ground floor overlooking the marina. This was my favorite! We could hear all the fun from the pool, watch the boats, sit and watch the people from the luau walk by all happy and excited. Love that!

FIJI is really a great place to stay as you almost have a private beach. Most folks don't go out to the beach and it's really pretty. We got chocolate chip cookies one night and enjoyed Wishes from the beach. We were all alone, and this was in August!

I enjoyed our daily walk to the GCH since we could simply look to our left and see the castle waiting for us to arrive! It's a pleasant walk past all the boats as well. You enter the GCH from the arcade end and walk past the QS restaurant, Captain Cook's. So pleasant to hear all the clatter and chatter from inside.

Fiji is by far my favorite. Plus, Big Nose the Tiki god is right outside. You have to get a picture with him and tell him I said hey!

BTW, the TTC is quite a hike. We did it, but I didn't like it!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hello everyone

We are looking forward to our very first Poly stay in about 7 1/2 month!!

Now I'm going back to read all 205 pages of this thread!

Hi Shelly!! Nice to see you over here!!! Are you as anxious as I am for the August park hours to come out?? We need to look at our schedules in a few weeks and plan our meet!!!


A question for the experts - we are planning on doing emh's at least for MK and Epcot. I know the resort loop monorail starts at 7am. What time does the TTC-Epcot line start running AND at what time should we be on the platform to be at the parks for am emh rope drop? THANKS

 

[minniebeth]

Are there any "cons" to the Fiji longhouse??? We have a garden view room booked, and Fiji with a balcony looks like it would be a great room. Are there any rooms in Fiji that arent so great? How far of a walk is it to GCH, TTC etc? Cant wait to go!!!!

Like Carrie772 said, I do think Fiji is a great place to stay! You are so close to the GCH and the volcano pool and the marina for the launch to the MK/GF.
It is further to the TTC, but it's not that bad, imo.
I say thumbs up to Fiji!