ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[hstrickland]

GREAT NEWS for ya'll Tess!!! I'm assuming you are already packed?? Just curious...do you go about the same time each year? Was wondering what the crowds were like? We are considering later in the summer for next year if we don't do the cruise.

 

[Tess]

GREAT NEWS for ya'll Tess!!! I'm assuming you are already packed?? Just curious...do you go about the same time each year? Was wondering what the crowds were like? We are considering later in the summer for next year if we don't do the cruise.

Thanks Heather.

Since the kids are in college, we have begun to change up our times a bit. Last year we went for two weeks in May; then my husband and I went the last week of September and into the first few days of October. We've tried August and gone in July.

Over the years, however, our visits were typically somewhere around mid-June. Frankly, I thought the crowds were just as bad last May and October as we have experienced in June. This was more true for MK than the other parks. During our May and October visits (a time when crowds are supposed to be lower) we noticed the swell of humanity arrived around 11:00 a.m. at MK as we were like salmon trying to escape. The year we went in July was exceptionally crowded and we had the Brazilian tour groups with which to contend.

I will say that when we have begun our trips around the 10th or so of June, the crowds increased daily as the vacation came to a close. The later in June you go, the larger the crowds. If you plan well and get to rope drops, the crowds are definitely manageable.

Experience at Disney is invaluable and you can run rings around those who are first timers or visit less frequently.

Hope you find the time of year that is right for you. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your trip report. Sadly, I'm still an old school photographer and use 35 mm film. My pics will take some time to get up when we return. I really want a digital, but just haven't taken the plunge. . .maybe before the October trip.

 

[bluejasmine]

God is it Sept yet?? Time is crawlingggggg... Yes I am whining! LOL Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[wdisneyaholic]

5 weeks Till our 1st stay ever at the Poly. Soooo excited

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

I love reading this thread. I'm thinking I really want to stay here, possibly Dec. 2011. I'll just have to wait until August when Disney releases package info. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I subscribed to touringplans and the crowd calendar for our stay has some 1-2 days and some 4-5 days. We are there 10/30-11/5. I am considering switching it up a bit to come in a few days earlier...midweek to midweek...so we have all 1-2 crowd level days.
Does anyone have experience with touringplans' 4-5 crowd level days?
Any thoughts on our currently scheduled dates of 10/30-11/5?

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Hey folks!

Can I just say walking to our room at the GF I saw the Poly across the lagoon and *stopped* to look and pine away? DD10 pushed me and was like, "Mom, let's GO!"

I have to drop DD10 at the Neverland Club this evening so I'll try to snap some pictures and get printed info. Anyone have any questions about the Neverland Club they'd like me to find out for them? Feel free to post or PM me.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I subscribed to touringplans and the crowd calendar for our stay has some 1-2 days and some 4-5 days. We are there 10/30-11/5. I am considering switching it up a bit to come in a few days earlier...midweek to midweek...so we have all 1-2 crowd level days.
Does anyone have experience with touringplans' 4-5 crowd level days?
Any thoughts on our currently scheduled dates of 10/30-11/5?

One of the best trip we ever had (in 27 yrs of 2/3 trips a yr) was the time we went Thursday to Tuesday the weekend before Halloween weekend (it fell on a Friday that year). The weekend closest to Halloween tends to be very busy, but the one before was wonderful. We attended MNSSHP - it was not overly crowded, but festive. Crowds were great - not the least we'd experienced, enough to keep it festive, but no real lines - Soarin' was new then and we did not even need a FP for that. It was an excellent time to go.

If possible, you might want to consider switching to Wed 21st or Thursday, 21st to Wed 27th or Thursday 28th to avoid the days closest to Halloween weekend.

It is a very nice time to visit - although last yr was hot, it was perfect during our stay - cool mornings and low to mid 70's midday.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hey folks!

Can I just say walking to our room at the GF I saw the Poly across the lagoon and *stopped* to look and pine away? DD10 pushed me and was like, "Mom, let's GO!"

I have to drop DD10 at the Neverland Club this evening so I'll try to snap some pictures and get printed info. Anyone have any questions about the Neverland Club they'd like me to find out for them? Feel free to post or PM me.

Hey there!

Saw your post over on the GF board....sounds like a great room and cannot wait to see pics. Glad you arrived safe and sound and enjoying GF.

We also love both the Poly and GF - each at different times of the year. For our upcoming Dec trip we were very torn, but Poly CL TPV opened up before either CL at GF, so no complaints from us!

Have a perfectly fabulous trip!

 

[maiapapaya]

Hey folks!

Can I just say walking to our room at the GF I saw the Poly across the lagoon and *stopped* to look and pine away?

DH & I talk about doing a GF trip in the fall of 2011 for our 10th anniversary, but we're both afraid the same thing will happen! So now we're torn between GF or Poly CL TPV. Of course we have a year and a half to agonize over our decision. Thankfully we have our Nov/Dec. Poly trip this fall to ease our pain!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

One of the best trip we ever had (in 27 yrs of 2/3 trips a yr) was the time we went Thursday to Tuesday the weekend before Halloween weekend (it fell on a Friday that year). The weekend closest to Halloween tends to be very busy, but the one before was wonderful. We attended MNSSHP - it was not overly crowded, but festive. Crowds were great - not the least we'd experienced, enough to keep it festive, but no real lines - Soarin' was new then and we did not even need a FP for that. It was an excellent time to go.

If possible, you might want to consider switching to Wed 21st or Thursday, 21st to Wed 27th or Thursday 28th to avoid the days closest to Halloween weekend.

It is a very nice time to visit - although last yr was hot, it was perfect during our stay - cool mornings and low to mid 70's midday.

Have a wonderful trip!

Thx for the perspective! DD10 is missing school either way...or staying w/ her grandmaw- her choice) so the days don't matter. I will check availability for the week prior and see what I can do.

 

[mdrob214]

16 days! Time is moving so fast, I'm starting to panic and feel the need for making lists so I don't forget anything.

I'm trying to decide: Kona for breakfast or lunch? We try to eat at all of our resort's restaurants and hadn't fit Kona in yet. I have a breakfast ADR for July4th right now, but I could easily switch to an early lunch. Opinions?

Also, anyone know what kind of activities are poolside on July 4th? I remember seeing something about it, but we were planning at that time to be in a park. Now it looks like we'll be relaxing at the resort (that's the plan for now!)

 

[DeborahB]

16 days! Time is moving so fast, I'm starting to panic and feel the need for making lists so I don't forget anything.

I'm trying to decide: Kona for breakfast or lunch? We try to eat at all of our resort's restaurants and hadn't fit Kona in yet. I have a breakfast ADR for July4th right now, but I could easily switch to an early lunch. Opinions?

I like both, but if I had to choose, I'd go with breakfast. I really enjoy the blueberry pancakes. And others rave about the macadamia nut pancakes and Tonga toast. The liliokoi juice is a nice change from regular OJ. Kona press pot coffee is nice also.

Either way, I don't think you can go wrong. We have always had good experiences here.

You'll be there soon!! I'm getting excited too!

 

[BreezysMom]

Aloha Everyone!

Tess, I am so happy that your airline issue is resolved. I would have been going bonkers!

My girlfriend is at the Poly now with her family and has been texting me updates. I have totally converted her to a full blown Poly lover They are really enjoying their CL stay and having a great time despite the heat!!! Yesterday she said heat warnings for 109 degree expected!!!!

Thanks for all the wonderful pictures and reviews!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Aloha Everyone!

Tess, I am so happy that your airline issue is resolved. I would have been going bonkers!

My girlfriend is at the Poly now with her family and has been texting me updates. I have totally converted her to a full blown Poly lover They are really enjoying their CL stay and having a great time despite the heat!!! Yesterday she said heat warnings for 109 degree expected!!!!

Thanks for all the wonderful pictures and reviews!

109???? Must be for AK

 

[LorieDisneyLover]

16 days! Time is moving so fast, I'm starting to panic and feel the need for making lists so I don't forget anything.

I'm trying to decide: Kona for breakfast or lunch? We try to eat at all of our resort's restaurants and hadn't fit Kona in yet. I have a breakfast ADR for July4th right now, but I could easily switch to an early lunch. Opinions?

Also, anyone know what kind of activities are poolside on July 4th? I remember seeing something about it, but we were planning at that time to be in a park. Now it looks like we'll be relaxing at the resort (that's the plan for now!)

Mdrob .... we'll be there for the 4th, too!

We arrive on the 29th.

We've been at the Poly for the 4th for the past several years. Usually, they have a ton of games for the kids at the pool. Hoola hoop dancing, bingo, wii, etc. They also have decorating things for the little ones ... like decorating a giant cookie for the holiday, coloring beach balls, painting tiki masks, etc.

Then, the best of all -- pie eating contest -- sometimes it's been chocolate cream pie (not that great in the heat) -- other years it's been watermelon eating contest ... i hope it's the later this year .... lol

Maybe we'll see you there ..

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Hi everybody!

I snapped a few photos today after I dropped DD10 off at the Neverland Club.

The always-gorgeous waterfall.

The beach next to the 'worst' longhouse at the Polynesian. ;-)

The swing looks so lonely.

I also got a printed schedule of Children's activities. I'll scan it and post when I return home.

 

[Tess]

Well my bags are packed, I'm ready to go--just have to do a mani/pedi with my daughter tomorrow a.m. and then to the Sheraton for the afternoon and evening.

Lunch at TGIF tomorrow, then to the hotel for a few hours of sleep. Up at 3:00 a.m. for our 6:00 a.m. flight. We are visiting a friend at the n/k/a Bohemian Celebration Hotel and then check-in at Polynesian on Saturday.

So excited. . .if I can get my kids to bed, I'll be happy. Did I mention they are actually adults. LOL

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

So excited. . .if I can get my kids to bed, I'll be happy. Did I mention they are actually adults. LOL

So glad to hear the drama with Spirit Airlines is over and you can fly down instead!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Well my bags are packed, I'm ready to go--just have to do a mani/pedi with my daughter tomorrow a.m. and then to the Sheraton for the afternoon and evening.

Lunch at TGIF tomorrow, then to the hotel for a few hours of sleep. Up at 3:00 a.m. for our 6:00 a.m. flight. We are visiting a friend at the n/k/a Bohemian Celebration Hotel and then check-in at Polynesian on Saturday.

So excited. . .if I can get my kids to bed, I'll be happy. Did I mention they are actually adults. LOL

Aren't the adults just the worst!! So happy Spirit came through!! Godspeed and have an absolutely magical trip!!!