ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Barring a disability that hinders being outside in the heat/rain or traveling with wee ones, I'd just like to say that for me walking the grounds of the POLY adds so much to the experience. Really, NOTHING is more that a 5-7 min walk to GCH (we cut thru other longhouses QUIETLY if in a hurry or in need of a quick shot of A/C ) It can be 10 min to TTC if at far end of property. But then we just stop at GCH on the way back to SHOP some more!!! And stopping to appreciate the beautiful flower, birds, rabbits, ducklings.....Wait! I think I hear Snow White singing in the background!!

And in the evening.... swaying palms, romantic torchlites, sweet polynesian music.....what could be better????

 

[Nickb23]

I've stayed at the Poly many times, but not with children before (5 and 4). Anyone have suggestions for which building to request? We have a magic kingdom view so I assume that will eliminate some choices. Thanks, Nick.

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

I've stayed at the Poly many times, but not with children before (5 and 4). Anyone have suggestions for which building to request? We have a magic kingdom view so I assume that will eliminate some choices. Thanks, Nick.

Most on here like Tuvalu or Tahiti for MK views and will try to keep their favorie secret so it doesn't get crowded so they can get their favorites (its more of a running joke). That being said, I've stayed in Tahiti twice and I don't think you would like it and would be much happier over at Tuvalu.

 

[Nickb23]

Haha. Thanks for the help!

 

[maiapapaya]

I've stayed at the Poly many times, but not with children before (5 and 4). Anyone have suggestions for which building to request? We have a magic kingdom view so I assume that will eliminate some choices. Thanks, Nick.

I guess it would depend on what is more important for you. Tahiti has slightly larger rooms, two sinks, balconies on the 2nd & 3rd floors and is closer to the TTC.

Tuvalu does not have second floor balconies (though you can request 1st floor for a patio or 3rd if you want a balcony). It is very close to the volcano pool & GCH though. While Tuvalu was a bit of a hike to the TTC for our kids, 4 & 7 during our last trip, we only walked there once for the Epcot monorail, so it wasn't a big deal. We did spend a lot of time at the MK though & it was very convenient being so close to the monorail station in the GCH. That being said, Tuvalu smells funny, and has a reputation for the biggest rats & snakes that you've ever seen ...

 

[jenjen212]

My personal favorite (other than the Hawaii longhouse which is Club Level only) is the Fiji longhouse. The side that faces the marina is considered "garden view" it is literally 3 minutes from Captain Cook's.

wow... i just looked at a map. Yes, the Hawaii house does look like it is in an awesome location.

I was hoping to book a MK view room. What buildings offer that? Do you think that this would be possible from the Samoa house?

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

wow... i just looked at a map. Yes, the Hawaii house does look like it is in an awesome location.

I was hoping to book a MK view room. What buildings offer that? Do you think that this would be possible from the Samoa house?

The TPV rooms are availbe in Tahiti, Tuvalu and Aotearoa.

 

[iloveeeyore]

Samoa has gorgeous views on one side of the volcano theme pool plus parts of the lagoon and the GF...these are currently categorized as Garden View rooms!

 

[jenjen212]

The TPV rooms are availbe in Tahiti, Tuvalu and Aotearoa.

Thanks!!

I currently have a reservation at the Contempory - Tower w/ MK view for Aug 1-6. As a college graduation gift, I am taking 2 cousins of mine that have never set foot in Orlando, let alone WDW. They are HUGE Disney fans, but their parents were never able to take them. They live in NYC, and we are flying down together to MCO, being picked up by DME. I've been wanting to pick a resort that will "blow them away" - one that will leave that lasting "Disney Magic" impression. I am sure that will happen at the Contemporary too.

Originally, the entire trip was supposed to be a surprise. I told them that they were going to Fly down with me to FL for a vaca. Then, surprise them at the airport to see that they were going to Orlando, not Ft. Lauderdale where I live. One of their parents let the 'cat out of the bag' by accident and told them. So, they are super excited now. but, still don't know much about the trip.

Now that we are getting close to our trip... having second thoughts. I've stayed at the Contemporary several times and loved it. I've only stayed at the Poly once with a group of ppl a very long time ago. Always wanted to go back , but couldn't afford it before.

I called CRO to find out what the cost difference would be for me to change to the Poly. To keep a MK view room at the Poly, it's not that much difference from CR. I'm thinking that this may be a good change. I'm wondering if we got a lagoon view room at the Poly - would that be almost an equal price? or if a room in Samoa... near the Pool would be just as good. The whole thought of arriving in this "Hawaiian Paradise" with a WDW twist, and receiving Lei's at check-in, just sounds magical.

Ugggh... Help?? Am I crazy??? Any advice???

 

[maiapapaya]

Thanks!!

I currently have a reservation at the Contempory - Tower w/ MK view for Aug 1-6. As a college graduation gift, I am taking 2 cousins of mine that have never set foot in Orlando, let alone WDW. They are HUGE Disney fans, but their parents were never able to take them. They live in NYC, and we are flying down together to MCO, being picked up by DME. I've been wanting to pick a resort that will "blow them away" - one that will leave that lasting "Disney Magic" impression. I am sure that will happen at the Contemporary too.

Originally, the entire trip was supposed to be a surprise. I told them that they were going to Fly down with me to FL for a vaca. Then, surprise them at the airport to see that they were going to Orlando, not Ft. Lauderdale where I live. One of their parents let the 'cat out of the bag' by accident and told them. So, they are super excited now. but, still don't know much about the trip.

Now that we are getting close to our trip... having second thoughts. I've stayed at the Contemporary several times and loved it. I've only stayed at the Poly once with a group of ppl a very long time ago. Always wanted to go back , but couldn't afford it before.

I called CRO to find out what the cost difference would be for me to change to the Poly. To keep a MK view room at the Poly, it's not that much difference from CR. I'm thinking that this may be a good change. I'm wondering if we got a lagoon view room at the Poly - would that be almost an equal price? or if a room in Samoa... near the Pool would be just as good. The whole thought of arriving in this "Hawaiian Paradise" with a WDW twist, and receiving Lei's at check-in, just sounds magical.

Ugggh... Help?? Am I crazy??? Any advice???

Just keep in mind that if you request Samoa, it isn't a guarantee that you'll be put in that longhouse. If you are counting on Samoa as an alternative to a TPV or LG view you might want to take that into consideration (ie. you could book garden view, request Samoa, but then get assigned to a different building). According to the WDW site, for your dates, it's $40 cheaper/night for a lagoon view room. I have never stayed LV, but from what I understand these should still give you a nice view of the lagoon and probably the MK - it just doesn't guarantee you an unobstructed view of the castle (not sure how/if that affects fireworks viewing).

We stayed TPV in October & LOVED it. We completely thought it was worth it for the full "Disney experience" ie. seeing the EWP & fireworks from the balcony, watching the castle change colours at night, waking up and seeing the castle & hearing the sounds of the MK first thing in the morning ... I have never stayed CR TPV, so I can't compare, but I have read posters comment about liking how the Poly gives you a "dead on" view of the lagoon/MK as opposed to a view from the side. And the CR rooms also have a parking lot between them & the park, so you also could have a view of the parking (you might want to search for pictures to confirm that)

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks!!

I currently have a reservation at the Contempory - Tower w/ MK view for Aug 1-6. As a college graduation gift, I am taking 2 cousins of mine that have never set foot in Orlando, let alone WDW. They are HUGE Disney fans, but their parents were never able to take them. They live in NYC, and we are flying down together to MCO, being picked up by DME. I've been wanting to pick a resort that will "blow them away" - one that will leave that lasting "Disney Magic" impression. I am sure that will happen at the Contemporary too.

Originally, the entire trip was supposed to be a surprise. I told them that they were going to Fly down with me to FL for a vaca. Then, surprise them at the airport to see that they were going to Orlando, not Ft. Lauderdale where I live. One of their parents let the 'cat out of the bag' by accident and told them. So, they are super excited now. but, still don't know much about the trip.

Now that we are getting close to our trip... having second thoughts. I've stayed at the Contemporary several times and loved it. I've only stayed at the Poly once with a group of ppl a very long time ago. Always wanted to go back , but couldn't afford it before.

I called CRO to find out what the cost difference would be for me to change to the Poly. To keep a MK view room at the Poly, it's not that much difference from CR. I'm thinking that this may be a good change. I'm wondering if we got a lagoon view room at the Poly - would that be almost an equal price? or if a room in Samoa... near the Pool would be just as good. The whole thought of arriving in this "Hawaiian Paradise" with a WDW twist, and receiving Lei's at check-in, just sounds magical.

Ugggh... Help?? Am I crazy??? Any advice???

What fun!! Bless your heart! Based on Steve aka Tikiman's opinion (I asked him) I would suggest a LV, but request Tahiti and no other request - most LV rooms in Tahiti have a slightly obstructed view of the castle (palm trees). He told me he'd not pay for a TPV if not CL and no one knows the Poly better!
Tahiti is one of the Longhouses with the larger rooms and both 2nd and 3rd floor have a balcony - most LV rooms are 1st or 2nd floor in Tahiti. You'd get 2 sinks in the bathroom (always nice) and nice extra space (2 chairs instead of one, plus the daybed). They will be stunned by the view and Poly.
Depending on when you're going, you'd have a good chance of getting your request - if not, ask if you could be moved to Tahiti, even the next morning - it would be worth the move!

What a wonderful surprise!!! I like CR too, and the MK view is pretty spectacular, but the Poly is ...well...it's a little bit of South Seas heaven on earth.

 

[Dawgdad]

Book the LV, request Tahiti and take a limb saw. Voila...TPV!

 

[maiapapaya]

Book the LV, request Tahiti and take a limb saw. Voila...TPV!

 

[sandym718]

Barring a disability that hinders being outside in the heat/rain or traveling with wee ones, I'd just like to say that for me walking the grounds of the POLY adds so much to the experience. Really, NOTHING is more that a 5-7 min walk to GCH (we cut thru other longhouses QUIETLY if in a hurry or in need of a quick shot of A/C ) It can be 10 min to TTC if at far end of property. But then we just stop at GCH on the way back to SHOP some more!!! And stopping to appreciate the beautiful flower, birds, rabbits, ducklings.....Wait! I think I hear Snow White singing in the background!!

And in the evening.... swaying palms, romantic torchlites, sweet polynesian music.....what could be better????

I couldn't agree more. The grounds are just so beautiful and peaceful, the walks are just so pleasant!!

 

[jenjen212]

What fun!! Bless your heart! Based on Steve aka Tikiman's opinion (I asked him) I would suggest a LV, but request Tahiti and no other request - most LV rooms in Tahiti have a slightly obstructed view of the castle (palm trees). He told me he'd not pay for a TPV if not CL and no one knows the Poly better!
Tahiti is one of the Longhouses with the larger rooms and both 2nd and 3rd floor have a balcony - most LV rooms are 1st or 2nd floor in Tahiti. You'd get 2 sinks in the bathroom (always nice) and nice extra space (2 chairs instead of one, plus the daybed). They will be stunned by the view and Poly.
Depending on when you're going, you'd have a good chance of getting your request - if not, ask if you could be moved to Tahiti, even the next morning - it would be worth the move!

What a wonderful surprise!!! I like CR too, and the MK view is pretty spectacular, but the Poly is ...well...it's a little bit of South Seas heaven on earth.

Thanks!!! This sounds like a good idea. Good to know that

Though, I kinda like the idea of also being close to the beautiful volcano pool too. IF we weren't able to get Tahiti, and were able to get Samoa somehow, do most guests hear the kids screaming at the pool? Not that it will bother us or matter to us, but just wondering.

 

[*~PrincessBelle~*]

So today I come home from work and was surprised to see Disney Mail!

We still have 79 days until our trip and I have already received my ME luggage tags and booklet

AND I had only contacted the Poly IPO on Wednesday afternoon with our flight info to setup our DME and 2 days later I already have the tags - what awesome service!

So far the Poly IPO has been amazing and totally living up to their great reputation for customer service!!

 

[jenjen212]

Book the LV, request Tahiti and take a limb saw. Voila...TPV!

hmmmm, now how do i get that on the airplane without looking suspicious?? need a huge box to conceal it in? lol

 

[mdrob214]

Book the LV, request Tahiti and take a limb saw. Voila...TPV!

jenjen beat me to it--I was gonna ask if that was a legal carry-on item or if it had to be checked?


Well, the dogs are at the kennel, the cat-sitter has the key and we are basically all packed! Just need to put the toiletries in and we are done. I have to make some dinner and vacuum and DH and DS are doing the yard tonight. Going to bed at 9, I hope.

Anyone want me to check on anything while there? I won't make promises but will do my best. DD is bringing her netbook, but I don't know if I'll use it or not. For sure I can post pics or information when I get home.

 

[Aristocath]

jenjen beat me to it--I was gonna ask if that was a legal carry-on item or if it had to be checked?


Well, the dogs are at the kennel, the cat-sitter has the key and we are basically all packed! Just need to put the toiletries in and we are done. I have to make some dinner and vacuum and DH and DS are doing the yard tonight. Going to bed at 9, I hope.

Anyone want me to check on anything while there? I won't make promises but will do my best. DD is bringing her netbook, but I don't know if I'll use it or not. For sure I can post pics or information when I get home.

Have a wonderful birthday trip! Take lots of pictures for us and have a great time.

 

[SeaSpray]

So far the Poly IPO has been amazing and totally living up to their great reputation for customer service!!

I agree! I emailed IPO late last night, asking them if they could get some Mr Pibb soda for us (they don't carry it here in MA), and they wrote back this morning saying they'll have it for us for our arrival on Monday. DS19 is going to be happy and surprised because he loves it and can only get it when we go to Florida.

Well, the dogs are at the kennel, the cat-sitter has the key and we are basically all packed! Just need to put the toiletries in and we are done. I have to make some dinner and vacuum and DH and DS are doing the yard tonight. Going to bed at 9, I hope.

Anyone want me to check on anything while there? I won't make promises but will do my best. DD is bringing her netbook, but I don't know if I'll use it or not. For sure I can post pics or information when I get home.

Woo hoo! Have a safe trip, and maybe we'll run into each other next week! We have an early flight, so we'll be at the Polynesian by lunch time on Monday!!