ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[maiapapaya]

Maybe at least the POLY could have a roped area (as they do for special groups watching Illuminations at times) where you'd have to show a room key or some other ID? (Like at certain rock concerts to be near the stage haha!) And enforcing simple occupancy rules isn't impossible. POLY used to do it frequently (Hi! May I see your room key?)

It is a slippery slope from DELUXE to WHATEVER as a resort category!
In spite of it all, I still wish I was there EVERY DAY! Enjoy, all you lucky people!!!

I feel badly for those who stay at POLY thinking they'll have guaranteed access to & then have to fight for their place on the beach. A good reason for paying guests (specially those in TPVs to stay away during peak times!)

Great idea Mai Ku Tiki! Unfortunately they don't even enforce the pool hopping rules at Poly which drives me crazy because if you're paying to stay there at the very least you should be able to use the pool without guests from other resorts or locals taking over. If they have set up CM's flogging crap on the beach during fireworks it almost sounds like TPTB have decided that they can make a $ off of the Poly being a secondary firework viewing area. Very bad from a PR stand point if you're a Poly guest IMHO, great if you don't want to shell out the bucks to stay there and you want to take advantage of the ammenities. Unfortunately if WDW is profitting from it you can be sure they will continue to allow it, and possibly start encouraging it (though I really hope not! ) This just really makes me so happy that DH insists on getting a TPV room and then we don't have to deal with it.

 

[minniebeth]

We were on the beach July 3rd for the fireworks, and there was a lot of people but I didn't feel crowded. It added to the atmosphere to have the excitement of the crowd cheering around me, and we had enough space around us to move. I also thought it was funny seeing CMs selling the light up toys and food and stuff on the beach - someone in marketing realized they could make money by setting up at the resorts!

We are loyal Polynesian fans. We consider it our "home" resort, but...
Wow. Not sure how I feel about that, if I were staying there, I'd be pretty annoyed that I have to buck my kids' requests for the stuff I expect at the parks, but not at a resort. Profit opportunity for sure. I agree with the pp who says it shows Disney encourages non-resort guest use. Makes me re-think future Poly stays. I understand many of the resorts ammenities are for use to the public, but that and not restricting use of the pools says absolutely no loyalty to the Poly guests, many whom are repeat, loyal customers.
We've stayed at resorts like CSR and POR and I have to say, I thought they had just as much of a "deluxe" feel to it as the Polynesian, minus the location.
I was impressed with both resorts. Makes it harder to justify the money at the Polynesian, when I can just visit for the evening, like everyone else.

 

[916chipndale]

It got up to 103 degrees today in central nj I wish I was at the poly right now cooling off in the volcano pool or getting knocked over by a tidal wave at typhoon lagoon. Only 2 more weeks.

 

[maiapapaya]

We are loyal Polynesian fans. We consider it our "home" resort, but...
Wow. Not sure how I feel about that, if I were staying there, I'd be pretty annoyed that I have to buck my kids' requests for the stuff I expect at the parks, but not at a resort. Profit opportunity for sure. I agree with the pp who says it shows Disney encourages non-resort guest use. Makes me re-think future Poly stays. I understand many of the resorts ammenities are for use to the public, but that and not restricting use of the pools says absolutely no loyalty to the Poly guests, many whom are repeat, loyal customers.
We've stayed at resorts like CSR and POR and I have to say, I thought they had just as much of a "deluxe" feel to it as the Polynesian, minus the location.
I was impressed with both resorts. Makes it harder to justify the money at the Polynesian, when I can just visit for the evening, like everyone else.

I agree. DH & I were really annoyed when we read about the stuff being flogged on the beach. It makes it feel like TPTB are possibly starting to see the Poly as a "destination" in itself and completely ignoring the disrespect and possible inconvenience it creates for the guests who have paid a lot of money to be there. I really hope that the merchanising was only to take advantage of the holiday weekend revellers (even though that is distasteful in itself) and doesn't become a permanent fixture. Were they also doing this at GF & CR? Does anyone know?

We love the Poly and we love the location, but we too would consider having future stays at other resorts if the Poly starts being taken over by others. I understand that people come there to enjoy the restaurants, luau and simply to take in the atmosphere, just as I enjoy visiting other resorts. But TPTB also have to be careful of inconveniencing their paying guests and detracting from their vacation experience. Clearly they ignore the pool issue, I hope this fireworks thing isn't the beginning of a trend. It concerns me that a local paper would encourage locals fo come to take in the 4th of July fireworks as a cheap alternative to having to pay to get into the park. Will that also be the case when they have Hallowishes & the MVMCP fireworks? While, as I mentioned earlier we like to stay TPV, so the fireworks isn't a huge issue for us personally, having tons of extra people milling around the resort, using the pool, CC's etc. isn't that appealing.

 

[jenjen212]

When we're in count-down-to-a-trip mode, we love to watch our favorite OLD vacation planning video, the one that was done for the Happiest Celebration on Earth, the one with Erin, Stacy, Luke and Dave. We love this video, and watch it about weekly once we get inside the 2-month mark or so.

ME TOOOOO!!! lol I always watch this one, in addition to whatever one is current. THEN... when i check in to a resort, I always watch the In-Room channel showing the "Top 7 Must Sees", even though that girl Stacy's voice gets annoying after awhile. I liked the first girl, Krissa, better too.

But, that one is also my favorite planning dvd!!! I loved how they had a different person to portray different types of guests (the Mom, the Party teen, the laid back type, etc). Did you ever notice the outtakes section on that DVD, that can only be played by findng the hidden mickey in the scene selection part? I never knew about it til recently, and i have played that video over and over and over. (you have to keep moving the arrows on the second page til it becomes highlighted.)

For those that don't remember it, or never got a chance to order it:
pt. 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG9EIT6fv1Y
pt. 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akt47uuZjyE
pt. 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKTzxJwtRpI
pt. 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3GVePP7e_s
OutTakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRceyUNnuIw

 

[916chipndale]

i finally learned how to post pics yay now i can post pics while i will be updating live when we go to the poly. does anyone know if verizons 3g works at the poly or anywhere disney hotel?

 

[chicmommy]

Hi! I'm new here. I've been reading all the Poly thread from past years. You guys have sooooo much information. Taking DH and DS for their birthday (same day in Sept.) can't wait. Originally thought of staying at AKL but something about the Poly is so mystical, can't wait. Thanks for all the tips!

 

[Zuzu03]

Hi! I'm new here. I've been reading all the Poly thread from past years. You guys have sooooo much information. Taking DH and DS for their birthday (same day in Sept.) can't wait. Originally thought of staying at AKL but something about the Poly is so mystical, can't wait. Thanks for all the tips!

Welcome!!! You're going to love it at the Poly and everyone on this thread is so nice!

 

[chicmommy]

Welcome!!! You're going to love it at the Poly and everyone on this thread is so nice!

Everyone seems very nice! I have NEVER logged intoa chat room but I did because everyone seemed so nice and helpful. This will be our first official trip (visited Animal Kingdom when DS was 2 months) But never a full fledge Disney Vacation! I think im more excited than my 5 year old! Ha!

 

[Zuzu03]

Everyone seems very nice! I have NEVER logged intoa chat room but I did because everyone seemed so nice and helpful. This will be our first official trip (visited Animal Kingdom when DS was 2 months) But never a full fledge Disney Vacation! I think im more excited than my 5 year old! Ha!

That's awesome - you're going to have so much fun planning and there is tons of information on the Disboards! As you can see by my ticker on the bottom, I should really be doing more of and and less of . That's the only problem - getting hooked on the Disboards! Nothing seems to get done!!!

 

[chicmommy]

That's awesome - you're going to have so much fun planning and there is tons of information on the Disboards! As you can see by my ticker on the bottom, I should really be doing more of and and less of . That's the only problem - getting hooked on the Disboards! Nothing seems to get done!!!

I think DH thinks I have a slight case of OCD because I have already booked dinner reservations and made an itinerary! But I told him its not "set-in-stone" I just don't want to miss anything! (but know I can't see everything)

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We are loyal Polynesian fans. We consider it our "home" resort, but...
Wow. Not sure how I feel about that, if I were staying there, I'd be pretty annoyed that I have to buck my kids' requests for the stuff I expect at the parks, but not at a resort. Profit opportunity for sure. I agree with the pp who says it shows Disney encourages non-resort guest use. Makes me re-think future Poly stays. I understand many of the resorts ammenities are for use to the public, but that and not restricting use of the pools says absolutely no loyalty to the Poly guests, many whom are repeat, loyal customers.
We've stayed at resorts like CSR and POR and I have to say, I thought they had just as much of a "deluxe" feel to it as the Polynesian, minus the location.
I was impressed with both resorts. Makes it harder to justify the money at the Polynesian, when I can just visit for the evening, like everyone else.

I am so glad to hear that you like CSR. I just switched our ressie at Poly to CSR instead today. It was bittersweet, but the cost difference is HUGE, even with the 40% PIN. DH said if I want to go on the Dream next year for my 30th, I better find a way to cut the cost of our Oct disney world vacation. What does he mean?? There is no money tree for disney vacations??

Anyways, I just wanted to say goodbye, or aloha, to all the poly folks who have answered all my questions and are so very nice.
I guess I better get to reading the CSR thread...

 

[logpey]

Aloha Poly Lovers!
Do they give out parking passes, or can anyone park in parking lot? I've never driven to Poly and don't remember! Thx in advance, I'm very excited about my stay in three weeks, concierge level--woo hoo? How's the new chef doing?

 

[hstrickland]

Aloha Poly Lovers!
Do they give out parking passes, or can anyone park in parking lot? I've never driven to Poly and don't remember! Thx in advance, I'm very excited about my stay in three weeks, concierge level--woo hoo? How's the new chef doing?

When you arrive at the guard gate, they will give you a piece of paper for the parking lot that has the dates you are staying at the Poly. It should be displayed on your dash. As far as the new chef....not sure Chef Dick was still there when we stayed CL.

 

[Tess]

Aloha Poly Lovers!
Do they give out parking passes, or can anyone park in parking lot? I've never driven to Poly and don't remember! Thx in advance, I'm very excited about my stay in three weeks, concierge level--woo hoo? How's the new chef doing?

When you arrive at the guard gate, they will give you a piece of paper for the parking lot that has the dates you are staying at the Poly. It should be displayed on your dash. As far as the new chef....not sure Chef Dick was still there when we stayed CL.

Those not staying at the Polynesian are able to get a temporary parking permit. If I'm not mistaken, the passes are good for three hours or so--long enough to eat, shop, etc. but not so long that folks can park there all day. That said, I have heard that people do park at the Polynesian to avoid paying for parking although I have never witnessed the parking lot being so overrun with vehicles that parking was an issue.

As to the new chef at CL. . .it was hit or miss while we were there a couple of weeks after Dick's retirement. The new chef was hired, but not working full-time yet. Kim was preparing food and overseeing a young chef who was a temporary chef until the new chef took over the position. The new chef is coming from another Disney restaurant. We were told by the temporary chef that he was hoping to get the position, but he was really young and the hired replacement for Dick had much more experience.

Once all the bugs are worked out, I'm sure the level of service and food will be fine. It just won't be Dick. . .

 

[Zuzu03]

I think DH thinks I have a slight case of OCD because I have already booked dinner reservations and made an itinerary! But I told him its not "set-in-stone" I just don't want to miss anything! (but know I can't see everything)

My DH thinks the same because I plan EVERYTHING, he's a more "go with the flow" type. Although he sure enjoys when things work smoothly, usually because I've been in the background make sure things DO go smoothly! I've changed my ADRS a ton of times for this trip, there are just too many good choices!!! AND, if you do miss something, you'll just have to put that on your list for next time!

 

[Aristocath]

ZuZu03, look at that ticker! Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[aprincesswannabe]

We just changed our reservation at the Poly...from CLGV to Theme Park View (not CL). We wanted to take advantage of the "free dining" promotion and by the time our TA got to it all the allotted CLGV rooms had been taken. (Think we'll be changing to Dreams Unlimited next time...)

Now I can start dreaming of waking up to a view of the castle and watching the fireworks in my pajamas....and eating at Boma (where we've never been)! Sounds like the perfect 50th birthday present!

 

[maiapapaya]

My DH thinks the same because I plan EVERYTHING, he's a more "go with the flow" type. Although he sure enjoys when things work smoothly, usually because I've been in the background make sure things DO go smoothly! I've changed my ADRS a ton of times for this trip, there are just too many good choices!!! AND, if you do miss something, you'll just have to put that on your list for next time!

Your DH sounds like mine. He teases me about being obsessed with WDW planning, and doesn't like to be involved with the details at all (other than his room category request). He just wants to show up and have the perfectly planned vacation laid out before him. I hate to tell him that actually requires planning ... the Disney magic isn't that good!

BTW, Zuzu, what the heck are you doing on here?! Shouldn't you be packing or obessing over last minute details or doing a happy dance or something?! Have a fantastic trip!!

 

[chicmommy]

Your DH sounds like mine. He teases me about being obsessed with WDW planning, and doesn't like to be involved with the details at all (other than his room category request). He just wants to show up and have the perfectly planned vacation laid out before him. I hate to tell him that actually requires planning ... the Disney magic isn't that good!

BTW, Zuzu, what the heck are you doing on here?! Shouldn't you be packing or obessing over last minute details or doing a happy dance or something?! Have a fantastic trip!!

It sounds like if we left the trip planning up to some of the DH's (Not All, But maybe more than most) We'd be begging for tables and staying in rooms with views of parking lots... GOOD THING THEY HAVE US OCD DW's