ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[maiapapaya]

For everyone arriving in the next couple of days have a fantastic trip! We look forward to hearing your reports & seeing your pics!

 

[maiapapaya]

Very eloquently put.

Thanks. Ironically, I just read a post by someone in the GF thread yesterday that said every trip they like to visit the Poly, but that the resort seems to be getting progressively busier and more chaotic and for this reason they won't stay there. It's a shame if this is the way the atmosphere of the resort is heading, no longer peaceful and relaxing ... again, an infringement on the vacation experience of the guests who have paid to stay there IMHO.

 

[chicmommy]

Wow, I had a bunch to catch up on! I was in....(drumroll) MICHIGAN! So for those of you on this thread from MI, I am originally from there and my family lives there. I flew out there with my kids for the holiday and we went (where else) up north to our family cabin on the lake. Nice time and no internet. But I'm back to counting down to our Disney trip in September - yahoo!!!



My favorite Poly activity - drinking tropical drinks



Welcome!

Thanks for welcoming me! ounting down to September as well!!!!

 

[chicmommy]

Those of us who love the Poly do find it a pretty neat place. My family has enjoyed many Disney resorts in our 27 yrs of WDW visits, but the Polynesian remains special.

Hope you both enjoy it as much as we do! Happy planning!!

Thank you sooooo Much! DS is only 5 so we hope it becomes our special place as well, and that we continue to make MANY more memories!!!

 

[chicmommy]

I am HAPPILY doing laundry today...only because I am packing for our Poly CL stay which starts TOMORROW!!

This is the first time in 12 years that we have gone in the summer...we usually go in the fall.

I looked ahead at the forecast...calls for rain every day...but I'm sure it will be those fun afternoon showers that will chase everyone (but us) from the parks!!

We have lagoon view CL, and I have requested first floor so we'll see how that ends up. I am just happy to be going.

ZuZugal HAVE A BALL! Make sure you tell us all about it when you get back!!!!!!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I am HAPPILY doing laundry today...only because I am packing for our Poly CL stay which starts TOMORROW!!

This is the first time in 12 years that we have gone in the summer...we usually go in the fall.

I looked ahead at the forecast...calls for rain every day...but I'm sure it will be those fun afternoon showers that will chase everyone (but us) from the parks!!

We have lagoon view CL, and I have requested first floor so we'll see how that ends up. I am just happy to be going.

How exciting!! this time tomorrow you'll be all settled in to your CL LV room! Take lots of pics for us, please!

To all who are leaving soon - Safe travels and have a wonderful trip!

 

[EvilQueenT]

they're going to never want to come home. we (a group of 6) did the poly's big two bedroom suite club level mk/lagoon view for my granddaughters 1st trip in 2007... it was bigger than my first few apartments, two stories, full kitchen, living room, dining room etc... (sigh)... i'm jealous... i have to wait for late november/early december before i get to go again and boohoo not staying at the poly.

 

[kdunkle904]

We are heading to Poly in September for the first time and I can't wait!!! We've eaten there, but never stayed there. We spent a wonderful 10 days at AKL at the end of May and weren't planning to go back until 2012, but yeah, things kind of changed.



Tinkerbellie--DH is from MI. He grew up in the Auburn Hills area. DH's mom and grandma are actually flying down from MI for our trip in September to meet us.

Tropical drinks sound yummy right now.....

Isnt Sept a great time to go? The crowds are lighter, the weather is a bit cooler.... You are going to have a great time! Who knows we may see each other down there!!

 

[vinotinto]

I have an Microsoft Project plan for our trip.... if I can plan a 8 month project at work, then I can plan an 8-day vacation.... and yes... the family says I am crazy...

LOL! I've been thinking of putting together a series of steps for each day of our 9-day vacation, just like the Project plans at work. I mean, we are on the DxDP and have tons of ADRs, plus we want to make sure we see certain shows, parades, and of course, we have to schedule relaxation time.

Anyways, if you post your 8-day plan somewhere, please let me know.

 

[kaffinito]

The one room hunting cabin (where I spent my childhood summer weekends with my parents and FIVE siblings - in ONE ROOM and an OUThouse ) is in Vienna a couple miles from Red's (is that still there???).

I'm not sure about Red's, but Vienna (unless there's one up north, too) isn't too far from where we are now. Hillman was close to where we were then. We had one of those family cabins too--no shower or hot water, but we did have an indoor facility. I didn't care to go much after about 12.

Hey! I'm from about 45 minutes north of Vienna. We live in Redford but I grew up in Northville. Small world, eh?

I wonder if there's a link between living in Michigan and loving the Poly?

 

[eeyorepixie]

I need a review of the POLY, I am at that VERY obsessive stage of my countdown...day 37...trip is getting close and I feel like I need to do something...anything Disney. KWIM? I am obsessive anyways but when I get to this point, I get a little anxious like a little kid....

so please, please, please post your reviews here...have sympathy for us crazed POLY planners

 

[hstrickland]

Thanks. Ironically, I just read a post by someone in the GF thread yesterday that said every trip they like to visit the Poly, but that the resort seems to be getting progressively busier and more chaotic and for this reason they won't stay there. It's a shame if this is the way the atmosphere of the resort is heading, no longer peaceful and relaxing ... again, an infringement on the vacation experience of the guests who have paid to stay there IMHO.

I totally agree with you! When Disney sent us the online survey, the ONLY complaint I had was the pool situation. We were there when the crowds were not heavy and the pool was still swamped on the weekends....very chaotic, no empty chairs, people that appeared to NOT be guest at the Poly....their own towels, big coolers, strollers, etc. I do realize that DVC owners can pool hop, but we had a sneaky suspicion this wasn't the case DH and I got a kick out of the sign they have by the pool that states a "maximun number of guest in pool"....This was a joke on Saturday & Sunday! Now, that being said, during the week was fine...minimal crowds at the pool and we were able to enjoy and relax. Like I said, that was the ONLY complaint we had about the Poly. Everything else was fabulous!!! Loved it! Hopefully Disney can get a handle on the situation at the Poly that seems to be occurring on a more frequent basis.

 

[LowesChevy]

I need a review of the POLY, I am at that VERY obsessive stage of my countdown...day 37...trip is getting close and I feel like I need to do something...anything Disney. KWIM? I am obsessive anyways but when I get to this point, I get a little anxious like a little kid....

so please, please, please post your reviews here...have sympathy for us crazed POLY planners

My review of the Polynesian from Oct 2009 is below. My photos have moved, but if you have any questions I can try to answer them as best as I can for you.

 

[cyndisun]

I totally agree with you! When Disney sent us the online survey, the ONLY complaint I had was the pool situation. We were there when the crowds were not heavy and the pool was still swamped on the weekends....very chaotic, no empty chairs, people that appeared to NOT be guest at the Poly.....

Heather,

I'm really enjoying your Poly trip report. We love the Poly (esp. CL) and are returning in August. I think we had the same room as you last year. Is it 3-4 doors down from the lounge? There were lots of ducks then too but I didn't notice poop on our patio. Maybe that was because it was August and rained ever day!

I'm an early riser too, but the time change from CA keeps me from getting up early on our trips. I wish I could though! I love that time of day when no one else is up.

Are you from FL or Savannah? I noticed you've lived in both. I'd guess GA since you say "making pictures" like my DH's family. DH has family in Savannah and other parts of GA. One branch are the Stricklands and your DGrandpa looks a lot like DH's Uncle Jack!

Can't wait to finish your report.

Cyndi

 

[corndog]

I totally agree with you! When Disney sent us the online survey, the ONLY complaint I had was the pool situation. We were there when the crowds were not heavy and the pool was still swamped on the weekends....very chaotic, no empty chairs, people that appeared to NOT be guest at the Poly....their own towels, big coolers, strollers, etc. I do realize that DVC owners can pool hop, but we had a sneaky suspicion this wasn't the case DH and I got a kick out of the sign they have by the pool that states a "maximun number of guest in pool"....This was a joke on Saturday & Sunday! Now, that being said, during the week was fine...minimal crowds at the pool and we were able to enjoy and relax. Like I said, that was the ONLY complaint we had about the Poly. Everything else was fabulous!!! Loved it! Hopefully Disney can get a handle on the situation at the Poly that seems to be occurring on a more frequent basis.

How crowded was the pool at night?

 

[bluejasmine]

Isnt Sept a great time to go? The crowds are lighter, the weather is a bit cooler.... You are going to have a great time! Who knows we may see each other down there!!

Thanks for welcoming me! ounting down to September as well!!!!

We are heading to Poly in September for the first time and I can't wait!!! We've eaten there, but never stayed there. We spent a wonderful 10 days at AKL at the end of May and weren't planning to go back until 2012, but yeah, things kind of changed.



Tinkerbellie--DH is from MI. He grew up in the Auburn Hills area. DH's mom and grandma are actually flying down from MI for our trip in September to meet us.

Tropical drinks sound yummy right now.....

Another Sept 1st timer! Been going to the Poly to eat since I was 4 lets see thats since 1978..LOL!
Im so excited Im having a really hard time concentrating on work..Im addicted to DIS!

 

[jetskigrl]

I need a review of the POLY, I am at that VERY obsessive stage of my countdown...day 37...trip is getting close and I feel like I need to do something...anything Disney. KWIM? I am obsessive anyways but when I get to this point, I get a little anxious like a little kid....

so please, please, please post your reviews here...have sympathy for us crazed POLY planners

ROFL Queenie - I am doing the same thing. I'm at 26 days and counting now and I have run out of things to plan

Is it too early to pull out the suitcases and start seeing what fits where

 

[hstrickland]

Heather,

I'm really enjoying your Poly trip report. We love the Poly (esp. CL) and are returning in August. I think we had the same room as you last year. Is it 3-4 doors down from the lounge? There were lots of ducks then too but I didn't notice poop on our patio. Maybe that was because it was August and rained ever day!

I'm an early riser too, but the time change from CA keeps me from getting up early on our trips. I wish I could though! I love that time of day when no one else is up.

Are you from FL or Savannah? I noticed you've lived in both. I'd guess GA since you say "making pictures" like my DH's family. DH has family in Savannah and other parts of GA. One branch are the Stricklands and your DGrandpa looks a lot like DH's Uncle Jack!

Can't wait to finish your report.

Cyndi

"making pictures".....I know, my southern slang bleeds through when I write! DH was actually born and raised in Orlando....I'm from Savannah, and we live in the Savannah area now. We met while I was a flight attendant...was based in Orlando for 5 years. There are tons of Stricklands in this area....y'all could be distant cousins

Thanks for the kind words about my TR...have really enjoyed writing it. DH and I will sometimes sit at night and reread what I have written and look at the pictures for the 1000th time....silly, isn't it

How crowded was the pool at night?

We never did swim at night, but when we would walk back to the Hawaii building at night, the pool never looked crowded. In fact, there were very few people swimming. We were there the week before Memorial Day, so the crowds weren't bad. The parking lot of the Poly was fairly empty, too.....actually, very empty. You didn't see tons of people around. Guess this is why I was so surprised on Saturday and Sunday when the pool was overrun by people.

 

[hstrickland]

I need a review of the POLY, I am at that VERY obsessive stage of my countdown...day 37...trip is getting close and I feel like I need to do something...anything Disney. KWIM? I am obsessive anyways but when I get to this point, I get a little anxious like a little kid....

so please, please, please post your reviews here...have sympathy for us crazed POLY planners

ROFL Queenie - I am doing the same thing. I'm at 26 days and counting now and I have run out of things to plan

Is it too early to pull out the suitcases and start seeing what fits where

Maybe I can help....I'm in the process of doing our TR...almost done. In fact, I'm working on the Luau today. You can click on the link below. At the end of my report, I think I'm going to post a link with ALL of the actual Poly pics we have. Y'all will have such a great time at the Poly!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Hey! I'm from about 45 minutes north of Vienna. We live in Redford but I grew up in Northville. Small world, eh?

I wonder if there's a link between living in Michigan and loving the Poly?

The folks who do the PassPorter are from Michigan too I like seeing their weekly newsletters about the weather in Michigan. I'm not sure if they are fanatic about Poly or any other resorts but they did give it a good review

I need a review of the POLY, I am at that VERY obsessive stage of my countdown...day 37...trip is getting close and I feel like I need to do something...anything Disney. KWIM? I am obsessive anyways but when I get to this point, I get a little anxious like a little kid....

so please, please, please post your reviews here...have sympathy for us crazed POLY planners

Have you been to the Poly before? Do you have any specific questions? You've got a LOT of Poly lovers right here so ask away for specifics or check out peoples TRs if you need details. I will say a few things on "why I like the Poly" and hopefully others chime in as well (because it's always fun to read why others like the Poly too!):

1. LOCATION - Great view of Cindy's castle and the other resorts. I also LOVE the monorail. It is so easy to take the monorail to MK, or walk to the TTC to get to the Epcot monorail. I also like to visit GF and Contemporary so it's almost like you are staying at 3 resorts.

2. THEME - I love the relaxed feel of the Poly like the tiki torches at night and the music piped through the landscaping and the waterfall where the ducks swim.

3. FOOD - I think the Poly has some of the best food offerings. I am actually one of the folks that LIKES Captain Cooks! Grown up grilled cheese and Poly chips - yum! Mickey waffle with bacon and OJ in the morning and sitting out in the tropical setting - so relaxing! And I LOVE Ohanas and enjoy Kona cafe. Do I even need to mention that fabulous tropical drinks????

4. ROOMS - I like the indoor access of a deluxe hotel. The rooms at the Poly have the sink INSIDE the bathroom area which I prefer for privacy and the ability to make some more noise in the morning without waking everyone up. The rooms are also a bit bigger and have that awesome daybed! I like the decor and the twin closets so I get one all to myself! And I like the patios on the ground floor.

5. RECREATION - Me and the kids are suckers for 'packaging' and it is too cool to swim in the volcano pool. Park me at an umbrella table with my bag of cheetos and some tropical drinks and I am in heaven! Then a dip at the quiet pool where there is usually more room in the pool and chairs to be found (and still walking distance from the pool bar ).

Ok, that was just a TASTE of what I like about the Poly. Anyone else???