ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[BreezysMom]

ALOHA!
Welcome to the Polynesian FAQ

Spring 2010 Edition​

When you first arrive at the Polynesian you will be wisked away into a vacation wonderland of wateralls and tropical foilage in the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House (GCH).

The GCH is where the check in desk is located as well as the lobby concierge desk. It is also home to the wonderful shopping at Boutiki, Trader Jacks and Samoa Sancks.

On the first floor is Captain Cooks, which offers 24 hour Counter service. On the second floor the popular 'Ohana and Kona Grill are located for a fabulous table service dining experience


Guest rooms are located within 11 "Longhouses", each named after an Island in the South Pacific.

They are...

Aotearoa
Fiji
Tuvalu
Rarotonga
Niue
Samoa,
Tokelau
Rapa Nui
Tahiti
Hawaii (contains only concierge/club level standard rooms)
Tonga (contains only concierge/club level suites)

There are three available categories for standard rooms. They are garden view (GV), Theme Park View (TPV), and Lagoon View (LV).

A theme park view will feature a view of Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park and the Seven Seas Lagoon. These views are reported to be the most magical on Disney property!

A lagoon view offers a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Sometimes you may catch a glipse of the castle or Space Mountain from these rooms.

A Garden view features a view of parking area, garden, pool, marina or monorail. Don't let the parking lot in the description scare you! The Poly has such lush and beautiful foilage that there is really no bad view!


The Polynesian also offers Club Level Rooms. The majority of the rooms are located in the Hawaii Longhouse and have three categories of views. Garden View, Lagoon View and Theme Park View. More information on the Poly Club Level can be found a few pages down.

All guest rooms feature Room Feature:

Two queen-size beds (king-size beds available in suites located in Tonga)
Day Bed
Small table
Chair
Ceiling fan
Bathroom
High Speed Internet access (for an additional fee)
Cable TV, includes Disney programming
In-room safe
Voice mail
Hairdryer
Iron and ironing board
I-Home Alarm clock
Coffeemaker
Refrigerator
Microwave (on request)
Pack 'n Play Playard (on request)
Bed boards (on request)
Bed rails (on request)
All rooms are non-smoking
Disabled accessible rooms are available

]

Please note that the information in this thread is based on my experiences and that of the other participants of this thread. As many people have differing opinions and views, this thread is for information purposes only.

 

[BreezysMom]

Upon arrival you will receive the Island Palm Press.
This is a newsletter with a directory of services available at the Polynesian.
**Please note that as of 3/2010 guests have reported that they have replaced the Island Palm Press with a alternative booklet that has resort information.
As with any information given on the thread, it is still a good idea to confirm with the resort upon arrival for specific up to date information.**

 

[BreezysMom]

Whether spending the afternoon by the pool or zipping around the Seven Seas Lagoon on a Sea Racer, the Polynesian offers a wide variety of recreation choices to please everyone of all ages!

The most popular is the Nanea Volcano Pool and grotto slide are located adjacent to the beach. This location offers the most spectacular view on Disney Property!

Next to the Nanea Volcano pool is a childrens play area

During the day, various activities are offered poolside such as bingo and hula hoop contests. Information about this can be found on the activity flyer you receive upon admission.

The Polynesian also has a second quiet pool.

In the evening the, the beach becomes the perfect spot to watch fireworks on a lounge chair after a long day at the parks! You can also watch the Electric Water Pageant as it passes by the resort every evening at 9:00pm.

The Mikala Canoe Club in the marina is the place to rent Seay Racers, Patoon Boats or even a surrey bike to explore the beautiful Poly property! You can also borrow Coast Guard approved life jackets for your little ones at no charge! Operating hours vary throughout the year.

Polynesian guests are able to use the Grand Floridian Health Club at no charge.

On various evenings, you can catch the Torch Lighting Ceremony in the front of the Great Ceremonial House. This is a must see!

You can also catch a movie on the beach between the Poly and the Grand Floridian. The movies vary by month and are shown certain nights of the week so check the resort activity flyer upon check in.

 

[BreezysMom]

The Poly has some of the best transportations options in all of WDW. You can opt to take the motor launch boat to the Magic Kingdom or the Monorail. In addition, the Ticket and Transportation center is just a short, but beautiful stroll away!

Walking into the Poly lobby for the first time is an experience in itself! There is a Childrens area where kids can color and enjoy crafts as well as hula lessons on select afternoons!

The Poly laundry room is located by the Neverland Club. Besides washers and dryers, there is a machine to buy detergent. There is a change machine located in the laundry room. There is also a nice sitting area with a vending machine and television.

Located by the pool. They are there from 12 noon to about 5pm daily. They take cash only and the charge is $2.00 per inch PLUS the cost of beads which range from $.50 to $4.00. You can pick up to 4 colors. A typical hair wrap will cost you about $20-$35 depending on the length of hair.

At the Tambu Lounge located by 'Ohana or the Barefoot Pool Bar you will find the most tropical and tasty libations on property! Make sure you try the popular Lapu Lapu or Pina Colava to round out your Poly experience!!

 

[BreezysMom]

Club Level Concierge, knows as The King Kamehameha Club at the Polynesian is a way to add some extra magic to your Polynesian Experience!

The Hawaii Longhouse houses standard Club Level rooms. There are three categories of views, Garden view, which has wonderful views of the gardens and quiet pool. Lagoon View, which faces Seven Seas Lagoon but may have have an slight obstruction due to a Palm tree or other foilage and as of this year they now offer Theme Park View which will guarantee a fabulous views of the Magic Kingdom.

The Hawaii and Tonga buildings are secured and entry will only be possible with a concierge room key.

In Hawaii, the first floor rooms offer a patio and the third floor rooms have balconies while the second floor has sliding glass doors but a railing rather than a blacony. The Hawaii Longhouse is loved by many simply due to it's location. It is right on the beach, next to the volcano pool and a short walk to the GCH. Theme Park View and Lagoon View room rates are higer than Club Level Garden View Rooms.

Tonga Longhouse is a two story building with suites and also has garden view and lagoon view categories. These rooms are larger 2 and 3bedroom suites that accomodate larger parties. While they also have lounge offerings they are able to access the offerings available in the Hawaii Longhouse.

Club Level services include pre-arrival personal vacation planning by the Initineray planning office (IPO). The IPO will make your advance dining reservations, assist in purchasing tickets and other advance planning details. Shortly after making your reservation you will be contacted by a member ofthe IPO office to start planning your stay. Sometimes you may need to contact them first due to computer interface issues within Disney.

Concierge guests can call 407-824-2466.
To Fax the Planning Office use 407-824-3162
Their e-mail is Polynesian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com
(DO NOT E-MAIL THIS ADDRESS IF YOU ARE NOT STAYING IN THE CONCIERGE LEVEL ROOM!)

The Planning Office is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day, Eastern time (excluding holidays).



While staying at the Club Level you will have personalized front desk and guest services. Your room will have robes, phone in the bath area, DVD players and nightly turndown service. Jogging strollers are also available to Club Level guests (first come first serve).

Club Level guests many also are able to experience the Wildlife Discovery Excursion at Disney's Animal Kingdom which is available at 10am & 1pm daily for $50 a person. Part of the proceeds go to the Walt Disney World Wildlife Conservation fund. You can have your IPO planner assist you in making these reservations.

Club Level guests have access to the lounge which offers a variety of food and beverage served throughout the day. These afferings are as follows~

Kakahiaka (morning service) 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. offering muffins and pastries, tropical fruit, cereal, milk, orange juice, pineapple guava juice, ice tea, coffee drinks and hot chocolate from the new coffee machine, glass bottles of water, and toasters are available. Yogurt available as well as other items by request. Just ask at the counter.

Auinala (afternoon service) 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. offering fruit juice, bottled water, soda, ice tea, cookies, tropical fruit, gummy worms and m&m's for the kids.

Ahiahi (evening service) 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. offering different themes each day.

Aumoe (late evening service) 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. offering wine and cheese as well as cordials and desserts.

BEER is also available by request.

Every evening they also serve a wonderful tropical beverage, the Ku'ulei Special. If you are so inclined to whip up a batch at home, the wonderful CMs in the lounge gave me a copy of the recipie.
Recipie for Ku'ulei Special HERE!


New Menu as of 10/5/2009 Thanks to Tess.

The wonderful view from the lounge!​

For more detailed Club Level information For more Club level information, The DIS Concierge/Club Level Information - Part II (Sept 2009) can be found here

 

[BreezysMom]

This is where you can find links for reviews of longhouse locations, dining, club level and other Polynesian experiences and the most frequently asked questions about the Poly



Longhouses

(Club Level/Concierge Level)
Club Level Review Thanks to SeaSpray!
Sept 2009 CL review Thanks to TinkerBell 325
Late August 2009 stay review Thanks to SuAnne
Room 3524 Garden View room

Accessible Room in the Hawaii buildingThanks to Seaspray

Room 3604 Thanks to Sersee05
Third floor Samoa3602 Part II Thanks to J.C.&Ali'sMom

Third floor room review and pics
3318 View Pic Thanks to rcsilverspring!
Dec 2009 TR with link to pics-Third floor Thanks to eroller!

Rarotonga, room 1817 post with pics Thanks to woodleygrrl!
Review from room 2821 Thanks to Zippa D Doodah!

Review and pics Thanks to Ladybugmom

Oct 2009 Trip Thanks to Maiapapaya
Third floor TPV Part II Thanks to Lissiesmum!
Room 1405 LV Views Thanks to MsStinkerBelle
TPV Rooms 3409, 3410, 3411 View pics Thanks to Dawgdad!

April 2009 room pics and view pics Thanks to CAJUNWDWFAN
Sept 2009 room picsRoom #3021 Tahiti TPV thanks to GraceLuvsWDW!

Room 3226 Room View pics Thanks to ppony

Other Reviews and picture posts

Review and Pics of Torch Lighting Ceremony Thanks to CleveRocks
Resort pics from Sept 2009 Thanks to Ronald Duck
Resort Pics from Sept 2009 stay Thanks to Ronald Duck
More resort pics from Sept 2009 Thanks to Ronald Duck
Sept 09 Various pics #2 #3 Fireworks and Luau pics Thanks to Vicki C


Oct 2009 thanks to Capt Barbosa some more...
May 209 Pics Thanks to Ladybugmom!
May 2009 Pics More fabulous pictures and more... Thanks to Mom2mek
Great TR with dining review from CL stay in Nov 2009 Thanks to MickeyNicki!

The Poly Laundry room
Oct 2009 Resort Merchandise Pictures
Ku'ulei Special Recipie The famous punch served in the CL lounge!




FAQ's
Do all the rooms at the Polynesian get turndown service or just Club Level?

Turndown service is standard in Club Level rooms and is done daily. You can request turndown service in standard rooms. Just call housekeeping and request the service to be done.

Which Longhouses have two sinks in the bathroom?

Tahiti
Rapa Nui (except for Handicap accessible rooms)
The above Longhouses also have balconies on the second and Third floor as well.

Does the Polynesian have a hot tub?

Sadly, no there is no hot tub at the Poly

Is there a playground at the Polynesian?

There is no playground at the Poly. There is a water play area next to the Volcano pool.

Do all the guest rooms have iHomes?

Yes every guest room has an iHome alarm clock.

 

[BreezysMom]

Hi guys! Come on in
This is a very rough start but I was nervous about getting locked soon!

I will be working throughout the weekend to get all the info on here and add some new pics!

Continuation of most recent Poly Thread!

 

[sandym718]

Whoo-hooo, Am I the first one here??? Thanks, BreezysMom for all you do!!

 

[Little Lulu]

Very nice job, breezy!

The Poly holds a special place in my heart! It's the first WDW resort we stayed at 16 years ago!
I've stayed many times in the Hawaii, Raratonga and especially the Tonga longhouses.
The suites in the Tonga are fabulous, I've stayed in all except the Ambassador Suites. Most of my pics were on tikiman's site, I hope he will put them back on, esp the renovated suite pictures.

Going to stay at the BC in May, but we're booking the Poly for our next WDW trip!

 

[damren]

Thanks Breezy!

 

[BreezysMom]

Thanks guys!

I wish I had an
UNDER CONSTRUCTION sign! I have a few changes to make but at least we will be able to keep chatting and planning our trips!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Mahalo, BeezysMom!

 

[Mom21]

You guys are cracking me up about the lizards. To me just a hazard of life in South Florida. Couple of warnings. When you open a door stand back or you may end up with one on your head. Also if your shower is brown stone (such as mine) watch the floor when you get in.....especially during baby season.

Number one thing to know is how to scream my dd's name to come get the nasty creature out of the shower so you don't have to shuffle your feet the entire time to keep from crushing the poor sweet thing.

 

[mmmears]

Breezysmom -- this is great! Thank you for setting it up!

 

[Kteacher]

yaythanks so much for this!!!!!!

 

[lissiesmum]

Yay, Breezysmom! Looks great!

Thanks for getting us started, and for updating all the new TRs!

(Maiaipapaya, Tuvalu's secret is out!)

 

[carlnix30]

Yay!!! Another diisboard thread that we can fill with wonderful knowledge, fun, and compliments!! great job breezysmom!

 

[BreezysMom]

Yay, Breezysmom! Looks great!

Thanks for getting us started, and for updating all the new TRs!

(Maiaipapaya, Tuvalu's secret is out!)

I know how you feel...my Fav GV Figi has been getting lots of talk lately I was hoping I could keep that Longhouse on the downlow for GV requests.

 

[monorail girl]

Aloha! Thanks BreezysMom for all your hard work on this thread
My family and I love the Poly

 

[BreezysMom]

Whoo-hooo, Am I the first one here??? Thanks, BreezysMom for all you do!!

First thread poster prize goes to you

Very nice job, breezy!

The Poly holds a special place in my heart! It's the first WDW resort we stayed at 16 years ago!
I've stayed many times in the Hawaii, Raratonga and especially the Tonga longhouses.
The suites in the Tonga are fabulous, I've stayed in all except the Ambassador Suites. Most of my pics were on tikiman's site, I hope he will put them back on, esp the renovated suite pictures.

Going to stay at the BC in May, but we're booking the Poly for our next WDW trip!

OK! Steve needs to cough those up! I will pay Tonga Toast and Dole Whips for some of those pics!

Thanks Breezy!

Mahalo, BeezysMom!

Thanks! We have a great thread thanks to everyone

You guys are cracking me up about the lizards. To me just a hazard of life in South Florida. Couple of warnings. When you open a door stand back or you may end up with one on your head. Also if your shower is brown stone (such as mine) watch the floor when you get in.....especially during baby season.

Number one thing to know is how to scream my dd's name to come get the nasty creature out of the shower so you don't have to shuffle your feet the entire time to keep from crushing the poor sweet thing.

Lizards This is why I request third floor rooms. Anything smaller than my dog freaks me out!

Breezysmom -- this is great! Thank you for setting it up!

yaythanks so much for this!!!!!!

Yay!!! Another diisboard thread that we can fill with wonderful knowledge, fun, and compliments!! great job breezysmom!

Aloha! Thanks BreezysMom for all your hard work on this thread
My family and I love the Poly

Welcome to everyone...we will just continue the party from here!

Time to go to bed now!

See you tomorrow