ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[PolynesianLily]

I know how your feel. Our trip isn't for 11 months yet, but it will likely be the last of our big trips. We went in 2007, 2009 and then it will be 2011. The kids are getting older, it will be too hard to take them out of school. DS will be in 3rd grade next year, and they will miss 6 days of school. I think that's about the last year I'm willing to do it. We definitely wouldn't go in 2012 right away again, and after that he'd be in middle school. DH doesn't fly, and we're in Ohio, so we need to take a good chunk of time in order to get down there, enjoy and get back. We also don't like the big crowds, so going when school is out..... not a great idea, especially with DH.

I won't say this will be our last time ever going, I doubt that. But I think future trips may just be a day or two partnered with a FL beach trip. Or maybe a mother/daughter trip, etc. (DH isn't nearly as into it as I am, it took persuading for trip #3!) I do think this will be our last "big" trip, staying onsite (Poly of course), doing the dining plan, etc. And that's sad....

So I know how you feel. All the planning and build up is a HUGE part of the fun for me. I've been in almost constant state of Disney planning since late 2005. It will be about 5 1/2 years of Disney research, planning, DISBoard-loving!! I'm trying to make the best of it, knowing this is the last main trip, soaking up all the fun!

You are so strong for waiting that long for your next Disney vacation. I feel like such a complainer when I get back from my trip to WDW and have to wait a year and a half to go back. I think the waiting for the trip makes the trip that much more magical!

The DISboards work magic for when you are missing the world

 

[Minnie&Nana]

We check out tomorrow. Boohoo promise to post pics when we get home. This lace is paradise.

It is a little piece of paradise! So sorry your visit is coming to an end...but cannot wait to see pics! Enjoy your last day and Safe travels!

Originally Posted by bethclayton
i have never stayed at poly before... what is the "end deck?"

Wanted to add that yes, Tokelau has a deck with staircase at both ends of the longhouse - the lagoon end offers a nice view of the Castle and Wishes - and an added bonus of staying in Tokelau (at least the third floor, not sure about other floors) is that if your room is to the right coming out of the elevator, the Castle can be seen walking down the hallway. What a treat - most times we would walk to the end and take the beach walk to the dock or GCH, so coming out of our door to the room we saw the Castle. Especially nice at night.

 

[disney pro]

Here at the Poly now. We have a room on the second floor - Hawaii bldg. With a view of the Castle!

More later.

have a great time Kaffinito, you will have to let us know how the room is, we have res. for TPV CL in Dec. and were wondering about the 2nd floor rooms without a balcony in case we get one. Really want a 3rd floor with balcony but will enjoy whatever we get because we will be at the Poly.

 

[Hillbeans]

I just needed to share my excitement on the POLY thread today - I just booked the Poly part of our split-stay in November. We are DVC members but it's always been a dream of mine to stay at the Poly.

November 5th and 6th, 2010 we'll be at a Club Level Garden view!! I am so excited to stay at the Poly and try out the Club offerings! Can anyone recommend a GV room request in the Hawaii building? I am leaning towards a request for a 3rd floor room view as I really want a balcony, although I know it's not a guarantee.

Looking forward to speaking with you all over the next few months before our trip.

 

[AppleSister1]

I just booked my first ever stay at the Poly for 3 nights in May. Got a theme park view but no club level...what longhouse am I likely to stay in? Anything great about this resort I absolutely must see? How's the Kona Cafe? This is adults only trip with one vegetarian...

 

[Tess]

I think Tokelau has staircases at both ends....it is such a large longhouse. Pretty sure all three newer longhouses do. Positive about Rapa Nui. Maybe they all do? Hmm, something new to learn about the Polynesian. Oh, wait...Hawaii only has the exterior stairs at the East side. Does have that interior stairwell on the West side.

Kaffinito, have a blast!

Hawaii has an exterior staircase at the east end and one just off the elevator on the west end--no view of anything unless you count Samoa's staircase and the service area. LOL

I don't remember one being at the south end of Tokelau--all that bamboo is waving there. That could be why I have not really noticed it--too much bamboo blocking it. It would only make sense to have points of egress at both ends.

I knew this poster was looking for information relative to seeing EWP and fireworks from a "deck" in Tokelau.

 

[disneyfan67]

Hawaii has an exterior staircase at the east end and one just off the elevator on the west end--no view of anything unless you count Samoa's staircase and the service area. LOL

I don't remember one being at the south end of Tokelau--all that bamboo is waving there. That could be why I have not really noticed it--too much bamboo blocking it. It would only make sense to have points of egress at both ends.

I knew this poster was looking for information relative to seeing EWP and fireworks from a "deck" in Tokelau.

Tess, it's been a long time since I have spoken to you in a thread. I wanted to say hello and thank you for helping out others with all your Poly info. I decided to try the GF this trip but still have plans on eating at Kona, and Ohana's. Plus touring the Poly always makes me feel better. Take care and enjoy you next trip.

Eddie.

 

[mbarone54]

Anyone know if the gift shop at the Poly sells the white Vinylmation Mickey? Can I find it anywhere outside of the parks? We are coming in on a Thursday afternoon and won't be going to the parks on arrival day. We WILL be eating with Mickey and friends that night however (Chef Mickey's), and would like the Vinylmation Mickey to start our autograph collecting for this trip. Thanks in advance!
~Michele

 

[BCV23]

Hawaii has an exterior staircase at the east end and one just off the elevator on the west end--no view of anything unless you count Samoa's staircase and the service area. LOL

I don't remember one being at the south end of Tokelau--all that bamboo is waving there. That could be why I have not really noticed it--too much bamboo blocking it. It would only make sense to have points of egress at both ends.

I knew this poster was looking for information relative to seeing EWP and fireworks from a "deck" in Tokelau.

I knew you were helping with the view. I was just having fun trying to remember the Polynesian from afar. I'm still having trouble picturing the West exterior set in Hawaii probably because we've always been on the first floor. I guess they are by that manual door, right? I wonder if that whole thing was changed back when Hawaii had that big renovation. It seems to me that there used to be an outside stairwell where the ramp is now?

That set at the South end of Tokelau is tucked behind all that bamboo. I love the sound when the wind is moving through it.

 

[disney pro]

Anyone know if the gift shop at the Poly sells the white Vinylmation Mickey? Can I find it anywhere outside of the parks? We are coming in on a Thursday afternoon and won't be going to the parks on arrival day. We WILL be eating with Mickey and friends that night however (Chef Mickey's), and would like the Vinylmation Mickey to start our autograph collecting for this trip. Thanks in advance!
~Michele

Have you tried the Disney store website. I think that they sell Vinylmation Mickeys. Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[bethclayton]

thanks to all of you who responded to my question with info about the "end deck!" i appreciate it! i've never noticed these when strolling around the poly. i'd love to see a pic of one (for curiosity's sake) but the descriptions were very helpful!

i'm a nerd in that i love to know EVERYTHING about a resort before i go. i think it just helps get me more excited!

 

[sandym718]

thanks to all of you who responded to my question with info about the "end deck!" i appreciate it! i've never noticed these when strolling around the poly. i'd love to see a pic of one (for curiosity's sake) but the descriptions were very helpful!

i'm a nerd in that i love to know EVERYTHING about a resort before i go. i think it just helps get me more excited!

I *think* this photo from Tikiman's site shows the stairs/decks facing the lagoon. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The description said the photo was taken from Sunset point, with the MK behind, showing the end of Tokelau.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I *think* this photo from Tikiman's site shows the stairs/decks facing the lagoon. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The description said the photo was taken from Sunset point, with the MK behind, showing the end of Tokelau.

Yes, this is the deck I was trying to describe. While it is difficult to tell from this photo, it's a nice spot to watch the fireworks..and I think we saw the EWP as well. There is a glass door with a window on either side to the hallway, so when walking down the hall on the 3rd floor there is a very nice view of the Castle -we loved it and our GV room had a view of the end of the lagoon, monorail in the distance, MK Ferries coming and going, CR and the top of WL - we have a pics we took of our mirror in the room with a reflection of WL - it was a great room.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Sunrise looking toward WL:

Reflection in the mirror in the room:

Castle from deck of Tokelau - also can be seen walking down the hall toward the door.

 

[kaffinito]

Hawaii has an exterior staircase at the east end and one just off the elevator on the west end--no view of anything unless you count Samoa's staircase and the service area. LOL

I don't remember one being at the south end of Tokelau--all that bamboo is waving there. That could be why I have not really noticed it--too much bamboo blocking it. It would only make sense to have points of egress at both ends.

I knew this poster was looking for information relative to seeing EWP and fireworks from a "deck" in Tokelau.

You can see the EWP from that deck - but you'll have to lean a bit. I was just there a few hours ago and took a bunch of pics of Tokelau that I'll post later. The deck and stairs have a nice clear view coming off the that end of Tokelau.

I think the best views of the EWP are from Hawaii and Tuvalu though.

I *think* this photo from Tikiman's site shows the stairs/decks facing the lagoon. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The description said the photo was taken from Sunset point, with the MK behind, showing the end of Tokelau.

 

[kaffinito]

Hi gang!

Here's a link to my live TR from the Poly! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36127181&posted=1#post36127181

My internet service is up and running - so if anyone has any questions fire away!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hi gang!

Here's a link to my live TR from the Poly! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36127181&posted=1#post36127181

My internet service is up and running - so if anyone has any questions fire away!

 

[mrskchris]

Started packing today. It's going to take me at least until the end of the month to finish the bags for myself and the kids - DH will pack his own of course! We received the package itenirary and vouchers from WDW over the weekend, so I am so excited I could burst.

This is our first trip to Poly, so I am loving all of the tips and photos from everyone. Please keep them coming!

 

[lissiesmum]

I just booked my first ever stay at the Poly for 3 nights in May. Got a theme park view but no club level...what longhouse am I likely to stay in? Anything great about this resort I absolutely must see? How's the Kona Cafe? This is adults only trip with one vegetarian...

HI Applesister! Welcome to the Poly thread and congrats on booking a theme park view. We just stayed in a TPV the end of February and I am still dreaming about (and severely missing) our views from Tuvalu! There's a very funny debate on here between the Tahiti vs Tuvalu lovers. Tahiti used to be the most requested non CL TPV, but many of us have stayed recently in Tuvalu with a wonderful experience and fantastic, unobstructed views. If you look back on page 35 of this thread, I just posted a bunch of pictures of what the view looked like from our balcony, as well as a few pics from the area around Tuvalu. Have fun in your planning!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

lissiesmom, oh no, not thoseTuvalu pics again!!! Everytime I see them (everyday since one is my desktop ) I want to upgrade to a TPV.....trying so hard to convince myelf it's not, um, necessary. I'm not doing well at the convincing seeing those pics everyday.