ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[rmjkharrisfam]

I TOTALLY AGREE! I was getting a bit worried with all the negativity on the main resorts board....We leave in just 3 days!!!!

Have fun! We've only been back for a few days and I already miss it!

I also was worried about the bad reviews but I was completely impressed. Our room was wonderful, all of the CM's were great! Took magical express from the airport and our luggage was only a few minutes behind us - in the past we've waited hours for luggage.

My only complaint was on the quick service food - I'd like more options for kids but I think that's an overall complaint for everywhere at Disney. We LOVED the Kona Cafe - delicious. I was not able to get into Ohana but next time we'll definetly get there.

 

[kayleesmomxo]

Have fun! We've only been back for a few days and I already miss it!

I also was worried about the bad reviews but I was completely impressed. Our room was wonderful, all of the CM's were great! Took magical express from the airport and our luggage was only a few minutes behind us - in the past we've waited hours for luggage.

My only complaint was on the quick service food - I'd like more options for kids but I think that's an overall complaint for everywhere at Disney. We LOVED the Kona Cafe - delicious. I was not able to get into Ohana but next time we'll definetly get there.

Glad to hear you had a great time. What type of room did you book? We are booked for a GV room now and I was considering upgrading to CL Lagoon but I can't decide if it's worth the $ or not We do have the 40% pin so this may be our only chance to do it

 

[rmjkharrisfam]

Glad to hear you had a great time. What type of room did you book? We are booked for a GV room now and I was considering upgrading to CL Lagoon but I can't decide if it's worth the $ or not We do have the 40% pin so this may be our only chance to do it

We had GV on the first floor. We thought about upgrading to TPV when we got there but decided we'd rather spend the money on something else. It was more fun for the kids to sit on the beach to see the fireworks. I really liked first floor - especially with a stroller. Our patio was very secluded also. It rained one afternoon and I spent a very nice couple of hours reading on the patio while my younger 2 slept.

 

[kayleesmomxo]

We had GV on the first floor. We thought about upgrading to TPV when we got there but decided we'd rather spend the money on something else. It was more fun for the kids to sit on the beach to see the fireworks. I really liked first floor - especially with a stroller. Our patio was very secluded also. It rained one afternoon and I spent a very nice couple of hours reading on the patio while my younger 2 slept.

Thanks!!! I'm so glad to hear that!!! I was afraid with all of the recent reports we might have to upgrade but your post makes me feel so much better about our GV room. I could spend the extra $$ from the upgrade in DTD shopping I get into trouble in the Christmas store

 

[disneymagicgirl]

So after crunching numbers and discounts for what feels like forever, I finally decided our best bet is to stick with 6nights Poly GV w/ the 40% PIN, 7 day MYW base tix, MNSSHP tix, no DDP. I am so glad I finally made a decision about it all that I feel good about! (I am sure DH feels the same way since I have been droning on about it for 2 weeks or so.) I decided that the monorail and larger rooms are worth the $400 difference over AKL. I decided DDP was not worthwhile b/c we eat more TS than we would get credits for and DD10 will eat off kids menu anyways at non-buffet places.
We arrive on the afternoon of 9/18 to attend MNSSHP and stay at the Hilton DTD on points. What a great way to start our vacation! I have our dining reservations planned and reserved. I have our daily itinerary worked out, to include midday breaks, and some evenings or mornings out of the park. I put in a request for a full balcony. Gosh, now what do I do for the next 5 months??
Guess I will follow along with the Poly thread!

 

[maiapapaya]

We did the Luau several times with kids ages 7 to 15 and everyone enjoyed it. It's a show, food is not great, some seats are not great, especially on the floor it can be difficult to see over heads and bodies. Lower level is flat, no elevation and chairs are very low to the ground.
Years ago there was an early show with Characters (Mickey and Minnie just for kids and it was a lot of fun, but that stopped awhile ago.

Think fire sword throwing, fashion show and lots of Hawaiian music. Maybe check you tube for videos to get an idea if your family will enjoy it?

Very different from the Hoop-Dee-Doo, if looking for that kind of entertainment.

We are planning on trying the luau during our Nov/Dec trip. Can anyone who's been recommend which level of seating is better for a view? We were going to pay for tier 1, but based on Minnie&Nana's comments maybe it would be better to go for second tier? Anyone else have any advice/experience to add?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

That's a good question! Wish I could remember where the seating map is as I could help with that - we did sit on the upper level, center next to the railing one yr and it was great. We could see everything as well as I think possible, if not directly up front.

Another time we were very close to the front for the Character Luau with a 4 yr old and he did stand to see much of what was going on - that was such a fun show for little ones..for all of us!

I will go to the disney site and check the seating map, but hopefully someone else will reply soon!

 

[Anna114]

We had tier three last time up in the rafters. We loved it up there! If you want possible interaction tier 1 is the best choice.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Okay - we've been in Tier One just to the left of center stage in this pic, just a few people back. Also upper Tier 2, center stage, just to the left again, right at the railing - both excellent.

The far left of Tier 2, upper level - not so good, but could still see.

Tier 1 to the left, mid way back - so-so.

We've been 5 times and those were the seats - if you call, are you allowed to request an area? When we booked it was by when the show was booked - earliest, better seats and so on. But if the show is not full that will not matter as much. Good luck and hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

 

[carlnix30]

We are planning on trying the luau during our Nov/Dec trip. Can anyone who's been recommend which level of seating is better for a view? We were going to pay for tier 1, but based on Minnie&Nana's comments maybe it would be better to go for second tier? Anyone else have any advice/experience to add?

We have gone in both tier 1 and tier 3. I would suggest that you get tier 1 or three. Tier 2 pits you on the first deck but on one side or the other. So you get a view of one or the other side of the stage. Tier 3 will be I. The top back seating area which would afford a view of the entire stage but at a distance. Tier one will get you front and center making it great for interaction.
Tier one if you didn't like the show makes you feel like you lost dollars that could have been spent somewhere else. But if you like the show!! Wow you have had a great show!

We booked tier one again for our next trip, the kids liked it! But the show is not for everyone!

Wife and I booked the hoop dee doo last year and will never go back! Then I hear people say that it was the best show ever!! I guess it's a matter of taste!

I hope you enjoy the luau!! We do!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Tier 2 pits you on the first deck but on one side or the other. So you get a view of one or the other side of the stage.

We've had Tier 2 three times and never had a view like that - we were center stage twice and just to the left the second time. Just to the left was not as good, but we could still see everything better than the folks in Tier 1 on the floor way back.

 

[jill062604]

do the fridges have a little freezer in them? TIA!

 

[carlnix30]

do the fridges have a little freezer in them? TIA!

Yes there is a little freezer In them! But you cannot rely on them at all! The fridge is inside a cabinet and you MUST leave that cabinet door open or the fridge will not work!

 

[carlnix30]

We've had Tier 2 three times and never had a view like that - we were center stage twice and just to the left the second time. Just to the left was not as good, but we could still see everything better than the folks in Tier 1 on the floor way back.

We had tier two on bottom and did not like it! But your right tier two on the upper deck looks pretty good!

 

[maiapapaya]

Ah, great. Now I've got a decision to make! I'm so bad at decisions!
I'm sure it will end up being tier 1 because that's what my sister will want and my kids will want to be able to interact with the cast if they can. Though it will be crappy if we don't get good seats. I guess we'll just have to book ASAP on our 180 ADR date - that's what I understand, you're seated in priority of when the reservation is made (correct me if I'm wrong)

I'm still iffy about even doing the luau, not for some of the negative reviews, but because it will be early December and I'm worried about the weather. Unfortunately I'm being out-voted, so I'll have to suck it up and bundle up if necessary.

Thanks for all the luau info! Oh, btw, does anyone know if they add the Christmasy feel to the show for all of the holiday season, or just close to Christmas?

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Thanks for all the luau info! Oh, btw, does anyone know if they add the Christmasy feel to the show for all of the holiday season, or just close to Christmas?

I know when DD and I went Dec '06 they wore 'Christmas' themed clothing and had 'Hawaiian Santa' come out. FYI, we were in Tier 1 two tables away to the left from dead center. Here are some pics:

DD (then 6) is near the front. She's got a lei on her head

And the Samoan fire dancer doesn't need a Christmas costume.

 

[maiapapaya]

Great pics MsStinkerBelle! Thanks! And you're right, Fire Boy doesn't need any special decorating at all!

 

[BreezysMom]

Great pics MsStinkerBelle! Thanks! And you're right, Fire Boy doesn't need any special decorating at all!

So bad!!!

Seriously, we loved the Luau! We also had Tier 1 seating and were right at center stage. I think it is great entertainment for the entire family. The food was very good. The best part was when they brought DH on stage to shake his booty with the nice looking girls This was quite a treat for DD and I because that is not his personality at all!!!

I am so glad after two trips we finally experienced the Luau!

 

[hstrickland]

I guess we'll just have to book ASAP on our 180 ADR date - that's what I understand, you're seated in priority of when the reservation is made (correct me if I'm wrong)

Was wondering this, too We booked our luau ressie 180 days out. We can't have Tier 1 seating because we are on the Dxdp...only 2 or 3. So, will we get a better seat in one of these sections because we booked early? Also, where do you pick up your tickets?

 

[SharonLowe]

Was wondering this, too We booked our luau ressie 180 days out. We can't have Tier 1 seating because we are on the Dxdp...only 2 or 3. So, will we get a better seat in one of these sections because we booked early? Also, where do you pick up your tickets?

yes, the earlier you book the better seats you will have in your tier. As for picking up tickets, you should get them when you check in at the resort.