ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[tiggerpoohtoo]

Can anyone tell me the cost of sunscreen at the gift shop, the brand doesn't matter?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Can anyone tell me the cost of sunscreen at the gift shop, the brand doesn't matter?

I bought some a few years back at POP b/c we ran out mid-vacation. A very small bottle was $15! I suggest packing some!

 

[disney pro]

I did look at the AKCL for our next trip and decided against that. the only reason we stay club level at the Poly is because of the staff. I love walking in and catching my wife in some deep conversation with the desk staff. housekeeping seemed to change personnel frequently but a lot of the staff in the club level have been there for years. we dont gauge club level by the amount of cereal we get in the morning. I know that if we stayed anywhere else I would miss the staff in the Poly.
Also staying at AKL, if you dont rent a car you will be riding the bus everywhere. that is enough motivation alone for us to stay at the Poly.

I think it all depends on what you are looking for out of your vacation. Because my husband travels so much for business, when we take family vacations we almost always stay concierge/club/ lounge / whatever you want to call it level. I find service and amenities vary not just from brand to brand but greatly by city. Sort of like Disney!

At Disney, we didn't choose Poly CL because of the offerings in the lounge. We chose the resort and location and service level. In my dealings with IPO I've been very pleased. I've stayed at the Poly before, non-club level and love it. The lounge will be a nice benefit for us, especially for breakfast. But I certainly don't view the evening offerings as a meal replacement like many people do. I view them as appetizers, like at other hotels I've stayed at.

As carlnix said, one of the major benefits of the Poly is the location. I'd like to stay at AKL but having to rely on the bus or my own car is a major drawback for me.

Anyway, that is my two cents. I hope you have a wonderful trip no matter what you decide!

Cathy

The Concierge staff are wonderful! They really made me and DD feel at home. in the mornings, one CM made it a point to remember DD needed vanilla soy milk so she'd go into the kitchen and get it for her. As we were usually in the lounge late at night to watch the fireworks and for me to do some work on my laptop, the CMs really catered to me and a sleepy DD. One of the fans was really squeaky and a CM apologized profusely about it and let me know when it would be fixed (and it was).

CL is about the extra service. We were given a complimentary upgrade so even after experiencing it I wouldn't pay out of pocket for it as it is just DD and myself. Now for a family, especially during *peak* times, CL level is a GODSEND. Between Christmas and New Years the parks were so absolutely crazy that it was so nice to be able to grab something to eat in the lounge and just relax. Is it worth it? Depends on your traveling style. As a rule I don't do CL at Disney because of the $$$ but I do at hotels like the Hilton, etc.

The AKL is very beautiful and while I've stayed there (not CL) riding the buses kinda wore me out. It is very removed from the other parks (as is necessary and adds to the atmosphere).

Hope that helps!

We loved CL. We were there in Oct 09.

The staff was wonderful. They went above and beyond for us. My DD left her Tinkerbell cup and light at CM. The staff had someone go there to get us a new one. Then I bought a jacket from DD. I got back only to discover it was stained. I went to the staff to ask them to call before I went back to exchange. They went and did it all for me. I was just amazed. They were truly wonderful.

We enjoyed the food offerings as well. Looking at the castle while eating breakfast each morning was priceless to me.

Enjoy!

Thank you everyone, after reading your replys and talking with my sis. we have decided that staying at the Poly will be better for us, (especially now that my oldest nephew said he may go with us.)

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We may have to shift our dates into the Oct to Dec range instead of late Sept b/c DH is having to cover his boss's maternity leave July-Sept. I know early Dec is nice as far as crowds and value season...but SOOOOO far away! I love going in Sept b/c all the rides are walk-on for the most part. What are Oct and Nov like? Is there a certain time period anyone recommends and why? The only good thing is DD has a few days off school here and there in Oct and Nov, not that missing 4 days is that much better than missing 5.

 

[PamelaKay]

Can anyone tell me the cost of sunscreen at the gift shop, the brand doesn't matter?

We just got back from staying at the GF. My friend had to buy some at the Magic Kingdom and a very small bottle (no more than 5 ounces) was about $16.00.

 

[maiapapaya]

A few questions for all of you split stay experts. Thanks to some great advice from i_heart_the_mouse we are juggling our flights slightly (to save a whole lotta $$!) and will be flying in the night before our planned arrival. We will just stay at a value that night and then head for the Poly in the morning.
So my questions are:
Do we need to call/make arrangements with bell services to have our luggage moved to the Poly or can we just do that when we check out?

Are there buses from the resorts to the TTC? I know it would be easier to take a cab, but we really don't mind the bus ride. Our other thought was just to take the bus to Epcot or MK if we have to and then ride the monorail over to the Poly (which we thought the kids might get a kick out of - arriving at our resort on the monorail).

Sometimes some of the CRO CM's aren't the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree ... anyone ever have any problems with giving them flight info for ME when you're doing a split stay (I know this is done all the time, but given that it will be two separate reservations and the experience I've had with some of the CM's ... just wondering ...)

TIA!

 

[jackemail]

Sometimes some of the CRO CM's aren't the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree ... anyone ever have any problems with giving them flight info for ME when you're doing a split stay (I know this is done all the time, but given that it will be two separate reservations and the experience I've had with some of the CM's ... just wondering ...)

TIA!

Yep, had trouble twice with split stays and DME info. (but no trouble on 3 other split stays) They just couldn't seem to get it right, and both times the DME info kept coming with the original hotel of the split stay as also the pickup point. BUT it was no trouble at all to just get it changed at the airport when we first arrived in Orlando. The DME desk there got both mix-ups fixed correctly and quickly.

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

A few questions for all of you split stay experts. Thanks to some great advice from i_heart_the_mouse we are juggling our flights slightly (to save a whole lotta $$!) and will be flying in the night before our planned arrival. We will just stay at a value that night and then head for the Poly in the morning.

Can't help much with your questions because we use points to stay at an airport hotel if we fly in the night before our ressie. This will be our first actual WDW split, so I'll be interested in hearing the answers to your questions as well.

Anyway, mostly just wanted to say.... Yay! I'm so glad it worked out for you

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Are there buses from the resorts to the TTC? I know it would be easier to take a cab, but we really don't mind the bus ride. Our other thought was just to take the bus to Epcot or MK if we have to and then ride the monorail over to the Poly (which we thought the kids might get a kick out of - arriving at our resort on the monorail).

There are no buses from the TTC to the WDW Resorts.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Our other thought was just to take the bus to Epcot or MK if we have to and then ride the monorail over to the Poly (which we thought the kids might get a kick out of - arriving at our resort on the monorail).


TIA!

It would prob be easiest and most fun to head to the MK and hop on the resort monorail over to the Poly.

 

[damren]

posting to see my countdown to poly!

 

[momtolots]

We have had a great week. Some rain on Sun PM, and then that was it. I can't believe I have 7 pages to catch up on. Just finished packing the car before we head home..over 2 days. just a couple of quick comments, with more to follow next week. Bounceback offer was in our room when we arrived. 45% off delux villas and 40% off delux resorts. Mousekeeping was AMAZING!!! Animal towels everyday!!! I took pics, and if someone will help me, I will post next week We were on the 3rd floor, CL, GV looking over the volcano pool. Lots of microwaves floating around for those that need them. Our DD's B'day was on the 15th, and aside from a doll made out of towels, with eyes and decorations, there was a teddy left for our DS. Also, used stuffed animals we brought with us as props...ie buzz and woody with a remote, and the TV left on to cartoons. Also, DD was left a personalized card from Beast and Belle with photo and it said "Happy 6th Birthday Sarah, Love Belle and Beast."
I'll write more over the weekend or early next week. The next few days will be long for us!!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We have had a great week. Some rain on Sun PM, and then that was it. I can't believe I have 7 pages to catch up on. Just finished packing the car before we head home..over 2 days. just a couple of quick comments, with more to follow next week. Bounceback offer was in our room when we arrived. 45% off delux villas and 40% off delux resorts. Mousekeeping was AMAZING!!! Animal towels everyday!!! I took pics, and if someone will help me, I will post next week We were on the 3rd floor, CL, GV looking over the volcano pool. Lots of microwaves floating around for those that need them. Our DD's B'day was on the 15th, and aside from a doll made out of towels, with eyes and decorations, there was a teddy left for our DS. Also, used stuffed animals we brought with us as props...ie buzz and woody with a remote, and the TV left on to cartoons. Also, DD was left a personalized card from Beast and Belle with photo and it said "Happy 6th Birthday Sarah, Love Belle and Beast."
I'll write more over the weekend or early next week. The next few days will be long for us!!

Can you share the BB dates? 45% off villas would be awesome!

 

[Disneymom3304]

We were at the Poly from May 7th to the 15th This was our first stay here and it WILL NOT be our last! Check in was easy, we were a little early so they said they would text when room was ready. So we went exploring..we saw the pools and then I received my text it was literally 3 minutes! We were given Rapa Nui 1st floor. We loved this location right near the TTC path and a short walk to the quiet beach for fireworks. However while unpacking I realized we were given a handicap room. Would have been okay except for the shower....either you showered with one hand or you had to bend in half to get under the shower head. I am 5'8 my DH is 6'4...not gonna work. So reluctantly we called the front and explained our situation. NO luck they were booked and couldnt do anything. My DH was not happy so the next morning he went down after 11 and he was given the choice of 3 different rooms. We were told we should not have been given this room and they were very nice and helpful. Our choices were Figi 3rd floor facing pool..Niue facing quiet pool 1st floor and Aotearoa 2nd floor no balcony facing monorail. We chose Figi! We loved this building, the view was great, we coud space mountain and the Contemp off the the left and GCH was over to the right and the back of the volcano pool and marina was right in front of us. The location was very convienent for the boat launch to MK or we could jump on the monorail at the GCH. I will request this building next time too.

We enjoyed Capt. Cooks for lunch and breakfast very easy to use and never too busy(and I have seen the POP food court, I know busy) We also enjoyed O'Hana for both breakfast and dinner. Dinner was so good and my DD6 loved breakfast! We ate at Kona one morning for that amazing Tonga Toast a must do! We also enjoyed the Kona coffee counter in the morning. My daughter was even given her own lil cafe mocha in a lil cup so cute she felt so grown up At the last minute we decided we should try the Spirit of Aloha, the front desk was so helpful in canceling a previos ADR and getting us into the Luau the next night(we had an extra TS so this worked out great) It was so great to eat then go back to our room change and go swimming

This was the most relaxing Disney Vacation we have EVER taken. I blame the Poly for that Ususally I am in commando mode...park at rope drop...fireworks at night return to hotel repeat! Not here, I wanted to be at my resort I was content with coming back midday or later and swimming and then watching fireworks from the quiet beach or near the pool. It was never too crowded and we were able to sit on a swing or lay in a hammock. Did I mention it was only a couple steps back to the room No crowds, no stress...My DH and DD didnt recognize me....a relaxed mom at Disney? Who knew

The ease of transportation to MK and Epcot, the beauty of the resort, the friendliest staff I have encountered, awesome restaurants, fun pool and the overall relaxed feeling of The Poly will keep us coming back. I am now hooked for life. Hi my name is Disneymom33 and I am a Poly addict

I have SO many pictures and as soon as PB emails me my forgotten password I will post some.

Thanks for reading...I know it was long!!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

We were at the Poly from May 7th to the 15th This was our first stay here and it WILL NOT be our last! Check in was easy, we were a little early so they said they would text when room was ready. So we went exploring..we saw the pools and then I received my text it was literally 3 minutes! We were given Rapa Nui 1st floor. We loved this location right near the TTC path and a short walk to the quiet beach for fireworks. However while unpacking I realized we were given a handicap room. Would have been okay except for the shower....either you showered with one hand or you had to bend in half to get under the shower head. I am 5'8 my DH is 6'4...not gonna work. So reluctantly we called the front and explained our situation. NO luck they were booked and couldnt do anything. My DH was not happy so the next morning he went down after 11 and he was given the choice of 3 different rooms. We were told we should not have been given this room and they were very nice and helpful. Our choices were Figi 3rd floor facing pool..Niue facing quiet pool 1st floor and Aotearoa 2nd floor no balcony facing monorail. We chose Figi! We loved this building, the view was great, we coud space mountain and the Contemp off the the left and GCH was over to the right and the back of the volcano pool and marina was right in front of us. The location was very convienent for the boat launch to MK or we could jump on the monorail at the GCH. I will request this building next time too.

We enjoyed Capt. Cooks for lunch and breakfast very easy to use and never too busy(and I have seen the POP food court, I know busy) We also enjoyed O'Hana for both breakfast and dinner. Dinner was so good and my DD6 loved breakfast! We ate at Kona one morning for that amazing Tonga Toast a must do! We also enjoyed the Kona coffee counter in the morning. My daughter was even given her own lil cafe mocha in a lil cup so cute she felt so grown up At the last minute we decided we should try the Spirit of Aloha, the front desk was so helpful in canceling a previos ADR and getting us into the Luau the next night(we had an extra TS so this worked out great) It was so great to eat then go back to our room change and go swimming

This was the most relaxing Disney Vacation we have EVER taken. I blame the Poly for that Ususally I am in commando mode...park at rope drop...fireworks at night return to hotel repeat! Not here, I wanted to be at my resort I was content with coming back midday or later and swimming and then watching fireworks from the quiet beach or near the pool. It was never too crowded and we were able to sit on a swing or lay in a hammock. Did I mention it was only a couple steps back to the room No crowds, no stress...My DH and DD didnt recognize me....a relaxed mom at Disney? Who knew

The ease of transportation to MK and Epcot, the beauty of the resort, the friendliest staff I have encountered, awesome restaurants, fun pool and the overall relaxed feeling of The Poly will keep us coming back. I am now hooked for life. Hi my name is Disneymom33 and I am a Poly addict

I have SO many pictures and as soon as PB emails me my forgotten password I will post some.

Thanks for reading...I know it was long!!!

Great review Thanks for sharing. See....your description of the atmosphere and how you FEEL at the resort is what we missed this year. We stayed at YC and I so missed that relaxed, tropical vacation feel. YC was nice but it was not the Poly. I can't wait to go back again...hanging out on the beach in a swing or on a hammock, watching the fireworks at night or the girls playing in the sand during the day...sippin on pina colavas....tiki lit tropical pathways, the sounds of the luau, the smell of wood burning at Ohana,,,,,

 

[Tess]

Disneymom3304: So glad you had an awesome stay! The Polynesian does inspire one to stop and smell the gardenias, hibiscus, or other tropical flower of your choice. Welcome back!

 

[princessreilly]

We were at the Poly from May 7th to the 15th This was our first stay here and it WILL NOT be our last! Check in was easy, we were a little early so they said they would text when room was ready. So we went exploring..we saw the pools and then I received my text it was literally 3 minutes! We were given Rapa Nui 1st floor. We loved this location right near the TTC path and a short walk to the quiet beach for fireworks. However while unpacking I realized we were given a handicap room. Would have been okay except for the shower....either you showered with one hand or you had to bend in half to get under the shower head. I am 5'8 my DH is 6'4...not gonna work. So reluctantly we called the front and explained our situation. NO luck they were booked and couldnt do anything. My DH was not happy so the next morning he went down after 11 and he was given the choice of 3 different rooms. We were told we should not have been given this room and they were very nice and helpful. Our choices were Figi 3rd floor facing pool..Niue facing quiet pool 1st floor and Aotearoa 2nd floor no balcony facing monorail. We chose Figi! We loved this building, the view was great, we coud space mountain and the Contemp off the the left and GCH was over to the right and the back of the volcano pool and marina was right in front of us. The location was very convienent for the boat launch to MK or we could jump on the monorail at the GCH. I will request this building next time too.

We enjoyed Capt. Cooks for lunch and breakfast very easy to use and never too busy(and I have seen the POP food court, I know busy) We also enjoyed O'Hana for both breakfast and dinner. Dinner was so good and my DD6 loved breakfast! We ate at Kona one morning for that amazing Tonga Toast a must do! We also enjoyed the Kona coffee counter in the morning. My daughter was even given her own lil cafe mocha in a lil cup so cute she felt so grown up At the last minute we decided we should try the Spirit of Aloha, the front desk was so helpful in canceling a previos ADR and getting us into the Luau the next night(we had an extra TS so this worked out great) It was so great to eat then go back to our room change and go swimming

This was the most relaxing Disney Vacation we have EVER taken. I blame the Poly for that Ususally I am in commando mode...park at rope drop...fireworks at night return to hotel repeat! Not here, I wanted to be at my resort I was content with coming back midday or later and swimming and then watching fireworks from the quiet beach or near the pool. It was never too crowded and we were able to sit on a swing or lay in a hammock. Did I mention it was only a couple steps back to the room No crowds, no stress...My DH and DD didnt recognize me....a relaxed mom at Disney? Who knew

The ease of transportation to MK and Epcot, the beauty of the resort, the friendliest staff I have encountered, awesome restaurants, fun pool and the overall relaxed feeling of The Poly will keep us coming back. I am now hooked for life. Hi my name is Disneymom33 and I am a Poly addict

I have SO many pictures and as soon as PB emails me my forgotten password I will post some.

Thanks for reading...I know it was long!!!

That sounds awesome! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Disneymom3304]

As promised some pictures,

View 1

View 2

View 3 from our Figi room

DD on one of the quiet beaches

DD enjoying the slide...her favorite thing on the whole trip!

Sunrise from our balcony

enjoying the fireworks from the pool...sorry its a lil blurry

DD enjoying her grown up Mocha(hot choc) watching the monorail going by

View from the boat...such a beautiful resort

How can I stay anywhere else?

 

[Tess]

Very nice Disneymom3304!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

A few questions for all of you split stay experts. Thanks to some great advice from i_heart_the_mouse we are juggling our flights slightly (to save a whole lotta $$!) and will be flying in the night before our planned arrival. We will just stay at a value that night and then head for the Poly in the morning.
So my questions are:
Do we need to call/make arrangements with bell services to have our luggage moved to the Poly or can we just do that when we check out?

Are there buses from the resorts to the TTC? I know it would be easier to take a cab, but we really don't mind the bus ride. Our other thought was just to take the bus to Epcot or MK if we have to and then ride the monorail over to the Poly (which we thought the kids might get a kick out of - arriving at our resort on the monorail).

Sometimes some of the CRO CM's aren't the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree ... anyone ever have any problems with giving them flight info for ME when you're doing a split stay (I know this is done all the time, but given that it will be two separate reservations and the experience I've had with some of the CM's ... just wondering ...)

TIA!

We've never had an issue with DME info on a split, even on our last trip. We were originally just at THV, but then we changed and stayed at SSR for an extra night at the beginning and two nights at BC at the end.

We move our bags ourselves, so we've never used Disney to transfer, but I would ask at check-in.

So glad that worked out for you!!