ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[Dotsie]

We received the monster pin for 40% off any resort and it's good until 12/18. We've only been to Disney once and we stayed at the Poly. We would love to stay there again but we may go the more affordable route in October. There's 5 of us (two being toddlers). Which resort is decent out of the values or mods?

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I've been to the Poly before and have never been bothered by the amount of people at the pool but sometimes it was a struggle to find a seat and I felt like a lioness when I wanted a table (on the hunt!) I wonder - has anyone ever asked a CM to check IDs - WHILE they were there? Just wondered if anyone had or if that immediate thing would work. And I would have absolutely no problem letting someone know that wasn't staying at the hotel that they could not use the pool.

Welcome back to those that recently returned from the Poly!!

 

[mickeywho?]

I've been to the Poly before and have never been bothered by the amount of people at the pool but sometimes it was a struggle to find a seat and I felt like a lioness when I wanted a table (on the hunt!) I wonder - has anyone ever asked a CM to check IDs - WHILE they were there? Just wondered if anyone had or if that immediate thing would work. And I would have absolutely no problem letting someone know that wasn't staying at the hotel that they could not use the pool.

Welcome back to those that recently returned from the Poly!!

I actually expected the amount of people - it was HOT! - and when we checked in the CM mentioned that the resort was sold out. So the crowd at the pool was not a surprise to me.
After I saw the family with their grocery bags and the girls chatting about how they liked it here better than the Allstars...I DID go to a CM and ask about them checking ID while I was there. All of the lifeguards were busy enough with the crowd so I would not have bothered them with this - their eyes needed to be on the pool. I asked at the bar and the CM at the hairwraps - I specifically asked if they checked ID and if so, could they have someone walk through the tables and do a check. NO ONE DID! I asked again the next day...but these CMs had guests to take care of...they needed an extra CM to make that walk-through. I was not going to approach anyone on my own, frankly, it's not my job!

 

[mdrob214]

I've been to the Poly before and have never been bothered by the amount of people at the pool but sometimes it was a struggle to find a seat and I felt like a lioness when I wanted a table (on the hunt!) I wonder - has anyone ever asked a CM to check IDs - WHILE they were there? Just wondered if anyone had or if that immediate thing would work. And I would have absolutely no problem letting someone know that wasn't staying at the hotel that they could not use the pool.

Welcome back to those that recently returned from the Poly!!

I must admit that the crowded pool/pool hoppers thing is high on my list of concerns about the Poly. I know that some people do as we have done in the past--check out on our last day, but visit the pool before we leave for the airport. We have a couple small carry-on suitcases with us when we do this so it looks like we're pool hopping when we aren't.

Anyway, I will definitely ask the CMs to check if I believe it to be a problem when we're there next month.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I actually expected the amount of people - it was HOT! - and when we checked in the CM mentioned that the resort was sold out. So the crowd at the pool was not a surprise to me.
After I saw the family with their grocery bags and the girls chatting about how they liked it here better than the Allstars...I DID go to a CM and ask about them checking ID while I was there. All of the lifeguards were busy enough with the crowd so I would not have bothered them with this - their eyes needed to be on the pool. I asked at the bar and the CM at the hairwraps - I specifically asked if they checked ID and if so, could they have someone walk through the tables and do a check. NO ONE DID! I asked again the next day...but these CMs had guests to take care of...they needed an extra CM to make that walk-through. I was not going to approach anyone on my own, frankly, it's not my job!

Wow, that's so unfortunate that no one checked IDs after you asked and you certainly shouldn't have to! I hope it didn't mar your time at the Poly though. I found it curious when I stayed at BC that no one checked IDs there either but everywhere I've read said that they are very strict

 

[masonjar]

I can't remember...do the alarm clocks have an iPod dock on them?

 

[mickeywho?]

I can't remember...do the alarm clocks have an iPod dock on them?

Yes they do!

 

[mickeywho?]

Wow, that's so unfortunate that no one checked IDs after you asked and you certainly shouldn't have to! I hope it didn't mar your time at the Poly though. I found it curious when I stayed at BC that no one checked IDs there either but everywhere I've read said that they are very strict

I think the biggest problem was understaffing at the pool. There wasn't a CM around that wasn't busy doing something, whether it was lifeguards (each with a specific post), 2 bartenders and 1 CM at hairwraps. There didn't seem to be any sign of someone who could have jumped in to check IDs. No wonder it's a popular one for poolhoppers - great slide, easy to get to (monorail from MK and a walk from TTC), and very little chance of someone asking you to leave.

That's why I thought I would put my complaint in writing when I came back - it had to go to a manager (although it may just be added to the pile of complaints about this)

We've been asked when staying at other resorts - never bothered me to pull out my key card. The only times we've been asked at BC was when it was busy and you needed to show your key to get the wristband and a towel and then entry. Hopefully if enough people are complaining they can come up with a system to fix this at Poly too.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I think the biggest problem was understaffing at the pool. There wasn't a CM around that wasn't busy doing something, whether it was lifeguards (each with a specific post), 2 bartenders and 1 CM at hairwraps. There didn't seem to be any sign of someone who could have jumped in to check IDs. No wonder it's a popular one for poolhoppers - great slide, easy to get to (monorail from MK and a walk from TTC), and very little chance of someone asking you to leave.

I agree on both counts. All three lifeguards (the one seated, two walking around the pool) are on watch for guest safety in the pool. Aside from a CM that would come by on occasion to replenish the towel supply, I never saw anyone 'extra'.

That's why I thought I would put my complaint in writing when I came back - it had to go to a manager (although it may just be added to the pile of complaints about this)

This is actually the best thing--putting it in writing. Whether praise or criticism, having something written has more impact than merely 'word of mouth'.

And on that note, I'm back to wrapping up what packing I can do since DD10 and I are leaving for Orlando tomorrow! I'll try to post some Poly pics while I'm at WDW.

 

[mickeywho?]

And on that note, I'm back to wrapping up what packing I can do since DD10 and I are leaving for Orlando tomorrow! I'll try to post some Poly pics while I'm at WDW.

Have an amazing trip!!

 

[mom2npr]

We were at the Poly May29- June 5. I was fairly crowded but we went to the pools in the evenings after 6. The crowds were not bad and we were able to get a table each time. I actually got exactly what I requested- Fiji, 3rd floor facing the marina! I was very excited! Great view and location. Sad that the trip is over because we probably won't be back for a while. The kids loved Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. It was our first time doing the water parks because we usually go at Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to be able to watch the fireworks from the beach and pool. We did that several times. Iwas not so much bothered by the heat, but the rain was a mess at times. Overall, a great trip and I would definitely stay at the Poly again!

 

[LaniesMom]

I am so thrilled to be here on this thread and getting all the insider info on the Poly! I will be visiting my dream hotel in November with my 2 year old daughter and my Mom.
Last year we stayed at CSR and loved it, but I got a PIN and had to book the Poly...I am jumping out of my skin with excitement.

I know everyone has their favorites...and sometimes don't want to give away their "secret spot"...but I'd love to hear your thoughts on which Longhouse would be the best for us to request. I have booked a GV room. We will only be going to MK and Epcot this time since we're only there for 4 nights.

Thank you all for being so helpful and friendly!

 

[~armywife~]

so excited!!!! just changed our reservations to poly (we did have res. at cbr) from dec 23-27th.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

And on that note, I'm back to wrapping up what packing I can do since DD10 and I are leaving for Orlando tomorrow! I'll try to post some Poly pics while I'm at WDW.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!

 

[think-like-tink]

I am looking for pics from the wildlife exc. tour for CL guest? Can anyone point me in the right direction if there is a thread one this?

 

[Quicked Ween]

I agree on both counts. All three lifeguards (the one seated, two walking around the pool) are on watch for guest safety in the pool. Aside from a CM that would come by on occasion to replenish the towel supply, I never saw anyone 'extra'.



This is actually the best thing--putting it in writing. Whether praise or criticism, having something written has more impact than merely 'word of mouth'.

And on that note, I'm back to wrapping up what packing I can do since DD10 and I are leaving for Orlando tomorrow! I'll try to post some Poly pics while I'm at WDW.

Maybe we'll see you. We'll be there on Wednesday.

 

[FanO'TheMouse]

So excited! We just upgraded our week at the Poly to CL (8/28 to 9/4). Have never stayed at CL before and am excited it will be at the Poly since I have read so many good comments. Any tips or tricks from you Hawaii people on how to make the most of it? I am by nature an intense planner so we have dining reservations etc.. already. I guess we won't have to go out and get soda and bottled water because we can grab from the lounge- will they let us take it back to our rooms a few bottles at a time?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Tess]

So excited! We just upgraded our week at the Poly to CL (8/28 to 9/4). Have never stayed at CL before and am excited it will be at the Poly since I have read so many good comments. Any tips or tricks from you Hawaii people on how to make the most of it? I am by nature an intense planner so we have dining reservations etc.. already. I guess we won't have to go out and get soda and bottled water because we can grab from the lounge- will they let us take it back to our rooms a few bottles at a time?

Thanks for any advice!

You are welcome to take sodas from the lounge and have them in your fridge. Bottled water is in glass bottles. If you would like bottled water for your room, simply ask one of the CL CMs in the lounge for one or two.

As for tips, I always tell people to let the CMs at CL do the work for you. If you need to change ADRs while there, ask them to help. Relax and let the CMs do what they do best. Be friendly and outgoing, strike up conversations with the folks in Hawaii--some of our best times have come about as a result of building relationships with the CMs.

Hope you enjoy your stay!

I know I'm getting really for our trip. I just wish we knew if we were traveling by plane or by car--hopefully Spirit and it's pilots can resolve their dispute before we are scheduled to fly on Saturday. It has sure been stressful trying to pack not knowing whether we are traveling by air or car.

 

[FanO'TheMouse]

You are welcome to take sodas from the lounge and have them in your fridge. Bottled water is in glass bottles. If you would like bottled water for your room, simply ask one of the CL CMs in the lounge for one or two.

As for tips, I always tell people to let the CMs at CL do the work for you. If you need to change ADRs while there, ask them to help. Relax and let the CMs do what they do best. Be friendly and outgoing, strike up conversations with the folks in Hawaii--some of our best times have come about as a result of building relationships with the CMs.

Hope you enjoy your stay!

I know I'm getting really for our trip. I just wish we knew if we were traveling by plane or by car--hopefully Spirit and it's pilots can resolve their dispute before we are scheduled to fly on Saturday. It has sure been stressful trying to pack not knowing whether we are traveling by air or car.

Thanks for the advice. I love meeting people at Disney and can't wait to enjoy the Poly!

I will send some good thoughts to Spirit for you!

 

[Tess]

Thanks for the advice. I love meeting people at Disney and can't wait to enjoy the Poly!

I will send some good thoughts to Spirit for you!

Thanks! We have our fingers crossed here as well!