ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[916chipndale]

jenjen beat me to it--I was gonna ask if that was a legal carry-on item or if it had to be checked?


Well, the dogs are at the kennel, the cat-sitter has the key and we are basically all packed! Just need to put the toiletries in and we are done. I have to make some dinner and vacuum and DH and DS are doing the yard tonight. Going to bed at 9, I hope.

Anyone want me to check on anything while there? I won't make promises but will do my best. DD is bringing her netbook, but I don't know if I'll use it or not. For sure I can post pics or information when I get home.

lucky! have a great trip. we still have to wait 17 more days.i hope you have fun and have a great trip!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

To all those leaving for the Poly this weekend - have a fabulous trip!!!

Seapray, we are from MA and know how your DS feels abo0ut Mr. Pibb - I looked forward to our WDW trips and being able to get mr Pibb. Now we are on NC and it is available here at some Fast Food places. Besides the short mild winters, that's the only positive living here. Missing home especially this time of year...long to smell the ocean every morning.

 

[jenjen212]

Does anyone know where I could find a current listing for the In-Room service menu? and a current listing for the prices at the Marina???

ooooooh, I am sooooooo excited now!!!

 

[Carrie772]

I am enjoying all your trip plans. It all sounds so marvelous!

 

[dizneechic]

hmmmm, now how do i get that on the airplane without looking suspicious?? need a huge box to conceal it in? lol

Pick one up online, have it shipped to the Poly and it will be waiting for you at check in. Then we can start a "saw" swap, and leave it behind for fellow Disers who what to create their own TPV's!

 

[SeaSpray]

To all those leaving for the Poly this weekend - have a fabulous trip!!!

Seapray, we are from MA and know how your DS feels abo0ut Mr. Pibb - I looked forward to our WDW trips and being able to get mr Pibb. Now we are on NC and it is available here at some Fast Food places. Besides the short mild winters, that's the only positive living here. Missing home especially this time of year...long to smell the ocean every morning.

Where did you live in MA? We're on the south shore. You're not near the coast in NC? I know a lot of people who've moved to NC in the last few years, I think it's the new Florida! LOL

Pick one up online, have it shipped to the Poly and it will be waiting for you at check in. Then we can start a "saw" swap, and leave it behind for fellow Disers who what to create their own TPV's!

That's the funniest thing I've read on the DIS in a long time!!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Pick one up online, have it shipped to the Poly and it will be waiting for you at check in. Then we can start a "saw" swap, and leave it behind for fellow Disers who what to create their own TPV's!

 

[disneymumma]

So, first and foremost I really must thank everyone who has posted to this thread. I have ready each post [no, seriously ] in an attempt to gather as much information possible to make our first trip to the Poly the very best. "Hi, my name is Colleen. I am a zealous WDW vacation planner." And, I really feel confident, thanks to your input, that it's gonna be great! We have decided on longhouse & view preference, have made all of our ADRs, and plotted out which days we will visit which parks. I know, as my fellow thread mates, you feel me.

We honeymooned at the POFQ in 1995 and are headed to the Poly in September for our 15 year anniversary. We have visited WDW with our kids before and this trip, of course, is about their fun, too. We were hoping, however, to be able to at least carve out time for ourselves at the beginning and end of each day. Near the top of our list for this trip is going at a moderated pace. Currently we have 6d and 5n planned. We are park veterans and know what we do and don't want to do and see, but as Poly veterans, do you think 6d/5n would be enough time to experience all the parks AND the resort have to offer or should we add an extra day for 7d/6n? Thanks MUCHLY in advance!

 

[BabyFu18]

Does anyone know if you can buy disney christmas hats all year around or only during the holidays? Last year I looked for one everywhere (including the Christmas store in DTD) but couldn't find one, I wonder if they were just sold-out or if you can't actually buy them any time except for around the holidays.


Sorry so not a poly post, but I remembered I wanted to ask about this when I saw jenjen212's picture in her post signature.

 

[beautifultomorrow]

So, first and foremost I really must thank everyone who has posted to this thread. I have ready each post [no, seriously ] in an attempt to gather as much information possible to make our first trip to the Poly the very best. "Hi, my name is Colleen. I am a zealous WDW vacation planner." And, I really feel confident, thanks to your input, that it's gonna be great! We have decided on longhouse & view preference, have made all of our ADRs, and plotted out which days we will visit which parks. I know, as my fellow thread mates, you feel me.

We honeymooned at the POFQ in 1995 and are headed to the Poly in September for our 15 year anniversary. We have visited WDW with our kids before and this trip, of course, is about their fun, too. We were hoping, however, to be able to at least carve out time for ourselves at the beginning and end of each day. Near the top of our list for this trip is going at a moderated pace. Currently we have 6d and 5n planned. We are park veterans and know what we do and don't want to do and see, but as Poly veterans, do you think 6d/5n would be enough time to experience all the parks AND the resort have to offer or should we add an extra day for 7d/6n? Thanks MUCHLY in advance!

This is my first trp to Poly too so I can't answer your question, but I just wanted to say welcome to the board!

 

[beautifultomorrow]

Does anyone know if you can buy disney christmas hats all year around or only during the holidays? Last year I looked for one everywhere (including the Christmas store in DTD) but couldn't find one, I wonder if they were just sold-out or if you can't actually buy them any time except for around the holidays.


Sorry so not a poly post, but I remembered I wanted to ask about this when I saw jenjen212's picture in her post signature.

I was going to suggest the hat end of the Christmas store in DTD but if you didn't see them there I don't know where they'd be. There is a desk inside the big World of Disney store that can usually answer specific questions about where/if a product is sold. Asking them would be my next suggestion.

 

[disneymumma]

This is my first trp to Poly too so I can't answer your question, but I just wanted to say welcome to the board!

Thank you, beautifultomorrow!

 

[bethclayton]

jenjen beat me to it--I was gonna ask if that was a legal carry-on item or if it had to be checked?


Well, the dogs are at the kennel, the cat-sitter has the key and we are basically all packed! Just need to put the toiletries in and we are done. I have to make some dinner and vacuum and DH and DS are doing the yard tonight. Going to bed at 9, I hope.

Anyone want me to check on anything while there? I won't make promises but will do my best. DD is bringing her netbook, but I don't know if I'll use it or not. For sure I can post pics or information when I get home.

ok... i am just seeing this now and surely you are in bed. in the event that you see this... i would be so appreciative if you could take pics of all the menus at captain cook's. stinkerbelle took awesome pics of some of the menu but i *hope* there are more menus than what she posted. my dh cannot eat gluten and it is very important to us to know what selections are available there. we believe we will be eating at captain cook's very often. i have already emailed special diets at wdw and honestly, they were not as helpful as i'd expected.

enjoy your trip and thank you in advance if you are able to do this!!!

 

[maiapapaya]

We have visited WDW with our kids before and this trip, of course, is about their fun, too. We were hoping, however, to be able to at least carve out time for ourselves at the beginning and end of each day. Near the top of our list for this trip is going at a moderated pace. Currently we have 6d and 5n planned. We are park veterans and know what we do and don't want to do and see, but as Poly veterans, do you think 6d/5n would be enough time to experience all the parks AND the resort have to offer or should we add an extra day for 7d/6n? Thanks MUCHLY in advance!

Congratulations on your anniversary!
Personally I would book the extra night, but then again I'm all for prolonging any WDW vacation! Our last trip was 8 nights and it seemed like a good length for us. Of course we had never taken our kids before, so we were still in the trying to see as much as we could phase. You're past that, so may not want/need as much time for park stuff. That being said there is a lot at the resort that your kids might enjoy, especially with them being a little older. We wished we had made more time for just relaxing & enjoying the resort. One afternoon DH rented a sea racer & took each of the girls out for a ride. DD18 also went out with one. The kids spent some time in the arcade. DH & DD7 took in the bonfire & movie on the beach by the GF (DD5 & I missed it because of a sand incident ) DD5 & my sister loved the hula lessons in the lobby ... We didn't seem to get enough pool time & we would have liked to try the surrey bikes. There are also organized activities around the pool that we didn't make time for, but your kids might enjoy (eg. pool games, beach volleyball etc) There is a lot to do at the Poly if your kids are happy just to hang out and enjoy the resort. Oh, and don't forget the Neverland Club if you & DH want to slip out for a romantic anniversary dinner!

 

[Tess]

jenjen beat me to it--I was gonna ask if that was a legal carry-on item or if it had to be checked?


Well, the dogs are at the kennel, the cat-sitter has the key and we are basically all packed! Just need to put the toiletries in and we are done. I have to make some dinner and vacuum and DH and DS are doing the yard tonight. Going to bed at 9, I hope.

Anyone want me to check on anything while there? I won't make promises but will do my best. DD is bringing her netbook, but I don't know if I'll use it or not. For sure I can post pics or information when I get home.

Aloha! Have a fabulous trip--I'll be Polynesian dreaming this weekend as I play the loop by my pool. It isn't the quiet pool, but I can daydream. . . I can't wait to hear your thoughts and see photos.

What fun!! Bless your heart! Based on Steve aka Tikiman's opinion (I asked him) I would suggest a LV, but request Tahiti and no other request - most LV rooms in Tahiti have a slightly obstructed view of the castle (palm trees). He told me he'd not pay for a TPV if not CL and no one knows the Poly better!
Tahiti is one of the Longhouses with the larger rooms and both 2nd and 3rd floor have a balcony - most LV rooms are 1st or 2nd floor in Tahiti. You'd get 2 sinks in the bathroom (always nice) and nice extra space (2 chairs instead of one, plus the daybed). They will be stunned by the view and Poly.
Depending on when you're going, you'd have a good chance of getting your request - if not, ask if you could be moved to Tahiti, even the next morning - it would be worth the move!

What a wonderful surprise!!! I like CR too, and the MK view is pretty spectacular, but the Poly is ...well...it's a little bit of South Seas heaven on earth.

Steve and I both agree on this one although I'm not so sure I'd pay for a TPV in Hawaii either. . . I can only imagine the look on the OP's cousins' faces when they step into the GCH and Polynesian grounds. IMO, it has more of a WOW factor than Contemporary. Either way, what a nice surprise.

 

[Tess]

So, first and foremost I really must thank everyone who has posted to this thread. I have ready each post [no, seriously ] in an attempt to gather as much information possible to make our first trip to the Poly the very best. "Hi, my name is Colleen. I am a zealous WDW vacation planner." And, I really feel confident, thanks to your input, that it's gonna be great! We have decided on longhouse & view preference, have made all of our ADRs, and plotted out which days we will visit which parks. I know, as my fellow thread mates, you feel me.

We honeymooned at the POFQ in 1995 and are headed to the Poly in September for our 15 year anniversary. We have visited WDW with our kids before and this trip, of course, is about their fun, too. We were hoping, however, to be able to at least carve out time for ourselves at the beginning and end of each day. Near the top of our list for this trip is going at a moderated pace. Currently we have 6d and 5n planned. We are park veterans and know what we do and don't want to do and see, but as Poly veterans, do you think 6d/5n would be enough time to experience all the parks AND the resort have to offer or should we add an extra day for 7d/6n? Thanks MUCHLY in advance!

Wow, you have read the entire thread! Impressive, but did you read the retired version as well. There will be tests later you know.

Seriously, I would go for the 7d/6n if you are able. This year we did just that and it is the shortest stay we have ever had. Our usual visits are around 10-12 and I'm still not ready to go.

This year, however, we had to take only a week due to the various schedules in our family. While I wasn't ready to leave, we had the perfect balance of resort time and park time. It is very hot down there this year and even the locals are melting by 11:00 a.m. We were at the pool every afternoon (heck, we do that when it isn't hotter than Hades) and back out by around 6:00 p.m.

I'm sure you will have a wonderful family visit regardless of the number of days.

 

[916chipndale]

Why can't I join photobucket? Whenever I try to sign up it doesn't even let me get past making username and password it says the information you have submitted you are not able to register into photobucket?i wanted to be able to post pics when I go but I can't if I can't join.does anyone have any thoughts of why this is happening? Sorry for being OT

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Aloha! Have a fabulous trip--I'll be Polynesian dreaming this weekend as I play the loop by my pool. It isn't the quiet pool, but I can daydream. . . I can't wait to hear your thoughts and see photos.



Steve and I both agree on this one although I'm not so sure I'd pay for a TPV in Hawaii either. . . I can only imagine the look on the OP's cousins' faces when they step into the GCH and Polynesian grounds. IMO, it has more of a WOW factor than Contemporary. Either way, what a nice surprise.

Do tell why you'd not pay for CL TPV? We want that fabulous view from Hawaii bldg and CL comes with it!

I so agree about the wow factor of arriving at the Poly! Our first WDW visit in 1981 we stayed at CR....a few mos later we were at the Polynesian and what a difference! Checking into CR is similar to a big city hotel - we enjoy CR - but the Poly hooked us for many years to come. We would sort of alternate between the two until GF & CBR opened. Back then Disney deluxe Resorts were more deluxe, if that makes sense. All guests received turn-down service and a daily newspaper - we also preferred the dining options.

 

[jenjen212]

Barring a disability that hinders being outside in the heat/rain or traveling with wee ones, I'd just like to say that for me walking the grounds of the POLY adds so much to the experience. Really, NOTHING is more that a 5-7 min walk to GCH (we cut thru other longhouses QUIETLY if in a hurry or in need of a quick shot of A/C ) It can be 10 min to TTC if at far end of property. But then we just stop at GCH on the way back to SHOP some more!!! And stopping to appreciate the beautiful flower, birds, rabbits, ducklings.....Wait! I think I hear Snow White singing in the background!!

And in the evening.... swaying palms, romantic torchlites, sweet polynesian music.....what could be better????

OK... This just added to my list of things that convinced me. Although, I am from Miami (born and raised) and see the swaying palm trees all the time - the poly music, the beach, the waterfall in the GCH, the "Disney Magic" just adds to the whole atmosphere and experience. All of which my cousins from NYC have never experienced.

Steve and I both agree on this one although I'm not so sure I'd pay for a TPV in Hawaii either. . . I can only imagine the look on the OP's cousins' faces when they step into the GCH and Polynesian grounds. IMO, it has more of a WOW factor than Contemporary. Either way, what a nice surprise.

I agree, I think my cousins will be there with their jaw dropped for quite a while - as I was the first time I set foot in the Poly... and I was just there to attend the Luau at that time. Being emersed in this ambiance for over a week is going to be too relaxing - NOT wanting to head back to work!

Thanks for the tips everyone. I just got off the phone with CRO. Changing from the CR - Tower with MK View to Poly w/ Lagoon View actually saved me money. I now have a $260 credit on my room when I check in. Woo Hooooooo!!!!!

28 more days to go!!!!

oh....
Does anyone know where I can find an online listing of the In-Room Service Menu? or the Prices for the Marina??

THANKS A MILLION everyone!!!!!!!!!!
Mahalo!!!!!! (Getting into the Poly mode)

 

[maiapapaya]

OK... This just added to my list of things that convinced me. Although, I am from Miami (born and raised) and see the swaying palm trees all the time - the poly music, the beach, the waterfall in the GCH, the "Disney Magic" just adds to the whole atmosphere and experience. All of which my cousins from NYC have never experienced.



I agree, I think my cousins will be there with their jaw dropped for quite a while - as I was the first time I set foot in the Poly... and I was just there to attend the Luau at that time. Being emersed in this ambiance for over a week is going to be too relaxing - NOT wanting to head back to work!

Thanks for the tips everyone. I just got off the phone with CRO. Changing from the CR - Tower with MK View to Poly w/ Lagoon View actually saved me money. I now have a $260 credit on my room when I check in. Woo Hooooooo!!!!!

28 more days to go!!!!

oh....
Does anyone know where I can find an online listing of the In-Room Service Menu? or the Prices for the Marina??

THANKS A MILLION everyone!!!!!!!!!!
Mahalo!!!!!! (Getting into the Poly mode)

For the marina pricing go to tikiman's website (search "tikiman pages" and you should find it - I don't think we're allowed to actually put the link on here) You should find the marina pricing under "activities" (click on "amenities" then "activities"). You can find the room service menu on allears, though I don't know how current it is.
http://allears.net/menu/men_polr.htm

I hope you & your cousins have a blast. What an awesome gift to them!

p.s. you need to update your signature! oops ... apparently you were doing that while I was typing!