ALOHA! The Poly FAQ~ Spring 2010 Edition

[MCDomzal]

Hi everyone!!

First I want to say thanks to everyone here for their trip reports and tips. We are leaving for out first ever stay at the Poly in just 17 days!! We've been to WDW 7 times, but it's our first ever stay at a deluxe. I am beyond excited!

I have a few questions. First, will we be able to fit my son's laptop and my ipad both in the safe?

Second, I've read in 2 different places that it takes 45 min. to get to Epcot from the Poly. Is this true??? I feel like we could drive there faster. We are definitely planning on walking to the TTC to go to Epcot. Will this make a difference?

Also, never having stayed at a monorail resort before, I need some suggestions on when to catch the monorail in order to be at RD for both Epcot and MK.

TIA!!!
Meg

 

[cyndisun]

Hi Everyone


Anyway, our two oldest are 13 and 16. I was wondering what the age was for taking out the searacers?

Last August DS was 12 and about 5' 4". He drove one with me (licensed driver) as the passenger. I remember reading the requirements carefully beforehand so I know he met them. In other words, he didn't "slip by" anyone.

Hope that helps.

 

[corndog]

I'm sure it's in here somewhere, but is there an official pool closing time? I recall being told by CMs in the past that as long as you're quiet you won't have any problems, but was never really comfortable with that.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Hi everyone!!

First I want to say thanks to everyone here for their trip reports and tips. We are leaving for out first ever stay at the Poly in just 17 days!! We've been to WDW 7 times, but it's our first ever stay at a deluxe. I am beyond excited!

I have a few questions. First, will we be able to fit my son's laptop and my ipad both in the safe?

Second, I've read in 2 different places that it takes 45 min. to get to Epcot from the Poly. Is this true??? I feel like we could drive there faster. We are definitely planning on walking to the TTC to go to Epcot. Will this make a difference?

Also, never having stayed at a monorail resort before, I need some suggestions on when to catch the monorail in order to be at RD for both Epcot and MK.

TIA!!!
Meg

Another Meg here!

I highly doubt it would take 45 minutes! The only situation I could see it taking 45 minutes would be:
- you miss the resort monorail by seconds. It takes about 8 minutes for the next to arrive (assuming 2 mins at Contemporary, 2 minutes to get to TTC, 2 minute stop at TTC, 2 mins to Poly)
- you take the resort monorail and it takes 14 minutes to get to the TTC (again, 2 mins to get to GF, 2 mins at GF, 2 mins to MK, 2 mins at MK, 2 minutes to Contemporary, 2 mins at Contemporary, 2 mins to TTC)
- you walk to Epcot rail which takes 2 minutes
- you wait 10 minutes as you just miss the monorail
- it takes 10 minutes to get to Epcot
TOTAL = 44 mins

Here is the worst case scenario for walking:
- you are located in Fiji or Tuvalu, the walk to the TTC is 10 minutes
- you miss the monorail, wait 10 minutes
- ride takes 10 minutes
TOTAL = 30 mins

In reality, it took me 10 mins to get from Epcot to the TTC via monorail, transfered to resort rail, 2 mins, waited 2 mins, took 2 mins to get back to the GCH. TOTAL = 16 mins, 20 by the time I got back to my longhouse.

 

[SeaSpray]

I'm sure it's in here somewhere, but is there an official pool closing time? I recall being told by CMs in the past that as long as you're quiet you won't have any problems, but was never really comfortable with that.

We were there last week and I noted that the sign at the pool listed the "official" closing time as being midnight. But the lifeguards go off duty at 10pm. We've been told many times that it's fine to swim after midnight, and there's never been a problem, unless people get loud and someone complains.

I LOVE night swimming at the Polynesian!

 

[SeaSpray]

Another Meg here!

I highly doubt it would take 45 minutes! The only situation I could see it taking 45 minutes would be:
- you miss the resort monorail by seconds. It takes about 8 minutes for the next to arrive (assuming 2 mins at Contemporary, 2 minutes to get to TTC, 2 minute stop at TTC, 2 mins to Poly)
- you take the resort monorail and it takes 14 minutes to get to the TTC (again, 2 mins to get to GF, 2 mins at GF, 2 mins to MK, 2 mins at MK, 2 minutes to Contemporary, 2 mins at Contemporary, 2 mins to TTC)
- you walk to Epcot rail which takes 2 minutes
- you wait 10 minutes as you just miss the monorail
- it takes 10 minutes to get to Epcot
TOTAL = 44 mins

Here is the worst case scenario for walking:
- you are located in Fiji or Tuvalu, the walk to the TTC is 10 minutes
- you miss the monorail, wait 10 minutes
- ride takes 10 minutes
TOTAL = 30 mins

In reality, it took me 10 mins to get from Epcot to the TTC via monorail, transfered to resort rail, 2 mins, waited 2 mins, took 2 mins to get back to the GCH. TOTAL = 16 mins, 20 by the time I got back to my longhouse.

I agree with all of this! Last week we walked to TTC for the Epcot monorail many times, and it never took more than 20-30 minutes, total.

 

[corndog]

We were there last week and I noted that the sign at the pool listed the "official" closing time as being midnight. But the lifeguards go off duty at 10pm. We've been told many times that it's fine to swim after midnight, and there's never been a problem, unless people get loud and someone complains.

I LOVE night swimming at the Polynesian!

Thanks!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I'm sure it's in here somewhere, but is there an official pool closing time? I recall being told by CMs in the past that as long as you're quiet you won't have any problems, but was never really comfortable with that.

The lifeguards told me that there are set times when they are at the volcano pool but when they aren't there, the pool is still open. They told me it doesn't close. I would verify with the Poly when you get there, but I've seen people, usually in the "quiet" pool, until the wee hours. I would agree though that no matter what the hours of the pool, you would probably be asked to be quiet if you were hooting late in the evening

 

[wdw&sonny]

Hi Poly People!

We will be going in <2wks for our first stay at the Poly.

I've read the thread and learned soooo much. Thanks to all for sharing.

In regards to the suggestions to take the Poly or TTC bus, whichever comes first:

I just saw a photo of the sign for the AK bus stops. The TTC stop is to the left and the Poly stop is to the right. It appears we would have to decide which one to wait for BEFORE knowing which one will arrive first.

Is this true for AK?
What about HS?
What about TL?

 

[Tess]

Hi Poly People!

We will be going in <2wks for our first stay at the Poly.

I've read the thread and learned soooo much. Thanks to all for sharing.

In regards to the suggestions to take the Poly or TTC bus, whichever comes first:

I just saw a photo of the sign for the AK bus stops. The TTC stop is to the left and the Poly stop is to the right. It appears we would have to decide which one to wait for BEFORE knowing which one will arrive first.

Is this true for AK?
What about HS?
What about TL?

Your scenario is only true for AK--the rest you are nearby the TTC bus stops and can clearly make a choice.

Just a heads up: From our experience, unless you just miss a TTC bus, you will get back from AK faster by taking that bus versus the Polynesian bus. There are no stops with the TTC bus and on most days you will make stops at another hotel and BB.

 

[dtripli]

Thank you so much for your responses. It seems size might matter more than anything? My 16 year old ds should be fine, but our 13 dd might have to ride with dh. Oh its gonna kill her!!!....as she "thinks" she can handle anything that her big bro can!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Just wanted to add our experience with swimming in the volcano pool late at night.

Swimming is definitely allowed when the lifeguards are off-duty, but in our experience, when the lifeguards have been gone, the SLIDE has been closed (roped off, water not turned on). The lifeguards' hours of duty vary by season...and maybe they make adjustments based on crowds and weather?

 

[MattDisney]

In almost exactly 24 hours we will arrive at the Poly!! Can't wait!

 

[MCDomzal]

Thanks TinkerBelle! I'll allow for 30 minutes to get to Epcot to be safe.

Can anyone help me with the size of the safe? I'm trying to determine if we will be able to fit both my DS's laptop and my ipad.

Thanks!

 

[rezmommy]

I can't believe it but 1 week from today my family will be at the Poly! This is our very first trip to WDW and our first time flying. I am so excited. I have learned so much from this thread, thanks.

 

[MNT568]

We arrive 2 weeks from today! I can't wait!

 

[foreverprincess91]

I will be staying at hte Poly in 5 days!! Can't wait 7 nights in Disney heaven!!

 

[mdrob214]

i needed to hear this, because i have been honestly dreading dealing with the dslr in disney. i just got it a few weeks ago, and i love it, but the more i was thinking about schlepping it around disney, the more it seemed like it would be a chore. i'm glad to hear it's not.

right now i am so worried about basically putting anything else in the bag with it, i'm totally paranoid that something will happen to the lens. so far, i have mostly kept it in a separate bag when i'm out and about with it. do you keep a separate bag for it or throw in your other supplies in the same bag (minus water bottles, of course, lol!)?

I don't put my camera in anything special. Of course, I've had mine for longer so I don't have that worry you get over new stuff. I wouldn't put a water bottle or anything liquid in the bag--just in case. Otherwise, the lens cap stayed on so no troubles!

Thanks everyone for the input on the DSLRs. I will certainly leave open the possibility of bringing it with me to the parks more We will have three cameras with us on this trip (the DSLR, the P&S and the underwater P&S), LOL. I have no doubt that they will all be used ;-)

Now I have been looking at the little Flip video cameras, LOL.

Since you like underwater, may I recommend the Kodak PlaySport? We LOVE ours! It's an underwater HD video camera that also takes still shots(5MP--decent quality). The video is amazing--way better than a Flip, imo.

We were there last week and I noted that the sign at the pool listed the "official" closing time as being midnight. But the lifeguards go off duty at 10pm. We've been told many times that it's fine to swim after midnight, and there's never been a problem, unless people get loud and someone complains.

I LOVE night swimming at the Polynesian!

Yes! That's what we were told, too. Remember, if hte guards aren't there, then the slide will be turned off/roped off.

Thanks TinkerBelle! I'll allow for 30 minutes to get to Epcot to be safe.

Can anyone help me with the size of the safe? I'm trying to determine if we will be able to fit both my DS's laptop and my ipad.

Thanks!

No problem--unless you have a huge laptop--the height is at least 4" I think (It's a guess, but I had my DSLR on top of DD's netbook in there and had no trouble.)

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

All you people going in the next couple of weeks...HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And of course, us sad saps pining away for the Poly will need pics and reports the SECOND you return home!!!

 

[mdrob214]

Finally getting around to my Poly review. It's long so I'll break it up into several posts!

We were there July 3-11. When ME bus pulled up we went to the Bell stand--there's a sign there for CL guests to let them know you're there. They gave us each leis and called a Bellman and golf cart to take us to our room--we waited about 10 min. The bellman took us the long way back to the Hawaii building, showing us the bus stop, path to the TTC, quiet pool, and beach on the way. Our room was ready (it was about 3:00 at this time) and he took us straight up. The 2 cases of water were already there waiting. We dropped off ouor carry-on bags and then went back down to the 1st floor to officially check in with the CL CM. Erica was great--they had our packet ready and we were done in just a few minutes. She gave DH and I both our birthday pins and we were good to go!
We had room 3520--a GV CL room on the quiet pool side of the Hawaii building--second to last room on the end on the 3rd floor(my only request was 3rd floor--we don't like people walking overhead!). The view was of a huge tree. It's ok---I paid for GV, but I was disappointed. I didn't ask to be moved or anything--it wasn't that big of a deal and I figured with the holiday weekend, they were probably booked.

The evening of the 3rd we headed in to MK to see the fireworks from Main St. I did note that they had roped off the entrance to the beach--right there on the corner of the Hawaii building--and put up a large tent from which they were selling food and drinks. The sign said the beach was reserved for Poly guests, but we didn't stay at the resort either the 3rd of 4th in the evening, so I don't know how much they enforced it. On July 4th we spent the morning at the pool--they handed out wristbands and asked us to keep our resort id's with us if we were going to be at the pool/beach that day and evening. The tent and rope were up when we left for Epcot, but they were down when we got 'home' that night, I think.

Breakfast in the lounge was pretty much the same every day. Muffins, croissants, oatmeal with dried fruit, fresh melon and grapes, whole fruits-apples, bananas, oranges, english muffins, cold cereals--fruit loops, raisin bran, rice krispies, and one other, cranberry and orange juice, skim and (I think) 2% milk and coffee/cocoa. If you wanted yogurt or chocolate milk you did have to ask. I knew that they didn't have real coffee in the lounge, but I really think that when we pay that much more, we should get real brewed coffee. That's just my opinion. It wouldn't have to be the expensive Kona--just regular, brewed coffee. The coffee machine had regular, decaf, cappucino, lattes, and mochas. There was cream and there was hot water and tea bags available as well.

The pool was great. I liked the hot tub-like jets in the one area--it was too hot for a hot tub anyway, and the water jets felt good on my tired legs and back. The chairs at the pool were almost always all taken, yet the pool wasn't packed. It was a little frustrating, but I wanted to be in the water so not a big deal. It would be nice if they had benches or someplace for those of us who just want to have a spot for our shoes and towel, but don't need a table/chair. It's a problem at pools everywhere I'm sure. The music playing underwater was a nice touch. The pool restrooms had a couple showers and some lockers (10 or so). Lockers were complimentary for resort guests-just take your kttw card to the boat rental place (Mikala) on the other side of the volcano. It was nice on check-out day since we had to check out at 1pm (late check-out) and didn't catch our ME bus until 3:45. We did leave our 2 wheel-on bags with Wes, a CL CM. They were too big for a locker.