ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Winter 2011 Edition

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hey Poly Peeps!!!

I have another SoA related question for ya!

We want to do this on our arrival night. (I hear what everyone is saying about it being meh but our kids REALLY want to do this sooo...)

Since we will be there in August (HOT) we were originally considering the later show to possibly be a tad bit cooler after the sun went down. Thinking on it now, we will have been up quite early that morning to catch our plane so I am thinking that the earlier show would be a bit better time wise.

For anybody who has done the show in the hotter months - are we totally going to melt at the earlier show - would it be worth it to wait for the later show? (note - we are planning am emh @ MK the next morning!)

Thanks!

 

[Tess]

Hey Poly Peeps!!!

I have another SoA related question for ya!

We want to do this on our arrival night. (I hear what everyone is saying about it being meh but our kids REALLY want to do this sooo...)

Since we will be there in August (HOT) we were originally considering the later show to possibly be a tad bit cooler after the sun went down. Thinking on it now, we will have been up quite early that morning to catch our plane so I am thinking that the earlier show would be a bit better time wise.

For anybody who has done the show in the hotter months - are we totally going to melt at the earlier show - would it be worth it to wait for the later show? (note - we are planning am emh @ MK the next morning!)

Thanks!

We have gone when it was a triple H threat and not uncomfortable. It is covered and cooled. The heat shouldn't be a problem at least it wasn't for us. As to the time, I guess that is up to your stamina. If I had an EMH planned the next morning and had traveled the day of SoA, I would go early.

Another thing to consider, since you are going in the wet season, the show will be canceled if the weather is inclement--be sure to have an alternative plan.

 

[pink5683]

I just got my itinerary from the IPO and I was able to get all of the ADRs that I wanted at the times that I wanted!

I was getting a little nervous because my 180 was yesterday and I hadn't heard anything from them yet. But, I sent off an email to them and less than 15 minutes later I had an email back with an apology for my itinerary not getting sent to me yesterday, and the itinerary was attached. Very speedy!

I guess my advice to all CL guests that would like to use the IPO, don't hesitate to be the first to contact them. They are very friendly and helpful!

 

[my2princessgirls]

Hey Poly Peeps!!!

I have another SoA related question for ya!

We want to do this on our arrival night. (I hear what everyone is saying about it being meh but our kids REALLY want to do this sooo...)

Since we will be there in August (HOT) we were originally considering the later show to possibly be a tad bit cooler after the sun went down. Thinking on it now, we will have been up quite early that morning to catch our plane so I am thinking that the earlier show would be a bit better time wise.

For anybody who has done the show in the hotter months - are we totally going to melt at the earlier show - would it be worth it to wait for the later show? (note - we are planning am emh @ MK the next morning!)

Thanks!

I think what I would be most concerned about is what if your plane is delayed and you don't make it? You would end up missing it and losing your money because you wouldn't be able to cancel in time. I try to not book anything that isn't refundable for the first night, just in case.

That being said, we saw it in Mid-July last year. A storm came through around 4:30 and it was touch & go as to whether they were going to cancel or not. They didn't cancel, though it did sprinkle for most of the show which kept the heat down (though not the humidity!!).

 

[toddd]

I wanted to throw in another opinion of the Spirit of Aloha meal. We quite enjoyed it (we were there Feb/08). Can't remember a lot of the details just that we thought it was fine, certainly on par with many of the meals we have had at Disney - good salad, broccoli, chicken, ribs(I think?), the pineapple I remember was especially delicious. Served family style, lots of food and they brought us more pineapple when we requested it. The dessert was impressive for our daughter (8) - a chocolate volcano! but not particularly memorable for me. But at least as good as the Chocolate Wave at the Coral Reef.

I have noticed in reading the reviews over the years that opinions on just about anything at Disney can range from 'Horrible' to 'Outstanding'.

I hope you go and enjoy!

 

[disneyred]

I would love to stay at the Poly one day ..

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

I think what I would be most concerned about is what if your plane is delayed and you don't make it? You would end up missing it and losing your money because you wouldn't be able to cancel in time. I try to not book anything that isn't refundable for the first night, just in case.

That being said, we saw it in Mid-July last year. A storm came through around 4:30 and it was touch & go as to whether they were going to cancel or not. They didn't cancel, though it did sprinkle for most of the show which kept the heat down (though not the humidity!!).

That is a valid point....although being in the middle of the summer it is quite dry and not many planes are delayed from MSP-MCO at that time of year! Thanks for the concern tho...

Cancellation of SoA because of the weather IS a more concerning thing to me! I would be pretty ticked if it was cancelled because of the weather and I couldn't get my $$$ back - I will have to think on that one for a bit!

I wanted to throw in another opinion of the Spirit of Aloha meal. We quite enjoyed it (we were there Feb/08). Can't remember a lot of the details just that we thought it was fine, certainly on par with many of the meals we have had at Disney - good salad, broccoli, chicken, ribs(I think?), the pineapple I remember was especially delicious. Served family style, lots of food and they brought us more pineapple when we requested it. The dessert was impressive for our daughter (8) - a chocolate volcano! but not particularly memorable for me. But at least as good as the Chocolate Wave at the Coral Reef.

I have noticed in reading the reviews over the years that opinions on just about anything at Disney can range from 'Horrible' to 'Outstanding'.

I hope you go and enjoy!

Thanks so much for your favourable opinion of SoA!!! It is so nice to hear a positive review for a change!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

We have gone when it was a triple H threat and not uncomfortable. It is covered and cooled. The heat shouldn't be a problem at least it wasn't for us. As to the time, I guess that is up to your stamina. If I had an EMH planned the next morning and had traveled the day of SoA, I would go early.

Another thing to consider, since you are going in the wet season, the show will be canceled if the weather is inclement--be sure to have an alternative plan.

Thanks Tess! I checked into the cancellation Policy if it should be cancelled due to the weather and we would get our $$$ refunded. Since we are NOT on a DDP we would probably just eat at Kona or hop on the monorail or go to DTD or something!


My kids are super excited to try this out so I think I will go ahead and take the plunge!!

 

[rcsilverspring]

Hey Poly Peeps!!!

I have another SoA related question for ya!

We want to do this on our arrival night. (I hear what everyone is saying about it being meh but our kids REALLY want to do this sooo...)

Since we will be there in August (HOT) we were originally considering the later show to possibly be a tad bit cooler after the sun went down. Thinking on it now, we will have been up quite early that morning to catch our plane so I am thinking that the earlier show would be a bit better time wise.

For anybody who has done the show in the hotter months - are we totally going to melt at the earlier show - would it be worth it to wait for the later show? (note - we are planning am emh @ MK the next morning!)

Thanks!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We have done the SOA 3 different times and though the show itself is corny, it is worth it to see the fire twirling. DDs were 9 & 11 the first time we went, 28 & 31 the last. We loved the food and though I was not impressed with the dessert, the presentation was cool. As far as the times, I have never been to the early show, but would think the later show when it is darker would be (and WAS) much more impressive.

Entree/Main Course

Adult Dinner Show Menu - Family Style Feast: Tropical mixed greens with mango poppyseed dressing, pineapple coconut bread, sweet golden pineapple, Islando BBQ pork ribs, Lanoi roasted chicken, Polynesian rice, fresh seasonal veggies and Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert. Presented in an open air theater, and; therefore may cancel due to inclement weather. - $59.99 *
Price and Menu subject to change. - **Price and menu subject to change. *

Drinks

Tropical Beverages - Bud and Bud Light Draft Beer, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Tea (hot or iced), Coffee, Milk, Pink Lemonade, Sprite, Coke, and Diet Coke. Tropical Cocktails for purchase. *

 

[mommyoftwinz]

we're staying at the Poly in June and this will be my family's first stay there. I was there once as a kid but I barely remember it. I heard they do a torch lighting ceremony. Does anyone know if that is every night? Do you know what time? Thought it might be fun to check out, I want to really experience the Poly as it may be our last stay there for awhile at least.

 

[Tess]

we're staying at the Poly in June and this will be my family's first stay there. I was there once as a kid but I barely remember it. I heard they do a torch lighting ceremony. Does anyone know if that is every night? Do you know what time? Thought it might be fun to check out, I want to really experience the Poly as it may be our last stay there for awhile at least.

Torch Lighting Ceremony is held Tuesday through Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Great Ceremonial House. Sorry if may be your last stay for a bit.

 

[mdrob214]

Have you been?
What was good and bad about it?
Where do you suggest sitting? (they have 3 categories and you would think sitting in the most expensive seat would be the best view).
DF and I are eying the (I am assuming) Pina Colada's (in the pineapple), are they any good?
Any other info/advice you have regarding this dinner show, please share with us.

Those aren't pina coladas in the pineapple and if you ordered it expecting a pina colada, boy would you be in for a suprise. The pineapple drink is a Lapu Lapu and they are great, but much more potent than a pina colada.

Here's what's in the Lapu Lapu: "This very popular and fun drink is made with Myer’s Original Dark Rum and tropical fruit juices served in a pineapple topped with Bacardi 151 rum. Not only does this drink have a lot of alcohol in it, but it’s fun to drink because it’s served in a pineapple. Now that is a fun way to have a drink! Cost: $13.25"

The most expensive category at SOA offers the best views and I would book that if cost was not prohibitive. As for the show--meh, some like it and others like my family, BTDT and don't feel the need to see it again. The food is mediocre at best. If you have never experienced this type of show and you have no problem paying the price for admission--give it a whirl. I don't regret that we have gone on a couple of occasions, but I am in no hurry to return. Now, Hoop De Doo, we have gone many times and still have a good time. The food is better too.

This. Exactly.

Hey Poly Peeps!!!

I have another SoA related question for ya!

We want to do this on our arrival night. (I hear what everyone is saying about it being meh but our kids REALLY want to do this sooo...)

Since we will be there in August (HOT) we were originally considering the later show to possibly be a tad bit cooler after the sun went down. Thinking on it now, we will have been up quite early that morning to catch our plane so I am thinking that the earlier show would be a bit better time wise.

For anybody who has done the show in the hotter months - are we totally going to melt at the earlier show - would it be worth it to wait for the later show? (note - we are planning am emh @ MK the next morning!)

Thanks!

Our take on SoA is much like Tess and Rob. I do think it's a one-time thing. We went into it knowing it was corny--especially the first half. The dancing int he second half was entertaining, though. Food was ok--I really enjoyed the salad. We went int July--the week of July 4th. The day we went it was 105 heat index, I think and while it wasn't cool (we were in the front row--first table of category 2) it wasn't terribly hot under there. More humid than anything. And the waiting in line to check in and enter the venue was super warm! They had fans in the seating area, but they didn't seem to be moving much air. I say go, if only because it's a meal at your resort. We try to stay at different resorts and enjoy all the dining options while there--it's easy on travel that way. We get to experience more resort dining options this way and it's less hassle.


ETA--we went to the 8pm show, thinking we'd catch the 10pm fireworks on the way back to our room, but we missed them. The show was just slightly over 2hrs (about 2:20, I think). Not a big deal, as we caught them from the beach on another night, but we were a little disappointed.

 

[bluejasmine]

Those aren't pina coladas in the pineapple and if you ordered it expecting a pina colada, boy would you be in for a suprise. The pineapple drink is a Lapu Lapu and they are great, but much more potent than a pina colada.

Boy your not kidding..Back in 08 on our honeymoon I ordered it thinking it was a pina colada, DH read the description didnt say a word..Well when I took the first sip...He ended up wearing it, I was so shocked I spit all over the place! It is sooo strong I had to ask for a glass of pinapple juice to dilute it..Ill stick to my Yummy pina colavas..

Question::

Im considering letting the IPO make my ADrs for me but Im so use to doing it myself, is it true they have more access?

 

[Missoutandabout]

Hello (again) Poly Freaks! *grin*

It's been a long, long time since I checked in on the DIS forums. Of course, the first thing I did was look for this thread. It's great to see all the familiar names!

I'm contemplating -- more like browbeating my husband into -- spending our 10th anniversary back at the Poly. It was either doing Poly or Cancun. As much as Cancun is intriguing, the fact that we'll have our 4 year old daughter with us means we'd be better off with a trip back to Disney. Our anniversary is in October but the prices are crazy compared to September -- which is why we went earlier in 2010 instead of during October. It really is the cheapest time to go, isn't it? Doesn't seem any other times I've researched have come close to how low the prices are in September.

Questions for the experts:

• Are they doing the "Free Dining" thing through the end of September? I'm not actually interested in doing it, but wanted to know in case I needed to make reservations for meals like I had to do during our Sept. 2010 stay.
  
• I'd love to hear opinions on the following: Garden View Club Level vs. Regular Room, Theme Park View? We'd probably be going with one of these choices for our trip. The TPV is only a few bucks more per night, though I'm not sure we'd get much out of is as the kiddo is worn out by the time we get back to the room. Thoughts, opinions welcome!
  
• Has anyone ever managed to find out what that smell is in the lobby? Found a candle sold anywhere that comes close to the scent? We were at the mall the other day and I could swear they were pumping out the exact same smell out in front of the Rainforest Cafe. It instantaneously reminded me of the Poly lobby, sans chlorine.

Ah man. My husband doesn't stand a chance now that I've come back to the lovely DIS boards. Poor guy. *evil laugh*

 

[carlnix30]

Just booked a cabana for our trip. what a nightmare that was! it seems that their reservation system will not allow the cabanas to be reserved. So in the interim the reservation office had to call the Poly to make the reservation. they are keeping a spreadsheet of everyone that wants to make a reservation.

If anyone is interested in renting them just be persistent so that you can get it for the date you want.

 

[carlnix30]

Boy your not kidding..Back in 08 on our honeymoon I ordered it thinking it was a pina colada, DH read the description didnt say a word..Well when I took the first sip...He ended up wearing it, I was so shocked I spit all over the place! It is sooo strong I had to ask for a glass of pinapple juice to dilute it..Ill stick to my Yummy pina colavas..

Question::

Im considering letting the IPO make my ADrs for me but Im so use to doing it myself, is it true they have more access?

They do not have more access to more reservations. But they are persistent and they may actually have a differnt solution to an ADR that is un-obtainable
I.E. substituting another equivalent restaraunt or dinner show.

I love using them because they organize all your ADR and reservations in a nice PDF file.

 

[guitarob]

Im considering letting the IPO make my ADrs for me but Im so use to doing it myself, is it true they have more access?

The IPO has no more access than the people you would normally make your ADR's through. I've been over this with them, at length, trying to weasel into places that I couldn't get an ADR for through normal means.

OCCASIONALLY the concierge at the resort will be able to get you in somewhere that the IPO or ADR line couldn't. At one time they had access to a different system, but I believe that it has all been centralized now.

 

[pink5683]

Question::

Im considering letting the IPO make my ADrs for me but Im so use to doing it myself, is it true they have more access?

I am usually an uber control freak, so I was really hesitant to hand over my ADRs to them, but I decided to give it a try, and I was pleasantly surprised! I really appreciated that after I sent them my requests I got an email that very much indicated that they had gone over all of my requests to make sure there were no problems when we hit my 180th day. They got all of my requests exactly when I wanted them. I am really excited and happy!

 

[hstrickland]

I am usually an uber control freak, so I was really hesitant to hand over my ADRs to them, but I decided to give it a try, and I was pleasantly surprised! I really appreciated that after I sent them my requests I got an email that very much indicated that they had gone over all of my requests to make sure there were no problems when we hit my 180th day. They got all of my requests exactly when I wanted them. I am really excited and happy!

Me too! I had a terrible time giving up control of my ADRs....but just like you said, we got EVERYTHING we asked for. In fact, on my 180 day mark, I received an email around 7:10am that confirmed everything! They were awesome

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

The IPO has no more access than the people you would normally make your ADR's through. I've been over this with them, at length, trying to weasel into places that I couldn't get an ADR for through normal means.

OCCASIONALLY the concierge at the resort will be able to get you in somewhere that the IPO or ADR line couldn't. At one time they had access to a different system, but I believe that it has all been centralized now.

Are you sure? We'd been told by IPO (when agonizing over my own control freak tendencies) that they have earlier and more (I believe the term was) flexibility with tables. We got everything we wanted at the times we wanted and were even able to make some "impossible" changes a little closer to our trip. Or do you think this is just the IPO party line? Either way, I'm convinced to let them make my ADRs from now on. So nice waking up to the "got everything" email.