ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Winter 2011 Edition

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

We've been in Rarotonga, Tahiti and Hawaii over the last few years, and everything was fine, at least that we noticed. As a matter of fact, the only time I really notice anything is when it's been harped about on the DIS, and I look for it.

 

[Momtomouselover]

We've been in Rarotonga, Tahiti and Hawaii over the last few years, and everything was fine, at least that we noticed. As a matter of fact, the only time I really notice anything is when it's been harped about on the DIS, and I look for it.

Well that's good to know and it was a couple of different Longhouses. I have stayed in Hawaii (was fine), Fiji (a bit rough but still ok), and Samoa or whatever the one by the pool (again a little run down). I enjoyed all of our trips but I just thought for what you pay the room conditions should be a bit more kept up.

I wonder if I asked for a "newly" refurbed or kept up room what that would get us. Alternatively, I could request they leave a bottle of cleaner and some sponges and a vacuum and I'll give it a good 'ol cleaning the first day.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

can 1/2 gallon milk fit in it? where can I buy milk on site? I am trying to figure out if I want the dining package or just eat b/f in the room everyday.

We have fit...2 1/2 gallons of milk, a larger bottle of Nestle Quick milk(sorry don't know size), 2 pkgs Dannon La Creme yogurt(each a 4pk) and some bottles of water/beer. It was packed but fit. We just remove one of the wire shelves to make it all fit.

We order from gardengrocer each year and love it. We get our milk, yogurt, chips, cereal, pop tarts, plastic bowls, papertowels, plasticware, cases of water bottles, distilled water, wine, beer and....COOKIES(yummers) among other oddball things here and there. Gardengrocer delivers to the resort and bell services keeps cold items cold and will deliver to your room when you call them. We have even had them pick up bigger sand buckets/shovels for the girls as well.

 

[kaffinito]

I have a question that I hesitate to ask because I really do like the Poly but on our last two stays the conditions of the room were a little rough. However, the time before that was ok. What I mean by rough is that the halls and rooms had a bit of damage. Water stains, wood that was chipped, the shower head was really low, tile looked like it needed a good cleaning and things were dusty and needed really wiped down (wall woodwork, switches, door knobs, counters, etc..) It was all minor repair stuff IMO and maybe just some better housekeeping and a bit of repairs. So my question is what were your rooms like on your last stay and which Longhouse were you in? Would we have better luck in one over the other? Can I call the resort and tell them about our past experience and would that help in anyway?

I honestly love the grounds, the pool, the ability to see the fireworks, the beach, the daybeds/room size and just the general feel of the resort but the room conditions are what I fear.

Well that's good to know and it was a couple of different Longhouses. I have stayed in Hawaii (was fine), Fiji (a bit rough but still ok), and Samoa or whatever the one by the pool (again a little run down). I enjoyed all of our trips but I just thought for what you pay the room conditions should be a bit more kept up.

I've only seen one room that was dirty on my first stay. The bathroom floor really needed cleaning for the poop that was stuck on it. The counters had toothpaste stuck to them. It was pretty gross.

As far as wear and tear though, I didn't really notice that in Hawaii or Tokelau. A little bit of roughness I'll put up with just to stay there though - I love the atmosphere, the dining options, and the pools. My second half of my solo trip will be there - three glorious days at the Poly.

 

[bridgetmck]

Does anyone know anything about the quiet pool renovation?

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Hey fellow Poly lovers! Just starting to get caught up on the thread.

Guess what I found last night cleaning the computer desk in the family room? A Room Service menu and the Private Dining pre-order menu from the Poly! (how'd that get in the bag?!?) I'm pouring over it and drooling. If my printer cooperates I'll scan some of the pages and post them.

We've been in Rarotonga, Tahiti and Hawaii over the last few years, and everything was fine, at least that we noticed. As a matter of fact, the only time I really notice anything is when it's been harped about on the DIS, and I look for it.

That's how I am about it. We've stayed in Hawaii, Samoa and Tuvalu (which is, as we all know, the *worst* longhouse on property ) and everything was fine. No dirt, no unscrubbed toilets, clean bedlinens, no peeling wallpaper and such. The only thing that was a minor annoyance was a little lizard who had snuck into the room. I shooed her into a trash can and set her free outside.

 

[carlnix30]

We booked a cabana for our trip.. Has anyone rented one? If so was it worth the money? What was your experience like?

 

[millweather]

We booked a cabana for our trip.. Has anyone rented one? If so was it worth the money? What was your experience like?

Ooohhh, would like to know this as well!

 

[millweather]

We have fit...2 1/2 gallons of milk, a larger bottle of Nestle Quick milk(sorry don't know size), 2 pkgs Dannon La Creme yogurt(each a 4pk) and some bottles of water/beer. It was packed but fit. We just remove one of the wire shelves to make it all fit.

We order from gardengrocer each year and love it. We get our milk, yogurt, chips, cereal, pop tarts, plastic bowls, papertowels, plasticware, cases of water bottles, distilled water, wine, beer and....COOKIES(yummers) among other oddball things here and there. Gardengrocer delivers to the resort and bell services keeps cold items cold and will deliver to your room when you call them. We have even had them pick up bigger sand buckets/shovels for the girls as well.

Marking this. Thanks.

 

[kaffinito]

We booked a cabana for our trip.. Has anyone rented one? If so was it worth the money? What was your experience like?

I asked the same thing a few days ago - no replies. Maybe you will get more responses about it than I did. I know from an older thread that not many people have booked them yet since they are relatively new, so maybe that's why?

I've booked mine for the 3-7 slot - how about you?

 

[millweather]

Tokelau, Rapa Nui, and Tahiti are the newer longhouses. The rooms are larger than the other longhouses. Each floor has either a patio or balcony. These rooms also have an extra padded chair for your comfort Some of the rooms have double sinks(again--just some--NOT all) and these longhouses are closer to the TTC. HTH

Good info-marking. Thanks!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Well that's good to know and it was a couple of different Longhouses. I have stayed in Hawaii (was fine), Fiji (a bit rough but still ok), and Samoa or whatever the one by the pool (again a little run down). I enjoyed all of our trips but I just thought for what you pay the room conditions should be a bit more kept up.

I wonder if I asked for a "newly" refurbed or kept up room what that would get us. Alternatively, I could request they leave a bottle of cleaner and some sponges and a vacuum and I'll give it a good 'ol cleaning the first day.

I think that line of thinking (I paid XXX, so everything should be YYY) is what gets some people upset. Things should definitely be in good working order and clean, but I think that should be the case at all levels of resorts at WDW. You'll definitely run into a nicked bedpost here or a faded carpet there, but things can't be under refurb constantly. Again, as long as everything works and is clean, that's adequate for us. The reports of just flat out dirty rooms, definitely not ok.

That being said, we just make peace with the fact that WDW costs money, and it costs us more money because we decide to go deluxe. We pay it off then don't give it a second thought.

Hey fellow Poly lovers! Just starting to get caught up on the thread.

Guess what I found last night cleaning the computer desk in the family room? A Room Service menu and the Private Dining pre-order menu from the Poly! (how'd that get in the bag?!?) I'm pouring over it and drooling. If my printer cooperates I'll scan some of the pages and post them.



That's how I am about it. We've stayed in Hawaii, Samoa and Tuvalu (which is, as we all know, the *worst* longhouse on property ) and everything was fine. No dirt, no unscrubbed toilets, clean bedlinens, no peeling wallpaper and such. The only thing that was a minor annoyance was a little lizard who had snuck into the room. I shooed her into a trash can and set her free outside.

Pretty sure we need to make sure our dates coincide one of these days. We seem to agree on a lot and take the same attitude towards vacationing at WDW.

 

[millweather]

If you order pizza, either order it from Room Service, or from a reputable pizza place (Dominos, Papa Johns, and Flippers all deliver to the Polynesian. All are good, but I recommend Flippers because you can get Dominos or Papa Johns anywhere, but Flippers is unique to Orlando ... and has good pizza). Do NOT order from any flyer that may have been slid under your door.

(For safety reasons, if you order pizza from Dominos/Papa Johns/Flippers, you will have to meet the delivery driver in the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House. They are not allowed to deliver directly to a room)

Never would've thought of that. Duh!

 

[Momtomouselover]

Thanks guys for the feedback! I'm hoping we just had some unlucky stays and maybe some Mousekeeping that wasn't up to par (especially given that it wasn't like that on our first visit). I will probably stay one day at the Poly again for like I said I do love the feel of the place, the pool, the beach, etc. (and may even miss it this trip!) but some of our party wants to try the AKL so I think that is where we will stay. My little guy wants animals and bunk beds so wish us the best!!

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Thanks guys for the feedback! I'm hoping we just had some unlucky stays and maybe some Mousekeeping that wasn't up to par (especially given that it wasn't like that on our first visit). I will probably stay one day at the Poly again for like I said I do love the feel of the place, the pool, the beach, etc. (and may even miss it this trip!) but some of our party wants to try the AKL so I think that is where we will stay. My little guy wants animals and bunk beds so wish us the best!!

We've got to get around to AKL someday!! When we stay away from the Poly, we always spend some time in the lobby or on the beach with a Dole Whip in hand. Have fun!

 

[carlnix30]

I asked the same thing a few days ago - no replies. Maybe you will get more responses about it than I did. I know from an older thread that not many people have booked them yet since they are relatively new, so maybe that's why?

I've booked mine for the 3-7 slot - how about you?

We booked an all day for 6-3.. I hope it will be worth it.. From reading it says basically free soda and fruit.. The chairs, television and couch look comfy..

Looks like you will be the one to write the first review!! I am jealous!! Congrats..

 

[kaffinito]

We booked an all day for 6-3.. I hope it will be worth it.. From reading it says basically free soda and fruit.. The chairs, television and couch look comfy..

Looks like you will be the one to write the first review!! I am jealous!! Congrats..

Thanks! I plan on posting back here with pics and lots of details. Those chaise lounges look sooo comfy - I'm so looking forward to trying this out - especially during the crazy crowded Spring Break.

Your all day booking sounds like heaven

 

[bluejasmine]

I have a question that I hesitate to ask because I really do like the Poly but on our last two stays the conditions of the room were a little rough. However, the time before that was ok. What I mean by rough is that the halls and rooms had a bit of damage. Water stains, wood that was chipped, the shower head was really low, tile looked like it needed a good cleaning and things were dusty and needed really wiped down (wall woodwork, switches, door knobs, counters, etc..) It was all minor repair stuff IMO and maybe just some better housekeeping and a bit of repairs. So my question is what were your rooms like on your last stay and which Longhouse were you in? Would we have better luck in one over the other? Can I call the resort and tell them about our past experience and would that help in anyway?

I honestly love the grounds, the pool, the ability to see the fireworks, the beach, the daybeds/room size and just the general feel of the resort but the room conditions are what I fear.

I would email the wdw web site, whenever Ive had issues that is what I have done and each and every time I have had a phone call back from the executive office with in a few weeks.

Some of what your describing is going to be normal in a resort that age. Im not sure what LH you were in, I know I read a review like that before going last Sept so I expected to see that but I didnt at all in the Hawaii building.

As far as the low shower head they are all like that b/c thats how it was for us in the Hawaii LH, it was my DH one complaint.

I believe all the LH have been going through a slow refurb, when I was there in Sept they were pulling up carpet, painting, moving furniture out to be refurbished.

If you have a specific builing you like just request it, then when you first get to your room check it out and let the front desk know immediately if there is a problem.

 

[bluejasmine]

Question for all my CL experts:

I sent my ADR request to the Poly IPO two weeks ago and today is my 180 mark, will they send me the itenerary with my ADrs today?

I will admit, Im very antsy, Im so use to doing it myself and I enjoy it but DH said we were paying them for it let them do their job..

Can you keep a secret? I have 2 or 3 that should be easy to get but I have two that are very important to me at a particular date and time, one of them being OHANA on our first night.. I went online and booked that one right at the time I wanted..Am I bad or what??

As soon as IPO gets me the itenerary I will cancel one.. I just was worried about getting that one at a specific time..MK has evening EMH I want my family to be able to enjoy itm, its the only one during our trip..

Anyway the question was how long does it take for IPO to get your itenerary once its your 180 day mark?

 

[sandym718]

Does anyone know anything about the quiet pool renovation?

I'd love to know as well, especially photos!! We're hoping to stay in Tokelau again and we walk by the quiet pool a lot. Should we detour for a more pleasant walk I wonder?