ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Winter 2011 Edition

[JacksMama]

Welcome to the Poly thread You and your family will LOVE the Poly. The atmosphere, the location, the transportation options......heaven ....

NOW....those doggone PINS....it's a solid,............... maybe.hahaha PINS seem to go out alot to the same folks over and over again and others never see them at all. It would be more beneficial to just hope for a public discount code. Have you tried at least a AAA discount? I would suggest joining one of the monthly watcher threads for your month on the discount board up above the regular resort threads. There are people WAY fanatic about watching for discounts as well as travel agents who post teasers when a new discount code is about to be released. HTH

Thanks for the warm welcome and the helpful info! We planned this vaca before we even knew about PINs, so it would just be icing on the cake.

Counting down the days!

 

[dizneechic]

Are there off times for grabbing a snack at the restaurants at the Poly? We'll be doing ADRs but we're big snackers, and when we're hanging out at our hotel we generally like to have a drink and an app. I don't want to feel like I need to make a res, so I'm curious about how busy the late afternoons or early evenings are.

We're also snackers so tend to hit everything at off hours. We found anything in the GCH to be great before 5:00 (when Ohana re opens and the non-poly crowds come flowing in) and CC's was never busy when we hit it mid-afternoon 2-4ish. The few times we did the Kona coffee bar or CC in the AM it was around 7-7:30 and both were walk up / no lines at that point.

 

[jeanylaser]

thanks for the info! I think Polynesian is where going to stay in April 2011!

 

[BreezysMom]

I have to go back and read a few posts...but for now I have to do my 7 months dance......

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

'Ohana is a restaurant in the GCH at the Poly that has a character breakfast and an all-you-can eat non-character dinner.

Here are links to more information and the menu:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=25

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/ohanas/

I just wanted to add their all you can eat dinner is not the same standard buffet you would see at Chef Mickey's, because at Ohana you need to ask for whatever foods you want to eat again. At least with Chef Mickey's you can go up anytime yourself when you want for more food.

 

[sandym718]

We leave home in approx. 40 hours and I should be at my beloved Poly in less than 72 hours!!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I just wanted to add their all you can eat dinner is not the same standard buffet you would see at Chef Mickey's, because at Ohana you need to ask for whatever foods you want to eat again. At least with Chef Mickey's you can go up anytime yourself when you want for more food.

I think this kind of buffet is called "family style," which makes sense, since it's served at 'Ohana which means family.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We leave home in approx. 40 hours and I should be at my beloved Poly in less than 72 hours!!!

Wow! Are you all packed? I hope you have a great spring break at the Poly and WDW.

 

[sandym718]

Wow! Are you all packed? I hope you have a great spring break at the Poly and WDW.

Yep, pretty much!! Getting a mani-pedi tonight. I only work a half day on Thursdays, so I'm meeting some friends for a late lunch tomorrow to get in the vacation mood!!

Thanks!

 

[Missoutandabout]

Only ever had 'Ohana at breakfast.

Is it sort-of Brazilian Churrascaria style in the evening; do they come around with lots of barbequed meats on skewers -- and you get a helping of whatever you'd like?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Yes, the server will bring you all the dishes, meats on a skewer, drinks and dessert. If you want more, just ask!

Ohana's Dinner Adult 5:00pm - 10:00pm - Starters: Pork fried dumplings, Corriander chicken wings, and Mixed Greens with Honey-Lime dressing. Skewers (prepared over an oak fire): Marinated sirloin steak, Asian BBQ pork loin, Mesquite grilled turkey, and non-peeled shrimp. Accompaniments: broccoli and green peas and pad Thai noodles. Sauces: peanut, chimichurri and sweet-and-sour. Dessert: 'Ohana bread pudding a la mode with Banana Foster sauce. Includes coffee, tea and soda. - $30.99

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Yep, pretty much!! Getting a mani-pedi tonight. I only work a half day on Thursdays, so I'm meeting some friends for a late lunch tomorrow to get in the vacation mood!!

Thanks!

WOW! I am tripley(is that a word?) jealous. Mani, pedi, AND Poly. So excited for you. Sip--or slurp!-- a Pina Colava while lounging on the beach listening to the boat horns and MK train whistle and gaze at the castle. I will live vicariously thru you. OH--and don't forget to do some photo sleuthing over at the east pool

 

[maiapapaya]

I have to go back and read a few posts...but for now I have to do my 7 months dance......

Joining you in that dance sista!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

WOW! I am tripley(is that a word?) jealous. Mani, pedi, AND Poly. So excited for you. Sip--or slurp!-- a Pina Colava while lounging on the beach listening to the boat horns and MK train whistle and gaze at the castle. I will live vicariously thru you. OH--and don't forget to do some photo sleuthing over at the east pool

You forgot to remind her about the Lapu Lapu straw scraping

 

[bluejasmine]

Yep, pretty much!! Getting a mani-pedi tonight. I only work a half day on Thursdays, so I'm meeting some friends for a late lunch tomorrow to get in the vacation mood!!

Thanks!

I always get a mani/pedi right before our WDW vacays too! This yr DD almost 15 will be joining me and DH normally gets a pedi before our trips as well, his feet are in steel toed boots so they need it!

 

[maiapapaya]

WOW! I am tripley(is that a word?) jealous. Mani, pedi, AND Poly. So excited for you. Sip--or slurp!-- a Pina Colava while lounging on the beach listening to the boat horns and MK train whistle and gaze at the castle. I will live vicariously thru you. OH--and don't forget to do some photo sleuthing over at the east pool

Having woken up to 4 inches of fresh snow this morning (where the heck did that come from?!) I'd have to agree with Grace&Carolinesmom! Although I did manage to have my own little bit of Poly paradise this afternoon. My plans got cancelled and I have an empty house (a rare occurence) so I soaked in a hot bath with one of my sister's homemade tropical bathmelts (the fragrance of pineapple wafting up through the air) and the Poly loop playing in the background. When I closed my eyes I was almost there ...

 

[Missoutandabout]

You forgot to remind her about the Lapu Lapu straw scraping

I think some Lapu-Straw-Scraping Support Group needs to be formed. Though, I'd imagine meetings would devolve into discussion of various straw-wielding techniques and the best methods for extracting the pineapply-rum goodness.

(Thanks for the 'Ohana info. Tempted to change from Kona to Ohana at dinner now.)

 

[WDWKOOK]

I think some Lapu-Straw-Scraping Support Group needs to be formed. Though, I'd imagine meetings would devolve into discussion of various straw-wielding techniques and the best methods for extracting the pineapply-rum goodness.

(Thanks for the 'Ohana info. Tempted to change from Kona to Ohana at dinner now.)

The LSSSG meetings would devolve no matter what the topic promptly after the second Lapu-Lapu. Remember that cloak of invisibility

Can you do both Kona and 'Ohana? I think everyone should try 'Ohana at least once, and if you can, time it with Wishes and try and get a window seat. But, I'm personally not a big fan of the food. I do love Kona for lunch, they have a great menu and those desserts...

Please note that the Lapu-Lapu is served at lunch!

KONA:
Lunch (Updated: 01/11)

Appetizers/Starter
Lump Crab Cakes - Pan-seared and served with Asian tartar sauce and pineapple relish. - $10.49
Pot Stickers - Wok seared duck dumplings with a creamy ginger-soy sauce. - $7.49
Sticky Wings - Glazed chicken wings with a tangy mustard drizzle and toasted sesame seeds. - $12.99
Soups/Salads
Chicken Noodle Soup - chicken noodle soup - $6.49
Kona Salad - Mixed greens, Maytag blue cheese, fresh fruit, red onions, and smoked almonds with a citrus vinaigrette. - $7.99
Shrimp & Coconut Curry Soup - Shrimp and coconut soup. - $6.99

Entree/Main Course
Angus Chuck Cheeseburger - Char-grilled with your choice of cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese. - $11.99
Asian Noodle Bowl - Spiced beef broth with strip steak, snap peas, carrots, celery, and rice noodles. - $14.99
Beef Teriyaki Salad - Mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes, chives, and cheddar cheese tossed with grilled beef strips in a crispy won ton bowl. - $14.99
Island Chicken Sandwich - Grilled chicken breast with apple-smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, curry mayonnaise, fried onions, on a Kaiser roll and served with sweet potato chips. - $13.49
Kona Club Sandwich - Slow-roasted thinly sliced turkey breast with tomato, avocado, turkey bacon, watercress, and reduced-calorie Sweet-chili mayo on Multigrain bread served with sweet potato chips. - $11.49
Polynesian Plate Lunch: A Traditional Hawaiian Favorite - Your Choice of One of the following: Chicken with Peanut Sauce, Grilled Mahi Mahi, with Ponzu Sauce or Teriyaki Fried Steak with spicy tomato salsa. Served with sticky rice and macaroni salad. - $14.99
Stir-fried Asian Noodles - Asian noodles with sliced chicken and seasonal vegetables. Available as a Vegan Entree for $11.19 - $14.99

Dessert
Coconut Cream Kiki tart - Tart - $5.49
Desserts - Choose from: Banana-chocolate Creme Brulee, White chocolate cheesecake, Kona Kone, Kilauea Torte, Chocolate Fondue, No Sugar Added Apple Stack, or Chocolate Macadamia Nut Tart.

Drinks
Classic Mai Tai - Dark rum, pineapple juice and citrus juices. Also offered at dinner.
Island Sunset - A delicious blend of spiced rum, coconut rum, melon, and peach combined with our guava passion fruit juice.
Kona Cool Sundown - A refreshing blend of vodka, Chambord liqueur, and cranberry juice
Lapu Lapu - Myer's rum, Bacardi 151, orange juice, sour mix. Served in a fresh cut pineapple. Served at lunch and dinner.
Malibu Macaw - A combo of Malibu coconut rum, Midori melon liqueur, and pineapple and cranberry juices.
Non-Alcoholic Specialities - Choose from Espresso $3.49, Cappuccino $3.99, Cafe Latte $3.99, Cafe Mocha $4.49, or Frozen Cappuccino $4.29
Selection of 13 Wines - Choose from a variety of white and red wines. Prices vary.
Smoothies - A creamy blend of tropical juices served frozen. Flavors: Orange-Passion Fruit, Strawberry-Banana or Raspberry.
Specialty Beers - Choose from Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale or Kona Longboard Lager.

 

[sandym718]

WOW! I am tripley(is that a word?) jealous. Mani, pedi, AND Poly. So excited for you. Sip--or slurp!-- a Pina Colava while lounging on the beach listening to the boat horns and MK train whistle and gaze at the castle. I will live vicariously thru you. OH--and don't forget to do some photo sleuthing over at the east pool

Will do!! Really looking forward to the Pina Colava!!

You forgot to remind her about the Lapu Lapu straw scraping

And that too!

I always get a mani/pedi right before our WDW vacays too! This yr DD almost 15 will be joining me and DH normally gets a pedi before our trips as well, his feet are in steel toed boots so they need it!

LOL, my DH wears steel toe boots too, but he'd die before he'd have a pedi, I think! I'll just do DD's nails myself - she's 7, her pampering is getting her hair braided at the GF salon on Saturday!!

Having woken up to 4 inches of fresh snow this morning (where the heck did that come from?!) I'd have to agree with Grace&Carolinesmom! Although I did manage to have my own little bit of Poly paradise this afternoon. My plans got cancelled and I have an empty house (a rare occurence) so I soaked in a hot bath with one of my sister's homemade tropical bathmelts (the fragrance of pineapple wafting up through the air) and the Poly loop playing in the background. When I closed my eyes I was almost there ...

We were lucky enough to miss the snow this round, it's been a loooooong winter. It's just gray and rainy here. Looks like it will be cold most of the time we're gone, too. Can't wait to get away!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I am feeling so deprived...I have NEVER had a Lapu Lapu. I *THINK* about it each trip but I am so in love with the Pina Colava that I can't seem to venture to the pineapple sensation. I slurp up my pina colava so fast I get the cold zing in my throat that reminds me--Hello lady??--drinking too fast--slow down, take your time--ack! I never listen and keep slurping despite the cold zing...until sadly I am left with the "eating of the cherry". At that point, I point to my cup and DH gets me another