ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[LorieDisneyLover]

Got our Mickey Mail yesterday ...

And finalized our flights plans today.

Anyone else going to be there for the 4th of July?

 

[carlnix30]

There's been mixed info about Writer's Stop for several years on and off. I'm not sure if it's really discontinued...but if you're worried because of the carrot cake cookie...no need to fear! They are available from Sunset Sweets on the boulevard heading toward ToT.

That was exactly what I was asking for!! Thank you!

 

[carlnix30]

I'm sorry, maybe that came off terse, I should've worded that better. It's early. I'm not trying to discourage discussion. I just thought that since no one answered you here that maybe you'd get a more definitive answer over there.

No problem! I knew it was just noticed that a few have just returned and I really don't like the mis-information contained in some of the food discussions the dis-ers on this thread are awesome so.. I thought I would try to get it from my peeps!

 

[polyfor4]

Just returned from another magical stay at the poly! I can't imagine staying anywhere else- too bad I don't feel this way about the value resorts $$$! I really think I could have skipped the parks some days just to be at the resort. A couple of observations: we stayed in Samoa and only got the new sea salt bar of soap (the rest of the toiletries were the old version), lotsssss of pool hoppers and no wrist bands were given out but probably this was a result of memorial day weekend, and the monorail did seem to have more problems than usual. Just hoping the rumored refurb doesn't change too much about the resort we like staying at a Disney original- 70's charm and all. I don't know why anyone ever debates about staying at the Poly- the GF can keep its baby grand piano and I'll keep my Dole Whip on demand.

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

Has anyone done online check-in when staying CL? We are arriving early Sunday morning and would like to make rope drop. I'm curious if it would speed the check in process up a little.

 

[carlnix30]

Has anyone done online check-in when staying CL? We are arriving early Sunday morning and would like to make rope drop. I'm curious if it would speed the check in process up a little.

It will speed up the process but you will lose out on checking in at the Hawaii building! We did online check in once and had to go to front desk to get our package. We decided online check in ruined our "special experience" when we arrived! We love our concierge check in process.. It gives us a chance to say hello to Nina, Kathy, and Barb!

 

[MickeyMinnie1971]

It will speed up the process but you will lose out on checking in at the Hawaii building! We did online check in once and had to go to front desk to get our package. We decided online check in ruined our "special experience" when we arrived! We love our concierge check in process.. It gives us a chance to say hello to Nina, Kathy, and Barb!

Thanks! It has been 6 months since we were there and I thought that might have changed. I think I read on the CL thread about someone using online check-in went straight to CL when they arrived. It wasn't the Poly though.

 

[kinggoofy]

Just returned from another magical stay at the poly! I can't imagine staying anywhere else- too bad I don't feel this way about the value resorts $$$! I really think I could have skipped the parks some days just to be at the resort. A couple of observations: we stayed in Samoa and only got the new sea salt bar of soap (the rest of the toiletries were the old version), lotsssss of pool hoppers and no wrist bands were given out but probably this was a result of memorial day weekend, and the monorail did seem to have more problems than usual. Just hoping the rumored refurb doesn't change too much about the resort we like staying at a Disney original- 70's charm and all. I don't know why anyone ever debates about staying at the Poly- the GF can keep its baby grand piano and I'll keep my Dole Whip on demand.

This is very sad to hear about the pool hoppers. I have heard they were actually checking resort ID's during peak times. I would think Memorial Day weekend would be a peak time.

This pool hopping is gonna be an issue for a long time to come until the Poly / Disney honchos set the pool rules in concrete.

 

[Polyonmymind]

I have 2 more days!

 

[hogsfanwife]

Thanks for the map and the info about the walls to the GF. I'll see if the trail is still available. I'd like to take an early morning jog on the days we're going to Epcot since we don't feel the need to be there at rope drop- and I was thinking of rewarding myself after the run with a serving of Tonga Toast

I am so excited I can't stand it! Looking forward to watching wishes form the beach our first night- Is it true the speakers have been cranked up a bit? Last time I couldn't hear the music much- but still enjoyed the view- and the Dole whip

 

[1971DBday]

OK... I've been stalking this thread for MONTHS and I am finally posting. We are checking in at the Poly in 25 days! We have always wanted to stay at the Poly... this will be the first time. We have four children... the youngest is under three. So, we are squeezing into our room. This will be our last shot at the Poly for several years so we thought we better do it now before we don't fit! I've have spent COUNTLESS hours researching and planning... hoping it all pays off as we will be at Disney with four kids under 10 at the hottest and busiest time of the year (YIKES!)

Anyway CANNOT WAIT! and thank you to all of you who have provided me with so much great information!

You will fit just fine in your room! We have 5 in our room, but our kids are older. We are going to be soaking up this trip since our oldest is just two years away from college and panic is really starting to kick in!

Got our Mickey Mail yesterday ...

And finalized our flights plans today.

Anyone else going to be there for the 4th of July?

Not the 4th here, just a few weeks earlier. But congratulations on the Mickey Mail!

Just returned from another magical stay at the poly! I can't imagine staying anywhere else- too bad I don't feel this way about the value resorts $$$! I really think I could have skipped the parks some days just to be at the resort. A couple of observations: we stayed in Samoa and only got the new sea salt bar of soap (the rest of the toiletries were the old version), lotsssss of pool hoppers and no wrist bands were given out but probably this was a result of memorial day weekend, and the monorail did seem to have more problems than usual. Just hoping the rumored refurb doesn't change too much about the resort we like staying at a Disney original- 70's charm and all. I don't know why anyone ever debates about staying at the Poly- the GF can keep its baby grand piano and I'll keep my Dole Whip on demand.

I am not going to let the pool hoppers get to me. I am not going to let the pool hoppers get to me. I am not going to let the pool hoppers get to me. Nope...not working....

Pictures Please!!!! This is what gets all of the addicted folks calm around here.

I have 2 more days!

I have NEVER started packing this late!!!! But usually the warm weather is not here and I can pack away the warm weather clothes much earlier. I feel so disorganized because of this and need to start this weekend, due to a busy next weekend.


Carl - can't wait to see your live feed! Enjoyed the last one!

 

[carlnix30]

Suitcases packed.. Sitting next to front door.. Our driver sent us a text.. Confirming our pick-up. Checked into airlines.. Now I hope I sleep tonight!!

 

[guitarob]

Now I hope I sleep tonight!!

If you find a way to sleep, you'll have to fill us in .

I've tried everything.

Have a safe and magical trip!

 

[disneydreamin247]

Suitcases packed.. Sitting next to front door.. Our driver sent us a text.. Confirming our pick-up. Checked into airlines.. Now I hope I sleep tonight!!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Buckimion]

the monorail did seem to have more problems than usual.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoeY9PzosZ4

 

[PoohsFan1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoeY9PzosZ4

Awww, that was too funny and very cute

 

[nonnasally]

It will speed up the process but you will lose out on checking in at the Hawaii building! We did online check in once and had to go to front desk to get our package. We decided online check in ruined our "special experience" when we arrived! We love our concierge check in process.. It gives us a chance to say hello to Nina, Kathy, and Barb!

Hey Carl and family. Safe journey down. Hope to meet you before we check out Sunday. Doimg smores on the beach Friday night before magic hour in MK.

 

[nadira36]

As a kid I always wanted to stay at the contemporary. The monorail went through it on our way to MK. Nothing was more magical than that mural followed by the first views of the Magic Kingdom.

As we left the parks we passed over the Polynesian, but I really barely noticed it. It looked nice, but it wasn't "WOW!"

But then I grew up and realized the Contemporary wasn't my idea of well, contemporary. Certainly at one time doors that opened on their own were wondrous, but now? meh. For some reason we find it pretentious more than anything.

DH, on the other hand, never went to Disney as a kid. IN far this first trip was OUR first trip with our oldest whens he was 9 months. After that he fell in love with the idea of staying at the Poly. But it wasn't really doable so we stayed elsewhere happily.

Then last trip we booked at CBR for a vacation. And then the specials were announced and It was only going to cost me $500 more to stay at the Poly than at CBR. I weighed the pros and cons, but decided against surprising DH with an upgrade. Instead we talked it over and he reluctantly agreed (he doesn't do change well).

We arrived and it was wonderful. We loved it. Oh there were little things mind you, but it was wonderful. Until we went to Capt Cooks.

That place was horrible! I left in tears b/c the manager was so rude. We vowed never to return. (I also vowed to complain, but I didn't do that).

It also looks like that other vow won't stick since we've booked again! We talked about various options and we settled on purchasing AK DVC. We told our girls and they were beyond upset. "YOu mean we'll never stay at the Polynesian again?!" Needless to say we didn't have the answer they wanted. The Poly was their favourite resort and they couldn't bear to stay anywhere else. So if all goes according to plan, well be back at the Poly in Sept.

 

[carlnix30]

If you find a way to sleep, you'll have to fill us in .

I've tried everything.

Have a safe and magical trip!

Well I did it!! Managed to sleep a whopping 2.5 hours! I am going to needing that kona coffee when we arrive!

Lol, thank you very much!

Have a great trip!!!

Thank you very much!

Hey Carl and family. Safe journey down. Hope to meet you before we check out Sunday. Doimg smores on the beach Friday night before magic hour in MK.

Well I will more than likely see you before we leave! My loft decided to dye their hair so we will be easy to spot. Don't judge.. They are smart cute kids that like to stand out.. So look for my DD17 bright red/pink hair and my DS15 with purple faux mohawk..

As a kid I always wanted to stay at the contemporary. The monorail went through it on our way to MK. Nothing was more magical than that mural followed by the first views of the Magic Kingdom.

As we left the parks we passed over the Polynesian, but I really barely noticed it. It looked nice, but it wasn't "WOW!"

But then I grew up and realized the Contemporary wasn't my idea of well, contemporary. Certainly at one time doors that opened on their own were wondrous, but now? meh. For some reason we find it pretentious more than anything.

DH, on the other hand, never went to Disney as a kid. IN far this first trip was OUR first trip with our oldest whens he was 9 months. After that he fell in love with the idea of staying at the Poly. But it wasn't really doable so we stayed elsewhere happily.

Then last trip we booked at CBR for a vacation. And then the specials were announced and It was only going to cost me $500 more to stay at the Poly than at CBR. I weighed the pros and cons, but decided against surprising DH with an upgrade. Instead we talked it over and he reluctantly agreed (he doesn't do change well).

We arrived and it was wonderful. We loved it. Oh there were little things mind you, but it was wonderful. Until we went to Capt Cooks.

That place was horrible! I left in tears b/c the manager was so rude. We vowed never to return. (I also vowed to complain, but I didn't do that).

It also looks like that other vow won't stick since we've booked again! We talked about various options and we settled on purchasing AK DVC. We told our girls and they were beyond upset. "YOu mean we'll never stay at the Polynesian again?!" Needless to say we didn't have the answer they wanted. The Poly was their favourite resort and they couldn't bear to stay anywhere else. So if all goes according to plan, well be back at the Poly in Sept.

Sorry to hear about your CC incident.. Keep in mind they are STRESSED to the max with the amount of volume and clientele they get each and everyday! Glad to hear your going to give it another go!

 

[1971DBday]

Suitcases packed.. Sitting next to front door.. Our driver sent us a text.. Confirming our pick-up. Checked into airlines.. Now I hope I sleep tonight!!

Every time we go to WDW I am lucky if I get 2 hours!!!! Safe travels and hope to hear from you soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoeY9PzosZ4

This was too funny!!!!!! Great video!