ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[wdwnut61]

Time always goes by so slowly in the events leading up to a Disney trip, but then when you're there, it flies by!!

So true

So, DH and I are on a mini vacation with DD to celebrate her first "spring break" (she is in Pre-K)

We are staying at a Crowne Plaza (not even a very nice one) and she was freaking out (excited) about the elevator, using a key card and just the room in general. You would think that we have never been anywhere......I think she is just getting to an age where she understands what a vacation really is.

We are heading to a Great Wolf Lodge for tonight so she will REALLY get a kick out of that.

Anyway, the entire time, DH and I are smiling from ear to ear because of the upcoming Disney trip. If she thinks this is nice, then the Poly will blow her mind.

Are you talking about Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos? If so my hair dresser loves to take her little one there

Your DD is going to the Poly

 

[Alli76]

Ahh been so long since I have been on the board here.. Just got back from a family trip to Puerto Rico. We had a great time! But sooo different from our Disney trips. I did so little planning beforehand - having some ideas - but generally jsut "winging" it! That is SO unlike my Disney mindset. On the plane ride how I was already starting to plan our next Poly/Disney trip in my mind! Probably late next April or early May! Never too early to start planning - right?

 

[dbaker375]

Hi there,

I'm considering booking the Poly for a short Anniversary trip for 3 or 4 nights.

Thought about doing CL but budget limits us to Garden View CL.

Has anybody stayed GV CL before at POLY? How "bad" is the view?

It adds an extra $400 on to the room charges. I was thinking of then getting rid of the Dining Plan.

Thoughts or advice are most welcome!!

 

[princssdisnygina]

Hi there,

I'm considering booking the Poly for a short Anniversary trip for 3 or 4 nights.

Thought about doing CL but budget limits us to Garden View CL.

Has anybody stayed GV CL before at POLY? How "bad" is the view?

It adds an extra $400 on to the room charges. I was thinking of then getting rid of the Dining Plan.

Thoughts or advice are most welcome!!

I have stayed GV CL. I loved it! Of course I love TPV CL better but who wouldn't? BUT... let me say this... IF you aren't going to utilize the food/snacks/beverages that are offered on a daily basis and are going to spend most of your time at the parks I would NOT give up the dining plan just to stay CL. I think the dining plan will be much better for you. And with a short trip you may not get to enjoy it as much. I love CL but for a short trip I wouldn't do it unless I was going to spend time there!

 

[carlnix30]

Hi there,

I'm considering booking the Poly for a short Anniversary trip for 3 or 4 nights.

Thought about doing CL but budget limits us to Garden View CL.

Has anybody stayed GV CL before at POLY? How "bad" is the view?

It adds an extra $400 on to the room charges. I was thinking of then getting rid of the Dining Plan.

Thoughts or advice are most welcome!!

Hmm.. There really is not a "bad" view in CL. There is a couple rooms that have a tree or a bush directly in front of the patio door. But if I were staying CL garden view I would ASK for those rooms. I like my privacy.

I would not cancel the dining plan. Maybe downgrade to QS dining instead of regular dining! We are trying it this year, not because of the minuscule offerings in CL but I think we will do better paying OOP for TS meals and letting the teen monsters graze on QS plan. I will let you know.
CL Hawaii building is in a great location and the staff is fabulous! That is why we stay CL.

 

[dbaker375]

Thanks for the advice!

I was thinking that a good breakfast would hold us over until the afternoon snacks and then pay OOP for a dinner. We really only need one nice TS dinner for our anniversary which also happens to be DH birthday. So, that's where my thought process was going as to not doing the dining plan and going CL.

MY DH is not a big Park fan, so, I envision us doing the pool and relaxing just as much as the Parks. So, that's also a reason why I was thinking CL was because of the location of the Hawaii longhouse.

 

[carlnix30]

Thanks for the advice!

I was thinking that a good breakfast would hold us over until the afternoon snacks and then pay OOP for a dinner. We really only need one nice TS dinner for our anniversary which also happens to be DH birthday. So, that's where my thought process was going as to not doing the dining plan and going CL.

MY DH is not a big Park fan, so, I envision us doing the pool and relaxing just as much as the Parks. So, that's also a reason why I was thinking CL was because of the location of the Hawaii longhouse.

I think you are going in the right direction! Kind of sad your DH is not a park fan! I could not imagine waking up and not running to the park for the rest of the day! Gotta be there.. MK EP HS AK.. it doesn't matter which one!

 

[dbaker375]

I think you are going in the right direction! Kind of sad your DH is not a park fan! I could not imagine waking up and not running to the park for the rest of the day! Gotta be there.. MK EP HS AK.. it doesn't matter which one!

I KNOW! I am a Park person all the way! Rope drop even!!!
Had to learn how to take an afternoon break! I'm hoping that this trip just the two of us will help him learn to embrace and love the Magic! Right now he just tolerates it.

 

[carlnix30]

I KNOW! I am a Park person all the way! Rope drop even!!!
Had to learn how to take an afternoon break! I'm hoping that this trip just the two of us will help him learn to embrace and love the Magic! Right now he just tolerates it.

Poly will do it for him! If he wants to hang at the resort.. You might want to look at renting a private cabana for half or all day. The regular cabanas are like a 5 minute walk to TTC or Hawaii building! If your husband asks CL staff in the lounge they will give him free beer all day! He just has to ask and he gets up to two beers at a time all day! The longboard beer is pretty good!

 

[trailmix71]

Is there a place or method by which guests at the Polynesian can print something off the internet? Explanation: We may order tickets online for Universal Studios and print the e-tickets. We are not 100% if we will go to Universal, but if we do we would like to order beforehand.

Also, if there is a charge for wifi use, how much is the cost?

Thanks!

 

[Venomhatch]

Is there a place or method by which guests at the Polynesian can print something off the internet? Explanation: We may order tickets online for Universal Studios and print the e-tickets. We are not 100% if we will go to Universal, but if we do we would like to order beforehand.

Also, if there is a charge for wifi use, how much is the cost?

Thanks!

I don't know of a place to print, but the concierge can help set that up for you. Also WiFi is free, you just have to agree to their terms every time you reconnect to it.

 

[carlnix30]

Is there a place or method by which guests at the Polynesian can print something off the internet? Explanation: We may order tickets online for Universal Studios and print the e-tickets. We are not 100% if we will go to Universal, but if we do we would like to order beforehand.

Also, if there is a charge for wifi use, how much is the cost?

Thanks!

The best bet to print off the Internet is to go to contemporary resort business center. There is not a wifi enabled printer at the poly. So even if you get on the Internet there would be no printer to print to. so contemporary would be your best bet.
If you are going to buy universal park tickets online, you can pick them up at will call at universal gate.

As venomhatch said wifi is free.

 

[plwheel]

We spent 9 days at the Poly last year, had a great time but fully intended not to go back to Disney this year. Well, we booked the same time this year and for the first time have free dining. We had so much fun last year and are looking forward to relaxing at the resort more this year. Can't wait!

The Poly's not perfect but it's such a great experience ... we felt like we were on vacation somewhere relaxing, tropical, and isn't that's what it's all about? I feel sorry for the people who pick a Holiday Inn or a regular hotel ... Disney does such a nice job delivering a fully immersive experience.

We spent so much time hanging at the Great Ceremonial House that we only purchased 7 day tickets this time instead of tickets for the full 9 day. Can't wait to get back to the Poly. I'll post some pictures from last year soon.

I'm curious if there are any reports of new things to do since last year...is the new Fantasyland open? New/revamped rides? What's the new drink sensation and the new food sensation? Have they updated the menu at Captain Cook's? It got old quickly, but we loved Kona Island sushi and Kona grill.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Is there a place at the Poly where we can see the fireworks at M.K.? Someone recommended watching the fireworks at the beach at the Poly?

We are staying at the beach club. I have ressies for CRT at 9:25 one evening and we will miss the fireworks due to this ressie. We only have three park days and I am trying to fit everything in!

Any help would be awesome!

 

[princssdisnygina]

We spent 9 days at the Poly last year, had a great time but fully intended not to go back to Disney this year. Well, we booked the same time this year and for the first time have free dining. We had so much fun last year and are looking forward to relaxing at the resort more this year. Can't wait!

The Poly's not perfect but it's such a great experience ... we felt like we were on vacation somewhere relaxing, tropical, and isn't that's what it's all about? I feel sorry for the people who pick a Holiday Inn or a regular hotel ... Disney does such a nice job delivering a fully immersive experience.

We spent so much time hanging at the Great Ceremonial House that we only purchased 7 day tickets this time instead of tickets for the full 9 day. Can't wait to get back to the Poly. I'll post some pictures from last year soon.

I'm curious if there are any reports of new things to do since last year...is the new Fantasyland open? New/revamped rides? What's the new drink sensation and the new food sensation? Have they updated the menu at Captain Cook's? It got old quickly, but we loved Kona Island sushi and Kona grill.

Part of the new Fantasyland opened just a week ago and a little more should open by the time you go. Everything else is pretty much the same.

Is there a place at the Poly where we can see the fireworks at M.K.? Someone recommended watching the fireworks at the beach at the Poly?

We are staying at the beach club. I have ressies for CRT at 9:25 one evening and we will miss the fireworks due to this ressie. We only have three park days and I am trying to fit everything in!

Any help would be awesome!

Yes you can watch the fireworks from the beach at the Poly. Or you can watch it from the observation deck at the Contemporary. There are a few locations you can view it from!

 

[maiapapaya]

Part of the new Fantasyland opened just a week ago and a little more should open by the time you go. Everything else is pretty much the same.

To expand on what pricssdisnygina said, Dumbo (one spinner), the Great Goofini (re-themed Barnstormer) and the Fantasyland roundhouse train station are now open. The Little Mermaid and the Beauty & the Beast section are supposed to be open later in 2012, but there are no definite dates yet.
There's some great pictures on these blogs:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/03/storybook_circus_soft_opening.html

http://land.allears.net/blogs/debwills/2012/03/storybook_circus_fantasyland_e_1.html

Can't wait to see it! And really hoping that Be Our Guest Restaurant is open for our visit in late October!

 

[KAA1972]

Can someone who has stayed Club Level at Poly recently give me an update on the morning snacks and mid-day snacks or evening snacks? We are doing Hoop Dee Do and Luau so we won't even be there for two of the four nights of snacks. Just more curious about mid-day snacks.

I read some really bad reviews on allears.net and I can't decide if I want to switch to regular garden view from club level.

Thoughts??


Thanks!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Hi there,

I'm considering booking the Poly for a short Anniversary trip for 3 or 4 nights.

Thought about doing CL but budget limits us to Garden View CL.

Has anybody stayed GV CL before at POLY? How "bad" is the view?

It adds an extra $400 on to the room charges. I was thinking of then getting rid of the Dining Plan.

Thoughts or advice are most welcome!!

This was our CL GV room last May ...

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Can someone who has stayed Club Level at Poly recently give me an update on the morning snacks and mid-day snacks or evening snacks? We are doing Hoop Dee Do and Luau so we won't even be there for two of the four nights of snacks. Just more curious about mid-day snacks.

I read some really bad reviews on allears.net and I can't decide if I want to switch to regular garden view from club level.

Thoughts??


Thanks!

This is usually the offerings (from Tikiman's website):

Kakahiaka (morning service) 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. offering muffins and pastries, tropical fruit, cereal, milk, orange juice, pineapple guava juice, ice tea, coffee drinks and hot chocolate from the new coffee machine, glass bottles of water, and toasters are available. Yogurt available as well as other items by request. Just ask at the counter.

Auinala (afternoon service) 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. offering fruit juice, bottled water, soda, ice tea, cookies, tropical fruit, and candys such as gummi sharks.

Ahiahi (evening service) 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. offering different themes each day.

Monday evening offerings
• California sushi roll
• Vegetable sushi roll
• Wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce
• Kona salad*
• Variety of three cheeses served with fruits and berries
• Pineapple with caramel dip*
• Hummus and pita bread
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Assortment of crudite individually served with ranch dip
Baby carrots with tops, cucumbers and celery

Tuesday evening offerings
• Pork Skewers with Luau BBQ sauce*
• Fried vegetable wrap with Tzatziki sauce*
• Chilled Banana and coconut soup*
• Variety of three cheeses served with fruits and berries
• Pineapple with caramel dip*
• Hummus and pita bread
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Assortment of crudite individually served with ranch dip
Baby carrots with tops, cucumbers and celery

Wednesday evening offerings
• Kona sticky wings
• Steamed Pork dumplings with sweet chili sauce*
• Luau salad served with mixed greens, mandarin oranges and mango poppy seed dressing
• Variety of three cheeses served with fruits and berries
• Pineapple with caramel dip*
• Hummus and pita bread
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Assortment of crudite individually served with ranch dip
Baby carrots with tops, cucumbers and celery

Thursday evening offerings
• Vegetable spring rolls with oriental hot mustard*
• Crab rangoons with sweet chili sauce*
• Chilled canapés*
• Variety of three cheeses served with fruits and berries
• Pineapple with caramel dip*
• Hummus and pita bread
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Assortment of crudite individually served with ranch dip
Baby carrots with tops, cucumbers and celery

Friday evening offerings
• Bacon wrapped ginger chicken with sweet chili sauce*
• Cocktail meatballs with ‘Ohana mustard sauce and BBQ sauce*
• Kim Chee*
• Variety of three cheeses served with fruits and berries
• Pineapple with caramel dip*
• Hummus and pita bread
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Assortment of crudite individually served with ranch dip
Baby carrots with tops, cucumbers and celery

Saturday evening offerings
• Barbecue pulled pork on Asian spoon
• Scallop bacon wraps with ‘Ohana mustard sauce*
• Chilled pineapple vegetable soup*
• Variety of three cheeses served with fruits and berries
• Pineapple with caramel dip*
• Hummus and pita bread
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Assortment of crudite individually served with ranch dip
Baby carrots with tops, cucumbers and celery

Sunday evening offerings
• Chicken satay with teriyaki sauce*
• Steamed duck pot stickers with cream soy sauce*
• Asian spoon cole slaw
• Variety of three cheeses served with fruits and berries
• Pineapple with caramel dip*
• Hummus and pita bread
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Assortment of crudite individually served with ranch dip
Baby carrots with tops, cucumbers and celery

Aumoe (late evening service) 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. offering wine and cheese as well as cordials and desserts.

Sodas and water are usually available 24 hours. A selection of beer and wine is also available by request.

 

[disneydreamin247]

Can someone who has stayed Club Level at Poly recently give me an update on the morning snacks and mid-day snacks or evening snacks? We are doing Hoop Dee Do and Luau so we won't even be there for two of the four nights of snacks. Just more curious about mid-day snacks.

I read some really bad reviews on allears.net and I can't decide if I want to switch to regular garden view from club level.

Thoughts??


Thanks!

Afternoon snacks are usually cookies and something like gummy bears or goldfish crackers. Nothing extravagant.