ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[dvczerfs]

ticker check!!!

 

[chattadisser]

Hey neighbor, I have been many times to the new mall and have felt that and wondered what triggered it. The Poly has vibrated since the first time I stayed there in the '90's but I always thought it was when the monorail came thru. We love, love the Poly and even though we tried something new last year and trying something new this year I would rather be staying at the Poly. I hope when they renovate they don't mess it up too bad.

The vibrations actually have to do with the way it was built. Due to hurricane building requirements, buildings have to "give" somewhat and when you combine that with all the people walking at the same time, you can really feel the give. I grew up in FL and the second floor of our high school did this. You could feel it more when everyone was changing classes and walking around at once. Come to think of it, you could also feel the second floor of the mall vibrate. I think its something that you just get used to. Now that I don't live there anymore, when I am someplace, like the GCH that virbrates, it actually makes me feel a little more at home!

 

[cropdocmom]

i have decided to switch res from bay lake tower studios to poly 2 rooms. from my online research, it seems like i should request tahiti lagoon view. is this right? what floor? and tell me about online check in. how do i do that and when and does it improve my chances of getting a good room?tokelau looks like a second choice. i would like a nice view and prefer quiet beach. advice please. also when /if should i do luau? i am using a travel agent in my city. is there an easy other way to book next time. i tried calling myself and got frustrated with talking to a machine! and their website comes up with writing on top of writing on my new mac computer, anyone else have this problem? thanks!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

So is this really happening? Is the Poly completely changing? I thought there were just rumors out there right now. If it is getting a complete refurb, I should probably consider staying somewhere else in July 2013 - as I am sure it would not be complete by then. Boo!

These are all just rumors at this point. No need to panic....BUT, it is always good practice to research and have a second and third choice resort in mind. There is always a chance of rooms going out of service, lack of availability of discounts(if needed), etc., that could cause you to need or want another resort for your vacation. I am hoping for a WDW vacay in summer 2014 so I already have my list made in case of closures:

1--POLY!!!!!
2--GF
3--CR or WL

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Spoisal - So far it is just a rumor and I would continue in the path you have set. Wait until WDW say something and the rumor says start of the project would likely be fall 2013. A project, if as stated would maybe take 6 months or more. Fall to Spring?

 

[Carrie772]

So is this really happening? Is the Poly completely changing? I thought there were just rumors out there right now. If it is getting a complete refurb, I should probably consider staying somewhere else in July 2013 - as I am sure it would not be complete by then. Boo!

These are all just rumors at this point. No need to panic....BUT, it is always good practice to research and have a second and third choice resort in mind. There is always a chance of rooms going out of service, lack of availability of discounts(if needed), etc., that could cause you to need or want another resort for your vacation. I am hoping for a WDW vacay in summer 2014 so I already have my list made in case of closures:

1--POLY!!!!!
2--GF
3--CR or WL

I agree! I want to be on the monorail no matter what and I also want to be able to cruise past the Poly and scope out whatever would be going on!

Spoisal - So far it is just a rumor and I would continue in the path you have set. Wait until WDW say something and the rumor says start of the project would likely be fall 2013. A project, if as stated would maybe take 6 months or more. Fall to Spring?

I misspoke. It is a rumor but I have justified the thought in my mind that if/when there is a change I will be okay with it. You know, the more you talk about and think about changes the easier they are to take. That's all.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

i have decided to switch res from bay lake tower studios to poly 2 rooms. from my online research, it seems like i should request tahiti lagoon view. is this right? what floor?
Tahiti is a great longhouse but lagoon view is a bookable category. There are other longhouses with lagoon view as well so Tahiti is not a given(just a request). Tahiti also has garden view rooms as well as theme park view rooms. Great longhouse near the TTC with bigger rooms. Note lagoon side rooms will have some noise with the sliders open given the boat/ferry horns if that is a concern.

and tell me about online check in. how do i do that and when and does it improve my chances of getting a good room?
Online check-in does not improve/change your chances of getting your room requests. It just typically speeds up the check-in process. You would get an email apx 10 days before your departure date to complete the process.

tokelau looks like a second choice. i would like a nice view and prefer quiet beach.
Tokelau is a great longhouse. Nice garden views on each side and only a few rooms with lagoon view here at the very end next to Tahiti and Hawaii longhouses. Both Tahiti beach and the beach next to Aotearoa and Figi are very quiet. If booking a GV room category, a request for either of those longhouses will also put you near a quiet beach. Given that Poly is a pretty compact resort, it is not a far walk to anything. Given your criteria IF booking garden view, I would request "beach or marina view please". This would most likely put you in Figi (either side) or Aotearoa beach side.....both are mostly GV rooms. Aotearoa has some TPV rooms but again, that is a bookable category.I highly suggest checking out tikiman's Poly website. Great info on each longhouse location, views, pros/cons, etc. just google those two words and it will pop up

advice please. also when /if should i do luau? i am using a travel agent in my city. is there an easy other way to book next time.
I have never done the luau but plan to next time. I have never used a travel agent but always book thru Disney by calling the central reservations line. I always talk to a real person....after answering several automated prompts that get you to the right agent.

i tried calling myself and got frustrated with talking to a machine! and their website comes up with writing on top of writing on my new mac computer, anyone else have this problem? thanks!

Good luck planning!

 

[Kimi313]

We are both speaking of Parkway

Yes, Parkway, love Christmas shopping there.

The vibrations actually have to do with the way it was built. Due to hurricane building requirements, buildings have to "give" somewhat and when you combine that with all the people walking at the same time, you can really feel the give. I grew up in FL and the second floor of our high school did this. You could feel it more when everyone was changing classes and walking around at once. Come to think of it, you could also feel the second floor of the mall vibrate. I think its something that you just get used to. Now that I don't live there anymore, when I am someplace, like the GCH that virbrates, it actually makes me feel a little more at home!

Thank you for the info, I did not realize it was due to hurricane building requirements, interesting.

 

[Tebrown96]

Yay, down to the single digits!! Just 9 more days until we're at WDW and the Poly!
I am starting to stress, though, and am hoping somone here can calm me down a bit. We land at MCO on the 5th at 1:45 PM (if all goes well and our flight is on time). We have reservations for Mickey's Backyard BBQ that night, since the Thursday night was sold out when we were making our ADRs. I know you shouldn't book a credit-card hold reservation for arrival night, since who knows what can go wrong, but it's just the way it worked out. But, now I am really nervous that we won't make it!

We are doing the Magical Express, and have heard it can take anywhere from 1 - 3 hours to get to your destination from the time you land. And then we need to check in. And then make our way from Poly to Fort Wilderness - how do we do that? How long does that take? Anybody have calming words for me that it will all be okay? Thanks!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Yay, down to the single digits!! Just 9 more days until we're at WDW and the Poly!
I am starting to stress, though, and am hoping somone here can calm me down a bit. We land at MCO on the 5th at 1:45 PM (if all goes well and our flight is on time). We have reservations for Mickey's Backyard BBQ that night, since the Thursday night was sold out when we were making our ADRs. I know you shouldn't book a credit-card hold reservation for arrival night, since who knows what can go wrong, but it's just the way it worked out. But, now I am really nervous that we won't make it!

We are doing the Magical Express, and have heard it can take anywhere from 1 - 3 hours to get to your destination from the time you land. And then we need to check in. And then make our way from Poly to Fort Wilderness - how do we do that? How long does that take? Anybody have calming words for me that it will all be okay? Thanks!

Hi! We check into Poly on the 5th too!! It has never taken us 3 hours to get to the resort via ME. 1 1/2 at the most when there was a long line. If you're that nervous--I have hired Tiffany Town Car service and it was $60 one way.

Check in normally takes 5-10 minutes. I would take the boat to the Magic Kingdom, then take the boat that goes to Ft. Wilderness. I think you'll be fine!

 

[cobbler]

What time is the BBQ? I think if it starts at 6 you'll be fine. You might look into renting a car. I just booked mine from Alamo and for a 4 nights (next weekend) & I got an intermediate for $58. To me that's worth it.

From the Poly to Fort Wilderness is going to be a bit more tricky. You'll need to get over to the MK and then transfer to FW. The best bet would be the boat as I think the BBQ is in the settlement area and not the outpost. The boat drops off at the settlement area. But I do believe it shares with the Contemporary too.

I would imagine you'll be spending all the time from the time your plane lands getting to WDW, checking in and then immediately going for the BBQ. I think you'll have time but there may not be much of a cushion, depending on ME and transportation to FW.

 

[Spoisal]

These are all just rumors at this point. No need to panic....BUT, it is always good practice to research and have a second and third choice resort in mind. There is always a chance of rooms going out of service, lack of availability of discounts(if needed), etc., that could cause you to need or want another resort for your vacation. I am hoping for a WDW vacay in summer 2014 so I already have my list made in case of closures:

1--POLY!!!!!
2--GF
3--CR or WL

I don't think having a 2nd or 3rd (or 4th choice in my case) is going to be a problem - I am a habitual resort changer anyway! haha! Grace&Carolinesmom - Your choices look a good bit like mine!

 

[mamatobbg]

Hi all!

I hope it's ok if I just barge in here with a question!! We're staying at the Poly next month. Does anyone know the depth of the pools?

Also, are the pools open (with lifeguards) until 12am in May??

 

[stefani_]

Since GF is largely out of consideration since I found out about the construction, I've been thinking of booking the Poly for a night or two of our vacation. The sink situation perplexes me though... how is it that a deluxe resort has only one sink (for the majority of longhouses/rooms, as I understand it)?? The double sink is huge for my mom and I haha... it was one of many perks we appreciated when switching from Value to Moderate last year. I have read that Tahiti and Rapa Nui have rooms with double sinks but those are located rather far from GCH, such as Niue, Raratonga, Samoa or Tonga. Also, which buildings are the balconies located in and are they available for Standard rooms? Thanks

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Since GF is largely out of consideration since I found out about the construction, I've been thinking of booking the Poly for a night or two of our vacation. The sink situation perplexes me though... how is it that a deluxe resort has only one sink (for the majority of longhouses/rooms, as I understand it)?? The double sink is huge for my mom and I haha... it was one of many perks we appreciated when switching from Value to Moderate last year. I have read that Tahiti and Rapa Nui have rooms with double sinks but those are located rather far from GCH, such as Niue, Raratonga, Samoa or Tonga. Also, which buildings are the balconies located in and are they available for Standard rooms? Thanks

The sink situation is an inconvenience for some--yes(we actually like the one sink cuz it makes for lots of counter space) but there is always a work-around To increase your chances of getting two sinks, I would definitely suggest requesting Tahiti. Distance is really not an issue at Poly. Compared to mods and values, it is quite compact. On the map it may seem far away from the GCH but in reality, the walk is about 4 minutes tops. The walkways are so beautiful with all the tropical foliage and tiki torches.

Regarding balconies, the older longhouses have patios first floor and balconies on the 3rd floor. Nuie is the exception as it is only 2 floors so no thrird floor balcony--LOL. Tokelau, Rapa Nui, and Tahiti have patios first floor and balconies on the second and third floors. These longhouses also have slightly larger rooms that accomodate an extra padded armchair as well....which is awesome The garden views(GV rooms are what you are terming standard I think) at Poly are really lovely so you should have no trouble. If you are wanting a GV room with balcony and hopefully 2 sinks, definitely request Tahiti.

Good luck with your decision. I know what a disappointment it is for everyone who wants to stay at GF but the construction is getting too intrusive. If the roles were reversed and Poly were under construction, GF would be my first choice alternative

 

[kimberwee]

Shameless (under 2 weeks to go) ticker check...

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Yay, down to the single digits!! Just 9 more days until we're at WDW and the Poly!
I am starting to stress, though, and am hoping somone here can calm me down a bit. We land at MCO on the 5th at 1:45 PM (if all goes well and our flight is on time). We have reservations for Mickey's Backyard BBQ that night, since the Thursday night was sold out when we were making our ADRs. I know you shouldn't book a credit-card hold reservation for arrival night, since who knows what can go wrong, but it's just the way it worked out. But, now I am really nervous that we won't make it!

We are doing the Magical Express, and have heard it can take anywhere from 1 - 3 hours to get to your destination from the time you land. And then we need to check in. And then make our way from Poly to Fort Wilderness - how do we do that? How long does that take? Anybody have calming words for me that it will all be okay? Thanks!

We are planning on doing MBYBBQ on our arrival night as well. I know it is a bit of a risk but it is what works best for our schedule and I think it will be a great way to kick of our vacation. DS will get to see Mickey and Goofy right away, DD will get unlimited Mickey bars, and DH will get beer by the pitcher

I'm not sure if this will be any quicker than going via MK but our plan was to monorail to Contemporary and boat to Ft. Wilderness from there.

Shameless (under 2 weeks to go) ticker check...

Yay

190 days until we arrive at the Poly for the first time, but only 10 days until I can make ADR's.

 

[carlnix30]

Yay, down to the single digits!! Just 9 more days until we're at WDW and the Poly!
I am starting to stress, though, and am hoping somone here can calm me down a bit. We land at MCO on the 5th at 1:45 PM (if all goes well and our flight is on time). We have reservations for Mickey's Backyard BBQ that night, since the Thursday night was sold out when we were making our ADRs. I know you shouldn't book a credit-card hold reservation for arrival night, since who knows what can go wrong, but it's just the way it worked out. But, now I am really nervous that we won't make it!

We are doing the Magical Express, and have heard it can take anywhere from 1 - 3 hours to get to your destination from the time you land. And then we need to check in. And then make our way from Poly to Fort Wilderness - how do we do that? How long does that take? Anybody have calming words for me that it will all be okay? Thanks!

I can say that at no time has it taken us 1-3 hours to get to the poly from the airport! Magical express is really great! To save lots of time make sure you use the magical express for your bags!(put the little colorful bar code tags that came with your package on your bags) you will not have to claim your bags when you arrive and they will be in your room when your done with the BBQ! We use a limo service when we go now but magical express is really seemless! It will take you probably a max of one hour to get to the poly..

 

[c0pperboom]

Hi everyone! I am arriving at the Poly on May 28th and I was looking into booking a cabana for my mom for the Friday we will be there! I was wondering where I should call to make that reservation? Do I call the reservation line? Or is there a number to the resort I could call and book it in advance?
Thanks!

 

[dvczerfs]

Shameless (under 2 weeks to go) ticker check...

ticker check!!!!!!
im the guy on the left, if you see me walking around, just come up and say hi and tell me who you are so my wife dont punch me! ill be there with my wife tammy and my dd19.