ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: January 2012

[Tinkerbellie16]

I hope I don't miss having a hot tub too much at the POLY.....I'm thinking Oct should still be warm enough that it won't be a huge issue! would sure be nice if they would add one though, it is as DELUXE resort afterall!

We were there last October (smack in the middle) and it was plenty warm enough to enjoy the pools. We didn't miss a hot tub (but I agree, for a deluxe resort, they should have one).

My Family And I Will Be Arriving At The Polynesian On October 6th!!!
My thoughts?:

I recommend renting a cabana for a half or full day. We did a full day cabana rental (not the deluxe cabana, just one of the regular ones) and it was AWESOME!!!! The lounge chairs are like clouds and it is so nice having your own shade, table, chairs, refrigerator, drinks, fruit, and a TV. LOVED IT!!!!

DD showing off the fridge:

DD showing off our table: (I don't have a picture of our fruit plate but I've seen pictures of it elsewhere on the DIS - it's a HUGE amount of fruit - more like a platter)

Picture of uber-comfy lounge chairs:

Signing off shortly so I can get up for my early flight to MCO. Headed to BCV & Poly!!!!! Can't wait for my Tropical Macaw!!!

Yeah!!! Have so much fun


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And about those monorail hours... Right before we left on our trip last October, they decided to restrict the monorail to close one hour after park closing which meant you would take the boat or bus after MNSSHP or EMH but we were surprised to find this on our MNSSHP night:

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Wish I was theeeeeeeerrrrrrrrreeeeeee

 

[chimo2u]

Hi Tinkerbelle16 Thanks for the pool confirmation that I shouldn't miss that hot tub in Sept/Oct!! I think if this was a winter trip, I'd definitely be thinking of somewhere else for the hottub,but I agree with you....I think we should be fine, and I am very much looking forward to trying the POLY for my first time! I think I may take your advice and book a Cabana for a half day (10-2) for our " hopeful MNSSHP day" it will be nice to spend the morning relaxing before heading to MK for the party

any particular regular cabana you'd recommend over the other?

 

[disneydreamin247]

Hi Tinkerbelle16 Thanks for the pool confirmation that I shouldn't miss that hot tub in Sept/Oct!! I think if this was a winter trip, I'd definitely be thinking of somewhere else for the hottub,but I agree with you....I think we should be fine, and I am very much looking forward to trying the POLY for my first time! I think I may take your advice and book a Cabana for a half day (10-2) for our " hopeful MNSSHP day" it will be nice to spend the morning relaxing before heading to MK for the party

any particular regular cabana you'd recommend over the other?

We did the cabana on our MNSSHO day and it was FABULOUS! I prefer Mauna Kea. I feel like I can keep an eye on DS better from there than the other one. Just my two cents!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Hi Tinkerbelle16 Thanks for the pool confirmation that I shouldn't miss that hot tub in Sept/Oct!! I think if this was a winter trip, I'd definitely be thinking of somewhere else for the hottub,but I agree with you....I think we should be fine, and I am very much looking forward to trying the POLY for my first time! I think I may take your advice and book a Cabana for a half day (10-2) for our " hopeful MNSSHP day" it will be nice to spend the morning relaxing before heading to MK for the party

any particular regular cabana you'd recommend over the other?

We did the cabana on our MNSSHO day and it was FABULOUS! I prefer Mauna Kea. I feel like I can keep an eye on DS better from there than the other one. Just my two cents!

Agreed on Mauna Kea! We got to the attendant first that morning and our name was actually on Mauna Loa but he said we were there first and got to pick. While they are located 'next' to each other, Mauna Kea was nearer the pool with the two chairs on the side (you can see them as black wicker in my picture) faced the pool (through the landscaping). It was also bit set back from the stairs vs. Mauna Loa. You share the stairs with the other cabana. But either one is still fantastic! I did try to call in advance to request Mauna Kea but they wouldn't let me. Just show up first! I showed up almost 30 minutes prior to our time (at 9:30) and the other cabana folks were actually right behind us in line (they showed up maybe 5 minutes after us). So I'm glad I got there early. They also let us in the cabana early too. It's definitely a nice rest in an otherwise GO GO GO vacation

 

[disneydreamin247]

Agreed on Mauna Kea! We got to the attendant first that morning and our name was actually on Mauna Loa but he said we were there first and got to pick. While they are located 'next' to each other, Mauna Kea was nearer the pool with the two chairs on the side (you can see them as black wicker in my picture) faced the pool (through the landscaping). It was also bit set back from the stairs vs. Mauna Loa. You share the stairs with the other cabana. But either one is still fantastic! I did try to call in advance to request Mauna Kea but they wouldn't let me. Just show up first! I showed up almost 30 minutes prior to our time (at 9:30) and the other cabana folks were actually right behind us in line (they showed up maybe 5 minutes after us). So I'm glad I got there early. They also let us in the cabana early too. It's definitely a nice rest in an otherwise GO GO GO vacation

I requested Mauna Kea through IPO. Hopefully they were able to notate it. If not we will be there a few minutes before 10. Last year we were about 15 minutes early so I let my DS go in the pool and I sat and waited for our cabana. No one else had rented the other one so I was in luck. I chose Mauna Kea and loved it. Another family eventually came and checked out the other cabana and ended up renting it for the day. I may look at our budget and consider an additional cabana day!

 

[crostorfer]

We were there last October (smack in the middle) and it was plenty warm enough to enjoy the pools. We didn't miss a hot tub (but I agree, for a deluxe resort, they should have one).



I recommend renting a cabana for a half or full day. We did a full day cabana rental (not the deluxe cabana, just one of the regular ones) and it was AWESOME!!!! The lounge chairs are like clouds and it is so nice having your own shade, table, chairs, refrigerator, drinks, fruit, and a TV. LOVED IT!!!!

DD showing off the fridge:

DD showing off our table: (I don't have a picture of our fruit plate but I've seen pictures of it elsewhere on the DIS - it's a HUGE amount of fruit - more like a platter)

Picture of uber-comfy lounge chairs:

Yeah!!! Have so much fun


-----------------------------------------------------
And about those monorail hours... Right before we left on our trip last October, they decided to restrict the monorail to close one hour after park closing which meant you would take the boat or bus after MNSSHP or EMH but we were surprised to find this on our MNSSHP night:

Your daughter and my daughter could be twins, LOL.

 

[padawans]

Hi Tinkerbelle16 Thanks for the pool confirmation that I shouldn't miss that hot tub in Sept/Oct!! I think if this was a winter trip, I'd definitely be thinking of somewhere else for the hottub,but I agree with you....I think we should be fine, and I am very much looking forward to trying the POLY for my first time! I think I may take your advice and book a Cabana for a half day (10-2) for our " hopeful MNSSHP day" it will be nice to spend the morning relaxing before heading to MK for the party

any particular regular cabana you'd recommend over the other?

I think you will be ok without the hot tub. We did use the hot tub at the BW everyday the first week of Oct. That had a lot to do the BW pool heater being broken. We have had problems with our resort pool on our last 3 trips.Since we are staying at 4 or possibly five resorts next trip. I am hoping at least some of the pools are working properly. The Cabanas look nice. How much do they cost? Have you checked yet?

 

[sandym718]

Hi all! Here now. Poly is gorgeous as always! A few updates- pool slide still closed. Newest note today says may reopen on the 9th. Monorail has NOT been closed during the day yesterday or today, but instead closing earlier at night (before MK regular closing). We came back earlier last night, but we'll see what it's like tonight. Dole whip machine was down yesterday, haven't checked today.

We're in Tokelau again, I love it! Grounds are beautiful, as usual. Hot yesterday. Cool today but sunny. They were calling for rain, so we're happy! Ohana with our party of 15 in about an hour!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hi all! Here now. Poly is gorgeous as always! A few updates- pool slide still closed. Newest note today says may reopen on the 9th. Monorail has NOT been closed during the day yesterday or today, but instead closing earlier at night (before MK regular closing). We came back earlier last night, but we'll see what it's like tonight. Dole whip machine was down yesterday, haven't checked today.

We're in Tokelau again, I love it! Grounds are beautiful, as usual. Hot yesterday. Cool today but sunny. They were calling for rain, so we're happy! Ohana with our party of 15 in about an hour!

Great to hear you've had a great start to your vacation! Hope it continues to be magical!

 

[1971DBday]

Hi all! Here now. Poly is gorgeous as always! A few updates- pool slide still closed. Newest note today says may reopen on the 9th. Monorail has NOT been closed during the day yesterday or today, but instead closing earlier at night (before MK regular closing). We came back earlier last night, but we'll see what it's like tonight. Dole whip machine was down yesterday, haven't checked today.

We're in Tokelau again, I love it! Grounds are beautiful, as usual. Hot yesterday. Cool today but sunny. They were calling for rain, so we're happy! Ohana with our party of 15 in about an hour!

Wow! Congrats on the wonderful weather so far! You never know....we went in early October and it was awful. One day was warmer back in Chicago then Orlando. Have a great trip!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Your daughter and my daughter could be twins, LOL.

How interesting because everyone says my DD is my mini-me Kind of hard to see in my avatar but that is me.

 

[carlnix30]

Does anyone know whether the premium cabana is still there? If so did they raise the price? It was $620 for the full day or $319 for half.

 

[Debrn]

On the plane can't wait to land

 

[pas130]

I agree. Dani...I hope your spirits are feeling a lot better, you are loved by all of us, so don't let that sunny spirit hide for too long!

PAS: I think you've finally found the perfect split! I hope you keep it, it sounds magical and wonderful and absoulutely PERFECT!

I hope I don't miss having a hot tub too much at the POLY.....I'm thinking Oct should still be warm enough that it won't be a huge issue! would sure be nice if they would add one though, it is as DELUXE resort afterall!

Thanks Marie I feel the same way about our Dani (and she knows it) You WILL be fine without the hottub...it's the Poly after all!!!!

 

[disneydreamin247]

Does anyone know whether the premium cabana is still there? If so did they raise the price? It was $620 for the full day or $319 for half.

It's still there. IPO offered it to me when I was booking our cabana day. I have to check my email to see what price I was told.

 

[rao363]

When staying club level, is it true that Conceirge sends you a personal email/survey to find out your likes,etc? If so, when do you receive this email(6 months before travel, 90 days before travel,etc) Thanks!

 

[auprincess]

I remember reading that the Poly is the only place you can get real coffee. I didn't pay much attention, b/c I don't drink it, but DH does. Where do we get it? We have a breakfast ressie at Kona one day and at O'hana ~ will it be there? What about the other mornings ~ do you get it with you re-fillable mug in the quick service? thanks!!

 

[disneydreamin247]

Thanks Marie I feel the same way about our Dani (and she knows it) You WILL be fine without the hottub...it's the Poly after all!!!!

Love ya sis!

 

[maiapapaya]

When staying club level, is it true that Conceirge sends you a personal email/survey to find out your likes,etc? If so, when do you receive this email(6 months before travel, 90 days before travel,etc) Thanks!

Yes, you should get a questionnaire from the IPO for your ADR's and any other reservations that you need made (golf, rentals, tours, etc). You should receive it before your 180 day mark so they can make your ADR's for you right on your 180 day date. If you haven't received it and that day is getting close just email them and they will send it to you (you must have a reservation already before they can book stuff for you).
Polynesian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com

I remember reading that the Poly is the only place you can get real coffee. I didn't pay much attention, b/c I don't drink it, but DH does. Where do we get it? We have a breakfast ressie at Kona one day and at O'hana ~ will it be there? What about the other mornings ~ do you get it with you re-fillable mug in the quick service? thanks!!

The "real" coffee is available from the Kona cafe. DH & I aren't coffee drinkers, but have travelled with them. My sister said Kona restaurant serves Kona coffee in a french press and a Kona blend. She says the coffee at 'Ohana comes in a pot, but doesn't think it's Kona coffee (maybe the blend). Unfortunately the CS serves nescrape.