ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: June 2013

[bluejasmine]

The renovations will be done but there is liable to be construction going on for DVC at that time. With kids you would probably want to book the building losest to the pool which is not Hawaii as Hawaii is club level, For the life of me I cant remember the name of the building. In most loghouses the first floor has a patio, the second floor has nothing, and the third floor has a balcony. On the cabana I would book that now as there are only 3 and they are very popular.

Believe you mean Samoa?

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979

 

[karriealex]

Believe you mean Samoa?

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979

Yup. Just checked Tikiman's site and it is Samoa. I thought it was that one but I didn't want to say so and be wrong. There are 3 cabanas . Two are regular and one is much larger and more plush

 

[karriealex]

Note to self....Turn on light before typing AND proof read before posting. LOL I just had to fix one of my posts three times.
LOL can you tell I am a club rat? I can't remember half the names of half the longhouses a lot of the time.

 

[mickeynut1]

we were there from 12 July -23 July.
wonderful stay. great room- 1st floor lagoon view with view of castle.
Rooms are beautiful Cast members fantastic. lounge welcoming and food great.
We are DVC members, but Polynesian is our favorite resort, this being one of many visits there. If rumors are true, will not be there again until construction is done(quite a while).
No complaints whatsoever with anything except with other guests...

Glad you had a great trip .

All this time I have been brushing over the fridge situation, but all of a sudden DD9 has developed a sinus infection (just days before we leave of course) and now we have antibiotic that has to stay refrigerated. I'm not going to panic because we are taking a cooler for drinks anyway, but it would be nice to know if the fridge issue will be handled. It seems like everyone has reported that this is not an issue. If you hear otherwise, please let me know. I am fairly positive that the Poly will hook me up in the event that the room doesn't have one.

Also...I have been planning this trip for 13 months...ADRs made at the exact 180 day mark. This little sinus infection just proves you can't plan for everything, right? I am just thankful that we caught it before we leave.

Hope your DD is feeling better by the time you leave .

Hmm... so if we just do two standard rooms and plan to watch fireworks from the beach... can/should I only request that we have the two rooms near each other? Or do I really need to research buildings, room numbers, etc.? Can I trust the poly to just give us the best rooms possible? And then maybe I can ask at check-in how our rooms are and ask if there are better rooms near each other, maybe with one as a lagoon or theme park view and I'll pay the difference? I just don't know enough about the resort to feel like I'm going to pick the right building... I'll probably do worse than just letting someone choose for me.

We stayed in Samoa and loved it. We found it very convenient as it was close to the GCH, volcano pool, the beach, and Captain Cooks. You can have the 2 reservations linked together with a request that the rooms be next to/near each other. These are only requests and not guaranteed, but the CM will do everything he/she can to accommodate you .

We have booked the Poly for the first week of March 2014 and are super excited. We will be travelling with a 4 year old and a 7 year old. As this is our first stay at the poly, what would anyone suggest for which house to stay at? Does it make a difference as to which floors you are staying at? Will the renovations still be going on at the point? And FINALLY, how far in advance do we need to rent a cabana? thanks so much!

We loved the Samoa longhouse as we thought that was convenient to everything. We were on the first floor with a view of the quiet pool and we loved it. I'm not too familiar with the cabanas so I can't help with that question.

 

[LoveMickeyMouse]

I just lost my Mom on Friday. She was healthy and active, but had a massive stroke 3 weeks ago, and never woke up from a coma. I want to plan a WDW trip for my DH and 2 boys, and my dad (the world's biggest Mickey fan). It will give Dad something to look forward to. On our last stay at the Poly, we stayed club level in the Hawaii building. Best location, and perfect view of the castle and the fireworks.

So here is my question for all of you. I am trying to decide if I should get 2 theme park view rooms in the Hawaii building (I think 5 of us in a room may be too close), or if I should get a 1 bedroom suite. I am guessing that the sofa bed would be in a different room, so it wouldn't feel so tight, and would give my Dad a little privacy for sleeping. It would be cheaper than the 2 rooms, but I would like to know if we could see the castle and fireworks. Anyone stay in a 1 bedroom suite that can help? Can we see the castle and fireworks? That is our favorite thing about staying at the Poly. Thanks for your help!!!

 

[karriealex]

I just lost my Mom on Friday. She was healthy and active, but had a massive stroke 3 weeks ago, and never woke up from a coma. I want to plan a WDW trip for my DH and 2 boys, and my dad (the world's biggest Mickey fan). It will give Dad something to look forward to. On our last stay at the Poly, we stayed club level in the Hawaii building. Best location, and perfect view of the castle and the fireworks.

So here is my question for all of you. I am trying to decide if I should get 2 theme park view rooms in the Hawaii building (I think 5 of us in a room may be too close), or if I should get a 1 bedroom suite. I am guessing that the sofa bed would be in a different room, so it wouldn't feel so tight, and would give my Dad a little privacy for sleeping. It would be cheaper than the 2 rooms, but I would like to know if we could see the castle and fireworks. Anyone stay in a 1 bedroom suite that can help? Can we see the castle and fireworks? That is our favorite thing about staying at the Poly. Thanks for your help!!!

I am so very sorry about the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family. If I were going to do this I would get two theme park views in the Hawaii building. These would have the view you are looking for. The suite is in a different building closer to the GCH and it more looks down the marina than across the beach at MK.

 

[solana131]

we were there from 12 July -23 July.
wonderful stay. great room- 1st floor lagoon view with view of castle.
Rooms are beautiful Cast members fantastic. lounge welcoming and food great.
We are DVC members, but Polynesian is our favorite resort, this being one of many visits there. If rumors are true, will not be there again until construction is done(quite a while).
No complaints whatsoever with anything except with other guests...
To the boy in the lounge who put 10 croissants on plate his at breakfast, then threw some away; Really? And to his parents: Are ya kidding me?
And to the parent of the 3 year old with digestive issues that closed the volcano pool while she wasn't looking; swim diapers, please? And yes I am a parent of a now grown up daughter, but one who wore swim diapers, waterproof pants, etc in the pool-
To the guy next to us who was litigating on his cell phone outside his room on a Monday morning: I am sure you are successful, and I am duly impressed but keep it to yourself, please.
I say this in part with humor, however, I don't understand why people are so clueless and think because they are in Disney, rules and manners don't apply to them.

Any questions, ask away. Flame away too, if you need to.!
Deb

Hahaha...so true!

I have a question....and it has probably been talked about, but not having a computer handy to search, I need to ask...

Are they doing construction on the GCH right now?? I am going in less than 3 weeks. All I know is they are supposed to be working on it later this year. I don't care about work going on in the longhouses...just the GCH. Fountain still in the lobby?? Kona and Capt Cooks still open??

Thank you for any info you have

 

[karriealex]

Hahaha...so true!

I have a question....and it has probably been talked about, but not having a computer handy to search, I need to ask...

Are they doing construction on the GCH right now?? I am going in less than 3 weeks. All I know is they are supposed to be working on it later this year. I don't care about work going on in the longhouses...just the GCH. Fountain still in the lobby?? Kona and Capt Cooks still open??

Thank you for any info you have

No the aren't working on the GCH yet. The fountain is still there, Ohana, Capt Cooks and Kona are still open. They are almost done with the rehab of the longhouses and I think only one will be down being refurbished while you are there. The fire pit is finished.

 

[wilkeliza]

Just wondering if our room isn't ready when I check in would the front desk be willing to send some gifts up to the room when it is? I'm checking in for my group while they will still be at the airport so the plan is for me to buy some goodies and create our own Welcome package since we are adults and have favorite characters that aren't included in the standard package. If they can't put it in the room will they at least be able to hold it for us while we are at the parks?

 

[LoveMickeyMouse]

I am so very sorry about the loss of your mother. My prayers are with you and your family. If I were going to do this I would get two theme park views in the Hawaii building. These would have the view you are looking for. The suite is in a different building closer to the GCH and it more looks down the marina than across the beach at MK.

Thanks. We are in such shock! I need something to look forward to. Normally, I book our annual WDW trip in January, when I am sick of winter, but I am ready to book already!

 

[karriealex]

Thanks. We are in such shock! I need something to look forward to. Normally, I book our annual WDW trip in January, when I am sick of winter, but I am ready to book already!

I know what you mean about shock and needing to look forward to something. I lost both my parents 15 years ago within a month of each other 4 months after my youngest was born. I can relate to what you are going through. Any questions just ask. I am sure we all want to help you have a truly magical trip. Any way I can help just holler.

 

[mickeynut1]

I just lost my Mom on Friday. She was healthy and active, but had a massive stroke 3 weeks ago, and never woke up from a coma. I want to plan a WDW trip for my DH and 2 boys, and my dad (the world's biggest Mickey fan). It will give Dad something to look forward to. On our last stay at the Poly, we stayed club level in the Hawaii building. Best location, and perfect view of the castle and the fireworks.

So here is my question for all of you. I am trying to decide if I should get 2 theme park view rooms in the Hawaii building (I think 5 of us in a room may be too close), or if I should get a 1 bedroom suite. I am guessing that the sofa bed would be in a different room, so it wouldn't feel so tight, and would give my Dad a little privacy for sleeping. It would be cheaper than the 2 rooms, but I would like to know if we could see the castle and fireworks. Anyone stay in a 1 bedroom suite that can help? Can we see the castle and fireworks? That is our favorite thing about staying at the Poly. Thanks for your help!!!

I am so sorry about the loss of your mom .

I agree with the pp that I would go with two CL TPV rooms. With those rooms you are guaranteed the view you want and there's plenty of room with privacy for your dad.

Just wondering if our room isn't ready when I check in would the front desk be willing to send some gifts up to the room when it is? I'm checking in for my group while they will still be at the airport so the plan is for me to buy some goodies and create our own Welcome package since we are adults and have favorite characters that aren't included in the standard package. If they can't put it in the room will they at least be able to hold it for us while we are at the parks?

I'm not sure if they will put gifts in the room without someone there, but they should be able to hold them until you return from the parks. Hopefully someone will be able to give more information .

I know what you mean about shock and needing to look forward to something. I lost both my parents 15 years ago within a month of each other 4 months after my youngest was born. I can relate to what you are going through.

 

[BringingUpDisney]

We will be there at the same time. It would be cool to all get together for a short Dis meet either at Tambu if you want a drink or Kona if you want to do non alcoholic.

We will be there 1st - 5th! Then we are off to the BC for the 2nd half!

 

[BringingUpDisney]

Yeah, being on a large cruise ship will definitely be different, especially if it's a newer ship like the Dream or Fantasy . I am so excited about trying Poly CL. We've been to Disney twice in December (stayed at BC and GF), but I have seen pics of the Poly lounge all decorated and I can't wait to see it in person as it looks gorgeous .....and then to check out the view from the lounge.....I've heard there's nothing like it .

I would love to hear about your cruise! I have never been on one but am very intrigued by DCL...

 

[BringingUpDisney]

Thanks Katie!!! I thought so...but that definitely makes me feel better. We'd make it work regardless, but using the fridge is certainly much easier.

If not, they have some available for folks that need to keep medicine cold, just let them know and they will make sure you have what you need. :

 

[BringingUpDisney]

It's not only the views that make Club level special but the whole feel of Club Level. Not sure how to describe it but you are , you are made by the CM's to feel special, the lounge, kinda just everything. It is a much different experience than a standard room.

That said if you want to be close to your parents then I would ask for adjoining or connecting rooms. Otherwise you might well end up in different buildings especially if the ressies are in two different names.

Even if you have the deluxe dining plan you could downgrade it to where you have one sit down and one counter service. Downgrading it could help with the difference between a regular room and club level. Unless you really really want to do all the breakfasts out that might be an idea, We never cared for having to be up and out at an exact time so we have rarely ever done breakfasts.

Buildings depend on what you want to be close to. The pool, the GCH, the TTC. I have heard that Tahiti is a nice building but I have heard others are too. Best thing is decide where about you want to be then we can better direct you on a building.

The other great thing about CL is the extra space! We go there while DD is napping and bring the monitor, since we always ask for a room close to the club. It's so nice to be able to chat and enjoy a beverage instead of tiptoeing around the room.

 

[karriealex]

Thank you for the hug mickeynut1. It was a rough time but my wonderful dh and kids helped me to get through it.

BringingUpDisney if you want to get together while we are both there give me a yell and we can set something up. I would love to meet the people who have helped to make our trip extra special.

 

[karriealex]

If not, they have some available for folks that need to keep medicine cold, just let them know and they will make sure you have what you need. :

I know this to be true because when my boys were younger they were on growth hormones and it was imperative that it be kept cold. Disney never failed me and always had a fridge for us.

 

[TJA]

we were there from 12 July -23 July.
wonderful stay. great room- 1st floor lagoon view with view of castle.
Rooms are beautiful Cast members fantastic. lounge welcoming and food great.
We are DVC members, but Polynesian is our favorite resort, this being one of many visits there. If rumors are true, will not be there again until construction is done(quite a while).
No complaints whatsoever with anything except with other guests...
To the boy in the lounge who put 10 croissants on plate his at breakfast, then threw some away; Really? And to his parents: Are ya kidding me?
And to the parent of the 3 year old with digestive issues that closed the volcano pool while she wasn't looking; swim diapers, please? And yes I am a parent of a now grown up daughter, but one who wore swim diapers, waterproof pants, etc in the pool-
To the guy next to us who was litigating on his cell phone outside his room on a Monday morning: I am sure you are successful, and I am duly impressed but keep it to yourself, please.
I say this in part with humor, however, I don't understand why people are so clueless and think because they are in Disney, rules and manners don't apply to them.

Any questions, ask away. Flame away too, if you need to.!
Deb

May I ask what your room number was? We also had a patio but TPV even though it seemed more like lagoon view. We experienced very badly behaved children in the lounge too.....the chef was doing his best to help a toddler get food every 10 minutes....otherwise we loved everything about our stay in Hawaii!

 

[bluejasmine]

I just lost my Mom on Friday. She was healthy and active, but had a massive stroke 3 weeks ago, and never woke up from a coma. I want to plan a WDW trip for my DH and 2 boys, and my dad (the world's biggest Mickey fan). It will give Dad something to look forward to. On our last stay at the Poly, we stayed club level in the Hawaii building. Best location, and perfect view of the castle and the fireworks.

So here is my question for all of you. I am trying to decide if I should get 2 theme park view rooms in the Hawaii building (I think 5 of us in a room may be too close), or if I should get a 1 bedroom suite. I am guessing that the sofa bed would be in a different room, so it wouldn't feel so tight, and would give my Dad a little privacy for sleeping. It would be cheaper than the 2 rooms, but I would like to know if we could see the castle and fireworks. Anyone stay in a 1 bedroom suite that can help? Can we see the castle and fireworks? That is our favorite thing about staying at the Poly. Thanks for your help!!!

Oh honey I'm so sorry! I lost my dad unexpectedly back in 99 so I understand how it feels! Hugs & pixie dust for you & your family.

Like another poster mentioned if the MK view is important than you need to be in the Hawaii building since Tonga( where club level suites are) doesn't have MK views.

Maybe Sept will be a good time to go with the free dining discount?

Sept 2013 Poly, 2012 Disney Fantasy, BC CL, GF CL, POR, 2011 Poly CL, CR, Poly CL, AKL, 2010 Poly CL, ASMu 2009, SSR 2008, Pop 2006, POR , Asmo 2005, Asmo 2003, offsite 2000, 1999,1989, Poly 1980, offsite 1979