ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: June 2013

[dismom75]

Hi!! We are staying at the Poly for the first time Sept 13-21. I'm so excited! I've been wanting to stay there since the first time I saw it. September can't come fast enough!

I've been stressing myself out over getting every aspect of the trip perfect. I debated FOREVER on which longhouse to request and finally decided on Tokelau. I figure it's a good central location to everything and the larger rooms will help my family of 5 have room to spread out a little more. We are also going with my mom and stepdad, and my mom wants us to have connecting rooms so the kids can go back and forth. I personally don't really care as long as we're close to each other, but I put the request in and they added a "traveling with" note to my account which is supposed to help get us in closer rooms, is my understanding. My stepdad also really wants a balcony. Again, I figured Tokelau was a good option since both the 2nd and 3rd floors have balconies.

My stressor now is check-in. I've been able to do online check-in for a while, but I've never done it before and it makes me kind of nervous. Our flight gets in to MCO at 2:00, so I figure it will be 3:30ish when we get to the Poly. I'd rather just do regular check-in to make sure I get my requests, or at least as close as possible to them, but is that a crazy busy time for check-in? Would I be better off doing online check-in to save time? But if I do online check-in, is it harder to get my requests? Has anyone had any experience checking in around that time in the afternoon? We booked SV rooms. Would have loved a better view or even CL, but the Poly SV was a stretch on the budget as it is, so I'm happy just to be staying there, no matter what the view.

Not sure what everyone's actual experiences are since I've always done online check in. But, the CM I spoke with when I was making my reservation said to never to online check in if you really want a certain request granted. He said it's much easier for them to change your room if they haven't already printed up all of your cards, etc.

 

[mickeynut1]

Just got this weeks Allears newsletter! It has a nice article on the Poly with pics of the refurbed rooms!

I don't get the newsletter, but I would like to read the article. Do you know if I can access it on their site?

Thanks for letting me know your experience with checking in late and still having some of your requests granted. Helps to know it IS possible and someone has had a good experience . Keeping my fingers crossed that it works out for us even though our vacation starts on Thanksgiving Eve!

You're welcome . I hope your requests are met, but if you are assigned something totally different than what you want, you can always ask if a different room is available. Disney will do everything they can to accommodate your requests, so don't be afraid to ask .

Hi!! We are staying at the Poly for the first time Sept 13-21. I'm so excited! I've been wanting to stay there since the first time I saw it. September can't come fast enough!

I've been stressing myself out over getting every aspect of the trip perfect. I debated FOREVER on which longhouse to request and finally decided on Tokelau. I figure it's a good central location to everything and the larger rooms will help my family of 5 have room to spread out a little more. We are also going with my mom and stepdad, and my mom wants us to have connecting rooms so the kids can go back and forth. I personally don't really care as long as we're close to each other, but I put the request in and they added a "traveling with" note to my account which is supposed to help get us in closer rooms, is my understanding. My stepdad also really wants a balcony. Again, I figured Tokelau was a good option since both the 2nd and 3rd floors have balconies.

My stressor now is check-in. I've been able to do online check-in for a while, but I've never done it before and it makes me kind of nervous. Our flight gets in to MCO at 2:00, so I figure it will be 3:30ish when we get to the Poly. I'd rather just do regular check-in to make sure I get my requests, or at least as close as possible to them, but is that a crazy busy time for check-in? Would I be better off doing online check-in to save time? But if I do online check-in, is it harder to get my requests? Has anyone had any experience checking in around that time in the afternoon? We booked SV rooms. Would have loved a better view or even CL, but the Poly SV was a stretch on the budget as it is, so I'm happy just to be staying there, no matter what the view.

You are going to love the Poly . I've never done online check in as I like checking in in person, but I don't think there's any difference as far as getting or not getting your requests. If you would like a different room assignment than what you get, you can always talk to a CM if you do online check in. The main reason for doing online, IMO, is to get your packet quickly and go without having to talk to a CM while they officially check you in in person.

Actually, I told them I would think about it. I think they need to offer me more than that to leave the Poly right?

We've had 3 stays at the GF (although never lagoon view) and while we loved the resort, the Poly is our favorite and if it were me, I wouldn't leave the Poly for a lagoon at the GF. Don't get me wrong, the GF is a beautiful resort and if it was for RPC, I would move, but I wouldn't leave the beautiful Poly for an upgraded view at the GF (but that's just me ).

I have a friend who is staying at the Poly Sept 21-29. When she booked it about a month ago, they told her there would be construction in the lobby? Anyone else hearing this? I can't seem to find any info.

As far as I know, there isn't any construction slated for September. There was talk that the volcano pool was supposed to be closed for a bit, but that has been pushed back to January.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

Hello everybody

We'll be staying at Poly Sept 18-21 for the first time! We will be then moving on to BC for two nights. Short last minute trip as we will be visiting again in December (GF/AKL).

So I received a call today from Disney asking if I wanted to go from Poly (standard view) to GF (lagoon view). I asked her if there was some issues like the pool for instance. This is the first thing that popped into my mind just because that is why we booked poly. I also had read previously that there might be a pool closure so I was worried. She said it wasn't the pool and didn't really know why they were offering me an upgrade. Obviously they are not going to move people because of a pool , felt a little dumb about mentioning it. I'm guessing it's just overbooked?

Anybody else receive this call?

Sorry for interrupting the previous lively discussion

Awesome! I think you will love the Poly!!! Wow, that's a great upgrade, unless of course you are completely set on the Poly. That's odd though because I didn't think anything was going on at the Poly during that time, unless there's something happening that no one knows about. Otherwise, I wonder if it's because they are over booked?

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[DznyCrzy11]

You can only request two but you can call in add more to your reservation!!

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

Yeah, I believe I also was only able to add 2 requests. However, I did call and also requested a specific room # and so the actual confirmation I received showed Fiji, 3rd floor, marina side, room 3311.

Yeah, I read that rooms are assigned a few days in advance. But, I'm wondering how many people request a certain location at check in and have that request granted because they are there early in the day. I would really appreciate hearing your experience in October (not that it'll be the same for me....just curious to see how it goes). Thanks!

The last 2 times we have stayed there, we have requested Fiji, marina side, and the request was met each time. We also did online check in and were there early afternoon.

Hi!! We are staying at the Poly for the first time Sept 13-21. I'm so excited! I've been wanting to stay there since the first time I saw it. September can't come fast enough!

I've been stressing myself out over getting every aspect of the trip perfect. I debated FOREVER on which longhouse to request and finally decided on Tokelau. I figure it's a good central location to everything and the larger rooms will help my family of 5 have room to spread out a little more. We are also going with my mom and stepdad, and my mom wants us to have connecting rooms so the kids can go back and forth. I personally don't really care as long as we're close to each other, but I put the request in and they added a "traveling with" note to my account which is supposed to help get us in closer rooms, is my understanding. My stepdad also really wants a balcony. Again, I figured Tokelau was a good option since both the 2nd and 3rd floors have balconies.

My stressor now is check-in. I've been able to do online check-in for a while, but I've never done it before and it makes me kind of nervous. Our flight gets in to MCO at 2:00, so I figure it will be 3:30ish when we get to the Poly. I'd rather just do regular check-in to make sure I get my requests, or at least as close as possible to them, but is that a crazy busy time for check-in? Would I be better off doing online check-in to save time? But if I do online check-in, is it harder to get my requests? Has anyone had any experience checking in around that time in the afternoon? We booked SV rooms. Would have loved a better view or even CL, but the Poly SV was a stretch on the budget as it is, so I'm happy just to be staying there, no matter what the view.

You all will have a great time!! I would do online check in. It does not lower your chances of your requests being granted, it just saves time when you get there. The last 2 times we have did online check in, we requested Fiji, marina side and both times both requests were granted.

I have a friend who is staying at the Poly Sept 21-29. When she booked it about a month ago, they told her there would be construction in the lobby? Anyone else hearing this? I can't seem to find any info.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

That's interesting. I wonder if it's the start of construction on the GCH or if it's just maintenance type construction? I don't know about everyone else but I'm excited about what's in store for Poly. At the time it is a little. I guess bitter sweet you could say.

Sent from my Galaxy SII

 

[chikinyellow]

Hello everyone!! We are first timers at the poly Nov 17-23!!! We have 2 young children and are so excited to be staying at such a great resort. We booked a standard view, but as long as we are not facing a parking lol,I will be happy!! We have been to disney as a family once before and stayed at AKL. Hope it is warm enough one day to experience the volcano pool. We have booked the character breakfast and luau.

 

[leannak]

Where is the check in request form? I can't seem to find it on his site

Whew - that took me FOREVER to find... because it wasn't on tikiman's site!! Sorry for the confusion. It's from **************.net



http://**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Polynesian-Room-Request-Form.jpg

http://**************.net/2013/06/24/review-disneys-polynesian-resort-page-5/


ETA: Holy Tokelau, that's a large image!!!!!

 

[mirage0306]

Hello everyone!! We are first timers at the poly Nov 17-23!!! We have 2 young children and are so excited to be staying at such a great resort. We booked a standard view, but as long as we are not facing a parking lol,I will be happy!! We have been to disney as a family once before and stayed at AKL. Hope it is warm enough one day to experience the volcano pool. We have booked the character breakfast and luau.

You are going to LOVE IT. When it comes time to request your longhouse, definitely check out tikiman's site--he has great descriptions of the longhouses, their locations, views, etc.

It is a gorgeous resort!!

 

[BringingUpDisney]

We're trying the Dream for 3 nights in December and I can't wait .

I can't wait to hear about your trip! I have been on the fence about trying a cruise...

 

[houstonmama]

Whew - that took me FOREVER to find... because it wasn't on tikiman's site!! Sorry for the confusion. It's from **************.net



http://**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Polynesian-Room-Request-Form.jpg

http://**************.net/2013/06/24/review-disneys-polynesian-resort-page-5/


ETA: Holy Tokelau, that's a large image!!!!!

Oh thank you so much! I will check that out

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

Well I hope nothing is going on at the Poly. We are staying for the first time 9-21 thru 9-27. I booked GVCL and are really looking forward to our first CL stay also. Now I am scared that it will be fully booked or there will be construction on the GCH

If anyone knows anymore please keep me posted

 

[maxsmom]

Here at the Poly now. We arrived early yeaterday morning. We're in Samoa, third floor volcano pool side. The view is awesome!

We checked in the 4th and are also Samoa, third floor volcano pool side.

 

[maxsmom]

Ugh, finding this very frustrating. We still don't have a new fridge and we've been asking for 2 days. We checked in Sun and it didn't feel cold but I put our drinks in to try it. Came back late from MK to find our stuff warm and the whole cabinet very hot. My husband unplugged it b/c he was worried. It wasn't new b/c there was a good layer of dust. Called maintenance Mon and Tues and nothing. I went down to the front desk to ask when we got in to see what was going on & if we could get one Wed. It was too late for Tues night. I was told they all had been recalled and didn't know if I could get one b/c I don't need it for medicine. I really don't get how they can say they've all been replaced. On top of that the kids keep seeing a large "beetle" crawling around! We are on the third floor. I'm just glad I haven't seen it or I might wake up the entire building w/ my shriek. Other than that everything is great here.

The good is when we checked in @ 11:30 Sunday our request of 3rd floor Samoa was granted and it is on the volcano pool side and it was ready! We love the view & location.

We've also had issues w/ our cards & dining. They want us to tap and enter our pin for the dining plan but then it wants to charge it to our room instead of using the dining plan. They've tried reprogramming them but they've only worked once. In fact at BOG for lunch they never did go through but we didn't know that until we checked our total b/c there was nothing on our receipt to tell us. It just said coupon. So I went to the front desk to figure out what was wrong & told them about eating there and they said it didn't come off our CS credits nor was charged to our room and not to worry about it for the hassle.
I forgot to add that they think some of the card problems are b/c for some reason it is showing that we have magic bands!?!? They are having some technical issues.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Ugh, finding this very frustrating. We still don't have a new fridge and we've been asking for 2 days. We checked in Sun and it didn't feel cold but I put our drinks in to try it. Came back late from MK to find our stuff warm and the whole cabinet very hot. My husband unplugged it b/c he was worried. It wasn't new b/c there was a good layer of dust. Called maintenance Mon and Tues and nothing. I went down to the front desk to ask when we got in to see what was going on & if we could get one Wed. It was too late for Tues night. I was told they all had been recalled and didn't know if I could get one b/c I don't need it for medicine. I really don't get how they can say they've all been replaced. On top of that the kids keep seeing a large "beetle" crawling around! We are on the third floor. I'm just glad I haven't seen it or I might wake up the entire building w/ my shriek. Other than that everything is great here.

The good is when we checked in @ 11:30 Sunday our request of 3rd floor Samoa was granted and it is on the volcano pool side and it was ready! We love the view & location.

We've also had issues w/ our cards & dining. They want us to tap and enter our pin for the dining plan but then it wants to charge it to our room instead of using the dining plan. They've tried reprogramming them but they've only worked once. In fact at BOG for lunch they never did go through but we didn't know that until we checked our total b/c there was nothing on our receipt to tell us. It just said coupon. So I went to the front desk to figure out what was wrong & told them about eating there and they said it didn't come off our CS credits nor was charged to our room and not to worry about it for the hassle.
I forgot to add that they think some of the card problems are b/c for some reason it is showing that we have magic bands!?!? They are having some technical issues.

Ugh. That is frustrating. I know that there was an issue with the Poly fridges where you needed to keep the cabinet door open in order to get proper circulation and to make the fridge cold. Perhaps try that?

And it sounds like your kids are seeing a Palmetto bug. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Have they tried to catch it? You could call maintenance and have them look. I wouldn't want that creeper walking around.

I hope your trip turns around for the better!

 

[monorailsilver]

Anyone who is there now, could you tell me if you have a working refrigerator? When we made our reservation the person I spoke with said she couldn't tell if all the rooms had new/working refrigerators or not, but had it noted that we needed the frig for medicines. Just wondering if the poly has gotten the new refrigerators or if not, is there some place where they will store refrigerated medicines for you?

We have a fridge but my Dh didn't think it was cold enough so he removed it from the cabinet. It has a sensor on the back somewhere (I didn't look he did) for heat or fire.

 

[monorailsilver]

Here are my other thoughts on the poly:

Disclaimer-I love the poly and won't stay anywhere else despite any negative things I might add!

Disclaimer 2-typing from phone since iPad isn't near me so there might be typos.

Ok-

The bathroom stinks. I think someone might of mentioned that a few pages ago. The 2 towel racks in front of the sink are annoying and the towel hanging thing that is 2 feet from the shower is not right. I have to scream for my Dh and he screams for me when we finish showering to get a towel. As do my kids.

They could put a shelf in the bathroom. It would be nice so all our crap hanging out doesn't look so messy!

We noticed a leak in the GCH the other day. It was upstairs I think near Ohana, well that area.

My Dh thinks that the pool slide is decaying. He knew there were drips all over from the slide and we wondered why the waterfall wasn't on (its been 5 years since we have been here).

The best thing that I can think of is on Sunday we were sitting by the main pool. Two CMs came up to us to ask for our room key. So we showed them and it wrist banded. I just wish they would do it daily or that there was a kiosk. I would happily walk up with my room keys. My sister went up to them to get her wrist band. But they kicked a family out that had just walked in. They had a child in an infant car seat and another one around 2. Too bad so sad. If you don't want to pay to stay here please don't take up table space!

Oh and the table that I went to. The cooler should of clued me in! The little girl said "we aren't staying here just using the pool". It took all if me just to smile and say something nice about the pool to the little girl vs yelling at her parents.

Oh and he quiet pool, I forgot I should bring my soap and shampoo so I can wash during my bath.

Ok time to get moving. I have a busy day at the pool. My while family is still sleeping but me.

 

[leannak]

Can I get a quick rundown of why we'll love the Poly?? I'm starting to get nervous. My husband is used to very nice hotels but agreed for us to shell out the big bucks for our first disney stay. And we are bringing the grandparents for their one and only disney vacation. I keep hearing about dehumidifiers running in wet hallways, refrigerators NOT running in rooms, poor customer service, bugs in rooms, over-crowded pools, windows all fogged over, cobwebs all over the balconies, waterfall no longer running... On one hand I'm hoping this is all just lowering my very high expectations and I'll be delighted with the poly... But I really can't help but be nervous. Is the poly all run-down?? I'm expecting a damp stinky, buggy stay at this point. I could use some reassurance. We chose the poly over a really great deal at the new VGF.

Please don't be angry with me, Poly-Lovers!! I just want to hear why the poly is great (besides its location) so I can get some reassurance.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hello everyone!! We are first timers at the poly Nov 17-23!!! We have 2 young children and are so excited to be staying at such a great resort. We booked a standard view, but as long as we are not facing a parking lol,I will be happy!! We have been to disney as a family once before and stayed at AKL. Hope it is warm enough one day to experience the volcano pool. We have booked the character breakfast and luau.

You are going to love the Poly . It's a gorgeous resort and you can't beat having a distant view of the castle from just about anywhere on the Poly grounds . Hopefully you are able to swim because the volcano pool is great (IMO) and is our favorite pool on property .

I can't wait to hear about your trip! I have been on the fence about trying a cruise...

I will definitely report back . Cruises are alot of fun......you should really consider it. My DH and I have cruised in the past, although not DCL. I am excited to see how our DSs like it as they've never cruised. I have read so many great things about DCL that I am very excited to cruise with them .

Well I hope nothing is going on at the Poly. We are staying for the first time 9-21 thru 9-27. I booked GVCL and are really looking forward to our first CL stay also. Now I am scared that it will be fully booked or there will be construction on the GCH

If anyone knows anymore please keep me posted

As far as I know, there is nothing scheduled for September (aside from finishing the longhouses, which are supposed to be done by October). The volcano pool was supposed to be closed for a while, but from what I hear, that has been pushed to January. You are going to love the Poly .

We checked in the 4th and are also Samoa, third floor volcano pool side.

Samoa is a great location . We stayed in a first floor room in Samoa and loved it.

Ugh, finding this very frustrating. We still don't have a new fridge and we've been asking for 2 days. We checked in Sun and it didn't feel cold but I put our drinks in to try it. Came back late from MK to find our stuff warm and the whole cabinet very hot. My husband unplugged it b/c he was worried. It wasn't new b/c there was a good layer of dust. Called maintenance Mon and Tues and nothing. I went down to the front desk to ask when we got in to see what was going on & if we could get one Wed. It was too late for Tues night. I was told they all had been recalled and didn't know if I could get one b/c I don't need it for medicine. I really don't get how they can say they've all been replaced. On top of that the kids keep seeing a large "beetle" crawling around! We are on the third floor. I'm just glad I haven't seen it or I might wake up the entire building w/ my shriek. Other than that everything is great here.

The good is when we checked in @ 11:30 Sunday our request of 3rd floor Samoa was granted and it is on the volcano pool side and it was ready! We love the view & location.

We've also had issues w/ our cards & dining. They want us to tap and enter our pin for the dining plan but then it wants to charge it to our room instead of using the dining plan. They've tried reprogramming them but they've only worked once. In fact at BOG for lunch they never did go through but we didn't know that until we checked our total b/c there was nothing on our receipt to tell us. It just said coupon. So I went to the front desk to figure out what was wrong & told them about eating there and they said it didn't come off our CS credits nor was charged to our room and not to worry about it for the hassle.
I forgot to add that they think some of the card problems are b/c for some reason it is showing that we have magic bands!?!? They are having some technical issues.

Yay for getting your request......you got a great longhouse and are in a great location, IMO . I'm sorry about the fridge and DDP problems....I hope everything gets worked out .

Here are my other thoughts on the poly:

Disclaimer-I love the poly and won't stay anywhere else despite any negative things I might add!

Disclaimer 2-typing from phone since iPad isn't near me so there might be typos.

Ok-

The bathroom stinks. I think someone might of mentioned that a few pages ago. The 2 towel racks in front of the sink are annoying and the towel hanging thing that is 2 feet from the shower is not right. I have to scream for my Dh and he screams for me when we finish showering to get a towel. As do my kids.

They could put a shelf in the bathroom. It would be nice so all our crap hanging out doesn't look so messy!

We noticed a leak in the GCH the other day. It was upstairs I think near Ohana, well that area.

My Dh thinks that the pool slide is decaying. He knew there were drips all over from the slide and we wondered why the waterfall wasn't on (its been 5 years since we have been here).

The best thing that I can think of is on Sunday we were sitting by the main pool. Two CMs came up to us to ask for our room key. So we showed them and it wrist banded. I just wish they would do it daily or that there was a kiosk. I would happily walk up with my room keys. My sister went up to them to get her wrist band. But they kicked a family out that had just walked in. They had a child in an infant car seat and another one around 2. Too bad so sad. If you don't want to pay to stay here please don't take up table space!

Oh and the table that I went to. The cooler should of clued me in! The little girl said "we aren't staying here just using the pool". It took all if me just to smile and say something nice about the pool to the little girl vs yelling at her parents.

Oh and he quiet pool, I forgot I should bring my soap and shampoo so I can wash during my bath.

Ok time to get moving. I have a busy day at the pool. My while family is still sleeping but me.

I agree about the Poly. We've only stayed there once, but we fell in love with it and negative reviews wouldn't stop us from staying there again. I read a lot of negatives about the Poly prior to our stay and while I considered changing resorts, I kept it and I'm so glad I did. Our Poly trip was one of the BEST trips we've had. We've had great stays at all of the resorts we've tried, but the Poly just tops them all for us .

I'm glad they are starting to check room keys at the pool. Hopefully they continue doing that as I'm sure it will cut down on pool hopping .

 

[monorailsilver]

Can I get a quick rundown of why we'll love the Poly?? I'm starting to get nervous. My husband is used to very nice hotels but agreed for us to shell out the big bucks for our first disney stay. And we are bringing the grandparents for their one and only disney vacation. I keep hearing about dehumidifiers running in wet hallways, refrigerators NOT running in rooms, poor customer service, bugs in rooms, over-crowded pools, windows all fogged over, cobwebs all over the balconies, waterfall no longer running... On one hand I'm hoping this is all just lowering my very high expectations and I'll be delighted with the poly... But I really can't help but be nervous. Is the poly all run-down?? I'm expecting a damp stinky, buggy stay at this point. I could use some reassurance. We chose the poly over a really great deal at the new VGF.

Please don't be angry with me, Poly-Lovers!! I just want to hear why the poly is great (besides its location) so I can get some reassurance.

If I wasn't lazy I would post my view right now. I sitting at the main pool waiting for it to open and my view is of the castle. Can't he better then that!

So despite some maintenance issues, I love the poly.

What we love-the view, the sounds from over there (that would be me picking my head up an looking at the MK).

The monorail hands down. We are officially done with the buses this trip which makes us thrilled so now we just have 3 park days left plus another pool day like today and the day we leave.

We live the short walk to the TTC to the Epcot monorail.

I guess I really can't explain why I love the poly. We started staying here in 1975 and I have stayed other places and it just comes down to the fact that I love the monorail and the view.

My husband stays at some pretty nice hotels for work as well and I have brought him to all star sports for a night and he hated it and then I brought him to the WL for a night and he wasn't overly thrilled and I finally got him to stay at the poly and he won't stay anywhere else. I tries to get him to do a split stay on this trip to the BC as well but he said no!

 

[angbuz]

Can't contain my excitement! We will be at the Poly for the first time 2 weeks from today!

 

[heidijanesmith]

Can I get a quick rundown of why we'll love the Poly?? I'm starting to get nervous. My husband is used to very nice hotels but agreed for us to shell out the big bucks for our first disney stay. And we are bringing the grandparents for their one and only disney vacation. I keep hearing about dehumidifiers running in wet hallways, refrigerators NOT running in rooms, poor customer service, bugs in rooms, over-crowded pools, windows all fogged over, cobwebs all over the balconies, waterfall no longer running... On one hand I'm hoping this is all just lowering my very high expectations and I'll be delighted with the poly... But I really can't help but be nervous. Is the poly all run-down?? I'm expecting a damp stinky, buggy stay at this point. I could use some reassurance. We chose the poly over a really great deal at the new VGF.

Please don't be angry with me, Poly-Lovers!! I just want to hear why the poly is great (besides its location) so I can get some reassurance.

For us it's:
1-Fantastic CM's, they went above and beyond when my DD got sick our 1st day at WDW
2-location, location, location-resort design The resort is so easy to get around. We loved our Niue longhouse last time and felt that we were steps from everything. During our most recent YC stay, our room was very far from the lobby, pool and food. We had quite a trek every time we wanted to get anywhere at YC.
3- location, location, location of the Poly vs theme parks. It's so easy to hop on the monorail to get to MK. A quick walk to the TTC can get you to EPCOT quickly or take a bus to AK or DS. We like the bus service, even though it shares with GF and/or CR, it was quick and easy. At the YC this last summer, the buses were horrible. They did not come quickly and then the YC buses to to BC, Swan, Dolphin and BW before going to your destination. This added so much time and took so long, we ended up taking a cab several times.
4- Size of the rooms. We have two teens and space is important. Plus each room has a daybed. This helps our family a lot. We can request something else besides a daybed, as it's standard.
5-Theme. The Poly is gorgeous and themed so beautifully. We spend a lot of time exploring the resort and enjoying the GCH and lounges
6-Wishes! We do like Wishes, but do not enjoy the pushing and crowding to see Wishes at MK. At the Poly, we watched Wishes from the pool, the beach, the GCH and this time we will watch from the CL lounge.
7-Food options. The Poly has great eateries, but you can also take the monorail and eat at CR or GF. So many great places to eat on the monorail line.
8-We were there in 2010, so it's been a while but our room was spotless. We never saw any issues with carpeting, mousekeeping, GCH or the pool looking rundown. We had wonderful mousekeeping.

My only issues were our fridge did not keep items cold, even though we had the door open. I had read this was an issue, so we brought a collapsible cooler with us. And the main pool was super crowded. I hope they do start checking hotel card and wristbands, that would eliminate so many problems with the pool.