ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[Koh1977]

I posted this thread on the resort board but haven't had any bites. Let me know if anyone has an opinion:

Considering a 50th birthday party at the Poly in 2016. Probably a split stay with days at the Poly and 4 nights at the Dolphin on points (i.e. free), so going all out on the Poly stay. Haven't stayed at the Poly since the 70's and early 80's when we used to go all the time as a kid.

The one bedroom suites at the Poly will probably not work for us since it only has a pull out couch in the living room (4 adults, 2 kids). I was considering a two bedroom vs. connecting club level rooms instead. I don't see the 2 bedrooms very often- how difficult are these to book? Do they still exist? Do they still use the terms Honeymoon Suite, Princess Suite, etc? Should I pick Hawaii over Tonga due to the level of Club Level amenities?

Any info would be welcome. Thanks.

I thought all the Tonga Suites had CL amenities as well?

 

[ckelly14]

I thought all the Tonga Suites had CL amenities as well?

They do.

My question is, would you rather have 2 connecting Theme Park View rooms in Hawaii, vs. a 2 bedroom princess bedroom in Tonga, which is on the first floor, and seems to have a somewhat restricted view (at least on the TP website). Price is about equal.

I never booked either, so I also don't know about availability. I would be ready to book as soon as the dates open up.

Love to hear comments from anyone who has stayed at either (or both).

Thanks.

 

[Koh1977]

What sorts of things are sold in the grab and go fridges at Captain Cook's? I know when we were there last, they had some sushi. Is it still sold there? Do they have small containers of fresh fruit at all? (pineapple, watermelon, etc.) Trying to figure out what we need to have on hand for quick bites in the am or if we can just get it there with snack credits (the fruit, not the sushi).

 

[prgal0715]

What sorts of things are sold in the grab and go fridges at Captain Cook's? I know when we were there last, they had some sushi. Is it still sold there? Do they have small containers of fresh fruit at all? (pineapple, watermelon, etc.) Trying to figure out what we need to have on hand for quick bites in the am or if we can just get it there with snack credits (the fruit, not the sushi).

I stayed at the Poly in January and CC's had a good selection of fruit - whole and containers - as well as sushi, sandwiches, desserts and some fun side items like Asian noodle salad. There was also plenty of yogurt, milk, etc. Hope this helps!

 

[Koh1977]

My DD LOVES pineapple and was in heaven with CL last year at WL because she's a grazer and doesn't eat much for breakfast anyway. We were good with fruit and croissants.

 

[kungaloosh22]

They do.

My question is, would you rather have 2 connecting Theme Park View rooms in Hawaii, vs. a 2 bedroom princess bedroom in Tonga, which is on the first floor, and seems to have a somewhat restricted view (at least on the TP website). Price is about equal.

That's a tough question. I've been in a theme park Hawaii room, but not a Tonga suite. I think the view from Hawaii would definitely be better. I've always thought the Tonga 1st floor rooms could get annoying with all the foot traffic outside the room, making me want to close the curtains, which defeats the point of a view, plus the marina views are nice but not as nice to me as a beach view. But you could end up without balconies in Hawaii, which would be a big deal for us. I really wish Disney would make balcony rooms a category, but I know they won't. (It's one of the reasons I'll probably buy in to Poly DVC when California sales open; we've always requested rooms in the 3 DVC buildings primarily to increase our chance of a balcony or patio.)

Given all that, I'd probably pick the Tonga suite and deal with the foot traffic. The suites look very nice, plus you'll get a lot of extra living space. But if a balcony or patio isn't a big deal to you, then I'd go with Hawaii.

 

[Tikiman]

That's a tough question. I've been in a theme park Hawaii room, but not a Tonga suite. I think the view from Hawaii would definitely be better. I've always thought the Tonga 1st floor rooms could get annoying with all the foot traffic outside the room, making me want to close the curtains, which defeats the point of a view, plus the marina views are nice but not as nice to me as a beach view. But you could end up without balconies in Hawaii, which would be a big deal for us. I really wish Disney would make balcony rooms a category, but I know they won't. (It's one of the reasons I'll probably buy in to Poly DVC when California sales open; we've always requested rooms in the 3 DVC buildings primarily to increase our chance of a balcony or patio.)

Given all that, I'd probably pick the Tonga suite and deal with the foot traffic. The suites look very nice, plus you'll get a lot of extra living space. But if a balcony or patio isn't a big deal to you, then I'd go with Hawaii.

Better figure out how to buy before they open to California or you may be paying more. Cost is expected to go up in a few weeks.

 

[tarak]

They do.

My question is, would you rather have 2 connecting Theme Park View rooms in Hawaii, vs. a 2 bedroom princess bedroom in Tonga, which is on the first floor, and seems to have a somewhat restricted view (at least on the TP website). Price is about equal.

I never booked either, so I also don't know about availability. I would be ready to book as soon as the dates open up.

Love to hear comments from anyone who has stayed at either (or both).

Thanks.

My two cents - I'd book the suite if having connecting rooms is important. Even when I was told connecting rooms were guaranteed because the number of kids outnumbered adults, our rooms were separated by a pretty good chunk of hallway. I also like the suites because I prefer having the sitting area separated from the bedroom. Well, I've stayed in the 1 BR villas at Kidani, which are arranged pretty much the same as the 1 BR suites in Jambo house. On the other hand, the view from Hawaii is probably nicer than the marina, assuming you like the look of the bungalows.

 

[ckelly14]

Thanks for the info all. I reconsidering the 1 bdr suite which is on the second floor of Tonga, and putting my parents in a separate room in Hawaii. I like having a separate living room. I would consider the bungalows, but he bedding seems to be a bit strange (Single King or Queen with pull down beds). Can't wait until they have pics of the bedrooms.

 

[Retro Magic]

Better figure out how to buy before they open to California or you may be paying more. Cost is expected to go up in a few weeks.

Tikiman, are you aware of any updates regarding the statue/tiki person being added in the coming weeks atop the Great Ceremonial House water feature? Hoping they did not scratch the plans for this.

 

[jhaig]

Would a monorail view room in Rarotonga be a good choice considering quiet pool construction, or should I avoid that building altogether?

 

[kungaloosh22]

Better figure out how to buy before they open to California or you may be paying more. Cost is expected to go up in a few weeks.

Certainly not what I want to hear, but I appreciate the heads up!

 

[Tikiman]

Tikiman, are you aware of any updates regarding the statue/tiki person being added in the coming weeks atop the Great Ceremonial House water feature? Hoping they did not scratch the plans for this.

The tiki should be going on soon

 

[PAdislover]

Would a monorail view room in Rarotonga be a good choice considering quiet pool construction, or should I avoid that building altogether?

I don't think anyone can really answer that question now since we just have to wait and see how the construction unfolds.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I am now officially PIF for our August trip...first Poly stay and so excited

 

[huntconn]

Tikiman, are you aware of any updates regarding the statue/tiki person being added in the coming weeks atop the Great Ceremonial House water feature? Hoping they did not scratch the plans for this.

By "water feature" you mean the big pile of rocks, right? Lol. Just kidding..... not really

 

[kirrrby]

Where do you get Dole Whips at the Poly now? Last trip we went they had Captain Cook's closed and they had that weird 80's style back room underneath the stairs cafe open and no Dole Whip machine.

 

[MouseMum]

Where do you get Dole Whips at the Poly now? Last trip we went they had Captain Cook's closed and they had that weird 80's style back room underneath the stairs cafe open and no Dole Whip machine.

Pineapple Lanai

 

[princessap]

So we just got back this week from an amazing trip and am already planning next year's! We loved the poly two years ago and said we would go back when construction is done. We are planning march 2016. Should it all be done by then?? Also, I am debating renting points for a studio as we stayed in Tokelau before and loved the location and now that's where the studios are. We are a family of five. Would a regular room or studio be better for us?? I know that the villas will be excluded for deals does anyone think the poly will be too as it will be popular?? Thanks ​

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I am now officially PIF for our August trip...first Poly stay and so excited

My poly portion of the trip is PIF too! Now I just have a few hundred left on my BC room only portion. So exciting!