ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[chikinyellow]

Has anyone who requested a full sized crib at the poly actually gotten one? I just called the reservation line and asked and she told me only pack n plays. DD is tall and it will be a bad fit if we have a PNP.

Not sure what to do? She gets too excited sleeping in a bed and keeps all of us up. Is it something I should call the resort directly? We arrive this Sunday-6 days from now.

 

[leannak]

Can I ask you Poly People if you like Captain Cooks for lunch? We'll probably be on the Deluxe dining plan, but might want to do a quick lunch our first day. Do any of you have any idea if you get anything different on the deluxe plan at a quick service restaurant like this? (Do you get an "appetizer" like you do at the other restaurants when you're on deluxe?) We're torn between doing Kona or doing Captain Cooks our first day because we might just want to hit the pool instead of being stuck in a restaurant. (Although those potstickers sound pretty darn good.)

 

[leannak]

OK, I have another weird question. We paid for the room for our in-laws. Their names are on the room reservation but it's our address and email account. (We didn't want them seeing any invoices, etc. They don't even really know where we're staying or what we're doing. No CLUE about the fabulous fun we have lined up for them. ) But now I'm thinking about check-in and check-out. I don't want these sweet people to see how much their room REALLY costs or to see the price of the upgrade to the deluxe dining plan. Is it at all possible for my husband and I to check Grandma & Grandpa in while they play with our little kids? Or can the front desk people help us out and not show pricing?? Not sure what to do here.

 

[JoAnna525]

OK, I have another weird question. We paid for the room for our in-laws. Their names are on the room reservation but it's our address and email account. (We didn't want them seeing any invoices, etc. They don't even really know where we're staying or what we're doing. No CLUE about the fabulous fun we have lined up for them. ) But now I'm thinking about check-in and check-out. I don't want these sweet people to see how much their room REALLY costs or to see the price of the upgrade to the deluxe dining plan. Is it at all possible for my husband and I to check Grandma & Grandpa in while they play with our little kids? Or can the front desk people help us out and not show pricing?? Not sure what to do here.

I don't recall seeing any pricing information at all when I checked in. They just looked up our reservation when we checked in, and then sent us to our room. I also didn't get an invoice when they slipped our check-out instructions under the door - my room was paid in full before we went, so that may be why. You might want to call to confirm what their practices are.

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

We just booked POLY theme park view for Jan 26 - Feb 2 because our first choice CR was fully booked. Will the main pool with water slide be closed then. Then never mentioned it when I booked but now I am seeing the threat here on DIS. Does anyone have any info? I'm wondering if I should call right back and cancel.

 

[ninafeliz]

Has anyone who requested a full sized crib at the poly actually gotten one? I just called the reservation line and asked and she told me only pack n plays. DD is tall and it will be a bad fit if we have a PNP.

Not sure what to do? She gets too excited sleeping in a bed and keeps all of us up. Is it something I should call the resort directly? We arrive this Sunday-6 days from now.

We stayed at the Poly Oct 12-20 this year and had a full sized crib. When I checked in I asked if we had gotten the pack n play I requested, and they told me they saw I had requested a crib and asked which I wanted. I hadn't realized they had both, and really used them interchangeably for request purposes, but I was told that while they have many more pack n plays they do have cribs that are first come first serve. So we did get the crib. I really didn't care which we got. I thought the crib might be a little more comfortable for out son, with the thicker mattress, but I also think it took up more room space and was a little harder to lower him down into after he fell asleep. That's the long answer with to much info . The short one is: Yes, they have cribs. I requested it ahead of time and again at check in, and it came later (I'm not sure how much later, we left for dinner and the parks and it was there when we got back).

Can I ask you Poly People if you like Captain Cooks for lunch? We'll probably be on the Deluxe dining plan, but might want to do a quick lunch our first day. Do any of you have any idea if you get anything different on the deluxe plan at a quick service restaurant like this? (Do you get an "appetizer" like you do at the other restaurants when you're on deluxe?) We're torn between doing Kona or doing Captain Cooks our first day because we might just want to hit the pool instead of being stuck in a restaurant. (Although those potstickers sound pretty darn good.)

I really like captain cook's. In fact, before we stayed at the Poly, we used to go there once every trip just to eat lunch at Captain Cook's. I love the grown up grilled cheese sandwich, and the flatbreads are good as well. I know there are other favorites if you read through this thread, including Dole Whips (which I have never found all that great, but I know tons of people just rave about). We always found a nice spot outside to eat and enjoy the ambiance. We don't do the dining plan at all, let alone deluxe, so I'm not sure about that

OK, I have another weird question. We paid for the room for our in-laws. Their names are on the room reservation but it's our address and email account. (We didn't want them seeing any invoices, etc. They don't even really know where we're staying or what we're doing. No CLUE about the fabulous fun we have lined up for them. ) But now I'm thinking about check-in and check-out. I don't want these sweet people to see how much their room REALLY costs or to see the price of the upgrade to the deluxe dining plan. Is it at all possible for my husband and I to check Grandma & Grandpa in while they play with our little kids? Or can the front desk people help us out and not show pricing?? Not sure what to do here.

We always do a room only reservation and the only thing we pay ahead of time is the first night, so there is always a large balance that we have to pay at check in. I'm pretty sure the CM checking us in would say the balance that we owe, and then ask how we want to pay it. I can't remember exactly how it always takes place, but I know the balance is discussed and imagine anyone checking in with us would be able to hear the total without too much difficulty. Particularly if they were trying to. I'm actually not sure if you can check in for them or not, I'm thinking they have to be there if they have their own room but maybe not. I imagine someone else will now that for sure.

I hope some of that helped

 

[leannak]

OK, I have another weird question. We paid for the room for our in-laws. Their names are on the room reservation but it's our address and email account. (We didn't want them seeing any invoices, etc. They don't even really know where we're staying or what we're doing. No CLUE about the fabulous fun we have lined up for them. ) But now I'm thinking about check-in and check-out. I don't want these sweet people to see how much their room REALLY costs or to see the price of the upgrade to the deluxe dining plan. Is it at all possible for my husband and I to check Grandma & Grandpa in while they play with our little kids? Or can the front desk people help us out and not show pricing?? Not sure what to do here.

Both rooms are paid in full. So if they're paid, does anyone know if there is discussion or documentation of pricing? Thanks - I know this is a weird question. I just really don't want mom- & dad-in-law to stress out about what this is all costing.

 

[Sandi]

I just booked a quick trip for my mom and me for 12-6 thru 12-11. I wanted Wilderness Lodge, but there was no availability. Thus, we are booked in a standard view at Poly. I haven't stayed at Poly in years; we usually do Boardwalk now. I feel completely unprepared. I have read thru this thread and also looked at Tikiman's site. Still lost.

Which long houses are most adversely affected by the construction?

Suggestions for what I should request?

Are the higher floors better?

Is there a hot tub? (Last time we were there, there was not.)

Everything looks beautiful, but I don't know this resort well. I want this to be a great trip for my mom. I'm not telling her where we are staying, so I'm hopeful for a happy surprise when we arrive on the ME bus.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Sue M]

I'm in the same boat for August. Construction is around Sunset Point & Tahiti now I believe. So have a look at resort map and book a longhouse away from that. Samoa may be good. I don't think the volcano pool will be closed till January! Keep watching the construction updates.

We loved Tokelau, but it's right next to Tahiti

 

[Circusgirl]

Both rooms are paid in full. So if they're paid, does anyone know if there is discussion or documentation of pricing? Thanks - I know this is a weird question. I just really don't want mom- & dad-in-law to stress out about what this is all costing.

When I have paid my balance at check in, the CM always discretely turns the check in form to me and points at the balance on the form rather than saying anything out loud to let me know what the charge is. Hope this helps! I've never been paid in full at check in so don't know what happens under those circumstances. They do put a summary of charges on the door or under the door of the room for express check out on check out morning, so you might want to ask if those can be held for you at the desk.

 

[Sue M]

We just booked POLY theme park view for Jan 26 - Feb 2 because our first choice CR was fully booked. Will the main pool with water slide be closed then. Then never mentioned it when I booked but now I am seeing the threat here on DIS. Does anyone have any info? I'm wondering if I should call right back and cancel.

There is a separate thread on Dis Boards for Poly Construction Updates. Also Tikiman website has construction updates.
I can't be sure, but I think pool will be closed down January, but better to look it up to be sure. If it is closed, in all probability they will be running a shuttle to GF for pool use.

 

[ninafeliz]

When I have paid my balance at check in, the CM always discretely turns the check in form to me and points at the balance on the form rather than saying anything out loud to let me know what the charge is. Hope this helps! I've never been paid in full at check in so don't know what happens under those circumstances. They do put a summary of charges on the door or under the door of the room for express check out on check out morning, so you might want to ask if those can be held for you at the desk.

Maybe the did just show us the balance, and not say it. I thought they said the total, but I really didn't pay attention since I've never been in a situation like the pp when it mattered. It may just depend on the CM. I do know that they no longer put the itemized bill on your door the last day. They email it to whatever email they have on file. We wanted a copy and had to ask the concierge to print us one.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

What about going with them and staying at another resort? It wouldn't be too hard to meet up with them if you took the bus to the TTC. The Poly works better with that because you can go to the TTC and you don't have to do the DTD then to the resort buss's like you do with other resorts. It only takes about 5 minutes to get from say POP to the TTC. I would love to see you be able to go.

I am keeping an open mind and a happy heart about staying at AoA. Hey at least I am in Disney. Who knows it may be an awesome trip. I have to say I have heard nothing but positives about AoA. Even Pete Werner likes it. My home away from home is the Poly but it will be fun to try out something new. Because of finances it may come down to staying at AoA most times and staying at the Poly for special celebrations for the time being. If it gets me to Disney I am all for it. When I am at Disney the whole real world goes away and that is what is most important to me. As long as I am there with my family and we are having a good time that is all that really matters.

I am definitely going to keep my options open so we'll see if I go with them in April! I do love lots of Disney resorts and if you squint hard enough you can see some of them in my signature. When I was in Disney in May for this yearly conference I go to, they offered amazing rates at Beach Club but I originally booked at AOA I still want to check it out but I can't resist crazy low rates when I go to these conferences!

I am so with you that at Disney, the world melts away. A co-worker looked at a photo of me at Disney and he said it didn't look like me and I responded that I was HAPPY so yeah, different from my serious and slightly stressed work face! Of course I was totally kidding!! I love my job and they have been really good to me.

Can I ask you Poly People if you like Captain Cooks for lunch? We'll probably be on the Deluxe dining plan, but might want to do a quick lunch our first day. Do any of you have any idea if you get anything different on the deluxe plan at a quick service restaurant like this? (Do you get an "appetizer" like you do at the other restaurants when you're on deluxe?) We're torn between doing Kona or doing Captain Cooks our first day because we might just want to hit the pool instead of being stuck in a restaurant. (Although those potstickers sound pretty darn good.)

LOVE Captain Cooks. My favorite is the adult grilled cheese which is a multigrain bread with different cheeses, tomato, and arugala. You can pick their polynesian chips (love them) or another side. And of course, dole whips for dessert! I also love the breakfast Mickey waffles and could live the rest of my life extremely happy if I could get my hands on those divine cheese danishes everyday!!

I have never done the deluxe dining plan but I'm sure folks on the dining plan threads could help you with those questions. I will say that for lunch, Kona most likely would be pretty quick although each time I go, I get worse food and service but others give great feedback. I do visit the Kona bar sushi in the evening - I have sat down and have gotten it to go as well! They offer the entire Kona menu as well but they are only open for dinner, not lunch. Tambu lounge offers some decent appetizers as well and you can get your drinks to go there And on the deluxe plan, could you get room service? I know you can order it at a cabana, but I wonder if you could order it just at the pool? Or maybe at your room and then take it to the pool? Just some thoughts!

OK, I have another weird question. We paid for the room for our in-laws. Their names are on the room reservation but it's our address and email account. (We didn't want them seeing any invoices, etc. They don't even really know where we're staying or what we're doing. No CLUE about the fabulous fun we have lined up for them. ) But now I'm thinking about check-in and check-out. I don't want these sweet people to see how much their room REALLY costs or to see the price of the upgrade to the deluxe dining plan. Is it at all possible for my husband and I to check Grandma & Grandpa in while they play with our little kids? Or can the front desk people help us out and not show pricing?? Not sure what to do here.

If you paid a 'package' for each room - room + tickets and possibly dining - none of those amounts will show on your room charge. I pull my bill several times during my stays and have stayed at the Poly many times with my recent stay in October of this year. I can tell you that they never listed my package price. In fact, I had an issue back in May and they said they would credit me a half night's stay. The cast member said they would look that up but she didn't know it at the time. So I think they have to really look into it to find out your room rate if you booked a package and paid for it 45 days out. BUT if you booked a room only reservation, your balance would show. As you've said you've already paid it, I don't think you have anything to worry about!

 

[leannak]

Tinkerbellie, you rock! I saw your name as most recent post and I was HOPING you had answered my questions. Yay! Thank you so much!!

So, if you had a table service credit to spend - would you pick Captain Cooks over the sit-down meal at Kona for lunch?

(I'll look into room service too... sounds like a fun idea!)

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Tinkerbellie, you rock! I saw your name as most recent post and I was HOPING you had answered my questions. Yay! Thank you so much!!

So, if you had a table service credit to spend - would you pick Captain Cooks over the sit-down meal at Kona for lunch?

(I'll look into room service too... sounds like a fun idea!)

So I looked on allearsnet for dining plan info and it sounds like the deluxe plan offers 3 meals + 2 snacks per night. The meals can be quick or table service. Table service includes an appetizer (which is different from the regular dining plan.) And looking at the Disney website, you still need to use 2 table credits for signature dining and you can use 2 credits for in-room dining as well.

But back to your question! I'd first ask myself if I would be eating at Kona or Captain Cooks on any other day for a similar meal type (lunch/dinner). If yes, I would go to the other one to check it out. If you are not doing either, I would then look at the time needed. Kona for lunch and early dinner typically isn't a long wait but you never know. If you just want to hang by the pool and your meal would be interupted by antsy kids or adults, then get Captain Cooks and sit by the pool. If you get dole whips, you can fill them up later. We usually do this and come back after an hour or so to get our dole whips.

Purely from how things taste though, I have not had the best experience at Kona (regular entrees) so I would say Captain cooks. However, I do order off their menu at the Sushi bar (well, now its like they are just one restaurant anyway) and their apps are good - including the potstickers! You are certainly getting more for your dining credit by eating at Kona. Kona rarely has a wait for lunch and early dinner so you don't have to make a reservation and could just decide on the fly!

So not the most solid answer But everyone's tastes are different and there are many people that would jump up and down and recommend Kona!

 

[Dominion]

Our Magic Bands arrived today!!

25 days to go and I am beyond excited. Time to start the packing list I think....

 

[Sue M]

Congrats!! Won't be long.

 

[Sue M]

it occurred to me after a few posts maybe I should introduce myself since it's been 2010 that I've been on this thread!
Some may know me from some other threads .

I travel to wdw 2 times a year, and for our (my adult daughter and partner in crime) August visit we are returning to Poly construction and all! Our last stay was in January, 2010 when that awful cold snap was finally over. At the time we decided we would love to be at Poly in summer! So here we are! 2 weeks at Poly this August.

I've requested Fiji or Aoteroa sp??? Balcony is really important and also have that request. We loved Tokelau. Wonderful central location close to everything. But now may also be too close to construction.

I've never stayed in Fiji or the one I can't spell so any feedback is welcomed.

 

[Chicago Mo]

There is a separate thread on Dis Boards for Poly Construction Updates. Also Tikiman website has construction updates.
I can't be sure, but I think pool will be closed down January, but better to look it up to be sure. If it is closed, in all probability they will be running a shuttle to GF for pool use.

can you post the link to the poly construction updates? i was unable to find it.

thanks.

 

[maiapapaya]

can you post the link to the poly construction updates? i was unable to find it.

thanks.

Here ya go! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3110773