ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[leannak]

Water feature back on!

Still at Kona. Really slow service but tasty food!!

 

[Walkie]

Still at Kona. Really slow service but tasty food!!

WE noticed the extremely slow service at Kona when we were there last week too. We had two breakfasts, a lunch, and two dinners, and every time, whether it was crowded or not, the service was very slow. I don't recall it being like that before. What's up with that?

 

[Silly3mom]

Ok 5 days til we arrive do we need bug spray for the beach at night? Also what is the typical mixed drink price at pool bar? Mind is heading into vacation mode

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Ok 5 days til we arrive do we need bug spray for the beach at night? Also what is the typical mixed drink price at pool bar? Mind is heading into vacation mode

WDW has an insect control program!!! No matter what time of year I've stayed at the Poly or any other WDW resort, I have not needed bug spray. Even the love bug months are just love-y and they don't bite you So no, don't worry about bug spray. Even on the beach...even at night...

Check out this fabulous site about WDW drinks:

http://www.partythroughtheparks.com/walt-disney-world-share-pool/

The WDW resort pool bars have a shared menu and the resort regular bars have a shared menu. Each resort has some local favorites as well (although I've only asked for the local drinks at Tambu, never the pool bar). One of my favorites that is still on the pool bar menu is the Banana Cabana. While the Pina Colava is tasty - it is just too heavy for me to drink.

As for the Tambu lounge, I always get an Island Sunset when I check in (it is lighter in alcohol and a frozen juice concoction). You should also try the Lapu Lapu (very STRONG Mai Tai in a pineapple) at some point! I also like the backscratcher!

I'd post pics but it will have to wait for when I'm at a computer that lets me actually grab my photobucket photos.

 

[leannak]

ericstac: We are in Arerotoa and LOVE it. Garden view but somehow were blessed with an amazing, unobstructed view of the castle, slightly "framed" by pretty trees. We have two connecting rooms with a patio. One room has a tree partially blocking the castle. The other is perfect. We can't believe it! We requested Fiji or Samoa with a balcony and got Arerotoa with a patio. But it's PERFECT. We could hear the Spirit of Aloha music, but I liked it. It wasn't loud enough to keep us awake. Also, since we're on ground floor we have to keep our drapes closed when we're changing, etc. but it's a price I'll happily pay for this view. Captain Cooks is conveniently on the way to the pool or the GCH. Just really couldn't be happier.

Also, holy toledo. Walked by Hawaii building and it looks like junk over there. So loud and messy looking with the yellow floats and general construction mess. I was surprised. It's so peaceful over on our side of the resort and the view of the castle includes absolutely no construction. You can't tell anything is going on from over here. I'm sad for the people stuck with that who are club level right now.


Quick question. We have an 8:10 Pre-park-open CRT breakfast tomorrow morning. What time should we get to the poly monorail station? Or is this one of those situations where we should go to TTC or use a boat, etc...

 

[ericstac]

Thanks for the live review!!

 

[Bonacker]

Subscribing. (Eager to hear the answer to the "what time to leave for MK for early breakfast?" question. We're doing the same in Jan.)

 

[Bonacker]

Ooops, subbing.

 

[Dominion]

Also, holy toledo. Walked by Hawaii building and it looks like junk over there. So loud and messy looking with the yellow floats and general construction mess. I was surprised. It's so peaceful over on our side of the resort and the view of the castle includes absolutely no construction. You can't tell anything is going on from over here. I'm sad for the people stuck with that who are club level right now.

Oh this makes me sad. We are checking into club level in early December!! Although we are staying garden view - do you think that will make a difference? If our rooms look out onto the quiet pool instead of the lagoon? Maybe I should send the IPO a note that says "PLEASE DO NOT UPGRADE!!!"

 

[ericstac]

ericstac: We are in Arerotoa and LOVE it. Garden view but somehow were blessed with an amazing, unobstructed view of the castle, slightly "framed" by pretty trees. We have two connecting rooms with a patio. One room has a tree partially blocking the castle. The other is perfect. We can't believe it! We requested Fiji or Samoa with a balcony and got Arerotoa with a patio. But it's PERFECT. We could hear the Spirit of Aloha music, but I liked it. It wasn't loud enough to keep us awake. Also, since we're on ground floor we have to keep our drapes closed when we're changing, etc. but it's a price I'll happily pay for this view. Captain Cooks is conveniently on the way to the pool or the GCH. Just really couldn't be happier. Also, holy toledo. Walked by Hawaii building and it looks like junk over there. So loud and messy looking with the yellow floats and general construction mess. I was surprised. It's so peaceful over on our side of the resort and the view of the castle includes absolutely no construction. You can't tell anything is going on from over here. I'm sad for the people stuck with that who are club level right now. Quick question. We have an 8:10 Pre-park-open CRT breakfast tomorrow morning. What time should we get to the poly monorail station? Or is this one of those situations where we should go to TTC or use a boat, etc...

Leannak, where are the pics

 

[chikinyellow]

Aloha!! We just arrived today about noon. We did online check in and were able to do so without a line.

We requested a room with a balcony/patio and pack n play. We got a ground level in Tahiti. I don't know much about long houses, but I knew it was around the construction. They assured me if it was a problem that we could move.

Room 1041 in Tahiti had a bit of greenery with a view of the construction fence. The room had not been renovated and linens were worn. When we were on the patio, we could hear a loud humming from behind the fence.

I wasn't happy, so we requested a new room without a problem. Now we are in Tuvalu 3rd floor and if we look out the side of our balcony , we can see the beach and grand Floridian. I know it may sound petty, but there was a bell hop moving bags from 3 other rooms because they were staring at a fence. They had several other rooms available (they let me pick) and I don't understand why they are putting people in Tahiti.

Everything else going good though!! Kona for lunch tomorrow!!!

 

[BringingUpDisney]

Subbing - finally back on the DIS with less than two weeks to go!

 

[maiapapaya]

Aloha!! We just arrived today about noon. We did online check in and were able to do so without a line.

We requested a room with a balcony/patio and pack n play. We got a ground level in Tahiti. I don't know much about long houses, but I knew it was around the construction. They assured me if it was a problem that we could move.

Room 1041 in Tahiti had a bit of greenery with a view of the construction fence. The room had not been renovated and linens were worn. When we were on the patio, we could hear a loud humming from behind the fence.

I wasn't happy, so we requested a new room without a problem. Now we are in Tuvalu 3rd floor and if we look out the side of our balcony , we can see the beach and grand Floridian. I know it may sound petty, but there was a bell hop moving bags from 3 other rooms because they were staring at a fence. They had several other rooms available (they let me pick) and I don't understand why they are putting people in Tahiti.

Everything else going good though!! Kona for lunch tomorrow!!!

It's really disappointing that they would still be putting people in Tahiti! And you're right, it doesn't make sense when they had enough available rooms to let you choose where they moved you too. Glad they were able to accommodate you!

We arrive in 12 days. So hoping they don't put us in there, especially since this is a surprise trip for our girls for Christmas. Unfortunately we check in on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, so there likely won't be a lot of flexibility with moving to another room if that happens. We've requested Samoa, but I know it's a popular choice, so we'll be keeping our fingers crossed for a little pixie dust!

 

[Sue M]

ericstac: We are in Arerotoa and LOVE it. Garden view but somehow were blessed with an amazing, unobstructed view of the castle, slightly "framed" by pretty trees. We have two connecting rooms with a patio. One room has a tree partially blocking the castle. The other is perfect. We can't believe it! We requested Fiji or Samoa with a balcony and got Arerotoa with a patio. But it's PERFECT. We could hear the Spirit of Aloha music, but I liked it. It wasn't loud enough to keep us awake. Also, since we're on ground floor we have to keep our drapes closed when we're changing, etc. but it's a price I'll happily pay for this view. Captain Cooks is conveniently on the way to the pool or the GCH. Just really couldn't be happier.

Also, holy toledo. Walked by Hawaii building and it looks like junk over there. So loud and messy looking with the yellow floats and general construction mess. I was surprised. It's so peaceful over on our side of the resort and the view of the castle includes absolutely no construction. You can't tell anything is going on from over here. I'm sad for the people stuck with that who are club level right now.


Quick question. We have an 8:10 Pre-park-open CRT breakfast tomorrow morning. What time should we get to the poly monorail station? Or is this one of those situations where we should go to TTC or use a boat, etc...

Sounds amazing!! Can't wait for August. That's one of the longhouses I requested, that and Fiji, and balcony.

 

[DPCummerbund]

Subscribing. (Eager to hear the answer to the "what time to leave for MK for early breakfast?" question. We're doing the same in Jan.)

Ooops, subbing.

Subbing - finally back on the DIS with less than two weeks to go!

FYI, you don't actually need to post "subbing" in a thread in order to subscribe to it. There's a box at the top of the page labeled "Thread Tools." If you click on that, there's another box labeled "Subscribe to this Thread."

 

[matthewhavens]

It's really disappointing that they would still be putting people in Tahiti! And you're right, it doesn't make sense when they had enough available rooms to let you choose where they moved you too. Glad they were able to accommodate you!

We arrive in 12 days. So hoping they don't put us in there, especially since this is a surprise trip for our girls for Christmas. Unfortunately we check in on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, so there likely won't be a lot of flexibility with moving to another room if that happens. We've requested Samoa, but I know it's a popular choice, so we'll be keeping our fingers crossed for a little pixie dust!

We arrive on the 29th.

In the past we've always requested a longhouse but accepted what we get. It doesn't sound like we can do that this year.

It sounds like Tahiti has the worst of it. Is anyone there now or recently on property with other longhouses that should really be avoided because of the construction?

Thanks.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

ericstac: We are in Arerotoa and LOVE it. Garden view but somehow were blessed with an amazing, unobstructed view of the castle, slightly "framed" by pretty trees. We have two connecting rooms with a patio. One room has a tree partially blocking the castle. The other is perfect. We can't believe it! We requested Fiji or Samoa with a balcony and got Arerotoa with a patio. But it's PERFECT. We could hear the Spirit of Aloha music, but I liked it. It wasn't loud enough to keep us awake. Also, since we're on ground floor we have to keep our drapes closed when we're changing, etc. but it's a price I'll happily pay for this view. Captain Cooks is conveniently on the way to the pool or the GCH. Just really couldn't be happier.

Also, holy toledo. Walked by Hawaii building and it looks like junk over there. So loud and messy looking with the yellow floats and general construction mess. I was surprised. It's so peaceful over on our side of the resort and the view of the castle includes absolutely no construction. You can't tell anything is going on from over here. I'm sad for the people stuck with that who are club level right now.


Quick question. We have an 8:10 Pre-park-open CRT breakfast tomorrow morning. What time should we get to the poly monorail station? Or is this one of those situations where we should go to TTC or use a boat, etc...

So happy for you!! Enjoy and thanks for the up to date info!

Aloha!! We just arrived today about noon. We did online check in and were able to do so without a line.

We requested a room with a balcony/patio and pack n play. We got a ground level in Tahiti. I don't know much about long houses, but I knew it was around the construction. They assured me if it was a problem that we could move.

Room 1041 in Tahiti had a bit of greenery with a view of the construction fence. The room had not been renovated and linens were worn. When we were on the patio, we could hear a loud humming from behind the fence.

I wasn't happy, so we requested a new room without a problem. Now we are in Tuvalu 3rd floor and if we look out the side of our balcony , we can see the beach and grand Floridian. I know it may sound petty, but there was a bell hop moving bags from 3 other rooms because they were staring at a fence. They had several other rooms available (they let me pick) and I don't understand why they are putting people in Tahiti.

Everything else going good though!! Kona for lunch tomorrow!!!

Glad they could accommodate you - and those other folks! I am really surprised they are still putting people in Tahiti!!! But I suppose they still want to sell rooms (even though other rooms are available???) Well, at least you got moved Enjoy your visit!

 

[Dominion]

Hi all,
We will be at the Poly in less than 3 weeks!! We haven't stayed in a hotel more than 2 nights with our daughters so I have a few questions about the rooms so that I can be better prepared for a week in the hotel! We are staying in Hawaii if that makes any difference...

1) Do the bathtubs have some sort of non-skid surface? Or is there a bath mat?

2) Is there a handheld shower attachment? (Obviously I am concerned with bathing them!!)

3) Is there a hardryer in the room? If so, is it a decent sized (strong) one or one of those that clips into the wall and takes 3 hours to dry long hair ?

4) We've rented a double stroller - is there space for that in the room??

5) Is the quiet pool actually quiet? Just wondering if it will be loud out there at night...we are staying GV so I assume we will overlook the pool. I have requested 3rd floor in case that makes any difference

6) How many luggage racks are in the rooms? Is it possible to request an extra (or 2?)

7) Can I get a bed rail? We just moved our 3 year old from a crib to a bed, but she still has a railing to keep her from falling out.

Thank you for any information on these questions!!!

 

[Sue M]

Aloha!! We just arrived today about noon. We did online check in and were able to do so without a line.

We requested a room with a balcony/patio and pack n play. We got a ground level in Tahiti. I don't know much about long houses, but I knew it was around the construction. They assured me if it was a problem that we could move.

Room 1041 in Tahiti had a bit of greenery with a view of the construction fence. The room had not been renovated and linens were worn. When we were on the patio, we could hear a loud humming from behind the fence.

I wasn't happy, so we requested a new room without a problem. Now we are in Tuvalu 3rd floor and if we look out the side of our balcony , we can see the beach and grand Floridian. I know it may sound petty, but there was a bell hop moving bags from 3 other rooms because they were staring at a fence. They had several other rooms available (they let me pick) and I don't understand why they are putting people in Tahiti.

Everything else going good though!! Kona for lunch tomorrow!!!

Thanks for the report! Glad you got moved to a nicer location. I don't understand either why they are putting people in Tahiti actually I thought it was closed. For what they charge per night, that's unacceptable IMO.

 

[psac]

Hi all,
We will be at the Poly in less than 3 weeks!! We haven't stayed in a hotel more than 2 nights with our daughters so I have a few questions about the rooms so that I can be better prepared for a week in the hotel! We are staying in Hawaii if that makes any difference...

1) Do the bathtubs have some sort of non-skid surface? Or is there a bath mat?

2) Is there a handheld shower attachment? (Obviously I am concerned with bathing them!!)

3) Is there a hardryer in the room? If so, is it a decent sized (strong) one or one of those that clips into the wall and takes 3 hours to dry long hair ?

4) We've rented a double stroller - is there space for that in the room??

5) Is the quiet pool actually quiet? Just wondering if it will be loud out there at night...we are staying GV so I assume we will overlook the pool. I have requested 3rd floor in case that makes any difference

6) How many luggage racks are in the rooms? Is it possible to request an extra (or 2?)

7) Can I get a bed rail? We just moved our 3 year old from a crib to a bed, but she still has a railing to keep her from falling out.

Thank you for any information on these questions!!!

Definitely a hair dryer and plenty of space for the double stroller. I think no to the bath mat and no handheld shower unless you get a handicap accessible room. The quiet pool was active (not quiet but no blasted music or pool games like at the main pool), but quiet at night.