ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[rustyfla]

Has anybody used the Blizzard Beach freebie? Was there any info we need to know? Thanks!

There is a designated bus for blizzard beach. Its linked to your magic band. You will use that to enter. Very simple

 

[trishadono]

There is a designated bus for blizzard beach. Its linked to your magic band. You will use that to enter. Very simple

Thanks!

 

[dizzyinwdw]

Can the blizzard beach pass be used day of checkout? TIA

 

[trishadono]

Can the blizzard beach pass be used day of checkout? TIA

From what I have seen the pass is linked to our hotel reservation so I would think yes. Everything else on disney still works on check out day.

 

[mommyrosa2]

So....I haven't even "pulled the trigger" yet and am already rethinking my choice for next August .

Last night, we sat down, weighed out the pros and cons and did the actual math for all the "extras" we would have to get if we went with a regular standard view room as opposed to a standard view CL room (thanks Steve for this tip on your website). Seeing it on paper, made us realize that with the deal we're getting, we really should just go with the CL room but I'd really like to hear from anyone's recent experience with the Poly's CL and their daily offerings, great, good, just okay?

 

[trishadono]

So....I haven't even "pulled the trigger" yet and am already rethinking my choice for next August .

Last night, we sat down, weighed out the pros and cons and did the actual math for all the "extras" we would have to get if we went with a regular standard view room as opposed to a standard view CL room (thanks Steve for this tip on your website). Seeing it on paper, made us realize that with the deal we're getting, we really should just go with the CL room but I'd really like to hear from anyone's recent experience with the Poly's CL and their daily offerings, great, good, just okay?

I stayed there twice last year and again this May. I also have another CL stay booked for this November 2014. Yep I like it

I like it because I am not a big breakfast eater, so those offerings work for me.

I like to request a glass of wine to take out to the pool/beach in the afternoon

5pm appetizers are enough for a meal for me and dd. That saves us a lot of time vs getting a dining reservation. Also more free wine

With breakfast, snacks and dinner covered. That leaves only needed a QS lunch. However on our last trip dd and I did a few sit down lunches. Cheaper than dinner but the same experience.

Oh did I mention the 8-10pm desserts???!!! Yum!!!

We also got smart and grabbed our lunch from CC's and ate in the lounge. Drinks, flatware and napkins there and the best view

Now for quality, that is subjective. The fruit is always fresh, the cheeses great, that kind of thing. There are juices out in the morning, pog juice in the afternoon(my favorite) along with iced tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Really there is something for everyone.

 

[BlueSkies]

Hey Blue!

I go in November often. One year I went on two different trips in the month!

Weather can be cool to HOT!!!

It can be 80-85 for a few days then drop to 72-75 or even a day or two in the 60's.

We will just have to wait and see!

If it is hot and you go you will need 4 people to ride Teamboat Springs so maybe you can adopt me?

Thanks Trish We are usually October and December visitors...it seems that the weather will be similar to December...very variable...lol... meaning..packing more stuff....

Teamboat springs sounds like a plan! I'll get my life vest ready!! lol...

BTW..is this FPP day for you...here's to getting the ones that you want...

MickeyNut My GF/Poly gal pal....Get that planning underway girl...even at this supposedly "low" crowd time of year dining and FPPs has taken diligence! I know that you are up for it..I hope that your extended family knows how lucky that they are to have a seasoned Disney planner in their midst!

 

[mommyrosa2]

I stayed there twice last year and again this May. I also have another CL stay booked for this November 2014. Yep I like it

I like it because I am not a big breakfast eater, so those offerings work for me.

I like to request a glass of wine to take out to the pool/beach in the afternoon

5pm appetizers are enough for a meal for me and dd. That saves us a lot of time vs getting a dining reservation. Also more free wine

With breakfast, snacks and dinner covered. That leaves only needed a QS lunch. However on our last trip dd and I did a few sit down lunches. Cheaper than dinner but the same experience.

Oh did I mention the 8-10pm desserts???!!! Yum!!!

We also got smart and grabbed our lunch from CC's and ate in the lounge. Drinks, flatware and napkins there and the best view

Now for quality, that is subjective. The fruit is always fresh, the cheeses great, that kind of thing. There are juices out in the morning, pog juice in the afternoon(my favorite) along with iced tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Really there is something for everyone.

Thanks Trish...
We quickly realized the value once we added up just how much we spent on our recent trip last month.

While we too are not huge breakfast people, we still managed to spend quite a bit on breakfast items like juice, milk, bagels, pastry, etc. for the 4 of us over the course of 9 days. Add snacks & drinks (both alcoholic & non) and yeah, it wasn't cheap.

I really do believe it only makes sense we do book a CL room at the Poly next year so that's what we'll do .

 

[trishadono]

Thanks Trish...
We quickly realized the value once we added up just how much we spent on our recent trip last month.

While we too are not huge breakfast people, we still managed to spend quite a bit on breakfast items like juice, milk, bagels, pastry, etc. for the 4 of us over the course of 9 days. Add snacks & drinks (both alcoholic & non) and yeah, it wasn't cheap.

I really do believe it only makes sense we do book a CL room at the Poly next year so that's what we'll do .

Glad to knock you off the fence

Anytime!!!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Glad to knock you off the fence

Anytime!!!

I must admit when it's something I really want and it involves some wine and beer, it doesn't take much to persuade me

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi trishadono....thanks to your awesome post on the CL thread, here I am making an announcement!

So we are now booked for October 2015! Poly CL garden view! I am super excited to come back to the Poly post refurbishment! We have done CL at other resorts but not Poly (we have stayed here and visit every trip for meals), so that is making this trip extra special! This is likely our last big trip before my oldest son graduates form high school so it's extra special to us, especially me! We will still go of course after he graduates, but who knows when and how with his college schedule being different then the kids school schedule. I love October at WDW, perfect weather.

ALOHA!

 

[mickeynut1]

MickeyNut My GF/Poly gal pal....Get that planning underway girl...even at this supposedly "low" crowd time of year dining and FPPs has taken diligence! I know that you are up for it..I hope that your extended family knows how lucky that they are to have a seasoned Disney planner in their midst!

Hey Blue

Nothing concrete yet, but I do have alot of plans running through my mind . My SIL knows what a Disney nut I am and has already said she expects me to do all of the planning . I'm up for doing everything except FPP. We never plan our park days ahead of time as that is usually decided the morning of, so FPP will definitely be a challenge for me, especially if it involves 15 people .

So we are now booked for October 2015! Poly CL garden view! I am super excited to come back to the Poly post refurbishment! We have done CL at other resorts but not Poly (we have stayed here and visit every trip for meals), so that is making this trip extra special! This is likely our last big trip before my oldest son graduates form high school so it's extra special to us, especially me! We will still go of course after he graduates, but who knows when and how with his college schedule being different then the kids school schedule. I love October at WDW, perfect weather.

ALOHA!

Congrats on getting back to the Poly next year . We are considering Poly CL for next summer. We love everything about the Poly as it's our favorite resort, so CL is at the top of my list to try. We have stayed other CLs as well, but the Poly looks amazing and I'm always reading great things about it so I can't wait to try it. I'm sure you will have a great trip .

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Thanks Mickeynut1! I love the videos in your signature!

 

[trishadono]

Hi trishadono....thanks to your awesome post on the CL thread, here I am making an announcement!

So we are now booked for October 2015! Poly CL garden view! I am super excited to come back to the Poly post refurbishment! We have done CL at other resorts but not Poly (we have stayed here and visit every trip for meals), so that is making this trip extra special! This is likely our last big trip before my oldest son graduates form high school so it's extra special to us, especially me! We will still go of course after he graduates, but who knows when and how with his college schedule being different then the kids school schedule. I love October at WDW, perfect weather.

ALOHA!

Congrats! I love October weather too!


To reconnect as a family since by dd started college we have been doing the weekend after New Years as a family and then dd and I stay on for a few days alone. I am starting to work on those plans next.

Nothing concrete yet, but I do have alot of plans running through my mind . My SIL knows what a Disney nut I am and has already said she expects me to do all of the planning . I'm up for doing everything except FPP. We never plan our park days ahead of time as that is usually decided the morning of, so FPP will definitely be a challenge for me, especially if it involves 15 people .

I am sure you will do a great job!

BTW..is this FPP day for you...here's to getting the ones that you want...

Need more pixie dust!!! It didn't quite make it to me. No SDMT

I must admit when it's something I really want and it involves some wine and beer, it doesn't take much to persuade me

Tip from Trish, mix POG juice with wine in the afternoon to make your own "special punch" Great for on the beach or poolside


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Have you all seen the new Poly sign? I love that they incorporated a water feature into it.

Tikiman has it posted on his facebook page.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Hi trishadono....thanks to your awesome post on the CL thread, here I am making an announcement!

So we are now booked for October 2015! Poly CL garden view! I am super excited to come back to the Poly post refurbishment! We have done CL at other resorts but not Poly (we have stayed here and visit every trip for meals), so that is making this trip extra special! This is likely our last big trip before my oldest son graduates form high school so it's extra special to us, especially me! We will still go of course after he graduates, but who knows when and how with his college schedule being different then the kids school schedule. I love October at WDW, perfect weather.

ALOHA!

Just wanted to say congrats on your booking for next year...October is a great time of year to visit!

We used to love our fall visits until my oldest had to go and graduate high school a couple of years ago . Now, we take our family vacations in August because her college breaks are completely different than my youngest's high school breaks.

As for graduation... it really can be a mixed bag of emotions, but it's all good...hang in there .

Need more pixie dust!!! It didn't quite make it to me. No SDMT


Tip from Trish, mix POG juice with wine in the afternoon to make your own "special punch" Great for on the beach or poolside

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Have you all seen the new Poly sign? I love that they incorporated a water feature into it.

Tikiman has it posted on his facebook page.

Regarding SDMT, do you take advantage of EMH's at all? We had luck last month during the PM EMH's. The wait time posted said like 60+ min but it was more like 30 min before the girls got on.

And good to know about the POG juice...I know DH is going to appreciate that info. since he's always said that POG juice would make a great "cocktail" .

Off to check out the new sign...

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Thanks Mommyrosa and Trish, I'm super excited! Yes, my son is a sophmore this year, so planning for Junior year Disney trip then senior year trip with other families (non Disney). I'm thinking August trips as a family will be our future as well, but I like that New Years plan as well, good idea. Where did the time go....didn't I just take him to kindergarten!

Have a magical weekend everyone!

 

[trishadono]

Regarding SDMT, do you take advantage of EMH's at all? We had luck last month during the PM EMH's. The wait time posted said like 60+ min but it was more like 30 min before the girls got on.

I am going to try the 8am day and hope standby isn't too long. I just really like to see it in the dark. Since mom will only have this chance I'll keep looking.

The good thing is my mom doesn't even know the ride exists so if she misses it, oh well. I just like giving her the full disney experience with all my favs included.

Oh that reminds me she is going to love the chocolate covered almonds they have out some days in the lounge

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks Mickeynut1! I love the videos in your signature!

You're welcome .

Thanks about the videos . I was a little hesitant to put them in my siggie when my DS suggested it, but I'm glad I did it as they make me smile every time I see them. Now if basketball season will just get under way .

I am sure you will do a great job!

Need more pixie dust!!! It didn't quite make it to me. No SDMT

Have you all seen the new Poly sign? I love that they incorporated a water feature into it.

Tikiman has it posted on his facebook page.

Thanks, Trisha . I'm looking forward to start planning. It might be a little overwhelming at first to plan for that many people, but I think once I get started it will be a lot of fun .

Sounds like you have a great trip planned for you and your mom. Good luck getting FPP for SDMT .

I wasn't aware there was a new Poly sign, I'll have to check it out....thanks for posting about it .

Yes, my son is a sophmore this year, so planning for Junior year Disney trip then senior year trip with other families (non Disney). I'm thinking August trips as a family will be our future as well, but I like that New Years plan as well, good idea. Where did the time go....didn't I just take him to kindergarten!

I know exactly how you feel. Both of our boys are out of high school, our oldest graduated in 2012 and our youngest 2013. I ask myself every day where the time went . I, too, remember taking them for their first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday.

 

[guitarob]

I have been gone for far too long. Hello everyone!

So, against all good sense MrsB and I went and booked ourselves a trip for December. We'll be staying TPV, and construction or no, we're excited!!!!!!

Can. Not. Wait!!!

 

[trishadono]

I have been gone for far too long. Hello everyone!

So, against all good sense MrsB and I went and booked ourselves a trip for December. We'll be staying TPV, and construction or no, we're excited!!!!!!

Can. Not. Wait!!!

Hope the sands fall quickly for you and the mrs