ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: October 2013

[jandkmom]

Need some planning help from the Poly experts. We are staying Feb. 1-7. We planned a rest day, but turns out DH and DD are now doing Pirate League at 9:50 -- and the rest will start after they are done. (Glad I bought tixs for every day even with a "rest" day planned). What time should we leave Poly to be at the Pirate League check-in stand at 9:40?

Fun! My DS did that 2 years ago and had a great time. One tip: if you do something with a lot of black makeup, especially around the eyes, pack good makeup remover for that night. My DS looked like a hungover rock star for the rest of our trip because we couldn't get his eye make up off! Anyway, it's a quick trip from Poly to MK on the monorail so you shouldn't need more than 45 min to an hour at most.

 

[Lalalyn]

Fun! My DS did that 2 years ago and had a great time. One tip: if you do something with a lot of black makeup, especially around the eyes, pack good makeup remover for that night. My DS looked like a hungover rock star for the rest of our trip because we couldn't get his eye make up off! Anyway, it's a quick trip from Poly to MK on the monorail so you shouldn't need more than 45 min to an hour at most.

Great tip! I thought about nail polish remover but not actual makeup remover. And she's doing BBB two days later, so that would have made for an interesting makeover.

We're considering the Cinderella dining at the GF at 8am, and I just can't decide if it'll be too much for the morning. I imagine we'd be done by 9, which even from GF might be cutting it close. After PL, we are back at the Poly to relax for the rest of the day so . . .

We are so excited about the Poly, even with the construction. My parents are coming with us and we have three little ones -- 2yo twins and 5. The convenience and laid back atmosphere should be great.

 

[tarak]

Fun! My DS did that 2 years ago and had a great time. One tip: if you do something with a lot of black makeup, especially around the eyes, pack good makeup remover for that night. My DS looked like a hungover rock star for the rest of our trip because we couldn't get his eye make up off! Anyway, it's a quick trip from Poly to MK on the monorail so you shouldn't need more than 45 min to an hour at most.

Very good tip. My son decided to go as Jake and that makeup was hard to get off. He thought the wig was itchy and took it off within an hour. Then he wanted the makeup gone. Granted, we only had baby wipes with us, but it was some stubborn stage makeup. He looked like a mini-Sam Donaldson for the better part of two days.

Lalalyn, I can't speak for your family, obviously, but I might reconsider the early morning breakfast. I think it's doable in terms of time. But I know when my kids were that age, the biggest mistake I made was scheduling anything back-to-back. Even now (my kids are 11, 10, 7, and 2), while they might get up early on vacation and they want to do something, trying to get them to a specific place at a specific time can be just painful. And it's only worse if there's something on the schedule right afterwards. If it were me, I'd stick to exploring the resort and getting to the Pirate's League at a leisurely pace.

 

[Kristina4109]

ashnjam, from what I've read (haven't seen in person though), all three long houses in Luau Cove - Fiji, Aotearoa, and Tuvalu - would be away from construction, as well as Rarotonga. Fiji might have some of its views on the Marina side affected, because I believe it has some views of the Nanea pool and obviously that's still under construction. Rarotonga is away from the pool construction but closer to the new DVC area, but from what I've read that is more inside finish work happening and not anything that would affect your views from the longhouse.

Someone who's been there recently can correct me if I'm wrong, but those I think would be the least affected currently.

Enjoy your stay!

Stayed in Tuvalu 2404 June 6th - 14th. Did not hear ANY construction noise from our room. Very happy with our room and our entire stay. Sure, I wish the lobby wasn't blocked off back then, but we still had a great time.

 

[Ilivetogo]

Just thought I'd post photos of the pool (water slide) construction from 12/13/14.

. by Ilivetogo toFL, on Flickr

. by Ilivetogo toFL, on Flickr

.

 

[Braden's Momma]

I just saw construction pics on Twitter. It appears the beach is being used for the construction and is mostly unusable. Is this going to be going on for much longer? The point of staying at the Poly is for the beach/Polynesian feel and it looks terrible. I was sooooo excited to book the Poly and had even decided I was okay if the main pool was still closed but these most recent pics make me sick

 

[Braden's Momma]

I just saw construction pics on Twitter. It appears the beach is being used for the construction and is mostly unusable. Is this going to be going on for much longer? The point of staying at the Poly is for the beach/Polynesian feel and it looks terrible. I was sooooo excited to book the Poly and had even decided I was okay if the main pool was still closed but these most recent pics make me sick

 

[lilluv117]

Not trying to be negative...just disappointed ... Hopefully construction is going to be moving along quickly

When are you staying there? I understand your disappointment. I'm staying in August and I'm hoping a lot of the construction will be done by then. If you're disappointed, maybe you could look into a different resort for this stay or even a split stay. That's what I'm doing. I'll be at Poly 8/31-9/4 and then Beach Club 9/4-9/9. That way if Poly is still a wreck, at least I'll enjoy the Beach Club! lol.

 

[Braden's Momma]

When are you staying there? I understand your disappointment. I'm staying in August and I'm hoping a lot of the construction will be done by then. If you're disappointed, maybe you could look into a different resort for this stay or even a split stay. That's what I'm doing. I'll be at Poly 8/31-9/4 and then Beach Club 9/4-9/9. That way if Poly is still a wreck, at least I'll enjoy the Beach Club! lol.

Leaving June 5th...the Poly is the resort my mom has always wanted to stay at. She is turning 60 and this is my present to her....having said that, if it is still a wreck I may change our resort.

 

[DW2010]

I just saw construction pics on Twitter. It appears the beach is being used for the construction and is mostly unusable. Is this going to be going on for much longer? The point of staying at the Poly is for the beach/Polynesian feel and it looks terrible. I was sooooo excited to book the Poly and had even decided I was okay if the main pool was still closed but these most recent pics make me sick

 

[dljacob]

We are staying end of Aug/early Sept. From this thread, it sounds like view of the boat parade will be impacted by the new bungalows...anyone have a suggestion where to watch the parade with two tired girls after park fun? I had hoped to have dinner at Ohana and then go to the beach to see the boat parade! we have never seen the boat parade so really looking forward to this!

 

[Cluelyss]

We are staying end of Aug/early Sept. From this thread, it sounds like view of the boat parade will be impacted by the new bungalows...anyone have a suggestion where to watch the parade with two tired girls after park fun? I had hoped to have dinner at Ohana and then go to the beach to see the boat parade! we have never seen the boat parade so really looking forward to this!

You should still have a decent view from the Poly beach, but could also catch from the beach at any of the monorail resorts. We watched from the Contemporary last fall, you can see it behind the resort, next to the pool. Enjoy - it's fun to watch!!!

 

[notrub98]

I posted as a separate thread and then realized perhaps my post belongs here so re-post .

I am working with a popular travel agent, and she only has "standard" rooms available for my dates. She indicated that she believes that almost all of the standard rooms at the Poly have 2 queens AND a day bed (unless you ask for a king room). Do any of you Poly regulars have any insight if this is accurate? I hate to question the TA but having three beds is pretty important to us. I realize nothing is guaranteed but if the majority do indeed have the two queens and a day bed, I might take the chance.

 

[trishadono]

I posted as a separate thread and then realized perhaps my post belongs here so re-post .

I am working with a popular travel agent, and she only has "standard" rooms available for my dates. She indicated that she believes that almost all of the standard rooms at the Poly have 2 queens AND a day bed (unless you ask for a king room). Do any of you Poly regulars have any insight if this is accurate? I hate to question the TA but having three beds is pretty important to us. I realize nothing is guaranteed but if the majority do indeed have the two queens and a day bed, I might take the chance.

Yes 2 queens with a daybed or 1king with a daybed. The std used to be called garden view. I'm not sure why they changed it. Std sounds so boring however the views at poly are all good so enjoy the view .

 

[Cluelyss]

I posted as a separate thread and then realized perhaps my post belongs here so re-post . I am working with a popular travel agent, and she only has "standard" rooms available for my dates. She indicated that she believes that almost all of the standard rooms at the Poly have 2 queens AND a day bed (unless you ask for a king room). Do any of you Poly regulars have any insight if this is accurate? I hate to question the TA but having three beds is pretty important to us. I realize nothing is guaranteed but if the majority do indeed have the two queens and a day bed, I might take the chance.

If you have 5 in your traveling party, you will be guaranteed a room with a daybed. Wasn't sure if that's the case, but if so you needn't worry. We had a standard room at Poly in 2013 and had 2 Queen beds, but not sure if our couch was a daybed?

 

[Sue M]

If you have 5 in your traveling party, you will be guaranteed a room with a daybed. Wasn't sure if that's the case, but if so you needn't worry. We had a standard room at Poly in 2013 and had 2 Queen beds, but not sure if our couch was a daybed?

I think they all are unless something was changed after last refurb.

 

[cantthinkofaname]

Is there any news about Trader Sam's? No news on when it will be open?

 

[notrub98]

Thanks everyone! We just booked the Poly for the first week of December

 

[indyannamom]

Is there an email address you can send room requests too? We don't have a fax and I'd rather not just call.

Thanks in advance for the help!!

 

[jandkmom]

I think they all are unless something was changed after last refurb.

They all have daybeds. It's my son's favorite sleeping spot