We got back from our quick trip last night! Here are a couple of items to note (this was our 5th stay at the Poly and our first stay was in 2007):
- Online check in: I have done online check in for most of my stays at the Disney resorts since they started this service. At the Poly, including this time, I was granted my request - Tokelau, patio room. I love it because I walked right up to the counter (after being escorted inside - I don't like that by the way, it's creepy and I'd rather them spend money on other benefits at the resort), received my packet, talked to a CM to verify all was as we needed it (she was willing to make changes to anything if needed and possible), and we were on our way to the room in 3 minutes!
- COLD!!! Oh my, we got a cold front from Sandy and it was also windy. We were not able to enjoy the pools because of this and I realized that I really would have liked a hot tub at the Poly. It's the only time I've ever felt this way. I'm usually not a hot tub kind of person but with the chill, it would have been nice. Also, they are so limited on the pants they sell at any of the Disney stores. They are typically 'sweats' like although they do have one pair of jeans. Unfortunately, they size everything way too big and even their size 2 swims on me. I had no desire to buy overpriced pants that sag in the behind. And my son won't even wear sweats. LUCKILY, we brought jeans and capris. So even when you think it will be warm, it's best to bring at least one long pants/shirt even if it is the item you wear on the plane.
- Tokelau Room 1933 - I think we've had this room before
Seriously, we've had 1938 (end room near the Neverland club side) and the end room on the other side near the water and two other times we've been near 1933. We've always been on the non-pool side - odd huh?? Anyway, I was hesitant about another patio room due to the big bug I saw skittering in the closet last time (palmetto bug someone said???). But no bugs this time and the kids were really happy to be in the patio room. They ended up both with Ridemakerz cars (remote control cars you can build and activate in the back of Team Mickey at DTD) and they were out on the walkways with their cars having a blast! Anyway, the room itself was the same old Poly room. Mostly the same pros and cons I've noted before...
Pros - BIG rooms; daybed is a +++ because it provides 3 separate sleeping areas; loved the two chairs/ottoman/table set up to eat at; love the SINGLE sink since it provides more counter space area; all areas are INSIDE the bathroom so no noisy sinks outside the toilet/shower area; large closet spaces and nice food area with fridge (even worked with the door closed
).
NEW Pro - This time, the mattress was so comfortable. I must get all the mattresses right before they switch them out at the Poly but this time, the bed was firm yet soft and comfortable.
Cons - I hate saying this is a CON, but it is a dark if you don't open the blinds and turn on the lights. It doesn't really bother me but after staying at other lightly decorated resorts (BWI, BC, etc), there is a significant difference. BIG CON - NO FAN in the bathroom. Last time, some maintenance guy tried telling us there was a silent fan - HA! Bring matches people
And leave the door open so it doesn't steam up the mirrors for 20 minutes. Another BIG CON - the outlets. Uh, where is the inspector??? The outlets and wiring are old and need serious help. My hair dryer kept turning off the bathroom outlet. And the sparse outlets you can find in the room are scary loose. DH is a contractor and while he didn't come with us this visit, he was concerned when we were there last October. Let's hope the rehab includes electric wiring.
- Kona Island Sushi - YUP, I was able to get the sushi to go!!! AWESOME! We did get a regular cali roll and a luau cali roll which were ok. At least the wasabi woke it up. But the tempura shrimp mango sushi was really good (it could have used a little cream cheesey-ness like another good sushi place does it, but it was still really good).
- Captain Cooks - I like this place for the mickey waffles, grown up grilled cheese and dole whips but I confess those kids chicken nuggets (like all the places that serve the KIDS nuggets) are gross. I would prefer an adult chicken breast nuggets like most of the quick service restaurants but oh well! They did have a new menu item - kids mini mickey waffles! I love the kids meals due to the perfect portion size (even for me, not just the kids) AND the included drink and 2 sides. The mini waffles were crispier than the big waffle but my daughter prefered the mini waffles. They just didn't come with strawberry sauce so I still bought a big one for us to share and she could get the sauce.
- Tambu Lounge - love the drinks but the service is slow. They really should have more bartenders when the place is packed. They had one and then there was another guy...stocking napkins
- Shopping - Nice selection of merchandise including Poly only merchandise. But I couldn't find my usual hair flowers
- Monorail - THIS is the TOP reason we prefer to stay here. We had all but one good experience. When we left
MNSSHP, the resort monorail line was jam packed with people. I've never had that issue before leaving MNSSHP and was surprised (I've had the issue when it is a normal night right after the fireworks though!). It took us 4 monorails to get on and we should have taken the boat (bad decision on my part). And they are very careful about the monorails now so there is a LOT of waiting when you are on the monorail. I totally understand and prefer that safety win out but am glad to see that they are going to make some changes to the system to make it quicker and more effective yet keep it safe.
- Parking - they were resurfacing part of the parking lot but there was still plenty of space - and plenty of spots close to the GCH and to Tokelau. No issue with the parking!
Overall - another fabulous Poly stay! We would love to head back. I still wish they would get reasonable 1 BDR villas there. As the kids get older, we prefer that set up. It's difficult to assess because we like the 1 bdr villas but we love the Poly pool, location, and transportation. Well, I guess I will worry about the 'where' after my husband gives the OK for another trip - and he's not giving in - yet
here's hoping that works out 
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