ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: September 2012

[mickeynut1]

Hello fellow Poly Lover's.

I am in need of some advice.

DH and i are planning (well I am planning, he just talks about it) a trip after tax season for us. This will be our 1st trp alone since 1989 (our Honeymoon). We plan on calling it our 24 Anniversary trip since our actual date is June 30th and that is just a crazy time of year to go.

We never really do much for our Anniversary so figured we would go for it in April. The Poly is our family spot, we have stayed 3 times, twice CL.

Here is where i want opinions.

I keep asking him where he wants to stay and he says Poly CL. Right now with Spring offer it's only 20% off, so i booked BWI at 30% and he says that's fine. I am all for trying the BWI because we love Epcot. He keeps saying well the Poly has the monorail there.

I am going to be at WDW in 6 days with my DD. I could have the opportunity to book Poly CL with BB at 35% so according to my math is approx $136 more per night than what i have at BWI SV.

SO i was wondering how many of you would suprise him with Poly CL or how many are thinking we have have our own spot at BWI and leave the Poly for family time.

On a side note...Hawaii should be done by April 21? Also, any other construction planned for that time other than the other Longhouses?

Thanks so much (i am really torn on trying something new for us or surprising him with his fav)

Another vote to surprise him with the Poly. The Poly is our favorite resort and while BWI looks beautiful and is on our list to try, I think the Poly is a romantic resort and is great for an adults only trip .

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

We are planning a vacation for December 2013 and are planning to stay in CL rooms at the Poly. Very excited! I've read about the different level rooms - garden view (patio), Lagoon view (no balcony) and Theme Park view (balcony.) I'm curious as to whether all the rooms on the side that doesn't face the lagoon are considered garden view, even if they are on the 2nd or 3rd floor? How does that work? And could someone also tell me where the lounge is located and whether it is better to be near it (for convenience with the kids and a group of 10 people traveling together) or far (if it tends to be noisy?) What floor do you enter the lounge from?
Thanks so much!! This site has been so helpful!

As others have said, yes all the room on the non-lagoon side are GV. The lounge can be accessed easily from any of the floors. Personally we much prefer the GV rooms. To us, the TPV rooms are just not worth the extra money per night (over $200 more) but that is just personal preference. We don't have kids, so don't usually sit out on the balcony anyway, and for us, the GV rooms are quieter (you don't hear the "toot toot" of the boats in the lagoon). We've stayed on both the 3rd floor and 2nd floor, and we've had rooms at the far end of the hallway (as far as you can get away from the lounge) and had rooms just a few doors from the lounge. We didn't notice any more noise being closer to the lounge or on the 2nd floor. My DH prefers the 3rd floor, I prefer the 2nd floor.

Here's the layout of the rooms which might help you make your decision

Keep in mind the Poly TPV is the view you get from the opposite side of the lagoon. So all you can see is the castle in the distance and a bit of space mountain.

Here is the view from our TPV room in October 2011. It was great for watching the fireworks, however, you can just go down to the lounge (where they pipe in the music) or the beach, and get the same view. To some being able to wake up to see the castle in the distance is worth the money, but for us, it isn't - again just personal preference.

 

[maiapapaya]

As others have said, yes all the room on the non-lagoon side are GV. The lounge can be accessed easily from any of the floors. Personally we much prefer the GV rooms. To us, the TPV rooms are just not worth the extra money per night (over $200 more) but that is just personal preference. We don't have kids, so don't usually sit out on the balcony anyway, and for us, the GV rooms are quieter (you don't hear the "toot toot" of the boats in the lagoon). We've stayed on both the 3rd floor and 2nd floor, and we've had rooms at the far end of the hallway (as far as you can get away from the lounge) and had rooms just a few doors from the lounge. We didn't notice any more noise being closer to the lounge or on the 2nd floor. My DH prefers the 3rd floor, I prefer the 2nd floor.

That's one of the things we LOVE about being on the lagoon side ... the boat horns, the sound of the train whistles from the MK, the EWP ... And if you're in Hawaii you can hear the soundtrack from Wishes as you watch from your room As you said, all just personal preference

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

I am considering renting a cabana for a half-day but will be the first to admit I know next to nothing about them. I can't find a current price. Is there a way to reserve one in advance, or are they first-come, first-served?

 

[maiapapaya]

I am considering renting a cabana for a half-day but will be the first to admit I know next to nothing about them. I can't find a current price. Is there a way to reserve one in advance, or are they first-come, first-served?

You can reserve them 180 days in advance. It's around $100 for a half day, $185 for full. The half day slots are 10:00 am - 2:00 pm or 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

The cabanas are equipped with cushioned furniture (loungers, chairs, love seat), a table, a ceiling fan, tv, phone, mp3 dock and mini fridge. The fridge comes stocked with soda and water and you will receive a fresh fruit platter as well. You have an attendant who will check on you occasionally to see if you need anything (eg. new towels, a drink from the bar). They cannot go get food for you from CC's, but you can order room service to be delivered to the cabana.

We've rented a cabana a couple of times. It's nice to have your own private space just to spend some time relaxing outside. It's funny though. When we've had a cabana we haven't spent a lot of time in the pool, we've spend most of our time just relaxing in our own little private corner of the Poly.

 

[1971DBday]

Woke up today focused on our upcoming WDW vacation. Even though we are trying the BC this year, we were all missing the Poly this morning.

Beautiful Poly thoughts

We will be by for at least a visit to walk the grounds and say hi to our bartender friends in June! (I think they are going to miss our business

 

[hulagirl87]

We just got back from our Polynesian stay on Friday. It was DD's first trip to Disney and staying on the monorail was great. We were put in Tokelau, 3rd floor. It was a nice room and I have just minor complaints. The water pressure in the shower was not the best and the bathtub itself was super slippery. The lighting in the bathroom wasn't great for putting on makeup (I knew this already from a previous stay, but man, I would have loved to have been able to see! ), the flush on the toilet was so loud, DD couldn't be in the bathroom when we flushed she was so scared! And the walls seemed to be super thin. We had some really loud, rowdy neighbors during the first part of our stay. So much so that one night I complained as they were swearing loud, had their tv up super loud, and drinking because we could hear the clanking of bottles, and it was about 11:30pm. The second part of our stay we got new neighbors with a screaming crying baby. I had no idea we would be able to hear so clearly!

It's really a beautiful resort and everywhere we went made for a beautiful picture. We swam in both pillows and had great weather. DD found the squirting water fountain (not sure what it's really called) by the volcano pool and had so much fun!

Here are some pics from our stay...

 

[Debrn]

Is that a "Back-Scratcher" ?

Yes and a Mai tai ... Delicious

 

[Debrn]

And since I'm on a photo kick - here are some of the cabanas. I'm seriously considering booking these as an additional surprise for my DD's birthday trip (and she doesn't know I booked the Poly )

Wow she's gonna be one happy girl!!! We are heading to YC CL end of month kids don't know which hotel but they keep saying they hope it's Poly.

 

[jandkmom]

Just got back from the Poly and we had a great time! Just wanted to update on renovations...they started Samoa today right on schedule (you could see all of the mattresses up against the glass doors and the workmen setting up). Hawaii is still undergoing major indoor renovation including scaffolding in the lounge (I snapped a pic at night if I remember to upload it) and everything ripped out in the first floor hallway (a door was opened so I could see down there). They seem to be doing something in the first floor conceriege area today.

Overall, an amazing stay in our favorite resort...it's as beautiful and lush as ever! (for Jan anyway )

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Hello fellow Poly Lover's.

I am in need of some advice.
Here is where i want opinions.

I keep asking him where he wants to stay and he says Poly CL. Right now with Spring offer it's only 20% off, so i booked BWI at 30% and he says that's fine. I am all for trying the BWI because we love Epcot. He keeps saying well the Poly has the monorail there.

I am going to be at WDW in 6 days with my DD. I could have the opportunity to book Poly CL with BB at 35% so according to my math is approx $136 more per night than what i have at BWI SV.

SO i was wondering how many of you would suprise him with Poly CL or how many are thinking we have have our own spot at BWI and leave the Poly for family time.

On a side note...Hawaii should be done by April 21? Also, any other construction planned for that time other than the other Longhouses?

Thanks so much (i am really torn on trying something new for us or surprising him with his fav)

Just my opinion.....I would surprise him with the Poly. I think the Poly is the best place to stay in April. Very romantic. Incredible weather. The resort will be magnificant. And like your DH said....it's on the monorail

Now....if you were going during the Food & Wine Festival, I would say BWI for sure. DH & I want to someday take an adult only trip during F&W and stay in the Epcot area. Love the many food booth offerings that time of year. Just perfect for couples.

Good luck with your decision

 

[polyfor4]

Just got back from the Poly and we had a great time! Just wanted to update on renovations...they started Samoa today right on schedule (you could see all of the mattresses up against the glass doors and the workmen setting up). Hawaii is still undergoing major indoor renovation including scaffolding in the lounge (I snapped a pic at night if I remember to upload it) and everything ripped out in the first floor hallway (a door was opened so I could see down there). They seem to be doing something in the first floor conceriege area today.

Overall, an amazing stay in our favorite resort...it's as beautiful and lush as ever! (for Jan anyway )

Thank you thank you for the renovation update! And so glad you had a magical stay- if only there was an option to live at the Poly!

 

[jandkmom]

Thank you thank you for the renovation update! And so glad you had a magical stay- if only there was an option to live at the Poly!

Live at the Poly?! That sounds like heaven.

 

[Dominion]

As others have said, yes all the room on the non-lagoon side are GV. The lounge can be accessed easily from any of the floors. Personally we much prefer the GV rooms. To us, the TPV rooms are just not worth the extra money per night (over $200 more) but that is just personal preference. We don't have kids, so don't usually sit out on the balcony anyway, and for us, the GV rooms are quieter (you don't hear the "toot toot" of the boats in the lagoon). We've stayed on both the 3rd floor and 2nd floor, and we've had rooms at the far end of the hallway (as far as you can get away from the lounge) and had rooms just a few doors from the lounge. We didn't notice any more noise being closer to the lounge or on the 2nd floor. My DH prefers the 3rd floor, I prefer the 2nd floor.

Wow - thank you so much for this information and the room layout! So helpful. Just three follow-up questions...

First, if you stay in a first floor room, can you go in and out of your room through the patio door? Can you lock the sliding glass door from the outside?

Second - can you enter the lounge directly from any floor?

IF you are staying in either the first or second floors, can you hear people walking around above you? I'm wondering if 3rd floor might be better for that reason??

Clearly, I am way overthinking this and taking advantage of this group's vast and detailed information!! Thank you!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

You can reserve them 180 days in advance. It's around $100 for a half day, $185 for full. The half day slots are 10:00 am - 2:00 pm or 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

The cabanas are equipped with cushioned furniture (loungers, chairs, love seat), a table, a ceiling fan, tv, phone, mp3 dock and mini fridge. The fridge comes stocked with soda and water and you will receive a fresh fruit platter as well. You have an attendant who will check on you occasionally to see if you need anything (eg. new towels, a drink from the bar). They cannot go get food for you from CC's, but you can order room service to be delivered to the cabana.

We've rented a cabana a couple of times. It's nice to have your own private space just to spend some time relaxing outside. It's funny though. When we've had a cabana we haven't spent a lot of time in the pool, we've spend most of our time just relaxing in our own little private corner of the Poly.

I think the evening half day is 3-7 pm but it might have changed! And I think it's $110 for a half day but that was over a year ago.

We like to just pick up food from captain cooks and drinks from the pool bar. It's so convenient!! We also loved our cabana time

 

[rcraw45425]

It's been ages since we've stayed at the Polynesian, our last visit was like two renovations back, lol. Wondering if they started Samoa now if it would be complete by June, I admit I haven't kept up with the time frame as it hasn't interested me. Will say that our prior stay did not bowl us over, we've been staying at the other deluxe properties since then but DH is ready to try the Poly again. Upcoming visit is first week of June, immediately after older daughter's high school graduation.

 

[polyfor4]

I would assume Samoa would ready by June, I've heard two months to remodel each long house. We've only stayed in Somoa and are staying at the Poly the end of May- we booked CL so we would be guaranteed a remodeled room. Samoa is also a very popular long house request and we were worried that the remodeled rooms would only amplify that request. I know we would be sad if we didn't get to stay there this time- no favorite building, no remodeled room.

 

[Hulles]

Hi everyone, We am going to be staying at BLT this coming april. We have an ADR at Cona Cafe on the day we arrive, I figured we would check out the Poly and have dinner there that night. Is there anything we should absolutely check out at the Poly before heading back to BLT for the night?

We have always passed by the Poly on the Monorail but have never been in there!

 

[angbuz]

I am super excited because I just booked our first Poly stay. We've been to several disney resorts (POFQ, AKL & BC), but Poly has always been on my resort "wish list"! I was able to get the 35% pin code for our stay in August 21-27th. Given this is our first time at Poly, my kids (DD13, DS 9), DH and I are not sure which longhouse we want to request or if we should request one at all. After reading this whole thread, I'm leaning towards Samoa, balcony, volcano pool side. We would like to be close to the pool and the GCH. Does that sound like a good request? Again, I'm just so thrilled to be able to stay at Poly......I don't think I'll care much which longhouse we're in.

 

[LollieFollie]

Do any of you know when the renovations are supposed to be complete at The Poly? I have friends trying to decide between 2 club level rooms at either Poly or GF for April. They have 4 kids, ages 2,4,6, and 8.
Thanks!