ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: September 2012

[momto3gr8boys]

Hi everyone!

I apologize asking this since I am sure it's been discussed, but the search function is not working right now. We will be at the Poly in August, and are planning a full resort day on 8/24. We have a 10:15 am Kona ADR for breakfast and a dinner ADR at Ohana for 6:30. The rest of the day will be spent by the pool. We usually stay at the BC at this time of year, and so far we haven't had trouble getting lounge chairs. But looking at the pictures, it seems like there aren't as many loungers by the pool at Poly.

So, my questions:

Doe the pool area become very crowded to the point that it is hard to find a few lounge chairs together?

If so, is a cabana rental recommended? Where are the regular (not premium) cabanas located in relation to the beach and pool? For those of you who rented cabanas, are they worth it? And would you recommend a full or half day? Both half days would cut into our ADRs.

I'm not generally picky if we are just coming to swim on a break between parks, but since we are specifically planning a full resort day (something we've never done) I want to make sure it's a relaxing one!

Thanks!

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

I am torn too and Bob is really no help I showed him your picture gypsydoodlebug and he likes the view of the volcano but also thinks it would be nice to be able to walk out on the grass and over to the beach on the Luau Cove Side. He has restless leg syndrome and walks about some nights, reason we are trying a 1st floor patio this trip. We love balconies but nowhere for him to stretch his legs

I will try to grab a picture of that side for you when it stops raining. We've had showers all day.

ETA: here you go:

And the view:

 

[maiapapaya]

I am torn too and Bob is really no help I showed him your picture gypsydoodlebug and he likes the view of the volcano but also thinks it would be nice to be able to walk out on the grass and over to the beach on the Luau Cove Side. He has restless leg syndrome and walks about some nights, reason we are trying a 1st floor patio this trip. We love balconies but nowhere for him to stretch his legs

Sorry to jump into your conversation, but I just wanted to add, when on the marina side of Fiji the first floor patios are slightly raised and surrounded by shrubs, so your DH couldn't really get out of the patio area to walk around at night (even if he didn't mind a stroll around the marina). Just thought I'd mention that if it might affect your decision. I've never paid attention to the beach side of Fiji, so I don't know if the patios go directly out onto the grass on that side or not.

Hi everyone!

So, my questions:

Doe the pool area become very crowded to the point that it is hard to find a few lounge chairs together?

If so, is a cabana rental recommended? Where are the regular (not premium) cabanas located in relation to the beach and pool? For those of you who rented cabanas, are they worth it? And would you recommend a full or half day? Both half days would cut into our ADRs.

I'm not generally picky if we are just coming to swim on a break between parks, but since we are specifically planning a full resort day (something we've never done) I want to make sure it's a relaxing one!

Thanks!

I've never been in August, so can't answer you questions about chair availiability at that time of year, but we have rented a cabana twice. We only had a half day both times. We feel that a full day would be too much. We felt it was worth it. Funnily enough on our cabana days we have found we tend not to use to pool too much. We find ourselves more relaxing and reading a book or magazine. Even the kids putter around in the cabana, do homework (not applicable in August though!), etc. They were in the pool a bit last year, but not for a super long time. I don't know if you've looked at the pictures yet, but the cabanas have padded lounge furniture, table & chairs, a fridge (stocked with soda & water) and a tv. They also bring you a large fruit platter. It's easy just to hide out in there all day and enjoy the atmosphere!

The cabanas are at the end of the pool closest to the GCH (opposite end of the pool from the beach) and are in a raised area (you have to take a few steps up to get to them). They are fairly private from the walkways & pool with folliage & the steps up, but they are in a shared space together (ie. if both cabanas are rented there is no physical barrier for privacy from your neighbours, they are just spaced out a bit from each other on the raised area) although the canvas sides of the cabanas do provide you some privacy if you don't have them pulled back

 

[momto3gr8boys]

I've never been in August, so can't answer you questions about chair availiability at that time of year, but we have rented a cabana twice. We only had a half day both times. We feel that a full day would be too much. We felt it was worth it. Funnily enough on our cabana days we have found we tend not to use to pool too much. We find ourselves more relaxing and reading a book or magazine. Even the kids putter around in the cabana, do homework (not applicable in August though!), etc. They were in the pool a bit last year, but not for a super long time. I don't know if you've looked at the pictures yet, but the cabanas have padded lounge furniture, table & chairs, a fridge (stocked with soda & water) and a tv. They also bring you a large fruit platter. It's easy just to hide out in there all day and enjoy the atmosphere!

The cabanas are at the end of the pool closest to the GCH (opposite end of the pool from the beach) and are in a raised area (you have to take a few steps up to get to them). They are fairly private from the walkways & pool with folliage & the steps up, but they are in a shared space together (ie. if both cabanas are rented there is no physical barrier for privacy from your neighbours, they are just spaced out a bit from each other on the raised area) although the canvas sides of the cabanas do provide you some privacy if you don't have them pulled back

Thanks for your input! I went ahead and booked a full day standard cabana. I figure this way I at least have a hold on it if I decide to go to a half day I can change the reservation.

 

[sjs314]

I will try to grab a picture of that side for you when it stops raining. We've had showers all day.

ETA: here you go:

gypsydoodlebug Thank You so much for those 2 pictures! I think after seeing them the Luau Cove side might work out better for us. Thank You Again

 

[sjs314]

Sorry to jump into your conversation, but I just wanted to add, when on the marina side of Fiji the first floor patios are slightly raised and surrounded by shrubs, so your DH couldn't really get out of the patio area to walk around at night (even if he didn't mind a stroll around the marina). Just thought I'd mention that if it might affect your decision. I've never paid attention to the beach side of Fiji, so I don't know if the patios go directly out onto the grass on that side

maipapaya

After seeing the pictures above I'm thinking that might be better.

 

[maiapapaya]

Thanks for your input! I went ahead and booked a full day standard cabana. I figure this way I at least have a hold on it if I decide to go to a half day I can change the reservation.

Glad to help. Enjoy!

 

[andyman8]

I will try to grab a picture of that side for you when it stops raining. We've had showers all day.

These photos are getting me even more excited for our trip to the Polynesian in 93 days!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Do you have to call to book a cabana? where can I look to see if one would be available in June. if t is a washout, are you still obligated. I would assume so.

Does it get warmer in them, or does the air circulate fairly well? What time do you think is better for the 1/2 day.

Thanks!

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

gypsydoodlebug Thank You so much for those 2 pictures! I think after seeing them the Luau Cove side might work out better for us. Thank You Again

You're welcome! There is landscaping outside our marina view but the Luau Cove side walks out onto grass.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

These photos are getting me even more excited for our trip to the Polynesian in 93 days!

Here is a photo of Wishes from the pool!

 

[AstroDad]

Question - When you rent a boat from the marina, where are you allowed to go? Is there a roped off area you have to stay in or can I rent a pontoon boat and make my way all around Seven Seas Lagoon?

 

[angbuz]

Here is a photo of Wishes from the pool!

My mouth literally dropped open when I saw that photo......what a beautiful sight!!! I am so excited for our first Poly stay in August when we'll be able to see that sight every night if we want to. Thank you soooooo much for sharing that photo! It brightened up my night!!!!

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

My mouth literally dropped open when I saw that photo......what a beautiful sight!!! I am so excited for our first Poly stay in August when we'll be able to see that sight every night if we want to. Thank you soooooo much for sharing that photo! It brightened up my night!!!!

Mine did, too, when I saw it start! My pork nachos from Captain Cook's took a backseat. (They were not very good and cold anyway. LOL)

 

[Princess Bree]

Thanks for the reply, GypsyDoodleBug !

 

[PolyAddict]

We have a trip planned 4/21-4/26 at the BWI.

Of course, we love the Poly.

I am a little bummed that the BW bakery is closed during our trip.

How are refurbs at the Poly for this time frame? I know about the room renovation, but what about the coffee bar and Captain Cooks?


thanks

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Do you have to call to book a cabana? where can I look to see if one would be available in June. if t is a washout, are you still obligated. I would assume so.

Does it get warmer in them, or does the air circulate fairly well? What time do you think is better for the 1/2 day.

Thanks!

I called 407-939-PLAY to book the cabana. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy and if the weather is bad, they will refund your money. I'm not sure what they would consider an entire washout. We are going in August so I can assume we will have at least one downpour in the afternoon as is usually the case.

They look very open and I think there is a ceiling fan inside. I couldn't decide which half of the day so I booked the whole day - but I guess it depends on your other plans. If I had to choose though I would probably pick the first half.

 

[ready2vacation]

Hi!!! We just booked our trip for Oct and are excited to come back to the Poly after several years staying elsewhere. Can't wait to see the refurb Hawaii building - our first CL stay.

I have appreciated this thread - literally has answered all my questions so far!!!

 

[CJK]

Hi!!! We just booked our trip for Oct and are excited to come back to the Poly after several years staying elsewhere. Can't wait to see the refurb Hawaii building - our first CL stay.

I have appreciated this thread - literally has answered all my questions so far!!!

Have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[sjs314]

Here is a photo of Wishes from the pool!

gypsydoodlebug beautiful shot of Wishes from the pool, TY for posting it.

Can you hear the music at the pool like when watching from the beach?