ALOHA! The Polynesian Resort Information Thread: Summer 2011 Edition!

[DebbyLof428]

Joining your dance!

Maybe I'll see you there

 

[cmcinc]

We will be there on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

Finally finished downloading our pics from our October trip and thought I'd share these of the Poly with you all ...

Thanks for sharing.....I love seeing pics of the Poly .

FINALLY... I get to do the single digit dance
So excited to be going back to the Poly.

You will be there in no time .

While everyone has a nap before MNSSHP tonight I thought I would take a few minutes to check in ...

We are in Hawaii, 3rd floor TPV. The view is magnificent - the castle is dead on across from us (without the island partially in the way as it was in our previous TPV stays in Tuvalu).

This is our first CL stay. With two kids we love having the lounge as extra "living space." We will definitely stay CL again. We have not been here for the dinner time food offerings yet, but have had both of our breaksfasts so far in the lounge. For us it has been perfect - we aren't huge breakfast eaters, so the oatmeal, pastries & fruit has been great. We also love coming in from the parks and stopping on our way up to grab a drink & a snack. We spent some time in the lounge last night. Although we didn't want dessert, there did not seem to be tons of food out. We did arrive around 8:00, so it is possible that the swarms descended at 7:00 and gobbled everything up. They also ran out of punch and said that they didn't have anymore. This was disappointing because when we were there there weren't a lot of people in the lounge.

We were a little disappointed with check-in. When we got off of the ME bus we were escorted into the GCH. We told the girl on the desk that we were staying CL and thought we were supposed to be checked-in in Hawaii. She said normally yes, but that the CL check-in was too busy so they took care of it in the GCH and then walked us over.

Our room is great. There are no signs of wear anywhere and the mousekeeper has kept things nice. She also leaves plenty of toiletries. For those who have been asking, in Hawaii at least, they are the new single brew pots. I'm not a coffee drinker, but my sister says they are worse than the nescrape in the lounge.

We had dinner at 'Ohana last night. Our reservation was early, so we were seated shortly after they opened. The food was delicious and hot. We did not get leis as we have at previous 'Ohana dinners, but really that was no big deal.

Hope you're having a good time. Have fun at the Halloween party tonight .

Our kids grow so fast and it makes me very sad. Our DS is a sophomore in HS so we have a couple of years left with the three of us traveling together. Kind of sad on one hand but then on the other hand, DH and I can go to Disney whenever we want and not have to work around his schooling.

Hey, I almost got caught yesterday because I was on the WDW web site looking at the Poly and was starting to cry when he came in the room. He looked at me and said, having a bad day. I said yes. He gave me a hug. If he only knew.

Don't I know it......it's so very sad to see them grow up . Our oldest DS is a senior and his brother is a junior......I remember taking them to their first day of Kindergarten like it was yesterday and now they're both almost out of high school . I know it will be nice when DH and I go to Disney alone, but I will take the boys with for as long as they'll let me .

Close call with DS ......but oh how sweet of him to give you a hug . It won't be long......once the holidays come and go, June will be quick to follow .

Joining your dance!

You don't have long to go .

 

[mickeynut1]

We will be there on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!

How exciting

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Yikes, I am so busy with work (traveling right now too) that I haven't had too much time to be on here. Why do I take vacations??? I have all this extra work before and after!! ARGH!!!

Anyway, I won't respond to everyone individually but to all - thank you for explaining the bug! No matter what, it was creepy and we took precautions when we got home and didn't let the luggage near our living and bedrooms (straight to the basement to be de-bugged ) but I didn't see any critters high jack their way back with us. Hopefully any Florida bug would die in the high altitude of Colorado if it did stowaway in our luggage.

I did want to respond to just a couple of things though-

Ok, I am really annoyed because I specifically emailed the Poly IPO today asking once again about the coffee machines in the rooms and was told they were still the 4 cup brew pot type. They said only the suites in the Tonga building at the single cup "keurig" type machines. ARRRRGGGG!!!!!! I have already packed my coffee and filters, I don't understand why they told me the wrong info. If we get to our room tomorrow and its the single cup I'm going to make them go find me a regular coffee maker!!!!

I'm sad to hear about SOA. We've never done it before and have it booked for this Saturday night. Was it really terrible???

I'm also sad to hear the sushi isn't good. I was looking forward to that.

I didn't explain the coffeemakers right - they aren't Keurigs. I guess by 'pod' I think of just a small prefiltered coffee with an individual cup. So that's what I meant.

As for SOA - We never tried it before because of the mixed reviews but I wanted to go and see for myself! We used our dining plan and although they told us we were in CAT 2, they sat us in CAT 3 and we couldn't see much. It was VERY difficult. We had one table in front of us. I imagine if we sat in that CAT 3 front table, it would have been ok (because CAT 3 is up a little higher so you could see over the CAT 2 heads). I would have rather paid for this to sit in CAT 1 then use the dining plan. The show itself is a little corny but I did enjoy the fire dancer and some of the dances they did from the Polynesian islands. As for the food, it was ok. I was able to eat the food and it was not gross or anything (well, except for the dessert which was stale, sponge-like chocolate mousse). But the entire experience was not worth it to stretch our heads every which way to try to see the show, eat ok food and not to have a decent desert.

1.
2. I have been told they have "silent" fans - one larger fan that is triggered by the light switch and is far enough away from the room that you don't hear it. Not sure if I buy that explanation, but that's what I've been told. It's better than what they did at BLT - every time you even walk by the bathroom door, a loud fan comes on. No quiet trips to the bathroom at night there! I guess I'm used to turbo flush - we have those at home so they just sound normal to me.

4. Comfortable beds? I think CR has some of the most comfortable beds on property. I never want to get out of them in the morning! But a comfortable bed is a very subjective thing. I would imagine if you describe what makes a bed comfortable for you, someone could tell you which hotel would best suit you.

Glad you had a great time, and glad we still have some time to plan Poly trips before any big changes are made!

We had Poly maintenance in our room and they also told us about the silent fans. My DH is a contractor and does house construction and remodels and he said they were full of it Maybe they do have them, but I'm going to side with DH on this one. If there was a fan in there, the moist air and stinky smells would not linger!

I actually sleep really well anywhere and don't really mind most beds and even couches. But these were just particularly worn. I agree that they are ready for a replacement! I don't ever recall the beds being that uncomfortable the past times we've stayed there!

To all who are there now - HAVE FUN (especially at MNSSHP!!!) To those planning their trips - have so much fun and try to book a cabana - they are great!

Oh, one more thing, I do enjoy the Poly drinks but I found a new one that I really enjoyed - the Island Sunset!!! It is a frozen drink and has a bit lower alcohol content than say a lapu lapu...but it was soooo delicious! My DH enjoyed it too.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Oh! I also wanted to give some more details on my sushi review. First of all, I do NOT eat raw sushi, sashimi, etc. My DH did and he said it was very high quality and good. As for the sushi I ate, here are some more details:

California Luau Roll (crab, avocado, & pineapple) - This was too squishy. The cucumber in a regular california roll gives a nice crunch to the sushi but the pineapple was not crunchy. In fact, I couldn't taste much of the pineapple at all. It was my least favorite of the three I tried although it was certainly edible and still tasted good soaked in soy & wasabi.

Shrimp tempura roll - From the description, "tempura shrimp, fresh mango served with lilikoi sauce" I thought there would be actual mango and there was not. I've had sushi with real mango before and it is fabulous so I was disappointed. It did have the mango tasting sauce to go with it but it was just drizzled on. I would have preferred more of the sauce for the taste. This was my second favorite roll and it would have been top notch with either the actual mango or more sauce.

Kona Crab Cake Roll - My DH ordered this and I pretty much devoured the plate for him This was my favorite. Again, I like it soaked in HOT wasabi soy sauce and it was good. This was very close to the taste of a california roll but a bit more unique.

Hope that helps you! Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate the place, but I did leave disappointed in the first two rolls and a bit hungry Maybe my stomach expanded by day 4 of the trip

 

[BreezysMom]

Hi all!
Sorry to be late in checking in!

We arrived Sunday morning to a fabulous surprise of an upgrade to TPV club from GV club. It has been very nice and the view is incredible.

The lounge has been busy but the food plentiful so far. Like Maia mentioned, they ran out of punch which was a disappointment last night. The service has been good.

Our room is fine. Looks in good shape. Our Mousekeeper has been fabulous especially turn down service. She always does something fun with DD stuffed animals or towel animals!

It has been fun meeting people from the boards!

Will report more tomorrow....the party has me pooped!

 

[logpey]

Finally finished downloading our pics from our October trip and thought I'd share these of the Poly with you all ...
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Your pictures were amazing, thx a lot for making me miss the POLY all over again. LOL. Fantastic pics!

FINALLY... I get to do the single digit dance
So excited to be going back to the Poly.

YAY, I wish I was nearing the end of our wait, but not till March, boo hoo! Congrats..

We were a little disappointed with check-in.

We had dinner at 'Ohana last night. Our reservation was early, so we were seated shortly after they opened. The food was delicious and hot. We did not get leis as we have at previous 'Ohana dinners, but really that was no big deal. ...

So thrilled you're at the POLY. Sorry about check in not going as planned, it truly sucks when things don't go the way you expect. Exciting your 1st CL stay, we love it also, the kids can go have space away from us & grab a snack, more room to stretch out in & what a view! Have a magical trip. Pixie dust or bust!

 

[cricketgirl]

Hi everyone. Well we are 93 days out. I am taking my 12 year old niece and 16 year old nephew and my husband. I was wondering if you guys had any advice, ideas, tips for anything special at the poly or even a tip or anything about takling kids. Heck it is normally hubby and I so I am kinda lost.

Here is what I have so far
Jan. 27 arrive after 10:00pm booked Garden view club level requested a balcony on 3rd floor. Doing Deluxe Dining

Jan 28 8:10 reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table (Out of 3 trips I have never been able to get reservations. Finally got them.
Spend day at Magic Kingdom. Narcossees for dinner at 5:30pm back to magic kingdom for parade and fireworks.

Jan. 29 8:15 Tusker House spend day at Animal Kingdom, Dinner at Citrico's @ 7:30 hoping for firework view

Jan. 30 7:55 Ohana's Spend day at Epcot, ESPN for snack(Boardwalk) then Yachtma's for supper at 5:00 back to epcot for Illuminations.

Jan 31 8:15 Chef Mickey's spend day at Hollywood Studio's 12:50 Sci-fi diner for lunch. Still undecided about dinner.

Feb 1 8:35 Crystal Palace. Undecided about rest of day. We leave for airport at 4pm

I was worried the character dining might not be something they wanted to do, but they want the "Whole Dinsey Experence" quote from Nephew.
Any other ideas, suggestions, tips?

Thanks,
Lori

 

[cmesq61]

Hi everyone. Well we are 93 days out. I am taking my 12 year old niece and 16 year old nephew and my husband. I was wondering if you guys had any advice, ideas, tips for anything special at the poly or even a tip or anything about takling kids. Heck it is normally hubby and I so I am kinda lost...I was worried the character dining might not be something they wanted to do, but they want the "Whole Dinsey Experence" quote from Nephew.

The first time I took my kids to WDW they were 13 and 15. I knew they's love the rides & so forth--but they loved the character dining! My youngest jumped up and clapped at every character meal we went to, and the older joined her. I have some wonderful photos of the 2 of them w/ characters. They especially enjoyed the character meals where the characters could speak, like Askershus & 1900 Park Faire, cause my too-clever-for-their-own-good teens loved verbally sparring with the characters. I enjoyed watching my 13 yo leave the wicked step mother actually speechless for a moment when my DD said "Well I've had 4 step mothers so I know how to deal with you"! Hilarious. So your niece & nephew may enjoy it more than you think.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Joining your dance!

Doing the happy dance for you.

We will be there on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the happy dance for you too.

Don't I know it......it's so very sad to see them grow up . Our oldest DS is a senior and his brother is a junior......I remember taking them to their first day of Kindergarten like it was yesterday and now they're both almost out of high school . I know it will be nice when DH and I go to Disney alone, but I will take the boys with for as long as they'll let me .

Close call with DS ......but oh how sweet of him to give you a hug . It won't be long......once the holidays come and go, June will be quick to follow .

I so agree that it feels like yesterday for me bringing our DS to kindergarten as well. Back then I would have to bend down to give him a hug. Now he bends down to give me a hug.

I am right there with you on taking our DS with us for as long as he will let us as well. Maybe one day, he will offer to take me and DH with him for a change. Oh wait reality just smacked me in the head. Besides, I wouldn't expect him too.

Hi all!
Sorry to be late in checking in!

We arrived Sunday morning to a fabulous surprise of an upgrade to TPV club from GV club. It has been very nice and the view is incredible.

The lounge has been busy but the food plentiful so far. Like Maia mentioned, they ran out of punch which was a disappointment last night. The service has been good.

Our room is fine. Looks in good shape. Our Mousekeeper has been fabulous especially turn down service. She always does something fun with DD stuffed animals or towel animals!

It has been fun meeting people from the boards!

Will report more tomorrow....the party has me pooped!

Congratulations on the fabulous upgrade. It sounds like you and your family are having a wonderful time. Enjoy.

 

[pas130]

Oh you are so close to going, hang in there. At least your DD can keep a secret.

Secret update....I overheard DD telling daddy the secret yesterday Which is OK, he doesn't know we are staying CL However I was instructed today DO NOT CHANGE FROM THE POLYNESIAN

9 days

Cdn friends of Pooh Thank you for the wonderful pictures!

Missus Toad and DebbyLoof428 Maybe I will see you both there, I will be the brunette with the huge black walking cast on my left foot having my very first Lapu Lapu Feel free to say hi!

maiapapaya and breezysmom Thank you for the live report! Enjoy!!!! TPV...AWESOME!

logpey I agree March is CLOSE. Especially with the holidays quickly approaching...

Sorry to anyone I missed, this is a fast moving thread

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Secret update....I overheard DD telling daddy the secret yesterday Which is OK, he doesn't know we are staying CL However I was instructed today DO NOT CHANGE FROM THE POLYNESIAN

9 days

Ms. J what did you do to your foot?

Oh your DD was too excited and could keep it to herself anymore. Your DH will be surprised about CL. OK should I ask, are you packed yet?

 

[pas130]

Ms. J what did you do to your foot?

Oh your DD was too excited and could keep it to herself anymore. Your DH will be surprised about CL. OK should I ask, are you packed yet?

I think you know that I will not be packed until the morning of departure at least it's only DH and I....

So Mar, about my foot, it's funny, well NOW it is....I dropped a frozen chicken and broke it. It happened last Tuesday, and I was in a cast, but I was upgraded to a walking boot yesterday (for good behavior) Not really, it's a trial. If I am pain free with the boot, I can do Disney with the boot...if not back to the cast....So far so good

 

[DebbyLof428]

Secret update....I overheard DD telling daddy the secret yesterday Which is OK, he doesn't know we are staying CL However I was instructed today DO NOT CHANGE FROM THE POLYNESIAN

9 days

Cdn friends of Pooh Thank you for the wonderful pictures!

Missus Toad and DebbyLoof428 Maybe I will see you both there, I will be the brunette with the huge black walking cast on my left foot having my very first Lapu Lapu Feel free to say hi!

maiapapaya and breezysmom Thank you for the live report! Enjoy!!!! TPV...AWESOME!

logpey I agree March is CLOSE. Especially with the holidays quickly approaching...

Sorry to anyone I missed, this is a fast moving thread

Sorry to hear about your injury. You'll be easy to spot in the lounge though I will definitely say hello.

 

[pas130]

Sorry to hear about your injury. You'll be easy to spot in the lounge though I will definitely say hello.

Great! It would be great to meet a DISer in person

 

[SoScary'09]

Two Days!! I may cross paths with you all as well. If you happen to see an estatic mixed chick with a green Mickey satchel toting around a resort mug and as many rice krispie treats as she can possibly carry, that's me. (my new healthier lifestyle can take a back seat for 7 days lol) If I seem to have a twin with blue/green hair with me, that's my younger sister. Be sure to say hi!~

 

[DebbyLof428]

Two Days!! ancer: I may cross paths with you all as well. If you happen to see an estatic mixed chick with a green Mickey satchel toting around a resort mug and as many rice krispie treats as she can possibly carry, that's me. (my new healthier lifestyle can take a back seat for 7 days lol) If I seem to have a twin with blue/green hair with me, that's my younger sister. Be sure to say hi!~

Will be on the lookout for you too - Safe travels and save some rice krispie treats for me

 

[pas130]

Two Days!! I may cross paths with you all as well. If you happen to see an estatic mixed chick with a green Mickey satchel toting around a resort mug and as many rice krispie treats as she can possibly carry, that's me. (my new healthier lifestyle can take a back seat for 7 days lol) If I seem to have a twin with blue/green hair with me, that's my younger sister. Be sure to say hi!~

Will be on the lookout for you too - Safe travels and save some rice krispie treats for me

Me too. I love rice krispie treats.

 

[Missus Toad]

Secret update....I overheard DD telling daddy the secret yesterday Which is OK, he doesn't know we are staying CL However I was instructed today DO NOT CHANGE FROM THE POLYNESIAN

9 days

Cdn friends of Pooh Thank you for the wonderful pictures!

Missus Toad and DebbyLoof428 Maybe I will see you both there, I will be the brunette with the huge black walking cast on my left foot having my very first Lapu Lapu Feel free to say hi!

maiapapaya and breezysmom Thank you for the live report! Enjoy!!!! TPV...AWESOME!

logpey I agree March is CLOSE. Especially with the holidays quickly approaching...

Sorry to anyone I missed, this is a fast moving thread

Cool-- I will be chasing a shot-out-of-a-cannon 6 y/o around the pool trying to make sure his earplug stays in (ruptured eardrum ). See y'all there!