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

[sjs314]

Double Post

 

[Venomhatch]

We loved the Luau! The food was pretty good but there is a lot of it! Plus beer and wine is included.

The dancing is cool and the there is plenty of eye candy for ladies and gentleman alike

The show is in 3 parts. The first is a bit of a quirky story line with some song and dance. Then there is the dancing from the different islands and then the third is Fireboy AKA Mr. Yummy who does an amazing routine. At one point they also bring all the kids on stage and then they will bring adults on stage later in the show to dance with the ladies

It is fun for the whole family. I always say people should try it just once. I think there is a picture a few pages back with the platter of food. I will try and post some of my pics.

There is two shows a night Tues through Saturday 5:15 and 8pm I think. The show is dark on Sunday and Monday.

There are two shows a night Tu through Sat at 5:15 and 8pm.

I hope that helps

I have not gone to the Aloha show recently but did many years ago and truely enjoyed it. The food offerings are better now, when I went back in the 90's the food was more traditionally Polynesian my family only liked a small bit of it, but I think the drinks were more plentiful back then. Now we were fortunate to be seating right up front near the stage, I do not think the show would be quite as good if you had seating way in the back. The fire dancers were amazing when I went but I have to say I did keep thinking " I hope he doesn't drop that flameing stick" since we were right on top of the stage practically

Would I go to it again yes, in fact I did almost book it but unless I were to pay OOP for it you can not get the best seats on the DDP

I agree it is something everyone should try at least once, especially if staying at the Poly to feel fully immerced into the feel of the resort.

I would go for the second show like I did the last time but that is just me

Why thank you. I really was curious about it. Hmmm I also wonder if there are any YouTube clips to see. But I am sure the lil one and of course we will enjoy it. I just wasn't sure if the lil one would have fun.

 

[guitarob]

We loved the Luau! The food was pretty good but there is a lot of it! Plus beer and wine is included.

^^ This.

While certainly not the best show going (Hoop De Doo Revue, IMHO) the Luau is a really great show/dinner/thingtodoindisneyworld... that often gets overlooked. While we don't do it EVERY time we go, we do like to do it every couple of visits.

 

[guitarob]

Truly hoping to move on, but am feeling the need to set the record straight here ...

To recap for those who have felt the need to jump in & pass judgement on others ... several days ago the posters who had been transferred from POR started showing up. They were welcomed. They had questions, which were gladly answered. They were offered advice on making longhouse requests. Everything was fine. There was not one poster who begrudged them anything. Not one person who said anything negative about their little bit of pixie dust.

However, yesterday there were several posts about how the pixie dust (the upgrade from POR to Poly) was now turning into extra pixie dust with ppl being given extra, free upgrades, when unfortunately there were people who were already booked at the Poly, who had paid Poly rates, who couldn't even pay for an upgrade because of the extra, free upgrades that the transfers from POR were being given. We're talking free upgrades from POR GV to Poly TPV, POR riverview to Poly TPV CL (which, BTW is an upgrade from a room that costs $240/night rack rate to $820/night) ~ to the posters to whom these references apply I am not singling you out, or criticizing you I am just mentioning this to illustrate my point (the issue really is with how WDW has handled this). Even then only one comment was made which said something to the effect "if you were a paying Poly guest you may not feel the same" (referencing being excited about these upgrades) Some snark ensued. Some thread vets jumped in to try and calm things down & say this is why some people might be upset, just try to understand how others might feel when making comments.

I would hardly say that people were being nasty about "a little pixie dust" and begruding simple upgrades to the Poly. I wouldn't even define what was going on as a "big upset", like there was a big flame-fest going on. However making judging comments about the situation when I'm not sure you even read back far enough to know what had really been going on since the former POR guests started posting here on only throws fuel on the fire.

Thank you. I hate seeing this peaceful part of the Internet get all riled up. If I want that, I'll go check out 4chan.

 

[Venomhatch]

^^ This.

While certainly not the best show going (Hoop De Doo Revue, IMHO) the Luau is a really great show/dinner/thingtodoindisneyworld... that often gets overlooked. While we don't do it EVERY time we go, we do like to do it every couple of visits.

Pmed you didn't want to get this thread off topic again.

 

[Lynne M]

Folks, let's keep it polite and respectful, please.

 

[Venomhatch]

Folks, let's keep it polite and respectful, please.

Of course.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Well, I get to do the double digit dance today! Only 99 days until my return to the Poly!

I heard about all the upset from this thread about POR upgrades and couldn't believe people would begrudge a little Disney Pixie Dust. Really?

I was a Poly paying guest, and would never have begrudged people getting upgraded.

I don't think it's very common at Poly to get upgraded. We didn't. But we did get all our requests, Tokelau, beach end, upper floor And had a wonderful stay.

I have to agree with SueM. These POR "transplants" as they are being called, booked a new, highly advertised room category and Disney left them disappointed. They deserve some form of compensation and I feel that an upgrade is the appropriate course of action to resolve the issue.

From my experience, upgrades aren't all that common at the Poly. More often than not we have stayed in the category we have booked, or if we have been upgraded it was during a very slow time of year when the resort was nowhere near capacity. Late Feb through early March is the start of spring break and a very popular travel time for Florida. When we want Club Level, we book it. We have never been upgraded to CL at the Poly. And the only times we have been upgraded to CL at other Disney resorts was in response to a screw up on Disney's part.

If you want a certain category of room, then book it. If you are lucky enough to get an upgrade, be thankful. But being upset because "interlopers" are scooping up the potential for you to upgrade? It's a bit much in my opinion.

Imagine if you were called and told your Garden View Room at the Poly wasn't available and they offered you (and everyone else) Royal Palm Concierge at the Grand Floridian. Chances are you wouldn't turn it down and wouldn't even consider the potential effect your upgrade had on the potential of another guests upgrade.

And the reference about posters "encouraging" others to get the same upgrades? I believe the "leaving a note" reference was rather tongue in cheek as the poster compared it to a fridge swap.

I get the TPV CL is way more expensive than POR Royal Rooms. However, when the room you booked isn't ready when it was supposed to be, you are entitled to compensation, and if Disney deems TPV CL as the appropriate compensation that is up to them.

Just my two cents

 

[Stasieki]

I'm a POR trasplant and now I'm scared to post. Well, not really, but sheesh.

Anyways... can someone give me insight on the Kids Club? Would the younger crowd (age 4-7) enjoy it? We really don't have any adult only nights planned so would they rather be in the parks with us or at the Kids Club?

Thanks!

 

[Phatoomch]

I am appalled by the reaction of some.

When booking a vacation we book what we consider is 'affordable' to us.

If you have paid in full for the Poly you can obviously afford it therefore, those who have been upgraded, it will be a real treat for them and we should be happy for them. They booked a new & exciting theme room and were let down big time by Disney, don't they deserve some compensation?

With regards to those who are disgruntled about the upgraded ones then getting CL when you feel the 'payers' should have gotten that first to make room for the POR RR's, rather than complain on here, maybe call up Disney and state your case with them. If you don't ask, you don't get. Simple.

Congrats to all those who were upgraded. I hope that the pixie dust makes up for your initial disappointment of the RR rooms not being ready.

This thread just reminds me that sadly, in life, there are people who treat others according to their status/wealth ... ho hum.

 

[PreacherMouse]

As I have said, we will be first timers at the Poly Jan 27 to Feb 1. I will have an ECV due to chronic knee issues. Any recommendations on that? Also, my DS14 will be with me and we are already going to The Spirit luau and have a ressie for Kona Cafe breakfast. Any other "musts" at The Poly?
My son is a teenage boy all the way but he is a Disney fanatic like myself so he would be the type that would be open to about anything there.

By the way we have GV and I already requested Tokelau (sp?) and 3rd floor.

Did I say I am really excited????

 

[BreezysMom]

OK....I know people want to give their 2 cents but we are trying to MOVE ON! So lets just do that....Please

As I have said in a previous post...we love to to talk about the Poly so please ask away anything Poly. Like any other self respecting cult...we love to recruit new members

So let's talk some Poly.... what so you all want to know? I am home today watching the snow falling and thinking about my favorite resort while doing some work on the computer

Bring on the questions....

 

[BreezysMom]

As I have said, we will be first timers at the Poly Jan 27 to Feb 1. I will have an ECV due to chronic knee issues. Any recommendations on that? Also, my DS14 will be with me and we are already going to The Spirit luau and have a ressie for Kona Cafe breakfast. Any other "musts" at The Poly?
My son is a teenage boy all the way but he is a Disney fanatic like myself so he would be the type that would be open to about anything there.

By the way we have GV and I already requested Tokelau (sp?) and 3rd floor.

Did I say I am really excited????

Your room request sounds great. I myself am a fan of Figi, 3rd floor as it is close to the GCH and the pool but farthest from the TTC. But the Polyis not that big so really any location will be fine with your ECV.

Must do's at the Poly...

Watch Wishes from the beach

Kona is awesome! Breakfast, lunch or dinner

The torch lighting ceremony is most evenings

If you like a good tropical beverage, we can suggest many

Take your time to really explore the resort and the wonderful foliage and beautiful flowers

Movies on the beach is nice after a long day at the parks...if the weather is not too cold. But bring bug spray for your ankles as the little critters like to feast at night

My favorite Poly activity is to sit in the lobby and people watch. It is crazy but I love watching people walk in for the first time

Check out Boutiki and Trader Jacks every day...they seem like they put out new stuff all the time.

Did I miss anything????

 

[BreezysMom]

Looking down at the waterfall in the GCH

Early morning a the Poly...my favorite time. The resort is so quiet

 

[BreezysMom]

I'm a POR trasplant and now I'm scared to post. Well, not really, but sheesh.

Anyways... can someone give me insight on the Kids Club? Would the younger crowd (age 4-7) enjoy it? We really don't have any adult only nights planned so would they rather be in the parks with us or at the Kids Club?

Thanks!

I have not personally used it but there are many people that have and have given great reviews. Some kids want to go back every night!

Please feel free to ask away...

Happy planning

 

[Venomhatch]

Looking down at the waterfall in the GCH

Early morning a the Poly...my favorite time. The resort is so quiet

Wow very good photos. I love them. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Stasieki]

I have not personally used it but there are many people that have and have given great reviews. Some kids want to go back every night!

Please feel free to ask away...

Happy planning

Breezy – thanks for the QandA session – lol. I'm sitting in Nashville waiting for the great snow of 2012 (we are expecting a dusting) I have one… what longhouse would be best for us? I know they are only requests, but I want to put some sort of request in. My preferences in order of importance are:

Connecting with our friends
Balcony
Two sinks
Convenience to GCH and Main Pool

I’m thinking Tuvalu (I think that’s how it’s spelled)…

 

[BreezysMom]

Tuvalu is an older long house and does not have two sinks. What type of room category do you have?

 

[mom_of_3_mousketeers]

I am home today watching the snow falling and thinking about my favorite resort while doing some work on the computer

Bring on the questions....

I'm in the far southwest burbs of Chicago watching the snow fall too. Unfortunately, I'm not too happy about it! I loved the 50s yesterday!!

 

[PreacherMouse]

Your room request sounds great. I myself am a fan of Figi, 3rd floor as it is close to the GCH and the pool but farthest from the TTC. But the Polyis not that big so really any location will be fine with your ECV.

Must do's at the Poly...

Watch Wishes from the beach

Kona is awesome! Breakfast, lunch or dinner

The torch lighting ceremony is most evenings

If you like a good tropical beverage, we can suggest many

Take your time to really explore the resort and the wonderful foliage and beautiful flowers

Movies on the beach is nice after a long day at the parks...if the weather is not too cold. But bring bug spray for your ankles as the little critters like to feast at night

My favorite Poly activity is to sit in the lobby and people watch. It is crazy but I love watching people walk in for the first time

Check out Boutiki and Trader Jacks every day...they seem like they put out new stuff all the time.

Did I miss anything????

Thanks! Now I'm bursting with anticipation! This has been a long time dream to stay at the Poly and I am thinking with what everyone is saying, the time of year I will be there with hopefully low crowd levels, and my traveling party only being 2 people that this will be an awesome time.