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

[maiapapaya]

I feel like I have truly found kindred spirits here on the Poly thread!

I was just lamenting to myself - because I would never tell anyone else, and in convenience them with my whining - that I have all of these little treats and surprises planned for our upcoming trip for my son, and my DH and our friend who is coming on the trip, but I know that none of them have anything planned for me. DH just isn't the type, DS is 3, and dear friend is just too occupied with planning his wedding that is just a couple months after we get back.

I feel so dumb for throwing myself an internal pity party that there will be no surprises for me, when I am going on my dream vacation to my dream resort and staying club level. Shouldn't that be enough?

But I just want a surprise dagnabit!

This is how I feel too! I know my husband has a high stress job & is busting his butt at home building our dream house and planning little surprises for me is probably the furthest thing from his mind so I feel really petty thinking these thoughts some times ... we are getting a fantastic trip to WDW after all at our favourite resort. But this is a really special milestone, and he promised, and just a little surprise to acknowledge that, just once ...

I should also make a disclaimer that what I have been saying does not apply to my sister who occasionally lurks here (hi Ambriel! ) She is already doing enough by taking the girls so we can have our special dinner! (thanks!)

 

[dizneechic]

Ok so we need to start a new service at Disney, we can all it "Something Unexpected". A person can call up, tell a little about someone (or themselves ) and their vacation info (resort, dates, etc). All they would need to do is pay what ever amount they want their "something unexpected" to be valued at and it would show up sometime during their stay when they aren't necessarily expecting it. It might be trinkets, a cake, flowers and champagne, a room full of balloons and chocolates, just something geared towards what the person mentioned in the questionnaire about the recipient.

That way all of us who never have anything for ourselves that we don't plan our self can have a little surprise - even if we know something is coming at some point. And it's even better for DH's that lack creativity or have trouble planning/deciding... they just call, plunk down xx $$ and be done with it.

 

[dizneechic]

I should also make a disclaimer that what I have been saying does not apply to my sister who occasionally lurks here (hi Ambriel! ) She is already doing enough by taking the girls so we can have our special dinner! (thanks!)

Ambriel, if your reading this take note. Remind her DH to do just a little something for her on the trip. Maybe have him call the CL staff and arrange a bottle of champagne back in the room the night you take the kids for them.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Okay...long day at the office!!! I was in a meeting this morning in which 95% (probably more) had NOTHING to do with my job!!!!! So I pulled up the DISboard on my phone and read....Breezy shhhhh.....

Anyway I need to come to my sensible DISfriends who are Poly lovers for some unbiased, HONEST advice....

Okay...I am turning the big 40 this year and in fear that we weren't going to book another vacation to WDW I told DH that I would like to go to WDW for my 40th. The next thing I know we are also celebrating my DISbil 50th and my DNiece's 21st (insert: omg you are tooooo young to have a 21 year old niece ). Anyway, now my bday is coming up in August and feeling a little gipped....

DH had a party for his 30th and 40th [30th told me he preferred not to, but I did it and 40th decided let's have something with immediate family(one more side note DH did NOTHING for my 30th and I was pissed!!!)]. Now it is my turn and even though I'm thrilled to be going to WDW and THRILLED that everyone agreed to switch back to the Poly (at my request) instead of the WL....I still feel kind of gipped....this is just (okay never "just") another family vacation to WDW.

My DH wasn't planning anything...zip...nada...when I asked if anything was going on. I pressed a little and he said my Mom was planning something..Okay....Now he feels guilty...I don't know what I want...and he is getting frustrated with me. We aren't going until October and personally that is really where my heart is ...Disney. However, in the real world going in August won't work with the kids needing to return to school the day after my bday.

HELP!!!!! I don't know if I want a party, I don't know if I want to go out for dinner....I just want to go to WDW and relax by the pool and have a cocktail, but that is not possible Yes. I am whining.

This party is going to be for everyone but me (which I am not good about giving anything for just me - it's always about everyone else i.e. part of the reason I asked to go to WDW).

Few additional things that I have thought about: I don't want to go to the spa (waste of time for a shorter than usual trip); cabana would be used by everyone in my party; gift card to spend until my heart's content on Food and Wine (but I will end up paying for everyone else); MNSSHP - okay thinking of the kids and DH instead of me; STOP WHINING and turn 40 with dignity!!!!

DIS friends - flame away!!!!!

I hear ya. Dh and I are both turning 40 this year. I'm the party planner, so I'm sure that I won't be getting anything special. His birthday is the week after we get back from Disney (we leave in 7 days ) and I've secretly booked DiveQuest at Epcot for him as his 40th birthday present. I actually can't do a party for him because he leaves on a fishing trip to Canada about 3 days after we get back from Disney and will be there ON his birthday. So, DiveQuest is the big to-do. I've planned a family get-together at our Lake Cottage when he gets back to celebrate, but it'll be after the fact. My b-day is in October when life is back to "normal" (dh is a teacher, so school will be in full swing and life is crazy) so I'm sure I'll get a great gift (he's actually an awesome gift giver), but no grand celebration. Sigh. I guess I'll just have to call up my memories of Disney to get through! BTW, I now live in WI, but was born and raised in Libertyville, IL...

 

[bluejasmine]

Pink I know what you mean! Every yr for every holiday and vacations I always have something for DH and kids but never besides Valentines, Bday, Christmas did I receive back which you dont give to receive but still..

Finally my DD noticed that I never got stocking stuffers or Easter baskets or anything and said something infront of DH, ever since then he does it and I always tell him it doesnt need to be big, just that you thought of me is what counts!

Last yr I really wanted flowers from disneyflorist while we were at the Poly for our anniversary so I kept dropping hints that the CL CM can do all kinds of things like get you MNSSHP tickets, made ADR for you even order flowers from disneyflorist and DH took the bait and "suprised" me with a beautiful Mickey through the yrs boquet! LOL

I think thats what you should do is drop hints..LOL

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Ok so we need to start a new service at Disney, we can all it "Something Unexpected". A person can call up, tell a little about someone (or themselves ) and their vacation info (resort, dates, etc). All they would need to do is pay what ever amount they want their "something unexpected" to be valued at and it would show up sometime during their stay when they aren't necessarily expecting it. It might be trinkets, a cake, flowers and champagne, a room full of balloons and chocolates, just something geared towards what the person mentioned in the questionnaire about the recipient.

That way all of us who never have anything for ourselves that we don't plan our self can have a little surprise - even if we know something is coming at some point. And it's even better for DH's that lack creativity or have trouble planning/deciding... they just call, plunk down xx $$ and be done with it.

Love this idea!!!!

We are not even going to WDW until Nov. 2012 and I already have a list of extra surprises that I want to do for each member of the family. Cabana rental for a day, upgrading to CL was supposed to be a surprise but I already told my DH (lol), anniversary dinner and surprise cake for DH, Pirate League and Pirate and Pals Fireworks Cruise which DS will love. I just need to think of something specifically for my teen daughter as her special surprise. Any ideas? She will be 16 when we travel.

 

[bluejasmine]

Ahh thats great!! Im having problems trying to think of something for my DS who will be 18 in Oct!

TinkPirate-Disneyflorist has some bracelets that come with a rose and things like that maybe youd like for your daughter? Just go to disneyflorist.com

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Okay...long day at the office!!! I was in a meeting this morning in which 95% (probably more) had NOTHING to do with my job!!!!! So I pulled up the DISboard on my phone and read....Breezy shhhhh.....

Anyway I need to come to my sensible DISfriends who are Poly lovers for some unbiased, HONEST advice....

Okay...I am turning the big 40 this year and in fear that we weren't going to book another vacation to WDW I told DH that I would like to go to WDW for my 40th. The next thing I know we are also celebrating my DISbil 50th and my DNiece's 21st (insert: omg you are tooooo young to have a 21 year old niece ). Anyway, now my bday is coming up in August and feeling a little gipped....

DH had a party for his 30th and 40th [30th told me he preferred not to, but I did it and 40th decided let's have something with immediate family(one more side note DH did NOTHING for my 30th and I was pissed!!!)]. Now it is my turn and even though I'm thrilled to be going to WDW and THRILLED that everyone agreed to switch back to the Poly (at my request) instead of the WL....I still feel kind of gipped....this is just (okay never "just") another family vacation to WDW.

My DH wasn't planning anything...zip...nada...when I asked if anything was going on. I pressed a little and he said my Mom was planning something..Okay....Now he feels guilty...I don't know what I want...and he is getting frustrated with me. We aren't going until October and personally that is really where my heart is ...Disney. However, in the real world going in August won't work with the kids needing to return to school the day after my bday.

HELP!!!!! I don't know if I want a party, I don't know if I want to go out for dinner....I just want to go to WDW and relax by the pool and have a cocktail, but that is not possible Yes. I am whining.

This party is going to be for everyone but me (which I am not good about giving anything for just me - it's always about everyone else i.e. part of the reason I asked to go to WDW).

Few additional things that I have thought about: I don't want to go to the spa (waste of time for a shorter than usual trip); cabana would be used by everyone in my party; gift card to spend until my heart's content on Food and Wine (but I will end up paying for everyone else); MNSSHP - okay thinking of the kids and DH instead of me; STOP WHINING and turn 40 with dignity!!!!

DIS friends - flame away!!!!!

Count me in the planner category with my non-DH planner (and he matches those so-so feelings about Disney - grrrr).

I, along with y'all, will be planning my own birthday celebrations. I think an all day cabana rental with an evening cruise sound fabulous! But whatever you do, don't feel bad for doing it for yourself. My DH loves it when I just put the idea in his lap (or just do everything) and then all he has to do is pay the tab. He WANTS to make me happy, but has no idea how and no desire to do the work. I know, doesn't sound right but that's a man for you. And I think about all the things he does that aren't 'special' but oh so nice. Like washing the cars, taking out the garbage, fixing EVERYTHING in the house, building the deck and pergola and kids' swing set and front porch (our house is in a constant state of not done - he has a construction business), and of course, he works his butt off (as I do!) so we can pay for vacations...to Disneyworld and elsewhere. So think about all the good things other people do for us and just plan your own party. Everyone will come and have a good time. Oh, and tell them it is your birthday party!

 

[maiapapaya]

Pink I know what you mean! Every yr for every holiday and vacations I always have something for DH and kids but never besides Valentines, Bday, Christmas did I receive back which you dont give to receive but still..

Finally my DD noticed that I never got stocking stuffers or Easter baskets or anything and said something infront of DH, ever since then he does it and I always tell him it doesnt need to be big, just that you thought of me is what counts!Last yr I really wanted flowers from disneyflorist while we were at the Poly for our anniversary so I kept dropping hints that the CL CM can do all kinds of things like get you MNSSHP tickets, made ADR for you even order flowers from disneyflorist and DH took the bait and "suprised" me with a beautiful Mickey through the yrs boquet! LOL

I think thats what you should do is drop hints..LOL

This!

 

[bgenew1]

I didnt even know these existed! My question is do you need to book right at the 180 mark like dining?

And I assume I would have to have my room reservation at the time of booking?

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

75 days until our return to the Poly

 

[Millermom0606]

75 days until our return to the Poly

We have 100

 

[Missoutandabout]

I getting my cold out of the way now so I don't have to deal with snot or germs on our vacation... Germs are not allowed at the Poly.

Got all appendages crossed the kidlet doesn't catch it.

 

[1971DBday]

Too funny that is why WE have never gone to V&A. Hate dressing up esp on vacation. That is why we went to bluezoo for our special date night last trip. Food is absolutely AMAZING and I just had on nice khaki capris and a fun top and DH had on reg khakis and a polo. not painful dressing at all DH and I both agreed it was the best meal we ever had. They even gave us the menus as keepsakes.

I'm glad I'm not the only one!!!! I still don't understand when I see someone in heels in WDW!!!! Why??? I wear heels all week at work - I want to be a lazy slob in WDW!!!!

Just felt the need to jump into the conversation. Sorry. Just wanted to share that I returned three weeks ago from celebrating my 60th birthday with 20 of my family members. My kids, grandkids, sister and her tribe and brother and his along with my DH ( the one who has to drag himself to WDW).
It was wonderful. My sister made everyone T-shirts which we all wore the night of my b-day as we had dinner at the Liberty tree/ my favorite place.

I surprised everyone by renting a cabana for the afternoon at the Poly and going down the slide. I have wanted to do that for 20 years! So do it for your 40th!! I also surprised DH with dinner for two at LeCellier a few nights later. That was a highlight for him. ( oh, yeah, thats right it was MY birthday!)
Anyway, now I am home trying to figure out my next trip strategy. Using grandkids as an excuse is my most recent excuse!
Happy travels and memories to all

Our trip in October will be with extended family and then we have a surprise trip that Grandma and Grandpa are paying for in June of 2012....we will see what that brings!

I went down the slide finally last year (last time was in 1979) and was shocked at how fast it was. My DD5 has been going down that slide since she was 3...I don't know how she does it. I also volunteered for the Indiana Jones stunt show and the Flights of Wonder (if you haven't volunteer as someone with a camera...you will love it).

I feel like I have truly found kindred spirits here on the Poly thread!

I was just lamenting to myself - because I would never tell anyone else, and in convenience them with my whining - that I have all of these little treats and surprises planned for our upcoming trip for my son, and my DH and our friend who is coming on the trip, but I know that none of them have anything planned for me. DH just isn't the type, DS is 3, and dear friend is just too occupied with planning his wedding that is just a couple months after we get back.

I feel so dumb for throwing myself an internal pity party that there will be no surprises for me, when I am going on my dream vacation to my dream resort and staying club level. Shouldn't that be enough?

But I just want a surprise dagnabit!

I don't think you are alone here!!!!

That is what women do..............
WE plan, and WE dote on our friends and family, WE are the caregivers. That is how we were made. You are right not to tell them, they are not going to give in the same amount as you. They can't. It's not in their DNA like us.

Maybe I should just give up....no ideas.

Ok so we need to start a new service at Disney, we can all it "Something Unexpected". A person can call up, tell a little about someone (or themselves ) and their vacation info (resort, dates, etc). All they would need to do is pay what ever amount they want their "something unexpected" to be valued at and it would show up sometime during their stay when they aren't necessarily expecting it. It might be trinkets, a cake, flowers and champagne, a room full of balloons and chocolates, just something geared towards what the person mentioned in the questionnaire about the recipient.

That way all of us who never have anything for ourselves that we don't plan our self can have a little surprise - even if we know something is coming at some point. And it's even better for DH's that lack creativity or have trouble planning/deciding... they just call, plunk down xx $$ and be done with it.

Okay....I have some ideas for this....massage by the pool (shouldn't need to have a cabana for this - by the way did anyone else notice in the WDW commercial that they family is staying at a Value Resort and then they show the Mom relaxing at a cabana at the Poly??? Um sorry, but if you are NOT staying at the Poly you can't rent the cabana....right? Okay back to my other requests....private dining on the look out point at beach of the Poly....private server at the Poly (help watch kids and gets cocktails while you relax)....

I hear ya. Dh and I are both turning 40 this year. I'm the party planner, so I'm sure that I won't be getting anything special. His birthday is the week after we get back from Disney (we leave in 7 days ) and I've secretly booked DiveQuest at Epcot for him as his 40th birthday present. I actually can't do a party for him because he leaves on a fishing trip to Canada about 3 days after we get back from Disney and will be there ON his birthday. So, DiveQuest is the big to-do. I've planned a family get-together at our Lake Cottage when he gets back to celebrate, but it'll be after the fact. My b-day is in October when life is back to "normal" (dh is a teacher, so school will be in full swing and life is crazy) so I'm sure I'll get a great gift (he's actually an awesome gift giver), but no grand celebration. Sigh. I guess I'll just have to call up my memories of Disney to get through! BTW, I now live in WI, but was born and raised in Libertyville, IL...

Such a small world!!!! Notice DH did not feel bad about taking time for himself for his bday...why do we???

Count me in the planner category with my non-DH planner (and he matches those so-so feelings about Disney - grrrr).

I, along with y'all, will be planning my own birthday celebrations. I think an all day cabana rental with an evening cruise sound fabulous! But whatever you do, don't feel bad for doing it for yourself. My DH loves it when I just put the idea in his lap (or just do everything) and then all he has to do is pay the tab. He WANTS to make me happy, but has no idea how and no desire to do the work. I know, doesn't sound right but that's a man for you. And I think about all the things he does that aren't 'special' but oh so nice. Like washing the cars, taking out the garbage, fixing EVERYTHING in the house, building the deck and pergola and kids' swing set and front porch (our house is in a constant state of not done - he has a construction business), and of course, he works his butt off (as I do!) so we can pay for vacations...to Disneyworld and elsewhere. So think about all the good things other people do for us and just plan your own party. Everyone will come and have a good time. Oh, and tell them it is your birthday party!

They do a lot and everyone is so busy and I just can't get excited about something that is still 4 weeks away....but everyone's calendar is filling up. My siblings are asking and it's nice to know everyone cares Maybe I should just let the surprise be what we end up doing.....


I just want to THANK EVERYONE whether you chimed in or not! I appreciate everything and all of the input. I didn't mean to hijack the thread, but it still stayed in the Poly theme and I knew all of you would have some good ideas. I think I may get a Cabana for at least half of a day.....SERVE ME!!!!

 

[maiapapaya]

I didnt even know these existed! My question is do you need to book right at the 180 mark like dining?

And I assume I would have to have my room reservation at the time of booking?

You can book at the 180 day mark. I don't know availability-wise if it's cruicial. Probably if you know for sure you are going to do it I wouldn't wait, but I've read about people booking fairly last minute.

I'm not sure about the room reservation, but since they are for Poly guests only they may require your reservation number (just as proof that you're staying there) The alternative is that when you check in for the reservation they will require your key as proof.

If you are staying CL the IPO will do this for you, if not can call the recreation number (can't remember it off the top of my head, but if you search I'm sure you'll find it or someone will chime in!)

 

[nonnasally]

I didnt even know these existed! My question is do you need to book right at the 180 mark like dining?

And I assume I would have to have my room reservation at the time of booking?

`

 

[nonnasally]

`

I rented the cabana about three weeks before our arrival. It was 4th of July week and I was surprised that time slots were still avaialble. I only rented it from 10 to 2 but then decided to extend it another hour for $35. As long as no one else was waiting the CM said no problem.
It truly was so much fun and they were so accommodating. It was a great way to spend around the pool. FYI.... you can run a tab at the pool bar and the CM assigned to you takes your order and gets the drinks for you. Soooo cool! At the end the bar bill and gratuities go to the bartendar. According to CM, the person assigned to you may not take a tip. We were very persisitent about tipping our CM but not sure what the outcome was. My brother-in-law took charge of it. The refridge in the cabanna was stocked with water, sprite, diet and regular coke. A beautiful fruit tray was brought out mid-way thru our time there. We went to Capn Cooks for snacks and brought them back for a great lunch at our table. We had one of the cabana's facing the volcano and could keep an eye on all the kids. I am depressed just thinking about how fast the day went! Have a wonderful time

 

[logpey]

You may look Wednesday... but when we had the cabana in May there were wristbands in the drawer above the fridge!

I had cabana again today and there were armbands in today! Thx for heads up!

 

[logpey]

So which cabana do you like best? Thinking of seeing if they have one available next week

Thanks in advance.

Regular cabana Mauna Kea, it seems like alittle more room and nicer views, even though there right by eachother. They selected it for me before I arrived to it and had a nice little sign saying Mauna Kea "**** Family" Mahalo for being our guest. Heather the attendant said she gave me that one because we booked full day, it made me think she gave me better one. I was in the Mauna Loa today for an hr till rained out received fruit basket and one drink before shut down pool, gave me full refund! I will post pic's when i get home my air card computer is not my picture laptop.

 

[logpey]

MMmmm....Pina Colavas. Sure could use one about now. Thnx for posting live for us Poly junkies. Question: Can you see the construction walls for the new GF DVC from the Poly? Anything "happening" over there?

I went to Grand Floridian Spa today and the only construction I saw was a construction wall, I think blue and it started right past the wedding pavillion going towards the Grand Floridian, you can not see it from the Poly, also you really don't notice from monorail either because it is directly under you.