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

[cinmell]

The other major change was that they are now giving out wristbands at the pools. Someone is always walking around with the wristbands asking to see your room key. We saw many people being told that they couldn't stay to swim because they weren't staying there. It definitely did seem like it was less crowded then in years past. Apparently, people would come to eat at the Poly and then stay to swim!! The employees said that it was always a rule but that they never enforced it. Now they are!!

Glad to hear they are still doing this.

 

[plwheel]

Hi Poly fans,
Only 13 days until our trip to the Poly ! We have a reservation at Kona Grill on our first night, and I would love to know what people recommend for dinner there. I've heard the teriyaki steak is great, but what else would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

ddluvsdisney - how exciting for you - Woohoo!! Have a great trip! We are almost under a month

Thanks!!! I know we will.
Your trip will fly by. I don't know where the last month went!!
Especially going back to school you'll be there before you know it. Are you pulling your kids out for long?
The only time we ever did that was the first week of June a few years ago. I wasn't really concerned b/c by that time of year there's really not much going on anyway.
Have a fantastic trip

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Hehe, you saw me right after I finished a Banana Cabana I believe.

The Banana Cabana was my absolute favorite pool drink until last year when I discovered the Blackberry Peach Lemonade. That wins.

Now, as for mixed drinks at the restaurant lounges, I love me some Lapu Lapu, don't get me wrong, but last year I discovered the Kentucky Peach at the territory lounge. This drink is just absolutely amazing. They're a mix of Black Cherry Bourbon, Peach Schnapps, Sprite, a little mint and a couple other things that I've forgotten. Here's a pic of mine and Mrs. B's:

I've noticed that the lounge menus are pretty much standardized and I ordered up one of those whenever I found them (the only place I didn't find one was at the Belle Vue Lounge at the Boardwalk). They are very refreshing and pack a nice punch. They should NOT include a straw. They go down way too easily for that.

I knew there was a 'peach' something I liked (Blackberry Peach Lemonade)!!! I actually tried that one too because of your recommendation! Thanks for posting so I knew I wasn't crazy. Now I've got to try the Kentucky Peach. Oh the things I do for the DISboards

8 days left!!!

I can't wait!!!!
We actually leave in 3 days b/c we're staying at HRH before heading over to the Poly.
This is gonna be the best b-day ever, even if it's the big 4 0!!


Thanks to all you Poly experts I learned so much. Soon I'll be sitting on the beach w/ my Lapu Lapu and Pina Colava.
Safe and happy travels to all leaving soon.
ALOHA

Have a great time!!

I'm sure this has been said somewhere in this thread...but we've just returned from 11 great days at the Poly and we were amazed at some of the changes!!
First of all, the biggest change to me was the quiet pool. It no longer has a deep end. They made it all about 4 feet (give or take). As of last year when we were there, they had a deep end roped off. Gives the pool a bigger feel since you can move around more to all ends of the pool.

The other major change was that they are now giving out wristbands at the pools. Someone is always walking around with the wristbands asking to see your room key. We saw many people being told that they couldn't stay to swim because they weren't staying there. It definitely did seem like it was less crowded then in years past. Apparently, people would come to eat at the Poly and then stay to swim!! The employees said that it was always a rule but that they never enforced it. Now they are!!

That's an interesting view on the East pool. I am really bummed about the change because we used to dive for divesticks in the deep end. I haven't stayed since the change but we will be there in October to check it out.

And I am so glad to hear about the wristbands. This seems to be more consistent now. If they are not doing it while we are there and it seems crowded, I am going to ASK!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I was interested in getting a massage but the GF spa will be closed when I am there. Do they offer massages in the cabanas? We plan on renting a cabana and that would be a perfect time if they offer it. Thanks!

 

[princssdisnygina]

I was interested in getting a massage but the GF spa will be closed when I am there. Do they offer massages in the cabanas? We plan on renting a cabana and that would be a perfect time if they offer it. Thanks!

Unfortunately not.

 

[DT83097]

Thanks!!! I know we will.
Your trip will fly by. I don't know where the last month went!!
Especially going back to school you'll be there before you know it. Are you pulling your kids out for long?
The only time we ever did that was the first week of June a few years ago. I wasn't really concerned b/c by that time of year there's really not much going on anyway.
Have a fantastic trip

We are pulling them out for 4 days- they already have the Friday off and its the week prior to a festival we have here so its usually a slow week! We've never done it but not that concerned. Our school is pretty understanding of these situations!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We are pulling them out for 4 days- they already have the Friday off and its the week prior to a festival we have here so its usually a slow week! We've never done it but not that concerned. Our school is pretty understanding of these situations!

You'e so lucky to have an understanding school. Mine is awful about pulling kids out. Again have a great trip!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Unfortunately not.

Bummer

Anyone know the nearest spa (not hot tub, but place to book a massage!) to the Poly since GF will be closed?

And is there anywhere that someone is posting the month's movies for the Poly?

Thx!

 

[seadd67]

So this has probally been asked but I am on my way to work,so do the have a hot tub?, if not can you use the GF? Thank you

 

[princssdisnygina]

MY 3000TH POST!!

Bummer

Anyone know the nearest spa (not hot tub, but place to book a massage!) to the Poly since GF will be closed?

And is there anywhere that someone is posting the month's movies for the Poly?

Thx!

The only other resorts that have full-service spas on property is Saratoga Springs and the Dolphin.

HOWEVER, if you are just wanting a massage there is a small spa that does massages and a few other things at the Wilderness Lodge or the Contemporary. They are both Niki Bryan spas.

So this has probally been asked but I am on my way to work,so do the have a hot tub?, if not can you use the GF? Thank you

You can use the GF pools and such if you like. The Poly does not have a hot tub.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

So this has probally been asked but I am on my way to work,so do the have a hot tub?, if not can you use the GF? Thank you

The Poly does not have a 'spa' (hot tub) but in the volcano pool, it does have a section with some jets in it. And you can use the hot tub at the Grand Floridian Health Club (I don't think you can use GF hot tubs, just the one at the health club, since that would be pool hopping.)

MY 3000TH POST!!



The only other resorts that have full-service spas on property is Saratoga Springs and the Dolphin.

HOWEVER, if you are just wanting a massage there is a small spa that does massages and a few other things at the Wilderness Lodge or the Contemporary. They are both Niki Bryan spas.



You can use the GF pools and such if you like. The Poly does not have a hot tub.

My DH did use the service at WL and he said it was fine but I definitely want the 'spa' experience if I'm going to pay to go somewhere. No worries, lots of other stuff do!!

 

[princssdisnygina]

The Poly does not have a 'spa' (hot tub) but in the volcano pool, it does have a section with some jets in it. And you can use the hot tub at the Grand Floridian Health Club (I don't think you can use GF hot tubs, just the one at the health club, since that would be pool hopping.)

My DH did use the service at WL and he said it was fine but I definitely want the 'spa' experience if I'm going to pay to go somewhere. No worries, lots of other stuff do!!

Actually... I do believe all Poly guests can use the amenities at the GF? Or is it just the spa and health club?

You could always just take a day and go over to SSR! You could take the bus to DTD then take the boat over!

 

[mikkiwikki]

Bummer

Anyone know the nearest spa (not hot tub, but place to book a massage!) to the Poly since GF will be closed?

And is there anywhere that someone is posting the month's movies for the Poly?

Thx!

When is the GF spa closed?

 

[maryj11]

Actually... I do believe all Poly guests can use the amenities at the GF? Or is it just the spa and health club?

You could always just take a day and go over to SSR! You could take the bus to DTD then take the boat over!

Does anyone know for sure if people from Poly can use GF hotub ?

 

[princssdisnygina]

When is the GF spa closed?

9/19/2011 for 18 months.

 

[logpey]

I cant believe it !!! I FINALLY got a reservation for Ohana at a decent time besides after 9:00pm !!! I had 9:50pm and have been searching and searching everyday and finally managed to get 7:50pm ! It is later then I wanted but sure beats 9:50pm. I was going to cancel that one anyway because it was to late !

Yay, you finally got it!, your right 9pm is alot better than 9:50pm, try some more and you could get an even better dinner time!

 

[logpey]

Hi Poly fans,
Only 13 days until our trip to the Poly ! We have a reservation at Kona Grill on our first night, and I would love to know what people recommend for dinner there. I've heard the teriyaki steak is great, but what else would you recommend?

Thanks!

I've personally had the steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus, awesome--My DH loved the scallops,shrimp & veggies (dinner menu), Our last visit I noticed some items not on menu anymore, but that's what we had and it was wonderful. Our lunch visit I had the Island Chicken sandwich--delicious--- daughter ate Club sandwich and son had childs meal-- hamburger w/fries (big size) and a Pina Colava for me, of course!!!! Yum, can't go wrong.

 

[zippy doo dah]

Hello -

The family and I will be staying at the Poly for our upcoming trip and a friend of mine has said that there are speakers under the water in the pool?? Any truth to this?

 

[logpey]

I was interested in getting a massage but the GF spa will be closed when I am there. Do they offer massages in the cabanas? We plan on renting a cabana and that would be a perfect time if they offer it. Thanks!

They do offer it, it has to be scheduled in advance and I just found out about Grand Floridian Spa closing for 18 months (sad) surprised because I was just there and no one mentioned it and we were talking about rehabs. Mary does wonderful massages, if you can request her, you won't be dissappointed! Enjoy!!