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

[crostorfer]

A HUUUUUUUUGE thanks to you Rob!!! This was just what I needed!! Little more than a month to go, and really wanting the time to go by more quickly! The pictures are fabulous, as always!! For those not having stayed before, I don't think they could want for a better website to inform them!

On a different note, anyone with young dd's (around 6, 7, 8, 9 10) arriving around the 24th?? My dd8 is an only child (had her late in life), and I am sure she would just LOVE to have another Disney Princess to play with in the volcano pool! We plan to spend more time at the resort this trip, especially since we will be there in August, which we typically don't do. Maybe we can meet up in the pool!!

I WISH we were going to be there, my DD is an only child too, (8), and she is always looking for other kids to play with in the Volcano pool since all Mom wants to do is sit on the beach and sip Banana Cabana's, LOL. Plan a trip for Sept. 2012 as well, and we'll see you there! LOL.

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Wow this thread moves fast!

 

[EvilQueenT]

love the photos. i stayed at the poly once for 2 nights in 2007 but didn't really have a chance to enjoy the resort as much as i'd have liked, now i'm counting the days for a 4 day trip starting in 23 days. the only question mark for us now is how they'll be working transportation back to the resort at the end of emh from mk since they'll be cutting monorail service starting aug 1st. hoping it's not just those little 30 some odd people seat boats.

 

[momtobrynncess]

I WISH we were going to be there, my DD is an only child too, (8), and she is always looking for other kids to play with in the Volcano pool since all Mom wants to do is sit on the beach and sip Banana Cabana's, LOL. Plan a trip for Sept. 2012 as well, and we'll see you there! LOL.

Awwww.....sounds like this mom too!!! We might just see you there in Sept 2012. We go every year, and if we can't handle the August heat, Sept might be an option again! Plus, we LOVE MNSSHP, and we are kind of disappointed that we won't be able to do that this year... See you here on the Poly thread!

 

[bgenew1]

Typically that time of year is 30%ish but this year they have kept the discount at the Poly a little lower than other Deluxes. Here's the historical chart of discounts (by type) and it shows you what was offered this year (%'s by date) so you can compare (look at the bottom of the page).
http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html#codechart
It looks like you go frequent enough to possibly consider getting an AP. While room discounts don't become available until a month or 2 before your travel time the AP rates on the Poly have been better than the GP rates. Then you could book a decent GP rate once those come out and convert to the AP rate once discounts are released. The AP discount has typically been between 32% & 42% off rack.

Thanks for the info. We used to have APs before the economy cut us back. It would be great to get them again as ticket prices are so high and it is a better deal. To be able to come for the Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon we are doing the party after the race for Epcot and the Halloween party for the Magic Kingdom.

 

[POOHDRMR]

A HUUUUUUUUGE thanks to you Rob!!! This was just what I needed!! Little more than a month to go, and really wanting the time to go by more quickly! The pictures are fabulous, as always!! For those not having stayed before, I don't think they could want for a better website to inform them!

On a different note, anyone with young dd's (around 6, 7, 8, 9 10) arriving around the 24th?? My dd8 is an only child (had her late in life), and I am sure she would just LOVE to have another Disney Princess to play with in the volcano pool! We plan to spend more time at the resort this trip, especially since we will be there in August, which we typically don't do. Maybe we can meet up in the pool!!

We are arriving on the 20th and are going to be spending more time around the resort too.We are there for 12 days but only have 8 day park tix(we are attending a yes class also)My dd just turned 10 and she was an only child untill 18 months ago when I had ds.She is always trying to make a friend at the pool to have someone to play with!We usually do the pool later in the day or at night when the sun is not as strong.Maybe we will run into each other-I know dd would love it! I usually take her to the pool by myself and dh stays in the room with ds.

 

[Pookasaurus]

Does anyone know the "rules" on baby floats in the swimming pool? It seems like people on the other boards have mixed response but I was wondering if anyone had experience at the poly. We have a little float we used last year for my son who was 8mo at the time, so much too small for life jackets, at POR and had no issues. I'm hoping we won't need to use one (we'd hold him, but he is a wiggler) but I think he'd still be too small for a life jacket, so I'm just wondering if the baby float would be okay or if I should buy a toddler life jacket. Thanks!

I could not drive down!!! Our youngest has been flying since her first trip when she was 8 months old. After flying with her older two siblings I swore I would never fly with a toddler again, but we started playing the airplane / school bus game with her. While driving it was a game ....an airplane is worth 3 points, a school bus 1 pt, and then we added things like a Mickey Bobber (antenna topper - had to be Disney themed) that is 15 points!!!! I don't know why but she was so excited to be part of the airplane game and was so calm and well behaved and she was right around 18 months.

As for Disney Florist, my parents and a friend both once ordered and the items arrived the same day at our hotel. I believe if you order ahead of time you can request for your day of delivery and put in some extra details.

It really isn't bad! DH and i look forward to the drive almost as much as the trip (well, maybe half as much ). I used to love flying but after a particularly horrid experience trying to leave Miami after a cruise in 2007 well.. the love is gone. When the boys are in school full time are we are limited on how long we can go we'll have to start flying to maximize time, but for now we enjoy being able to drive. You should try it, its fun hehe.

 

[1971DBday]

THX, I sure will, it's surreal that we leave tomorrow, I really just don't believe it!

Good luck sleeping tonight .....maybe you can get one more little dream in before you leave! I can't wait to hear all about it. Have a wonderful time....jealous!

 

[1971DBday]

It really isn't bad! DH and i look forward to the drive almost as much as the trip (well, maybe half as much ). I used to love flying but after a particularly horrid experience trying to leave Miami after a cruise in 2007 well.. the love is gone. When the boys are in school full time are we are limited on how long we can go we'll have to start flying to maximize time, but for now we enjoy being able to drive. You should try it, its fun hehe.

The worse we ever had was finding out our flight got cancelled due to an ice storm in Chicago! I was in the middle of MK on my cell phone with the airline trying to get the first flight out the next day then slipped into a shop and utilized their phone to get another night in a room (live Christmas parade was taping that weekend - PACKED!!!!). We were able to get both and went back to the pool that afternoon and sipped on cocktails and just relaxed.....

DD5 has only used her own personal floatation devices. At 18 months we had one of those floaties built into the suit and it was to much for her as well.....and she looked kind of funny.....We never tried a baby float because we were told they weren't allowed.

 

[momtobrynncess]

We are arriving on the 20th and are going to be spending more time around the resort too.We are there for 12 days but only have 8 day park tix(we are attending a yes class also)My dd just turned 10 and she was an only child untill 18 months ago when I had ds.She is always trying to make a friend at the pool to have someone to play with!We usually do the pool later in the day or at night when the sun is not as strong.Maybe we will run into each other-I know dd would love it! I usually take her to the pool by myself and dh stays in the room with ds.

Well, congrats to you on the latest addition to your family!!
12 days!! Good for you!! As we get closer to the date, I'll try to remember to pm you, fellow New Yorker!! (originally from Queens and Brooklyn, now in Upstate NY). I'll send you a description of us, and maybe we can run into each other! We have a cabana reserved for the second half of the 24th, so look for us there if you will be by the pool that day!

 

[BeeBeeCee]

THX, I sure will, it's surreal that we leave tomorrow, I really just don't believe it!

Hope you all have a Magical time

 

[nonnasally]

We are arriving on the 20th and are going to be spending more time around the resort too.We are there for 12 days but only have 8 day park tix(we are attending a yes class also)My dd just turned 10 and she was an only child untill 18 months ago when I had ds.She is always trying to make a friend at the pool to have someone to play with!We usually do the pool later in the day or at night when the sun is not as strong.Maybe we will run into each other-I know dd would love it! I usually take her to the pool by myself and dh stays in the room with ds.

We just got back from eight wonderful days at Poly two weeks ago. We had a two year old and an 11 month old in our group. We packed a round inflatable float which had a seat in it. We were told they were the only kind that were allowed for the small children. The regular round tubes were not permitted because the child might slip through. Just thought I'd pass that along/ Have a great time..... it goes so quickly

 

[Missus Toad]

Congrats on your upcoming stay at the POLY! Have a wonderful stay..

Thanks! I'm just over the moon about this!

 

[Missus Toad]

Rob, this thread is amazing! Great work on all the info and photos!!

 

[logpey]

A giant THANK'S to all that wished my family well on todays farewell to the POLY! I obviously can't sleep its 1:30am. I thought I was finished organizing things and would just relax today, but was busy all day and I'm just getting on and y'all are all off to sleepy town..

My WDW schedule: (For us this is a short trip)
Sat-Arrive & check in POLY CL early, hopefully (requested), family get their surprises I set up,relax walk around resort then run to HS for dinner and few rides/Fantasmic.
Sun-Secret rented Cabana full day, relax all day @ resort, 7:20pm Boma ressies explore Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Mon- Magic Kingdom all day, watch wishes there.
Tues-EPCOT all day and EMH- I will let you know about monorail/bus ride back.
Wed- Day off from park, early Grand Floridian Spa for me (YAY!), Hubby playing golf, swim at resort with children, Downtown Disney(?), 8:00pm Spirit of Aloha ressies.
Thur- Animal Kingdom, some of day (not really a huge fan)
Fri- Depart my HAPPY place, crying, screaming, hitting, karate moves & kicking anything in my path!!!!!

Pretty simple plans, don't forget in my schedule plenty of Pina Colavas & Lapu Lapu's ( I'll try again, so strong) Tonga toast, Pineapple dole whips & Ku’ulei Special (CL) I will drink and eat all and think of you & I want all of you to take the fat, carbs, calories and HANGOVER for me in return! O.K.?

Forgot to mention hubby buying me the 40th anniversary Dooney & Bourke Large with wallet, I've been a very, very good girl!

It will be sad when its over, but I will look forward to My 1st Hawaiian Aulani Vacation in six months!! WOOT!

 

[bluejasmine]

So jealous of everyone leaving to go! Its a heat index of 110 here, poor DH works out in it and really didnt want to go to work this morning.. Have to take DD to dr she has been sick and needs to get better ASAP we are school shopping tomorrow and she has a vacation in Hilton Head with a friend on SUN!

OH Poly take me away!!!

 

[princssdisnygina]

A giant THANK'S to all that wished my family well on todays farewell to the POLY! I obviously can't sleep its 1:30am. I thought I was finished organizing things and would just relax today, but was busy all day and I'm just getting on and y'all are all off to sleepy town..

My WDW schedule: (For us this is a short trip)
Sat-Arrive & check in POLY CL early, hopefully (requested), family get their surprises I set up,relax walk around resort then run to HS for dinner and few rides/Fantasmic.
Sun-Secret rented Cabana full day, relax all day @ resort, 7:20pm Boma ressies explore Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Mon- Magic Kingdom all day, watch wishes there.
Tues-EPCOT all day and EMH- I will let you know about monorail/bus ride back.
Wed- Day off from park, early Grand Floridian Spa for me (YAY!), Hubby playing golf, swim at resort with children, Downtown Disney(?), 8:00pm Spirit of Aloha ressies.
Thur- Animal Kingdom, some of day (not really a huge fan)
Fri- Depart my HAPPY place, crying, screaming, hitting, karate moves & kicking anything in my path!!!!!

Pretty simple plans, don't forget in my schedule plenty of Pina Colavas & Lapu Lapu's ( I'll try again, so strong) Tonga toast, Pineapple dole whips & Ku’ulei Special (CL) I will drink and eat all and think of you & I want all of you to take the fat, carbs, calories and HANGOVER for me in return! O.K.?

Forgot to mention hubby buying me the 40th anniversary Dooney & Bourke Large with wallet, I've been a very, very good girl!

It will be sad when its over, but I will look forward to My 1st Hawaiian Aulani Vacation in six months!! WOOT!

Have safe travels and have a wonderful trip! We look forward to your reports! And of course pictures!

 

[Missus Toad]

A giant THANK'S to all that wished my family well on todays farewell to the POLY! I obviously can't sleep its 1:30am. I thought I was finished organizing things and would just relax today, but was busy all day and I'm just getting on and y'all are all off to sleepy town..

My WDW schedule: (For us this is a short trip)
Sat-Arrive & check in POLY CL early, hopefully (requested), family get their surprises I set up,relax walk around resort then run to HS for dinner and few rides/Fantasmic.
Sun-Secret rented Cabana full day, relax all day @ resort, 7:20pm Boma ressies explore Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Mon- Magic Kingdom all day, watch wishes there.
Tues-EPCOT all day and EMH- I will let you know about monorail/bus ride back.
Wed- Day off from park, early Grand Floridian Spa for me (YAY!), Hubby playing golf, swim at resort with children, Downtown Disney(?), 8:00pm Spirit of Aloha ressies.
Thur- Animal Kingdom, some of day (not really a huge fan)
Fri- Depart my HAPPY place, crying, screaming, hitting, karate moves & kicking anything in my path!!!!!

Pretty simple plans, don't forget in my schedule plenty of Pina Colavas & Lapu Lapu's ( I'll try again, so strong) Tonga toast, Pineapple dole whips & Ku’ulei Special (CL) I will drink and eat all and think of you & I want all of you to take the fat, carbs, calories and HANGOVER for me in return! O.K.?

Forgot to mention hubby buying me the 40th anniversary Dooney & Bourke Large with wallet, I've been a very, very good girl!

It will be sad when its over, but I will look forward to My 1st Hawaiian Aulani Vacation in six months!! WOOT!

I didn't realize you were going so soon! Have fun!!!

 

[sandym718]

The worse we ever had was finding out our flight got cancelled due to an ice storm in Chicago! I was in the middle of MK on my cell phone with the airline trying to get the first flight out the next day then slipped into a shop and utilized their phone to get another night in a room (live Christmas parade was taping that weekend - PACKED!!!!). We were able to get both and went back to the pool that afternoon and sipped on cocktails and just relaxed.....

I'm always hoping this will happen, LOL, but considering we drive..... I always want just one more day. Especially this last trip. We left early Saturday morning. It had rained all day (poured) Thursday. Friday was nice, but the weekend looked great. I was trying to talk DH into at least staying Saturday night and driving home Sunday. No go, he likes to get home and get settled before returning to work. I would've loved to just hang out at the pool all day Saturday!

 

[DisFanAmI]

Jumping on... Planning for May 2012... Poly has always been my dream!