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

[logpey]

How long would you allow for this? We have a ressie for the Haunted Carriage Ride at FW in October. So, we will be going from the Poly and just want to be sure to be on time. Will an hour be safe?

1 hr & 15 minutes just to make sure you don't feel rushed! I'm sure it will be more than sufficient. Have fun, what a great experience.

 

[logpey]

Well the Poly directory says the pool side bar is open 'til dusk, so you're probably right about it being closed by then.

I would definitely suggest the pina colava ... in copious amounts!

Yes alot of Pina Colavas, many, many!

 

[logpey]

Thanks!! Last year when we got them, we just stayed right at the Tambu bar. But, with the kids wanting to swim, I figured I could try to go with them (drink in hand!!) I thought maybe the pool bar would be closed by that time (9:30 or 10:00 pm)?? I do want to try their drinks also, though!!! I have been eyeing some of them up lately! Any suggestions forthe best choices??

In July the bar was open while the outdoor movie was playing, movie started at 9:10pm, I think the bar closed somewhere before Wishes started 10:00pm! That was my observation when I was there. I remember being surprised it was open so late, but plenty of people were sitting around and drinking up. There time might vary according to crowds.

 

[logpey]

I'm sorry, but that sounds like it needs a punch line!

HAHAHAHAHAH, so true! They were working in the trees when I was there last, I have pictures in my signature.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I would like to try one of these but, I know if I got one my 9 year old would want one after she seen how cool it looks lol. Do they make those with something in it that kids could drink ?

Yes, here are mine drinking their $10 Sprite about ten feet from the fridge with complimentary Sprite in the club lounge.

I imagine they could make a virgin version of anything, but I didn't want to simulate the drinking experience too much.

 

[1971DBday]

I'm sorry, but that sounds like it needs a punch line!

So what happened to the big tree????

 

[Divaofdisney]

Hi there everyone....have a question?? Was wondering if anyone has evered taken the cruise on bay lake for the fireworks?? Did you feel like the expense was worth it and just how long is it?? Our 25th anniversary is next year and its our frist trip to Poly to stay...we are so excited and I thought this would be a nice surprise gift for my husband for the 2 of us!! What do you all think?? Let me know if anyone has ever done this and if you felt is was worth it. Thanks so much!!

 

[princssdisnygina]

Hi there everyone....have a question?? Was wondering if anyone has evered taken the cruise on bay lake for the fireworks?? Did you feel like the expense was worth it and just how long is it?? Our 25th anniversary is next year and its our frist trip to Poly to stay...we are so excited and I thought this would be a nice surprise gift for my husband for the 2 of us!! What do you all think?? Let me know if anyone has ever done this and if you felt is was worth it. Thanks so much!!

I haven't yet but I have one booked for our November trip! I am sure someone else can tell you about it but I would be happy to let you know after I get back!

 

[maryj11]

Yes, here are mine drinking their $10 Sprite about ten feet from the fridge with complimentary Sprite in the club lounge.

I imagine they could make a virgin version of anything, but I didn't want to simulate the drinking experience too much.

That would be good,no I dont want to simulate the drinking experience either lol. But I would like to try one. If we can mark hers with a certain umbrella or something to make sure we dont get them mixed up

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

OK Poly experts I need tips/advice. I just changed our ressie from The Grand Royal Palm Club to the Poly Club level with a TPV. It is for my sons first birthday. I am a little freaked out to change hotels from my favorite The Grand but my 6 year old is begging to stay at the volcano hotel. It is all about pools at his age. I have visited and eaten at the Poly many times and have never actually stayed there. Those that do the club level how is the lounge compared others on property. My favorite club level is at AKL. How accomadating are they about requests. I know I am in the Hawaii building but I would prefer a first floor due to the strollers. I actually cant wait to stay here next month and my husband is warming up to the idea. I grew up staying at CR and usually stay at GF or AKL now. How are the cabannas also are they worth the fee. I might consider this for our departure day so we have a place to hang out.

 

[princssdisnygina]

OK Poly experts I need tips/advice. I just changed our ressie from The Grand Royal Palm Club to the Poly Club level with a TPV. It is for my sons first birthday. I am a little freaked out to change hotels from my favorite The Grand but my 6 year old is begging to stay at the volcano hotel. It is all about pools at his age. I have visited and eaten at the Poly many times and have never actually stayed there. Those that do the club level how is the lounge compared others on property. My favorite club level is at AKL. How accomadating are they about requests. I know I am in the Hawaii building but I would prefer a first floor due to the strollers. I actually cant wait to stay here next month and my husband is warming up to the idea. I grew up staying at CR and usually stay at GF or AKL now. How are the cabannas also are they worth the fee. I might consider this for our departure day so we have a place to hang out.

The Lounge for CL is the only one on property that doesn't lock up at night... so you have access to beverages and the view all night long. I have never stayed CL at another resort but I did my research and this seems to be one of the favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed it in May and am returning in Nov/Dec!

The cabanas are worth the money if you like to lounge around the pool in your own space. You don't have to worry about kids except your own. Of course you will see them and they will be around but you have your own space! I LOVED having one and will be doing it again in Nov/Dec!

 

[cmesq61]

Oh...Yeah ...One month and one week...tehehe!

We have 1 month 1 week and 1 day! See you there!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

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

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The Lounge for CL is the only one on property that doesn't lock up at night... so you have access to beverages and the view all night long. I have never stayed CL at another resort but I did my research and this seems to be one of the favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed it in May and am returning in Nov/Dec!

Actually the Atrium Club and Tower Club Level lounges at the Contemporary also don't lock up during the evening, although they don't keep their cans of soda in a fridge 24 hours a day like at the Polynesian.

 

[BeeBeeCee]

We have 1 month 1 week and 1 day! See you there!

YaY! ....the DH and I are driving in ...and our DD27 and DD22 are flying in from Houston ...going to see Harry Potter on Sun and then checking in at the Poly on the 19th

We will see you there....

 

[DT83097]

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

 

[DT83097]

We got our ME tags 2 days ago. Then today after coming home from the Disney store we got our cool new bag tags and travel booklet with a Photopass card and other vouchers. It's getting so close now!!

I think it will fly by as the kids go back to school in 2 weeks so we'll be busy with all things school related!! We went to Disney Store today to get a couple of t-shirts for everyone....unfortunately the closest one to us is about 1 hour away, but we did some other shopping in the area and made a day of it. We ended up getting a Belle dress and Captain Jack outfit for MNSSHP!! Can't wait to check into the Poly next month!

Safe travels to everyone leaving this coming week. Soak up some Poly love for us!!

 

[chrismom3]

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!!

They also now have cabanas for rent. They seem very nice but are expensive. About $120 for a 4hour rental for the small cabana (fits 6) and about $180 for the larger one.

Of course the other "change" has to do with the DDP which is not exclusive to the Poly. Apparently, people were complaining about using their counter service for breakfast and having to get 2 drinks. So now, disney has decided to only give us 1 drink and an entree if we use a counter service for breakfast. I would have thought that disney would have at least exchanged 1 drink for a piece of fruit etc. Not sure why people would complain over getting 2 drinks. They could have always brought any extra drinks to the parks with them!

All in all, it was a great time at the Poly...as usual.

 

[maryj11]

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!!

They also now have cabanas for rent. They seem very nice but are expensive. About $120 for a 4hour rental for the small cabana (fits 6) and about $180 for the larger one.

Of course the other "change" has to do with the DDP which is not exclusive to the Poly. Apparently, people were complaining about using their counter service for breakfast and having to get 2 drinks. So now, disney has decided to only give us 1 drink and an entree if we use a counter service for breakfast. I would have thought that disney would have at least exchanged 1 drink for a piece of fruit etc. Not sure why people would complain over getting 2 drinks. They could have always brought any extra drinks to the parks with them!

All in all, it was a great time at the Poly...as usual.

I'm very happy they are checking wristbands ! It is not fair to the people paying to stay at the Poly to be crowded at the pool !

 

[maryj11]

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 !