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

[Duplexdis]

You are NOT alone. Everytime someone at work asks me when I'm leaving for vacation I quote them in exact days (normal people would say next weekend or in about 2 weeks) but we know we're not normal - we're better!!! We have a countdown calendar at home comprised of Mickey Heads that started on Day 97 and only 10 mickeys to go

Since we will be sharing the Poly in 10 days - what building did you request? we are staying CL for the first time (stayed 2 previous times in Tahiti and loved it!). What night are you doing MNSSHP? Costumed or not? We are going on the 20th - kids will be Jack Sparrow & Belle. I think DH and I are going to wear Univ. of Michigan football jerseys and be fans (I ran out of time for creativity)!! If DH decides he doesn't want to dress up I'm going to go to Target and get one of their cute $5.00 Halloween T's and the orange/black headbands I saw in the $1.00 aisle

Can you believe 10 days?! We requested Niue, as I figured it would be close to both pools and GCH. DH was a tough sell doing Disney the first year, as he has never been a fan of expensive vacations, so we did POP. The next few trips POP was all I could talk him into, so the Poly even at GV is a huge step for him, so I tried to keep the price as low as possible. Totally jealous of your CL!!!

We are also going to the party on the 20th! DD is going as classic Minnie, and I am going as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Minnie (pink dress). DH, in his words, is going as a dad enjoying his vacation with his family I think the T's are a great idea, at least it's something Halloweenish (?) If I hadn't been lucky enough to get my costume on clearance for $10 over the summer I would be going the same route!

We are also letting DD try the Pirate Adventure at the GF. Are you guys doing anything along those lines? We are also trying the Neverland Club one night, have you ever used it?

 

[BeeBeeCee]

Can you believe 10 days?! We requested Niue, as I figured it would be close to both pools and GCH. DH was a tough sell doing Disney the first year, as he has never been a fan of expensive vacations, so we did POP. The next few trips POP was all I could talk him into, so the Poly even at GV is a huge step for him, so I tried to keep the price as low as possible. Totally jealous of your CL!!!

We are also going to the party on the 20th! DD is going as classic Minnie, and I am going as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Minnie (pink dress). DH, in his words, is going as a dad enjoying his vacation with his family I think the T's are a great idea, at least it's something Halloweenish (?) If I hadn't been lucky enough to get my costume on clearance for $10 over the summer I would be going the same route!

We are also letting DD try the Pirate Adventure at the GF. Are you guys doing anything along those lines? We are also trying the Neverland Club one night, have you ever used it?

My two DDs always went to the Neverland Club when they were little...they loved it. This trip they will be 22 and 27 and I know they will walk by the NL club to see it ....just to reminisce

 

[DT83097]

Can you believe 10 days?! We requested Niue, as I figured it would be close to both pools and GCH. DH was a tough sell doing Disney the first year, as he has never been a fan of expensive vacations, so we did POP. The next few trips POP was all I could talk him into, so the Poly even at GV is a huge step for him, so I tried to keep the price as low as possible. Totally jealous of your CL!!!

We are also going to the party on the 20th! DD is going as classic Minnie, and I am going as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Minnie (pink dress). DH, in his words, is going as a dad enjoying his vacation with his family I think the T's are a great idea, at least it's something Halloweenish (?) If I hadn't been lucky enough to get my costume on clearance for $10 over the summer I would be going the same route!

We are also letting DD try the Pirate Adventure at the GF. Are you guys doing anything along those lines? We are also trying the Neverland Club one night, have you ever used it?

We will look for the classic and the clubhouse minnie then! No pirate adventure for us - we talked about it at one point (and BBB) but we are already spending alot with CL and the extra party ticket so we decided against it. We've haven't used the Neverland Club - our first trip with kids DD was too young but I've heard great things about it here on the boards. I'm sure my kids would love it and would consider it this trip except that we're bringing Gma along and she's willing to stay with the kiddos a few evenings so DH and I can have some time together!

 

[DT83097]

Doing the single digit dance

 

[Divaofdisney]

Can you believe 10 days?! We requested Niue, as I figured it would be close to both pools and GCH. DH was a tough sell doing Disney the first year, as he has never been a fan of expensive vacations, so we did POP. The next few trips POP was all I could talk him into, so the Poly even at GV is a huge step for him, so I tried to keep the price as low as possible. Totally jealous of your CL!!!

We are also going to the party on the 20th! DD is going as classic Minnie, and I am going as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Minnie (pink dress). DH, in his words, is going as a dad enjoying his vacation with his family I think the T's are a great idea, at least it's something Halloweenish (?) If I hadn't been lucky enough to get my costume on clearance for $10 over the summer I would be going the same route!

We are also letting DD try the Pirate Adventure at the GF. Are you guys doing anything along those lines? We are also trying the Neverland Club one night, have you ever used it?

Our daughter absolutely "loved" the Neverland Club!! She just thought it was the most amazing thing ever getting to crawl through Wendy's window just like in Peter Pan The CM alldo such an incredible job and the kids really have so much fun. I would recommend it very highly. Hope your daughter loves it.

 

[megreg]

Hi There,

We are due to arrive at the Poly in 9 days and we are so excited. It's been a few years since we were last at Disney and we stayed at the Poly then too. We got so lucky and were upgraded to CL TPV and it was amazing! This time we only booked GV, but yesterday I checked in online and called as well to request Ground Floor and either Samoa or Tokelau. Anyone know what chance I have of getting my requests? I have zero hope we will get upgraded again and I have been checking reservations and it appears that the Poly is completely sold out? Really, in September? I thought this was one of the lowest attendance months for the year?

Anywho, we are in dire need of this trip. Just found out that we are relocating back to Michigan and my DH has been 'living' up there for the last few months, so the kids miss him and we are really looking forward to the Disney Magic and the smiles on the kids faces and so excited for MNSSHP again!!!

 

[SoScary'09]

Hi There,

We are due to arrive at the Poly in 9 days and we are so excited. It's been a few years since we were last at Disney and we stayed at the Poly then too. We got so lucky and were upgraded to CL TPV and it was amazing! This time we only booked GV, but yesterday I checked in online and called as well to request Ground Floor and either Samoa or Tokelau. Anyone know what chance I have of getting my requests? I have zero hope we will get upgraded again and I have been checking reservations and it appears that the Poly is completely sold out? Really, in September? I thought this was one of the lowest attendance months for the year?

Anywho, we are in dire need of this trip. Just found out that we are relocating back to Michigan and my DH has been 'living' up there for the last few months, so the kids miss him and we are really looking forward to the Disney Magic and the smiles on the kids faces and so excited for MNSSHP again!!!

Excited for your trip! As far as requests though I have no idea. We've never been upgraded either, so I think most of it just happens by chance.

 

[rao363]

Lucky you! I still have 21 days, but hey...3 weeks ain't that long! Anyway, I was researching the polynesian yesterday since I kept hearing about free upgrades and I was in shock to see only Garden View rooms left!! Not sure of your dates, but we check in on 9/29(the last day of value season) so I think between it being value, plus the promotions they had during the early fall(free dining,room discount,etc) that most likely explains why the resort is booked. I have been down 3 other times around now, and in most cases, it is a "slower" crowd time. Funny thing is, when I checked room availability for 9/30, almost all room categories were available again...its amazing what a days difference can make! Have a magical vacation!

 

[megreg]

Excited for your trip! As far as requests though I have no idea. We've never been upgraded either, so I think most of it just happens by chance.

Thanks I know we won't get upgraded again, I'm just hoping they accommodate requests. We will have a double stroller and I don't really want to deal with stairs and I want a patio so I can enjoy a cold beverage while my little DD is napping.. I was just shocked to see that it might be sold out in mid-sept.

 

[Scarlett81]

I was checking out the site for standard, and club level rooms with MK and lagoon views-NONE of the room descriptions list balconies...Is this true?
Do they not have them?
I noticed bc on most other hotel room descriptions if the room has one they list it.

 

[DT83097]

Hi There,

We are due to arrive at the Poly in 9 days and we are so excited. It's been a few years since we were last at Disney and we stayed at the Poly then too. We got so lucky and were upgraded to CL TPV and it was amazing! This time we only booked GV, but yesterday I checked in online and called as well to request Ground Floor and either Samoa or Tokelau. Anyone know what chance I have of getting my requests? I have zero hope we will get upgraded again and I have been checking reservations and it appears that the Poly is completely sold out? Really, in September? I thought this was one of the lowest attendance months for the year?

Anywho, we are in dire need of this trip. Just found out that we are relocating back to Michigan and my DH has been 'living' up there for the last few months, so the kids miss him and we are really looking forward to the Disney Magic and the smiles on the kids faces and so excited for MNSSHP again!!!

We check-in in 9 days too!!
For what its worth on our 2 past Poly stays we were granted our 2 requests (Tahiti, ground floor) both times we made them so I think you are pretty likely to at least get one of the buildings you want.

Where in Michigan are you relocating too?

 

[HunnyJar]

Finally after almost a year of planning we leave tomorrow! Today is seriously crazy with all those last minute things that need to get finished, but I know all this chaos will be worth hearing that "Aloha!" for the first time tomorrow afternoon. Getting up at 3:00 am to be at the airport by 5:00 am. UGH! Very long day for us, but like I said, worth it! I cannot wait to see the look on my children's faces once they see Mickey. So excited!

Btw,
Does anyone know if we still tell the bellhop that we are checking in for club level?

 

[LilyU]

We requested Rarotonga which is where we stayed in 2008. Loved it because it is a quick walk to the GCH and the TTC.

 

[megreg]

We check-in in 9 days too!!
For what its worth on our 2 past Poly stays we were granted our 2 requests (Tahiti, ground floor) both times we made them so I think you are pretty likely to at least get one of the buildings you want.

Where in Michigan are you relocating too?

Fun! We are checking in early 7:30ish so hopefully doing online Check in they might have a room available! Our last stay at the Poly, we didn't request anything and got upgraded to CL, but I'm hoping for either Samoa (to be near pool) or Tokelau for the slightly larger rooms and def. Ground Floor.. Good to hear you were accommodated with your request(s)!

We are building a house in Northville, are you familiar with that area?

 

[princssdisnygina]

I was checking out the site for standard, and club level rooms with MK and lagoon views-NONE of the room descriptions list balconies...Is this true?
Do they not have them?
I noticed bc on most other hotel room descriptions if the room has one they list it.

Most of the rooms do have balconies. However, in some buildings the rooms on the second floor don't have a "walkout" balcony. Meaning there is a sliding door and a railing but you basically open the door and there is the ledge. That is why most people request a 1st or 3rd floor room.

 

[logpey]

Well it's better now then just before the trip. It started with DD15, then DD5 and now me....mine is a sinus infection and I have a wedding this weekend that I can't miss.
I'll be the one hacking in the corner.....
However, good new is that I got our luggage tags and I still need to pre-order our photopass. Not sure when we are going to upgrade to an AP....maybe next week. They don't go into effect until we use it on the 1st day....right?

Well I'm glad your on the up swing with sinus infections & its long gone before trip. Good news about lugguge tags. Policy on Annual Passes. Any AP purchased at WDW now receives an activated pass, not a voucher. (NOTE: vouchers may be purchased by request at any of the Guest Relations locations at WDW.) This pass will expire one year from the date of purchase, not the previous one year from first use. The date of expiration is clearly printed with the words "Expires on" on the AP itself. Hope this helps! If you purchase a voucher, when you transfer it to actual AP it will then be activated.... not first use.

 

[logpey]

Our daughter absolutely "loved" the Neverland Club!! She just thought it was the most amazing thing ever getting to crawl through Wendy's window just like in Peter Pan The CM alldo such an incredible job and the kids really have so much fun. I would recommend it very highly. Hope your daughter loves it.

My children both loved Neverland Club as well, it was the first place I ever left my children besides with family. I'm so sad now that on our last visit DD now 14 is to old and DS 11 wasn't interested. It breaks my heart that part of WDW is over for us.

 

[Slatas]

Wow...we are checking in the 28th. I sure hope that it is not sold out. Last time it was soooo peaceful at that time of year, that is why we booked the same week again. I guess thats what happens for letting the secret out, now we have all these resort converts . We need one of those Poly is so overrated threads to scare them away.

 

[DT83097]

Fun! We are checking in early 7:30ish so hopefully doing online Check in they might have a room available! Our last stay at the Poly, we didn't request anything and got upgraded to CL, but I'm hoping for either Samoa (to be near pool) or Tokelau for the slightly larger rooms and def. Ground Floor.. Good to hear you were accommodated with your request(s)!

We are building a house in Northville, are you familiar with that area?

Kind of - DH worked a charity poker tournament there last weekend (Northville Downs) We live about 1 hour west down 94. We just started looking at building ourselves.....hopefully in the spring / summer but we'll see.

We should get to the resort around 2:00 (or earlier) - planning to kind of chill that afternoon and hit Epcot that evening for Illuminations. Next week is going to be seriously difficult to focus at work!

 

[jdd]

I am checking into the Polynesian GV on 9/29(22 days ) I was looking on the Disney website to see if "maybe" I would upgrade to LV or TPV, and guess what, Only GV is Left!!! I was in shock! I did check on 9/30 and saw that more rooms become available(I guess because value season is over) and even though I am not changing my dates, I was just curious as to how many of you guys will be at the polynesian including travel date 9/29(even if your checking out) Thanks!

We're checking in on the 28th - staying until October 2nd .

Keep checking for your dates. We were booked GV and I checked every morning hoping a CL room would open up and it finally did! I was so excited and booked it right away. People cancel all the time, so you may still be able to upgrade. Good luck and see you at the Poly