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

[PinkPrincess1908]

Nice to know I'm not the only person waiting on this Poly update. I agree with most of you all. I would hate for them to totally demolish the Poly that I love so much. Maybe the "announcement" was just a rumor based on the GCH needing some work...........

 

[mickeystoontown]

Tikiman posted the following message on Facebook about 45 minutes ago:

Well looks like nothing to celebrate the 40th at the resort. I know at one point they had something planned because I saw internal emails but I figured the big announcement ment was a rumor made up on discussion boards because no one at the Polynesian could confirm any announcement was going to happen today. I am sure we will not hear any major news until closer to 2013. Well Happy Birthday Polynesian from those of us who do care.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Tikiman posted the following message on Facebook about 45 minutes ago:

Well looks like nothing to celebrate the 40th at the resort. I know at one point they had something planned because I saw internal emails but I figured the big announcement ment was a rumor made up on discussion boards because no one at the Polynesian could confirm any announcement was going to happen today. I am sure we will not hear any major news until closer to 2013. Well Happy Birthday Polynesian from those of us who do care.

Well...that takes care of that, huh? Our 2012 trip remains in tact!!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I haven't downloaded my photos yet from my trip to the Poly but I wanted to give you a mini-review from 10/13 - 10/18. First, let me preface by saying that I do love the Polynesian and I am definitely a fan. We all enjoyed our vacation so if you read some negative items in the below review, just know that the positive completely outweighs it - but I have to be really honest!

Check-in:
Totally bizarre - we arrived by car, got help from bell services (all went well there), and then a lady came up to the car and walked us 20 feet into the lobby And then to the person at the counter. It was completely unnecessary. She did NOTHING but walk us in the door and it was uncomfortable. We also did on-line check in yet she sent us to another person. So I check in but our folder was not ready. This is the first time this has happened when I have done on-line check in. The odd thing is that we got the EXACT room request we asked for - Tokelau ground floor. Well, check in did not take long and our room was ready so that was all good and outweighed the 'weird' part.

Room:
The room was overall fine. There was a tiny bit (3 inches long) of mold on the shower ceiling (or rather, on the caulk between the wall and the ceiling). The toilet had the turbo flush And I can't figure out why they don't have bathroom fans!!!! There is a vent, but no fan that goes on. Other than that, the bathroom was fine (it was a bathroom).

Fridge/coffee:
The fridge was warm when we checked in and by day 3, it was freezing the cans in the back. Solid frozen. So keep your eye on where you put everything.

The coffee was the pod kind but I did not use it.

Safe:
Safe errored every other time. It didn't cause an issue like getting stuck or anything, but you had to close it just right and hold it (but not too tight) or else it would error and not lock.

Closet:
Well, this was pretty much fine until day 5 and I opened the closet to find a critter scurrying away. I could not find the critter again but at first glance, I thought it was a cockroach. I've only seen cockroaches in Colorado where I had an infestation in an apartment I stayed at and those were an inch long. This critter was 1.5 or 2 inches and really wide. It was a very, very large bug - whatever it was. After that, we threw out any open containers of food and kept everything else in baggies (food was not in the closet though, it was just our precaution). I confess, I was completely disgusted.

Beds:
Sorry Poly but your beds are really uncomfortable. Does anyone know of a Disney hotel where they are comfortable though???

Outlets:
Too few of these that work! I can't believe an inspector doesn't shut the place down with their loose and barely working outlets. I had to use the bathroom outlet to charge my phone since all the working outlets were for lights or the TV.

Again, I have pointed out the things that were not up to par on the room but the size of the room, the flatscreen TV, the decor, and the room overall really are nice.

Restaurants-
Ohana Dinner - We really like Ohana's dinner but it's awfully expensive for out of pocket (at least for the kids). We paid with the dining plan and we had a 2nd ADR that we canceled because it was too costly to do it twice in one vacation and pay OOP.

Capn Cooks - DOLE WHIPS!!!! We had at least one a day! I really enjoy the grown up grilled cheese but the flatbread is not that good and the burgers are only so-so. And no chicken tenders (just the processed kids nuggets). The cream cheese danish and Mickey waffles in the AM are AWESOME!

Kona Cafe Sushi- Hmmm...I was disappointed. The sushi is just ok and really overpriced. I don't mind Disney prices if the food is great but when you get just ok food, I don't like that. The sushi was good but a little bland and I've just had better at a few places.

Spirit of Aloha - Very few good parts of the show and really sub-par dining. People pay for this???? Yuck. I can't believe they don't redo this.

Shops - Oh, I love shopping here!!!!

Pool - heater was working at the volcano pool, never heard music underwater (but I've NEVER heard music underwater here), slide was fun until a girl peed on it (told a lifeguard and they did NOTHING), no wristbands but it wasn't packed (just normal ???), and cabanas were AWESOME!!!

East pool - Love how there is practically no one here but we really missed the deep end.

Hot tub - they don't have one and my husband made a point of complaining about it. He really likes them (I can take or leave them) but for the amount of money we pay for a DELUXE hotel, they should offer one - PERIOD.

Walkway to GF - Open. Minimal intrusion on the views.

Grounds - gorgeous, just gorgeous!!! I can't say enough about how the resort looks. So beautiful to walk around in the daytime and the evening. The EWP and the fireworks from the beach just can't be beat. We did that for 3 of the nights we were there! And it's nice to see they moved the movie on the beach closer to the volcano pool rather than sharing it with GF and having it between the 2 resorts.

Transportation - Monorail was open till midnight on MNSSHP and was working and running whenever we needed it. THIS is a big reason we stay at the Poly so that made us happy.

Neverland Club - the kids LOVE this place and went 2 nights in a row. They also said that it is much better than the Den's club. The 2nd night, my DH went to pay cash and their system was down so they comped it Wow! Love that they didn't force him to pay another way. I didn't feel guilty about it considering all the money we paid for the entire vacation

Okay, so after 4 Poly trips...would I go back???? OF COURSE! I MIGHT do the following to avoid the - higher floor for a room and ask to be moved to a room where the outlets worked (it got irritating after a few days). Use Contempo cafe for more counter service (OMG, they had some great and unique choices!) or just make sure I'm eating counter service at the parks for lunch/dinner. Go when GF Spa is open so we can use the hot tub. I wouldn't eat at Kona sushi or go to SOA. And maybe ask for an egg carton matress or something to put on top of the beds???

Okay, I said I MIGHT do those things. Or I might book it and love it as always. Or I might be booking other resorts. This is all dependent on my DH agreeing to go to Disney again of course

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ok, I am really annoyed because I specifically emailed the Poly IPO today asking once again about the coffee machines in the rooms and was told they were still the 4 cup brew pot type. They said only the suites in the Tonga building at the single cup "keurig" type machines. ARRRRGGGG!!!!!! I have already packed my coffee and filters, I don't understand why they told me the wrong info. If we get to our room tomorrow and its the single cup I'm going to make them go find me a regular coffee maker!!!!

I'm sad to hear about SOA. We've never done it before and have it booked for this Saturday night. Was it really terrible???

I'm also sad to hear the sushi isn't good. I was looking forward to that.

 

[204charity]

Tigrluvspoo- will you be posting to us live this week? I'm eager to hear how you're trip goes and what your impression is with the CM's, your room requests etc - please do keep us posted! And don't worry too much if one other guest didn't like SOA or the sushi. You may love it anyways!!!! Have fun!!!!

 

[padawans]

Tinkerbellie, Thanks for the great review. I think that sums up most disney resorts. There always seems to a few thing off like plugs not working. Overall I have found them to be exceptable, and have never had a bad stay anywhere. I'm glad you enjoyed your vacation. My kids also love the Neverland club. They said the beach club has a better pool, but they would rather stay at the poly for the neverland club.

 

[logpey]

I haven't downloaded my photos yet from

Neverland Club - the kids LOVE this place and went 2 nights in a row. They also said that it is much better than the Den's club. The 2nd night, my DH went to pay cash and their system was down so they comped it Wow! Love that they didn't force him to pay another way. I didn't feel guilty about it considering all the money we paid for the entire vacation

Okay, I said I MIGHT do those things. Or I might book it and love it as always. Or I might be booking other resorts. This is all dependent on my DH agreeing to go to Disney again of course

Thanks for your detailed review. Yes, I believe you described a cockroach, yuck, we have a lot in the south, they are nasty, ugly bugs! The cabana was my fav part of POLY & CL of course!

 

[fla4fun]

Check-in:
Totally bizarre - we arrived by car, got help from bell services (all went well there), and then a lady came up to the car and walked us 20 feet into the lobby And then to the person at the counter. It was completely unnecessary. She did NOTHING but walk us in the door and it was uncomfortable. We also did on-line check in yet she sent us to another person. So I check in but our folder was not ready. This is the first time this has happened when I have done on-line check in. The odd thing is that we got the EXACT room request we asked for - Tokelau ground floor. Well, check in did not take long and our room was ready so that was all good and outweighed the 'weird' part.

Room:
The room was overall fine. There was a tiny bit (3 inches long) of mold on the shower ceiling (or rather, on the caulk between the wall and the ceiling). The toilet had the turbo flush And I can't figure out why they don't have bathroom fans!!!! There is a vent, but no fan that goes on. Other than that, the bathroom was fine (it was a bathroom).

Closet:
Well, this was pretty much fine until day 5 and I opened the closet to find a critter scurrying away. I could not find the critter again but at first glance, I thought it was a cockroach. I've only seen cockroaches in Colorado where I had an infestation in an apartment I stayed at and those were an inch long. This critter was 1.5 or 2 inches and really wide. It was a very, very large bug - whatever it was. After that, we threw out any open containers of food and kept everything else in baggies (food was not in the closet though, it was just our precaution). I confess, I was completely disgusted.

Beds:
Sorry Poly but your beds are really uncomfortable. Does anyone know of a Disney hotel where they are comfortable though???

Outlets:
Too few of these that work! I can't believe an inspector doesn't shut the place down with their loose and barely working outlets. I had to use the bathroom outlet to charge my phone since all the working outlets were for lights or the TV.

1. They have started do the "greeter" thing at a lot of the deluxes. I have had one pretty much every stay at a deluxe for at least the last year or so. It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense because of one little detail - they should be greeting you by name. You have to stop at the guard house and give your name to get into the property. The guard house should be communicating to the greeter that Mr. Smith and family have just arrived, so that when Mr. Smith and family get to the front door, they are greeted by name and escorted in. I have stayed at hotels that have this system down pat, and it's a smooth operation that makes you feel special. But when the greeter has to ask you your name and why you're there, it just kind of defeats the purpose and kind of puts you on the defensive. I've had a couple of those awkward moments, most recently at BC.

2. I have been told they have "silent" fans - one larger fan that is triggered by the light switch and is far enough away from the room that you don't hear it. Not sure if I buy that explanation, but that's what I've been told. It's better than what they did at BLT - every time you even walk by the bathroom door, a loud fan comes on. No quiet trips to the bathroom at night there! I guess I'm used to turbo flush - we have those at home so they just sound normal to me.

3. The bug you saw was probably what we refer to as a Palmetto Bug. It is a large cockroach looking bug that lives primarily outdoors, especially in decorative landscaping (which Poly has in abundance). Actually, Disney does a pretty good job of keeping them under control. I very rarely see one there, and I know from fighting them at home what it takes to keep them out. They aren't so much interested in food, although you do learn in Florida not to leave food out or some sort of insect will be attracted to it. They don't come in because of cleanliness issues either, so it's not a sign that a place is dirty or unkept if they have them. The ones that really freak me out are the ones that can fly! Sorry you had to deal with one though.

4. Comfortable beds? I think CR has some of the most comfortable beds on property. I never want to get out of them in the morning! But a comfortable bed is a very subjective thing. I would imagine if you describe what makes a bed comfortable for you, someone could tell you which hotel would best suit you.

5. You would think in this day and age that all hotels would provide at least four unused outlets in the room for guest use. It's not just a Disney problem. I just stayed at a Hilton brand property a couple weeks ago that only had one outlet for guest use and it was in a lamp base that had two columns (one on either side) that wouldn't let you plug anything in that had any kind of larger base, like most charger plugs do. I've just learned to take a small power strip with me everywhere I go. Since I take my own travel alarm, I usually unplug the nightstand clock and put the power strip there.

Glad you had a great time, and glad we still have some time to plan Poly trips before any big changes are made!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Tigrluvspoo- will you be posting to us live this week? I'm eager to hear how you're trip goes and what your impression is with the CM's, your room requests etc - please do keep us posted! And don't worry too much if one other guest didn't like SOA or the sushi. You may love it anyways!!!! Have fun!!!!

YES! Just click the link at the bottom of my signature!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

3. The bug you saw was probably what we refer to as a Palmetto Bug. It is a large cockroach looking bug that lives primarily outdoors, especially in decorative landscaping (which Poly has in abundance). Actually, Disney does a pretty good job of keeping them under control. I very rarely see one there, and I know from fighting them at home what it takes to keep them out. They aren't so much interested in food, although you do learn in Florida not to leave food out or some sort of insect will be attracted to it. They don't come in because of cleanliness issues either, so it's not a sign that a place is dirty or unkept if they have them. The ones that really freak me out are the ones that can fly! Sorry you had to deal with one though.

We have found 1st floor rooms with patio doors have the worst bug problems. I think some people use their patio as an entrance and exit so the more times that door gets opened and closed the more often bugs come in. I've walked down the beach at the Poly and seen people with their patio doors completely open so they can hear the fireworks, or people watch, etc, etc. You know all kinds of critters are scurrying in! The mousekeepers must battle them constantly!

 

[mickeynut1]

Tikiman posted the following message on Facebook about 45 minutes ago:

Well looks like nothing to celebrate the 40th at the resort. I know at one point they had something planned because I saw internal emails but I figured the big announcement ment was a rumor made up on discussion boards because no one at the Polynesian could confirm any announcement was going to happen today. I am sure we will not hear any major news until closer to 2013. Well Happy Birthday Polynesian from those of us who do care.

This is good news as we are planning to return to the Poly in July 2012 and we love the resort just the way it is .

 

[Mousemommy1]

This is good news as we are planning to return to the Poly in July 2012 and we love the resort just the way it is .

Will we be there at the same time??? Sounds like a good opportunity for a Dis Meet!

 

[goofybabe]

Dear TigrLvsPooh , just want to say thanks again for clearing up the coffee machine mystery for me.I just want bring the right kind of coffee for upcoming trip. Thanks and can't wait for live updates.

 

[SoScary'09]

So no news is good news I guess. Wow, that rumor had me kind of freaked!

I used to live in FL, and Palmetto bugs are very common! They used to get in through the patio once in awhile, and just sort of crawl around. They don't pose quite as much of a threat as roaches, and from the ones I've seen they aren't nearly as fast as roaches either.

While it's never fun to have one suprise you, it was a bit of a relief to realize it was just one of these guys and not an infestation. To see one of these in the Poly wouldn't suprise me at all, especially with all the foliage around the grounds.

 

[PinkPrincess1908]

3. The bug you saw was probably what we refer to as a Palmetto Bug. It is a large cockroach looking bug that lives primarily outdoors, especially in decorative landscaping (which Poly has in abundance). Actually, Disney does a pretty good job of keeping them under control. I very rarely see one there, and I know from fighting them at home what it takes to keep them out. They aren't so much interested in food, although you do learn in Florida not to leave food out or some sort of insect will be attracted to it. They don't come in because of cleanliness issues either, so it's not a sign that a place is dirty or unkept if they have them. The ones that really freak me out are the ones that can fly! Sorry you had to deal with one though.

Unfortunately, I got to know one of these not so little critters well during my 09 stay at the Poly. My fiance and I were walking back from the GCH to Tokaleau (sp) when I heard a loud buzzing that suddenly stopped. When we reached the room and I went to pull my hair up into a ponytail I felt something that didn't belong YEP it was the Palmetto bug that had apparently flown right into my hair I am the WORST when it comes to bugs of any kind. So as I am screaming and jumping up and down having some sort of fit my fiance came over and knocked the bug out of my hair and grabbed my shoe to beat it to death wrapped it in a napkin and put it in the trash. A few minutes what do I see crawling on the floor......YEP, he's baaaaaack! So this time he grabbed his size 17 shoe and beat it to...another death and dropped him in the toilet. So we can finally relax.....not so much! When my fiance got up to use the bathroom there he was swimming about in the toilet. My fiance at that point just fell out laughing saying that he didn't even want the bug to die anymore because he admired his endurance I quickly ran in the bathroom to flush the critter away before my fiance thought about saving him. Morale of this story........should you encounter one of these strong willed critters be prepared for BATTLE!

 

[MinnieTink]

Ok, I am really annoyed because I specifically emailed the Poly IPO today asking once again about the coffee machines in the rooms and was told they were still the 4 cup brew pot type. They said only the suites in the Tonga building at the single cup "keurig" type machines. ARRRRGGGG!!!!!! I have already packed my coffee and filters, I don't understand why they told me the wrong info. If we get to our room tomorrow and its the single cup I'm going to make them go find me a regular coffee maker!!!!

I'm sad to hear about SOA. We've never done it before and have it booked for this Saturday night. Was it really terrible???

I'm also sad to hear the sushi isn't good. I was looking forward to that.

We've never been to SOA, but both my DH and I absolutely lived the Volcano roll at the sushi bar. We are staying elsewhere this trip but will make a special trip for it.

 

[Missus Toad]

I remember eating at Teppanyaki in Epcot one time, and I was seated by the kitchen, when one of those giant palmetto bugs flew up out of nowhere and landed on my chest! I shrieked and stood up, sending my chair flying back into the wooden wall behind me, leaving a dent. A manager came over and told me it was a palmetto bug, but an old guy at the next table wearing a ten gallon cowboy hat looked over and said in a deadpan Texas drawl "That's about the funniest name I ever heard for a roachbug." At that point, freaked out as I was, I just about fell down laughing. I know there's a difference between a palmetto and a roach, but at that moment, I just plain didn't care.

 

[mickeynut1]

Will we be there at the same time??? Sounds like a good opportunity for a Dis Meet!

That would be fun . I haven't booked yet as I'm still deciding, but right now I'm looking at arriving around 7/19. Our 20 year anniversary is in June, but while I was quoting different times in June and July, I noticed the room rates drop around 7/15. So as much as I wanted to go over our actual anniversary, I thought July would be just as nice, especially with the savings since the rates are lower . Plus our oldest is graduating high school next year, so I would feel better getting his open house out of the way and then do vacation. So we are contemplating an anniversary/graduation celebration to Disney . What are your dates?

So no news is good news I guess. Wow, that rumor had me kind of freaked!

I agree . I was also a little freaked with the rumor because we've only stayed at the Poly once, but that was enough to make it our favorite resort.....and I, for one, wouldn't like to see a drastic change .

Unfortunately, I got to know one of these not so little critters well during my 09 stay at the Poly. My fiance and I were walking back from the GCH to Tokaleau (sp) when I heard a loud buzzing that suddenly stopped. When we reached the room and I went to pull my hair up into a ponytail I felt something that didn't belong YEP it was the Palmetto bug that had apparently flown right into my hair I am the WORST when it comes to bugs of any kind. So as I am screaming and jumping up and down having some sort of fit my fiance came over and knocked the bug out of my hair and grabbed my shoe to beat it to death wrapped it in a napkin and put it in the trash. A few minutes what do I see crawling on the floor......YEP, he's baaaaaack! So this time he grabbed his size 17 shoe and beat it to...another death and dropped him in the toilet. So we can finally relax.....not so much! When my fiance got up to use the bathroom there he was swimming about in the toilet. My fiance at that point just fell out laughing saying that he didn't even want the bug to die anymore because he admired his endurance I quickly ran in the bathroom to flush the critter away before my fiance thought about saving him. Morale of this story........should you encounter one of these strong willed critters be prepared for BATTLE!

This made me laugh because I would have TOTALLY FREAKED once I found out it was in my hair .

I remember eating at Teppanyaki in Epcot one time, and I was seated by the kitchen, when one of those giant palmetto bugs flew up out of nowhere and landed on my chest! I shrieked and stood up, sending my chair flying back into the wooden wall behind me, leaving a dent. A manager came over and told me it was a palmetto bug, but an old guy at the next table wearing a ten gallon cowboy hat looked over and said in a deadpan Texas drawl "That's about the funniest name I ever heard for a roachbug." At that point, freaked out as I was, I just about fell down laughing. I know there's a difference between a palmetto and a roach, but at that moment, I just plain didn't care.

Bugs always freak me out, especially when they come flying at me .

 

[Mousemommy1]

That would be fun . I haven't booked yet as I'm still deciding, but right now I'm looking at arriving around 7/19. Our 20 year anniversary is in June, but while I was quoting different times in June and July, I noticed the room rates drop around 7/15. So as much as I wanted to go over our actual anniversary, I thought July would be just as nice, especially with the savings since the rates are lower . Plus our oldest is graduating high school next year, so I would feel better getting his open house out of the way and then do vacation. So we are contemplating an anniversary/graduation celebration to Disney . What are your dates?



I agree . I was also a little freaked with the rumor because we've only stayed at the Poly once, but that was enough to make it our favorite resort.....and I, for one, wouldn't like to see a drastic change .



This made me laugh because I would have TOTALLY FREAKED once I found out it was in my hair .



Bugs always freak me out, especially when they come flying at me .

Well, we are there from 7/15/11-7/25/11 (actually checking into Poly the 17th...doing 2 nights at AKL first). Our 10th anniversary is in June, but we couldn't go then because oldest DD would still be in school. So, July it is! I will however, be celebrating my birthday there (the 18th!). So excited!!!