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

[shocky5]

Woke up this morning to a note from DH. His vacay request went through and we are a GO for Disney in Oct.! I'm so excited right now that I think my head is going to explode

Now I just have to settle on the details. I keep worrying that 5 people in one room at Poly will be too crowded but the resort is so pretty and our dining preferences are centered around it and GF. Will I go crazy at the Poly with 2A/3C ages 8,7,5?

The only other option that tempts me is renting pts for a 1 BR at BLT...which I hear getting is a longshot because it's so popular. My roomier options don't thrill me, like a studio at AoA/ASMU or 2 rooms at a Mod. Location and convenience are a big deal for us with 3 little kids and our first resort stay ever. We also plan to take it easy in the afternoons/evenings and ambience is something I really enjoy.

I'm rambling, and I'm about to pass out from excitement.

You won't go crazy - we've only ever stayed at the Poly with 2A/3C... first time they were 4, 6 and 9. Next time they were 6, 7 and 11. In 13 days we will be back and they are (will be - one's bday is tomorrow) ages 9, 10, and 13.

The daybed in the room is like a twin - my DD slept there and the boys in one of the doubles and DH and I in the other. And some nights we'd bed-hop becuase the kids would fight for the daybed so DD and I would sleep together and DH would sleep in the other with whichever DS lost 'rock paper scissors' for the daybed.

The rooms are plenty big - never felt like we were tripping over luggage or souvenirs collected throughout the week... No complaints here!

 

[alex9179]

You've made me feel better! I'll try to stop obsessing...about changing resorts anyway! I've already been on the Disney site this morning pricing out things again I'll stick with worrying about logistics and if discounts will be available. Oh, and REALLY commiting to diet and exercise so I'm fit for the trip

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I know this question was asked and answered here months ago, but the search tool for the thread is not functioning well - sorry that I have to ask again.

I just reserved a pool-side cabana (standard not premium) for our first stay at the Poly in April
I vaguely remember reading that one cabana has a relatively better view of the pool than the other. Is this true and if so, which one?
And how do I go about requesting the one with the better view?

 

[vanillarum]

Just had to see it, sorry !

 

[TDluvsDaisy]

Just had to see it, sorry !

I wouldn't apologize. I'd be

 

[jandkmom]

Woke up this morning to a note from DH. His vacay request went through and we are a GO for Disney in Oct.! I'm so excited right now that I think my head is going to explode

Now I just have to settle on the details. I keep worrying that 5 people in one room at Poly will be too crowded but the resort is so pretty and our dining preferences are centered around it and GF. Will I go crazy at the Poly with 2A/3C ages 8,7,5?

The only other option that tempts me is renting pts for a 1 BR at BLT...which I hear getting is a longshot because it's so popular. My roomier options don't thrill me, like a studio at AoA/ASMU or 2 rooms at a Mod. Location and convenience are a big deal for us with 3 little kids and our first resort stay ever. We also plan to take it easy in the afternoons/evenings and ambience is something I really enjoy.

I'm rambling, and I'm about to pass out from excitement.

First of all, congrats!!! Re: the Poly and BLT, we've stayed at both and honestly, you couldn't go wrong with either. At BLT, we shared a 2 BD with my mom and step-dad, and it was a ton of room. The pros were the view (we watched Wishes right outside our balcony every night) and the kitchen. But the Poly is also fantastic and has the room for your family. The proximity to TTC and the ambiance can't be beat. I would also suggest Tokelau for the rooms.

 

[Mousemommy1]

225 Days till we are at the Poly!!!

It's going to be a looooooong winter for us in New England....

 

[mickeynut1]

Greetings All!

Well, I have officially switched our July 2012 ressie back to the Poly for our 10night stay! I am casting aside all of the negative reviews and I am going to let the resort speak for itself. Plus, my DD7 came to me last night and said that she really would like the volcano pool, and how can I say no to that??? So, flood me with your wonderful Poly experiences, extoll its virtues... Remember, this will be our 1st deluxe experience...I'd like the Poly to "break us in"...

The Poly is awesome!!!!! We love the volcano pool.....it's actually our favorite pool out of all the resorts we've stayed at. We loved the Poly the minute we checked in . The grounds are beautiful, Captain Cooks is great for quick CS meals, and you can't beat relaxing in a hammock on the beach while watching the fireworks or just listening to the boat whistles while the boats go back and forth to MK . The Poly is a great resort to experience and I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time .

Woke up this morning to a note from DH. His vacay request went through and we are a GO for Disney in Oct.! I'm so excited right now that I think my head is going to explode

Now I just have to settle on the details. I keep worrying that 5 people in one room at Poly will be too crowded but the resort is so pretty and our dining preferences are centered around it and GF. Will I go crazy at the Poly with 2A/3C ages 8,7,5?

Congrats on the trip . I think the Poly room will be fine for 5 of you. Even though we are just a family of 4, we found the rooms to be very spacious and my youngest DS loved the daybed....said it was very comfortable. I say stick with the Poly......it's a great resort .

 

[scottmel]

I am so sorry - I am sure this is addressed but hope someone can answer for me. We are Yacht Club lovers! LOVE that resort. Last summer though we toured the Poly and really liked it. But the rooms I heard were rather dated. Any info on WHEN.IF a reno is going to happen? We are going in June 2012 to YC and I would consider a split stay if the rooms were updated.thank you!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I am so sorry - I am sure this is addressed but hope someone can answer for me. We are Yacht Club lovers! LOVE that resort. Last summer though we toured the Poly and really liked it. But the rooms I heard were rather dated. Any info on WHEN.IF a reno is going to happen? We are going in June 2012 to YC and I would consider a split stay if the rooms were updated.thank you!

The Polynesian underwent an rehab in 2006. In post 3 on the first page of this thread, you can see exactly what the rooms look like.

 

[UpstartCrow]

Just booked a celebratory end-of-semester/grad-school-applications trip to Disney with DBF! : This will be the first time either of us has stayed at the Polynesian! I'm looking forward to it, but I admit I'm slightly apprehensive about leaving the safety of my beloved Beach Club. Additionally, this will be my first time going to Disney in January (my family usually goes in mid-to-late August). We sort of assumed the crowds would be fairly low, even with the free dining promotion (we're going 1/8 - 1/13), but when we called, the rep said there were only about two rooms at the Poly still available. Nonetheless, I can't imagine it would be any worse than August, as we'll be gone before the holiday weekend really starts.

So, does anyone have anything to say to pump up a Polynesian newbie? : Is the weather likely to be comfortable enough in January to take advantage of the views of the MK fireworks from the beach? Any dos/don'ts around the hotel itself? Are we likely to need breakfast ADRs for Kona, or can we play that by ear? (Don't worry, we've already made several ADRs for dinner!)

 

[goofybabe]

Almost back to favorite place on planet yay! Forget Christmas I'm going back to Poly in 33 days!!!!!!!!

 

[alex9179]

So, does anyone have anything to say to pump up a Polynesian newbie? : Is the weather likely to be comfortable enough in January to take advantage of the views of the MK fireworks from the beach? Any dos/don'ts around the hotel itself? Are we likely to need breakfast ADRs for Kona, or can we play that by ear? (Don't worry, we've already made several ADRs for dinner!)

I haven't stayed there, yet, but I can tell you a bit about January weather! Winter is the rainy season, so whether or not you'll be able to enjoy the Poly beach for fireworks is all about luck. Wear layers for warmth because it can get quite cool.
Assume that there is going to be rain, prepare for it, and have a great time!

 

[yolie912]

Hello everyone!
I wanted to share my experience at the Poly back in May of this year. I had booked a garden regular room. We took the magical express and when we arrived we were greeted by a cast member. I was so surprised by this because he took us all the way to our room. When we arrived at the Hawaii building he had told us we were upgraded to Club Level. WOW! This was pixie dust for sure. The Poly is a fantastic resort! We are so in love with the resort we are going back in September and of course we paid for club level this time. You won't be disappointed. I wasn't for sure! =) If you have any questions I will be more than happy to answer them.

 

[jandkmom]

So, does anyone have anything to say to pump up a Polynesian newbie? : Is the weather likely to be comfortable enough in January to take advantage of the views of the MK fireworks from the beach? Any dos/don'ts around the hotel itself? Are we likely to need breakfast ADRs for Kona, or can we play that by ear? (Don't worry, we've already made several ADRs for dinner!)

Poly is awesome! We've only done Disney in Jan so I'm familiar with the weather. As the PP said, the key is layers...bring regular summer clothes then some pants and sweatshirts/hoodies/jackets. The mornings are cool and it usually gets warmer throughout the day and it's downright chilly at night. It's not too bad for fireworks on the beach though. My DD even goes in the pool in the afternoons. It's usually quiet when we go but if you are going right before the holiday, I would suggest doing ADRs for Kona. Capt Cooks is also really good for breakfast...they even have Tonga Toast there!

 

[204charity]

Good news Poly lovers! Looks like the poly beaches are going to be undergoing a "sand replenishment" in mid-January! (mind you, this is great for me since I am not going to be there til April, but this may prove to be a bit of a nuisance for those visiting in January)

 

[jandkmom]

Good news Poly lovers! Looks like the poly beaches are going to be undergoing a "sand replenishment" in mid-January! (mind you, this is great for me since I am not going to be there til April, but this may prove to be a bit of a nuisance for those visiting in January)

Not such good news for us

 

[Kona65]

Christmas in the Tropics (at the Poly). What could be better?

 

[goofybabe]

When in January does sand renourishment start we will be there on January 8th ? hoping for it not to start on my much needed and planned vacation!!!!!!

 

[i_heart_the_mouse]

When in January does sand renourishment start we will be there on January 8th ? hoping for it not to start on my much needed and planned vacation!!!!!!

Wish I knew for sure. Some of the unofficial refurb lists are saying 12/24-1/10, while others are saying 1/4-1/16.