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

[pas130]

As I have said, we will be first timers at the Poly Jan 27 to Feb 1. I will have an ECV due to chronic knee issues. Any recommendations on that? Also, my DS14 will be with me and we are already going to The Spirit luau and have a ressie for Kona Cafe breakfast. Any other "musts" at The Poly?
My son is a teenage boy all the way but he is a Disney fanatic like myself so he would be the type that would be open to about anything there.

By the way we have GV and I already requested Tokelau (sp?) and 3rd floor.

Did I say I am really excited????

Honestly with an ECV, request 1st floor. There are lovely patios, and you roll right out. The entrances to the longhouses are automatic sliding doors. It's great!

 

[maiapapaya]

Breezy – thanks for the QandA session – lol. I'm sitting in Nashville waiting for the great snow of 2012 (we are expecting a dusting) I have one… what longhouse would be best for us? I know they are only requests, but I want to put some sort of request in. My preferences in order of importance are:

Connecting with our friends
Balcony
Two sinks
Convenience to GCH and Main Pool

I’m thinking Tuvalu (I think that’s how it’s spelled)…

In addition to what BreezysMom said about no double sinks, do not request Tuvalu if you are booked GV! It sits at a 90 degree position to Figi and all the the GV rooms have a dead-on view of the end of that longhouse. I would think it is one of the worst views at the resort!

If you are TPV, LV there are no balconies on the second floor. Make third floor your first request when talking to CRO. If you are LV/TPV the location is great. If you want to have the double sinks and be assured of a balcony request Tahiti (although you will be giving up on the convenience of location).

 

[disneydreamin247]

Hmm the Luau is sounding so nice. I may just book it since I will be traveling with 3 kids in August. I think the teenager would enjoy the yummy man eye candy!

 

[maiapapaya]

Your room request sounds great. I myself am a fan of Figi, 3rd floor as it is close to the GCH and the pool but farthest from the TTC. But the Polyis not that big so really any location will be fine with your ECV.

Must do's at the Poly...

Watch Wishes from the beach

Kona is awesome! Breakfast, lunch or dinner

The torch lighting ceremony is most evenings

If you like a good tropical beverage, we can suggest many

Take your time to really explore the resort and the wonderful foliage and beautiful flowers

Movies on the beach is nice after a long day at the parks...if the weather is not too cold. But bring bug spray for your ankles as the little critters like to feast at night

My favorite Poly activity is to sit in the lobby and people watch. It is crazy but I love watching people walk in for the first time

Check out Boutiki and Trader Jacks every day...they seem like they put out new stuff all the time.

Did I miss anything????

there's also the EWP every night at 9:00! If your son is a Disney fanatic PreacherMouse you can't miss that - it's a classic! 'Ohana is great too - breakfast or dinner, but it can be hard to get into.

If you can't make it to the luau disneydreamin247 said eye candy is also available on non-luau nights at the torch lighting ... meet "Mr. Yummy" as he is affectionately known!

 

[Stasieki]

In addition to what BreezysMom said about no double sinks, do not request Tuvalu if you are booked GV! It sits at a 90 degree position to Figi and all the the GV rooms have a dead-on view of the end of that longhouse. I would think it is one of the worst views at the resort!

If you are TPV, LV there are no balconies on the second floor. Make third floor your first request when talking to CRO. If you are LV/TPV the location is great. If you want to have the double sinks and be assured of a balcony request Tahiti (although you will be giving up on the convenience of location).

I'm Gardenview. Tahiti 3rd Floor would give me the balcony and double sinks, and hopefully connecting rooms, but further from the central area – any positives about the location? Is that one of the buildings where all the garden views are good?

 

[disneydreamin247]

there's also the EWP every night at 9:00! If your son is a Disney fanatic PreacherMouse you can't miss that - it's a classic! 'Ohana is great too - breakfast or dinner, but it can be hard to get into.

If you can't make it to the luau disneydreamin247 said eye candy is also available on non-luau nights at the torch lighting ... meet "Mr. Yummy" as he is affectionately known!

Oh, I've already enjoyed that eye candy!

 

[MikeRx]

We are 100 days out from our Poly vacation (and 1 post away from being able to add a ticker).
We've booked a MKV room and requested Tahiti. Could some of those who've stayed in Tahiti recommend the best rooms for the view and possibly post or direct me to pictures? Any help would be appreciated. Tikiman's pages have been great, but I need more "room view" opinions/shots.

We've been to Disney many, many times but this is the first time at the Poly. Form our reconnaissance on other trips, we know we are going to love it!

Thanks!
Mike

 

[Venomhatch]

Your PM box says full so here is the reply to your message.

Thank you. Have a great day. Look forward to seeing you around on here.

Donald

 

[maiapapaya]

I'm Gardenview. Tahiti 3rd Floor would give me the balcony and double sinks, and hopefully connecting rooms, but further from the central area – any positives about the location? Is that one of the buildings where all the garden views are good?

I haven't stayed in Tahiti, so don't know about the GV views. A big positive for a lot of people with the location of Tahiti is its proximity to the TTC - it's just a quick walk. There is also a beach in front of Tahiti that is not used by many people, so is very quiet and private. Really though, the Poly isn't a huge property, so it's not THAT far to anything. Is it convenient to just pop into CC's to refill your mug? Probably not, but the other ammenities may make up for that depending on what's important to you (and the guarantee of a balcony if you get a 2nd floor room).

 

[PreacherMouse]

Honestly with an ECV, request 1st floor. There are lovely patios, and you roll right out. The entrances to the longhouses are automatic sliding doors. It's great!

Thanks for responding. Is it difficult to get the ECV into the elevator? The Disney reservation line told me it was fine but of course I know sometimes they dont always give the correct answer. I requested the top floor for a chance of a better view.

 

[pas130]

Thanks for responding. Is it difficult to get the ECV into the elevator? The Disney reservation line told me it was fine but of course I know sometimes they dont always give the correct answer. I requested the top floor for a chance of a better view.

I was first floor in a wheelchair, but I did see others with ECV in the GCH elevator no problem We stayed in Raratonga which is directly next to GCH and it was a fantastic location IMO. You'll be fine, Disneyworld is very ECV friendly, and being right by both monorail lines is fantastic!!!

Enjoy your trip SO CLOSE!!!!

disneydreamin247 Oh Dani...Lapu Lapu and Eye candy....NICE

 

[204charity]

Ooohhhh.......so few weeks to go! I have a suggestion - why don't we each take our turns listing what we are MOST looking forward to on our upcoming vacations at the Poly?!

Me and my parents along with my wonderful 9 yo DD are so excited for:

Lapu-Lapu's (can I order one for my DD without booze in it!?)
Wishes from the beach on our very first night there
Our last full day at DW being spent in our private CABANA rental!!!!
Maybe catching a Disney movie on the beach in our jammies

 

[Venomhatch]

Ooohhhh.......so few weeks to go! I have a suggestion - why don't we each take our turns listing what we are MOST looking forward to on our upcoming vacations at the Poly?!

Me and my parents along with my wonderful 9 yo DD are so excited for:

Lapu-Lapu's (can I order one for my DD without booze in it!?)
Wishes from the beach on our very first night there
Our last full day at DW being spent in our private CABANA rental!!!!
Maybe catching a Disney movie on the beach in our jammies

*Lapu-Lapu's - Is this the one in a pineapple? If so I also want to know if I can order one of these or if there is a version without alcohol for the young one.
*Being able to walk on our first monorail resort property then being able to get on the monorail anytime.
*Our First Ohana Reservation
*Maybe our first Luau Dinner.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

FWIW about room requests at the Poly... when DW and I stayed there in January 2010 (GV) I studied and sweated over which longhouse to request, what floor would be best, etc. I knew Tikiman's site better than he did. I learned the history of the Poly, the size of the pools, the bus schedules... you name it. I forget now exactly what I had requested, but when we checked in we got Raratonga 2nd floor (as in "no balcony").

The room was nothing that I requested, but turned out to be everything we wanted. The lovely palm trees swayed just outside our big window; the monorail hummed by, lulling us to sleep; the GCH was close by; we enjoyed the romantic walk over to the GF.

I am so glad I took what I was given when I checked in. I think that is part of the magic of the Poly: you just can't go wrong there. I'd be staying there on our upcoming trip, but the extra expense just seems silly given the type of trip we are planning.

Plan and scheme all you want between now and the day you check in -after all that's part of the fun! But my advice on the Poly is to be cool and fall in the love with the place. You'll be glad you did.

 

[maiapapaya]

Lapu-Lapu's (can I order one for my DD without booze in it!?)

*Lapu-Lapu's - Is this the one in a pineapple? If so I also want to know if I can order one of these or if there is a version without alcohol for the young one.
.

Since I know someone who has bought pop for their kids in a pineapple from the Tambu lounge I would assume you could ask for a virgin Lapu Lapu. I'm just not sure it would taste that great Besides copious amounts of rum, the other ingredients are pineapple juice, orange juice and bar sour (the part I'm not sure about tasting great!) Since it would seem you can order things other than a Lapu Lapu in a pineapple I would maybe recommend something a little sweeter for a young palate, like a Shirely Temple. I do remember my friend saying the pineapple was a bit pricey though.

Oh, and one more thing not to miss ... at least one ride to or from the MK in one of the little launches. It is very relaxing and a nice way to escape the crowds. And the sound of their horns will become one of the things you will come to love about the Poly.

 

[Venomhatch]

I'm a POR trasplant and now I'm scared to post. Well, not really, but sheesh.

Anyways... can someone give me insight on the Kids Club? Would the younger crowd (age 4-7) enjoy it? We really don't have any adult only nights planned so would they rather be in the parks with us or at the Kids Club?

Thanks!

Don't know if this was answered for you or not. But here you go.

Hours: 4 pm to 12 midnight
Information: (407) 939-3463

Offers supervised children's activities. Buffet served from 6 pm to 8 pm, featuring pizza, hot dogs, chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, and fruit (subject to change). Entertainment includes video games and films. Price is $11 USD per child; 2hr minimum stay. Children must be four to 12 years old. Reservations required.

*maiapapaya - has brought this to my attention: If you booked a package you should get a 15% off coupon in your package when you receive your travel documents.

 

[HalloweenNut]

We're excited for some many things on our upcoming trip (almost down to double-digit countdown!) but here are the ones we're looking forward to most:

- just being at the Poly! This will be our first time at a on-site resort and my daughters first visit ever so having it at the Poly makes it extra special.
- the Lilo & Stitch character breakfast at Ohana
- riding the monorail right from the resort
- the Spirit of Aloha show
- trying a Dole Whip! (my family thinks I'm crazy to be excited about this but I've heard so many people rave about them!)
- my daughter is so looking forward to the volcano pool and the water slide (she's been working extra hard at her swim classes so she can go down the slide unassisted and swim to her heart's content)
- finally, watching Wishes from the beach

 

[momto3boys1girl]

We're excited for some many things on our upcoming trip (almost down to double-digit countdown!) but here are the ones we're looking forward to most:

- just being at the Poly! This will be our first time at a on-site resort and my daughters first visit ever so having it at the Poly makes it extra special.
- the Lilo & Stitch character breakfast at Ohana
- riding the monorail right from the resort
- the Spirit of Aloha show
- trying a Dole Whip! (my family thinks I'm crazy to be excited about this but I've heard so many people rave about them!)
- my daughter is so looking forward to the volcano pool and the water slide (she's been working extra hard at her swim classes so she can go down the slide unassisted and swim to her heart's content)
- finally, watching Wishes from the beach

Awesome list! We are looking forward to many of the same!

Is anyone there now who can ask the CMs about when the pool/slide is closing? I am soooo stressed about this. I've called so many times and they keep telling me no, it's not happening but some of the sites say otherwise. Wondering if anyone can ask for me there at the hotel. I'd soo appreciate it! We have 10 days until we are there! Woo Hoo!!

 

[maiapapaya]

Don't know if this was answered for you or not. But here you go.

Hours: 4 pm to 12 midnight
Information: (407) 939-3463

Offers supervised children's activities. Buffet served from 6 pm to 8 pm, featuring pizza, hot dogs, chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, and fruit (subject to change). Entertainment includes video games and films. Price is $11 USD per child; no minimum stay. Children must be four to 12 years old. Reservations required.

Just to add, if you booked a package you should get a 15% off coupon in your package when you receive your travel documents. There is a 2 hr minimum stay and the $11/child is an hourly rate.

 

[stinkerbellsmommy]

Hi there,

Just wondering what your thoughts are on a lagoon view room, and one that would be close to GCH? I understand these are just *requests* and are not guaranteed, but just wondering what we might be able to ask for at check in? Tikiman's site says Aotearoa, Hawaii (Club Level), Tahiti, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu all have LV. We stayed in Aoetearoa on our honeymoon, but on the ground floor, so it wasn't LV. Any suggestions or preferences that you might have, and why?