Aloha! ***Welcome to the NEW Poly FAQ***

[jmamom]

Which building were you in, and which room? thanks. Amy

Sorry, I did a little review a couple of pages back, so this answer was probably out of context. We stayed in the Hawaii building - room 3515.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Hey Poly Lovers!

I have a BIG favor to ask of anyone headed to the Poly soon. The Poly is our family's first love, but we are trying out some of the other resorts, too. Of course, we spend a lot of time at the Poly during each trip. Well, this trip we lost our camera there (on October 2). It had seven of our nine days' pictures on it, including the one we take of the kids every trip with the tiki statue outside of Boutiki to see how they've grown. I'm so sad we've lost those pictures. We think we left it on the grassy area between the beach and the NW corner of Hawaii or it fell out of a pocket on the couch facing out toward the pool nearest to Boutiki. We've called the Poly lost and found to no avail, and I'm sure the cleaning staff has cleaned these areas, but just in case...if you happen to be in either of these areas, would you keep an eye out for a pink Sony Cybershot? Maybe take a peek behind the couch cushion or the bushes near the grass? Thanks so much.

If you find it, you can even keep the camera if you'd upload the pictures somewhere. I know it's a long shot, but it's the only one we've got now. Thanks again.

 

[Tess]

While I don't have strictly Polynesian pictures in my newly uploaded photo album; I thought I would share our pictures from Food & Wine. The photos are start to finish, Detroit to Punta Gorda to Beach Club, a visit to Polynesian and various shots of the parks--no food pictures though--I don't do the foodie thing.

Here's the link to the photobucket slideshow: http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/...d and Wine Festival 2009/?albumview=slideshow

For those who were in doubt about the crowds, there are some crowd photos in there too.

 

[Colleen27]

I know it varies by resort - What does the Poly have available for the refillable mugs? Specifically, is there any sort of juice?

Anyone?

 

[Colleen27]

While I don't have strictly Polynesian pictures in my newly uploaded photo album; I thought I would share our pictures from Food & Wine. The photos are start to finish, Detroit to Punta Gorda to Beach Club, a visit to Polynesian and various shots of the parks--no food pictures though--I don't do the foodie thing.

Here's the link to the photobucket slideshow: http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/...d and Wine Festival 2009/?albumview=slideshow

For those who were in doubt about the crowds, there are some crowd photos in there too.

Looks like you had a great time! How was the Fairfield at the airport? We always get a room the night before our flight because we're about 2.5 hours from the Detroit airport, and I'm always looking for reviews/recommendations!

 

[gottagetmydisneyfix]

Thanks for your response that any lagoon view will be gorgeous! That makes me feel a ton better. I would just die if I paid all this extra money for LVCL and see nothing but shrubs! I'm excited about staying club level, but the view is very very important. I struggled between theme park view or LVCL.

Can I ask what juice choices there are in the concierge lounge? I know there is that guava type of punch, but is there anything simple like apple or grape juice for the kids? Any juice boxes you can ask for?

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Anyone?

I don't believe I saw juice. The regular suspects as far as soft drinks, as well as coffee and hot chocolate (and hot water for tea). I could be wrong, though, we were focused on Dole Whips.

 

[BreezysMom]

I don't believe I saw juice. The regular suspects as far as soft drinks, as well as coffee and hot chocolate (and hot water for tea). I could be wrong, though, we were focused on Dole Whips.

When we were there in December they had Apple juice, Coke products, tea, hot chocolate and coffee. I think there may have been fruit punch too? I think I remember someone post that the Apple juice was now gone for refillable mugs but they had single serve bottles to purchase. That is not verified though.

I will be going in a few weeks so I will make a note to find out what they are serving up these days and report back here

 

[mechteach]

Hey Poly Lovers!

I have a BIG favor to ask of anyone headed to the Poly soon.

I'm heading there tomorrow night - I hope that we find it for you!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

I cannot believe how close we are! I haven't even began to open the suitcases yet.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi to all,
We've been back for almost two weeks from our stay at the Poly and thought we'd sort of do our trip report. First of all, we'd like to thank everyone for all the good information that is available on this and previous threads. We did online check-in and got our room request fullfilled. Had third flour in Touleva and ended up with a great view of the water and the Grand Floridian. The room was very spacious and clean. However, even though it was clean it was showing signs of wear, especially in the bathroom area. We will report that Mousekeeping was very good and for those who love the towel animals, we had a new one every day.
So, would we stay there again? Probably not. For us, the resort was not our cup of tea. Too spread out and the Capt'n Cooks was a zoo at breakfast time. No complaints about the food except for the limited selection. We did eat at Kona once and the food and service were fine but had to wait past our reservation time to get seated. We did the Spirit of Aloha show and while we enjoyed the show we thought the food was not up to par. We did have good and attentive service so all in all the experience was one we were glad to have had.
We are glad that we decided to try the Poly and did like the location. But, all that being said we don't think we'll be going back (especially since we became DVC members on this trip). Thanks again for all the help with our trip planning.

Thanks for posting your review and to be fair about waiting past your scheduled ADR time at Kona Cafe, that happens at a lot of the popular restaurants in WDW and sometimes should be expected to happen.

 

[Colleen27]

I don't believe I saw juice. The regular suspects as far as soft drinks, as well as coffee and hot chocolate (and hot water for tea). I could be wrong, though, we were focused on Dole Whips.

When we were there in December they had Apple juice, Coke products, tea, hot chocolate and coffee. I think there may have been fruit punch too? I think I remember someone post that the Apple juice was now gone for refillable mugs but they had single serve bottles to purchase. That is not verified though.

I will be going in a few weeks so I will make a note to find out what they are serving up these days and report back here

Thank you both! I'm starting my list for our WeGoShop order for our Dec trip, and I'd like to know if there is anything DD1 can drink at the refillable mug station or if I should order a bottle of apple juice to have in the room.

 

[Tess]

Looks like you had a great time! How was the Fairfield at the airport? We always get a room the night before our flight because we're about 2.5 hours from the Detroit airport, and I'm always looking for reviews/recommendations!

The Fairfield was really nice--clean and comfortable bedding. The price was great--under $100 which included 8 days of parking at Qwik Park. Continental breakfast with a good assortment of muffins, pastries, bagels, toast and Jimmy Dean egg and ham sandwiches along with the usual juices, coffee, tea, etc. Breakfast began earlier than most of the others that offer it. The location was great and very close to Merriman's Grill for those snacks and adult beverages at night.

We have tried a good many of the other area hotels (Courtyard, Sheraton, Hilton, Clarion, Best Western) and Fairfield gets a favorable rating compared to the others. The staff was accommodating and helpful. I would definitely recommend the Fairfield, Sheraton 4 Points, Courtyard and Hilton Garden Inn and would choose whichever of these had the best rate for park and fly. Thumbs way down for Clarion and Best Western. The others are a bit on the pricey side (Crowne, Marriott, etc.).

Hope that helps with your planning for next time.

 

[gottagetmydisneyfix]

Hi guys!

Thanks for your responses on the juice...but I was looking to see what kind of juice they had in the concierge lounge in the Hawaii building. Last time we were at the Poly there was no juice for the refillable mugs at Capt Cooks, so we bought a lot of juice boxes. I was hoping staying club level, that they offered some kind of apple/fruit/grape juice for the kiddos so you don't have to pay even more to get a juice box??? My DS does not like orange juice or any tropical fruit juice, so I was hoping for just plain apple Thanks again for your help!

P.S. Breezysmom, I hope your daughter is feeling better!

 

[loperella]

Here now at the Poly CL and got an upgrade from garden view to a beautiful 3rd floor balcony Lagoon Castle view---just PERFECT!!! I have tons of pics and am lovin' it! Got to meet Chef Dick AND Chef TJ and pics of both; Chef TJ did an awesome job for my vegie DH AND my picky 10 y/o DS...well, off to have some more fun and will get some pics up in a few days when I get back home.

 

[jmamom]

Thanks for your response that any lagoon view will be gorgeous! That makes me feel a ton better. I would just die if I paid all this extra money for LVCL and see nothing but shrubs! I'm excited about staying club level, but the view is very very important. I struggled between theme park view or LVCL.

Can I ask what juice choices there are in the concierge lounge? I know there is that guava type of punch, but is there anything simple like apple or grape juice for the kids? Any juice boxes you can ask for?

I know there was orange juice, but I don't remember seeing other kinds. I'm pretty sure if you ask them, they will stock it. I know one night I saw the little milk cartons in the fridge, when they hadn't been there previously, so someone must have requested them. Enjoy the view, I was afraid of the same thing! While I was checking us in, I asked the CM if we had a good view, and she said well yeah, its a lagoon view, so its definately good. When I got out on the balcony and saw the clear stretch of grass in front of the building, i felt like duh!, she must have thought I was a dope. Enjoy that new menu in the lounge, too, it looks awesome! Another reason to go back I guess!

 

[BreezysMom]

Hi guys!

Thanks for your responses on the juice...but I was looking to see what kind of juice they had in the concierge lounge in the Hawaii building. Last time we were at the Poly there was no juice for the refillable mugs at Capt Cooks, so we bought a lot of juice boxes. I was hoping staying club level, that they offered some kind of apple/fruit/grape juice for the kiddos so you don't have to pay even more to get a juice box??? My DS does not like orange juice or any tropical fruit juice, so I was hoping for just plain apple Thanks again for your help!

P.S. Breezysmom, I hope your daughter is feeling better!

Thanks! DD is feeling better. Now, me that is another story but us Mom's don't get to "stay home from school". I will rest over the weekend I sent you a PM too!

Hey Poly Lovers!

I have a BIG favor to ask of anyone headed to the Poly soon. The Poly is our family's first love, but we are trying out some of the other resorts, too. Of course, we spend a lot of time at the Poly during each trip. Well, this trip we lost our camera there (on October 2). It had seven of our nine days' pictures on it, including the one we take of the kids every trip with the tiki statue outside of Boutiki to see how they've grown. I'm so sad we've lost those pictures. We think we left it on the grassy area between the beach and the NW corner of Hawaii or it fell out of a pocket on the couch facing out toward the pool nearest to Boutiki. We've called the Poly lost and found to no avail, and I'm sure the cleaning staff has cleaned these areas, but just in case...if you happen to be in either of these areas, would you keep an eye out for a pink Sony Cybershot? Maybe take a peek behind the couch cushion or the bushes near the grass? Thanks so much.

If you find it, you can even keep the camera if you'd upload the pictures somewhere. I know it's a long shot, but it's the only one we've got now. Thanks again.

I will also look out for it! Keep us updated though. Also, keep calling lost and found...it may turn up still! I hope we can find your precious pics

Here now at the Poly CL and got an upgrade from garden view to a beautiful 3rd floor balcony Lagoon Castle view---just PERFECT!!! I have tons of pics and am lovin' it! Got to meet Chef Dick AND Chef TJ and pics of both; Chef TJ did an awesome job for my vegie DH AND my picky 10 y/o DS...well, off to have some more fun and will get some pics up in a few days when I get back home.

Yea! I love Pixie Dust I can't wait to hear EVERYTHING upon your return and take lots of pics! I am so jealous...they are talking about snow here What the heck????? Oh well, I will be there soon enough. Enjoy yout trip

Oh and bring me some Pixie dust too! Please

 

[Colleen27]

The Fairfield was really nice--clean and comfortable bedding. The price was great--under $100 which included 8 days of parking at Qwik Park. Continental breakfast with a good assortment of muffins, pastries, bagels, toast and Jimmy Dean egg and ham sandwiches along with the usual juices, coffee, tea, etc. Breakfast began earlier than most of the others that offer it. The location was great and very close to Merriman's Grill for those snacks and adult beverages at night.

We have tried a good many of the other area hotels (Courtyard, Sheraton, Hilton, Clarion, Best Western) and Fairfield gets a favorable rating compared to the others. The staff was accommodating and helpful. I would definitely recommend the Fairfield, Sheraton 4 Points, Courtyard and Hilton Garden Inn and would choose whichever of these had the best rate for park and fly. Thumbs way down for Clarion and Best Western. The others are a bit on the pricey side (Crowne, Marriott, etc.).

Hope that helps with your planning for next time.

It does, thanks. We've stayed at the Sheraton Four Points and liked that one, but I like to have a few options in mind when I start price shopping.

Right now we're booked at the Westin in the main terminal, because Delta was less expensive than Airtran or Spirit for once, but I wouldn't splurge on that every trip. I like that their parking package includes valet instead of self-park since we're traveling with a toddler now, and the location can't be beat for convenience. But it is a little more expensive even with a great rate through SPG.com, and we're cramming into a regular hotel room rather than a suite/mini-suite.

 

[Tess]

It does, thanks. We've stayed at the Sheraton Four Points and liked that one, but I like to have a few options in mind when I start price shopping.

Right now we're booked at the Westin in the main terminal, because Delta was less expensive than Airtran or Spirit for once, but I wouldn't splurge on that every trip. I like that their parking package includes valet instead of self-park since we're traveling with a toddler now, and the location can't be beat for convenience. But it is a little more expensive even with a great rate through SPG.com, and we're cramming into a regular hotel room rather than a suite/mini-suite.

We were booked at the Westin for this trip and had a great rate (for the Westin) that included 10 days of parking. We like freedom to move around outside though and I was afraid that I would feel confined at the Westin. We knew we could access the terminal, but would also be paying larger prices for food and drink. When the Fairfield popped up with a less than $100 option and its proximity to Merriman's and other hotels, we decided being able to wander around in the evening was better for us.

Let me know how you like the Westin--it has always intrigued me.

 

[Colleen27]

We were booked at the Westin for this trip and had a great rate (for the Westin) that included 10 days of parking. We like freedom to move around outside though and I was afraid that I would feel confined at the Westin. We knew we could access the terminal, but would also be paying larger prices for food and drink. When the Fairfield popped up with a less than $100 option and its proximity to Merriman's and other hotels, we decided being able to wander around in the evening was better for us.

Let me know how you like the Westin--it has always intrigued me.

Will do. We don't usually leave the hotel on our one-night stays, so I'm not worried about getting around. We'll stop for dinner on our way out and bring deli subs and drink for an evening snack. Once we check in, we'll do our best to wear the kids out in the pool (and me out in the exercise room ) so that hopefully we'll all be too tired for that "too excited to sleep" feeling and get a halfway decent night's rest before we leave!