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

[sersee05]

BreezysMom - you must be having a very good time at the pool bar!

That comment really got me!! I am so glad your having an excellent time maia!!! I will be there in three days!!

 

[EeyoreEma]

We'll be there in 5 days! Can't wait!!!!!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Here's the set-up... We've taken the kids to WDW many times, but now it's time for a "Mom and Dad only" trip. I'm thinking of planning to leave our two kids with grandparents while DW and I have 4-5 night stay in January 2010. I'm planning to surprise her with news of the trip at Christmas. Only then I'll tell her we're going and stayng at Pop Century. The Poly will be a last moment surprise. We've always dreamed of staying at WL, but after looking pics and ding some other planning I'm sure the Poly will be the perfect place for us. A few questions...

1) Enjoying the flora would be a big deal for us. Are things blooming and beautiful in January?

2) I'd like to book a room relatively close to GCH and TTC. Is Tokelau the ideal longhouse? Does Tokelau have balconies on 2nd floor? Does Tokelau have tow sinks in bathroom?

3) Garden views look amazing. I can't decided between requesting 3rd floor (balcony) or 1st floor (patio). Any guidance?

4) Is Sunset Point open to walk around upon when weddinsg are not happening?

5) How is bus service to AK and DHS? Length? # of stops?

6) How does food at Captain Cook's compare to food court fare at moderate resorts?

Anyhow, I am so excited about the potential to plan this wonderful getaway for DW and myself. Thanks for all input.

 

[Tess]

Here's the set-up... We've taken the kids to WDW many times, but now it's time for a "Mom and Dad only" trip. I'm thinking of planning to leave our two kids with grandparents while DW and I have 4-5 night stay in January 2010. I'm planning to surprise her with news of the trip at Christmas. Only then I'll tell her we're going and stayng at Pop Century. The Poly will be a last moment surprise. We've always dreamed of staying at WL, but after looking pics and ding some other planning I'm sure the Poly will be the perfect place for us. A few questions...

1) Enjoying the flora would be a big deal for us. Are things blooming and beautiful in January?

2) I'd like to book a room relatively close to GCH and TTC. Is Tokelau the ideal longhouse? Does Tokelau have balconies on 2nd floor? Does Tokelau have tow sinks in bathroom?

3) Garden views look amazing. I can't decided between requesting 3rd floor (balcony) or 1st floor (patio). Any guidance?

4) Is Sunset Point open to walk around upon when weddinsg are not happening?

5) How is bus service to AK and DHS? Length? # of stops?

6) How does food at Captain Cook's compare to food court fare at moderate resorts?

Anyhow, I am so excited about the potential to plan this wonderful getaway for DW and myself. Thanks for all input.

What a great surprise. I can answer a few of these for you. . .

1. The landscaping is lush and beautiful. I really can't speak to what exactly will be blooming in January since we've never been in January, but given the attention to detail at the Polynesian, I'm sure something will be blooming. Someone who has been at this time can probably give a better answer.

2 and 3.. Tokelau would be a great choice for your requirements. We prefer the higher floors to a first floor, but first floor is also great. Tokelau has balconies on 2nd and 3rd, so even the 2nd floor wouldn't be a bad view. There are only single sinks in Tokelau--at least to my knowledge.

4. Sunset Point is open and available when it is not in use for a wedding--a nice little stroll and great place for photographs.

5. Bus service is hit or miss. There really is no predicting it. If BB is open while you are there (and it may be closed for rehab--you might want to check the schedule), the AK bus stops there going and returning. The bus to DHS is typically not a problem. Sometimes the bus also goes to GF after Polynesian pick-up and potentially the CR prior to Polynesian. It depends on how they are being routed. We oftentimes opt to catch the TTC bus when we return from either AK or DHS. We've also taken a bus from TTC to DHS and arrived within minutes of our kids who had taken the Polynesian bus--long story why we ended up taking two separate buses.

6. Captain Cook's has a rather limited menu and we have found the ala carte items to be lacking compared to the moderates. That said, we've found the flatbreads to be good for a quick meal and the breakfasts look about the same as offered everywhere.

Enjoy your trip and hope the surprise turns out well!

 

[DealBetty]

Just something to be aware of - but make sure you CAN pay the difference and make it work. For my work, I have to submit the exact nightly rate & taxes (listed separately) and if I wanted an upgrade, it would be impossible to break out the nightly rate that they would pay for and say $x is what I'll pay. But if your expense report isn't like that, then yahoo! I'd totally ask at check-in!

Thanks for the reply! The group rate we booked through is already set so *IF* we can upgrade, I can just break out the difference. Because we booked through the convention, we weren't able to book the dining plan. My meals are paid for but my husband is going to have to watch the kids for 2 whole days by himself while I work. He doesn't usually do much of that so I figured it would be very convenient for him rather than trying to haul the 2 kids to a restaurant. I reviewed the other posts about menu in the concierge and it would be worth it for us, for the breakfast alone. My kids love oatmeal for breakfast and eat it every day.

Yippee! I can't believe our trip is soooo close! I don't think I was ever this excited about Disney when I was a kid

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Here's the set-up... We've taken the kids to WDW many times, but now it's time for a "Mom and Dad only" trip. I'm thinking of planning to leave our two kids with grandparents while DW and I have 4-5 night stay in January 2010. I'm planning to surprise her with news of the trip at Christmas. Only then I'll tell her we're going and stayng at Pop Century. The Poly will be a last moment surprise. We've always dreamed of staying at WL, but after looking pics and ding some other planning I'm sure the Poly will be the perfect place for us. A few questions...

1) Enjoying the flora would be a big deal for us. Are things blooming and beautiful in January?

2) I'd like to book a room relatively close to GCH and TTC. Is Tokelau the ideal longhouse? Does Tokelau have balconies on 2nd floor? Does Tokelau have tow sinks in bathroom?

3) Garden views look amazing. I can't decided between requesting 3rd floor (balcony) or 1st floor (patio). Any guidance?

4) Is Sunset Point open to walk around upon when weddinsg are not happening?

5) How is bus service to AK and DHS? Length? # of stops?

6) How does food at Captain Cook's compare to food court fare at moderate resorts?

Anyhow, I am so excited about the potential to plan this wonderful getaway for DW and myself. Thanks for all input.

I can answer some of your questions.

2. Yes, Tokelau is a great central longhouse and all rooms have patios or balconies. I've stayed there in a balcony and patio room and they are great!

3. I prefer the patio room. It feels like a 'bigger' balcony and you have the benefit of walking from your patio to the beach or sidewalk (that is, if someone else is staying in the room because you can't lock the door behind you!). You also get the benefit of the cute critters that come around like ducks

5. Buses - I've found the buses to be fabulous to everywhere from the Poly EXCEPT to Downtown Disney. Or better yet, the bus from DD to the Poly (it's slow, lots of stops too) so I'd recommend taking a cab for that portion. Everything else is awesome especially since you can take the monorail to MK & Epcot. I also like taking the monorail to GF and Contemporary to eat, shop, and take in the hotels! (It's my me time when the DH is watching the kids at the pool or napping).

6. I like Capn Cooks and think the food is great, even compared to the moderates. It can get a bit crowded in there so order your food, pay for it, then wait for your buzzer to go off. Be patient if there are others doing things, they get frustrated but you don't have to LOVE the grown up grilled cheese and specialty chips!!! And they serve Mickey Waffles here for breakfast - the best!

Have fun!!!!

 

[BCV23]

Zippa D Doodah, I can help with the flora in January.....it's lovely. We've stayed at the Polynesian in every month except August I think. It is always beautiful. It is especially lovely to arrive at the Polynesian when one has just left the stark and frozen North in the middle of the winter. Ah!

 

[Tess]

What a great surprise. I can answer a few of these for you. . .

1. The landscaping is lush and beautiful. I really can't speak to what exactly will be blooming in January since we've never been in January, but given the attention to detail at the Polynesian, I'm sure something will be blooming. Someone who has been at this time can probably give a better answer.

2 and 3.. Tokelau would be a great choice for your requirements. We prefer the higher floors to a first floor, but first floor is also great. Tokelau has balconies on 2nd and 3rd, so even the 2nd floor wouldn't be a bad view. There are only single sinks in Tokelau--at least to my knowledge.

4. Sunset Point is open and available when it is not in use for a wedding--a nice little stroll and great place for photographs.

5. Bus service is hit or miss. There really is no predicting it. If BB is open while you are there (and it may be closed for rehab--you might want to check the schedule), the AK bus stops there going and returning. The bus to DHS is typically not a problem. Sometimes the bus also goes to GF after Polynesian pick-up and potentially the CR prior to Polynesian. It depends on how they are being routed. We oftentimes opt to catch the TTC bus when we return from either AK or DHS. We've also taken a bus from TTC to DHS and arrived within minutes of our kids who had taken the Polynesian bus--long story why we ended up taking two separate buses.

6. Captain Cook's has a rather limited menu and we have found the ala carte items to be lacking compared to the moderates. That said, we've found the flatbreads to be good for a quick meal and the breakfasts look about the same as offered everywhere.

Enjoy your trip and hope the surprise turns out well!

Zippa D Doodah, I can help with the flora in January.....it's lovely. We've stayed at the Polynesian in every month except August I think. It is always beautiful. It is especially lovely to arrive at the Polynesian when one has just left the stark and frozen North in the middle of the winter. Ah!

I knew I had read about someone going in January! Thanks BCV for the additional information. To tell you the truth, I much prefer the May flora and fauna with all the magnolias in bloom and smelling so lovely, but every other month we've been has been nice as well.

 

[BCV23]

Tess, at certain times the azaleas are so gorgeous as well...at least I think they're azaleas.

Maybe those of you are good at recognizing the various flora at the Polynesian can make a list of what we can see month by month. Or someone can ask one of the gardeners.

It is lovely every month though and something is always in bloom.

 

[maiapapaya]

This is an example of what makes Disney so wonderful. I'm counting the days until I am getting ready for torch lighting and O'Hanas. BTW, have you shopped in Boutiki yet? Did you happen to notice if they have those cute Dooney & Bourke Disney purses? Thanks.

Sorry, the only purses I saw in Boutiki were canvas totes.

 

[BreezysMom]

I am loving CL! Crowds are moderate but wait times are short. Have a wonderful room over looking quiet pool. We are sitting on the beach waiting for Wishes to start.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

I'm so jealous! But still sending you many happy wishes!
Hope to see a TR when you get back...
Happy Halloween.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Here are some photos I got last month while visiting one of my favorite places...(married here in 2003 )

Photos from my blackberry...forgot my camera

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I am loving CL! Crowds are moderate but wait times are short. Have a wonderful room over looking quiet pool. We are sitting on the beach waiting for Wishes to start.

I'm grinning just thinking of the wonderful time you are having!!!

 

[Jenjulia]

I am starting to get really excited about staying here after reading this thread and seeing all the pictures. I would love to know what flora there is in December. I agree with the comment about leaving the frozen north and going south in the winter. It gets really cold, windy, and we get lots and lots of snow here. I can't wait to leave that and go to paradise! I don't think we will want to come back north until spring.

 

[DebbyLof428]

Sorry, the only purses I saw in Boutiki were canvas totes.

Thanks for the quick reply. Hope you're enjoying the Poly.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Thanks for the responses to my questions.

 

[salemk]

Does anyone know where I can get more info about the photo sessions at Poly?

 

[vicki_c]

Does anyone know where I can get more info about the photo sessions at Poly?

I think Brad has info on the resort photo sessions on the Photopass page he keeps: www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass

 

[BreezysMom]

Hi all! It is a hot steamy Hallowwen here at the Poly. The resort has lots of fun things happening today so we are taking a break from the parks and just chilling here. DD and DH are out on the water mouse while I sit by the pool!