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

[DebbyLof428]

It is funny you mention that because I was talking to DH about AP's today. I really don't know a lot about the whole ticket process but I was thinking about exploring upgrading our tickets in July (we have a great bounce back rate booked) to AP's since we want to go back in December 2010 and then we could plan a trip for spring break 2011 or early summer after school gets out before the APs would expire.

Would that be possible?

I am no expert on AP's but from what I understand you can go as often as you want during the 1 year period. We are going to try for 3 trips during that time; Dec.09, april/may 2010 and Nov. 2010. If finances allowed, I'd go every month lol

Sorry to hear about your daughter. Hope she's better soon.

 

[JeffGoldblum]

Have they changed the self-ordering computers at Capt. Cooks? Last time I was there it didn't give all the options I would like (Example, no example to leave tomato off my sandwich, so I had to remove it and have soggy bread).

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Was wondering what people thought about online check in process. We will be staying CL LV. Since we are staying CL should we just check in like normal or should we do on-line check in? We do have a couple of requests that I already emailed cl about.

Hi SalemK,
I'm no expert, but I think on-line checkin is redundant with CL.
We stayed at the Poly CL last year, and there is NO line to have to worry about when checking in - unlike the process at the lobby of the main hotel bldg.
It's very smooth & effortless.
Once you arrive at the resort, you're taken to the Hawaii bldg where you're checked in by 1 or 2 CM's in just a few minutes. It's quiet, peaceful, and not crowded. We were the only people being checked in at CL at the time. In contrast, the main lobby at the GCH was quite full of people waiting in lines to check in. (I was going to say the GCH was "mobbed" with people, but I don't think that's quite the right word. They were very crowded, tho...)
Our room wasn't quite ready upon checkin, so we left our luggage there, went to Kona Cafe for lunch, returned to pick up our carry on bags - changed into our bathing suits - and had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon at the pool. We were given instructions to call within a certain amount of time - and when we did - our room was available and we made our way up to our 3rd floor room with a spectacular view of the castle!
We made no requests ahead of time, other than a room with a balcony, and we were more than thrilled with everything!
I'm sure you could make or reiterate your requests at check in - after all- you're sitting right across from a CM who is concentrating on you/your family and no one else at the time - and believe me, each and every CM in CL went above & beyond for us during our stay!
Have a wonderful Poly vacation!
Gretchen

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Yes, it's not only possible, but for us, a good deal. We did 4/3 in April 2009 (and upgraded to APs while we were there), went back in summer, and plan to go back again in March. The AP's are saving us lots of $$$ in ticket prices!

mmears - could you please explain how that works?
We're going in April - & I SWORE it was the LAST time for a long time due to various price increases, etc.
Now this AP business has me intrigued... I'm not quite sure I understand how it works, tho. (In fact, I'm definitely sure I can't figure out how it works!) I'd greatly appreciate an explanation geared to someone who doesn't know alot about the intricasies of WDW tickets, bouncebacks, AP's etc... If that's too involved, would you be able to direct me somewhere that I could use as a reference?
Thanks!
Gretchen
PS: Are you sure you don't work for WDW trying to rope us in on these deals?!?

 

[ladybugmom]

Aloha Everyone!

I am trying to update the reviews page in the beginning of this thread. I think I got the most recent reviews that had pics. I am going to try and post links to reviews without pics next.

If you have a post that I may have missed or is not on this thread that you think would be a good addition to the reviews page, please share it with me so I can post a link.

Here is the page CLICK HERE!

Also if you have a TR from a Poly stay I can also post a link to that!

Thanks!

You are more than welcome to use my TR from our Poly stay this past May--the link is in my siggy!!

 

[mmmears]

mmears - could you please explain how that works?
We're going in April - & I SWORE it was the LAST time for a long time due to various price increases, etc.
Now this AP business has me intrigued... I'm not quite sure I understand how it works, tho. (In fact, I'm definitely sure I can't figure out how it works!) I'd greatly appreciate an explanation geared to someone who doesn't know alot about the intricasies of WDW tickets, bouncebacks, AP's etc... If that's too involved, would you be able to direct me somewhere that I could use as a reference?
Thanks!
Gretchen
PS: Are you sure you don't work for WDW trying to rope us in on these deals?!?

Wish I worked for WDW, then we wouldn't have to look so hard for a discounted room!

For us, a family of 3 (all "WDW adults"), our 10-day passes came to something like $1100!!! We had park-hoppers and water parks. When we upgraded we just upgraded to APs, not the PAPs with the waterparks option. When we went back to WDW, we just booked room-only and didn't have to pay any more for the passes. Also, we got a nice 40%off room discount because we had the APs (can't count on this, though).

Now we want to go back in March, and again all we have to pay for is the room. It's still expensive, considering what we spent on the APs, but we're really glad we upgraded on our last day since we'd have spent way more $$$ on passes if we didn't.

We thought we'd be going back, but weren't entirely sure. Maybe like 75%. For us, it was worth the risk to just go ahead and upgrade the tickets.

I hope I answered your question. If not, let me know!

 

[tarak]

Sometimes you can get a great rate with APs. You only need one AP to book the room (not sure if you need one for each room if you are booking more than one, though). For our Dec. trip, I'm going to get an AP for me and probably my daughters - I'm thinking of surprising them with a trip for the next summer. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get a good AP rate for our December trip. I got the information from Allears.net. The WDW site gives you the prices, but don't include the tax, so it might seem cheaper when you first look at the WDW site. This is what I priced out, assuming that we'd get the park hopper option but not get the water park features (I rounded out the amounts):

AP for adult (10+) $520
AP for child (3-9) $460

6 day w/park hopper (10+) $301
6 day w/park hopper (3-9) $266

So if we were to go back even once, we'd be better off getting the APs. Also, you can get the Tables In Wonderland card if you have an AP, which gets you 20% off at all table service restaurants and the discount is on alcohol as well. I was planning a dinner at V&A for our anniversary and the TIW card would pay for itself with that meal alone (it's $75).

The question is whether I get the AP in August before the prices go up, knowing we won't use them until December, but that we'd definitely have to go again before August. If we get a good bounceback offer, I'll definitely go for it. I don't know how reliable the information is that I found online, but it looks like the rates went up about $20 from 2008-2009.

 

[BreezysMom]

Have they changed the self-ordering computers at Capt. Cooks? Last time I was there it didn't give all the options I would like (Example, no example to leave tomato off my sandwich, so I had to remove it and have soggy bread).

Jeff, you have always been able to make adjustments to your order. After you pick the item there is an option to "make substitutions". From there you can remove and/or add items. I like the Polynesian Chicken salad but do not like the Blue Cheese so I am able to remove it.

Next time you go take your time going through the ordering process and you will see how easy it is

 

[BreezysMom]

Wow, thanks for all the AP advice.

That sounds great for us especially since we plan on going for two weeks in2011! I am sure it will more than pay off after our December 2010 trip!

 

[tiggspring]

Thanks Breezy for Starting this thread. I LOVE the POLY. Maybe I'll see some of you there in May 2010!

I also just started a information thread so I understand how you feel about your work in progress. If anyone has seen the Photopass photographers at the Poly or the parks could you please check out my new Confirmed Photo Pass Locations thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2332662
I'm trying to do for Photopass what the confirmed snack thread has done for Dinning. Photopass is soo expensive and many complain that they can't find the photographers. I'm hoping to change that. Thanks.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Wish I worked for WDW, then we wouldn't have to look so hard for a discounted room!

For us, a family of 3 (all "WDW adults"), our 10-day passes came to something like $1100!!! We had park-hoppers and water parks. When we upgraded we just upgraded to APs, not the PAPs with the waterparks option. When we went back to WDW, we just booked room-only and didn't have to pay any more for the passes. Also, we got a nice 40%off room discount because we had the APs (can't count on this, though).

Now we want to go back in March, and again all we have to pay for is the room. It's still expensive, considering what we spent on the APs, but we're really glad we upgraded on our last day since we'd have spent way more $$$ on passes if we didn't.

We thought we'd be going back, but weren't entirely sure. Maybe like 75%. For us, it was worth the risk to just go ahead and upgrade the tickets.

I hope I answered your question. If not, let me know!

Sometimes you can get a great rate with APs. You only need one AP to book the room (not sure if you need one for each room if you are booking more than one, though). For our Dec. trip, I'm going to get an AP for me and probably my daughters - I'm thinking of surprising them with a trip for the next summer. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get a good AP rate for our December trip. I got the information from Allears.net. The WDW site gives you the prices, but don't include the tax, so it might seem cheaper when you first look at the WDW site. This is what I priced out, assuming that we'd get the park hopper option but not get the water park features (I rounded out the amounts):

AP for adult (10+) $520
AP for child (3-9) $460

6 day w/park hopper (10+) $301
6 day w/park hopper (3-9) $266

So if we were to go back even once, we'd be better off getting the APs. Also, you can get the Tables In Wonderland card if you have an AP, which gets you 20% off at all table service restaurants and the discount is on alcohol as well. I was planning a dinner at V&A for our anniversary and the TIW card would pay for itself with that meal alone (it's $75).

The question is whether I get the AP in August before the prices go up, knowing we won't use them until December, but that we'd definitely have to go again before August. If we get a good bounceback offer, I'll definitely go for it. I don't know how reliable the information is that I found online, but it looks like the rates went up about $20 from 2008-2009.

Ah - the light is beginning to dawn...
So, if I go in April - then upgrade my tickets to AP - I can use them all over again within a year? Then I try to book a "room only" within that year - (obviously won't need MYW tickets - right?) - and I've saved $$$?
And if there is a PIN code offered within the time period I want to go again, I can apply it? How does a bounce-back offer figure in here? (Actually, I'm not quite sure what a bounce-back offer is... From reading these boards these last 2 or so years - I assume it's some sort of % off offer, if you agree to come back again within a certain time???)
What effect does this have on the dining plan, if any?
Thank you both for taking the time to explain this to me.
Gretchen

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you, tiggspring - that's a wonderful thing to do for us! Will keep an eye out - and report back - when we're there next Spring.
Gretchen

 

[JeffGoldblum]

Jeff, you have always been able to make adjustments to your order. After you pick the item there is an option to "make substitutions". From there you can remove and/or add items. I like the Polynesian Chicken salad but do not like the Blue Cheese so I am able to remove it.

Next time you go take your time going through the ordering process and you will see how easy it is

It let me do that last time, but not in full detail. An example was it let me remove the mayo from the turkey, but it did not have an option to remove the tomatoes.

 

[BCV23]

We love our APs and have purchased them since the mid 90s. The only bad thing about them is that trips to WDW become even more addictive.

Here's a post from Cheshire Figment about the intricacies of upgrading a MYW to an AP:http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=18654362&postcount=7

Another poster GoldenOldie is an expert at admission media.

BreezysMom, I hope your daughter is feeling better very soon. Our DD had H1N1 at the end of September......not a nice bug.

 

[tarak]

Ah - the light is beginning to dawn...
So, if I go in April - then upgrade my tickets to AP - I can use them all over again within a year? Then I try to book a "room only" within that year - (obviously won't need MYW tickets - right?) - and I've saved $$$?
And if there is a PIN code offered within the time period I want to go again, I can apply it? How does a bounce-back offer figure in here? (Actually, I'm not quite sure what a bounce-back offer is... From reading these boards these last 2 or so years - I assume it's some sort of % off offer, if you agree to come back again within a certain time???)
What effect does this have on the dining plan, if any?
Thank you both for taking the time to explain this to me.
Gretchen

You can only get the AP discount if there is one offered at that time. You don't automatically get it. I have our next trip booked with a AAA discount. We don't have the dining plan, because after three trips, we won't do many character meals and I don't think it will be worth it. If you have a bounceback, you're already getting some sort of discount offer - whether it's a % off the room or free dining. As far as I know, you couldn't use the AP rate and a bounceback rate. My plan is to get the AP and if a good AP rate comes out, call back and see if it can be applied. If not (they usually only have a certain number of rooms available at a certain rate), we still have the AAA rate. The AP is worth it to me even if we don't get a discounted rate because we'll go again with a year and it's cheaper than paying for tickets twice. Plus we'll use the TIW card and that will save us some money (we'll definitely eat at Kona and Ohana when we're there as well as a few other TS restaurants).

I'm off to check out the post BCV23 mentioned, because there are those who know much more about this than I do. I'm still not clear on how the dining plan and the AP works - I think they've created some sort of incentive. Usually, you still have to add a day of park tickets, which for us is about $300, so we have to add that to the total (ex: if the dining plan would cost $600, will we spend a total of $900 or more in food over the week we are there - if not, the dining plan isn't worth it).

 

[ppony]

My DH wants to take me to Disney for our 20th anniversary.

We are hoping to go over Memorial Day Weekend because I got a code. Of course I pick the Poly for our stay.

Our 20th is comin' up in 2 years. Kinda hopin' for a Hawaii DVC trip with the new resort that will be done soon. Go to the REAL polynesian right?

ENJOY!!!!!!

 

[vicki_c]

AP holders (and DVC members) do not have to purchase park tickets to purchase the full price dining plan(s). If you were to book an offer like FREE dining, you would be required to buy the minimum ticket(s) required with that offer, just like anyone else. Most AP holders that take those deals just buy a one-day ticket and keep it and use it to renew their APs when they expire (I know they have changed one of the offers for 2010 - either the 4/3 or free dining - you can't buy just a 1 day ticket to get it anymore, but have to buy length-of-stay or 3 days worth of tickets - can't remember all the details right now).

You cannot stack discounts at Disney. So you can get EITHER the AP discounted room only rate (when it's offered and the %s off vary - sometimes as high as 40% though) OR another discount like the 4/3 or free dining or AAA. And in most cases, you can only book 1 AP discounted room with your AP (it used to be up to 3 rooms, but they have discontinued that - some people say they were still able to book more than 1 room, but those reports are rare now).

We have used MYW tickets to upgrade to DVC discounted APs in June 2008, then again to renew in June 2009. If you can get 2 trips out of them, they can be very worthwhile.

And we also have had the TiW card because we don't do the dining plans -- that has been a great savings for us. We were able to use TiW card (just expired this past summer) for trips in June, November and December 08 and again in June 2009 before it expired (we spent about 30 days in Disney over that year!) -- so we saved a lot of money. TiW is only available to AP holders and Florida residents.

I haven't found any of the other AP discounts to be very worthwhile to us - but there are a few - some for dining, some at DTD.

 

[BreezysMom]

Proof of pool hoppers!!!

Good morning! How I wish we were all relaxing drinking our coffee chatting by the Poly pool right now!

Thank you for all the well wishes for Breezy. It has been a rough few days for her but she fianally woke up looking better but still has a high fever. So far breakfast has stayed down (the Tamiflu is making her sick). There was a possibility of a ER visit last night but we toughed it out and pushed fluids because even though I have worked in the hospital for 10+ years, there is no love for their ER. I have to call the doc in a few to decide if staying home is still OK or beg him to direct admit her to Pediatrics for IV fluids. Looking at her now I don't think we will need to! She is sitting up and we are watching the Boo to You Parade from our vacation videos! Thank Goodness for these videos as they have been a great to chill out and watch together!

Also thanks for the AP info. I will check out that thread and work the numbers. I am sure that since we are planning 3 visits it might be well worth the money!!

Finally, there is a thread going from a great girl name MickeyNicki who has been reporting live from the Poly. She is staying CL and has the best food porn and park pics around! A great diversion! She is a doll and is traveling with her hubby who sounds pretty fabulous too! Check it out HERE! If you long for the Poly, this thread is perfect!

 

[tiggspring]

Breezy'smom,

So sorry to hear breezy hasn't been well Glad to hear she is turing the corner. Even those of us with some medical experience feel that anxiety when our child is sick. We know how to treat things but we also know all those unusual things that can go wrong too.

I know what you mean about the hospital. I worked in them for 10+ years too and every time I walk in all I can think of is all the secondary infections one can get when they step in that door! Our local hospital is terrible so we drive a little more than an hour to go to one of the top 10 hospitals in the country. Some people think we are crazy to drive that far. We say do you want a Dr. who got A's in medical school or one that got C's LOL

LOVE the pix! When I remember how to post pix I'll try to post our 3rd floor Tahiti MK room views. I get happy just thinking about it

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you all for clearing up the fine points regarding AP's & other discounts. It sure helped!
Breezy'smom - I hope Breezy continues to show improvement and that she's clearly on the mend real soon! My thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Gretchen