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

[mickey2minnie1]

Thanks to a 40% pin, I am currently booked for a GV in Sept 2010. Question about CL....is it worth it? We did the dining plan on our trip last Sept and DH really disliked it! He didn't like figuring out what was and was not included and didn't think it was worth it overall for all the unnecessary food.

So, instead of the DP, I thought I would consider doing the CL for the breakfast, extra snacks and beer/wine in the evening. The menus look great, seems like plenty of food for the type of dinner we would eat most nights. We could always grab something at the park for lunch.

Can you get a beer at the CL Lounge and take it out to the pool in the afternoon? Or is alcohol not available til evening? (don't want to sound like a big drinker, but "free" alcohol will be a big seller for DH, he hated paying $6-10 for a drink at the AKL pool last Fall!)

Right now I'm debating the following:

1) staying GV and requesting Tokelau
2) going all out with CL LV in Hawaii

If CL isn't worth the extra $ I will most definitely hear complaints from DH (he's a whiner!) I'm really thinking I can use the included alcohol and access to the best view of wishes/EWP to entice him. Kids will be 5 and nearly 2, so bed time will be early. Would be great to see the show from the room! We never got to see either show last trip and I was really bummed about it.

We can afford to go CL, but if DH doesn't think it's worth the extra $ I will hear about it and that won't be worth it to me, lol!

Would love opinions from those that have stayed either or both! Thanks!

We stayed in Tokeleau GV and loved it in '07. We stayed CLGV in '09 and loved it even more. We did not drink the alcohol, but loved having the lounge as an extra "room". The food was fabulous and so nice to grab when you want. We used the resort a lot.

The kids loved watching Playhouse Disney. There is no value to me to put on watching the castle from the grand windows in the lounge. It is just so relaxing. If you tell DH how much you are enjoying it and how it is such a relaxing vacation for you, he may be satisfied with a job well done for himself.

 

[BreezysMom]

Good Morning Poly Lovers!

I just fed the animals and the rest of the house is still sleeping so I thought I would take this precious quiet alone time to come and say Hi I held true to my promise to DD and after having a scaled down Christmas last year because we went to Disney I went all out this year with decorations and traditions! Although, I sadly miss Disney and the Poly and hope someone comes back to give us some updates and reviews soon

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! We got a great snow overnight and woke up to a winter wonderland. I will follow in MsStinkerbelle's steps and share some pics for your viewing pleasure!

​

I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday

 

[tarak]

I asked his opinion about the room and just got the eye roll at the "extreme planning" more than 9 months out. I got on tikiman's site and every time I went to a new longhouse and the voice said "TAHITI" or "RAPA NUI" he was just shaking his head laughing at me. But for me planning is half the fun!

My husband does the same thing. The music starts up and he turns around, says "What? Oh..." and shakes his head.

We're sort of a big breakfast family, so even though the CL breakfasts aren't necessarily all we'd want to eat, the evening offerings might be enough for dinner and we'll just pay OOP for breakfast on most mornings, since it would be cheaper to do that than to pay OOP for full dinners every night. Does that make sense?

Thanks for the Christmas photos everyone - we're getting a ton of snow right now, so thoughts of warmer places are appreciated. I'm really hoping for a pin for the trip next year. I have the AAA discount right now, which is at least something.

 

[1971DBday]

I am second guessing my room request, what do you all think? First stay at Poly 1/30-2/6 me, DH, DS(6), DS(4) and DS(1). I requested first floor near volcano pool and now I am not sure if first floor is the way to go. Our original thought is that we will have a stroller and we will avoid the elevators. But, now I am wondering if we 1)will miss out on some of these awsome views people are posting being on the ground and 2)if it would be better to be on the third floor to have a balcony to contain the kids rather than the patio.

We were in Samoa 1610 but never sat on the balcony. Views are everywhere and we don't spend a lot of time in our room except for getting ready. Our room was on the North end of the building so instead of using the cold bathroom at the Volcano Pool I could just run the 3 year old back to the room - it was so convenient.

 

[1971DBday]

You might also want to check out this forum right here on the Disboards:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1575103
Fellow disboarders get recipes from Disney Chefs, cookbooks, and who knows where else for most of the great items we all know and love at WDW...
They've got both the items you named - and hundreds more! They have the Filet & Wild Mushroom Risotto from LC, The Filet W/ Mac & Cheese from Jiko, etc. They're a real bunch of foodies that frequent this particular forum - and you'll find many WDW Signature recipes - as well as a recipe for Dole Whip! I just love reading it - and many post pics as well!!
Like you tho, I like & collect cookbooks too!
Gretchen

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

 

[1971DBday]

I am working on my trip report and thought I would post a few Poly pictures for my Poly friends. Xmas decorations did not seem as much this year during our stay 11/28 - 12/5. There was no gingerbread house this year during our stay and it is usually out. However, here are some pics:

Early morning volcano pool:

DS10 pointing out Samoa (where we stayed):

Views from Samoa 1610 (private, okay view, great being on 1st floor)
to the left:

to the right:

Room:

Turndown service:

 

[woodleygrrl]

It is a winter wonderland here in DC...10 inches of snow and counting!

I was wondering if you all can answer a question for me. I have looked on the food forums but I can't seem to find the answer. We will be at the Poly in March and I was wondering if the grocery delivery service delivers beer or wine. or am I just going to have to buy it at the store in the main building?

Thanks for your response and until then Aloha!

Jennifer

 

[taylor3297]

I am so glad that I have less than I year before I go back to the Poly! I have been planning our trip for so long, my dh told me not to give him how many days until we hit the year mark. So he gets an update everyday.

Also, I now have all the money to pay for our trip in full as of now! So, I am ahead of schedule! Still keeping my fingers crossed for a pin code or someother discounted price.

 

[BreezysMom]

It is a winter wonderland here in DC...10 inches of snow and counting!

I was wondering if you all can answer a question for me. I have looked on the food forums but I can't seem to find the answer. We will be at the Poly in March and I was wondering if the grocery delivery service delivers beer or wine. or am I just going to have to buy it at the store in the main building?

Thanks for your response and until then Aloha!

Jennifer

I have never used them but I believe that Garden Grocer will deliver groceries as well as alcohol. The only thing is that if you are not in the room you have to sign for it at the front desk. I also think you have to call them directly to order the beer and wine as you cannot order it in the website.

You can buy beer and wine at Trader Jacks but it is expensive.

Happy planning!!!!

 

[lissiesmum]

Hi guys,

I haven't posted on here in awhile because I booked MK view over at the CR and have been learning all there is to know about the CR. Well, I just found out that Cinderella's castle will be undergoing a major refurb from January-March, with it being boarding up/scrimmed/cranes around it, etc. I figured I'd ask over here too, to see if anyone has had an MK view room when the castle was under a major refurb...I was so looking forward to seeing the castle changing colors at night from my bed. Does it still change colors at night? Does Tinkerbelle still fly during the fireworks? Would it be worth paying all the extra $$$ during peak season for an MK view if the castle is all boarded up? I loved the Poly last year, so if I can reach my travel agent tomorrow I will probably be switching my ressie back to GV at the Poly. I already know I love it, and even though I would be disappointed to not see the castle when I'm swimming, I would have all my other favorite things about the Poly around me. Just makes more sense. I'd love your input though...anyone have any thoughts on MK view during rehab? TIA! Hope you all are doing well!

 

[mmmears]

If Garden Grocer wont deliver it, try Marge at We Go Shop. She is a personal shopper, so I think she'll get you whatever you want from whichever store you prefer. Give her a call (toll free phone # on the WGS website) and ask her.

We have used both services in the past and been quite pleased with both of them. I just don't have any experience ordering beer since we don't drink.

A nice upside to ordering some groceries is that, with the flat fee for delivery, we end up ordering some other basics, which helps keep our luggage small and manageable.

 

[Iott Family]

Dh surprised me last night with ressies for 3 nights at Poly for our anniversary! We will be arriving Jan 28 thru the 31st. This will be our first trip w/o the kiddies and I am feeling excitement and trepidation both! I have always loved the Poly and thrilled to finally be staying here.

Can you all share ideas or recommendations on things to do/see here? I dug thru and thought the electric light pageant and tiki lighting would be so nice. Things we wouldnt take time for while juggling the needs of our 4 rugrats Dh likes the sea racers so I am sure we will find time to enjoy those!

P.S. I saw the dole whip dispenser. I am going to gain 10 pounds just in dole whips alone!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

A quick update for those following my "surprise" plans...

I presented the trip to DW on Friday -a week earlier than I had originally planned. The more I got to thinking about it, I wanted to tell her about this wonderful trip while it was just teh two of us around, and Friday was the kids' last day in school before Christmas break. Telling DW on Christmas Eve or morning seemed like a romantic thought, but I absolutely didn't want to overshadow the kids' Christmas joy with news of our kidless trip.

I caught up with her mid-morning Friday and shared all the details. She was taken by surprise, and actually cried with happiness. I think I did OK.

I showed DW some of the awesome pics on this thread and its sister thread over on the photo forum. Like me, she has fallen in love with the Poly even before we arrive. As I suspected the beautiful landscaping and views around property won her over. Now we just talk and talk and talk about the trip with each other every moment we get. Oh, I love the anticipation!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Dh surprised me last night with ressies for 3 nights at Poly for our anniversary! We will be arriving Jan 28 thru the 31st. This will be our first trip w/o the kiddies and I am feeling excitement and trepidation both! I have always loved the Poly and thrilled to finally be staying here.

Can you all share ideas or recommendations on things to do/see here? I dug thru and thought the electric light pageant and tiki lighting would be so nice. Things we wouldnt take time for while juggling the needs of our 4 rugrats Dh likes the sea racers so I am sure we will find time to enjoy those!

P.S. I saw the dole whip dispenser. I am going to gain 10 pounds just in dole whips alone!

That's awesome! Coincidentally my wife and I will be staying at the Poly for the very first time in January as well -on a child free trip. We're doing four nights over the long MLK weekend.
Have a great trip. I know you'll enjoy researching your trip here over the next few weeks. I have found so much wonderful info as I have prepared for our trip.

 

[mmmears]

Dh surprised me last night with ressies for 3 nights at Poly for our anniversary! We will be arriving Jan 28 thru the 31st. This will be our first trip w/o the kiddies and I am feeling excitement and trepidation both! I have always loved the Poly and thrilled to finally be staying here.

Can you all share ideas or recommendations on things to do/see here? I dug thru and thought the electric light pageant and tiki lighting would be so nice. Things we wouldnt take time for while juggling the needs of our 4 rugrats Dh likes the sea racers so I am sure we will find time to enjoy those!

P.S. I saw the dole whip dispenser. I am going to gain 10 pounds just in dole whips alone!

Like you mentioned, the EWP and the tiki torch lighting ceremony are really nice. Also watching the fireworks over the castle from the Poly beach -- a great view and romantic as well.

You have access to the spa at the GF (it's on the pathway about 2/3 of the way to the GF) where you can enjoy the jacuzzi.

You may want to have a nice, quiet dinner for two at one of the fancier restaurants at the GF or the CR.

Just walking through the Poly grounds at night with all the tiki-lights there is really nice, as is walking back from the GF after dinner.

That's all I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure other posters here will have some great ideas!

 

[Sue M]

Loved everyones photos and really looking forward to our stay in Jan. We requested Tokelau, hope we get it.

 

[vicki_c]

A quick update for those following my "surprise" plans...

I presented the trip to DW on Friday -a week earlier than I had originally planned. The more I got to thinking about it, I wanted to tell her about this wonderful trip while it was just teh two of us around, and Friday was the kids' last day in school before Christmas break. Telling DW on Christmas Eve or morning seemed like a romantic thought, but I absolutely didn't want to overshadow the kids' Christmas joy with news of our kidless trip.

I caught up with her mid-morning Friday and shared all the details. She was taken by surprise, and actually cried with happiness. I think I did OK.

I showed DW some of the awesome pics on this thread and its sister thread over on the photo forum. Like me, she has fallen in love with the Poly even before we arrive. As I suspected the beautiful landscaping and views around property won her over. Now we just talk and talk and talk about the trip with each other every moment we get. Oh, I love the anticipation!

Great idea to do it alone! You will all have a great time! Nice job on making your wife cry too -- that's gotta be worth some bonus points!

 

[woodleygrrl]

I have never used them but I believe that Garden Grocer will deliver groceries as well as alcohol. The only thing is that if you are not in the room you have to sign for it at the front desk. I also think you have to call them directly to order the beer and wine as you cannot order it in the website.

You can buy beer and wine at Trader Jacks but it is expensive.

Happy planning!!!!

Mahalo! Thank you for your quick response!

 

[PolyAddict]

Why oh Why do i keep coming back to this thread even though i booked BC??????

I don't even look at the BC thread hardly.

I need help.

or i just need to change my ressies, change is sooooooo hard.

 

[SeaSpray]

Why oh Why do i keep coming back to this thread even though i booked BC??????

I don't even look at the BC thread hardly.

I need help.

or i just need to change my ressies, change is sooooooo hard.

I understand completely! LOL I come here once in a while even though I don't have ANY trips planned! I'm in serious WDW/Polynesian resort withdrawal....




Zippah D: Congrats on a wonderful surprise for your DW!! My DH surprised me with a trip to WDW for our anniversary a couple of years ago and it was the best trip we've ever had. I know you'll have a great time!