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

[Zuzu03]

That's a cool one! I love the contest idea!

 

[AJPPGH]

Just wanted to jump in here...We went to the poly for our first trip (I had actually always gone there as a little girl) as a family. It was amazing and our whole Disnay vacation was too. Second trip to WDW we stayed at the Floridian and it was terrible. Much too fussy and conservative for a young family. We ended up at the Poly the whole time for meals b/c the GF meals are not good. We are headed to the Poly again this Jan andI couldn't be more excited!! Best resort at Disney IMO.

 

[BreezysMom]

Sorry folks...pictures are all back up.

back to our regularly scheduled program!

 

[PolynesianLily]

I really like that Up! gingerbread house! Whoever created that one did an excellent job!

 

[Luv2trav]

Well, it's a tough call to be honest. We prefer to snack in the lounge rather than having big meals out, so we like CL. But for $600 you could buy alot of food!!!

If you stay CL, you'll know what building you're in (which is very nice), but you may or may not like the food they are serving each day. We stayed there for a week and got tired of most of the food after a few days. Other than the evening apps, they served the exact same things every single day. If you have the dining plan, at least you get to choose what you eat.

If you like using the IPO services, that may be something to consider as well...

Could you please let me know how you got a great rate for Easter week? We may be there for a couple of days and I'm having trouble getting a good rate...

Thanks for the advice. I just sent you a PM to let you know how I got the rate. I hope it works out for you. I think we are sticking with Club level right now.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Hi Poly fans... does anyone have a pic looking toward the marina side of the Fiji building? TIA

 

[SevenSeasLagoon5]

We just got back from a short stay at the GF for Christmas. We really missed the Poly....so much so that we booked a bounceback at the Poly!

Quick question.....Does anyone have information on the "new" booking catogory for Poly CL....the "Theme Park" view? They used to all be lagoon view CL but now there are 2 room options on that side. I was wondering if anyone knows which rooms on that side are now considered "Theme Park" and which are "Lagoon View"?

Happy New Year!

 

[Tinkermom76]

Hey everyone

Just started reading this thread yesterday and I am finally caught up. We just got back less than a month ago from the CR and I got a nice little 40% off pin code in my email so I decided to book Poly GV for next December. I have never stayed here and just took a quick stroll through on a rainy day on our last trip.
My DD5 is addicted to the monorail and I would love a balcony this time since I didn't have one at the CR in the garden wing, which longhouse would you suggest I request.

TIA and I am sure I will have many more ?'s in the next 11 months.

Hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas

 

[Zuzu03]

Hey everyone

Just started reading this thread yesterday and I am finally caught up. We just got back less than a month ago from the CR and I got a nice little 40% off pin code in my email so I decided to book Poly GV for next December. I have never stayed here and just took a quick stroll through on a rainy day on our last trip.
My DD5 is addicted to the monorail and I would love a balcony this time since I didn't have one at the CR in the garden wing, which longhouse would you suggest I request.

TIA and I am sure I will have many more ?'s in the next 11 months.

Hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas

Welcome! You're going to love the Poly! I don't have any suggestions for you, but there are tons of super friendly and knowledgeable folks here!

 

[eroller]

We just returned this evening from a few days at the Polynesian. While I've been to WDW about 30 times since I was a kid, this was my first time returning to the Poly since I was about 10 years old! That is roughly 30 years ago.

I'm happy to say the magic is still there, and honestly the resort is very much how I remember it. Yes there have been updates and changes, but essentially it is the same. I even remember some of the smells, especially in the Great Ceremonial House. This was all part of the charm for me.

We booked a Garden View, and I requested the Fiji Longhouse, 3rd Floor, overlooking the Marina. I received exactly what I asked for, and for my money this is the best Garden View in the house. I loved it, and loved being in Fiji. The Great Ceremonial House was almost next door, and we could enter through the side door by Captain Cooks. Very convenient. Our room was not quite ready when we arrived at 11am, so we had lunch at the Kona Cafe and by the time we finished, I had received a text with our room number and that it was ready. Perfect timing!

Our room was very clean and in very good condition. No complaints there. Soundproofing is excellent and everything worked well. We loved the beds as they were super comfortable and just the right firmness for me. No turndown service, and really for the prices that Disney charges all rooms should have this as a standard feature (without asking) as well as robes. I was surprised there was no guest survey at the end of our stay. Most hotels provide this feature so they can continuously improve and identify areas of opportunity. Mind you I really didn't have anything to suggest, but none the less by providing a survey it tells me they care.

It was a hectic visit, as we went to three parks in one day (Hollywood, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom) and they were VERY crowded. This was my first time at WDW over Christmas and it's the busiest I've ever seen it. We also checked out the Grand Floridian and Contemporary (I've stayed at both) and the Yacht Club (which I think I will stay at next time). I love Epcot and the World Showcase, so I think I will enjoy being so close at the Yacht Club. We don't have kids so being by the Magic Kingdom is not an issue. I must say though that the Poly really has a magical atmosphere, as you can often hear the parades at the MK and they pipe in the music for the fireworks at night. Watching the fireworks from the Poly Beach is truly the best vantage point.

Christmas dinner was at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review which is very corny, but a lot of fun. I just saw the show in June, but I wanted to go back. It's kind of magical taking the boat over to Ft. Wilderness then returning by boat after dinner, just in time to see the fireworks and water show. Last night we dined at Bistro de Paris at Epcot and it was excellent. I highly recommend it for a wonderful night out, although it's not cheap so be warned!

All in all another great WDW visit. Everyone we encountered had a great attitude and especially the unique "Aloha Spirit" at the Polynesian.

I was surprised I took about 111 photos, mostly of the Polynesian. I hope you enjoy them. Attached is the link but here are a few to preview.

Happy Holidays!

Ernie

Pictures Link:
http://gallery.mac.com/ekroller#100517

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Thank you for sharing your review and photos. I cannot wait to return. Did you eat there as well?

 

[eroller]

Thank you for sharing your review and photos. I cannot wait to return. Did you eat there as well?

We only ate at the Kona Cafe (Breakfast daily & one lunch). We were too busy out and about I guess. We wanted to dine one evening at Ohana but never quite made it. Next time I guess. Ohana looked like it had a great atmosphere and it was always very busy. The bar looked fun too and I did manage to have a drink there one night.

Ernie

 

[Sue M]

Great photos! I can't wait. My countdown today-24 days I requested Tokelau 3rd floor. Having a balcony is important to me!
We've had dinners and breakfasts at Kona Cafe and always thought the resort was beautiful, so I am really excited to stay here.

Have many recieved free upgrades at check in here?

I'm still thinking of wether to do on line check in here as we're arriving by DME. Any thoughts on this? Our flight arrives at 3:45 pm. I've preferred doing check in when I arrived for our Aug trip , but re thinking this.

 

[BreezysMom]

thanks for the review and photos!

 

[BreezysMom]

Hi Poly fans... does anyone have a pic looking toward the marina side of the Fiji building? TIA

We loved both our stays in Figi. These were taken from room 3317.

 

[mmmears]

eroller -- thank you for the wonderful review of the Poly and the great photos!!! I agree with you -- the Poly is really a fun place to be. But, for an adult-only trip if you're not big on the MK, then the BC/YC is fantastic. I like them both, for very different reasons.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Oh Poly lovers, I am in a panic! We are suppose to leave Sat. mid morning for WDW from Des Moines IA. Our weather is BAD!!!winter storm warning for this part of the country. We could get 8 to 12" of snow between tonight and tomorrow Christmas Day. Saturday is suppose to be the nicest day but will the roads get plowed? Hubby did buy trip insurance, he also checked alternate flight plans. It looks like we may have to arrive 1 day late, will our wonderful MK view Hawaii BLDG room be gone? We have had the best room the past two years. Hubby does webcasts of the NYE fireworks. I could just cry!

To make matters worse, yesterday the nasty snow from last blizzard a week and half ago that left 16" here is in a massive melt down plus rain -- it ended up raining in our 4 season sunporch!!! Now we have a huge dehumidifier and large fans drying out our exposed walls. What else can go wrong?

I really need to be in WDW now. Merry Christmas All. Kathy

Did you get there OK? and get the room you wanted?

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

We just returned this evening from a few days at the Polynesian. While I've been to WDW about 30 times since I was a kid, this was my first time returning to the Poly since I was about 10 years old! That is roughly 30 years ago.

I'm happy to say the magic is still there, and honestly the resort is very much how I remember it. Yes there have been updates and changes, but essentially it is the same. I even remember some of the smells, especially in the Great Ceremonial House. This was all part of the charm for me.

We booked a Garden View, and I requested the Fiji Longhouse, 3rd Floor, overlooking the Marina. I received exactly what I asked for, and for my money this is the best Garden View in the house. I loved it, and loved being in Fiji. The Great Ceremonial House was almost next door, and we could enter through the side door by Captain Cooks. Very convenient. Our room was not quite ready when we arrived at 11am, so we had lunch at the Kona Cafe and by the time we finished, I had received a text with our room number and that it was ready. Perfect timing!

Our room was very clean and in very good condition. No complaints there. Soundproofing is excellent and everything worked well. We loved the beds as they were super comfortable and just the right firmness for me. No turndown service, and really for the prices that Disney charges all rooms should have this as a standard feature (without asking) as well as robes. I was surprised there was no guest survey at the end of our stay. Most hotels provide this feature so they can continuously improve and identify areas of opportunity. Mind you I really didn't have anything to suggest, but none the less by providing a survey it tells me they care.

It was a hectic visit, as we went to three parks in one day (Hollywood, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom) and they were VERY crowded. This was my first time at WDW over Christmas and it's the busiest I've ever seen it. We also checked out the Grand Floridian and Contemporary (I've stayed at both) and the Yacht Club (which I think I will stay at next time). I love Epcot and the World Showcase, so I think I will enjoy being so close at the Yacht Club. We don't have kids so being by the Magic Kingdom is not an issue. I must say though that the Poly really has a magical atmosphere, as you can often hear the parades at the MK and they pipe in the music for the fireworks at night. Watching the fireworks from the Poly Beach is truly the best vantage point.

Christmas dinner was at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review which is very corny, but a lot of fun. I just saw the show in June, but I wanted to go back. It's kind of magical taking the boat over to Ft. Wilderness then returning by boat after dinner, just in time to see the fireworks and water show. Last night we dined at Bistro de Paris at Epcot and it was excellent. I highly recommend it for a wonderful night out, although it's not cheap so be warned!

All in all another great WDW visit. Everyone we encountered had a great attitude and especially the unique "Aloha Spirit" at the Polynesian.

I was surprised I took about 111 photos, mostly of the Polynesian. I hope you enjoy them. Attached is the link but here are a few to preview.

Happy Holidays!

Ernie

Ernie, thanks a million for the comments and pics. I have requested 3rd floor Fiji (marina view) for my upcoming trip. Your pics were exactly what I was looking for. If I wind up with the same room you did I will consider myself blessed. What a view! Thanks again for the great pics.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

We loved both our stays in Figi. These were taken from room 3317.

Perfect! Thanks BreezysMom. I'm hoping my Fiji request works out. Most of all I'm hoping that gazing at the darn computer screen will make the next 18 days evaporate.

 

[swald91]

I'm so excited about my upcoming trip and my first stay @ the Poly! We're going for our 10th anniversary. We always planned on going to Hawaii for our 10 year, but we got a surprise baby this year. We don't want to leave him or the kiddos. So we're taking them and staying where we can have a Polynesian trip and variety around the world(Epcot) as well as fun for us and the kids! I'm tring to learn what I can about the Poly since I've never stayed there, but have always wanted to!!!

That's the way I felt!!! Once we stayed there-I don't have any interest in any other resort! Last trip we stayed CL....AWESOME! We plan to go the end of next month CL again-w/ quick service dining-plenty of food for us-last time we had at least a meal or 2 left....We also celebrated our anniversary & we received so many nice things-mostly a phone call from Minnie & Mickey while in Epcot-it was great-hope you have a fabulous time & Happy Anniversary!