Our stay at Poly
9/19-9/26
It was the best of times
it was the worst of times. Just kidding! Here is my update on the Poly. We were 1st timers, only staying at Pop Century last year for the
free dining. We got into Orlando and got our rental vehicle, which happens to be the same vehicle I drive at home. I only mention this due to the fact that this made me really happy because I know all the blind spots and I love my Ford Explorer My mother arrived about 30 minutes before us so in a flash we were on our way! We got to the hotel and we were so excited. We had been to the Polynesian last year for Ohanas for dinner and we thought it looked so beautiful; we just had to stay there this time. I was almost laid off, my husband was almost laid off, and so we decided Poly for sure this year. I had checked in online and there was no wait on the check in for online, or check info with reservations. The lady who checked us in was less than enthusiastic to be there, didnt welcome us as we were warmly welcomed at Pop Century and didnt give my DH his birthday pin until I asked for it. We were told that we would be staying in Rapa Nui and I was generally ecstatic! I would be able to park my car in the separate parking lot, I would be near the TTC, and I would have two sinks. I asked about the crib that was to be delivered to my room and the CM said it would be delivered within 20 minutes. My room number was 2110. I knew this also meant that I would have a balcony! YAY!!! I started the long trek to the room while DH went to move the car. This was a kind of long walk, but I was on a Disney high, so I didnt think much of it. I found our room and put the key in the slot braising myself for the thrill. I opened the door and was instantly disappointed. Now, I have an almost two year old, so while I am no stranger to some less than clean room, this room was filthy. When I say filthy, I literally saw dust on the chair railings (like fur), the floor appeared to have not been cleaned in 5 years, and there were cob webs on all the tiki sculptures. I called downstairs and said that this room would NOT be acceptable and they moved me to Tokelau room 2921. They brought the keys to us and because we had a dinner ressie at 6:45pm at the GF we didnt go to the room. I made sure they were going to bring the crib to the new room and off we went! I came back from the dinner at 10:20
yes you saw that right, they had an hour wait from out 6:45pm ressie to find that this room was no better. I wanted to cry... and there was no crib. I made a list of all the gross things in my room and walked down to the front desk and spoke with the manager Keith. I told him all the issues that I wanted corrected and he told me that He would have it all done for me tomorrow while I was out and that the crib would be there in 2 minutes. In addition, he told me that he would set up turn down service for me for the week. At the time I was mad that he made the statement. Cob webs, hair in the sink, fur on the chair railings and dirty carpets do NOT get fixed with turn down service. I felt like he was trying to give me something extra, but I just wanted a clean room. I went back to the room and waited an hour more with a screaming tired child for the crib. The person who brought it told me that they just got the call a few moments ago
I was ticked off
but I just went to bed. In the morning, I looked out on the balcony and I was so excited. I could see the lagoon! I saw a ferry boat passing by and started my day. I had reservations at 9:30am for Chef Mickey so I woke up my family and started to get them all dressed and ready. After we had an awesome breakfast and did some shopping, we went back to the Poly. It was a beautiful day and so we walked through the GCH, and walked by the pool. It was so magical seeing the castle, and seeing the sand meet the pool area. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous! I went back to the room hoping that they cleaned it and they had. It was spotless. Now, for those of you who have never been to the Poly and have questions about the hallways being dark
we didnt think they were. We have been to Maui and the Poly is set up just like the hotels there. It is a little dim, but nothing that I would have had issues with. I will tell you that because the furniture is dark and the head board is dark that every scratch and abuse to the furniture shows. I have dark furniture at home, and some of the scratches and dings to the furniture could have been hid with furniture marker. Some of the woven headboard was missing, but I just chose to keep a large pillow in front of it. What could they really do about that, right? This hotel is very romantic, the location is awesome, but let me tell you where it goes wrong
. The staff. I had a breakfast with Stitch, my sons favorite character and it took an hour and 40 minutes for Stitch to come around. We told the waitress who told us that it was a large restaurant
I was amazed that she thought that was acceptable. We ate at Konas one night and the waitress was horrible. We had some drinks at that Ohana bar and the bartender was really nice, so kudos to him. BTW-We never got turn down service, but I didnt complain because I didnt pay for that. My last day which was Saturday, we were about to leave and I realized I didnt have my car rental key. I looked every where and it was gone. I had to have the car towed to a National car rental center, pay $125 for a new key and pay for my DH to get a ride to the airport my cab. I tell you this because when I asked the front desk if anyone had turned in keys, the girl told me no without looking. I mean she didnt go in the back, she didnt call someone, she just said no. Now, being the red head that I am, (no applause please) I wanted to kill her, but there was nothing that I could do. There was nobody else at the desk
(Odd on a Saturday at 1pm) and the Concierge/Ticket/Dining Line was almost out the door. I got to the airport by way of the Magical Express, which the driver was sweet as pie. Southwest booked me on a flight the next day and I had Marriott Rewards points, so I got a free night at the Marriott at the airport. My mother took a cab (68 dollars from Poly to airport if anyone ever has that question) so she got there in time to go home on Saturday. You can imagine how drained my DH, son and I was after finally meeting back up. Marriott picked us up and treated us like royalty. The room was huge, the place was clean and beautiful and the service was outstanding. My husband actually commented that we should stay at Marriott next time. Overall, the hotel was beautiful, the location cant be beat and its the service that would kill you. So opposite of what I thought it would be. My hubbie and I took the monorail over to the Contemporary and then took a boat over to the Wilderness Lodge for a few drinks and we thought that was awesome! That hotel was really nice and the staff was very nice. When we did the bounce back, we booked the WL courtyard view. Let me know if you have any questions!
Oops... I forgot... I will post the pics of the view tomorrow along with the Activities and the Movie schedule.
