Back from our 1st stay at the POLY - WOW! Long...

mickey2minnie1

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May 26, 2007
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Hi, I always appreciated the reviews many of you made for the Poly, so I wanted to add my thoughts as well.

Background: DH, DS 10, DS 7, DD 5 had planned for this trip for years and wanted to include my parents to see kids 1st trip to the World. We finally set a date and went all out and booked the Poly. 10/26-11/4 (DH worked a month of overtime.) My TA made all of the ADR's and we got everything we wanted. 1 and 1/2 weeks prior to our trip my DF had an unforseen emergency bypass surgery. He came through beautifully after 6 bypasses. After many hours of discussion with them and between my DH and myself, we did decide to still go. We knew the trip wouldn't be the same, but we would make the best of it. My dad was home and doing very well. The kids were great because for 1 week they didn't know what the outcome of the trip would be. They had mixed emotions as well. I tried to get myself in gear, but it was almost impossible. Finally, the day before our trip, I looked at my kids and realized that this was a time for our family and it neede to be wonderful...

10/26 By the time this day came I was excited, yet the intense fog and rain caused delays. I knew we would not reach the resort until 9:30 pm. I put myself in check and knew that we may be left with whatever room was left at the time. At that point, I didn't care. I was going to be thrilled to have a room on the property.

ME was fantastic and it was a surprise to the kids to be staying at the Poly. We arrived and it was dark and the tiki torches were lit to their beauty. We walked in the lobby and I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. No wait and we were checked in to the building I requested, Tokelau. I couldn't believe it.

Bell Services took us on a cart with a mini tour. Our room was beautiful. I took some DISers advice and called housekeeping to request fresh spreads and blankets. My son does have a terrible allergy to dustmites. They arrived within 15 minutes and changed over everything for us. I tipped them and they left.

It rained on and off for about 5 days with Noel hanging around and the wind was something. Going from building to building was often a challenge, but I did not mind. The resort is breathtaking. I loved not being a part of one big building. It completed that resort feel for me. The kids loved it and the exercise was great for all of us. The buildings are minutes from one another.

The highlight for me was wrapping myself up in warm towels and sitting on the beach and watching the fireworks. That was truly a magical moment. Hallowishes was just beyond any expectations to see. We were out of the crowd and watching the launch from all the different lands. It was magnificent.

The resort was so clean and the people were friendly. I requested turndown service and it was done 5 out of the nine nights. I was happy with that. She would take my daughter's newly purchased stuffed characters and arrange them so sweetly on the bed.

We ate dinner at O'Hanas and it was more fun than I can say. There was a lot of food and the service was fantastic. My view of the marina was gorgeous.

Kona for breakfast was delicious as well. I had my third round of tonga toast.

Captain Cooks was fun and we found the menu board easy to do. Food was fresh and very good.

All in all I have to say that for the money spent, it was worth every penny. Aside from being just gorgeous, the convenience of the monorail is over the top. My DH could not say enough about the convenience of that. Resident rabbit were inches from our walk and the resident ducks were there everyday to say, "Hello!".

What was supposed to be a one time family trip will now be a two time with plans in the work to return next fall with my parents. We want to share with them the beautiful resort and all of its amenities. I really connected there and I feel the need to return someway, somehow. It was just magical for all of us.

I would be happy to try and answer any questions. :upsidedow
 
Hi, I always appreciated the reviews many of you made for the Poly, so I wanted to add my thoughts as well.

Background: DH, DS 10, DS 7, DD 5 had planned for this trip for years and wanted to include my parents to see kids 1st trip to the World. We finally set a date and went all out and booked the Poly. 10/26-11/4 (DH worked a month of overtime.) My TA made all of the ADR's and we got everything we wanted. 1 and 1/2 weeks prior to our trip my DF had an unforseen emergency bypass surgery. He came through beautifully after 6 bypasses. After many hours of discussion with them and between my DH and myself, we did decide to still go. We knew the trip wouldn't be the same, but we would make the best of it. My dad was home and doing very well. The kids were great because for 1 week they didn't know what the outcome of the trip would be. They had mixed emotions as well. I tried to get myself in gear, but it was almost impossible. Finally, the day before our trip, I looked at my kids and realized that this was a time for our family and it neede to be wonderful...

10/26 By the time this day came I was excited, yet the intense fog and rain caused delays. I knew we would not reach the resort until 9:30 pm. I put myself in check and knew that we may be left with whatever room was left at the time. At that point, I didn't care. I was going to be thrilled to have a room on the property.

ME was fantastic and it was a surprise to the kids to be staying at the Poly. We arrived and it was dark and the tiki torches were lit to their beauty. We walked in the lobby and I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. No wait and we were checked in to the building I requested, Tokelau. I couldn't believe it.

Bell Services took us on a cart with a mini tour. Our room was beautiful. I took some DISers advice and called housekeeping to request fresh spreads and blankets. My son does have a terrible allergy to dustmites. They arrived within 15 minutes and changed over everything for us. I tipped them and they left.

It rained on and off for about 5 days with Noel hanging around and the wind was something. Going from building to building was often a challenge, but I did not mind. The resort is breathtaking. I loved not being a part of one big building. It completed that resort feel for me. The kids loved it and the exercise was great for all of us. The buildings are minutes from one another.

The highlight for me was wrapping myself up in warm towels and sitting on the beach and watching the fireworks. That was truly a magical moment. Hallowishes was just beyond any expectations to see. We were out of the crowd and watching the launch from all the different lands. It was magnificent.

The resort was so clean and the people were friendly. I requested turndown service and it was done 5 out of the nine nights. I was happy with that. She would take my daughter's newly purchased stuffed characters and arrange them so sweetly on the bed.

We ate dinner at O'Hanas and it was more fun than I can say. There was a lot of food and the service was fantastic. My view of the marina was gorgeous.

Kona for breakfast was delicious as well. I had my third round of tonga toast.

Captain Cooks was fun and we found the menu board easy to do. Food was fresh and very good.

All in all I have to say that for the money spent, it was worth every penny. Aside from being just gorgeous, the convenience of the monorail is over the top. My DH could not say enough about the convenience of that. Resident rabbit were inches from our walk and the resident ducks were there everyday to say, "Hello!".

What was supposed to be a one time family trip will now be a two time with plans in the work to return next fall with my parents. We want to share with them the beautiful resort and all of its amenities. I really connected there and I feel the need to return someway, somehow. It was just magical for all of us.

I would be happy to try and answer any questions. :upsidedow

M2M1, I wish your DF a speedy recovery after his bypass surgery. It sounds like you all had a fabulous time and I am glad to hear that there are plans in the works for another trip with your parents. Disney is truly a magical place. Thanks so much for the wonderful tirp report. Happy planning.:banana:
 
DH, DS6, DD4 and I were at the Poly from 11/2-11/10. It was our first trip to the Poly also. While we were there, my DF also had bypass surgery back home. I wasn't told until the day before we left, although it happened the day after we arrived. Had I been in your position, it would have been stressful...kudos to you for making sure your family had a great time!
 

What a beautiful report, Thank You! :santa:
We cant wait to be there in 9 days.:) :)
A CABGx6 is a very serious operation. I'm glad your DF is fine.:love: (I have taken care of many hearts in my career in health care.):)
Glad you had such a magical time.
 
Thank you for the great trip report; it's so nice when I read that other people feel the same excitement/relaxation that I feel when we're at the Polynesian.

I'd like to send my best wishes to your father for his speedy recovery. How is he doing now?


As an aside, we were on a cruise in the Caribbean during the same days you were at WDW, so I know what you were dealing with weather-wise, with Hurricane Noel. We made the best of our cruise and it sounds as if you did the same exact thing at WDW. I hope that your entire family has as wonderful of a time next year when you return that you had this year! :grouphug:
 
Thank you for the great trip report; it's so nice when I read that other people feel the same excitement/relaxation that I feel when we're at the Polynesian.

I'd like to send my best wishes to your father for his speedy recovery. How is he doing now?


As an aside, we were on a cruise in the Caribbean during the same days you were at WDW, so I know what you were dealing with weather-wise, with Hurricane Noel. We made the best of our cruise and it sounds as if you did the same exact thing at WDW. I hope that your entire family has as wonderful of a time next year when you return that you had this year! :grouphug:

Hi! The weather was something else... My dad is doing very well. He was super strong going into the surgery, so that helped. He has been released to drive and will begin physical therapy in 2 weeks. We just need to get the release for flight worked out and then we can plan for next fall. We will either go at the same exact time, or in December. I would love to see the World at Christmas, but lots of illnesses are around our area at that time. We will see. You were a big part of our decision to stay at the poly. Thank you! It is quite addicting. Not sure what it is, but I have never felt so comfortable or relaxed anywhere else. :upsidedow
 
such a beautifully written report. I'm glad your DF is doing well, and that you had an amazing trip. We LOVE :love: the Poly sooooooo much. I'm so glad you had such a magical experience. I'm sure Hallowishes was beautiful from the beach....have yet to see that!
 
Thanks for you're review and after reading it I can't wait until my families 1st stay there next month, so only 28 days left for us until we arrive.
 
I enjoyed reading your report. We are going to the Poly the day after Christmas for a short three days and nights, with three days before and three days after at wife's brother's place on East Coast. We haven't had a vacation in over three years. Wife and I both badly need a break. We are taking the two teenagers (DS16, DD13).
 
Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful time and enjoyed the Poly. We love the resort and go back nearly every year. Hope your husband continue's to do well with his recovery! :)
 
Isn't the Poly just magical? Next year we will stay again for a long time I hope. I connected too to that resort and we just absolutely love it. One of my most favorite things to do at WDW after a long day at the parks, is hop on the monorail with my kids in the stroller and head to the Poly. My kids usually fall asleep on the way out or on the monorail and then dh and I go get a Dole Whip or a Pina Colada and sit in the quiet lobby and talk and relax amongst the waterfalls and tropical foliage. The hardest part is when we aren't staying at the Poly and have to get back on the monorail to go to our car at the TTC. :rotfl:

I am glad you enjoyed your trip!!
 
Thanks for the report! We're checking in in a week (yay!!), and we're so excited about it. Glad to hear you had a great time.
 
Hi! The weather was something else... My dad is doing very well. He was super strong going into the surgery, so that helped. He has been released to drive and will begin physical therapy in 2 weeks. We just need to get the release for flight worked out and then we can plan for next fall. We will either go at the same exact time, or in December. I would love to see the World at Christmas, but lots of illnesses are around our area at that time. We will see. You were a big part of our decision to stay at the poly. Thank you! It is quite addicting. Not sure what it is, but I have never felt so comfortable or relaxed anywhere else. :upsidedow

That is great! I am so happy that your dad is doing very well now :)

I don't know what it is either about the Polynesian, but I feel the same way, very comfortable, relaxed, at peace... I think for me it's the combination of the Polynesian theme of the resort and close proximity to the MK. My very favorite place in the entire resort is right near the beach (or on the beach) and closing my eyes and listening to the sounds of people laughing and playing in the pool, and hearing the horns from the ferries, the howling of the dog from the Haunted Mansion, the whistle from the MK train, and feeling the warmth from the sun... ahh... tranquility and excitement all in one. :cloud9: LOL
 
Thank you all for the well wishes for my dad! I love this board.

As for the Poly, it is truly magical...

No problems with housekeeping. They did a great job daily. Loved the hawaiian singer in the lounge. So much fun!!!
 
I enjoyed reading your report. We are going to the Poly the day after Christmas for a short three days and nights, with three days before and three days after at wife's brother's place on East Coast. We haven't had a vacation in over three years. Wife and I both badly need a break. We are taking the two teenagers (DS16, DD13).

It will be wonderful... The two of you will just love the Poly. It is sooo relaxing. You may never want to leave,lol.:rotfl:
 
Sounds like you had a magical trip. The poly and the Grand Floridian are the only resorts we've never stayed at. We've enjoyed the Luau there though. Glad your dad is doing well.
 





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