Back from Poly any questions?

[amjl]

Hi,

First I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all your great advice and honest opinions. I would have never stayed at the Poly (thought it looked old and dark) but this board changed my mind and we had an absolutely wonderful stress free stay. We stayed in Rarotonga 3rd floor balcony room facing the quiet pool. It was a great location right next to the GCH and a very easy quick walk to Captain Cooks and the pools. The monorail was the best - we never waited more then maybe 5 minutes and most of the time we walked right on. The volcano pool was beautiful and we must have hit it right each time we went because we always found at least a lounge to put things down while we swam. I highly recommend night swimming and watching the fireworks from the pool/beach area -the kids thought it was the best and the adults found it completely stress free. the resort looks beautiful and all the cm's we came in contact with were wonderful. If anyone has any questions ask away.

 

[Uncle Scar]

How were the crowds when you were there, both at the Poly and in the parks?

We're due there in 24 days, so I'm a little anxious to see how crowded it will be.

Did you go to any E-Ride nights?

 

[amjl]

The Poly seemed to get busier as each day went on. Our first 2 mornings I walked alone to Captain Cooks to refill our mugs and buy breakfast to bring back to the room. By our last day there were quite a few folks making the walk. The GCH was also busier especially around 'Ohanas - Kona was always an easy in and out for all meals. I'm not sure why. We had some fabulous food there and great service. One nice thing about the Poly is that it is a little spread out so it seems to handle the crowds pretty well. As far as the parks the only park that did not do so well with the crowds and the heat was AK - our day there was not the best. We did not do e-night since our kids are young but I would definately do it if we could all ride the e-rides - that way you can focus on other rides and shows during the day and enjoy the mountains at night.

 

[Uncle Scar]

Thanks for your report.

I'm glad y'all had a good time.

 

[PaulaJ]

We are hoping to have a few breakfasts at Kona next month. Do you need reservations for bfasts there? How about dinners? We ate lunch there once while "passing thru" the poly, and thought it was great...probably had to wait 20 min. for a table. Thanks for your tip re: watching fw's from pool and beach at night. I will definitely schedule that in! Glad your vacation was great!

 

[cindyfan]

I know they are remodeling the Hawaii building right now.....
was it at all disruptive since it is right on the beach?
By time we go in Oct they will be done with Hawaii and starting on Niue and Tonga. I am just hoping it is not disruptive since those are on either side of the GCH.

During the fireworks was the beach crowded?

Rarotonga is the only building not on the rehab schedule yet. But it is one of the older buildings I think. Do you feel that building looks like it needs a rehab? Looking a little worn??

It does seem like a great location, but if it is the only building that still looks in need of rehab, I don't want to be there.

 

[amjl]

PaulaJ - During our stay we did not make any PS's for Kona and were seated within 5 minutes for both breakfast and dinner. As with any restaurant if you have a pretty good idea of when you'll be there make the PS you can always cancel and reschedule - we did that a few times no problem!

cindyfan - the rehabs at the Hawaii and bus stop were not disruptive at all although neither of those locations are right in the middle of things. They do a great job at covering things up and there really wasn't any noise at all. The beach was not crowded during the FW - there was a good amount of people but plenty of room to spread out on a blanket or pull up a lounge. It was wonderful! Rarotonga was a little worn but nothing major.
Being able to walk 10 steps from the GCH to our longhouse was perfect especially during those downpours with 3 small kids.

 

[disneyluver91]

You said that you hit the pool at the right time...what time was that? Also, I am doing the afternoon break thing and I wanted to know how crowded the volcano pool is at around that time.

Thanks so much!!! Can't wait for my turn!

 

[scoutmontana]

Hi,

Thanks for your report. I too have the dark, old impression of the Poly but this board has convinced me to try it for the 1st time in September.

You said you stayed on the 3rd floor & had 3 small kids. I have a 3 yo and a 18 month old. So my question is about strollers and the 3rd floor. I requested a ground level room because I thought it would be easiest with the stroller. Is this correct? Did you have a stroller/strollers.

We will have 2 strollers, which building/floor should I request?

Thanks!!!

 

[Planogirl]

I'm always amazed that the Polynesian give an impression of darkness and being old. When we've been there, we've never noticed any of that.


Did you go to 'Ohana while you were there? Wasn't the castle lovely at night?

 

[corvair]

we weere just at the poly in june... i do not think it was dark at all.. i thought the room was big and light...very nice... we were at the volcano pool always in the afternoon... i did not think it was overly crowded at all... we went over to the quiet pool and there was only 2 people in that one... it is pretty big ....i loved the poly... i could never stay anywhere else now...amy

 

[amjl]

scoutmontana - We had a stroller and no problems at all being on the 3rd floor. We just used the elevator and most of the time we were the only ones on it so no space issues at all. If I was going to request a longhouse it would be Samoa just because it is right in the middle of things and I like that. The only building I think would be awkward with a stroller is Niue because it does not have an elevator. You can use the one in Rarotonga to get over to Niue's 2nd floor but it is not the most convenient. Other than that manuevering a stroller at the Poly and its longhouses is very easy. The Poly is beautiful for taking walks and my 1 year old loved our long walks around the resort. Have fun - I wish I was back there!

planogirl - The view of the castle was beautiful there and from the pool - I think night time (as far as views and atmosphere) can't be beat!

corvair - Now that I've been I realize how wrong I was about the Poly being dark and old - its not - its wonderful and I hope to go back soon - it really was 2 vacations in one!