Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[garada3]

I watched a vlog resort tour of the Poly and have a few questions if you all would be so kind.

It appeared that the photo op for the character meal happens out in the common area near one of the stairways. I can envision my 4.5 year old niece being interested in the character and not understanding why we walk by rather than joining the line like we do in the parks. We are not eating at ‘Ohana. Would it be okay to wave hello as we walk by on the way to the monorail?

What is the best transportation to the MK: monorail or boat from the Poly dock? How are lines for both options at 7:30am?

How are the lines for security at that time?

Does the lei greeting still happen at check in?

Any preference between Rarotonga or Aotearoa for standard view?

Can anyone park in the lot nearest the DVC portion of the parking lot or is it DVC only?

Is the campfire byo marshmallows? Can we also bring s’mores fixings?

I appreciate your help!

 

[JennLTX]

For a quick bite, I can recommend Captain Cook's, we have never had a bad meal there and they bring the food out very fast!

As a HUGE fan of the Coconut Meatballs, I second this!!!

Now I want meatballs...

 

[SL6827]

Pardon my naïveté but I didn’t know WDW had minimum stays :-/ I tried to rent DVC points for 3 nights at Poly and every weekend in October and November was unavailable. I wound up using a travel agency and was able to book 3 nights at Polynesian. I then added another night later as it’s own reservation. Wonder why the system won’t allow it but an agency was able to book. My TA did warn that October at Poly was filling very quickly but it’s a bummer that they have availability and won’t let you book what you need.

Most likely there were not any studios available in October. They do not have a minimum for stays. Booking a studio and booking a room through a TA are two different things. I am staying two nights at the Poly in June.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

DVC inventory and cash inventory are completely separate, and points bookings filled up during the 11-7 month booking for almost all of fall this year.

 

[hereforthechurros]

I’m totally aware they are completely different. I’ve booked through Disney, rented points, and used a TA to book a few trips so I’ve been able to see how each one works. I checked for points at 8 months out - no go. I was just more commenting on how Poly inventory across the board was very low for October 2018.

 

[mickeynut1]

So excited! I booked 2 nights at a Studio in May. We will only be there 48 hours! Trying to pack a lot in! Picking up our daughter from the College program. We stayed at Poly just once before -14 years ago, we paid $189 a night then and thought it was so expensive
Are room requests a thing anymore? Do you prefer bottom or top floor? We have to check out at 11am, but our flight is not until 9:00pm...considered renting a cabana but for 1/2 day periods would only use it 2 hours bc they rent 3:00-7:00...does anyone know what time they will schedule Magical Express for a 9:00pm flight?
Thinking about checking other resorts out..never stayed at Epcot resorts, curious what they look like.
Don’t want to do Disney Springs, any other ideas to make our last day fun? We only have one day parkhoppers which we’ll use the day before.
Thanks so much for your help!!

Yes, people still make room requests . As far as a room preference, mine would be upper floor over ground floor. We've never taken DME, but I think it picks up 3 hours before your flight. So, with a 9pm flight, you would be picked up around 6pm (although I do remember reading awhile back that pick up might be changed to 4 hours prior, but I don't know if that was just rumor or if the change was actually made). Hopefully others who take DME frequently will give some input .

I watched a vlog resort tour of the Poly and have a few questions if you all would be so kind.

It appeared that the photo op for the character meal happens out in the common area near one of the stairways. I can envision my 4.5 year old niece being interested in the character and not understanding why we walk by rather than joining the line like we do in the parks. We are not eating at ‘Ohana. Would it be okay to wave hello as we walk by on the way to the monorail?

What is the best transportation to the MK: monorail or boat from the Poly dock? How are lines for both options at 7:30am?

How are the lines for security at that time?

Does the lei greeting still happen at check in?

Any preference between Rarotonga or Aotearoa for standard view?

Can anyone park in the lot nearest the DVC portion of the parking lot or is it DVC only?

Is the campfire byo marshmallows? Can we also bring s’mores fixings?

I appreciate your help!

I can't answer your questions, but wanted to bump your post in case others are able to help .

 

[Cluelyss]

We've never taken DME, but I think it picks up 3 hours before your flight. So, with a 9pm flight, you would be picked up around 6pm (although I do remember reading awhile back that pick up might be changed to 4 hours prior, but I don't know if that was just rumor or if the change was actually made). Hopefully others who take DME frequently will give some input.

The 4 hour window was in effect only over the holidays. It’s back to 3 hours now.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I’m totally aware they are completely different. I’ve booked through Disney, rented points, and used a TA to book a few trips so I’ve been able to see how each one works. I checked for points at 8 months out - no go. I was just more commenting on how Poly inventory across the board was very low for October 2018.

October is a very popular month; it is not a low season any more, due to many schools with vacations in the month. Poly also has a large room block for Gartner IT the week of Columbus Day. In terms of DVC, fall is the big season for DVC points bookings, and Poly has added pressure due to all the points sold due to bungalows - but people didn't buy big enough contracts to book bungalows. So competition for studios can be bloody.

 

[mickeynut1]

The 4 hour window was in effect only over the holidays. It’s back to 3 hours now.

Thanks for the clarification .

 

[Poohbear03]

We arrive at MCO at 2:10 we are staying at Poly and have a 4:15 Ohana reservation will we make it?

 

[tnolan]

Garada3, while I can't answer all your questions, I can answer these:

1. Does the lei greeting still happen at check in?
Yes, as of last Nov. We were greeted with leis and alohas, very nice!

2. Any preference between Rarotonga or Aotearoa for standard view?
We stayed in Aotearoa standard room and were happy with the view.

 

[Rich M]

We arrive at MCO at 2:10 we are staying at Poly and have a 4:15 Ohana reservation will we make it?

Taking ME I don't think so. Even renting a car could be cutting it close but doable if you can walk straight to your car. It will be close for sure

 

[Tinker_Belle]

I watched a vlog resort tour of the Poly and have a few questions if you all would be so kind.

It appeared that the photo op for the character meal happens out in the common area near one of the stairways. I can envision my 4.5 year old niece being interested in the character and not understanding why we walk by rather than joining the line like we do in the parks. We are not eating at ‘Ohana. Would it be okay to wave hello as we walk by on the way to the monorail?

What is the best transportation to the MK: monorail or boat from the Poly dock? How are lines for both options at 7:30am?

How are the lines for security at that time?

Does the lei greeting still happen at check in?

Any preference between Rarotonga or Aotearoa for standard view?

Can anyone park in the lot nearest the DVC portion of the parking lot or is it DVC only?

Is the campfire byo marshmallows? Can we also bring s’mores fixings?

I appreciate your help!

We haven't been in a few years, but I believe the photo you're referring to is just a basic family photo (no characters). The characters are inside the restaurant, and I don't think you'd be able to see them just walking by. At least this is how it has been every time we've gone. I'm sure someone on the dining board can verify.

If the campfire is the same as at Beach Club, they provide marshmallows, and you're welcome to bring chocolate and graham crackers for s'mores (as many do). They sold those things in the gift shop at Beach Club so I'd expect the same here (although I'm sure it'd be much cheaper to buy elsewhere).

Sorry, I can't answer your other questions. This is our first stay at the Poly, but we've been to 'Ohana many times.

 

[hereforthechurros]

October is a very popular month; it is not a low season any more, due to many schools with vacations in the month. Poly also has a large room block for Gartner IT the week of Columbus Day. In terms of DVC, fall is the big season for DVC points bookings, and Poly has added pressure due to all the points sold due to bungalows - but people didn't buy big enough contracts to book bungalows. So competition for studios can be bloody.

So I see! We’ve never gone in October but have read enough to know it’s crazy. We originall wanted November but that was pretty booked up too! Decided to bite the bullet because our son has a day off from school (not Columbus Day) and it’s my birthday and our anniversary the same day. Hoping to go in with a plan and enjoy the resort as much if not more than the parks!

 

[Rich M]

So I see! We’ve never gone in October but have read enough to know it’s crazy. We originall wanted November but that was pretty booked up too! Decided to bite the bullet because our son has a day off from school (not Columbus Day) and it’s my birthday and our anniversary the same day. Hoping to go in with a plan and enjoy the resort as much if not more than the parks!

I am going early October this trip and have the same attitude. I plan to utilize my FP and early mornings as much as possible and then relax in the afternoon and try to hit some park in the evening. We went at end of Oct 1st week of November one time and it wasn't that bad at all. We were there for 10 days though so we just did what we could over time and made sure we had FP for the highlights. I look forward to enjoying the Poly for sure.

 

[Cluelyss]

We arrive at MCO at 2:10 we are staying at Poly and have a 4:15 Ohana reservation will we make it?

I always allot 2 hours from landing to resort when taking ME. Staying at Poly it’s usually about 90 minutes. It’s doable, but leaves no room for error.

 

[Poohbear03]

I always allot 2 hours from landing to resort when taking ME. Staying at Poly it’s usually about 90 minutes. It’s doable, but leaves no room for error.

I have until September to hopefully find a little later time.....Hoping for someone to cancel. We have never been to
Ohana so I would like to try it. If not I saw you can order room service for the twilight feast, I just don't know if it will be as good as actually being in the dining room for the experience.

 

[Roxyfire]

I have until September to hopefully find a little later time.....Hoping for someone to cancel. We have never been to
Ohana so I would like to try it. If not I saw you can order room service for the twilight feast, I just don't know if it will be as good as actually being in the dining room for the experience.

I'm sure you'll be able to move it a bit later. Just use the Touring Plans Reservation Finder and that usually does the trick!

 

[bebec22]

Can anyone tell me what type of laundry detergent is available? I prefer the free & gentle or unscented kinds. I'm just wondering if that kind is available or if I should plan on bringing some from home. Oh, and we're staying in a studio, not sure if that makes a difference. Thanks!

 

[pepperandchips]

Can anyone tell me what type of laundry detergent is available? I prefer the free & gentle or unscented kinds. I'm just wondering if that kind is available or if I should plan on bringing some from home. Oh, and we're staying in a studio, not sure if that makes a difference. Thanks!

I did not use the laundry facilities at the Poly, but when we have stayed at other resorts there is a vending machine like in this photo that had dye/fragrance free soap:

https://www.traveltothemagic.net/laundry-facilities-walt-disney-world-resort/#jp-carousel-6705

From a closer look it appears to be Ares Green Preference. We usually just throw a few pods into a ziplock bag and put it in our suitcase so that we don't have to use unfamiliar soaps (I have sensitive skin and like the Arm & Hammer). If memory serves, the use of the machines is free for DVC stays but you'd still have to pay for the soap, and it's easier for me just to bring it.