First time at Poly, what should I know?

[PLibster]

Ok, its almost here and I can hardly wait! This is my families first time at the Poly(ME,DH, DS7, DD5). We have never been during Christmas and we have only ever stayed at CBR. We are going to the MVMCP and we are going to Chef Mickey's for dinner one night. So, what are some things we need to know about the resort that we shouldn't miss. What about all the activities at the parks? Oh, and I know one evening we will go look at all the resorts decorations. I just want to make sure I get it all in and that everything is soooo magical since this is our families Christmas gift this year. Thanks for any help!!!

 

[eller]

You didn't say what your dates are, but this is the schedule I have for Holiday events at the resort.

December 20-23, 2002 - there will be music performances nightly at 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, and 8:00pm from various local choirs and handbell groups.
December 24, 2002 - Santa will be available from 5-9pm in the main lobby of the Great Ceremonial House.

We don't arrive at the Poly until the 22nd, so I don't know what falls before the 20th.

Have a great trip!

Lori

 

[A Mickeyfan]

One thing that isn't too well known is that the Neverlands Kids Club is open during the day & it is free as long as you stay with your children. If you want to sit & relax while they do some arts & crafts or games... it is a nice place to visit. In the lobby there are usually children's activities around the "kid's TV area". Sometimes they have some fresh baked cookies there too. At one point during the day (I think somewhere around 3-4pm) there are free games in the game room too. I am not sure if that is still available, but it is worth checking into if it's rainy or just want a change from the parks... Don't forget the Electric Water Parade on the lagoon at night as well as the great view of the Fireworks (without the crowds in the park). Be sure to visit: The BoardWalk, Y&B Club, GF & WL (WL has the best Christmas tree in my opinion) to see all of the wonderful decorations. There is just so much to see & do during the Christmas season that it is almost impossible to do it all.....but try!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PLibster]

Oh, I forgot to say we will be there from December 6-14th. We didn't want to go during peak season so we are taking the kids out of school for a week . Oh well! Thanks for the replies so far. Anyone else?

 

[JESW]

Try to get front seats on the monorail! Especially the ride to EPCOT..it's great!

Your kids will love the Polynesian!

Jill

 

[Soccer Princess]

PLibster- Just wanted to say have a great time. We'll be at the Poly Dec 7-10. At Epcot, make sure to visit the Santas Around the World. They each tell their story from that country and you can get pictures with each of them!! It's really neat. Have fun!!

 

[Emilys_Dad]

Don't forget 'Ohana and Kona, two of the best restaurants on the Disney property.

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Have a wonderful time! I posted this elsewhere, but it's worth posting again,

When you go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, you should be able to remain in the Magic Kingdom after normal closing time until the party starts. They distribute wrist bands to identify party-goers.

But if you go back to the room, take the Polynesian's BOAT (from the little dock near the big pool) to the party. You probably will be allowed to go into the Magic Kingdom before the official party starting time. But the monorail and big ferry boat may be held at the Transpotation Center until just before the party starts.

If possible, see the parade from along the stores part of Main Street. The best lighting is there, and it will snow from the roof tops of the stores. The views from the top of the Train Station or down by the castle are nice, too, but darker. Unless you have small children who can't stay awake, plan to see the 2nd parade. During the first parade is a great time to see the Tomorrowland Theater show - Mickey's Night Before Christmas.

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Forgot to mention:
MGM / Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights - You must see this. Plan enough time (about 30 minutes) to see and enjoy it all.

Fountain at EPCOT has Christmas music with the dancing waters. Also the lighted arch at EPCOT has a lighting ceremony every night. It's a tame show, but magical. I love it. Once the arch is on, the lights change along with the music including a real show for "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy".

If possible, see EPCOT's "Candlellight Processional" show. You can buy a dinner package or stand in line (1 hour early) to get in free. We've done it both ways. Last year we were seated for free in almost the exact seats that we'd paid for another year.

It's a busy time of the year for riding rides, and the lines are long. In contrast, it's the absolute best time of the year for parades, shows, decorations. At Christmas time I can spend all day in a park and never ride a ride and still say that it was a perfect Disney day.

 

[Cinderella03]

We have stayed at the Poly 10 times, (I'm only 24 yrs. old!) and we'll be staying there next year for our Fairytale Wedding...There couldn't be a more wonderful resort--absolutely love it!!
Ohana's is delicious and fun!
Don't forget to check out the Osbourne Family Lights at MGM--a must see!!!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

We spent a week at Poly before Christmas last year (boy am I missing it now!)

The beach at Poly is a wonderful place to see the fireworks from the MVMCP, on the nights you don't attend it. The fireworks for the party are much better then normal fireworks.


Be prepared for lots and lots of Hawian Christmas music.

Beware of the monorail back to the resort after MK closes on a night it is open late. Last year we waited 1 hour to get back to the resort on the monrail, so many people who aren't staying at Poly park there, or go to the restrant after the parks close. Try the boat instead of even going to TTC and walking home from there.

Have a wonderful trip.