Going up to WDW, first time at Polynesian . . .

[EJKorvette]

Next week we are driving up for a two-night stay at the Polynesian. In all the years we have been going up to the World, this is the first time for both of us to be actually staying at the Polynesian.

We have drank ourselves silly at the bar, and have eaten at the Kona Café several times. We have never actually stayed there though.

Is there anything we should look for? By that I mean out-of-the-way places, where else to eat, anything like that. We didn't book early enough to get an ADR at O'hana's; we're hoping for a last-minute cancellation.

Also we haven't been to the MK for over a year. I remember that Space Mountain has been refurbed; anything else?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jcarter29]

I think Ohana is ok but fairly overrated. Kona is MUCH better in my opinion. They have a great pork chop or steak and various seafood dishes. Also a great pastry chef. One of my favorite polynesian "extras" is being able to get a dole whip at capt cooks whenever i want.

some tips...if you are a light or early sleeper, be sure that your room is not in the buildings near the luau cove as you can hear it into the late evening. never bothered me, but i know it does some others.

the poly is my favorite hotel on earth so i hope that you have an unforgettable experience!
kim

 

[WaltD4Me]

Love the Poly! I always like to stop at Captain Hook's for an adult grilled cheese. YUM! We take it outside and sit on the patio to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

 

[hookedonears]

I think Ohana is ok but fairly overrated. Kona is MUCH better in my opinion. They have a great pork chop or steak and various seafood dishes. Also a great pastry chef. One of my favorite polynesian "extras" is being able to get a dole whip at capt cooks whenever i want.

some tips...if you are a light or early sleeper, be sure that your room is not in the buildings near the luau cove as you can hear it into the late evening. never bothered me, but i know it does some others.

the poly is my favorite hotel on earth so i hope that you have an unforgettable experience!
kim

Ditto. The only thing to add in addition is to be sure to do the water pageant parade at the beach each night if it's still running.

 

[EJKorvette]

Thanks for all your tips! In fact I am writing this from our room in the Hawaii building, facing the lagoon, and the Castle and Contemporary are right out the window!

We got up here this afternoon. Had to stop at each service plaza on the Turnpike to clear off all the dead lovebugs from the windshield.

Took forever for our room to be ready. We had a drink at the bar, had a snack at the concierge lounge, wandered around the lobby, then checked back with the concierge, and was told the room was ready.

After getting unpacked we went over to get in line to get a walk-up to `Ohana's at about twenty to five. They had room for us. After another drink at the bar (and seeing Clinta and Francisco the bartenders again) we were ready for `Ohana's.

I already had heard Pete's rant about this restaurant and was expecting really bad food and Whispering-Canyon-style craziness. Actually it was okay. I liked the wings, dumplings, broccoli, and noodles (although it could have been warmer). The chicken was great; was flavorful even without sauce. The steak was also flavorful. Didn't care for the pork.

The entertainment, the Hawaiian lady, was okay. The kids enjoyed doing the dances and singing the songs.

I love bread pudding and I love vanilla ice cream, so I loved dessert.

I was telling my girlfriend that it was better than the podcast made it out to be. Until the bill came. Seventy dollars for both of us! Although the food was good, it wasn't thirty-five dollars good. Next time we will just eat in the concierge lounge, or back at the Kona Café (she loves the sticky wings!).

Tonight we stay in the room, but will see the Water Pageant and the fireworks right here from the room! Tomorrow we will spend the day at Epcot, since we will be having dinner at Akerhus.

 

[Cherinva]

We stayed at the Poly for the first time last December....and we loved it. Have a wonderful trip !!!!

 

[mainegal]

If you thought O'Hana was expensive, what will you think of Akershus? At least at Akershus, you will get a nice photos with princesses.

At the Poly - be sure to have a DOle Whip!

(EJKorvette? When was the last time I was in a Korvette's?! I used to buy my record albums at Korvette's)

 

[ADP]

Next week we are driving up for a two-night stay at the Polynesian. In all the years we have been going up to the World, this is the first time for both of us to be actually staying at the Polynesian.

We have drank ourselves silly at the bar, and have eaten at the Kona Café several times. We have never actually stayed there though.

Is there anything we should look for? By that I mean out-of-the-way places, where else to eat, anything like that. We didn't book early enough to get an ADR at O'hana's; we're hoping for a last-minute cancellation.

Also we haven't been to the MK for over a year. I remember that Space Mountain has been refurbed; anything else?

Thanks in advance!

If you are looking for something romantic to do I'd suggest just going out to the beach, grabbing a couples swing, and watching Wishes from there. You can also take a walk along the pathway beside the beach to a place called Sunset Point. This area extends out into the lagoon and is elevated so it provides a great view of the Seven Seas Lagoon. It's a romantic spot, in fact weddings take place in this area on occasion.

In my personal opinion the Poly is the best place to rent a water mouse boat. The Seven Seas Lagoon is a great place to boat around with terrific views of all the resorts and the Magic Kingdom.

Have a great trip!

 

[EJKorvette]

If you thought O'Hana was expensive, what will you think of Akershus? At least at Akershus, you will get a nice photos with princesses.

At the Poly - be sure to have a DOle Whip!

(EJKorvette? When was the last time I was in a Korvette's?! I used to buy my record albums at Kovvette's)

We cancelled Akerhus, and just had appetizers at the lounge for dinner. We got lazy after taking a dip in the (surprisingly small) pool and didn't feel like taking two monorails and a long walk again just to have dinner. We can always do it next trip up.

I made it a point to have a Dole Whip here at the Poly!

As for Korvette's, the only thing worth buying there was the record albums!