Here now - 11/4-11/8

[2vets]

Here now - staying at Poly CL LV. Heading out in a bit, but wanted to post a few observations based on things I've seen recently on the boards:

- Room is great. We do have a connecting room. and there has been no issue with noise from there or elsewhere. I hadn't seen the Poly since refurb a few years ago, and it looks great, our room isn't worn at all. Not sure I'd opt to stay here again, but that's personal preference only - it has been wonderful so far.
- Had dinner at Kona Cafe last night. Waitress was visibly stressed and obviously had too many tables (I waited tables for years in college). Mousekeeping was at our room when we got back from the parks today around 3:30 - also looked visibly stressed. If I was going to bet on it, I'd guess that Disney is pushing some of their staff to the limit here.
- We did have turndown service last night. And were given extra chocolate
- Resort monorail down for a while yesterday around 5. We were directed to a bus substitute. Like an idiot, we got on the bus instead of walking to the TTC and taking the express monorail to MK, and the journey stopped first at both GF and CR, so it took over 45 minutes. Argh. Resort and express and Epcot monorails have all been running otherwise.
- We had a few FP+s in MK last night, then did EMH at DHS this morning and hopped over to Epcot. Crowded, but not insane yesterday. This morning's EMH were great, did 2x RNRC, 1 X TOT (both sides running), and 2x TSMM, in Epcot before 10:30. Started getting crazy with post-1/2 marathon runners by 2:30, so I imagine it's bonkers right now. I love FWF, but it's always best before 2 pm, IMO!!!

Hope this helps some of you! In general, I'd rate crowds at a 6. Very doable.

 

[Babsy]

Sounds like you are having a good time overall! Thanks for posting!!!

Hoping that you trip is magical in every way!!

 

[JerseyJanice]

Sounds like you’re having fun!

 

[mamamelody2]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[hllb]

Really good info. Thanks for sharing!

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

Please keep us updated on crowds for today and tomorrow if you don't mind.

Also, you say mouse keeping and the server at Kona seemed stressed. So does it seem like the Polynesian is full and the restaurants busy or is it that they have just scaled back the number of cast members?

 

[2vets]

So - it's gone well, we really did everything we wanted, even more than I thought we'd manage. I'm not gonna lie, it's crowded. We don't have kids, and DH is being a wonderful sport (e.g., he waited in line with me for FEA, although it was semi-painless at 30 min), so that has helped a lot! It's been a 6/10 edging on a 7, I'd say - and it's been pretty hot the last couple of days, so that's not fabulous. Everything is manageable, but much easier if you get to parks at opening, book FP+'s for once things get busier (10-11 am or later).

[QUOTE="OnSpaceshipEarth

Also, you say mouse keeping and the server at Kona seemed stressed. So does it seem like the Polynesian is full and the restaurants busy or is it that they have just scaled back the number of cast members?[/QUOTE]

The resort was extraordinarily full and busy over the weekend due to the 1/2 marathon. But we have seen signs of higher stress levels than expected in other CMs as well ((keep in mind that I haven't been to WDW much in the last decade). I do think they have cut staff. It's been better the last few days - our room has been cleaned before 3 pm, and we've had reliable turndown service (read: chocolate delivery) every night.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

So - it's gone well, we really did everything we wanted, even more than I thought we'd manage. I'm not gonna lie, it's crowded. We don't have kids, and DH is being a wonderful sport (e.g., he waited in line with me for FEA, although it was semi-painless at 30 min), so that has helped a lot! It's been a 6/10 edging on a 7, I'd say - and it's been pretty hot the last couple of days, so that's not fabulous. Everything is manageable, but much easier if you get to parks at opening, book FP+'s for once things get busier (10-11 am or later).

So - it's gone well, we really did everything we wanted, even more than I thought we'd manage. I'm not gonna lie, it's crowded. We don't have kids, and DH is being a wonderful sport (e.g., he waited in line with me for FEA, although it was semi-painless at 30 min), so that has helped a lot! It's been a 6/10 edging on a 7, I'd say - and it's been pretty hot the last couple of days, so that's not fabulous. Everything is manageable, but much easier if you get to parks at opening, book FP+'s for once things get busier (10-11 am or later).

[QUOTE="OnSpaceshipEarth

Also, you say mouse keeping and the server at Kona seemed stressed. So does it seem like the Polynesian is full and the restaurants busy or is it that they have just scaled back the number of cast members?

The resort was extraordinarily full and busy over the weekend due to the 1/2 marathon. But we have seen signs of higher stress levels than expected in other CMs as well ((keep in mind that I haven't been to WDW much in the last decade). I do think they have cut staff. It's been better the last few days - our room has been cleaned before 3 pm, and we've had reliable turndown service (read: chocolate delivery) every night.

Thanks 2vets!

Sounds like you two are having a great time.

I'm jealous...I think the Poly may be my favorite resort of all.