Just back from 7 days at Poly

[dreamingdisney]

Thanks for the positive report ! We're staying at the Poly in early May (our first WDW trip). I've put in a request for a third floor Fiji room. We can't wait !!!

 

[imatoad]

Hey all you Poly first timers, you're gonna be hooked, go and enjoy the whole resort. I've stayed there 7 times, going on 8 this fall, and have never had a single problem. It's wonderful.

 

[Slapster]

We stayed at the Poly for 8 days in February. While I wouldn't trash the place it certainly isn't my favorite. A couple of things I liked first:

1. Location - it's great to hop right on the monorail and get to MK or walk to the TTC.
2. Cleanliness - the rooms were kept very well
3. Lobby - sitting in the lobby and listening to the waterfall is very soothing and relaxing.
4. Kona Cafe - the restaurant was delightful with very good service and the food was yummy. They were able to seat us at busy times with not much of a wait.

Things I didn't like:

1. The pervasive gas smell - I suppose from tiki torches that were not lit or out for some reason. Anywhere you walked there would be a strong odor of gas.
2. Dining options - if you are only there for a few days it may not be a big deal but the two restaurants are insufficient for a resort of that size.
3. Electric carts! This one really chapped me. The workers in those carts speed around the walkways like they own them. You'd be walking along enjoying the scenery when "screeeech!" one would come around the corner and almost mow you down. The CM's were very nice, but I think they should have designated service paths. This was a big negative for me.
4. O'hana - we had to wait 45 minutes the one time we had a PS, and the food was marginal at best. I'm not sure if we caught it on a bad day or what, and I like to eat somewhere at least twice before I give it a bad review, but since that's impossible I can only tell you my one experience there.

All that said, I think you will have a great time. Just go in knowing about these little things and you will still enjoy it.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Love the Poly!!!! Can't wait to be there in 57 days!!!!

 

[Tikiman]

Slapster,

Those are some great observations and I have to agree with some of them.

As for the gas smell I think they are still working out the new torches that are supposed to relight themselves if they go out. It does not always work and maybe in February it is windier than in the summer.

I like the dining options but I guess if that is all I had access to for over a week I would think it were not enough but it is so easy to go to the GF or Contemporary that I feel it is like an extension of the resort. I think Captain Cook’s could be improved and they are working on that now.

Electric carts are an issue that I have run into sometimes during the day but not every day. I have a feeling there would have to be a lot of complaints before it got back to those employees.

I think you have a good approach with trying a place twice before considering it not worth eating at. I have had mostly good experiences with ‘Ohana but sometimes were better than others. I should have taken your approach with ‘Ohana’s breakfast. I tried it once and it was horrible service and the food was just ok up to the point where the coffee got dumped on my camera with no apology. I should have tried it again since many seem to have a good experience with it in the morning.

Thanks for your comments.

Aloha

Steve

 

[DonnaW]

We are planning a land/sea package for our 25th anniversary in Sept, and plan on the Poly for the land portion. I am soaking up all of this Poly info like a sponge, so appreciate everyone sharing the good, and the bad! One thing I seem to be reading is that a lot of Poly guests go conceirge, and I know we have just a standard garden view room on the package. Will we be disappointed with that?

 

[imatoad]

I've never done concierge, but really don't need it. I get the GV to save a few $$ and have had really nice views, the last one was of the monorail, and we really liked that. The cost difference between GV and Lagoon view is substantial, as is concierge. The savings for me personally goes a long way for other things I want to do.

 

[Slapster]

I wanted to add that we were in Tokelau and really liked the location. It was close to the quiet pool and if you are walking back from the TTC (which we did mostly instead of hopping on the resort monorail) it doesn't take long to get there. Only a short walk to the Great Ceremonial House as well.

Tikiman - thanks for the comments. I agree that the GF and Contemporary add to the dining choices as they are very close by via monorail.

I thought the CM's were outstanding at this resort. Very friendly and although we didn't have many requests the ones we did make were accomodated in short order. We had a great time, but we are going to check out WL for our Thanksgiving trip this year. Had dinner at Whispering Canyon and loved the decor of the place.

 

[joliesmom]

Stayed at Poly Jan'04, booked for concierge only oops mistake Hawaii building would be closing in a few days. We had the option to spend few nights in Hawaii or relocate immediately. We relocated to Tokelau building and still had concierge services and they reimbursed us the cost. A little inconvenient but bearable. My compliants about the resort were that the building appeared old and worn and smelled musty and damp. To make this more evident we just came from a few nights at Universal at Royal Pacific which put Poly to shame. Probably won't do Poly again, but we do go there all the time for Ohana.

 

[alacazander]

We stayed at the poly last September. We were in room 1111 I believe. Had a fantastic view. The castle was dead center in front of us! You just can't beat sitting out on your patio watching the fireworks drinking a lapu lapu! Never having to leave your room to watch the water parade. Just getting a glance out the sliders at the beautiful colors of the castle changing colors! It was magnificent.

We felt like we had a private beach! Seems like everyone loves the pool! Which is fabulous! We were able to relax in a lounge chair and just watch our toddler in the pool thanks to the zero entry. Normally we'd have to be in the pool with the little fish for hours. What a nice break!

The food was fabulous from the lounge to Kona's, the Luau and even the character breakfast!

I could go on and on about how fabulous I think the poly is. If I could change anything it would be to brighten it up but that is part of the polynesian theme.

This year we are going back. My dh wanted to stay at the GF. Which seems like a very nice hotel too but my heart belongs with the relaxed palm trees and tiki torches so POLY HERE WE COME AGAIN!

 

[lovepooh]

So glad to hear you had a great trip! We went last year and absolutely loved it! How could you not, the grounds are beautiful. I love the decor in the rooms. The view from the beach is amazing. I loved looking at the castle at night from the hotel. We are staying at BWV this trip and I think I am going to be homesick for Poly. Hopefully next time!