Just back from our BEST STAY EVER at the POLYNESIAN!! **ADDING PICS NOW!**

[Pocahantas]

Your pictures are awesome! Only 2 more years for me to wait to stay there for the first time on my 40th birthday - its the only reason I am looking forward to turning 40!

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous photos!!!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Right when I think I've decided to stay at The Wilderness Lodge again, I had to go and look at those pictures.

Our camera broke the third day into our stay, in June, so I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I'd have like to. Seeing those photos brought back how much we enjoyed our stay!

 

[starwatcher]

am glad you had a great trip can't wait for mine. i wish sept would hurry up and get here

 

[mickeysaver]

Only 2 more years for me to wait to stay there for the first time on my 40th birthday - its the only reason I am looking forward to turning 40!

Funny you should say this......same holds true here....except that I am turning 40 this year! Maggie

 

[mcrabeck]

Thank you for posting all the great Poly pictures! We are heading back in 2 months and your post is a great way to get us excited!

 

[SeaSpray]

First of all, thank you EVERYONE for all of the nice comments about the pictures, and for the Happy Anniversary wishes. This trip was one of my favorite anniversaries ever.

Thanks so much for posting the pics! They're beautiful! Makes me even more excited about our Sept stay at the Poly, especially since you had a great stay!

BUT....
Now it makes me think we need to spend a whole day just to check out the resort! The pool and the beach look so cool! It is worth it to take a whole day just to do a resort day? I'm thinking about maybe going to TL for a few hours and speding the rest of the day at the resort.

We didn't take a full day on this trip to enjoy the resort, only a half of a day, but I really wish we had because honestly, I'm starting to enjoy the resort just a bit more than the parks these days. lol I think the idea of going to Typhoon Lagoon or some other activity for part of a day, then the rest of the day at the resort, is excellent. The Polynesian resort (just like many other WDW resorts) is a destination unto itself.

Ooh, SeaSpray, just one quick question, what are the opening and close times of the pool please? Also, do you know what times the lifeguards are on duty and can you use the pool after they are off duty?

Thanks.

I know that Tess already answered your question but I just wanted to add a comment about the lifeguards at WDW. Not only at the Polynesian, but at every resort I've ever been to, the lifeguards there are top-notch They're constantly walking around, watching, keeping their eyes on the water and the people who are in the pool. This always impresses me.

Going swimming late at night (around midnight) is always a favorite activity at the Polynesian. Even though the fireworks over the castle are over, you can still see the castle from the pool and watch it change colors all night long.

Tery-once again really wonderful photos! You have a knack for really capturing the feel of a resort.

I loved your POR photos too as that is where I'm headed next.

Maybe someday we'll be at WDW at the same time. I'ld love to meet up with another MA Disney fanatic at the happiest place on earth.

I think you'll really love POR. Like I said before, I was quite pleasantly surprised at just how beautiful and nicely themed that resort is.

Hi Seaspray!

We are finally home.

Great photos!

What a great time we all had. It was soooo nice meeting you, John and everyone else. The Polynesian was in great shape and everything was just perfect. I hope we can all meet again sometime during another visit. As ConcKahuna said we want to see a pic of that awesome Tiki when it arrives!

Hi Aaron!!!! It was SOOOO nice to meet you, your DW, and your beautiful DD, on this trip. I really wish we would've had a lot more time to just sit, chat, and talk about how much we love the Polynesian. LOL!! I do hope we're able to meet again during another visit. How about next May?? LOL We're considering going back to WDW with John's aunt who hasn't been there in 20 years, in early May. We're not positive of the dates yet, but we've been there in early May a few times now and the weather has always been great, and the crowds very manageable.

I will definitely share a picture of our Tiki Room drummer when it arrives! On our last day (Monday), we went to the Tiki Room specifically to see where the drummer appears in the show. There are a few of them along the ceiling in the show, and they light up and drum during certain portions of the show. Here's a picture of him(them) in action, inside the Tiki Room (it's one of the drummers that you can see from the side, they're all identical, and it's exactly what ours looks like):

From what I've been told, he stands a couple of feet tall, his arms "drum" up and down, and the drum itself lights up! He'll look cool in our family room. I think all of you DIS people that I met need to come here to MA to visit him!!!

Hooray Seaspray's back! Wow am I glad to hear you had such a great stay at the Poly. I wasn't worried about the handful of negative comments recently on these boards but it's nice to hear from a true Poly nut that things are as magical as ever there. The photos you took are absolutely gorgeous. I'm getting so psyched for our upcoming Poly venture just by scrolling through them. You've really captured the spirit of the resort with your photos. The new speakers sound (no pun inteneded) likes a great improvement and one I've been hoping for for a long time. Are they still doing movies on the beach at night or was that just a trial thing? We're staying LVC and I requested 3rd floor, close to the lounge...I hope we get your room (3502, right?). Welcome back! Aloha!

Hi! I didn't notice any movies on the beach at all, and we were swimming in the pool each night, and I think I would've noticed. From what I understand, it was a trial thing, and it sounds like fun so I hope they decide to bring it back again.

Yes, we were in room #3502 on this trip, and we've also been in #3503, and #3517 on a couple of trip.

Does anyone know if the pirate punch with the light up clip is included in the DDP or is it extra? Thanks!

I'm not really sure, none of us were on the DDP. I know that I've seen this asked over on the Restaurants Board though

Great report and pictures, SeaSpray!

I'd love to hear your thoughts when you return from the Explorer of the Seas vacation. We are sailing on her in June08. Will you write a report on that? Do you post on any other "boards"?

TIA!

I do post over on Cruise Critic, but mainly on our "Meet & Mingle" thread. I'll be making a web page with the pictures from that cruise, including my comments, but I'm not sure if I'll do an actual trip report. Feel free to send me email or a PM after I get back though, if you want to ask specific questions

Right when I think I've decided to stay at The Wilderness Lodge again, I had to go and look at those pictures.

Our camera broke the third day into our stay, in June, so I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I'd have like to. Seeing those photos brought back how much we enjoyed our stay!

Sorry about that! LOL It is a difficult decision sometimes when trying to figure out which resort to stay at. We just got off the phone with my DH's aunt, and she is definitely interested in going to WDW with us next May. However, we're not sure what her price range affordability will be for the resort, so unfortunately we may not be staying at the Polynesian for that trip, so we'd stay at the WL instead.

We're kind of hoping she'll say "Yes!" to the Polynesian, but we're unsure of her finances and don't want to put her in an uncomfortable position. We'd want to go to for 7 days, but if she can afford only 5 days at the Polynesian then I'd rather cut the trip short by 2 days, and stay in a garden view non-concierge room, just to stay there. She's coming over for dinner tomorrow night and to see our pictures, so we'll give her all of the cost information then, and hope for the best.

 

[SeaSpray]

Wow! Thanks for those pictures. Glad to hear that your stay was so wonderful! And happy anniversary!
Next year my husband and I will be celebrating our 15th and are planning a trip to the Poly. I just had a question about your room. When you book the club level, are you able to book a magic kingdom view, or is it hit or miss?
TIA

When you book concierge at the Polynesian you can book either "Lagoon view" or "Garden View". ALL of the lagoon view rooms face the lagoon and Magic Kingdom/Castle. All of the garden view rooms face the quiet pool. A few of those rooms seemed to have trees or shrubs in the way, but most had wide-open views of the garden/quiet pool area.

I was looking at the lagoon view rooms and I really don't think any of them are obstructed anymore. Even if you have a palm tree in front of your room, it doesn't completely block your view. For example, when we were in room #3503, there was a tall palm tree in front of us, but those balconies are a nice size, and only a small part of the tree blocked a small part of the view, and that was ONLY if you made yourself stand directly behind the tree. A half of a step in either direction gave you a full, clear view of the the lagoon and castle/MK

 

[NCardella]

SeaSpray, thanks for replying! (I don't know how to do those "quote boxes"). I'll keep in touch after you return from EoS trip! Have a great time!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Sorry about that! LOL It is a difficult decision sometimes when trying to figure out which resort to stay at. We just got off the phone with my DH's aunt, and she is definitely interested in going to WDW with us next May. However, we're not sure what her price range affordability will be for the resort, so unfortunately we may not be staying at the Polynesian for that trip, so we'd stay at the WL instead.

We're kind of hoping she'll say "Yes!" to the Polynesian, but we're unsure of her finances and don't want to put her in an uncomfortable position. We'd want to go to for 7 days, but if she can afford only 5 days at the Polynesian then I'd rather cut the trip short by 2 days, and stay in a garden view non-concierge room, just to stay there. She's coming over for dinner tomorrow night and to see our pictures, so we'll give her all of the cost information then, and hope for the best.

I could think of worse places to have to settle for, than the WL!

We may end up staying there, since it'll just be the two of us this trip, and make do with a dinner at Kona. Oh, the torture.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

<stomping feet and whining> Why can't I LIVE there!?

 

[byoung]

Great report and great photoes.

 

[Bride In The Attic]

I was so looking forward to your report! I love your passion for the Poly and I love reading about your visits. We are Poly vets but this December will be our first CL stay and we are so excited!

Your pics are fabulous - I can smell the GCH just looking at them!

I also have to add that I love your family trip site and all of the Jersey Shore stuff. I'm living in Texas now but spent every summer for the first 19 years of my life in Stone Harbor and miss it terribly. We are planning a trip next summer to show our girls what life at the beach is like!

 

[LovintheLodge]

Your pictures are FANTASTIC!! I've never stayed at the Polynesian, just visited when eating at Ohana's and we walked around the resort a little.

I have to go back and visit your website again. I need to check out your Jersey Shore 'stuff'...after all, I am a Jersey Girl. I saw in your signature that you are going on Explorer of the Seas this October. My family is going on our first cruise (9 days) next July on that same ship!

 

[Tink561]

Your pictures are great! I miss the Poly so much and am trying to get excited about our upcoming stay at POR.

I am looking forward to going, especially since it is our new daughter's first time but I'm already longing and planning our next return to our favorite... Poly concierge!

 

[scoutsmom99]

WOW! I'm so excited to stay at the Polynesian for the first time in September. Thank-you for the detailed report and the all the pictures. The pool/beach area looks just devine

 

[Dizzyworld]

Hi Terry,

Thanks for the great pictures as always. You do such a nice job. In 13 days we will be heading to WDW and the Wonder then to the POLY. Looking forward to our visit. Just wish the group was going to be together, maybe in the future.

Take care dear friend.
Hugs to all,
Shirley

 

[Sea Turtles]

AWESOME pics!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm glad you had a magical trip.
We'll be at the Poly in 36 days (but who's counting?)

 

[SeaSpray]

Here's a picture that my DH took of the Hawaii building, from the boat on the way back from MK:

I could think of worse places to have to settle for, than the WL!

We may end up staying there, since it'll just be the two of us this trip, and make do with a dinner at Kona. Oh, the torture.

Oh I didn't mean that the WL is not a great place to stay!! I just meant.... oh, you know what I mean! When you love a particular resort, you know it is when it's your overall favorite! LOL

Anyway, Aunt Esther came over last night, saw our pictures of the Polynesian, and decided she absolutely wants to stay there with us on our next trip in May! YAY! Let the next countdown begin! I just have to pick the exact dates after I check DSs' school calendars.

Have a great trip!

I was so looking forward to your report! I love your passion for the Poly and I love reading about your visits. We are Poly vets but this December will be our first CL stay and we are so excited!

Your pics are fabulous - I can smell the GCH just looking at them!

I also have to add that I love your family trip site and all of the Jersey Shore stuff. I'm living in Texas now but spent every summer for the first 19 years of my life in Stone Harbor and miss it terribly. We are planning a trip next summer to show our girls what life at the beach is like!

I hope you enjoy the Hawaii building! We really love it; we like knowing that even if our room isn't ready when we get there we have the lounge to relax in, a place to hold our carry-ons if we want to head out to the pool or a park, and get some snacks and a cold drink. Same thing on the day that we check out, you have access to the lounge until midnight of your check out day.

I hope you and your family have a great time at the Jersey Shore! I'll be there in 2 weeks! I just saw some pictures that my DNiece took from her stay there this past week and the beach and ocean look gorgeous! I honestly don't remember the shore looking so good when I was growing up, as it has in the last several years.

Your pictures are FANTASTIC!! I've never stayed at the Polynesian, just visited when eating at Ohana's and we walked around the resort a little.

I have to go back and visit your website again. I need to check out your Jersey Shore 'stuff'...after all, I am a Jersey Girl. I saw in your signature that you are going on Explorer of the Seas this October. My family is going on our first cruise (9 days) next July on that same ship!

I really should add more pictures of my visits to the Jersey shore. It's highly underrated! LOL

I'm counting down to our Explorer cruise, which coincidently leaves from NJ. lol I hope you have a great time on your cruise next summer! Check my website after my cruise this fall, I'll be posting pictures of it.

Your pictures are great! I miss the Poly so much and am trying to get excited about our upcoming stay at POR.

I am looking forward to going, especially since it is our new daughter's first time but I'm already longing and planning our next return to our favorite... Poly concierge!

I think you'll have a great time at POR! Like I've said before, I really loved the theming and grounds there, it really felt like I was at "Disney" since it reminded me of my favorite parts of the Magic Kingdom The rooms are really nice, too, and I was impressed with the size and cleanliness of the food court. Please post when you get back, I'd like to hear how you enjoyed it!

Hi Terry,

Thanks for the great pictures as always. You do such a nice job. In 13 days we will be heading to WDW and the Wonder then to the POLY. Looking forward to our visit. Just wish the group was going to be together, maybe in the future.

Take care dear friend.
Hugs to all,
Shirley

Hi Shirley!

I was thinking of you while I was at the MK! I saw some of the new "2007" bricks, and I tried to find one that said "Shirley and Ron etc" but I didn't see it. I almost took pictures of all of the 2007 bricks that I did see, in the hopes that some of them would belong to a DISer, but it started to rain and I had to run for cover! LOL

I hope you have a WONDERful time on the Wonder (I know you will!!!) and at WDW! I know what you mean about the group though, I really miss everyone, and I do have hopes of another group vacation, some year! lol

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Oh I didn't mean that the WL is not a great place to stay!! I just meant.... oh, you know what I mean! When you love a particular resort, you know it is when it's your overall favorite! LOL

I knew you knew what I knew you knew!

Seriously, I did.

Anyway, Aunt Esther came over last night, saw our pictures of the Polynesian, and decided she absolutely wants to stay there with us on our next trip in May! YAY! Let the next countdown begin! I just have to pick the exact dates after I check DSs' school calendars.

Have a great trip!

I don't know what we're going to do now. I've been researching adults-only activities, and I'm thinking it might be better for us to be on the monorail, or at an EPCOT resort. We could end up back at the Poly!

Decisions, decisions, decisions...