Just back from Poly and had a GREAT experience

[Lollipop Mom]

After several people have recently posted bad Poly experiences, I thought I'd share ours so anyone leaving soon knows it's not all bad. Not saying these people didn't have valid complaints, just saying that it's still possible to have a fabulous time.

We arrived on 10/14. It was just me with my 2 & 4 year old sons. We were meeting up with 2 friends there. One was traveling with her family (DH and 2 DDs ages 4 and 1) and the other was sharing our room with her 2 DDs (4 & 2). My sons and I arrived and were checked in very quickly by a great CM. She went over our requests and gave me several options to pick from. The biggest thing for us was that we wanted to make sure we had a balcony or patio so my friend and I could sit outside and chat once the kids went to sleep. She told me what sort of views were available and we ended up looking at rooms with a view of the monorail because my sons are HUGE monorail fans. We could have had a room with a different view but it wouldn't be as convenient to the GCH and with us each there with 2 kids alone, convenience was huge. The CM went over a few options for the room and let me pick what I wanted. We ended up in Raratonga on the first floor. Very close to the door into Raratonga so we were literally feet from the CGH. Our patio had a view of lots of tropical plants and the monorail. Even though we faced the parking lot, you couldn't see parking lot at all. Perfect for us. The plants right outside kept the kids from wandering far and there was a rabbit that liked to come visit every now and then.

Every CM we encountered was great. Our requests for things like a fridge (no charge), coffee pot and crib were all taken care of within minutes. Mousekeeping was great. We requested turn down service for each night mainly b/c we had 2 in diapers so the extra trash removal was a big help. We didn't have stuffed animals to arrange and we didn't get towel animals but the room was always spotless with fesh towels, extra mickey soaps etc.

The room had NO trace of mold or musty smell. I was very concerned about this as I have horrible allergies and asthma but it wasn't a problem at all.

I couldn't have asked for a better stay! We were more than happy with everything and will definitely be back!

 

[DisneyDW]

Thanks for the report! I'm so happy to hear the positive reports on Poly coming in. Glad you had a great time! I'm so looking forward to our visit there next year.

 

[JRoglitz]

We stayed at the Polynesian October 5th - 12th and had a fabulous time. We were in room 1605 in the Somoa building just where I had requested. The room was in great shape and close to everything. Every CM we came in contact with was VERY helpful and pleasant. If you have young children and need a break in the afternoon take advantage of the Neverland Club between 12 and 4. You could take your child in for free to do crafts, play games, watch movies, etc. It was a nice treat for my DD. We had a great stay!

 

[Tikiman]

I agree that the people who left the negative posts had valid reasons for complaining about the resort. I have read about 10 reports from people who just returned and had a perfect visit and all that says is that there are always problems at every resort but I still believe the majority of visitors to the Polynesian and any other Disney resort have a great time. I think this also shows you that you can have someone who gets a bad room but this does not mean the whole building or the whole resort is just as bad. I have actually seen people say that no one should stay in the building they did because their room was bad. I have a hard time telling others not to stay in a particular building just because of a bad report because I will get 3 or 4 others who stayed there the same time and loved their room in the same building.

Well Thanks for the report and hopefully there will be more good experiences than bad.

 

[rcraw45425]

on the 8th and 9th. This was the second leg of our trip, we started at the WL on the night of the 5th. This was our first poly experience and for the most part it was pleasant. We checked in around 10:30-11AM, no room ready. I'd requested 3rd floor Samoa, volcano pool side. We went to DTD and tried back abour our room assignment. We had a few glitches, mostly because of the room request. They had the room for us but it kept coming up as uncleaned. Mark the manager went over and came back and told us that housekeeping wanted our stay to be super nice so they cleaned our carpet! A little more delay getting the room but he compensated us by buying our dinner that night. Great of him to do that, it wasn't expected but was definitely appreciated. Room was lovely, spacious, not gloomy. No signs of mold or mustiness anywhere that I saw. Our only complaints were that there were people on our floor that were inconciderate and allowed their kids to run screaming down the hallways during normal sleeping hours. Oh and th evolcano pool was closed on Saturday evening into Sunday morning for sanitizing, but I read on here that someones kid barfed in it, YUCK! I really liked the atmosphere and did not feel that I was staying in a Bamboo Holiday Inn as someone posted th eother day. Believe me, we were in a Holiday Inn (on Irlo Bronson) in April due to a mixup on my part with our spring break trip. THE POLY AIN'T NO HOLIDAY INN is what my kids would say! Can't beat the monorail convenience either. We may try it again next trip, depends on what the codes look like......

Oh yeah, all of the CM's that we came in contact with were courteous. Kudos especially to TJ and Sean at guest services. They went above and beyond for me during the check in dilemma. Even gave DD7 (who was having a meltdown at the desk because she thought this would mean we were going to be late to the party) extra leis and pointed her in the direction of the lovely "ukelele lady" as we call her. She strummed and played games with the kids for what seemed like forever, then brought out a tray of fresh baked cookies that Minnie had just baked! Truly great people, or maybe we were just lucky......

 

[Susiesnowflake]

Lollipop Mom,
Thanks for posting about your trip to the Polynesian. So glad you all had a wonderful time. The Polynesian is my absolute favorite resort, so I love to hear about other people having happy and memorable stays. I feel so bad for those that have not. I always wish I could share my memories/experiences with others.....other than my one musty/mildewy smelling room there. As I previously stated though, even having had one bad room, I would still recommend the Polynesian to everyone I know. And I count the days til I can return. Soon!

 

[hookedondizney]

Well, this thread makes me feel better! We were at the Poly in May and are returning shortly........I know our stay in May was perfect because I went there not expecting anything. I enjoyed our stay there because it was clean, beautiful view (Tahiti bldg), nice CM's, and great food. I am so excited about our visit this time because we are going to MNSSHP!
Thanks for the great reports!
Hookedondizney

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

Yeah, another positive report on the Poly!

So glad you had an enjoyable stay. We can't wait to be back at the Poly in only 2 more sleeps!!!

Debbie

 

[Chicago526]

I'm happy to hear about these positive reports, too! BF and I will be there for 8 nights in Dec. and I want everything to be as perfect as can be. I'm not the type to let bad things ruin my trip, but this is such a special vacation for us that I can't help wanting things to be extra nice.

I picked the Poly because when we originally were looking to go on a vacation, we were thinking of Jamaica. Then BF heard me going on and on about WDW and said we should go there instead. So I thought a tropical theme would be a perfect choice! Plus I couldn't get my discount at the WL .

Anyway, the negitive reports had me a bit nervous. I don't tend to interact with CM's a lot, so bad CM reports didn't bother me too much. But I insist on a clean and functioning room, especially at these prices. I was worried we'd check in and find out this place is a dump!

I'm sure all the negative posts were valid, I don't think they were making anything up---far from it. But it sounds like either the Poly has things back under control, or that the bad experiances posted were isolated incidents (not that it makes it okay for those that bad experiances).

All I can say is, that if I do get a bad room or bad treatment, I'll calmly but firmly assert my rights until things are fixed. I'm talking about major problems, not little ones. I guess at the end of the day, that's all you can really do.

Thanks again, everyone!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I was at the Poly 10/3-8 and had a great first stay there. I initially requested Raratonga but were placed in Tahiti. We were a little disappointed at first but it worked out well for us because of its proximity to the TTC. Our room was also steps from the beach and we often went there to watch Wishes! The CM checking us in was a little grumpy but we later learned it was because they had nearly 200 families to check in that day. I ran into him on another day and he was quite friendly

 

[hmmchowell]

I love hearing positive things about the Poly. We will be there in two weeks eating at Ohana's at this very moment. It will be our first trip!!!!I'm so excited!!!!! I requested one of the rooms in Tokelau that is at the beach end of the building so we could sit out on the patio and see the fireworks. I hope we can get it, but if not, it still won't ruin it for me!!

 

[dpuck1998]

We also had a fantastic time at the Poly. Were were there from Oct 8 - 15. The room was 1947 in Tokelau. Ground Floor next to the quiet pool. If you look out to the right you could see the castle. I did have a couple of minor issues, but overall the stay was fabulous.

Now that I mentioned how great it was, on check in the CM was worthless. I parked the car and my wife went in to check in. It was fairly late and it wasn't busy. My wife waited for me since she wasn't sure what I'd put in for a room request. So I get there and the CM asks me about the room request so I give her the rundown of the three buildings we hoped to be in, during the time she talked so quiet I could hear a word she was saying. After 10 minutes of trying to communicate with her and giving her our hopeful buildings she says "your in Tokelau" ok..thanks for the waste of time....regardless, we love the location and the room...which I believe was a handicap room as it seemed larger?? Anyone know??

No bigge, CM was just a little clueless....

We didn't have our fridge so I called down to get it...around 9:30...at 10:00 not there yet...so I called again...they tell me its on the way...I call again at 10:15 to tell them to nevermind until tomorrow since we are going to bed...they tell me its already been dispatched and will be there in a minute..it arrives at 10:30..no biggie, all is well and the guy delivering it was super nice.

Our final night at the Poly, parden my sterotyping, some redneck hillybilly arrives next door. At 9:30 the radio come on while he sits on the patio (after yelling vulgarities at his kids to go inside)
He isn't really going to leave that thing blarring is he?? Yep he is...about 9:45 I call the front desk and they say "we will let them know" the radio gets louder...10:00 I call again....10:15 again and this time she says she is sending the manager over.....10:45 still going and I call and they say the manager is busy and hasn't been able to get there yet....hmm....thanks for the update. I decide to walk to the GCH. CM is helpful and goes to talk to the manager who then sends security over and they arrive about 11:00 and the music is off and all is well again....lucky for me the kids could sleep through it. But it really shouldn't have taken over and hour for someone to talk to them. No biggie again and all is well, we had to pack up anyway that night so we were up late getting ready to leave the next morning.

Overall we had a great trip with those few minor annoyances. The Poly was as great as I'd hoped and I will have a hard time staying elsewhere until my kids gets to thier teenage years.

but don't get me started on the pool hoping and non-poly folks on the beach

Last note....is the poly beach non-smoking?? lots of smokers out there and its very annoying...and lots of cig butts..why are smokers such pigs with butts?

 

[Tikiman]

Aloha dpuck1998,

No the Polynesian beach is not non-smoking and neither is the pool area. I agree that they should at least clean up after themselves.

As far as the room being handicap the only way to tell is if the bathroom had a roll in shower. The rooms are all larger in Tokelau.

Thanks for the report.

Aloha

Steve

 

[PamNC]

It's our favorite resort - just became our favorite this year. We went in February and fell in love with it. So much so that we returned in July. Great experiences both times. We thought the CMs were absolutely wonderful. Everything about our time at the Poly has been positive. Every resort will eventually get some negative "press" here on the boards. Heck, I've slammed WL and goodness knows it's the most popular resort on here. We, however, experienced bad CMs and slow transporation during our stay.

I think it's important to not let the negative comments sway your decision. Instead see for yourself. What's bad for one person may not be for another.

As far as the Poly - we love it and will continue to stay there until we personally have a bad experience. We're going for Thanksgiving weekend and we're trying the Swan. We'll see...

PamNC