Just back from Poly Hawaii building! any?

[wc80]

Just wanted to give a big thank you to everyone on these boards. You truly made my first family trip to Disney World amazing! My husband kept on asking me "how did you know about this?"

I went with my husband and 17 month old son.

I would be happy to answer any questions. We stayed at the Poly conciege Hawaii building for 3 nights on the 1st floor with great view of castle, GF, Contemp and MK. We took monorail and boat to MK and drove to AK . We ate at O'hana, Character Breakfast at GF, Hoop de doo review, Narcoscees (spell?), and Flame Tree BBQ. It was a wonderful trip!

Thanks again.

 

[jenanderson]

I am so glad that you had a great trip!

Due to some great fortunes on a bunch of things (getting bumped=free airline tickets, extra duties available at the school where I work=more $$$, etc) - my husband and I booked the Poly concierge for our 10th anniversary in December without the kids! We usually only go to Disney every couple of years and then do very budget trips so this is going to be a huge change for us.

I would love to hear about all of the following:
1. How was the concierge service? What did you use them for - if anything? Did you e-mail them and have them make your PS arrangements?
2. We have requested 3rd floor in order to have a balcony but I am concerned about the smoking optional (I don't want to smell a lot of smoke). Being on the 1st floor did you have a lot of traffic from people walking by your place all of the time? Did it still seem private enough? Did you ever sit outside and watch the fireworks from outside your room?
3. Did you use the concierge lounge? Was it a relaxing place to go? How was the food/snacks? I have heard sometimes it can be really noisy/busy with bunches of people - was it that bad?

I am sorry for all of the questions and thank you so much in advance for any of the questions you can answer! I am reading up all I can on this place and can't wait to go! Thanks again.

 

[wc80]

jen, i am happy to answer your questions.

#1 - concierge service was great. We were greeted at the main entrance by a nice person in a golf cart who took us and our luggage to the Hawaii building. As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted again and my son was given a bucket of treats (crayons/books etc). We went to our room, got organized and came back to the concierge desk to check in. At that time they had a printout of my PS info that they gave to me. I made my PS ahead of time and a couple of things were incorrect on that sheet and they changed things around on the spot. I used them to help me with PS and questions about the parks, they were very hepful and I never emailed them prior. I did receive a form about 2 wks before we left giving them info on our stay.

#2 - our room #1511 was SO private and I would recommend it! Sometimes people would sit on the hammocks - but besides that most of the time it was our own private beach. We watched the electric water parade and the fireworks, it was AWESOME!!!

#3 - we did not find the concerige lounge very busy, but we did not eat there that often. You can save a lot of $$ by eating breakfast there. We had only one breakfast and we hit it at the right time, it can get busy in the am. But we used it for afternoon snacks, we would get a tray of food/wine/snacks and bring it to our porch and eat outside while the baby slept. It was very relaxing before dinner. And it is great to grab a bunch of waters and fruit for the parks. The food was very good. Always something that appealed to us!

Enjoy, you will really love it.

 

[perpetualplanner]

Thanks for the great review and info. We arrive on Fri. for Poly. GV concierge. I'm really excited since this will be our first time concierge. Glad to hear it's everything you could hope for.

 

[wc80]

I am jealous, have a great and safe trip!

 

[jenanderson]

Thanks so much for the great information!

My biggest concern right now is that we are on a late flight (arriving in Orlando at 11:55 pm). By the time we get to the Poly it will be pretty late. I am hoping that we get a good room (have paid for Lagoon view - so I assume it should be good).

I am happy to hear that you felt your place was still private being on ground level. I may have to think about requesting that instead of the 3rd floor.

I have already made a couple of PS arrangements and am glad to see that they give you a print out to review. We booked the Hoop Dee Doo and the Polynesian Dinner Show (for our anniversary). I want to make a couple more dinner arrangements but won't do those until around 60 days out.

Thanks for answering all of my questions! I just love all of the help and information I find on this board.