We just returned from our first visit of 8 nights at the Poly and now can't imagine staying anywhere else. 
We are a family of five travelling with myself, DH, DD (7), DS (4) and DGM. When we originally booked I had asked CRO for 2 connecting rooms in Samoa - that was it. As time got closer I decided I would rather have 1st floor facing the Volcano Pool. So on Tuesday prior to leaving I faxed a room request directly to the Poly ( I figured it couldn't hurt). We arrived on Friday 4/15 about 5:00 p.m. and were whisked through check-in. The CM checking us in was very friendly. He suggested walking to our rooms and then calling for luggage since it was so close. We ended up being in rooms 1608 & 1609 which are 1st floor Samoa with a direct center view at the Volcano pool! 
We called for our luggage which was brought within 5 minutes - very fast and efficient. The location was great. We could come and go as we pleased to the pool and the beach. It was so quick and convenient if we needed to "run" back to our rooms for anything. We were a 2 minute walk to GCH or Marina, about 5 minutes to either bus or TTC - GREAT LOCATION!
We requested two refridgerators (1 for each room) from Mousekeeping which were brought up within 15 minutes - Again very fast and efficient.
The resort itself I found to be very relaxed, beautifully landscaped and a lot of fun with all its amenities including the restaurants, beach, pool and marina. It was great coming back at night from a long day at the Parks and strolling through the grounds. It was an immediate relaxation. Everywhere we went we heard "Aloha"
Mousekeeping was very good - no towel animals but that's okay (NOTE:We talked quite a bit to our weekly mousekeeper and found out she is responsible for 16 rooms during her 8 hour shift leaves less than 1/2 hour per room).
I will say that even though we would stay here again in a heartbeat the hotel is not for everyone. Both pools (especially the Volcano) would get very crowded about 1:00 p.m. with lots of kids. However our kids loved the Pool and the Slide. DS 4 had the biggest smile on his face when he would appear at the bottom of the slide. We didn't think twice because we had kids but I could see it as a deterrent for those without. Also in our room we could hear the EWP and Wishes each night. Didn't bother us and our kids slept right through it, but for light sleepers I would request a different location.
We did express check out which went smoothly. We stored our luggage from checkout until 3:30 p.m. without problems. We were told we could have access to it at anytime although we ended up not needing it.
A couple tips/observances:
1. Boat Service (at least back from MK) we found to be much is much quicker and more relaxing than the monorail.
2. Parents - it is YOUR responsibilty to watch your kids in the pool. I can't tell you the amount of times I heard the lifeguards say "walk don't run"and "get away from the slide opening" not mention the kids that were climbing up the side of the Volcano with the thought of jumping off! We always go over the rules of the pool without children beforehand. They get three chances and if they run out of chances they are out of the pool for the rest of the day. This for their own safety.
3. When you are done with the pool towels for the day please put them in the bins. The lifeguards are not maids to clean up after you.
4. The bus service to AK and DTD was great. Never waited more than 10 minutes for either bus.
5. The view of the sunset from the beach and a Pina Colada from the pool bar is not to be missed
It was a great vacation and now I can't wait to start to start planning the next one. Hopefully it will sooner instead of later! Please feel free to ask any questions.
We are a family of five travelling with myself, DH, DD (7), DS (4) and DGM. When we originally booked I had asked CRO for 2 connecting rooms in Samoa - that was it. As time got closer I decided I would rather have 1st floor facing the Volcano Pool. So on Tuesday prior to leaving I faxed a room request directly to the Poly ( I figured it couldn't hurt). We arrived on Friday 4/15 about 5:00 p.m. and were whisked through check-in. The CM checking us in was very friendly. He suggested walking to our rooms and then calling for luggage since it was so close. We ended up being in rooms 1608 & 1609 which are 1st floor Samoa with a direct center view at the Volcano pool! We called for our luggage which was brought within 5 minutes - very fast and efficient. The location was great. We could come and go as we pleased to the pool and the beach. It was so quick and convenient if we needed to "run" back to our rooms for anything. We were a 2 minute walk to GCH or Marina, about 5 minutes to either bus or TTC - GREAT LOCATION!
We requested two refridgerators (1 for each room) from Mousekeeping which were brought up within 15 minutes - Again very fast and efficient.
The resort itself I found to be very relaxed, beautifully landscaped and a lot of fun with all its amenities including the restaurants, beach, pool and marina. It was great coming back at night from a long day at the Parks and strolling through the grounds. It was an immediate relaxation. Everywhere we went we heard "Aloha"
Mousekeeping was very good - no towel animals but that's okay (NOTE:We talked quite a bit to our weekly mousekeeper and found out she is responsible for 16 rooms during her 8 hour shift leaves less than 1/2 hour per room).
I will say that even though we would stay here again in a heartbeat the hotel is not for everyone. Both pools (especially the Volcano) would get very crowded about 1:00 p.m. with lots of kids. However our kids loved the Pool and the Slide. DS 4 had the biggest smile on his face when he would appear at the bottom of the slide. We didn't think twice because we had kids but I could see it as a deterrent for those without. Also in our room we could hear the EWP and Wishes each night. Didn't bother us and our kids slept right through it, but for light sleepers I would request a different location.
We did express check out which went smoothly. We stored our luggage from checkout until 3:30 p.m. without problems. We were told we could have access to it at anytime although we ended up not needing it.
A couple tips/observances:
1. Boat Service (at least back from MK) we found to be much is much quicker and more relaxing than the monorail.
2. Parents - it is YOUR responsibilty to watch your kids in the pool. I can't tell you the amount of times I heard the lifeguards say "walk don't run"and "get away from the slide opening" not mention the kids that were climbing up the side of the Volcano with the thought of jumping off! We always go over the rules of the pool without children beforehand. They get three chances and if they run out of chances they are out of the pool for the rest of the day. This for their own safety.
3. When you are done with the pool towels for the day please put them in the bins. The lifeguards are not maids to clean up after you.
4. The bus service to AK and DTD was great. Never waited more than 10 minutes for either bus.
5. The view of the sunset from the beach and a Pina Colada from the pool bar is not to be missed
It was a great vacation and now I can't wait to start to start planning the next one. Hopefully it will sooner instead of later! Please feel free to ask any questions.
If it's possible I am even MORE excited to get back to the Poly now!!!!! 
