Just back from the Poly

[Mish]

And all I can say is WOW. From the moment we check in till we left it was great. At check in we got everything we asked for. A room close to the Great Ceremonial House, non smoking and a balcony. We were put in the Rarontonga building. We walked out of the Great Ceremonial House right to our building. The monorail was great. Our housekeeper was great everyday we had animals made of towels the kids couldn't wait to get back to the room. On day in the lobby we were taking to the women who was doing an activity with the kids and we told her what a great time we were having and how beautiful it was there and that we were there celebrating my sons birthday and when we got back to our room that night there was a birthday cake with balloons and candles. I cant even begin to tell you how excited he was. This was our second trip to Disney and we cant wait to go back again. We were supposed to stay at the Caribbean Beach but since it was closed we took the upgrade to the poly and I told my husband that when we go back I want to stay at the Poly again. One more thing we did the Family Magic tour at magic kingdom and my DS(4) got to meet Peter Pan and Wendy at the end and they took the kids on a ride my son walked hand in had though magic kingdom with Peter pan and got a kiss from Wendy and sat next to him on the ride you should have seen his excitement oh well we certainly go a lot of Pixie dust on this trip. Michelle

 

[BCV23]

Sounds like a wonderful trip. The Polynesian is a very special resort, isn't it? How long is the Family Magic tour?

 

[Zephyr]

I'm just back from the Poly too. (Nov 3 - 9) I enjoyed my stay there, but a couple of things bothered me a little. We had lagoon view but our view was half blocked by trees so we couldn't see the castle and the fireworks. This was annoying when you pay $350/night. Also, some little things about the room annoyed me - all the 3 way bulbs were broken in the room - they only worked on one setting, so the room was never bright enough. Then every night our mattress covers kept coming undone, they don't use fitted sheets either and those kept coming undone too. I should have complained the first day but didn't (sometimes it takes too much energy to complain), but my mom did on our last day and they gave us a coupon for a free meal at any restaurant.

And what's with the teeny tiny wastebaskets? Can someone please tell them to get bigger wastebaskets? Those things take about two seconds to fill up.

We never got any towel animals, I was hoping we would as my 3 year old son would have enjoyed seeing them.

But it is very beautiful there. I think next time I might go in January instead though, as it was very crowded and also the first part of the week was too hot for me. (the last couple of days the weather was great though)

Zephyr

 

[BCV23]

Zephyr...too bad about the lights. If you had called housekeeping or even just left a note, I'm sure they would have taken care of it. We've had fantastic service from housekeeping there.

I don't think I've ever stayed in a hotel that used fitted sheets..or maybe I've just not noticed. That's why it's so nice to have housekeeping to make the beds !

That's funny about the wastebasket. Ours sometimes get full, too, but I don't think I'd want them any larger...don't want to have to look at a big wastebasket. We take larger thing like a pizza box to the outside garbage cans. Don't want to smell it either!

What building were you in? Did your son like the pool?

 

[AllisonG]

Michelle,
Thank you so much for posting your experience at the Poly. Our first stay there is going to happen in 30 days. I was kind of nervous about staying there. My Mom is a nit-picker and I'm afraid she is going to complain the whole time. She likes VWL and it was booked this time.

 

[Mish]

BCV23,
The family Magic tour was 2 hours, I went really fast since you are doing so much. I heard you don't always get Peter Pan and Wendy at the end but there is always a character. Michelle

 

[Daisie]

I'm really looking forward to my first polynesian stay!! We've stayed at almost all the other resorts! We also did the family magic tour a couple of years ago, you brought back a wonderful memory for me....my daughter walked hand in hand with peter pan through the park to his ride and to ride with him was unbelievable!!! I would also like to stay near the great cerimonial house!

 

[Boots]

Sounds like an absolutely wonderful vacation!!!

 

[Paula Kapotes]

We stayed at the Poly 11/2 - 5; then moved to Beach Club for 11/5 - 11/9.
I have to say my experience with the Poly was better than the Beach Club. It was my parents 50th Wedding Anniv. I had asked for rooms together, or connecting. When I called the day before we left, I was told we were in rooms on the first floor near the pool. When we arrived, I found they had us on the third floor facing the Monorail. I was very disappointed.

However, they were very accomodating -- after much calm, quiet negotiating on my part. I explained how it was a special occasion, and how I was disappointed that my room had been reassigned. After about 20 mts., a Manager was brought over, and she was lovely. She offered me rooms, together, on the Volcano Pool -- but it was a "smoking" building. At first, I was concerned, but the Mgr. reassured me that if I found it to be offensive in any way, they would switch us. I'm glad we took the rooms. We were in the Somoa Longhouse, had first floor rooms, where the kids could walk out and right into the Volcano pool. The view was lovely! They even sent a rose to my parents room!

I have to say we didn't get any "animal" towels in either hotel. I was a bit disappointed about that.

I loved the "smaller, homier" feel of the Poly vs. the Beach Club.
The BEach Club is newer, and also has a great pool. But it is quite large, and a bit confusing. The location of the BC to Epcot is wonderful, too.
But the BC has construction going on right now and it caused us to have to change our room.

 

[CDizney]

I am a big Disneyworld/Disney fan but I have to say how come I didn't receive such great service? The resort was beautiful and the people friendly but I had some bumps in the road that I did not expect for the price per night.

Housecleaning did a horrible job. From the first night I checked in for my 10 day stay, it took housekeeping 5 days to change my sheets. How did I know it was the same sheets? I had accidentally spilled a little soda while in bed and that stain stayed there until the 5th day. I complained to the manager at the front desk on the third, fourth, and fifth morning and received no results. I left 7 dollars a day for housekeeping for 2 adults but apparently whoever I had cleaning my room did not agree it was enough. I'm a neat freak and I clean up my room before housekeeping even get's in so it's not like they had to clean up a messy room. I hear people talking about animals made up for them...I never saw that once. I never received a lai when checking in either....seems like I just got the heave ho! And the "quiet pool" is not such a quiet pool. The kids were so loud with screaming and crying and yelling that I could hear them through the solid glass sliders.......2 and 3 in the morning EVERY night. What happened to some common sense on the parents part and security? Is that really appropriate that early? I know it's vacation but really.

I still love Disney no matter what but I was disappointed especially after the good things I heard. I know, I know...I must have had an "off" experience but that's my luck. I certainly complained as high as I could go but I've heard nothing back about my woes or any apologies so far and this trip was at the end of October. I should have known this vacation was going to be a bust when it started off that I was bumped out of the Carribean Beach Club when it closed. That was the omen. Oh well.

 

[GeorgeG]

We were at the Poly (Rarotonga) for the first time 10/29 - 11/7 and thought it was great! We didn't get animals, but there was always something nice down with the towels and the room appeared fresh every day. We even got turn-down, mints and the bathroom freshened, towels and all, each night. No complaints at all.

I had faxed ahead for a room in close proximity to the main building because my wife is unable to walk very far until after her pending back surgery. I got a phone call the same day to confirm that they got the fax and our request was taken care of.

I was a bit apprehensive after reading some mixed revues about this resort, but everything was terrific.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by Paula Kapotes
She offered me rooms, together, on the Volcano Pool -- but it was a "smoking" building. At first, I was concerned, but the Mgr. reassured me that if I found it to be offensive in any way, they would switch us. I'm glad we took the rooms. We were in the Somoa Longhouse, had first floor rooms, where the kids could walk out and right into the Volcano pool. The view was lovely!

Could you smell smoke in the room? I really wish I could stay in that longhouse, but smoke bothers me .

 

[jeank74]

I was at the Poly (Tokelau) from 10/24-28. The room was clean all right, but didn't get any towel animal. I was looking forward to that!! I also got some cold attitudes from CM in the resort. Oh well....

 

[BCV23]

We've not had towel animals at the Poly for several trips. I know for sure that we didn't have them in Oct. '01, March'02, June'02, or Oct.'02.

They were cute but I can understand them not doing it. It seems to have gotten to the point that people were expecting them and someone on the boards was even asking about taking them home ! Yikes. If someone was asking I'll bet some others were doing just that. I don't want to end up paying more in room rates to cover the cost of stolen linens!!

 

[carycrew]

We stayed at the Poly from 11/03 to 11/07 our first visit to WDW. I got to say that my experience with staff and housekeeping was not anything out of the ordinary or exceptional. My DW told Poly staff when we confirmed our room reservation four days out that on our arrival date it would be our DD birthday. When we got our room... there was nothing special set up. Thank goodness we didn't let on to her there may be a surprise for her in our room from Mickey. We were in Tahiti building garden view, and the room was cleaned every day, but I expect that for $300 plus a night. But again nothing exceptional in the way of towel anminals, or a turn down of the beds. My thought is that those amenities are for the Concierge building. Don't get me wrong we enjoyed our stay very much, the grounds are very well maintained, the kids loved the pool and the location is probably the best on site. Convience to the monorail, boats or buses to get you were you want to go can't be beat. But there was very little "magic" at the Poly, we found the Disney Magic over at the MK.

 

[adams66]

It seems this thread is reverting back to the towel animal issue again. Forgive me, but I don't see what the big deal is here. I have never received one, nor do I ever expect one. I would like to think that housekeeping is spending their time cleaning my room insteading of creating artwork. I am also fairly certain that given the choice, I agree with BCV23, most people would rather not have to pay increased rates to cover the extra cost of providing towel animals. Also, I imagine that this whole "art" requires some talent, and not all housekeepers are capable or trained in making them. I think everyone should lighten up a bit. I think it is just as much a treat to come back to the room and have the beanies/stuffed animals arranged different each day. I also know that this takes time, but the housekeeper has to put them somewhere anyway - so why not just group them together on the bed.

My point is that a clean room, good service, pleasant CM's, and other amenities are what constitutes a good resort, not whether I get any towel creatures.

 

[BCV23]

Well said, adams66.

By the way carycrew, our stays in Oct.'01, June '02, and Oct.'02 were in concierge. We did get turndown unless we were in the room and declined it but no towel animals...just great service. Years ago all rooms had turn down service and you can still request it if it's important to you.

I think it was very wise of you not to encourage your daughter to expect anything extra...it's sad when you hear children developing a sense of entitlement. Good for you! I am sorry you didn't find the magic in the Poly. It's still there after 27 or is it 28 vacations for us. But there are so many special resorts at WDW I'm sure you'll find your special one !

 

[Mish]

I am sorry if i upset anyone, I was just letting everyone know what a magical time we had. We are planning on returning in 2 years and I told my DH that i hope we can afford to stay here again. I would be happy even without the little extras, the just made our trip more magical. The resort was beautiful. I enjoyed having access to the monorail and the boat. I didn't go expecting anything but did enjoy everything we got. On the day I made my reservation I asked for a room near the main building with a balaconyand no smoking and never asked again I guess it was just meant to be because we got everying we asked for. Sorry again if I upset anyone. Michelle

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by CDizney
I am a big Disneyworld/Disney fan but I have to say how come I didn't receive such great service? The resort was beautiful and the people friendly but I had some bumps in the road that I did not expect for the price per night.

Housecleaning did a horrible job. From the first night I checked in for my 10 day stay, it took housekeeping 5 days to change my sheets. How did I know it was the same sheets? I had accidentally spilled a little soda while in bed and that stain stayed there until the 5th day. I complained to the manager at the front desk on the third, fourth, and fifth morning and received no results. I left 7 dollars a day for housekeeping for 2 adults but apparently whoever I had cleaning my room did not agree it was enough. I'm a neat freak and I clean up my room before housekeeping even get's in so it's not like they had to clean up a messy room. I hear people talking about animals made up for them...I never saw that once. I never received a lai when checking in either....seems like I just got the heave ho! And the "quiet pool" is not such a quiet pool. The kids were so loud with screaming and crying and yelling that I could hear them through the solid glass sliders.......2 and 3 in the morning EVERY night. What happened to some common sense on the parents part and security? Is that really appropriate that early? I know it's vacation but really.

I still love Disney no matter what but I was disappointed especially after the good things I heard. I know, I know...I must have had an "off" experience but that's my luck. I certainly complained as high as I could go but I've heard nothing back about my woes or any apologies so far and this trip was at the end of October. I should have known this vacation was going to be a bust when it started off that I was bumped out of the Carribean Beach Club when it closed. That was the omen. Oh well.

Sorry to hear of your experience there! We stayed there for the first time in October and thought it wonderful. Mousekeeping changed our sheets daily. We thought that was standard at a deluxe. Our room was always perfectly cleaned and we never had so much as a crumb on the floor when they were finished. We also had towel animals every day and they were so cute. From a swinging monkey hanging off the canopy to a giant crocodile walking across the floor, to a huge wildebeast lounging with Emma's beanies. Just great stuff! Unless someone has had the pleasure of getting a towel animal, you will never know how much fun they are. My 3 y/o always got excited before entering the room and would say, "I wonder what kind of animals the mousekeepers left for me." And she was never disapointed. So it is a big deal if you have been pleasantly surprised by a talented mousekeeper! We tipped them $5 daily in mousekeeping envelopes we had made. There were two adults and one 3 y/o. Our room was in Rarotonga facing the monorail and the view was beautiful. As far as the pool that was really horrible for you having to put up with the noise that late. I do know that a quiet pool doesn't mean that it is supposed to be quieter then the other pool. It simply means that it isn't as fun as the other pool. It can be just as loud and even more so and it still quite proper. I do believe that something should have been done about the racket that late at night though. You certainly didn't upset me. I enjoy all the reviews, both good and bad. I do realize that we can all stay in the same hotel and still have plenty of bad experiences to go along with the good. Hopefully you will have a better trip next time!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by carycrew
We stayed at the Poly from 11/03 to 11/07 our first visit to WDW. I got to say that my experience with staff and housekeeping was not anything out of the ordinary or exceptional. My DW told Poly staff when we confirmed our room reservation four days out that on our arrival date it would be our DD birthday. When we got our room... there was nothing special set up. Thank goodness we didn't let on to her there may be a surprise for her in our room from Mickey. We were in Tahiti building garden view, and the room was cleaned every day, but I expect that for $300 plus a night. But again nothing exceptional in the way of towel anminals, or a turn down of the beds. My thought is that those amenities are for the Concierge building. Don't get me wrong we enjoyed our stay very much, the grounds are very well maintained, the kids loved the pool and the location is probably the best on site. Convience to the monorail, boats or buses to get you were you want to go can't be beat. But there was very little "magic" at the Poly, we found the Disney Magic over at the MK.

Did you request something special be put in your room to surprise your DD? I'm sure if you asked, they could have given you the florist number that sells gift baskets. There is another service too but I cannot remember it. I'm sure someone here would know it. If you paid for something and did not receive then I would be upset also and called to find out what happened. If, on the other hand, you were looking for a freebie, then that is different. Whenever we call to book, we never tell them what special thing we are celebrating as we do NOT want a freebie and then be disappointed when we do not get it. What I do though is pack something and have someone put it on the bed of the room so when we enter it for the first time, my DD is surprised. Minnie always leaves her something at the beginning of our stays and she loves it. And it makes me feel better knowing that I cared enough to buy her something that will make her happy. What a magical feeling that is and one you can create all on your own