Just back from the Polynesian

[nutsaboutdis]

We just came home a few hours ago after a week stay (arrived on the 5th) and this was our first visit to WDW and we had the best time ever! Better than I could have ever imagined. Thank you all to your advice and reading these boards gave me a lot of valuable hints!!

First, we stayed at the Polynesian GV Concierge. We arrived at this magnificent hotel around noon and were immediately taken by golf cart to our Hawaii building. We were met with warm Aloha's and given colorful leis. My DD5 was given a green pail and shovel with crayons and a disney book. To our surprise, our room was ready!! We had a room on the first floor overlooking the quiet pool!! I was thrilled as after reading some of these boards, I didn't want a second floor due to lack of balcony, and DD15 has asthma so it had to be nonsmoking. I didn't request first floor so it was a very nice surprise. The room was breathtaking. The decor great and it was extremely clean and fresh! Mousekeeping did a great job everyday and replenished our amenities such as toothbrush, toothpaste, handlotion every day. The turndown service was also fabulous, leaving chocholate mints on the pillows every night, refreshing the towels every evening and arranging my DD5's stuffed animals in a cute arrangement every night!! The first night, we arrived back at our room to find a nice chocholate box with greeting from Concierge and also a autographed picture of Mickey Mouse welcoming us!! My DD5 was thrilled!!!

The concierge lounge was terrific. Contrary to some reports I had read on the boards right before I left, the food was plentiful and delicoius. The staff was always friendly and accomodating to any and all requests. We came at all different times, sometimes near the end of the food service, and there was always tons of food and we never experienced any longs lines whatsoever. We didn't use the lounge as much as some people, but always enjoyed it when we did.

Right before we left for our trip, the concierge called and surprised us with a reservation to the much coveted Cinderellas Royal Table breakfast. They had put us on a waiting list and got us in. This alone, was worth going concierge. I liked the fact that just a short walk up the hall, The friendly concierge staff was there waiting to answer all questions.

The grounds were clean and beautiful. The pools were terrific. Yes, the were crowded, but not unbearable. Also, contrary to some reports I have read, they never asked to see resort i.d. except when I need a life vest for my DD5 and then I just handed over my room key. So I guess, people can pool hop as they don't check or at least never did on my 7 days there.

The Great Ceremonial house was beautiful. They are renovating the first floor but it doesn't get in anyones' way or take away from the structure and decor of the building.

The Polynesian was simply gorgeous and it really succeeded in making us feel like we were on the Islands. The view every night from the beach of the Electric water parade and fireworks was fabulous. It was like being right ontop of it!!

Every staff member we encountered at the resort was so welcoming and friendly. I felt they all went out of their way to make sure our trip was fantastic.

We all enjoyed it tremendously, and have already agreed that we we return to WDW, we will stay here again.

Thanks again to all for all of your great advice and feel free to ask any questions you may have. We used the Dining Plan so I can let you know what I thought of that as well if you would like.

Oh, and the lines at all the parks were terrific!! I was so worried about going on the 5th and all but the longest we ever waited was 20 minutes and that was rare!! The weather was around 85 every day and only rained twice while we were there!!

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

I'm so glad to hear such a positive review. Your review describes what we have always found to be true at the Polynesian. Unfortunately some posters lately have had some experiences that weren't as wonderful as yours and I have been worried that things have changed there. But your review makes it sound as though it is the same as when we were there and I can't wait for our trip in October!

Do you think the additional $$$ for the dining plan was worth the cost of the plan?? We've never gotten a dining plan before but are considering it for our next trip.

Thanks again!

 

[nutsaboutdis]

I definitely think the Dining plan is worth the money as you definitely come out ahead in the end!! However, if you aren't a big eater, it is a lot of food. We found ourselves eating just to use a counter service sometimes and at the end, we actually did have some counter services left over that didn't get used. All our table services were used no problem as we planned those ahead by using 2 each for the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, 2 each for the Spirit of Aloha Show, 1 for the CRT breakfast, 1 for the Crystal Palace, and 1 for the LTT. I felt that those were worth it alone when we saw how much it would cost. The snacks were great to have at the parks. The CM everywhere went out of their way to "bend" what we were allowed and accomodated us tremendously. Also, keep in mind, the reason I thought this was a lot of food, was we didn't realize being our first trip and all, and we stayed concierge, so had access to sodas and snacks there as well and just thought it was too much in the end. Having said all of that, My DH said he would do the dining plan again. We liked that we budgeted for it already and it was paid for and we didn't have to carry around any extra cash for food. It definitely is a good value, but I did feel at times I was eating just to use a "voucher". Hope this helps!!!

 

[tubachick]

glad you had a great trip, and thanks for the dinning plan info

 

[Minniespal]

Great report ~ Thanx for sharing.