Just back from the Polynesian

[Cathy baby RN]

Hi,
We just returned from a 12 day trip to the Polynesian. The trip was great.
It started off the best trip ever when a wonderful CM named Miguel(on the college program) checked us in. I had requested Samoa and received 3rd floor, volcano pool side.I made sure I wrote a note and delivered it to his manager the next day. I know they received it because he thanked me when I saw him later.

Weather: The first few days we had the normal sporadic thuderstorms in between sunshine. We were always prepared with our throw away ponchos.
After July 5th there was no rain. At all times it was HOT,HOT,HOT

Crowds: It was crowded, but we're use to that. Our last trip was spring break which I thought was more crowded. Our family likes to stay up late and sleep in, but this is one time we get up early. If you want to beat the crowds, you MUST go to the parks at opening. Evening Magic Hours are o.k., but there are still crowds. We were usually out of the parks and in the pool by 11:00.

Housekeeping:We had the sweetest housekeeper name Elizabeth. Always smiling. When we checked in, there were animal crackers in the bedside table drawer and an apple with bite (tiny) out of it next to the bed on the far side. Did it bother me....NO...someone with little kids must have been staying there before us....no big deal. I don't let minor things like that bother me. It was overlooked. Those housekeepers work their butts off and I would never get anyone in trouble over something so minor.

Dining:We usually did one sitdown meal a day. We have the Disney Dining Experience card and used that.....although we were not allowed to use it July 4th. We ate dinner at Cinderellas Royal Table one night....I was disappointed they no longer offer Major Domos Pie(sp) Waitress said they only offer it at the character lunch. We probably wouldn't go back for dinner again.
Our all time favorite is still Trails End Buffet.....something for everyone, and you leave FULL.
It really helps having a frig in the room. We had cheese and crackers, yogurt.pbj's etc. One thing we did bring this trip was a blender. I know there are those that frown upon guest bringing appliances. Don't worry...we drove down in our motorhome and I kept it out there in the parking lot. My kids love smoothies and I even whipped up some Pina Coladas for DH and myself

Transportation: We used Disney transportation the whole time. We took the boat mainly back from the MK. Busses are still unprecictable. Sometimes we waited a long time, some times we timed it just right.

We usually go to WDW right after the kids get out of school in June. This time we went in July. I think we'll stick with June next year. I'm not usually bothered by the heat, but I thought it was just too darn hot and humid.

We headed home a day early to avoid the effects of hurricane Dennis. Traffic was horrible through Georgia and it rained all day. We stopped in Dalton, Georgia and the next day had no rain the remainder of the trip home(we're from the Chicago area and we need the rain desperately!).

Again, another wonderful Disney vacation. I have to admit while the trip was fun and relaxing, I was ready to come home. We live on a lake in Illinois and was ready to take advantage of our short summer season and enjoy being outside in our own yard.

We just bought a 2nd home in southern Florida(as an investment, it will be 8 years before the last of our 6 children are done with high school), so we'll be taking several shorter trips to WDW on our way down to the new(old) house. We have the closing and then it will need some minor work done.

If any one has any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer.

Cathy

 

[BostonTink85]

so did you find the evening extra hours usefull or just a waste of time because of the crowds. From what I've been reading it sounds like it may be better to just skip them at night

we're staying at the poly too, hope we have as good a time as you did!

thanks

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Great report Cathy....Loved your enthusiasim and positive attitude.
The blender sounds like a GREAT idea! All I have for breakfast is a fruit smoothie and I was wondering how I was going to get by without it.....simple, I'll bring my own blender now
Since it was crowded, were you able to just sit back at all and just enjoy the Polynesians atmosphere?

 

[Cathy baby RN]

Since it was crowded, were you able to just sit back at all and just enjoy the Polynesians atmosphere?

Hi Gary....yes, since it was crowded, we did relax around the pool ALOT. It wasn't crowded during the day. Every morning there were towels neatly placed on all the lounge chairs in front of the beach entrance to the pool. At first I thought "wow, how can all those chairs be gone this early." But I then figured out the lifeguards put the towels on the chairs...not sure why. But all the towels were placed on the chairs exactly the same. We spent minimal time in the parks and most of our time around the pool. When we go during the winter, many times it's too cold to swim, so we spend more time in the parks then. I forgot to mention before that on the 4th of July the Polynesian beach was packed!! They were handing out orange wristbands to resort guests to get into the pool.

Boston Tink....While I don't think the extra magic night hours were a waste of time, I still think being there first thing in the morning is best. We liked to watch Wishes in the park, so we'd go at night anyway and just stay.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Thanks Cathy for the trip report. Glad you had a great time! I can't wait to go back to Poly again!!

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for your report, Cathy. You have a wonderful attitude.

Interesting about the wristbands for the pool. Sounds like a great idea for the 4th although I certainly hope the Polynesian never has to do the fence thing that Y&BC does.

We're in the Chicago area too and keep hoping and hoping for rain...and praying for rain for the farmers.

Anything going on around the back of the GCH?

 

[JodyLynC]

Kudos for writing a compliment to the manager of the CM. Those poor CMs work so hard trying to keep our trip magical and probably don't get much appreciation. My goal is to catch as many positive experiences from as many people as possible and write notes to them and/or their manager/supervisor.

I believe a little positive goes a long way.

 

[Frances999]

Thanks for your report! Sounds like you had a magical trip

Interesting about the wristbands for the pool. Sounds like a great idea for the 4th although I certainly hope the Polynesian never has to do the fence thing that Y&BC does.

I wish they would issue the wristbands at all times (not just the 4th July). This works really well at Universal resorts.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

CathybabyRN,

For the 4th did they need wrist bands for BOTH pools? And have someone check the quiet pool too, or was that a packed free for all? Thinking about the holiday for next year.

Have you done the 4th of July ever before or would you do it again? I know you said you usually go in June ( a little cooler), just thought the holiday might add something different to our trip?

I also sent you a pm, hope you don't mind, Thanks for all the great info we are down to 36 days today!

Mky Hey, it rained it Joliet last nite!