Just got back - Poly concierge 4/29 to 5/4 review

[Pattymouse]

I was at the Poly LVC Dec 2004. I found it to be wonderful. The CM were pleasant and efficient. I LOVED IT. I found the info from Tikiman to be wonderful and it tided me over while waiting for the "real trip" to start. I hope everyone realizes that these are real people who work at Disney, and not animatronics ( pardon my spelling). I feel too many folks are looking for absolute perfection from the staff.

Tikiman...say it aint so! I love to read you comments on this board as well a visiting your website. You are appreciated more than you know, and I am sure I am speaking for all that read these boards.

Thank you,

Pat

 

[joliesmom]

Maybe all this information and the stuff on my web page is doing more harm than good. Seems that it creates high expectations. I have thrown around the idea of shutting down the site or limiting it to a few pages that give some facts and photos.

Just as a side note, I had the beer a few times and I thought it was great but I guess I am the only one who seems to not have issues with concierge. The funny thing is that I only do concierge because I enjoy seeing the staff every visit. From the first visit they have made us feel like family.

I think I have said enough on this subject.

I think I am done on the DIS for a while. I don't mean to argue with anyone.

Aloha

Steve

Steve not only should you not shut down your website, I would love it if you would start one for all of the resorts. I used your website to plan my last trip and still look through it now. I'm now planning my trip to CR and AKL cl and feel lost without a comprehensive website. Not everyone will agree on hotel choices, restaurant choices, or ride reviews but I still like reading about them.

 

[joliesmom]

P.S. I had no problems with concierge either, chef dick was great. I wasn't a fan of the rooms.

 

[goodferry]

Steve, definitely don't change your website or leave the Dis, you are such a great asset. Your website was what convinced me to stay at the Polynesian last trip, and I am greatful, we loved it there!

 

[rmontgo892]

Aloha Steve,

I don't think I *ever* posted a thank you here for your website! My bad!! It helped me plan a Polynesian CL stay a few years back! What a fun site packed with info!

When I faxed back my Welcome Packet info for our upcoming July stay I even cut out the Polynesian's icon and taped it to the top of my fax. Way too much time on my hands!

Our now 9 yr old son talked us into staying here again and CL because of the guava-oj and he just loves it here! He even proudly announced he speaks Hawaiian during his first time staying there !

Here I go again...I've told this story before...My husband and I had our first onsite resort stay(1993?) at the Polynesian. Ready? Rack rate, no balcony, and a view of the monorail track and we thought we had died and gone to heaven! This was AFTER we had a honeymoon in Hawaii!! We loved/love it here!

Your wealth of info stopped me from writing or saying "poly" because it's not a nice word. It was you, right???

I imagine your a level headed guy with a love for all things "Polynesia!" Your info and enthusiasm is a joy! I imagine no one likes to hear negatives and applaud you for forwarding that to the staff!

Put a disclaimer on your site but don't shut it down, please!!! Listen, with all the times we've been to WDW I have had a few negatives. It's called life and it happens! I help to correct them by voicing my concerns/complaint. I give praise by asking to speak to a manager if they have time to say thanks for great service also!

Pssst...what about guests that complain about the weather to Guest services/relations and expect Disney to do something about it. It takes ALL kinds.

Sure, you love the Polynesian hence the web site! There are plenty of us out here that LOVE it also and appreciate your effort! Don't let people with their own opinions affect you negatively! Most are just voicing their disappointments and concerns. Honestly, there are only a very few bad apples(none on this thread) that have that Eeyore mentality!!! No offense Eeyore!

Maybe a disclaimer that things are always subject to change although you are diligent about updates and that a guests experience can vary depending on mitigating factors like weather, CM's, attitude, expectations, humor,PMS...

Mahalo,

The Montgomery Ohana

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

The day we were leaving, we watched many people checking in the main Poly building with smiling CM's at the desk. kids coloring and watching TV at the little area across from the desk and a polynesian lady teaching some older kids how to make lei's. It seemed so much nicer then the check in we received and I don't believe that is how it should be.

I hope you don't mean that those of us who don't pay concierge don't deserve a good check - in. I'm sure what you meant was that you deserved to have as good a checkin as the rest of us, but it doesnt come across that way.

 

[sotoalf]

I hope you don't mean that those of us who don't pay concierge don't deserve a good check - in. I'm sure what you meant was that you deserved to have as good a checkin as the rest of us, but it doesnt come across that way.

Whoa! You're being a little paranoid. That's not at all how it sounds.

 

[luvdzny]

We stayed Poly concierge a few years ago. When I returned I posted about the number of problems we had, and the "unwelcome" feeling we got from the concierge staff. At that time many people seemed to think I was exaggerating the whole negative experience, well I wasn't. Anyway, I am glad that the OP took the time to post about her experiences, and I understand how she feels. Because of our negative experience with Poly concierge we will not go back there at all. We now stay AKL concierge.

 

[Frances999]

Whoa! You're being a little paranoid. That's not at all how it sounds.

I totally agree. I have tried avoiding this thread up to now, but I think you went over the top with your judgment, Stitch's Greatest Fan.

 

[Suzanne74]

I hope everyone realizes that these are real people who work at Disney, and not animatronics ( pardon my spelling). I feel too many folks are looking for absolute perfection from the staff.

I would hope by the length of my posts and how I explained the good and the bad, would show that I do not look for perfection and far from it. If you received an "uh yes" upon walking into the front desk concierge for the first time ever and a rude CM complaining under her breath to you about explaining something over and over again to people is nothing to comment on, then maybe we are just different. I like to post not just positives but any negatives and felt those 2 were what bothered me from concierge. Like I said, someone else could have had an absolute perfect time and was there the same time as me. That said, I did have a very good time there (which people here have seem to forgot I mentioned) and I love the resort itself, but to comment that I am expecting perfection because I listed a few things I did not like is not very nice. There is no need to be offended if someone doesn't praise the Poly concierge up and down and over again. I have seen the many postings here on the Poly and I see how some people take offense if a Poly post isn't anything but perfect. It took a lot for me to post the few negatives knowing some people wouldn't like hearing it but please don't ever assume I am looking for perfection - I am not and never had when I have gone to Disney.

I hope you don't mean that those of us who don't pay concierge don't deserve a good check - in. I'm sure what you meant was that you deserved to have as good a checkin as the rest of us, but it doesnt come across that way.

This was my first concierge and only because of a business expense and I have been to Disney many of times prior thru a standard room and/or a DVC guest and have always had WONDERFUL check-ins at various Disney resorts. I have eaten dinner at Ohana's many times and a CM usually greets my daughter at the main check in with a lei and we aren't even staying there!! So yes I guess I did expect a great check in at the concierge and from what others have posted they have, so I am an exception. I never once assumed it should be above and beyond a main desk check in and it would be hard to beat anyway as they are always great. I never stayed at a standard room at Poly so I never officially checked in their main building but when we were hanging around I was amazed how great that whole atmosphere was and wished concierge could have more of that magical feeling - thats all, nothing else. If you were offended by it, I apologize - however you perceived it, I meant what you thought anyway, "deserve as good of a check in."

Maybe all this information and the stuff on my web page is doing more harm than good. Seems that it creates high expectations. I have thrown around the idea of shutting down the site or limiting it to a few pages that give some facts and photos.

Steve please do not do that - my OP was not meant to bring out anger in anyone but to just explain the good and bad on my trip. My high expectations (that in all honesty are my own fault, I should have had a more open mind) are from all of the DISer's raving about the Poly concierge over and over again. They are very loyal fans, and was hoping to follow suit. Anyway, whether I stay at concierge again or not, I will most definately stay at the Poly again and your website has been and will continue to be on my favorite list. Please do not change it at all - you never push the Poly on anyone or rave about "extras" on your site. It is full of wonderful photos and information. Please please please keep it as is and stick around here on the boards - you never offend ANYONE and your wealth of info would be truly missed. I will feel awful if my one post is what keeps the tikiman away - say it ain't so!!!!!!

A final note to all wondering - I don't think the check in warranted me to say something to anyone, esp a manager as the CM was not rude or unfriendly per say - just monotone and a little tight. Maybe I shouldn't have brought it up here either but I couldn't help feel a little let down as I was SO excited arriving. Thats all - it wasn't the end of the world and it seems I was a rare expection. The other CM incident, I probably should have said something and that was wrong of me but the other CM apologized so I knew someone was aware and I honestly don't think that CM was a concierge CM and definately not a front desk CM as I never saw her but that one night working in the back kitchen.

Whew - now off to bed

 

[mlwear]

I haven't been on this forum long. This is my first planning of a Disney vacation. Family decided to stay at the Poly CL based on the Disney website. Of course, they are promoting it and want it to seem like the most fabulous place to stay. I'm sure if you read in depth on the other resorts, it is the same. So, when I first read this thread, I admit I got pretty nervous that we made the wrong decision. But, looking back on the initial comments, I think they were just honest and forthcoming. Didn't say it was some dive or anything. Now that I have read more posts and done additional research, I think I have a more realistic concept of what to expect. I do expect friendly quality service, but I need to keep in mind that this is a busy place and there are a lot of families there. I have stayed in nice resorts with concierge in the past, but I think this will be a different experience just due to the atmosphere. Many people (as will be me) have spent a lot of time and money and want thing to be "just so". I am glad that I have a heads up to be flexible. I've read both good and bad reviews of Poly CL. Maybe it is the person doing the review or maybe it is the circumstances at the time of stay who knows? I like getting all sides of the story. I have read enough, I think, to have a pretty good idea of what to expect and to assert myself if things are way off.
As far as the comments about check-in for standard vs. CL...I think it just depends on how you read the comments. I never for a minute thought she meant she should have a better check-in. To me it sounded as if she was envious of the check-in that the standard rooms received.
Also, thanks to this thread I changed my room from garden view to lagoon view. When I explained the difference to DH and DS they definitely wanted the change.
All and all I guess I am saying I am glad to know the good and bad. I have high hopes for our experience at the Poly but not unrealistic now. That's a good thing. Anything above and beyond will just be icing on the cake

 

[lookingforward]

Thanks to the original OP for her opinions and comments about the Poly Concierge. I have stayed at the Poly many times and have experienced the concierge building three times. It is definately not my favorite WDW hotel...I prefer the AKL. I have experienced absolutely wonderful service there and I have been dissapointed too. It is certainly dependent on who is working and the interaction between staff and guests. When I pay for concierge rooms I do have a higher expectation. The disboards are amazing and full of information and when you read someone elses trip report detailing goodie pails for the kids and delicious treats in the lounge it is only human to look for those things when you are there. Part of the problem is the lack of consistency. If some guests are greeted with leis and treats then ALL guests should be. I think it comes down to good management and training.

I remember the first time I stayed in a concierge room at the Poly. The lounge was in the lobby (where the art gallery is now, I think) and the room was $117 per night. That was back in 1991!

 

[3lilmcs]

I agree that it is very helpful to hear the good, bad and ugly when you are planning such an expensive vacation Especially if you are going somewhere for the first time. We are heading to PolyGVC this June for the first time and this board (and this post) have been so helpful. I feel I have a more realistic idea of what to expect (and not to expect). I appreciate the OP for taking the time to share her experiences--I'll let you know how it goes for us

 

[gepetto]

I can not badmouth the staff that has been nothing but friendly and more than helpful during every visit.

I know you are quite..."enthusiastic" when it comes to the Polynesian concierge staff and refuse to believe anything negative. However, not everyone who has an unpleasant experience there is exaggerating or having unreal expectations. I prefer to read honest reviews (problems and all). Not everyone will have the same impeccable level of service there that you apparently get on every trip. I know we didn't. In our many trips to the Polynesian, we have gotten faster, friendlier service from the regular front desk staff than we ever did from anyone in concierge. In our experience, the concierge service has really gone downhill.

 

[DizneyMagic]

Very well said gepetto !! We love the Poly and will stay no where else, but personally I am sick to death of the "Poly Protectors" and they know who they are. These people defend the Poly as if it was their personal resort. These boards are about the sharing of our experiences good or bad, but people go nuts when something bad is said. What everyone forgets or doesn't think about is that Steve aka "Tikiman" is somewhat of a celebrity and personally knows a large number of the Poly staff on a first name basis because of this and because of his status with his web page and constant defense of the Poly he is a perfect advertisement for the resort and they know this therefore he gets special treatment that us otherwise unknowns would not get. That dosen't make him a bad guy, Just special at the poly! (More power to him) But it dosen't always work that way for the rest of us.
I do hope that the "PPs" take this post with all of the love and charity that it is being given with. It was just my thoughts on the matter. Good or bad!

 

[Tikiman]

I was going to stop posting in here and especially in this topic but I have to correct the incorrect statements. First of all Gepetto is completely correct that reading the good and the bad is the only way to get an honest review. I have NEVER said that there are not negative things that happen at the Polynesian and I myself have posted my negative experiences so the statement that I refuse to believe anything negative can happen is COMPLETELY INCORRECT!!! My statement that is quoted above is saying that because nothing negative from the concierge staff has happened to me I am not going to bad mouth them when I MYSELF have no reason to but anyone who has had a bad experience is free to share their experience with everyone. Infact I have emailed them with some of the comments from the OP because I believe the statements and I think the Polynesian should address the issues.

As far as the statement from DizneyMagic who is sick to death of us “Poly Protectors” I was treated like this back when they never had any idea of who I was and my web page did not even exist so your comments are untrue and in recent years many of the new staff have no idea who I am and I do not go around calling myself Tikiman there so for all they know I am just another guests. Most of the staff I know now are not out where anyone can see them. If you have ever read my trip reports you will know I also post the good and the bad and I don’t ever remember telling someone they can not post something bad. If you can find a message that I wrote that says that I will leave the DIS and never post again…..but after this I may do that anyway.

 

[mlwear]

Seems to me that "Tikiman" must have received great service and loved the resort prior to his website and notority otherwise he wouldn't have started the site in the beginning. It would take A LOT of special memories and good treatment to invest the time and I'm assuming $ to do all that he has. Maybe he does reap some reward from it now. But seems unlikely to me that it would have been his motivation.

 

[Suzanne74]

Whew - my original post has gotten WAY off topic here. There are just different personalities on here and lets just leave it at that. Some people do get upset at little things on their hard earned vacation, some people can rub them off. Some will like their favorite resort no matter what each individual vacation is good or bad, some will change around looking for their best hotel every WDW trip never fully satisified. Some people will pay rack rate for Poly concierge no matter what and others would never go back even if they had the best discount ever. Then there are a lot of people inbetween. The one thing I have found though is not one post here will push someone into a vacation they many not want so why care if someone else has a different opinion then your own?????? Every single thread on the DIS has polar opposite reviews of every resort, park, restaurant, etc... different strokes for different folks.

I feel that I commented correctly on my situation as of course, I felt it - as a first time concierge and Poly guest. Everyone has their own opinions but this was mine. If people want to bash me for saying some negatives, so be it - if someone wants to get furiated about it, even if it didn't ruin MY trip - so be it too. If just one person finds me review helpful then I feel my original post was worth it.


That's enough for me - I need to plan my next trip now

 

[gepetto]

So how would Tikiman get special treatment - does he wear a name tag that says "Hello, I'm Tikiman". A celebrity? Come on, let me know when the autograph sessions are, and I'll be there.

Like Tikiman stated, some of his friends are concierge staff. He also stated that he is in contact with them often. It stands to reason that they know exactly when he is coming and will ensure that he gets VIP treatment from the entire staff. I'm sure not wanting to be trashed on his very popular website has nothing to do with it.

Polyman, I'm not sure why you even bring up jealousy. The OP had some very valid concerns about the service there. We have also had problems there. Problems that had absolutely nothing to do with towel animals. Perhaps the staff at Polynesian should go over to AKL and take a couple of lessons in what their concierge service SHOULD be.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Suzanne74 - I just returned last night from a stay at the Swan. Not to get off topic, but I read your first post and the first 5 or so replies.....it seems that you are having to defend your post!!! I happen to agree with everything you said, as my stay at the poly in concierge was basically the same as yours. I felt like I was reliving it while reading your post. There are just so many people that get offended by anyone saying anything negative about this resort. I don't get it. The service is horrid. You shouldn't have to ask for stuff. It should be offered to you. It is ridiculous that the CMs make guests feel like they are putting them out just by being there. On our last day, my girls wanted to make the leis in the lobby. The CMs were just so odd. The girls were bouncy and happy - the CMs didn't say a word in greeting, didn't help them, just kept to themselves. It was awkward. I felt like I was invading their space!! My husband wanted to stay at the Poly for the past 14 yrs, and we finally did. He was so turned off by the crummy service and rude, apathetic CMs that he will not stay there again. Why bother. There are so many other wonderful places to stay. The lounge staff was just nasty when we were there. We actually turned their attitudes into a joke. They were so obviously pissy they made us laugh. The lounge staff at the Swan is just so nice, helpful and kind. Totally different experience. Just about every comment you made in your original post would have applied to our stay. Try the GF or the Swan next time. Even the CR has pleasant and helpful concierge staff. (They are also the lounge staff).


I have to read some more of these replies you got!! I bet it is getting interesting!! These Poly threads do!!


Lives4Disney