Just returned from Poly Concierge

[Saphire]

We really enjoyed our Poly Concierge visit. I felt it was well worth the extra money for two adults and two teens. The lounge was so convenient, a real treat compared to everyone getting ready then heading out to a restaurant. My husband would go down first thing at 7 am and bring back coffee. My kids are old enough that they could go down and get breakfast if we all weren't ready at once. It was wonderful to always have drinks and snacks available throughout the day and evening. Also, some nights the offerings were enough to everyone's liking that we didn't even have dinner. The lounge staff were all very pleasant and kept things very clean. My only complaint was that it was a bit warm for me at times. In fact, I found all areas in Disney not as air conditioned as they used to be (our last trip was 3 years ago). Even the Poly guest room didn't get really cool at night, but it didn't bother anyone else in my family. Anyway, concierge is great and actually saved us time and money as well as being extremely convenient.

 

[deanna2426]

Saphire-

I am so glad you had a great trip. We are staying Poly GVC for the first time in November.

If you don't mind my asking, where was your room located? Were you happy with mousekeeping? What type of food offerings did they have in the lounge?

I am so excited for our trip, I love to hear every detail of anyone returning from the Poly.

Thanks for any info!

 

[Bracho]

Thanks for your report on the Polynesian Concierge. It's a great resort and the concierge service is well worth it. There have been many changes, some not seen as much as others... I think it's cut backs but that's only me... The Polynesian Concierge keep the place really clean and are very helpful, I have never heard the word "NO" from them.

Can you tell us about the room you had, what was your view, did you get the chance to enjoy the pool area?????

Welcome back!

 

[johnsonet]

Glad you had fun and got home safely...Just had to add that I just got home yesterday and noticed throughout our trip that the AC seemed to be working overtime everywhere we went! Cannot imagine the energy bills racked up by WDW!! We froze to death at GF and BWI every night (in a good way )and my house is always 72 degrees (Bedroom about 68 degrees due to shade). I'm sorry you weren't always comfortable w/ the temperature.

 

[Saphire]

Our room was a garden view, second floor, halfway down hall which made it a short distance to lounge. We didn't have a balcony and the view looked out to a garden path that led to the quiet pool. We didn't get lagoon view because our kids are older and we could just walk outside to view Wishes. If kids were little, it would be great to have them watch from a LV room.
We only stayed once inside Magic Kingdom for Wishes and that was enough. The view from the beach is awesome! Ane then walk back to your room without fighting any crowds. Or try swimming in the volcano pool during Wishes, and you can see and hear the whole thing...incredible. The volcano pool was fun though crowded at times, the quiet pool was more to our liking. But again, the water was hot! Just a New Enland girl I guess, used to everything being cool, lol. Swimming in NE beaches, now that is refreshing! OK, back to Poly...
Mousekeeping was great. We requested morning service because we came back every afternoon, and each time we returned our room was clean. We left envelopes with $5 for day, $2 at night. My kids just loved turndown service, and the one night we didn't receive it they missed it so much. We called the next morning to (politely) mention it, and they were very apologetic, and never missed again.
The lounge had similar things every day with different appetizers each night. Tikiman's site has a great, accurate description of all the offerings. (can anyone give link?) I just can't believe how much money it saved...breakfast for 4 would easily cost $50, and although it would be comparing a hot breakfast to a cold one, the savings are still there. And that doesn't even count the rest of the day! So again, I really think the service is worth the cost, especially with more than two people. I would be happy to answer any more questions for you lucky ones still waiting to go!

 

[cinmell]

Sounds like you had a great time Saphire, thanks for posting about your stay! I'd like to try Polynesian Concierge next year, sounds great!

 

[samefay]

Thanks for posting. We're staying our first time at the Poly GVC at the end of August. I'm so glad you gave them a good report.
Can you tell me what kind of sushi Chef Dick puts out? I can't wait-I hear it's really good.


Sammie Fay

 

[MinniMama]

We go in two weeks thanks for the review I am so excited! We too think we save money at concierge as we grab sodas and drinks before we head out and in restraunts never by alchol or dessert as we have it when we get back.

 

[Mish]

Thanks for the post. We are staying Poly Concierge for our first time in September. I am glad that the breakfeast is worth it. We are also staying Garden view. I figure in September it will be nice to go and sit on the beach to watch the fireworks.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for the review. Glad you had a great time We're also a party of 2 adults and 2 teens, I know it'll be so convenient for our DSs, and us, to be able to go to the lounge for drinks and snacks

 

[Saphire]

Yes, samefay the sushi was good. There were two kinds, both had rice and other seasonings but one had a thin slice of what tasted like salmon, but I am not sure. My favorite was a chicken and beef sate that were on little sticks, it was very tender and tasty. They served it with a fried rice that was great. Also, watch for the spring rolls and lo mein, they were excellent, too. Other offerings were pulled pork, marinated chicken strips, chicken wings, spareribs. Really, everything was very good. The only thing we didn't try was an Italien looking pasta one night, but we were going to the Hoop-De-Doo, and didn't want to eat before that. The desserts were fun because they were small and you could try just about all of them (usually there were 5-6 varieties) Try the macadamia nut tart, delicious! The wines they offered were decent ones. The red cabernet was great, as was the chardonnay. Enjoy!

 

[colleen costello]

I agree with you on the A/C in public areas. We stayed in June and it was sweltering outside. We went to Kona and 'Ohana more than a few times. I always took my cardigan as frigid AC makes my arms chilly -- but I NEVER needed it. It was actually a bit stuffy. I wondered if the extra hot days outside (it was 98 degrees one day!) made the A/C feel less cool, but I more likely blame cost cuts.

I have also Emailed WDW to complain about the lack of A/C in the lines (indoors) for attractions. I about keeled over in the line for Space Mountain... Thought someone forgot to pay the electric bill!

 

[samefay]

Glad you mentioned the macadamia nut tart- was it labeled?
In the last three years I've become highly allergic to macadamia nuts. It's the wierdest thing-I had always eaten them in the past. Also, I have no other nut allergies. Thanks for the info.
I can't wait.


Sammie Fay

 

[colleen costello]

Sammie, fear not, the Macadamia Nut Tart is COVERED in the nuts. Even if it wasn't called "macadamia nut" (and it is) you'd have to be dead not to see them. I had it and it was sort of like a pecan pie, with the filling a sweet goo covered in the nuts. It came with a scoop of coconut ice cream and THAT is what I devoured!

There are lots of other "safe" desserts at Kona -- a cheesecake, a chocolate lava cake, ice cream, a banana-something-or-other. You'll find something wonderful I am sure, without macadamias!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Here's the tikiman site...

http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/index.html

I agree that it is a great site with EVERYTHING you need to know about the Poly. Great pics too!

 

[momshark]

Am I understanding that concierge at Poly includes alcohol? What exactly is concierge and what does it offer? My DS only eats mac and cheese, cheese sandwiches, pb&j... are those kinds of foods there too?

Thanks for all of your helpful information!

 

[Tess]

The concierge service at Polynesian has an early evening service that includes wine and beer (Heineken and/or Miller products). The service also includes crudites, cheese/crackers, and two hot or more substantial items (mentioned above and we agree, lo mein and egg rolls are terrific here as is the sushi and satay come to think of it, the wings are also nice ).

Later in the evening dessert service is offered with again, wine, beer, and about 6-7 different cordials, e.g., Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, brandy + a nice selection of finger sized desserts.

The kids' table always has PB&J (Uncrustables) and usually cookies or brownies, fruit, and candy.

Sodas, juice, milk, tea, lemonade, and water are always available. Cookies are served throughout the afternoon as are gummi worms, M&Ms, and Runts (the latter in large sand pails with scoops).

Morning service is a good variety of continental type fare with appropriate beverages.

There are many threads on the board that outline the variety of offerings at the various concierge lounges--try a search or check out the "Have you been bitten. . ." thread which has a multitude of posts! Tikiman's site is a great homage to the Polynesian in particular and is certainly worth your time in reading it!

Aloha!

 

[momshark]

Thanks TESS! I still don't know if the added expense would be worth it. I don't want to feel like we have to eat all of our meals at the Poly to get our moneys worth. My family probably won"t eat $100 worth of food a day. Hmmmm... May have to wait for the AP discounts to see what I can get in April. Is it possible to get Poly Concierge at under $200 a night regular season? I think I'll thread this question. Thanks again.

 

[Tess]

Is it possible to get Poly Concierge at under $200 a night regular season? I think I'll thread this question.

I wish. . .alas, that would be too good to be true. The standard rooms are rarely discounted below $200 per night although I've seen them at $199 p/n in the value season and just post 9/11. I'm not sure what value season rates are running this year with an AP. . .

 

[MinniMama]

I have gotten the 4 for 7 deal with tickets and it has been over 300 a night but still a fabulous deal 7 nights of concierge for 2700. with ultimate hoppers thats the best we've ever done