My Poly experience-LDW

[canwegosoon]

First of all, we have been dying to try the POLY, but we are DVC members so we rarely do non-dvc hotels, but the free dining offer came along, we had AP's, and so I said ok we would try it.

We got off the plane and headed for ME desk it was 11am on Friday of LDW. Checked in and were told what line to get on. We boarded the bus after come confusion by the bus drivers to find out that we would be making 4 stops . We have stayed many times at BWV and BCV where there are always several stops but I think 3 has always been our max. 4 is crazy and I truly felt sorry for the people at the last stop. We come to find out that the POLY is the first stop.... good for us...sorry everyone else. We get off with 2 other famlies. It is a little past noon, we walk through the door...no one greeting us-ok- so I'll head over to the desk. Check in for me was a nightmare. I could not hear what the nice woman was saying to me because of all the noise and comotion and the water. The woman was standing too far away for me to hear her(I was in the corner where check in meets concierge) and I was straining to listen to her. I read lips fairly well(and by the way I have excellent hearing) but it was still so difficult. I had requested to be in Samoa or Tokelau...we were assigned Aotearoa . I took all the information and happily went off hoping for the best. We had room 1203 on the first floor across from the elevator(which is ok with me). We went inside to see a nice large room, a little dark where the closets were, but other than that- great. My boys really liked the super large flat screen tv. I liked the room layout and the beds and sofa were very comfortable. DH travels with lots of classified information so we never have roomservice(hence that's why we like DVC). But I did see the ladies in the hallway and brought out our garbage and got clean towels daily. They were always pleasant and I think they liked having one less room to deal with. There is no view of anything except the occasional monorail from this room, so I was a little disappointed about the view. There were no gardens(unless you consider "gardens" 2 large tropical plants) but there were ducks in the morning. They were obviously accustomed to getting a snack from previous guests.

The room is located very close to the marina, pool and the main house. But the staff constantly had a golf cart parked in the entrance, and in the morning there were loads of linen boats all over the place. Not appealing to me. When ever we went to/from the main house(lobby) we had to walk past the restrooms just outside the counter service. I can not tell you how annoying this is. People mill around there taking up the entire width of the hallway. Don't go past it just before or after a Luau, you are likely to be bumped or checked at least once. The laundry is very far away and since I only pack 3 days of clothing I had to do laundry while there. I had the misfortune to be trying to walk back with 2 loads of laundry just when the last luau show was over. I know what samolon swimming against the stream feel like. It was rude and dangerous...thank goodness I did not have a small child with me...it was too dark to see well, and I am 5'10" . Lighting should be improved there for the mass exodus and they should rethink letting everyone out at once.

So as our time progressed the hallway be came a bigger issue and I learned to avoid going back to the room at Luau time. One of the best things was one night while we were at Epcot we decided to go back to our room early. I told the kids and DH they could go to the pool. While there they got to see wishes while swimming. They loved it! The slide they only got to try on 2 days since there were frequent thunder/lighting storms. I heard from other guests they shut the slide down at very inconsistant times. At the pool, people took up all the tables and lounge chairs even though 70 percent were not there. I even saw one family take up 2 tables and unbrellas for 5 people(3 of which were children under the age of 4). IMO this is very rude. One nice woman asked if I would like to share her table... bless her heart. I am just a little shy and said no thanks, but was happy to have 1 chair for the 4 of us. I didn't even know there was another pool until I went to do laundry on the 3rd night there. I also didn't know there was a beach to the left of our house...it would have been nice if the front desk would have pointed these things out. I had to call to find out where to catch the boat to WL. DH was a little dissapointed that room services ended fairly early in the evening. I am not sure what time he wanted a snack...but there was no room service available. I am not sure that he couldn't have walked over to the CS ...they might have been open, but the front desk did not mention it as an alternative to room service.

IMO the Front office staff, while couterous and pleasant, were lacking in key information. The front desk needs better configuration to hear (I would have gladly waited a few more minutes to have less people talking around me) we were all standing too close together. Something has to be done about that hallway with the bathroom. If we had been staying to the right of the main house we would have never encountered it. I would not recommed Aotearoa again unless you were lucky enough to get X217-x224, so you had a MK view...other than that it is not worth it. There should be a greeter...we saw one when we were leaving. There were very few Alohas, and many staff seemed to shy away. Infact I am sure I heard an Hola! one day. Our return trip on ME we never got a letter, so I called the front desk. They told us what bus to get-again very helpful. I think next time we will go back to using a towncar/with the RCI. The Poly was nice to try, I had cancelled ressies at the Yatch Club when my son asked to stay here. I might stay here again if I had another house to the right of the lobby...Aloha!

 

[John's Mom]

Thanks for expressing your honest opinion. I've never stayed at the Poly, but have visited on many occasions. I'm considering a stay there next year.

 

[Poly Pal]

Hmmm, you took all of the information from the front desk (which includes a map of the resort) and you did not know that there were 2 pools? Also include in the welcome packet is "News from Polynesia" which lists all of the services available at the resort and their hours. Captain Cook's is open 24 hours a day. I believe room service hours are 6 am to 10 pm. The hours are listed on the room service menu in the room.

We've stayed in Aotearoa twice and have never encountered the problems you had with guests departing the luau. Are you referring to the hallway outside Captain Cook's and the arcade as being crowded and dimly lit? The hallways and common areas of the GCH and longhouses are all fairly well lit IMO. What was the problem with walking by the restrooms?

 

[queenofhartz]

Thank you for your review of the Poly! From the pictures, I kind of wondered if it was dark. DH and I are also considering a stay here next year (Poly or GF). If we go to the Poly, we know what rooms to request thanks to your review.

 

[Mercy]

Hmmm, you took all of the information from the front desk (which includes a map of the resort) and you did not know that there were 2 pools? Also include in the welcome packet is "News from Polynesia" which lists all of the services available at the resort and their hours. Captain Cook's is open 24 hours a day. I believe room service hours are 6 am to 10 pm. The hours are listed on the room service menu in the room.

We've stayed in Aotearoa twice and have never encountered the problems you had with guests departing the luau. Are you referring to the hallway outside Captain Cook's and the arcade as being crowded and dimly lit? The hallways and common areas of the GCH and longhouses are all fairly well lit IMO. What was the problem with walking by the restrooms?

Why do people have to be so critical of someone else's review... after all that was their experience. I appreciate hearing all types of reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly.... it helps me make educated choices. canwegosoon, glad you had a nice time even if you weren't thrilled with the Poly.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for your honest review of the Polynesian. I can see why you would not want to see a golf cart parked outside the building and the cart with the linens, however I don't see what the problem is with having to walk past the restrooms by Captin Cook's?

I know that in December when my parents and I stay there we are in the Hawaii Longhouse since we are staying in a Garden View Club Level room and since we saw where the Longhouse is located we know what were expecting.

 

[Poly Pal]

Why do people have to be so critical of someone else's review... after all that was their experience. I appreciate hearing all types of reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly.... it helps me make educated choices. canwegosoon, glad you had a nice time even if you weren't thrilled with the Poly.

Sorry if you found my post critical. The OP complained that the front desk did not tell her that there are 2 pools at the Polynesian, did not tell her the hours of Captain Cooks, and then did not tell her the hours room service was available. Apparently giving all of this information to guests in printed form, which it sounds like the OP did not bother to read, gets twisted into a complaint about the resort.

To the OP, glad you had a good time despite your travails!

 

[canwegosoon]

Hmmm, you took all of the information from the front desk (which includes a map of the resort) and you did not know that there were 2 pools? Also include in the welcome packet is "News from Polynesia" which lists all of the services available at the resort and their hours. Captain Cook's is open 24 hours a day. I believe room service hours are 6 am to 10 pm. The hours are listed on the room service menu in the room.

We've stayed in Aotearoa twice and have never encountered the problems you had with guests departing the luau. Are you referring to the hallway outside Captain Cook's and the arcade as being crowded and dimly lit? The hallways and common areas of the GCH and longhouses are all fairly well lit IMO. What was the problem with walking by the restrooms?

First of all...the part that was dark was outside in front of TONGA and between the Marina. This was after the last show, and there was easily 50 people leaving there together walking toward the arcade door enterance enmasse. The bathroom issue is with the people congregating just past the doors to the bathroom. They don't line up single file against the wall, my experience was that one stands about 2 feet off the wall across the hall, and many were either holding a child, stroller or talking to someone infront of them. Then on the other side of the wall (and almost always right across from the other person) stands someone else. This makes about a 2 foot opening to get through. And many times I had to zig zag. IMO it is not necessary...it happened a lot...not just once or twice...I would say at least 10 times during my trip. Don't forget I mentioned that this was LDW and it was also Free Dining so I know POLY was at near capacity-and I understand that. This is my prespective-it is something that bothers me.

No I did not read the map...I have had people at many other front desks point out all pools, laundry, and transportation points. I am the chief herder and sherpa for my group, as well as master planner, financial keeper etc. So I really don't have time to sit and read a map, but I did pull it out to find out how to get to the laundry There was no room service menu in our room...we had to get one the following day...but if someone calls the front desk looking for food and room service is closed I would think the desk would recommend Capt. Cooks to get a snack. Not a big deal...just something for others that might be going to keep in mind.

I am glad you had a nice stay at Aotearoa, it wasn't to my taste. I am not a overly picky person, everything doesn't have to be perfect, I am not running down to the frontdesk demanding to be moved on a busy weekend or a refund. I am stating things to keep in mind for other trips. And if you read my last line I said I probably would go back...just not to Aotearoa. If I checked in and they assigned me a room there I would ask to be moved immeditaly...that is me...others might love it and I hope they do.

 

[canwegosoon]

Sorry if you found my post critical. Apparently giving all of this information to guests in printed form, which it sounds like the OP did not bother to read, gets twisted into a complaint about the resort.

You know both your posts are critical...I am not going to respond to another post, but I would venture to guess that more than 70% of vacationeers with children do not read all their printed materials. Don't believe me??? Run a poll for families with more than 2 children on a holiday weekend.

 

[canwegosoon]

Thank you for your review of the Poly! From the pictures, I kind of wondered if it was dark. DH and I are also considering a stay here next year (Poly or GF). If we go to the Poly, we know what rooms to request thanks to your review.

The only place that seemed dark to me was out side near the marina and on some of the paths to the laundry(but it was 10 pm or later)...everything else was fine.

 

[nan1217]

Beyond just the printed materials, I'm surprised you hadn't researched a bit ahead of time esp. as a DISer w/nearly 6000 posts. I've never been to the Poly but will be there in two weeks and knew the stuff you thought the front desk should have told you.

I do appreciate your experience as much of it isn't something that you could know ahead of time (like about blocking the hallways, the lighting, etc.) but can't blame the front desk for not telling you when you had chances to learn before you even got there.

 

[BCV23]

I think you were the victim of incredibly bad timing with the Luau crowds. I've run into those crowds and know just what you mean. I would recommend taking the outside route for anyone else who reads this. Walk by the marina and enter/exit by the rear lobby door. It is only a few extra steps. But the good news is that only happens for a short time each show. Most of the day and night it is not an issue.

Room service is 6-midnight last I knew. I do miss the old 24/7 but those are still good hours. Captain Cooks is open 24/7 although the grill closes at 10 or 11pm. However, if your husband called the room service number after midnight and just got the message it was closed, it probably would have been worth his while to check the newsletter.

I really don't think Poly Pal was being negative. Just confused about some of your problems IMO. Personally, I would much rather CMs at registration not go through every detail of the resort to every guest at checkin. Can you imagine the lines? That's what newsletters and maps are for IMO. Certainly not required reading but there to answer questions about restaurants, hours, services etc.. I will admit that I am a newsletter junkie though. Years ago, the Polynesian had a nice heavy duty binder with room service menu, restaurant hours, recreation, etc.. I think we can all thank the sticky fingered guests who took them for the fact that there are now small laminated room service brochures. In fact, I imagine someone before you stole your room service menu. And even if the CM had gone over the details, it probably would have been even more frustrating for you since you were having trouble hearing her.

It does sound as if you would be happier on the other side of the resort.

Did you get a chance to try 'Ohana or Kona?

 

[sotoalf]

Why do people have to be so critical of someone else's review... after all that was their experience. I appreciate hearing all types of reviews, the good, the bad and the ugly.... it helps me make educated choices. canwegosoon, glad you had a nice time even if you weren't thrilled with the Poly.

Yes, but you can still question their remarks and thoughts -- politely. That's what you're supposed to do with a review. Why else host a forum?

 

[CPer'sMom]

but I would venture to guess that more than 70% of vacationeers with children do not read all their printed materials.

Why wouldn't you read the materials given to you at check-in? What better way to find out all that the resort offers? The maps included are very easy to read and give guests a great overall view of the resort. Plus you can find the hours for the restaurants and any childrens' activities offered.

If you are saying that people with children do not have time to read the materials, then I'm still .

I'm glad you had a good trip and enjoyed the Poly enough so that you would still consider a return visit.

 

[leanne11]

with tons of info, and being the herder of my family, i take the hotel info in the bathroom with me, it's the only alone time i get, i know i know too much info.. got married at the poly so of course it's my fave...

 

[Haeg]

Beyond just the printed materials, I'm surprised you hadn't researched a bit ahead of time esp. as a DISer w/nearly 6000 posts. I've never been to the Poly but will be there in two weeks and knew the stuff you thought the front desk should have told you.

I do appreciate your experience as much of it isn't something that you could know ahead of time (like about blocking the hallways, the lighting, etc.) but can't blame the front desk for not telling you when you had chances to learn before you even got there.

Not to be critical but, thats kinda what I was thinking. And I too appreciate the feedback. Thanks

See you in 16 days nan1217, I'll pass you near the bathrooms.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

We must have been neighbors at some point, if I read your post right! We stayed from Sept 2-8 in Aotearoa. We were closer to the end of the hall nearer to the Luau, and had a wonderful monorail view. We actually loved the view, as I am so used to parking lots or loading dock views on my stays, that watching the monorail go by every few minutes was great! We also could see golfers on the nearby gold course, and of course many CMs going by in carts. I admit that I like a view with some action, so we were pleased. I was very afraid we would be put in the parking lot side of Rapa Nui, so we were very happy to be in Aetearoa! I thought the location to the Ceremonial Hall was sooo convienent. I loved walking right by the marina and seeing the Castle. I wouldn't mind getting Aetearoa again sometime!

I must say we never experience the luau foot traffic, so we didn't have those problems. I totally agree on the laundry, though - I couldn't find it on my first try!! I had to return to the room and ask my sister where it was (it was right near the bus stop). That was a hike from Aetearoa with a heavy load!

But overall I loved my first Poly stay. OP - sorry there were so many things that put a damper on the trip!

 

[kileybeth]

perhaps here on the DIS a few of us take things a bit far where research is concerned. . .

like me. I am not a planner by nature (ie. I've never written out a weekly menu in all my 20+ years of "managing" my family of 6 kids ) and yet I could tell you the main entrees of numerous sit down restaurants in Disney that I will never eat at!

or my most recent "anniversary trip" (see my sig) turned "survery trip" as we scoped out the POLY to make sure we knew every in and out before we arrived next week with our kiddos in tow

I have traveled extensively with my DH on buisness and I just have to tell you, I never ever put this amount of thought into a reservation/hotel choice/amenities/etc! Usually a casual read on trip advisor, pick the top 2 or 3 and book it! Day before travel, print out directions and off we go.

so. . .you know, maybe it's okay not to know everything! Thanks to OP for sharing your observations. I talked with a CM at check in desk of POLY and it was not crowded, very few people in line (and I too, have excellent hearing!) it was difficult to hear! But once we got the CM to walk us around the resort and show us a guest room we could hear her just fine!!

Looking forward to our trip next week and sucking up all the POLY/Disney info I can absorb between now and then. How I will ever remember or put it to use is still in question!

 

[oliviansmom17]

perhaps here on the DIS a few of us take things a bit far where research is concerned. . .

so. . .you know, maybe it's okay not to know everything!

I agree, Kileybeth. I think that even with 6,000 posts, one can still a newbie at some things within/concerning WDW.

Maybe folks could cut canwegosoon some slack??? Let's feel the love...

 

[eliza61]

Thanks for the review. One question? Why is 4 stops on a bus from the airport crazy? This will be my first time on ME so I'm asking honestly. I'm assuming I'll be sitting down or are the buses that packed? I use to take Mears from the airport ($60 bucks) and they always made a lot of stops. Just trying to get a feel for what to expect. How long was the ride?