Dear my2boyz
We have stayed at the Tahiti and its pros and cons cancel each other out.
Because this longhouse is so far from the Great Ceremonial House, we felt we lost the magic of staying at the Poly. The long walk to the Great Ceremonial House, pool, Captain Cooks etc. wasn't a problem it just added to the feeling we were staying at another resort but using the facilities at the Poly.
After a long and tiring day at the Magic Kingdom you can get off the Monorail at the TTC, and walk to your room. It is actually closer (allot closer).
The large boat that takes you from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom is a very short walk. Basically the TTC is right around the corner. That makes traveling to MK and Epcot a snap.
I am not sure if the proximity of the Tahiti Longhouse to the TTC was worth loosing the magic of the Poly to us. We had stayed in the Hawaii building twice before and we had been able to see the fireworks from our room, which was very exciting.
During our last stay at the Poly we requested the Samoa with a pool view first floor as our first choice and the Raratonga first floor as close to the GCH as possible as our second choice.
We received the Raratonga first floor about in the middle of the longhouse with a view of the quiet pool. To be honest I actually liked this room better than the Tahiti. It was quiet, close to everything, and cheaper. The Poly Magic was Back.
I think what you need to do is sit back and look at the numbers. Is the $ for a view of the castle and watching the fireworks from your room once maybe twice worth it two you.
At the time we stayed at the Tahiti it was due to the Hawaii Longhouse being closed due to renovations. I had a really good couple of years and wanted to treat my family to the best the Poly had to offer. Would I do it again? . No I will put the extra money in my Girls college accounts.
Good luck
Searl