Poly giftshop update

[skiwee1]

I just got back from the Poly last night. Everything was really nice there as usual. I just wanted to give a heads up on the status of Poly resort logo souveniers. I think there was a question a while back on them not having too much. This trip there was one rack with different items. I saw ladies capris with matching jackets and tops with logos. There were t-shirts for men and women with that same tired hawaiian hula lady on it. They shirts came short sleeve, muscle sleeve, gray and white in both styles. There were childrens t-shirts that had just the word Polynesian on it and a sort of flower with it. Very cute. On top the racks were a few shelves with photo frames, shot glasses, drawings, and so on all with the Poly logo. All in all it was a lot more then the old shop which only had the same tired shirts there. I still think it could be much better like the Wilderness Lodge. I would love to buy more t-shirts if they would just get a new design! The new Boutiki is really nothing more then a shop to hawk Tommy Bahama clothing. While there is plenty of Disney souveniers I think half the place is nothing but TB. I sometimes buy a TB shirt for DH while there but think it is still a bit much for a resort giftshop. I don't know many folks, and I do like to spend, that would blow $400 for an outfit while on vacation. I kind of like to get my better clothing before the trip. I did have a small problem with the staff at Boutiki but that was handled quite quickly by the GM of merchandizing for Disney. All in all I spent way too much money at Boutiki!

 

[eclectics]

Thanks for the post. That was one of my peeves when I was there in September. AKL and WL shop has tons of logo stuff. Even the GF had more than the Poly! If I want a souvenier of my stay there, it certainly won't be a $200.00 Tommy Bahama shirt! But I guess some people like that overpriced junk or Boutiki would have changed by now.

 

[PolyGuy]

Was there last week as well, and enjoed seeing all the new Poly stuff. Much of it has Lilo and Stitch on it like the globes. They had really nice framed pics from around the Poly and even a little wood carved longhouse ($24.00) which I almost purchased.

We did purchase the monorail accessory Polynesian resort for $19.99 on clearance now. It looks like they cleared out alot of the monorail accessories, like Dumo and such.

 

[Tikiman]

Thanks Skiwee1. That is what I remember also. I agree there is more than there was in the News From Polynesia store before so I was surprised when people said there was nothing with Polynesian logos on them.

I myself liked the store but than again I am not a huge shopper.

Thanks again.

 

[eclectics]

Maybe I misunderstood the OP, but I thought she was complaining about the lack of good Poly merchandise. If that one rack and shelf of logo stuff is an improvement, I would hate to see what the old shop looked like. I'll say it again, if AKL can devote half their gift shop to a great selection of logo merchandise and clothing, I think the Poly could too. That was really my only complaint about this wonderful resort.

 

[Tikiman]

Yes….the OP said there was more than before.
Yes….the OP complained about the quantity and quality of some of the items

I am just pointing out the fact that many said there was little or no logo wear and I disagreed. Since I don’t remember people complaining about News from Polynesian store (maybe I missed it) that I was surprised at the complaints about Boutiki when it had even more than before. Maybe I am crazy but I consider "more" an improvement. I liked the store and think they did a great job. If no one agrees with me it won’t bother me for a second.

The truth is that I don’t judge a resort by its gift shop and even if I did my complaints would be misdirected if I aimed them at the Polynesian since someone outside the resort decides what they will have in the store.

 

[eclectics]

Oh well, I guess we all see things differently. All I wanted was a Poly Cap and a Sweatshirt. Was I disappointed? Yup. Will it cause me to re-think my next Poly stay? No way! I only wanted the logo clothing because I loved the resort so much. I can't wait to go back!

 

[Tikiman]

I think a sweatshirt would be great. I figured they never had them because we are there in the summer. Maybe we should just make our own logo wear do I hear lawsuit???

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

My favorite sweatshirt is coral colored with the Poly logo on the left breast and a zip neck. I bought it on our 2000 trip and wear it every winter. it is beginning to look faded and I think I may have to part with it soon. I have looked on every trip for another one that is similar and have been disappointed every time! I do wish they would have more variety in the logo clothes.

 

[PolyAddict]

There was a little more selection in May 2005 over our 2003 trip.

To tell you the truth, I did not see much in the way of Port Orleans logo in May, then again I wasn't really looking.

When we visited Poly for O'hana's we were soo resortsick we would have bought anything with Poly on it.

 

[eclectics]

I think a sweatshirt would be great. I figured they never had them because we are there in the summer. Maybe we should just make our own logo wear do I hear lawsuit???

Actually I have a unlicensed Calvin & Hobbes tee shirt my artist cousin made for me. I wear it all the time. Shhhh!!! Somehow I don't think Disney would appreciate any "artistic license"!

 

[skiwee1]

There was a long sleeve t-shirt too but had the same hula girl design. As the OP I guess I should explain my post. I was reporting back with what is now in the new gift shop. There used to be pretty much nothing in the old New from Polynesia. The new shop has a lot more then the old place. I still don't think it is enough. Not for the Poly obsessed anyway! I'd love to see a sweatshirt, maybe a cap, and a jacket with the Poly logo on it. I am going back in 6 weeks and will check out any new winter wear!

 

[eclectics]

There was a long sleeve t-shirt too but had the same hula girl design. As the OP I guess I should explain my post. I was reporting back with what is now in the new gift shop. There used to be pretty much nothing in the old New from Polynesia. The new shop has a lot more then the old place. I still don't think it is enough. Not for the Poly obsessed anyway! I'd love to see a sweatshirt, maybe a cap, and a jacket with the Poly logo on it. I am going back in 6 weeks and will check out any new winter wear!

Thanks skiwee1! Let us know. Maybe the time of year does have something to do with it. Have a great trip!

 

[nbandfour]

I was disappointed in the choices at Boutiki. The ladies' outfit you mentioned is nice-I bought it for myself, but I was definitely planning on getting everyone in the family a resort tee. Ended up with nothing for the rest of the gang. They were happy enough with 50th celebrations shirts, but I wanted both! One thing I was really looking for, for dh, was a Hawaiian style shirt with a Polynesian logo (or even just a Disney one). The only things they had, 2 styles, were just too campy. I was hoping for more upscale, like Tommy Bahama, but Disneyfied. I didn't see a mens polo with the Poly logo either. Both those seem like obvious choices to carry.

NB

 

[mmouse52]

My best Poly souvie are a set of mugs that I took with the permission of a cm back in 1971 for my 20th birthday. You cannot get that stuff anymore. I also have a few ashtrays that of course are not used (No smoking) and the match books with the poly logo on it that are obsolete. I agree that with the hotel being up so very long, One of the first the gift shop really needed a change. Going down next month for the food and wine and will be at the Poly. Wiil report back...