Poly Questions

[vossjemi]

We have a 4 day disney wonder cruise next sept 05. Kids will be 5 and 3. Cruise ends on a thursday, and we thought about heading over to WDW and spending 2 nights (th/fri) and flying home on saturday. We've never done the disney cruise before. And, we've never done WDW before. We don't have time to really do WDW in style (like seeing all the parks), so we plan to just see MK now and then go back in a couple years and dedicate a whole vacation to just WDW.

Anyway, my thoughts are if we only have 2 nights to spend there, we should go to a resort close to MK like the poly. The first day we'd probably spend at the resort itself and enjoy the pools, etc..since we'd spend half our day disembarking and traveling there. We'd then only get 1 day at MK.

My questions are these:
1)If you only had 2 nights, and needed to stay close to MK for time sake, would you pick the poly or somewhere else?
2)Approximately what would the poly cost us for 2 nights in sept?
3)How much extra is concierge? Do you recommend it?
4)How soon should we book a room? Do they ever get fully booked?
5)How to book? Can we book direct or need to go through a TA?
6)What are cancellation policies if we change our mind?
7)Are there any specific buildings/rooms we should ask for? Can we be that specific when booking?
8)What are 1 day MK passes going to run? And, those can only be purchased at the park the morning of?
9)If you only had 1 day at MK, would you do brkfast at cinderella castle (DD will be 5 and would surely love it, but would also see lots of characters on the cruise so don't want to waste time here if it'll take too long)?
10)Anything that you would say is a DO NOT MISS for this short of a time at MK?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[steveanddonna]

Wow! That's a lot of questions! First, let me say that you are wise to limit yourself to one park/resort with the short time you have. I hate seeing families rushing around trying to do it all, making the kids miserable and missing the point of vacation. Check out the MouseSavers website (http://www.mousesavers.com/wdw.html) for a lot of helpful info, including next year's rack rates, and historical discounts at various times of year. On to the questions:

1)If you only had 2 nights, and needed to stay close to MK for time sake, would you pick the poly or somewhere else?
We're a little biased, but I would definitely choose the Poly. The location and ease of transportation are the best. I also love the relaxed atmosphere after the bustle of the parks.

2)Approximately what would the poly cost us for 2 nights in sept? See the mousesavers site for more info. Rack rate is expected to run $304-400 for standard rooms, $410-510 for concierge. September is a slow month, though, so you have an excellent chance of getting a discount. The AP (annual passholder) discount this year brought Sept. rates down to $209-$380 for the Poly.

3)How much extra is concierge? Do you recommend it?
See #2 for costs. I highly recommend it, esp. if you can get a discount. Though you'll be there a short time, having the concierge staff to attend to your planning and other needs makes things so much more relaxing. If you're going to spend a lot of time at the resort, having the lounge available to you for snacks, soft drinks, etc. is really nice too.

4)How soon should we book a room? Do they ever get fully booked? The Poly is popular, but September (other than Labor Day weekend) is pretty slow, so you have some time. A lot of people like to book ahead and then hope to apply a discount later; others say that affects the number of discounts available.

5)How to book? Can we book direct or need to go through a TA? You can call WDTC (Walt Dis. Travel Co.) or CRO (Central Reservation Office) directly. CRO # is 407-WDISNEY.

6)What are cancellation policies if we change our mind? See mousesavers site for the most detailed info on this.

7)Are there any specific buildings/rooms we should ask for? Can we be that specific when booking? If you do concierge, you will be in the Hawaii building, an excellent location near to everything. Tikiman's website (http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/) has excellent info and pix of the different longhouses.

8)What are 1 day MK passes going to run? And, those can only be purchased at the park the morning of? Again, mousesavers would be the best reference for ticket prices. I believe one park/one day tix were about $58/$46 when we were there in August. These are only available at the gate. You can add a second day for a small discount off the second day price.

9)If you only had 1 day at MK, would you do brkfast at cinderella castle (DD will be 5 and would surely love it, but would also see lots of characters on the cruise so don't want to waste time here if it'll take too long)? Breakfast shouldn't take that long, and your DD would have wonderful memories. If you're an early riser and you're there on early entry day, you could do a few attractions then head to breakfast. Or, you could get an early breakfast PS if it's not an early entry day. This is a really tough PS to get, though, so plan ahead.

10)Anything that you would say is a DO NOT MISS for this short of a time at MK? For a 5-yr. old, all of Fantasyland and a little shopping at Tink's Treasures. Check out the Cinderella mural inside the castle; take time to watch the show in front of the castle. I've found it better when we take our nieces/nephew to go with the flow. Last time our niece (same age as your DD) was happiest riding the monorail, looking at the castle, riding IASW, and throwing pennies in every body of water we came across. That was in January and she's still talking about her trip, singing It's A Small World often enough to drive us bonkers. She wasn't into the parades or characters this time. Who knows how her brother will be when he accompanies us in December?

Hope that's somewhat helpful; feel free to PM me if you have more ????.

Donna

 

[princess lovers mom]

I will add my 2 cents on a few of your questions....

if you are planning to spend the whole day in the parks you might not need to spend the extra money on a deluxe like the poly when a moderate such as POR would be nice, need to do bus transport though....the monorail is a wonderful option if you think you might be bopping back and forth during the day to the poly.....

Cinderella breakfast is a dream come true for little girls and is not the same as seeing the characters elsewhere....highly recommend

Dreams Unlimited travel can help you with the hotel reservations and will also try to reserve the CRT breakfast for you too...no guarentees and I recommend you call too (90 days from vacation)

 

[DisneyWisher]

I just returned from Poly GVC and we fell in love with it. The building you are put is right by the beach and the pool. We were suppose to switch resorts but since DD11 was enjoying the pool and the friends she met we stayed there.

I think that since you are doing the cruise and getting alot of character interaction there I would bypass Cinderella's breakfast. Since concierge has breakfast offerings (muffins, danish, pineapple bread OMG I loved this, fresh fruit, oatmeal, cereal, bagels, english muffins, coffee, tea, milk, and juices) you are better off with this. Maybe do a character dinner instead.

The one thing that I think is a "Do not miss" is Mickey's Philharmagic. My daughters are 20, 18, and 11. All my daughters love it. Soon as we walked in this past time my DD11 said I love the smell of the apple pie. Its definitely a must see.

Have fun and a great trip,
Shirley

 

[EsmeraldaX]

If you want to do Cindy's Breakfast, find out exactly what day is 90 days from the date you want to go and start calling a few minutes before the phone lines open exactly 90 days out. Even then it's no guarantee you'll get it. This is a really popular breakfast but from what I hear well worth it.

Good luck!

 

[vossjemi]

Thanks for all the replies. I went with DU for the cruise, and booked it now due to early booking discount and we got lucky enough to get a secret porthole room. With cruises I know that they say TA's like DU can usually book you cheaper than direct with DCL, and that was true in my case. Is that the same with rooms at WDW? Or is booking direct cheaper?

Thanks also for the great websites. I'll check them out. Even though we'd like to spend 2 nights, we may only get to do MK 1 day because the first day we'll be disembarking from the cruise, traveling to WDW and checking in. I'd hate to pay for a day in the parks that we don't really get to enjoy much of so thought a nice WDW resort with lots of pool fun would be nice. And, I guess if we went concierge, I read on another post we could watch the fireworks from the concierge lounge that night...is that right? I guess the main reason I'd think poly and concierge is convenience on such a short stay.

Any other helpful tips or other perspectives in answer to my questions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[vossjemi]

Oh yeah, where is mickey's philharmagic? At the Poly or at MK? do you need reservations? cost? I'm really a newbie when it comes to WDW. Thanks.

 

[Tikiman]

It is in the MK. It is a new 3D show just past the castle where the Lion King show use to be. Get a fast pass!!!

Aloha

Steve

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by vossjemi
Oh yeah, where is mickey's philharmagic? At the Poly or at MK? do you need reservations? cost? I'm really a newbie when it comes to WDW. Thanks.

Philharmagic is a 3D type show at the Magic Kingdom. It is in Fantasyland, not too far away from the Carosel. You can't miss it.

No ressies required, but you will want to probably get a fast pass, as it is really popular. It's a GREAT show. We must have seen it 5 times the last time we went. You'll love it!

 

[princess lovers mom]

And, I guess if we went concierge, I read on another post we could watch the fireworks from the concierge lounge that night...is that right? I guess the main reason I'd think poly and concierge is convenience on such a short stay.

You can also watch wishes from the beach at POLY...concierge is expensive if you are not going to be there to enjoy the food offerings during the day...i.e. you are in MK the whole day...look closely at the extra cost and see if it is worth it to you...

With cruises I know that they say TA's like DU can usually book you cheaper than direct with DCL, and that was true in my case. Is that the same with rooms at WDW? Or is booking direct cheaper?

I would use you DU agent..they are disney experts and will be watching for codes for you and notify you ASAP if there is a cheaper rate and can change it for you...they can aslo do PS's

 

[Minnie&Nana]

quote"What are 1 day MK passes going to run? And, those can only be purchased at the park the morning of? Again, mousesavers would be the best reference for ticket prices. I believe one park/one day tix were about $58/$46 when we were there in August. These are only available at the gate. You can add a second day for a small discount off the second day price." quote


Actually, one day tkt can be added right to your room key if you are staying at a deluxe resort. We do this all the time when we take short trips and choose the MK and one other park each time - so we buy 2 one day passes. Tell them when you check in and the CM will add it right to your room key - no standing in line the next morning...no fuss, easy as can be!! Be sure to be there at MK opening to enjoy it without rushing!

The Poly or Cont : either would be great for 2 nights. The Poly gives you a choice of using the monorail or water shuttle (I'd do both, you'll all love it!) and the Cont ( a little less $ for North Wing or for a little more a Tower room and you can see the MK from your room in anticipation of the next morning!). From the Cont you can walk or take the monorail to the MK. Since you've just come off a tropical criuse the Cont Tower might be fun - if the MK has fireworks that night you can see them right from your balcony. Either choice will be perfect!!

Enjoy!!
Christine

 

[vossjemi]

What is PS?

 

[BCV23]

A PS is a priority seating for a restaurant. It is similar to a reservation except it means that you'll be seated at the next available table for your party size rather than a table being reserved for you.

 

[vossjemi]

Thanks. I also wondered about the view from the rooms at the Poly. I read that you can get a good view of cinderella's castle from the concierge rooms in the hawaii building. Do these rooms have verandahs? Are there other standard buildings that have a good view if we don't go concierge?