Polynesian as part of land/sea

[InsanelyMickey]

I was too lazy to search for my original posting of this question so here's a new one...

Has anyone stayed at the Polynesian as part of the land/sea package? I was wondering what type of room is included in this package? Garden view? Or any hope of getting a lagoon view?

Thanks for any replies you can offer

 

[MarstonsO]

Hi, it`s been two years, but we did. I think they save a "block" of rooms for the land/sea people. But our first time to the Poly, so any room was wonderful for us. We had a view of the quiet pool. Hope you have a wonderful vacation. The cruise is awesome!

 

[erikthewise]

We did this last year -- sort of.

When I attempted to book a land/sea package 5 months out, the only resort that was available in the package was the Swan/Dolphin. This was true both online and via a travel agent. There were plenty of rooms available at the Poly where we wanted to stay. I thought it was very strange that anyone in the world could book a room at the Poly except for a DCL customer.

We ended up making our own land/sea package by booking a 3-day cruise and a 4-day stay at the Poly separately. We saved tons of money over what we would have paid for the package, and we took advantage of some great rates to stay Garden View Concierge at the Poly and a category 5 stateroom on the Wonder. We also got a great rate on a rental car for 8 days that cost us $100 less than DCL transfers. None of this would have been possible if we had actually booked the package with DCL.

 

[mrsltg]

From what I understand, it's actually cheaper to book the land/sea portions individually then to go through Disney. By doing it yourself, you can apply codes and such to save money.

Enjoy your trip no matter how you do it!

Erin

 

[pouncingpluto]

Well, I just did it. We were going to stay at the Wilderness Lodge in our land/sea package, but something about your post got me thinking, and I just changed it to the Polynesian!

I would love to stay at Wilderness Lodge sometime, but for this short trip, especially with it being my boyfriend's first time since childhood, I thought the convenience of being on the monorail line would be wonderful.

 

[InsanelyMickey]

MarstonsO, erikthewise, mrsltg-

Thank you for your replies and tips. I'm noticing now (after trip is already paid in full) that a lot of people say booking the land/sea separate on your own is cheaper. I guess I'll know better if we ever get to do this again! I liked the convenience of the land/sea as I have little travel experience so it worked out ok for this time at least. But now that I've found these boards, I'm learning a lot of secrets of how to travel Disney the right way

pouncing pluto-

Oh boy! I sure hope you enjoy the Polynesian since my post influenced you. This will be DH and my first time there but I've heard great things about it, and you're right about the convenience of the monorail line. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you again everyone for your replies!

 

[jultomzach]

My sister-in-law was considering the land/ssea with a stay at the Polynesian. The rate from a TA (for 2 adults, 3 children for 4 days sea and 3 days land) was close to $7,000! I have been to Disney several times, never done the cruise and stay on a budget. I was shocked at the quote! She really wants to go but $7,000 is too much! She would like to go in MAY 2003 and would consider other resorts. Any suggestions? Can anyone share how much they paid when they booked it themselves? Thanks!

 

[erikthewise]

Be aware that cruise prices vary enormously depending on time of year and the category of cabin you choose. Also the pricing is not very friendly for families of 5. Most cabins sleep at most 4. In order to all be in one cabin you have to take category 4 (or higher), which is pretty expensive. I suspect that choosing the Polynesian over another resort is the least of your problems as far as cost is concerned. At least there you can sleep 5 in one room!

Suggestions? The first that comes to mind is to pitch the cruise and spend the whole week at the Polynesian! But if you really want to do the cruise:
-- get quotes from other sources, including Dreams Unlimited, one other *Disney Specialist* TA, and either Travelocity or Expedia.
-- do 4 day land, 3 day cruise rather than the other way around. That should save a few bucks.
-- don't let them sell you Unlimited Hopper passes, the most expensive option. Just buy 4-day park hoppers.
-- Book your own airfare, and decline travel insurance and Disney transportation. With five people you can probably do better with private transportation or car rental.
-- Can you be flexible on the week you go? Ask about finding lower rates for cruising on a different week.

BTW it cost us (booking ourselves) about $5000 for EVERYTHING (incl meals, tips, etc) last year. We could have done it for less, but we only have 2 adults, 2 children. I doubt you could do it for less than $5000, but you should be able to do better than $7000.