Polynesian Concierge Review - Hawaii vs Tahiti and Other Info

[michelem]

Hopefully the resorts will respond to the high occupancy rates by staffing where appropriate.

The money is coming in, they have to respond if they want repeat business. There are many ways managers can forecast their busy weeks, even down to a busy day (Saturday and Sunday Check ins and check outs).

Even with the FTP package I'm spending about $250 a night for the room itself. $250 should not buy wet carpets and mold on ceilings. I know they haven't gotten to Tahiti renovations yet, but maybe running an extra fan in the room can dry it out while guests are not in it during day. They can also get temporary Hepa filter systems for problem musty rooms.

As for food service, this is my first time so I won't have Hawaii or old times to compare to. So far I've got to say Rosemarie has been very helpful in planning. I think as long as I get my morning coffee and some bottled water for the parks, a bagel for my kids, I'll be happy!

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

The Poly experience is awsome! Hopefully these were isolated and temporary incidents. Our first few nights of problems didn't put a damper on our 11 night dream vacation. I am already trying to plan our next Poly adventure... waiting on AP room only rates. It truly is a unique experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything! I am envious of all you soon to be Poly'ers (except for the heat!). By the way, every cm I have talked to says the Poly has the highest return rate of any resort!! I believe it.

 

[Tess]

Polynesian guests are among the most loyal and, at times, aggressive in their defense of the resort! I should know--I've been known to be personally offended that someone dared to dislike my favorite resort! Eleven years ago no one could have convinced me I'd be a loyal Polynesian devotee! It certainly didn't appeal to me. . .I stayed there strictly out of convenience--at least initially. What can I say, my family and I LOVE this resort! That's why it pained me so to write that our stay was simply average.

All of that said, I'm choosing dates for next summer already--and I haven't even written my follow-up thank-you note to the staff of concierge for our trip! We'll probably be scheduling our week very quickly here for next June. My husband and I were going to go in the fall--but, with kids in 10th and 8th grade--we don't have a lot of "family years" left--gotta' make the most of what we do have!

Anyway--I guess my choosing dates for next year sort of says it all--even with the ups and downs, I wouldn't trade my favorite resort for another.

BTW, WANNABE@WDW--you're right, the following is very loyal. It seems, however, that one of the CMs in concierge told us last summer that Polynesian had slipped to #2 behind AKL concierge--not in repeat service, but overall service? Having stayed at AKL now, that's not an opinion I share about the resort itself--can't speak to the concierge service though. Frankly, if the food in concierge is the same type as Boma--my family wouldn't care for it--but as I said in another post, that just leaves more room for others at AKL that truly appreciate the unique and special atmosphere it has to offer.

 

[tammydel]

Tess-

Thanks again for taking the time to honestly describe your experiences.
This I think is a fairly safe place to do so. Those of us who a Disney Freaks are reluctant to discuss any shortfalling with friends in the outside world, we don't want to hear that "see I told you Disney isn't all that great/prefect, whatever..."
As I have read in other posts...a bad day at Disney is better than a good day anywhere else! That holds true for our favorite resorts, restaraunts, parks, rides...

Just a quick on the side question, I've asked this before and my memory is not so hot...I can't remember if anyone answered me.
Other than the Ferryboat whistle (which I think I will love) is there any other noise from TTC. Extra bus sounds and such? While I will aprieciate the short walk, I don't want to feel that I am staying at the TTC. Thanks.

Also, gotta say, I am having second thoughts about asking for a 1st floor room.

 

[wdw4us2]

We stayed at Poly Concierge the weekend of June 13th. We have stayed at the Poly many times, but this was our first Concierge experience at that resort. I had heard so many good things about it, we decided to give it a try.

If I had to base my decision on booking there on this trip alone, I would never go back.

Our bell man was great, very friendly and helpful on the ride to Tahiti. The CM we encountered upon check-in was another story. Let me first state that I have stayed at the Concierge level at Yacht Club, Beach Club and AKL on several occasions. Unfriendly is too nice a term to describe how we were treated, he was downright rude . We received no leis, and no verbal welcome. He took several minutes examining not only my Driver's License, but my Travel Agent ID as well (as though he thought they were fake). I asked him to book us a Priority Seating for an early dinner one day, and he didn't know any of the restaurant hours for the surrrounding resorts, and didn't even try to look them up. I also asked him about the boat package, where you pay one price during your stay for unlimited boating, - he told me I needed to go to the marina myself to get the information!!! At any of the other Concierge services I have encountered, if they can't answer your question, they always offer to find out and leave a message on your voice mail in your room. My sister, who never complains about anything, even commented that she thought he was rude.

As for the lounge area, we were disappointed that the food offerings were not what we were lead to believe. There was no Italian night on Friday, which we were looking forward to after all we had heard about it. Also, the dessert offerings were not labeled, and there was no way to tell what they were as they all looked the same. So we played "guess the dessert" that night. I will say that they were labeled on subsequent evenings. The lounge staff were very friendly and helpful, but I do not think there were enough CM's to handle the amount of people there. I also did not know there were two other rooms set up for the lounge since there were no signs in the buffet area. We kind of stumbled upon them when we were looking for a CM.

We also encountered unruly children and adults with no manners. I'm beginning to think that's just a sign of the times and is no reflection on who can afford to stay there. My DH and I always strive to make sure our kids (9 & 12) behave appropriately even though others do not.

I will probably give Poly Concierge another try in the future, but not until it is back in Hawaii. You would think that Disney would train their Concierge CM's better - especially when dealing with a Travel Agent. If I had to base my opinion on this stay, I would never recommend the Poly Concierge to any of my clients!

 

[onthego103]

Lisa~
How was your room? Where was it located? We are checking in to Poly Concierge in 5 days, and I am a little nervous, to say the least! Could you determine where the smoking rooms were located? Thanks for any input. ~Nancy

 

[Tess]

TTC is not even a factor for sound--don't fret. The ferry whistle is a great touch when you're out on the balcony--otherwise you won't hear it!

 

[wdw4us2]

We had a Garden View room on the first floor. We were closer to the elevator than the sliding doors to the lagoon. We were in room 1007 - there was no problem there with "the smell".

I forgot to mention in my earlier post, we also had trouble with the in-room fridge. It was not plugged in when we arrived, so we plugged it in and went out for about an hour. When we returned, it was still not cold inside, so we called maintenance. It took two more calls before a maintenance man came to check it - he thought there was something wrong with the electrical outlet. He finally determined it was the fridge and brought us a new one. He was very friendly and helpful and said they were having a lot of problems with them. It took about 3 hours total to get the problem fixed.

I believe the smoking rooms were on the second floor. We never noticed any odor from them on our floor or the Lounge area.

 

[PLibster]

Thanks Tess for the post. You did a great job describing our own experience with Poly Concierge (June 8-18). It's good hearing all the great things about the Hawaii building. We love the Poly, and after talking with you and reading your post, we feel confident that all these issues will be solved soon and we can get the true Poly Concierge experience in the Hawaii building sometime between December and next June.

 

[Tikiman]

I have not read through all post so sorry if I repeat anything. Thanks for the report Tess. It is good to have an honest report always. I agree that in the last year the rudeness of guests has become outrageous. Our experience last summer was great from the service we got at the Polynesian but the guests were the worst we have seen. I was thinking I agreed with the idea that reducing the rate for the concierge was part of the problem with the bad manors but I also agree that those with money can be just as bad. I think what the problem can be is those not use to traveling and staying concierge or deluxe are not use to how to act around the perks (not speaking for all) I have seen in through parts of my family. Much of my family has a great deal of money and attends functions where manors are expected and some of the family that is not use to being around expensive functions usually reacts to the free offerings and other perks differently because they are not use to it. I see people like this in the concierge lounge where they start to take all the food they can carry even if they do not think they can eat half of it and even try to take bottles of wine.

As far as the card in the room and the chocolate poastcard, I have seen photos of people returning from Tahiti and they had all of these things.

I have seen good and bad reports about the new concierge situation so I don’t believe all is lost but I appreciate the honest report. I know they have big plans for the NEW Hawaii building and they said there will be surprises to the lounge (or at least at one point they had plans for something). I am sure it will be great when they move back over. Things are much better when Chef Dick is around also.

Aloha

Steve

 

[tammydel]

Tikiman-

Hello, just want to say that I love your site! It has been very useful and fun to browse while planning. I hope you have decided to keep it around.

I have read that you are often in touch with concierge staff. Have you spoken to anyone there recently? What is thier take on Tahit concierge? Are they feeling overwhelmed and that this is the best that they can do given, occupancy, staffing and other resources in the temporary location? Or are there still adjustments being made to service?

I know I am asking a lot. I don't expect you to read their minds or grill them for info, just thought maybe you could help us (those of us with a trip planned while concierge is at Tahiti) gain a little insight.
I'm still imagining it will be wonderful - just without any specific definitions of what kind of wonderful....

Additional info or not....thanks again for your site.
Your wife is a lucky lady to have such a Disney fan for a hubby!

 

[Tikiman]

Tammydel,

The funny part is I am not a big Disney fan. My wife is and I do enjoy the parks but I am more a fan of Polynesian culture.

Yes I have had emails about every week from one CM or another and their impression is that the move went smoother than they expected and they seem very comfortable with the situation. I know the food situation can change dramatically when Chef Dick is out but the reports about the service I have gotten have been positive and even Tess seems to think the staff is doing a good job. I know that at certain times the guests that are there can be a bad batch and things can get ugly and some times are worse than others but the emails I have received from the staff did not give me an indication that things were not going smoothly.

I have not been there to see it so I can only go off of reports from guests and staff. If I were going I think I would have some concern but I would still be looking forward to it very much.

Aloha

Steve

 

[princess angel]

how terrible that the rudeness of teh guests is so out of control! I think it is so sad that people have no manners.
Concierge is a luxury, an extra pampering to make your stay more luxurious, stress free, and relaxing....
your report sounds like feeeding day at the zoo...

I really hope the people who acted so inappropriate read your post and take a long hard look at themselves.


hopefully Disney will find a way to remedy this.....

Laura

16 days til WDW!!!! yipppeee!!!!!

 

[tammydel]

Thanks Tikiman-

***I think I would have some concern but I would still be looking forward to it very much.*** that's me.

I'll pick up some Miss Manner Guides and leave them lying around the lounge!

 

[Tess]

You're right, I do feel the staff was--while we were there--working VERY hard to keep the ship sailing smoothly. I am a bit peeved about the chocolate bar issue though. . .I resent being told the concierge is no longer giving goodies when, in fact, others have and are receiving them! It isn't really the chocolate--it's the principle! If, as a staff member, you don't have an answer--get one--don't just make it up to appease the guest. You have no clue whether you're talking to someone who is there for the first or 10th visit!

I agree with you, and anyone else who pointed out, that money doesn't make one better mannered or bred! I really hope that's not how my post came across. I was really trying to gain insight into how the Tahiti building became SO packed (given the extra 40 rooms vs Hawaii) especially that early in June. We've never experienced a packed house in Hawaii during this same week let alone a FULL house with 40 more rooms! I guess I was more or less hoping that the folks who were so misbehaved were "upgrades" thinking they would make the most of the "freebies". Rude is rude no matter the color or amount of the money!

If I were going I think I would have some concern but I would still be looking forward to it very much.

My sentiments exactly--if something doesn't seem right to you--handle it with the staff at the time--go with your eyes opened to the possible pitfalls and you won't be overwhelmed should it be ongoing!

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Tess,
Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts and observations. I think you make some very good points, and as the saying goes "forewarned is forearmed" !! We will be staying for a few days at the beginning of August, and I must admit to being disappointed when I was told (not when I made the reservation, mind you) that Hawaii was going to be out of commission at that time. I was even more concerned when I heard of the poor behavior of a number of guests and some problems that appear to have resulted from the transition between the buildings. I did have one of the CMs acknowledge to me that they had some adjustment pains in the early days after the move, but she and the other CMs I have talked to seem to think that things have settled down somewhat.

We travel to the Poly concierge every year at the end of July/beginning of August to celebrate our anniversary, so we are used to it being pretty full. I agree that 40 extra rooms is a lot more people... I have to say that the vast majority of guests I have come across have been pleasant, but there are always exceptions. I can only hope that your experience was not an indicator of things to come.

That being said, we are really looking forward to being back at the Poly!

Mike

PS By the way, if she witnesses bad behavior, my 4 year old is quite likely to comment on it ("that boy/girl/whatever is being very naughty, aren't they?"). That always gives us a smile