Question for you Poly lovers

[Servants of Evan]

I don't know what they categorize it as now, but back in 1990 there definately was a "Marina View" category. If I recall correctly, there was Laguna view, Marina View, Garden View, and the Disney version of "Parking lot view." Laguna was the most expensive, Marina was second, followed by Garden, and beautiful asphalt. I know that in August, the rate was $225/night plus tax bringing your nightly total to somewhere just under $250/night. I also remember on our next to last day being asked to come down to the front desk to sign our credit card slip as the charge had surpassed $2,000. Somewhere, I still have the reciept -- as well as the reciept for our August 12th Lapu-lapu's.

As a tip to any would be honeymooners -- I wouldn't reccomend staying up all night on your wedding night, catching the first flight out, spending the day in the MK and then hitting the Tangarroa Terrace for dinner and ordering a Lapu-Lapu. Combine a complete lack of sleep for the previous 48 hours with a hearty serving of rum and .... well, when we were done with dinner we understood why our server told us they had wheelchairs available at the door!!!

Servants of Evan

 

[Tikiman]

I don't know what they categorize it as now, but back in 1990 there definately was a "Marina View" category. If I recall correctly, there was Laguna view, Marina View, Garden View, and the Disney version of "Parking lot view." Laguna was the most expensive, Marina was second, followed by Garden, and beautiful asphalt. I know that in August, the rate was $225/night plus tax bringing your nightly total to somewhere just under $250/night. I also remember on our next to last day being asked to come down to the front desk to sign our credit card slip as the charge had surpassed $2,000. Somewhere, I still have the reciept -- as well as the reciept for our August 12th Lapu-lapu's.

As a tip to any would be honeymooners -- I wouldn't reccomend staying up all night on your wedding night, catching the first flight out, spending the day in the MK and then hitting the Tangarroa Terrace for dinner and ordering a Lapu-Lapu. Combine a complete lack of sleep for the previous 48 hours with a hearty serving of rum and .... well, when we were done with dinner we understood why our server told us they had wheelchairs available at the door!!!

Servants of Evan

Just to update your information. The Polynesian no longer has a Marina View category but you are correct that they did at one time. It only has Garden view and Lagoon view with the Lagoon view rooms being the rooms that face the lake directly and all other rooms being garden view. Even when there was a marina view and the others were garden view only 27 rooms ever looked directly at nothing but a parking lot.

As for the tip to go to Tangaroa Terrace to get a Lapu Lapu I am sure you mean go to the Tambu Lounge since the Tangaroa Terrace does not serve drinks and has been closed for years.

Aloha

Steve

 

[Servants of Evan]

At risk of hijacking this thread or causing debate (and my complete apologies to the original poster), I pretty clearly recall that at the Poly in August of 1990 there were the following dining options: Coral Isle Cafe & The Tangaroa Terrace -- I constantly get confused which was which, but one was on the second floor across from the Monorail, and the other was at ground level behind the GCH and a bit toward the TTC while still within the Poly grounds. The Lapu Lapus were served at the ground level restaurant at dinner, and the same restaurant had a very large breakfast buffet. The other places you could eat something were the Polynesian show pavilion (for the Luau dinner shows) and Captain Cook's (?) ice cream joint right near the back exit to the GCH and next to the clothing/resort wear stand. I'll try to find my reciepts -- I know I came across them about a year ago...

Sorry, but those memories are quite clear despite the 15 years...

Servants of Evan

Whoops, I just re-read your post -- and again I offer an apology -- You're saying the restaurant closed and he's where you'd have to go. It made it though my twitter-pated mind now... Ah, that was then, this is now.

 

[Tikiman]

At risk of hijacking this thread or causing debate (and my complete apologies to the original poster), I pretty clearly recall that at the Poly in August of 1990 there were the following dining options: Coral Isle Cafe & The Tangaroa Terrace -- I constantly get confused which was which, but one was on the second floor across from the Monorail, and the other was at ground level behind the GCH and a bit toward the TTC while still within the Poly grounds. The Lapu Lapus were served at the ground level restaurant at dinner, and the same restaurant had a very large breakfast buffet. The other places you could eat something were the Polynesian show pavilion (for the Luau dinner shows) and Captain Cook's (?) ice cream joint right near the back exit to the GCH and next to the clothing/resort wear stand. I'll try to find my reciepts -- I know I came across them about a year ago...

Sorry, but those memories are quite clear despite the 15 years...

Servants of Evan

Whoops, I just re-read your post -- and again I offer an apology -- You're saying the restaurant closed and he's where you'd have to go. It made it though my twitter-pated mind now... Ah, that was then, this is now.

No apologies needed and your memory of back in 1990 is correct except I don’t know if I would call Captain Cook’s an ice cream joint. Coral Isle Café was the one in the GCH and now is Kona Café.

You can go to my web page to refresh your memory but it seems you did a good job remembering.

http://www.tikiman2001.homestead.com/poly2.html

Aloha

Steve

 

[Servants of Evan]

Steve,

Shaka, Brah! Mahalos.

 

[Tikiman]

Steve,

Shaka, Brah! Mahalos.

He mea 'ole

Aloha

Steve

 

[erikthewise]

Every longhouse has its advantages, even Rapa Nui! (secluded, large rooms, near the TTC/Epcot monorail) I hope we can eventually stay in all of them. We have stayed in Niue (many years ago when it was nonsmoking and called Bora-Bora), Hawaii, and Rarotonga.

I guess if I had to pick one non-concierge longhouse, it would be Samoa. Centrally located and closed to everything. Tokelau and Tahiti are also great if you want the larger rooms.

 

[morrismhs]

We just got back last month from the Poly. We stayed in Rarotonga, 1st floor, facing the pool. I loved this building - it was my first time there. One end is right next to GCH and the other end is right by the bus stop. It is a little bit of a walk to TTC but not too bad. I had a 2yr old in a stroller. You can always take the monorail around to TTC. Coming home we used to switch at TTC to the resort monorail, get off at GCH and walk right into our building. Hope you have a wonderful time. I am already trying to figure how we can go back again next year.

 

[Tissa]

You guys have me a little worried. I didn't plan on requesting any certain bldg. Does that mean I get the room/bldg that none of you want? Hey she didn't request anything, lets put her in ---

 

[Servants of Evan]

Tissa,

Don't worry, we're all just a little obsessive. I doubt you'll find a room that you wouldn't like -- it's the Poly, after all! What I really liked most of all, was the complete feeling of relaxation that comes with the laid-back atmosphere of the place. It was quiet, comfortable, clean, and convenient. What more can a guest want?

Servants of Evan

 

[Tikiman]

You guys have me a little worried. I didn't plan on requesting any certain bldg. Does that mean I get the room/bldg that none of you want? Hey she didn't request anything, lets put her in ---

Tissa,

Don’t worry about it. I never request a building when I am vacationing there and even when I was not staying concierge. There are very few rooms that I would even consider not very good but there are so many great locations with their own special things about them that your chances are good you will get a nice location. I think people go way to overboard about requests myself but than again if it makes them happy than let them do what they want. This does not mean that you have to do the same thing to insure you will get a good room. In fact the surprise of what you will get can be the best part. The other good thing is if you don’t worry about getting a specific location than you have nothing to be disappointed about when you get there.

Aloha

Steve

 

[BCV23]

Tikiman, it is good to see you back on the DIS. How was Maui?

I too remember when there were 4 categories of rooms although I think there were only two (the current ones) when we first started staying at the Polynesian. Anyway, at one point the categories were lagoon, waterview or something like that which included pool and marina, garden view and parking lot. Perhaps parking lot view included the lot side of Raratonga as well as Rapa Nui?
At one point, I remember a pool view being a category as well although I think it was only 3 categories then. Who knows, it may change again?

Servants of Evan, I can understand you thinking of Captain Cooks as an ice cream joint because ice cream used to be a major part of the visual as you entered. They carried at least 7 types of hard serve ice ceam and lots of different toppings. One of the specialties was the Maui Wowie which included those 7 types of ice cream and tons of toppings.

I'm going to have to go back and read this whole thread but to whomever was worrying about not specifying a longhouse, I personally think this is the way to go. As Tikiman said, then you aren't setting yourself up for disappointment. To me there is nothing sadder on the resort board than reading about someone who has overplanned and is let down when every little thing doesn't happen as planned. Every longhouse has its advantages and I think it is great to relax and discover the magic for yourself.

 

[Tikiman]

Aloha BCV23,

Maui was great. Good enough that we are skipping WDW next year and going back and taking a few WDW regulars with us. I will tell you that many things reminded me of the Polynesian in the room and around the grounds but the first thing I said when I walked off the plane in Kahului was “It smells like the Polynesian”

 

[BCV23]

That's great, Tikiman. I can smell it now....the Polynesian and that air at Kahului.

Aloha!

 

[debbiedoo]

At risk of hijacking this thread or causing debate (and my complete apologies to the original poster), I pretty clearly recall that at the Poly in August of 1990 there were the following dining options: Coral Isle Cafe & The Tangaroa Terrace -- I constantly get confused which was which, but one was on the second floor across from the Monorail, and the other was at ground level behind the GCH and a bit toward the TTC while still within the Poly grounds. The Lapu Lapus were served at the ground level restaurant at dinner, and the same restaurant had a very large breakfast buffet. The other places you could eat something were the Polynesian show pavilion (for the Luau dinner shows) and Captain Cook's (?) ice cream joint right near the back exit to the GCH and next to the clothing/resort wear stand. I'll try to find my reciepts -- I know I came across them about a year ago...

Sorry, but those memories are quite clear despite the 15 years...

Servants of Evan

Whoops, I just re-read your post -- and again I offer an apology -- You're saying the restaurant closed and he's where you'd have to go. It made it though my twitter-pated mind now... Ah, that was then, this is now.

np -- I like info ---

If you never need info on the following:

CBR
VWL
BCV
OKW
SSR
ASMovies
GF

your are welcome to ask!! I thought I would try out something knew for a few days before checking into DVC---

 

[Tissa]

Tissa,

Don’t worry about it. I never request a building when I am vacationing there and even when I was not staying concierge. There are very few rooms that I would even consider not very good but there are so many great locations with their own special things about them that your chances are good you will get a nice location. I think people go way to overboard about requests myself but than again if it makes them happy than let them do what they want. This does not mean that you have to do the same thing to insure you will get a good room. In fact the surprise of what you will get can be the best part. The other good thing is if you don’t worry about getting a specific location than you have nothing to be disappointed about when you get there.

Aloha

Steve

Thanks Steve that's great to know. I feel like asking for certain locations is just going to set me up for disapointment if I don't get what I requested. I'm just so happy that I'll finally be able to afford to stay there that I don't care where they put me. Your site is great and is going to be a big help with my first stay. Thanks for everything you do

 

[*Fantasia*]

Aaaahhhh... Maui! What a beautiful island! I'm thinking of next year summer. We'll be staying right off Ka'anapali Beach. Marriot or Westin. All the resorts along beach are just beautiful. The beach and view are just gorgeous!

 

[packy]

FYI - Fiji is currently under renovation and completely closed. Be forwarned - Fiji is very close to the Luau which runs late at night. We stayed there a few years back for two nights then moved to a different building. The CM said we were not alone. The noise woke me two nights in a row. You hear the base from the drums at midnight - sounds like fireworks.

 

[ctrabada]

When I stayed in May, I had not made any requests, so I asked the CM at check-in if they had anything in Fiji available facing the marina and there was! We stayed in room #3318. We had a beautiful view of the marina, volcano view, lagoon and CR. We loved the location and had no problems with noise (but then again, we wear earplugs to bed).

Poly bumped WL as our #1 resort. I did a lot of research before booking (thanks, Tikiman) but decided against making a room request prior to check-in. I've never done it before and decided not to start as I did not want to add stress to a vacation. For us, if the room is clean, smoke-free and relatively easy to get around, we're happy. If we get a great view, then it's a bonus.

Here's a few pix from our room:

 

[*Fantasia*]

When I stayed in May, I had not made any requests, so I asked the CM at check-in if they had anything in Fiji available facing the marina and there was! We stayed in room #3318. We had a beautiful view of the marina, volcano view, lagoon and CR. We loved the location and had no problems with noise (but then again, we wear earplugs to bed).

Poly bumped WL as our #1 resort. I did a lot of research before booking (thanks, Tikiman) but decided against making a room request prior to check-in. I've never done it before and decided not to start as I did not want to add stress to a vacation. For us, if the room is clean, smoke-free and relatively easy to get around, we're happy. If we get a great view, then it's a bonus.

Here's a few pix from our room:

OHhhh... How nice.... I wish I could be there right now! I can't wait to go back to the Polynesian! I can't wait to stay in Fiji bldg! Thanks for sharing the pictures!