Questions For The Poly Pros!

[KMLOVESWDW]

We will be staying at the Poly for the first time at the end of Sept. We are looking for a quiet room & as we don't mind walking the grounds it doesn't have to be near the monorail or food or pool. Would you Poly Pros out there rather have a third floor or ground floor room? Wouldn't third be a little more private than the patios? What buildings have you loved? Do they do the torch lighting ceremony everyday & what time? Any other little "hidden" ideas I should look into? Thanks for all & any help!!

 

[MainStreetFireman]

We realy loved our first floor (patio) room in Rarotonga facing the quiet pool. It did have the benefit of being an easy walk to the bus stop, TTC and GCH as well. It was "central" to everything in the Poly for us, while also being private. BTW, my DW has always wanted a balcony at the Poly, but never has had one. Our last two trips, we requested 1st or 3rd floor, because we wanted either a balcony or a patio, and we received patio both times. IMHO, we were not disappointed.

If possible, stop by the hula lessons on Saturday morning. It is hardly just a "keep busy" activity for the kids -- on the contrary; there were quite a few CMs who were regulars at this weekly lesson. As an amateur percussionist, I picked up some great beats and techniques as well.

For nostalgia, don't miss the Electrical Water Pageant at 9PM from the dock. This was created to honor the Poly's opening and, as a tribute, starts there first every night before showing at the rest of the Seven Seas Lagoon resorts.

In any case, arm yourself with plenty of "Alohas" and "Mahalos" (thank you) and be prepared to hear alot of the same when you are there.

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

Anyone else with opinions?

 

[Dicecatt]

I suggest either Tahiti or Tuvalu. Tuvalu seems very private...the marina on one side, and one end is right up against the water. Tahiti is the farthest on the other side, right by the beach, and also the TTC. Both of those would be the most "private" in my opinion. Tuvalu also does not seem to be popular for requests, so you might have a good shot at actually getting it. Check out Tikiman's website, he has the best map I've seen, just google Tikiman 2001.

One tip I can give you, if you like Lapu Lapus, which is my favorite drink there, don't order them at the pool bar. They don't put them in the pineapple, and they aren't as good. Also, some of the drinks they automatically put in a souvenir glass, which is more expensive...ask for a regular cup right off the bat.

Oh, I forgot the balcony/patio question. My suggestion is balcony, you don't have people walking right outside your room.

 

[BCV23]

In the three newest buildings, the second floor rooms have balconies as well. Those three buildings form a courtyard that is beautiful and very peaceful to me. They are Tokelau, Tahiti and Rapa Nui.

Enjoy the Polynesian...it's very special.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

I like the idea of a balcony for a lagoon view room, just in terms of unobstructed viewing. However, if you have a garden view, either is very, very nice.

We had a patio when we stayed in a garden view room in Tokelau last November. We were near the quiet pool, but it was always very peaceful and we never had privacy issues on the patio. Maybe it would be different right near a path or beach, but I thought it was lovely to have all the space and greenery right there.

As for other things ... remember that while Kona is amazing, you can get a heaping helping of Tonga Toast at Captain Cooks if you're craving it on a day without time for a sit down meal. The torch lighting is fun, so ask for the schedule when you check in. And the view of the fireworks from a hammock on the beach is fabulous.

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

Thank you all-starting to look forward to it more & more!! 78 days & counting!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Tuvalu is my favorite longhouse. In December I had a lagoon view room on the first floor and it was pure heaven. Plus you have a 'quiet' beach next to this longhouse that not many people know about. Nice place to grab a hammock and just relax.

I can't remember exactly what days the torchlighting ceremony was. I can remember how gorgeous the guy with the fire *in* the ceremony was.

 

[StPeteDisneyers]

We booked Poly Garden for 6 nights in mid Sept (with the Free Dining added) and got the special promotion rate.

I've tried for the past two weeks to add one more night, but they can't do now because propmotion has ended... I can only book new reseravation and pay nearly $400.00 for same garden room (and that's without free dining)...

Does anyone know if they will offer Fla Res discounts for Poly in Sept?...
Or Has anyone ever had luck extending their stay with the front desk after they arrive?

Anyone in the know?

Thanks.

 

[stitchrulz]

We stayed on the second floor in Tokelau for our previous Poly stay and really enjoyed it. We had a room facing the pool, and it was nice to sit on the balcony and relax at the end of the day. Of course, if you're going to be zipping to the pool quite a bit, I would probably go with a patio.

From what I've been reading, there really isn't a "bad" place to be at the Poly. The Tikiman 2001 site has some excellent information and pictures. Of course, it hasn't helped me decide on a preference, either!

Isn't this a great dilemma to have?

 

[ConcKahuna]

Tuvalu is my favorite longhouse. In December I had a lagoon view room on the first floor and it was pure heaven. Plus you have a 'quiet' beach next to this longhouse that not many people know about. Nice place to grab a hammock and just relax.

I can't remember exactly what days the torchlighting ceremony was. I can remember how gorgeous the guy with the fire *in* the ceremony was.

This guy?

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

This guy?

Yep, THAT guy!

 

[kelscross]

He's still the fire guy??? Yeah!!! lol.

My girls think that is David from Lilo and Stitch..ha!

 

[McSwine]

Settle down, ladies!!!

We leave for the Poly on Labor Day, our first trip ever. I can't wait!

 

[disgirl]

I have never seen the torch lighting!! After that picture, here I come. When and where do they do that? Thanks!! Have fun everyone!!

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

I wonder if he was the same guy doing the fire part in the spirit of aloha? Because he was also very HOT!! Count me in the torch ceremony!! Are there any pretty girls for the Dhubby!!

 

[Fish2girls]

In the three newest buildings, the second floor rooms have balconies as well. Those three buildings form a courtyard that is beautiful and very peaceful to me. They are Tokelau, Tahiti and Rapa Nui.

Enjoy the Polynesian...it's very special.

Just wondering, do all the longhouses have elevators? I'm hoping to stay on the 3rd floor but don't want to walk up flights of stairs with 2 young girls asleep on my shoulder (and my DH shoulders too ). We were thinking of planning a Nov. 2008 trip and staying at the Poly. How is Poly in the fall??
Thank you

 

[BCV23]

Just wondering, do all the longhouses have elevators? I'm hoping to stay on the 3rd floor but don't want to walk up flights of stairs with 2 young girls asleep on my shoulder (and my DH shoulders too ). We were thinking of planning a Nov. 2008 trip and staying at the Poly. How is Poly in the fall??
Thank you

The Polynesian is wonderful in the Fall. Humidity is usually lower and the temps are delightful.

All but one building has an elevator. Niue is the exception. It is only two floors high and there is a "bridge" between it and Raratonga. The elevator for Raratonga is right inside the door by the bridge and very close to the GCH so quite convenient.

Have fun!

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

We were switched from AKL to Poly and I'm really starting to get excited now! I would LOVE to know about that torch ceremony

 

[ConcKahuna]

I wonder if he was the same guy doing the fire part in the spirit of aloha? Because he was also very HOT!! Count me in the torch ceremony!! Are there any pretty girls for the Dhubby!!

Yup, it's the same guy.

The torchlighting ceremony starts in the GCH at 6pm (I think LOL). He goes out front near the valet stand for the actual fire spinning.