gracelrm
<font color=teal>Wow - you learn something new eve
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2002
- Messages
- 1,757
I just returned home from a short stay (3 nights) at the Polynesian Villas. It was my first time staying at the resort and I really enjoyed it. It might even be my new favorite (warning:they are all my favorites ).
I arrived by DME (first time for that too) on Wednesday early evening. My flight landed a little after 4:00 and I did not use the DME tags because I wanted access to my checked bag. I was a little surprised how much walking I had to do to pick up my luggage and then back-track and finally arrive at DME. I wonder if there was a quicker way to do all that that I was unaware of. However, I can't complain because after the flight, it was good to get up and take a brisk walk. Maybe just a note for someone who has trouble walking. The ride to PVB was quick and pleasant.
I had completed on-line check in, but never received a text, so I went to check-in the old fashioned way. The CM at the desk wasn't sure why I didn't receive a text, but it only took a minute for her to show me where my room was and give me a resort map. Since the resort was new to me, it was nice to have that reference. About 5 minutes after I got in my villa, I received my two texts from Disney.
For this stay, I was by myself for the first night and then joined by my husband for nights 2 & 3. I really liked everything about the room. I was in Tokelau on the second floor. I had a view of the end entrance of Moreo and could also see the bungaloes. Off in the distance I could see Space Mtn - which was a nice reminder how close I was to the MK.
They had just begun the new security procedures a day or two before I arrived. I liked having my security check before boarding the monorail and walking right into MK. That was great, in my opinion. The walk from my room to TTC was an easy walk when we walked to/from the monorail to Epcot.
I spent some time walking around the resort, getting the "lay of the land". That is something I recommend always doing first! The times I rush in and rush right to a park, I feel like I never really explore the resort, and learning the resort is part of the fun for me. I went to explore the quiet pool area and decided to sit and have something from the bar. I was the only one there and the bartender was quite nice to talk to me while she was busy working. I finished my drink and asked her what would be the best quick place to eat, since I was alone. Although the food area at the quiet pool was closed, she said I could still order from the bar. So I had fish tacos from right there at the bar. Since I never travel alone, it was nice to be in a less conspicuous place dining alone. And the bartender gave me some company while I ate. It was a shame that last call was at 7:45. While I was finishing up my meal, countless guests came by and were sad to learn how early the quiet pool bar closed. I wondered if they would stay open later during the summer months - the bartender said last call was at 7:45 year round. Seems a shame, but I guess there's a reason for that.
I spent a day at MK and a day at Epcot. The weather was 96 the day I arrived and struggled to get above 70 on Friday. I'm sure that was unusual weather for the Orlando area. Oh and I saw the Blue Angels do a flyover the resort that was pretty phenomenal. It was time to leave on Saturday morning. DH doesn't fly so we had rented a car from the Disney's Car Care Center for the drive home. We called the day before and were told we would be picked up at 9:15 in front of the resort. The shuttle was prompt, with a delightful driver and in no time, we had our rental and was on the road.
It was a great trip and I will not hesitate to stay at the Polynesian Villas again. I'm so glad I own DVC. I know I would have never stayed there, if it weren't for DVC!
I arrived by DME (first time for that too) on Wednesday early evening. My flight landed a little after 4:00 and I did not use the DME tags because I wanted access to my checked bag. I was a little surprised how much walking I had to do to pick up my luggage and then back-track and finally arrive at DME. I wonder if there was a quicker way to do all that that I was unaware of. However, I can't complain because after the flight, it was good to get up and take a brisk walk. Maybe just a note for someone who has trouble walking. The ride to PVB was quick and pleasant.
I had completed on-line check in, but never received a text, so I went to check-in the old fashioned way. The CM at the desk wasn't sure why I didn't receive a text, but it only took a minute for her to show me where my room was and give me a resort map. Since the resort was new to me, it was nice to have that reference. About 5 minutes after I got in my villa, I received my two texts from Disney.
For this stay, I was by myself for the first night and then joined by my husband for nights 2 & 3. I really liked everything about the room. I was in Tokelau on the second floor. I had a view of the end entrance of Moreo and could also see the bungaloes. Off in the distance I could see Space Mtn - which was a nice reminder how close I was to the MK.
They had just begun the new security procedures a day or two before I arrived. I liked having my security check before boarding the monorail and walking right into MK. That was great, in my opinion. The walk from my room to TTC was an easy walk when we walked to/from the monorail to Epcot.
I spent some time walking around the resort, getting the "lay of the land". That is something I recommend always doing first! The times I rush in and rush right to a park, I feel like I never really explore the resort, and learning the resort is part of the fun for me. I went to explore the quiet pool area and decided to sit and have something from the bar. I was the only one there and the bartender was quite nice to talk to me while she was busy working. I finished my drink and asked her what would be the best quick place to eat, since I was alone. Although the food area at the quiet pool was closed, she said I could still order from the bar. So I had fish tacos from right there at the bar. Since I never travel alone, it was nice to be in a less conspicuous place dining alone. And the bartender gave me some company while I ate. It was a shame that last call was at 7:45. While I was finishing up my meal, countless guests came by and were sad to learn how early the quiet pool bar closed. I wondered if they would stay open later during the summer months - the bartender said last call was at 7:45 year round. Seems a shame, but I guess there's a reason for that.
I spent a day at MK and a day at Epcot. The weather was 96 the day I arrived and struggled to get above 70 on Friday. I'm sure that was unusual weather for the Orlando area. Oh and I saw the Blue Angels do a flyover the resort that was pretty phenomenal. It was time to leave on Saturday morning. DH doesn't fly so we had rented a car from the Disney's Car Care Center for the drive home. We called the day before and were told we would be picked up at 9:15 in front of the resort. The shuttle was prompt, with a delightful driver and in no time, we had our rental and was on the road.
It was a great trip and I will not hesitate to stay at the Polynesian Villas again. I'm so glad I own DVC. I know I would have never stayed there, if it weren't for DVC!
