Surprising daughter with Poly

[Allentown5]

For the longest time my two oldest daughters and I have been keeping the fact that we switched from POR to Poly a secret from my wife and youngest daughter. My wife now knows, but the youngest, who is turning 10 while we are there, still doesn't. I have been very grateful for all the help/ info I have gotten from this board, and i am going to ask for just a little more.

When will we have to tell her? I can't remember last year if it was very obvious when we boarded the DME bus that we were going to POR. She is young enough and easily distracted by her two older sisters (ok, usually they are fussing about something) that if it is just the bus driver's announcement, we can get by. But if the lines/waiting area are marked w/ large signs, she'll know.

The other question I have is if it is safe enough around the GCH for the three girls to "explore" a little while we check in. My older two are 14 and 12, very responsible, and would stay together at all times. Could they walk over to look at the pool and beach area? Our past experiences checking in at POR and POP have told us that it can be quite a long wait, and I know they will be anxious to walk around the grounds, especially the youngest since she will be excited by the surprise. POR was so large, and since all the buildings seemed to look the same (AB section) we didn't let them in the past. Would the Poly be different?

Thanks so much in advance, Dan

 

[Pattymouse]

Hi Dan,

I would be perfectly comfortable letting my kids, led by a responsible 14 year old, wander the GCH, and walk to the pool/beach area. It is not far. The younger girls are also not tiny, tiny, like 2 or 3 y/o toddlers. Hence, much easier and enjoyable for your 14 y/o to enjoy herself also as she leads the tour.

Directly across from the check in counter is a large shop named "Boutiki". Even if they venture no farther than this shop, the shop itself should keep them occupied while you check in. Unless I have been very lucky, I have never had a terrible long wait while checking in.


You will love the Poly. Wait to you experiene how awesome it is to just hop on the monorail or boat and be at the MK within 5-10 minutes. The same goes for calling it quits at the park in the heat of the day, and being back at the Poly in 10 minutes or so. Swim, rest, rejuvinate for going back in the evening.

Enjoy! I know I will during our 6 night stay in Sept!

Pat

 

[kikiq]

We love the Poly and didn't hestitate to let our girls then 14 and 11 explore a bit. There is plenty in the GCH to look at especially if there is an activity going on like lei making or hula lessons. You could give the older girls the schedule of activites and let them decide which ones they would like to do during your stay.

 

[Marty Joe]

Allentowntown5,

Not only is the Poly beautiful, it is safe. There will be plenty to do at the GCH while you check in. We have never waited very long at all, in fact, two weeks ago we were the only ones in line at 11:00am on a Saturday!

Your secret will end with Magical Express. On the bus, the driver will ask over the busses intercom if everyone is going to WL, CR, the Poly, or GF, in case someone has gotten on the wrong bus. Have a good time...

 

[Allentown5]

Thanks to all!
I was hoping there wasn't any problem letting the girls go, but I didn't know if "all the longhouses look the same" or " the pool is so crowded they may get seperated" problems would pop up.

My hope is that the older two girls can distract the youngest once we get on the bus so that she isn't paying any attention to the driver. God knows they can get to the point where they don't hear/pay any attention to myself or their mother I was really hoping we could hold on to it until we got off the bus, but if not, I have some info/pictures of the poly that I have gathered and I'll give her that to read/look at during the bus ride. I also have a gift basket from memories by Sarah/Betsy for all the girls, so they will all get some "surprise".

Thanks again, Dan

 

[lovesdumbo]

The first time I stayed at the Poly I got a bit confused-the long houses do look very simular BUT...the pool area is actually pretty small so I don't think they would get lost and they could also go hang out at the beach. The GCH is very distinctive. Could you give the 14 year old a cell phone?

I bet your older girls could also distract her when the bus driver announces which resorts he's going to as the bus does go to more than 1 so you can just say the driver did say POR. Maybe sitting in the back of the bus would help too.

I'm sure your DD will love the surprise!!!!!