The *ALL NEW* Polynesian Resort FAQ thread - *APRIL 2009*

[LorieDisneyLover]

Ok, time for report #2:
-Wishes just ended and while as visually spectacular as ever, I was very disappointed to find that you cannot hear the Wishes music at all from the Hawaii building. This is in complete contrast to last July where the music was extremely loud, almost too loud.

Sometimes the volume in the lounge gets turned way down -- if you ask one of the staff they should be able to turn it back on. We have also asked them to dim the lights if no one else is doing anything requiring the lights.

Less than 100 hours and we'll be watching Wishes from the Hawaii bldg

 

[DISNEYNUTS]

we just upgraded to the POLY during free dining, we are so excited, but must admit although we have always wanted to stay here, I really don't know much about the resort, rooms layout, any info would be great, I am trying to go through this thread but it is so long . Just wondering what kind of room requests to put on Resv. we have a standard room, that is all we can afford right now.

 

[tarak]

Disneynuts - Tikiman's site has probably anything and everything you would want to know about the Poly - I love to go and just look at the pictures.
tikimanpages

 

[huntconn]

Wow, am I the only one that doesn't like the adult grilled cheese at CC. I do LOVE the chips though.

YES, you're the only one! Ironically, I love the sandwich but don't really care for the chips!

 

[huntconn]

Sometimes the volume in the lounge gets turned way down -- if you ask one of the staff they should be able to turn it back on. We have also asked them to dim the lights if no one else is doing anything requiring the lights.

Less than 100 hours and we'll be watching Wishes from the Hawaii bldg

Actually I was talking about the music outside of the Hawaii building. Last year it was nice and loud so you could plainly hear all of Wishes while watching from your balcony. This year the music is non existent. I spoke to a woman working in the club office and she seemed surprised that this was the case but admitted she only works during the day. She said that she would look into for me and see if she could find out why the speaker was not working or if she could get it turned up. I'll let you know if anything changes.

 

[Picabo]

I'm LOVIN' the live report HuntConn! Thanks for taking the time to keep us all updated! I'm totally lovin' every minute! SURE wish (hint hint) you could post some pix, too!

Are you normally able to hear WISHES from the beach? I was hoping we'd be able to (never been before) but maybe not?

Someone posted pix of the beach - are those cabana thingy's free for anyone to use or you pay for them? And if anyone can use them - what are the chances of getting on in the afternoon??

 

[Tess]

Actually I was talking about the music outside of the Hawaii building. Last year it was nice and loud so you could plainly hear all of Wishes while watching from your balcony. This year the music is non existent. I spoke to a woman working in the club office and she seemed surprised that this was the case but admitted she only works during the day. She said that she would look into for me and see if she could find out why the speaker was not working or if she could get it turned up. I'll let you know if anything changes.

Just an FYI (and you may already know this since I know I've posted it before), the sound for Polynesian (loop, Wishes, etc.) is controlled from the MK. Unless someone reports an issue, no one knows there is an issue. There are also times when critters chew wires underground and speakers are disabled. This happens frequently around the quiet pool. Sadly, the CMs become immune to the music, sound, etc. and oftentimes do not know there is a problem.

So, thanks for reporting it--hopefully someone will address it wherever the problem lies and other guests will reap the benefits of your report. I will say the sound was really low when we were there in May as well.

 

[Tess]

Someone posted pix of the beach - are those cabana thingy's free for anyone to use or you pay for them? And if anyone can use them - what are the chances of getting on in the afternoon??

Those little chair tents are free for anyone. First come, first served availability. Chances of snatching one will depend on crowds at the pool on any given day--good luck, the early bird gets the worm or cabana in this case.

 

[DISNEYNUTS]

Disneynuts - Tikiman's site has probably anything and everything you would want to know about the Poly - I love to go and just look at the pictures.
tikimanpages

Thank you so much, I will check it out

 

[huntconn]

Ok folks, here's another update for 'ya:
-Capt.Cook's: The ordering area is now "roped" off which has made the place more organized overall. Also, the Dole Whip machine is now functioning again so pineapple dessert lovers rejoice!
-Club level continental breakfast offerings have in fact been diminished. There is no longer danish or the pineapple bread which is a real shame in my opinion. Besides fruit and cereal there is only a cinnamon roll, plain bagel, and croissant offered. Chef Dick has been in the lounge daily and looks (and cooks) as good as ever.
-The arcade has added some new games including Guitar Hero Arcade which my wife is thrilled about! She came running to the arcade when I called her and told her about it. She's a bit of a Guitar Hero addict in case you could not tell. Especially funny considering she hates video games in general.
-Volcano Pool has been very crowded every afternoon. Lots of fun to be had though. Today they played bingo with prize awards, had hula hoop contests, played dodge ball on the beach and played pool volleyball with a huge beach ball. They even had a dance party with big speakers set up. I actually enjoy how crowded the pool gets. Lots of folks to meet and talk to. Great fun watching the kids have fun and making new friends. The great thing about how crowded the Volcano Pool gets is that the quiet pool is exactly that. If you want to swim in peace and quiet you can certainly get your fill there. My oldest son Hunter, 8 yrs old, has finally gotten the courage up to go down the pool slide. Now we can't get him off the damned thing! He's really making up for lost time and must have gone down it 50 times.

More later after Wishes (if they have it since it is currently pouring down rain, even though it was beautiful all day)

 

[huntconn]

Just an FYI (and you may already know this since I know I've posted it before), the sound for Polynesian (loop, Wishes, etc.) is controlled from the MK. Unless someone reports an issue, no one knows there is an issue. There are also times when critters chew wires underground and speakers are disabled. This happens frequently around the quiet pool. Sadly, the CMs become immune to the music, sound, etc. and oftentimes do not know there is a problem.

So, thanks for reporting it--hopefully someone will address it wherever the problem lies and other guests will reap the benefits of your report. I will say the sound was really low when we were there in May as well.

Thanks for reminding me of that Tess. I did report it earlier today but there is still no music to be heard near Hawaii. I will check with someone again tomorrow. I'm too busy with these desserts and Grand Marnier right now!

 

[kimgof]

Thanks Huntconn for your report! I can't wait to be there in August!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Ok folks, here's another update for 'ya:
-Capt.Cook's: The ordering area is now "roped" off which has made the place more organized overall. Also, the Dole Whip machine is now functioning again so pineapple dessert lovers rejoice!
-Club level continental breakfast offerings have in fact been diminished. There is no longer danish or the pineapple bread which is a real shame in my opinion. Besides fruit and cereal there is only a cinnamon roll, plain bagel, and croissant offered. Chef Dick has been in the lounge daily and looks (and cooks) as good as ever.
-The arcade has added some new games including Guitar Hero Arcade which my wife is thrilled about! She came running to the arcade when I called her and told her about it. She's a bit of a Guitar Hero addict in case you could not tell. Especially funny considering she hates video games in general.
-Volcano Pool has been very crowded every afternoon. Lots of fun to be had though. Today they played bingo with prize awards, had hula hoop contests, played dodge ball on the beach and played pool volleyball with a huge beach ball. They even had a dance party with big speakers set up. I actually enjoy how crowded the pool gets. Lots of folks to meet and talk to. Great fun watching the kids have fun and making new friends. The great thing about how crowded the Volcano Pool gets is that the quiet pool is exactly that. If you want to swim in peace and quiet you can certainly get your fill there. My oldest son Hunter, 8 yrs old, has finally gotten the courage up to go down the pool slide. Now we can't get him off the damned thing! He's really making up for lost time and must have gone down it 50 times.

More later after Wishes (if they have it since it is currently pouring down rain, even though it was beautiful all day)

Thanks for the update.

 

[dmil]

Ok folks, here's another update for 'ya:
-Capt.Cook's: The ordering area is now "roped" off which has made the place more organized overall. Also, the Dole Whip machine is now functioning again so pineapple dessert lovers rejoice!
-Club level continental breakfast offerings have in fact been diminished. There is no longer danish or the pineapple bread which is a real shame in my opinion. Besides fruit and cereal there is only a cinnamon roll, plain bagel, and croissant offered. Chef Dick has been in the lounge daily and looks (and cooks) as good as ever.
-The arcade has added some new games including Guitar Hero Arcade which my wife is thrilled about! She came running to the arcade when I called her and told her about it. She's a bit of a Guitar Hero addict in case you could not tell. Especially funny considering she hates video games in general.
-Volcano Pool has been very crowded every afternoon. Lots of fun to be had though. Today they played bingo with prize awards, had hula hoop contests, played dodge ball on the beach and played pool volleyball with a huge beach ball. They even had a dance party with big speakers set up. I actually enjoy how crowded the pool gets. Lots of folks to meet and talk to. Great fun watching the kids have fun and making new friends. The great thing about how crowded the Volcano Pool gets is that the quiet pool is exactly that. If you want to swim in peace and quiet you can certainly get your fill there. My oldest son Hunter, 8 yrs old, has finally gotten the courage up to go down the pool slide. Now we can't get him off the damned thing! He's really making up for lost time and must have gone down it 50 times.

More later after Wishes (if they have it since it is currently pouring down rain, even though it was beautiful all day)

Thanks for the update. I'm out of town with work and it is helping me get through the night. I can't wait until Aug.

 

[huntconn]

Good morning,
Here's another quick update while my wife is getting ready for the parks!
-Regarding recent reports of garbage and towels strewn about especially around the Volcano pool....I just don't see it. The resort has appeared as clean as ever to me. I truly believe some of these posters base their entire experience around one specific incident, namely a couple of irresponsible guests making a mess. Obviously, CM's can't follow people around with a broom. I'll give a quick example of how CM's do care about keeping the resort clean that happened just yesterday. I was speaking with a CM named Michael at the Club desk. While speaking to him my youngest son Connor said something about "stepping in sand". Apparently another guest had tracked some sand in from the beach/pool area. Without missing a beat, Michael turned to the CM next to him and quietly and politely asked her to clean up the sand which was quickly taken care of. Not a big deal I guess but really illustrated to me how much these folks care about the appearance of their resort. And please don't think for a second that I'm viewing things through "rose colored glasses" because of my love for the Poly. If there's garbage around the resort, I'll be telling you there's garbage around the resort (and telling management btw). But the fact of the matter is...this resort is still maintained wonderfully! Oh well...gotta jump in the shower, hit the lounge, then off tto DHS! Have a great day everyone!!!
P.S.: I want my pineapple bread back, darnit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tess]

Good morning,
Here's another quick update while my wife is getting ready for the parks!
-Regarding recent reports of garbage and towels strewn about especially around the Volcano pool....I just don't see it. The resort has appeared as clean as ever to me. I truly believe some of these posters base their entire experience around one specific incident, namely a couple of irresponsible guests making a mess. Obviously, CM's can't follow people around with a broom. I'll give a quick example of how CM's do care about keeping the resort clean that happened just yesterday. I was speaking with a CM named Michael at the Club desk. While speaking to him my youngest son Connor said something about "stepping in sand". Apparently another guest had tracked some sand in from the beach/pool area. Without missing a beat, Michael turned to the CM next to him and quietly and politely asked her to clean up the sand which was quickly taken care of. Not a big deal I guess but really illustrated to me how much these folks care about the appearance of their resort. And please don't think for a second that I'm viewing things through "rose colored glasses" because of my love for the Poly. If there's garbage around the resort, I'll be telling you there's garbage around the resort (and telling management btw). But the fact of the matter is...this resort is still maintained wonderfully! Oh well...gotta jump in the shower, hit the lounge, then off tto DHS! Have a great day everyone!!!
P.S.: I want my pineapple bread back, darnit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We found the same thing you are reporting when we were there in May. There were certainly no cleanliness issues (other than guests being less than tidy) while we were there.

I second and third your pineapple bread protest!

Loving your updates!

 

[maiapapaya]

Thanks again for another update huntconn. Keep 'em coming!

 

[KimDis]

Is pineapple bread avail for purchase somewhere? I've never had it and everyone's making me want it now, AND tonga toast, AND a lapu lapu, AND macadamian nut pancakes, AND... oh my... this is gonna be a dangerous vacation, LOL.

 

[2manypets]

I've got to say, I'm a little upset with the fact they've diminished the breakfast offering at club level. We're on DxDP and were basically only using the offering at CL for b'fast, but now it sounds like we may have to use snack credit too if we want variety in the mornings.

 

[Tess]

Is pineapple bread avail for purchase somewhere? I've never had it and everyone's making me want it now, AND tonga toast, AND a lapu lapu, AND macadamian nut pancakes, AND... oh my... this is gonna be a dangerous vacation, LOL.

According to the CMs in the lounge, pineapple bread is for sale at the coffee bar/bakery upstairs at the GCH. I have no idea what it costs because we didn't wander up there to check it out.