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

[Caitsmama]

Great, thanks!! I will check it out!

 

[ckdsnynt]

I have found answers to questions I didn't even know I had!

 

[mermster]

I have found answers to questions I didn't even know I had!

Perfect time for one of my "favorite" quotes from a Disney movie:
"You'll learn things you never knew you never knew"

 

[CubanaMama]

Can anyone out there share an estimate of how much the tropical, fruity drinks (for example the Lapu Lapu or a Pina Colada) typically cost at the Tambu lounge? This is our first time there so I have NO IDEA.

Thanks!

 

[LuvMySoldier07]

Can anyone out there share an estimate of how much the tropical, fruity drinks (for example the Lapu Lapu or a Pina Colada) typically cost at the Tambu lounge? This is our first time there so I have NO IDEA.

Thanks!

Just returned from the Poly and the Lapu Lapu was $13 but it was worth it! the other drinks were around $8. i had a mai tai and a sunken treasure and i believe they both were 8.50.

 

[Debbie]

Just returned from the Poly and the Lapu Lapu was $13 but it was worth it! the other drinks were around $8. i had a mai tai and a sunken treasure and i believe they both were 8.50.

Can they put two straws in the Lapu Lapu so we can share? Neither DH nor I drink much, and, as I understand it the Lapu Lapu is very strong, but I've been looking forward to trying this one.

 

[BreezysMom]

DH and I always make sure we enjoy an evening with a cocktail (or two) at the Barefoot Lounge The entire experience is wonderful!

During our last trip I tried the Lapu Lapu and I was felling good after just one

Yes it was pricey, but one was just enough...if I would have enjoyed one more I think I would be a thread topic I the DIS the next day

 

[BCV23]

Just returned from the Poly and the Lapu Lapu was $13 but it was worth it! the other drinks were around $8. i had a mai tai and a sunken treasure and i believe they both were 8.50.

Tell us more, please. What longhouse were you in? Did you have fun?

Can they put two straws in the Lapu Lapu so we can share? Neither DH nor I drink much, and, as I understand it the Lapu Lapu is very strong, but I've been looking forward to trying this one.

I'm sure they could. You might need to take the lid off to share well.

During our last trip I tried the Lapu Lapu and I was felling good after just one

Yes it was pricey, but one was just enough...if I would have enjoyed one more I think I would be a thread topic I the DIS the next day

LOL, I hear you...they are strong!

 

[Lilmattie13]

Here's another person who was feeling considerably happier after one lapu lapu

 

[Caitsmama]

Ok, so inquiring minds want to know what is in this special drink??

 

[BCV23]

Someone has posted a recipe on one of the FAQs. What I know is that it is fruit juices (pineapple juice for certain) and rum. Not sure if there is anything else? It's served in a hollowed out pineapple so it's as fun to drink as it is good.

 

[Trinity524]

I decided my family is worth it... we've all been through so much this year and there is nothing worth more to me than my family's comfort this year... I have my son who is 22 month old, my 60 year old mother, and my hot 28 year old hubby coming with me.

What longhouse do you suggest with small children and why? Any specific room?

Is the fridge large enough to hold a gallon of milk? My son should get a cow for his birthday... it's insane how much milk he drinks.

What is the best unkown "family" secret of Poly?

Do you think it a romantic hotel?

Do you think it's a relaxing hotel?

All tips are appreciated!!!

TIA

Annie

 

[swald91]

I decided my family is worth it... we've all been through so much this year and there is nothing worth more to me than my family's comfort this year... I have my son who is 22 month old, my 60 year old mother, and my hot 28 year old hubby coming with me.

What longhouse do you suggest with small children and why? Any specific room?

Is the fridge large enough to hold a gallon of milk? My son should get a cow for his birthday... it's insane how much milk he drinks.

What is the best unkown "family" secret of Poly?

Do you think it a romantic hotel?

Do you think it's a relaxing hotel?

All tips are appreciated!!!

TIA

Annie

Congrats on staying at the Poly!!! We love it there!!!
I would suggest Rarotonga longhouse. It's just next to the GCH, close to both pools, the bus stop & laundry are st the end of the building along w/ the bus stop.
The fridge is large enough-
Yes & yes-romantic & relaxing-but I think the GCH lobby area is loud in comparison to WL. As far as family secrets...I don't have any. I hope that you enjoy tour stay there-we've stayed 5 times now & are excoted that we will be trying the CL next trip!!!! Have a great time!

 

[LuvMySoldier07]

Tell us more, please. What longhouse were you in? Did you have fun?

We were there the 17th to the 23rd and stayed GVCL. The resort is so much more beautiful in person than in pictures. When we arrived, we were taken to the hawaii building via the golfcarts. the castmembers there were amazing and so helpful. My dbf was given 2 pictures of characters and their signatures welcoming him home. It was such a sweet gesture.
the lounge is fantastic! the croissants and cinnamon rolls at breakfast were my favorite. As for housekeeping, they were great and our room was always spotless with plenty of fresh towels.
We ate at kona cafe and ohana and had drinks at tambu lounge and the barefoot pool bar. Kona was disappointing. The food was cold when we got it, and the service was very slow. Ohana was amazing! We were seated in the back away from all the action which was great because it was just us 5 adults. Our server was so much fun and the food was great!
Overall, my vacation was perfect! I cannot express how beautiful this resort really is. I was crying on our last night there because I didn't want to leave.
anyone have any questions? i will post pictures soon.

 

[SuAnne]

We were there the 17th to the 23rd and stayed GVCL. The resort is so much more beautiful in person than in pictures. When we arrived, we were taken to the hawaii building via the golfcarts. the castmembers there were amazing and so helpful. My dbf was given 2 pictures of characters and their signatures welcoming him home. It was such a sweet gesture.
the lounge is fantastic! the croissants and cinnamon rolls at breakfast were my favorite. As for housekeeping, they were great and our room was always spotless with plenty of fresh towels.
We ate at kona cafe and ohana and had drinks at tambu lounge and the barefoot pool bar. Kona was disappointing. The food was cold when we got it, and the service was very slow. Ohana was amazing! We were seated in the back away from all the action which was great because it was just us 5 adults. Our server was so much fun and the food was great!
Overall, my vacation was perfect! I cannot express how beautiful this resort really is. I was crying on our last night there because I didn't want to leave.
anyone have any questions? i will post pictures soon.

Glad to hear you had such a magical stay. We will be there next month. I can't wait to see your pictures!

 

[BCV23]

LuvMySoldier07, thanks for sharing your report with us. It sounds like a wonderful trip. From your ticker, it appears you've already booked again! Congrats!

Trinity524, I think any longhouse is perfect with a baby. The GCH is busy especially in the evening but the longhouses are so peaceful.

I don't think a gallon of milk will fit unless you remove shelves? I've never tried though.

 

[Maxie86]

Congrats on staying at the Poly!!! We love it there!!!
I would suggest Rarotonga longhouse. It's just next to the GCH, close to both pools, the bus stop & laundry are st the end of the building along w/ the bus stop.
The fridge is large enough-
Yes & yes-romantic & relaxing-but I think the GCH lobby area is loud in comparison to WL. As far as family secrets...I don't have any. I hope that you enjoy tour stay there-we've stayed 5 times now & are excoted that we will be trying the CL next trip!!!! Have a great time!

ITA. I could have written this post. We have stayed 6 times and are booked for our first CL stay at the Poly. I love Rarotonga, but all the longhouses are great. Can't go wrong with any of them. I also think a gallon of milk would fit in the fridge, you may have to remove the shelf, but it should fit no problem.

We were there the 17th to the 23rd and stayed GVCL. The resort is so much more beautiful in person than in pictures. When we arrived, we were taken to the hawaii building via the golfcarts. the castmembers there were amazing and so helpful. My dbf was given 2 pictures of characters and their signatures welcoming him home. It was such a sweet gesture.
the lounge is fantastic! the croissants and cinnamon rolls at breakfast were my favorite. As for housekeeping, they were great and our room was always spotless with plenty of fresh towels.
We ate at kona cafe and ohana and had drinks at tambu lounge and the barefoot pool bar. Kona was disappointing. The food was cold when we got it, and the service was very slow. Ohana was amazing! We were seated in the back away from all the action which was great because it was just us 5 adults. Our server was so much fun and the food was great!
Overall, my vacation was perfect! I cannot express how beautiful this resort really is. I was crying on our last night there because I didn't want to leave.
anyone have any questions? i will post pictures soon.

Sounds like you had a great stay. Sorry about Kona, we have always had good meals there. Maybe it was just an off night, I wouldn't be afraid to give it another try. Looking forward to your pics.

 

[johnsonet]

For those interested - here's one of SeaSpray's lapu lapu pics

Hey all!

So since Monday I have been e-mailing the Poly IPO about our stay in October and I have not been getting the auto-response nor any reply from the IPO which is not been the norm. Has anyone else had this issue lately?

I am actually replying to their e-mail so I know I have the correct e-mail address. I guess I will call them later. We are just requesting two ADR's so it is not a big deal.

Happy Wednesday!

Have you heard back from IPO? Hope so!

Does anyone know how to make a certain building request at the Poly? I use an ecv to get around so which building would be best to request and which floor? Ground floor or above? We have a ressie for MK view. TIA. We have waited so long to get to stay at the Poly I want it to be perfect for our 38th anniversary.

Personally, I would request Tahiti, 1st floor. Tahiti is a great building with slightly larger rooms and hallways than, say, Tuvalu, another MK view building. Call and add your request to your reservation in advance. Good luck!

DH and I always make sure we enjoy an evening with a cocktail (or two) at the Barefoot Lounge The entire experience is wonderful!

During our last trip I tried the Lapu Lapu and I was felling good after just one

Yes it was pricey, but one was just enough...if I would have enjoyed one more I think I would be a thread topic I the DIS the next day

Here's another person who was feeling considerably happier after one lapu lapu

I decided my family is worth it... we've all been through so much this year and there is nothing worth more to me than my family's comfort this year... I have my son who is 22 month old, my 60 year old mother, and my hot 28 year old hubby coming with me.

What longhouse do you suggest with small children and why? Any specific room?

Is the fridge large enough to hold a gallon of milk? My son should get a cow for his birthday... it's insane how much milk he drinks.

What is the best unkown "family" secret of Poly?

Do you think it a romantic hotel?

Do you think it's a relaxing hotel?

All tips are appreciated!!!

TIA

Annie

Hot 28-year-old hubby??

Do you have garden view booked?
I'd request ground floor of Niue. Most rooms in that longhouse have a grassy area beyond the patio and your little boy would love to be able to run around in the grass, I'm sure, rather than being confined to the room and, possibly, a balcony. (2d floor rooms in the majority of longhouses, including Niue, do NOT have balconies.)
You'd be able to sit on your patio while your son runs around a bit. I think that would make things MUCH more fun for everyone
Niue is GREAT b/c it's so close to EVERYTHING - both pools, the Great Ceremonial House, the parking lot and bus stop, the food court. It's also a small building and you are quickly in and out of it. We LOVED staying there in March.
Here is a pic of our patio. MOST 1st floor rooms at Poly do not have such a nice space for running around, fyi.

We were there the 17th to the 23rd and stayed GVCL. The resort is so much more beautiful in person than in pictures. When we arrived, we were taken to the hawaii building via the golfcarts. the castmembers there were amazing and so helpful. My dbf was given 2 pictures of characters and their signatures welcoming him home. It was such a sweet gesture.
the lounge is fantastic! the croissants and cinnamon rolls at breakfast were my favorite. As for housekeeping, they were great and our room was always spotless with plenty of fresh towels.
We ate at kona cafe and ohana and had drinks at tambu lounge and the barefoot pool bar. Kona was disappointing. The food was cold when we got it, and the service was very slow. Ohana was amazing! We were seated in the back away from all the action which was great because it was just us 5 adults. Our server was so much fun and the food was great!
Overall, my vacation was perfect! I cannot express how beautiful this resort really is. I was crying on our last night there because I didn't want to leave.
anyone have any questions? i will post pictures soon.

That's awesome! I agree that the resort is even more beautiful live and in person Glad you had so much fun. Too bad about Kona - we have had very rushed service the last few times we've been.

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

So, I'm still torn in my quest for the perfect resort for next fall. LOL Anyway, I was thinking of things I would like to avoid most on our next trip and one was that insane mob where we get hoarded like cattle(for like, an hour!) to the monorail when MK closes.

Does the Poly have any other means of transportation for leaving MK? My ds says he swears he remembers a smaller boat that he thought must have been for something?

 

[johnsonet]

So, I'm still torn in my quest for the perfect resort for next fall. LOL Anyway, I was thinking of things I would like to avoid most on our next trip and one was that insane mob where we get hoarded like cattle(for like, an hour!) to the monorail when MK closes.

Does the Poly have any other means of transportation for leaving MK? My ds says he swears he remembers a smaller boat that he thought must have been for something?

Well, now, there is a tendency to get herded like cattle at WDW, no matter where you stay

Yes, your son is right. In addition to the monorail, Poly and GF guests can get to and from the MK in boats like this: