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

[johnsonet]

Woo-hoo! I'm so glad to have found this thread!

My husband and I are staying, for the 1st time ever onsite, and for the 1st time ever without kids at the Poly in just a few weeks!

We picked the POLY as we totally fell in love with it on our October trip last year! I have only ever stayed onsite when I was a child (Contemporary - early 80's) and since then we have stayed in large vacation homes as we have always had a large group with us (12 in 2006, 16 in 2007, and a smaller group of just 8 in October). This is going to be a trip of a different color, no?



Quick question....I read that the marina opens at 10:00 AM - what are the chances of us being able to rent a pontoon or whaler boat right when it opens? Should we try to get a reservation the day before? On our departure day, we have breakfast at Kona at 8:00 and we have to be at the ME bus by 11:30, so I thought we could try for a nice 30 minute boat ride around the lagoon before leaving to go back home. TIA!

Sara

How exciting!! You are going to love it
I think you will have no trouble getting exactly what you like by just showing up at the Marina. I don't think many people reserve watercraft in advance, except for evening cruises. Hopefully someone else will answer who has just shown up at the Marina before to rent a boat...
Have a wonderful time!

 

[BCV23]

Anyways to answer your question, last year we arrived at 11am and our room wasn't ready but they gave us the key to it because we wanted to head out to the parks and weren't going to be back until that night. We just left our carry-ons with them and they dropped them off in our room when it was ready. When we got back around 10pm everything was in our room waiting for us.

Did you happen to use Magical Express? If so, I wonder if that's why everything was in your room. In general, I think you have to call bell services to get delivery, don't you?

Thanks! We were there Feb. 2008 and while checking in, a nice lady with a tray of warm cookies was walking around handing them out. It was nice little treat for my girls. I guess they don't do that anymore then. Oh well. Only 6 more months till our trip at the Poly with the in-laws!

I saw this just last month. But I think it may be one of those magical moments that is fun when it happens but that shouldn't be counted on?

Folks staying at the Poly seem so friendly I don't think you'll have a problem finding someone to take pictures of you guys. Plus, if there's a CM around they'd be glad to.

We had a CM take this priceless picture of me and the Terror Squad with Aunti Kaui. I hadn't planned on being in the photo but the CM graciously offered to take it so I'd be in it:

Great picture and I still laugh every time I read Terror Squad.

Woo-hoo! I'm so glad to have found this thread!

My husband and I are staying, for the 1st time ever onsite, and for the 1st time ever without kids at the Poly in just a few weeks!

We picked the POLY as we totally fell in love with it on our October trip last year! I have only ever stayed onsite when I was a child (Contemporary - early 80's) and since then we have stayed in large vacation homes as we have always had a large group with us (12 in 2006, 16 in 2007, and a smaller group of just 8 in October). This is going to be a trip of a different color, no?



Quick question....I read that the marina opens at 10:00 AM - what are the chances of us being able to rent a pontoon or whaler boat right when it opens? Should we try to get a reservation the day before? On our departure day, we have breakfast at Kona at 8:00 and we have to be at the ME bus by 11:30, so I thought we could try for a nice 30 minute boat ride around the lagoon before leaving to go back home. TIA!

Sara

Sara, what a special trip it will be.

I don't think you can reserve the boats in advance (other than the Wishes cruise). But we've never had a wait to take out a pontoon or sailboat at the Polynesian. I think I read the marina hours had changed to opening at 11 am though. Anyone else see that?

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

single digit dance coming right up...


I'm almost there, and the days are going by a little faster now. I was wondering if at checkin, if your room is not ready and you have to come back later, what happens? Do you have to wait in line all over again, or do they have another queue for you to return to? Just wondering if you have to wait twice, if it might be better to just take what they have available? What is the longest you've waited in the checkin line? TIA as always for your help!

I'm with you on the single digit dance!!!!

I've always arrived at about 2 pm and never had to wait for my room at a Disney resort. Techically the rooms aren't available until later, but we've never had to wait - even with a room request (we must be lucky and I do appreciate the room being ready!)

... and "Lissiesmum", I see we overlap a couple of days at the Poly. If you see me out and about with my family, I'd be glad to take any pictures you'd like :

So you know what I look like here's a shot of my family and I from MNSHP for 3 years ago.

-Greg

Love the pic Tiltowhirl! I'll also be at the Poly 4/24 - 5/1 (check out my avatar pic for what we look like). So liliesmum - we can also help with taking pics for you! It's actually the little 'extra' my husband likes to do for folks so their whole family can be in the picture - he's ALWAYS asking people if they would like him to take a picture (so mom, dad, etc, can also be in the picture.) I know how it is because I always end up being out of the picture and taking the photos!

Folks staying at the Poly seem so friendly I don't think you'll have a problem finding someone to take pictures of you guys. Plus, if there's a CM around they'd be glad to.

We had a CM take this priceless picture of me and the Terror Squad with Aunti Kaui. I hadn't planned on being in the photo but the CM graciously offered to take it so I'd be in it:

Great photo!!! Love the Terror Squad

 

[PrincessP]

"Not sure if this is true but, our friends were at Disney a few weeks ago during our schools Spring Break time and my girlfriends husband was talking to a manager at Poly who said that most of April was up over 20% and May was up over 40% from last year. Supposedly May there are several conventions going on and large groups that will be at the parks. At that time he said a few of the hotels were already completely booked which I guess for that time of year is not common."

Just saw the above posted on another thread. Could someone at the Poly now or lodging there during the next couple of weeks ask an on-site CM about this? Those of us going in May would be curious to know if they truly are expecting a large group of convention attendees? Thanks in advance!

 

[BreezysMom]

"Not sure if this is true but, our friends were at Disney a few weeks ago during our schools Spring Break time and my girlfriends husband was talking to a manager at Poly who said that most of April was up over 20% and May was up over 40% from last year. Supposedly May there are several conventions going on and large groups that will be at the parks. At that time he said a few of the hotels were already completely booked which I guess for that time of year is not common."

Just saw the above posted on another thread. Could someone at the Poly now or lodging there during the next couple of weeks ask an on-site CM about this? Those of us going in May would be curious to know if they truly are expecting a large group of convention attendees? Thanks in advance!

Disney numbers are the best kept secrets. I am pretty sure the CM's won't know too much. As far as the Poly. The resort is pretty much always at capicity or near full. I have stayed twice when it was at capicity and you could hardly tell. We could walk the paths at times and not see anyone (except watch out for the bell services cart!! They are speed demons!). And the fact that Figi is closed means there are less guests at the resort as well.

Try not to stress about crowds. We were totally blindsided by the crowds last December and we still had a magical vacation. We did everything we wanted plus see all the decorations. Staying at the Poly was the cherry on top.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I'll be getting my plane tickets this weekend...the trip always feels more "real" once I've done that..

I cannot wait to be back at my second home. It will be my sister's first stay at the Poly...I hope she loves it too.

 

[maiapapaya]

"Not sure if this is true but, our friends were at Disney a few weeks ago during our schools Spring Break time and my girlfriends husband was talking to a manager at Poly who said that most of April was up over 20% and May was up over 40% from last year. Supposedly May there are several conventions going on and large groups that will be at the parks. At that time he said a few of the hotels were already completely booked which I guess for that time of year is not common."

Just saw the above posted on another thread. Could someone at the Poly now or lodging there during the next couple of weeks ask an on-site CM about this? Those of us going in May would be curious to know if they truly are expecting a large group of convention attendees? Thanks in advance!

I know of a convention at WDW from May 14 -16, but they are booked in at the Buena Vista. I didn't think Poly was a convention hotel (CR & CSR are generally the ones aren't they?). I guess it depends on the types of conventions as to whether they will impact park crowds (ie. how involved their agendas are, how big the convention is & if they are travelling with families).

 

[taylor3297]

I love this. We just refer to the kids as things one through three. Unless it's just the two girls, who are Heckle and Jeckle.
Very jealous of the single digit dance. My older daughter (Heckle) asked me last night how many days until we go back and I told her about 600. She was not pleased. I told her we have to have that much time to save up. I don't think she cared. Sadly, we don't have any pictures of the Poly from our first trip - I forgot the camera and we had to buy a few disposables. Funny how that would have been a fantastic option twenty years ago - I've gotten so used to being able to just delete the lousy pictures.

tarak- My 6 yr old dd asked me this morning how many days until we go back and I told her 597 and she got so excited. I asked her why she was so excited and she said because 597 was less than 600.

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

Our travel documents came today! We're going to start packing this weekend! (A little early, but I am just too excited to wait!)

I know this has been asked before, but are there separate shampoo and conditioner bottles in the bathroom?

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PrincessP - I went to the WDW website, and plugged in all dates in May for the Poly, GF and AKL. There are rooms available in all categories, except the first few days - which have at least 2-3 categories available. So it doesn't look like the Poly is at capacity, or at least not yet. I wouldn't worry about crowds too much!

Tarheel girl 1975 - yes, there are! And if you want more, just ask mousekeeping.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

PrincessP - I went to the WDW website, and plugged in all dates in May for the Poly, GF and AKL. There are rooms available in all categories, except the first few days - which have at least 2-3 categories available. So it doesn't look like the Poly is at capacity, or at least not yet. I wouldn't worry about crowds too much!QUOTE]

I've also seen that the end of April still shows availability on Disney's website. And the best point is that there is a max number of rooms anyway at the Poly and they just can't go over that. Even at capacity, there is plenty of relaxing and pina colavas to go around!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Even at capacity, there is plenty of relaxing and pina colavas to go around!

So true!

 

[PrincessP]

Yep, that's what I nicknamed the whole group consisting of my DD8, DN9, DN13 and DGodSis14 when we went in August 2007. All of those kids and myself as the only adult--keeping them together was like herding cats.

LOL....love the pic and the "terror squad"! They all look so sweet and innocent in the picture....and you don't look the least bit worn out!

... and "Lissiesmum", I see we overlap a couple of days at the Poly. If you see me out and about with my family, I'd be glad to take any pictures you'd like :

So you know what I look like here's a shot of my family and I from MNSHP for 3 years ago

great family photo! Looks like a fun trip!!

Woo-hoo! I'm so glad to have found this thread!

My husband and I are staying, for the 1st time ever onsite, and for the 1st time ever without kids at the Poly in just a few weeks!

We picked the POLY as we totally fell in love with it on our October trip last year!

Have a GREAT trip! I know you must be so excited!

Disney numbers are the best kept secrets. I am pretty sure the CM's won't know too much. As far as the Poly. The resort is pretty much always at capicity or near full. I have stayed twice when it was at capicity and you could hardly tell. We could walk the paths at times and not see anyone (except watch out for the bell services cart!! They are speed demons!). And the fact that Figi is closed means there are less guests at the resort as well.

Try not to stress about crowds. We were totally blindsided by the crowds last December and we still had a magical vacation. We did everything we wanted plus see all the decorations. Staying at the Poly was the cherry on top.

Good to know! Thanks for the info and the encouragement regarding crowds! I know it will be a great trip regardless of crowds.

I know of a convention at WDW from May 14 -16, but they are booked in at the Buena Vista. I didn't think Poly was a convention hotel (CR & CSR are generally the ones aren't they?). I guess it depends on the types of conventions as to whether they will impact park crowds (ie. how involved their agendas are, how big the convention is & if they are travelling with families).

I thought it would be odd to have convention attendees stay at a more "spread out" resort like the Poly, too....and had the same thoughts about it not being a "convention hotel." Like Breezysmom said...it'll be great no matter what!

Our travel documents came today! We're going to start packing this weekend! (A little early, but I am just too excited to wait!)

I know this has been asked before, but are there separate shampoo and conditioner bottles in the bathroom?

Our travel documents came today, too! There were a couple of holes torn in the envelope so I was nervous something may have slipped out....but I think we got everything! Only a few short days away for us! I've got to start packing...time is really starting to fly!

PrincessP - I went to the WDW website, and plugged in all dates in May for the Poly, GF and AKL. There are rooms available in all categories, except the first few days - which have at least 2-3 categories available. So it doesn't look like the Poly is at capacity, or at least not yet. I wouldn't worry about crowds too much!

Thanks for looking at that k&a&c'smom!

 

[OandA]

Did you happen to use Magical Express? If so, I wonder if that's why everything was in your room. In general, I think you have to call bell services to get delivery, don't you?

Yeah we used magical express but we left our carry-ons at the front desk and they brought them to our room for us too. We didn't have to lift a finger after check-in.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

PrincessP -

MsStinkerbelle - I missed your post regarding "terror squad" - your "herding cats" comment made me laugh out loud! Beautiful family, btw.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I know I stayed at the Poly 2 years back but I honestly can't remember if there was a hairdryer in the room. I called the Poly and the CM that I talked to said there was a hairdryer in the room but that was all the info she had. So...probably more a question for the ladies but is the hairdryer any good??? I like to straighten my curly hair (don't try to tell me not to! I'll defy Florida humidity...ok, maybe not ) and usually have a 1875 watt hairdryer.

Is the Poly hairdryer any good or should I bring my own?

 

[sm04]

I know I stayed at the Poly 2 years back but I honestly can't remember if there was a hairdryer in the room. I called the Poly and the CM that I talked to said there was a hairdryer in the room but that was all the info she had. So...probably more a question for the ladies but is the hairdryer any good??? I like to straighten my curly hair (don't try to tell me not to! I'll defy Florida humidity...ok, maybe not ) and usually have a 1875 watt hairdryer.

Is the Poly hairdryer any good or should I bring my own?

I was going to ask that very same question as I put the finishing touches on my packing...I didn't sleep much last night because I was running over my list in my sleep. I can't believe 2 more sleeps and we're off!

On another note, can anyone tell me about how long it takes to get to Epcot from the Poly? Also, if we want to be at rope drop and or/EMH at each of the parks, should we be there about 1/2 hr. before? I'm just trying to figure out travel time....

 

[johnsonet]

I know I stayed at the Poly 2 years back but I honestly can't remember if there was a hairdryer in the room. I called the Poly and the CM that I talked to said there was a hairdryer in the room but that was all the info she had. So...probably more a question for the ladies but is the hairdryer any good??? I like to straighten my curly hair (don't try to tell me not to! I'll defy Florida humidity...ok, maybe not ) and usually have a 1875 watt hairdryer.

Is the Poly hairdryer any good or should I bring my own?

 

[lissiesmum]

Rock on! :

To all of you heading out soon! I am GREEN with envy. Have so much fun!

Thanks, Breezysmom! I can't wait. And I just read about Remy from Ratatouille making little appearances at Chefs de France and on a whim I called and got a reservation...icing on the cake for my DD's birthday

Folks staying at the Poly seem so friendly I don't think you'll have a problem finding someone to take pictures of you guys. Plus, if there's a CM around they'd be glad to.

We had a CM take this priceless picture of me and the Terror Squad with Aunti Kaui. I hadn't planned on being in the photo but the CM graciously offered to take it so I'd be in it:

Thanks MsStinkerbelle! Glad to hear the CMs are willing to take some pics. I ordered a photopass cd last trip and between the photo shoot and all the pics, I had over 500 pictures developed. I took so many last time I don't think I'll go nutty this time, but definitely want some mom/daughter pics at the Poly...I love the picture of your family! And terror squad...I'm still laughing! I almost spit out my ginger ale all over my computer screen! What a bunch of cuties!

... and "Lissiesmum", I see we overlap a couple of days at the Poly. If you see me out and about with my family, I'd be glad to take any pictures you'd like :

So you know what I look like here's a shot of my family and I from MNSHP for 3 years ago.

-Greg

Thanks, Greg! I'll be on the lookout for you guys I'm going to Home Depot over the weekend to get some LGMHs to attach to my backpack and DD's stroller. Nice looking family by the way!

 

[sm04]

Perfect! Thank you!