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

[simplymama]

Just wanted to tell all you Poly lovers that we returned last week from our WDW trip. I needed a place to stay our first night (rest of stay was at VWL with our DVC points), and have always wanted to stay at the Polynesian.

I kept it as a surprise for my family, I told my DH at the baggage carousel at the Orlando airport that we wouldn't be at the Lodge that night. He was surprised to say the least. Then we told the kids as we were driving there in the rental car. They were so excited.

We checked in around 11:30 a.m., (did get leis...the kids loved them), and our room was ready in the Tokelau building (I had reserved a garden view room). We got lunch at Captain Cooks. Can't remember what we had, but I know we all liked it. Then we headed to AK for the afternoon. We met friends for dinner at 'Ohanas which was a great time and food was delicious.

The next morning had breakfast at Captain Cooks and then had fun at the volcano pool until check-out. We loved the room, very impressed with it and the fact that it fits a family of five very comfortably. Our only complaint is that our stay was way too short.

So to sum it up, loved, loved, loved the Polynesian. I waited 25 years to stay there (wanted to from my first visit as a teenager!), I just hope I don't have to wait another 25 to get there again. It is so romantic there, I would love to go someday, just DH and I (don't know how we would ever manage that one, though, our kids love it too much ).

Thanks for all who contribute on this thread, I read it faithfully before our trip.

OH, what a fun surprise for your family. I wish I had thought to do that, with my kids...lol, but they are very excited. I've been waiting since I was 11, to go back and stay at Poly.

How do you get the Leis? Do they automatically give them or do you have to ask?

Glad you had such a nice vacation

 

[lissiesmum]

So, here it is, four days since I've been home and I am already planning my next trip to WDW. I thought the withdrawals were bad after my last trip to the WL! I keep looking through the pics on my camera and wishing I was still there (I'd even take my tree view again if I could ). I really want to go to WDW again next year, I was thinking maybe February vacation this time because my ex will have DD for APril vacation next year. So I started showing her pics of CBR, the firworks there, the beaches, the pirate rooms, the playground on the beach and so far she seems ok with staying here ( I wouldn't be able to afford Poly again for two years). So all of a sudden, she starts looking through the photos and says, "But Mommy, where's the monorail? How will we hop on the monorail to come home? I'm not staying there, it's not the Polynesian!".

So my DD has now decided our fate: we are Polygoers from this day forward, spoiled forever, and now I must wait two years to return (do they do vacation counters that far in advance? ) Talk about doing things backwards though. Our first trip to WDW was at the WL, and next was the Poly. You can't get any better than that! I should have started at a Value, and worked my way up! Maybe I can cross my fingers for another 4/3 deal next year, I could probably do it with that, and avoid the DDP next time. We'll see I guess. Until then, it will be nice to chat with all my new Poly friends and reminisce and live vicariously through those of you who come and go while I wait not so patiently for my next turn. Gosh, the week went by so fast, it feels like it was already ages ago that I was there!

PS...I forgot to comment on the cabanas that someone asked about. There werent' any out yet the last week of April. And someone else asked about the Grand Floridian campfire...from what the schedule said, it was nightly at 8:00 pm, followed at 9:00 by a Disney movie. Sorry, I've been out of the loop for a few days. As soon as I get a minute, I'm going to figure out how to upload my 689 pictures and attempt to post a few, probably over the weekend when DD's at her dad's. Have a great evening everyone!

 

[melk]

How do you get the Leis? Do they automatically give them or do you have to ask?

When we entered and began to walk over to check in there was a woman there handing them out and asked us if we would like one.

 

[lissiesmum]

Hey guys, check out my signature! They do make countdowns for two years away!

 

[BreezysMom]

So my DD has now decided our fate: we are Polygoers from this day forward, spoiled forever, and now I must wait two years to return (do they do vacation counters that far in advance? ) Talk about doing things backwards though. Our first trip to WDW was at the WL, and next was the Poly. You can't get any better than that! I should have started at a Value, and worked my way up! !

We wait until DD was 6 to go to Disney. We originally scheduled CBR. DH had no clue about Disney (I did all the research and planning) and just assumed all resorts were on the Monorail. When he found out CBR was not he said to change to a Monorail resort. So I did. When I told him the cost difference he almosted waivered but declared that this was going to be a once in a lifetime vacation.


Well, here we are going to Disney and staying at the Poly our third time and now staying CL. My evil plan worked. I knew once we stayed at the Poly he would never stay anywhere else.

 

[mmmears]

I agree -- we loved the Poly and want to stay there again! Staying there, with the monorail and the tropical theming, really makes it hard to imagine staying at a Mod afterwards.

 

[donnajean17]

My DH and I have always loved the Poly, even though we have never stayed there! We just got back from an 8 night stay at POP and have vowed that our next trip we are splurging and staying at the Poly!! We think it will take a little longer to save to get there, but we're convinced it will be well worth it!
This thread is awesome and I am glad I have the time to become a Poly expert!!

 

[Sphyrna]

So, here it is, four days since I've been home and I am already planning my next trip to WDW. I thought the withdrawals were bad after my last trip to the WL! I keep looking through the pics on my camera and wishing I was still there (I'd even take my tree view again if I could ). I really want to go to WDW again next year, I was thinking maybe February vacation this time because my ex will have DD for APril vacation next year. So I started showing her pics of CBR, the firworks there, the beaches, the pirate rooms, the playground on the beach and so far she seems ok with staying here ( I wouldn't be able to afford Poly again for two years). So all of a sudden, she starts looking through the photos and says, "But Mommy, where's the monorail? How will we hop on the monorail to come home? I'm not staying there, it's not the Polynesian!".

So my DD has now decided our fate: we are Polygoers from this day forward, spoiled forever, and now I must wait two years to return (do they do vacation counters that far in advance? ) Talk about doing things backwards though. Our first trip to WDW was at the WL, and next was the Poly. You can't get any better than that! I should have started at a Value, and worked my way up! Maybe I can cross my fingers for another 4/3 deal next year, I could probably do it with that, and avoid the DDP next time. We'll see I guess. Until then, it will be nice to chat with all my new Poly friends and reminisce and live vicariously through those of you who come and go while I wait not so patiently for my next turn. Gosh, the week went by so fast, it feels like it was already ages ago that I was there!

PS...I forgot to comment on the cabanas that someone asked about. There werent' any out yet the last week of April. And someone else asked about the Grand Floridian campfire...from what the schedule said, it was nightly at 8:00 pm, followed at 9:00 by a Disney movie. Sorry, I've been out of the loop for a few days. As soon as I get a minute, I'm going to figure out how to upload my 689 pictures and attempt to post a few, probably over the weekend when DD's at her dad's. Have a great evening everyone!

That's what I'm afraid of! I'd like to eventually stay at almost all of the resorts. The Poly is one I've been most looking forward to. With the 4/3 deal I decided this was the time to try the Poly. After reading so much about how everyone loves it I'm afraid it'll be hard to stay anywhere else. WL is very very nice. I really enjoyed my stay there. Much better than the BC I stayed at last trip.

 

[carlnix30]

That's what I'm afraid of! I'd like to eventually stay at almost all of the resorts. The Poly is one I've been most looking forward to. With the 4/3 deal I decided this was the time to try the Poly. After reading so much about how everyone loves it I'm afraid it'll be hard to stay anywhere else. WL is very very nice. I really enjoyed my stay there. Much better than the BC I stayed at last trip.

I have noticed lots of people comparing wl with poly!! Our first trip was at wl our first stop on ME was the poly and I thought wow I like the way the poly looks! We had a wonderful stay at WL but my mind was still at the poly. My wife noticed and now we are leaving for poly in 1 day and a wake up! Will let you guys know my feelings about each when I get back! Aloha...

 

[lissiesmum]

I have noticed lots of people comparing wl with poly!! Our first trip was at wl our first stop on ME was the poly and I thought wow I like the way the poly looks! We had a wonderful stay at WL but my mind was still at the poly. My wife noticed and now we are leaving for poly in 1 day and a wake up! Will let you guys know my feelings about each when I get back! Aloha...

Have a great time! You will be hooked for life! I also really enjoyed the WL, but there is just something magical about the Poly and the immersion into the tropics (plus the monorail!). We'll look forward to hearing about your stay when you return

 

[lissiesmum]

We wait until DD was 6 to go to Disney. We originally scheduled CBR. DH had no clue about Disney (I did all the research and planning) and just assumed all resorts were on the Monorail. When he found out CBR was not he said to change to a Monorail resort. So I did. When I told him the cost difference he almosted waivered but declared that this was going to be a once in a lifetime vacation.


Well, here we are going to Disney and staying at the Poly our third time and now staying CL. My evil plan worked. I knew once we stayed at the Poly he would never stay anywhere else.

Funny you should talk about your once in a lifetime vacation. That's what I said about my first trip to WL. Then the 4/3 deal came out... Now that I've stayed at the Poly, I'm calculating how much out of each paycheck I have to save to make it back to the Poly in two years! Funny how Disney just sucks us in for life! The concierge was a nice bonus for us. My favorite part was fireworks in the lounge, and not having to walk to the GCH every time we wanted something to drink or to get a snack. It was very convenient. I can't remember...are you going to the MNSSHP? That was our favorite part of the trip when we went in Sept. My DD still talks about it all the time!

 

[carlnix30]

Have a great time! You will be hooked for life! I also really enjoyed the WL, but there is just something magical about the Poly and the immersion into the tropics (plus the monorail!). We'll look forward to hearing about your stay when you return

Thank you! I just can't wait! Kids are already up and asking if they can go to airport!

 

[WDWKOOK]

How do you get the Leis? Do they automatically give them or do you have to ask?

When we've needed an extra or forgotten to get them upon check-in, and the CM's are busy, we've even gone over to the the check-in desk area and taken one or two (self-service!). They are usually laying on top in a pile.

 

[dmil]

I have a quick question. Where does everyone get the count down ticker? We are going Aug 9-16 and would love to have one to show the kids. They would love it.

 

[brentalex]

I have a quick question. Where does everyone get the count down ticker? We are going Aug 9-16 and would love to have one to show the kids. They would love it.

If you click on the countdown ticker you like, it will bring you to the web site where you can make one.

 

[ang38]

I so know how you feel! We've been going to disney now for 26 years. For the most part after the Honeymoon it's been moderates and the campground so every other year was doable or even 2x a year then skip a year. Well, last year hubby and myself went for our 25th ann and did deluxe for 16 nights. We stayed at 4 resorts, 2 club level. Now there's no going back for us either! He wants deluxe every time. So no more every other year...now it'll be every 2-3 years. It's been a year now and I'm going crazy thinking how much longer we have to wait. Why do we do this to ourselves

So, here it is, four days since I've been home and I am already planning my next trip to WDW. I thought the withdrawals were bad after my last trip to the WL! I keep looking through the pics on my camera and wishing I was still there (I'd even take my tree view again if I could ). I really want to go to WDW again next year, I was thinking maybe February vacation this time because my ex will have DD for APril vacation next year. So I started showing her pics of CBR, the firworks there, the beaches, the pirate rooms, the playground on the beach and so far she seems ok with staying here ( I wouldn't be able to afford Poly again for two years). So all of a sudden, she starts looking through the photos and says, "But Mommy, where's the monorail? How will we hop on the monorail to come home? I'm not staying there, it's not the Polynesian!".

So my DD has now decided our fate: we are Polygoers from this day forward, spoiled forever, and now I must wait two years to return (do they do vacation counters that far in advance? ) Talk about doing things backwards though. Our first trip to WDW was at the WL, and next was the Poly. You can't get any better than that! I should have started at a Value, and worked my way up! Maybe I can cross my fingers for another 4/3 deal next year, I could probably do it with that, and avoid the DDP next time. We'll see I guess. Until then, it will be nice to chat with all my new Poly friends and reminisce and live vicariously through those of you who come and go while I wait not so patiently for my next turn. Gosh, the week went by so fast, it feels like it was already ages ago that I was there!

PS...I forgot to comment on the cabanas that someone asked about. There werent' any out yet the last week of April. And someone else asked about the Grand Floridian campfire...from what the schedule said, it was nightly at 8:00 pm, followed at 9:00 by a Disney movie. Sorry, I've been out of the loop for a few days. As soon as I get a minute, I'm going to figure out how to upload my 689 pictures and attempt to post a few, probably over the weekend when DD's at her dad's. Have a great evening everyone!

 

[schwenksvillemouse]

If you click on the countdown ticker you like, it will bring you to the web site where you can make one.

What I can't figure out is how to make it appear in my signature. Any help?

 

[mmouse37]

MJ - I just saw this! I REALLY appreciate the info I need to head to the Cruise threads
Also - your pics are incredible and your daughters are gorgeous. It's easy to see that one looks just like you and the other looks just like your DH
I had to tell my DD (age 12) about the Dis-Hayden-Poly "thing" and she was in awe So glad you had a nice trip!

You are so welcome....really, any info you need about DCL just ask away or pm me. would be glad to help.

the trip was awesome....I have some more pics from grad night that I will eventually post...very cool seeing Hayden in working mode...when we see her it's usually just hanging out on our sofa!!!

We really enjoyed Disney's Vero Beach as well...it was the perfect relaxation place after running around WDW!!!

MJ

 

[brentalex]

What I can't figure out is how to make it appear in my signature. Any help?

You need to copy the generated code, I think most of the sites will have various versions of code, but one will say it is for online boards. Then come here and under the Quick Links drop down there is a choice to edit your signature. You paste the code in there. There is a button to test the signature to see if it looks ok.

 

[dmil]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to try now.