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

[lissiesmum]

Thanks for confirming about the Apple Juice. Too bad. But not surprising.

And going to the GF for the s'mores and movie is on my list of things we want to do! (Weather permitting - in early Dec!) What time was the movie and do they do anything fun prior to the movie starting - is there a sing a long? How crowded was it?

Glad you enjoying your trip = I'm sure it's a sad feeling ot know it's almost over!

Hi Picabo!

I also went to the GF for the smores/campfire singalong. The CMs working there explained it's called a singalong, but they can't sing so it's a dance along instead! It started at eight o'clock and they play music on the beach from Hannah Montana, HSM, etc for everyone to dance to while roasting marshmallows/smores. At 8:30 they put on more traditional dance tunes like YMCA, electric slide, we are family, etc. It was a blast and something I would do multiple times during our next visit. The movie started at nine, but we didn't stay for it. We were there the last week of April and I'd guess there were at least 20 or more people either dancing or roasting or just sitting around the fire. It was one of our favorite memories of our trip!

 

[zima-cheryl]

DH & are I are getting in around lunch time & hope to spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool.

I know to pack our swim suits & sun screen in our carry on bags, but what about towels? Do they have towel service? Or should I pack a couple (since I doubt they will have a room for us since we arrive so early that day)?

Sorry if this has been answered. I looked around here & on the Poly webpage but didn't see anything about this (doesn't mean it isn't there, just means I missed it).

Thanks!!

 

[KimDis]

Really enjoyed s'mores & movie at GF - twice!
Weather has been great - a little hot but no complaints after what folks went thru last week!

Glad to hear they show the movies in hot weather. I was wondering about that..

 

[Kathy Z]

Yes, there are towels by the pools. They are only about the size of a big bath towel but there is no reason to limit yourself to one. It's self serve pick-up and return.

 

[Picabo]

Hi Picabo!

I also went to the GF for the smores/campfire singalong. The CMs working there explained it's called a singalong, but they can't sing so it's a dance along instead! It started at eight o'clock and they play music on the beach from Hannah Montana, HSM, etc for everyone to dance to while roasting marshmallows/smores. At 8:30 they put on more traditional dance tunes like YMCA, electric slide, we are family, etc. It was a blast and something I would do multiple times during our next visit. The movie started at nine, but we didn't stay for it. We were there the last week of April and I'd guess there were at least 20 or more people either dancing or roasting or just sitting around the fire. It was one of our favorite memories of our trip!

Woohoo!
Sounds like fun! And we probably wouldn't stay for the movie either - girls will only be 2 1/2 and almost 4 so starting at 9pm would be a bit late. But they LOVE s'mores (as does Mommy!) and it just sounds like a fun thing to do! Thanks for all the info. You don't read much about it - so it's good to hear from someone who's been!

How long does it take to get back from GF to the Poly?

 

[matthew&haleysmom]

Hi Picabo!

I also went to the GF for the smores/campfire singalong. The CMs working there explained it's called a singalong, but they can't sing so it's a dance along instead! It started at eight o'clock and they play music on the beach from Hannah Montana, HSM, etc for everyone to dance to while roasting marshmallows/smores. At 8:30 they put on more traditional dance tunes like YMCA, electric slide, we are family, etc. It was a blast and something I would do multiple times during our next visit. The movie started at nine, but we didn't stay for it. We were there the last week of April and I'd guess there were at least 20 or more people either dancing or roasting or just sitting around the fire. It was one of our favorite memories of our trip!

This sounds like fun! We will have to check it out.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

How many of you Poly guests go to the TTC to get on buses for AK or DS? I didn't even realize this was an option!

When my family and I stayed there in December 2007 we did the opposite and got on the TTC bus from Hollywood Studios, because it was already there and the Contemporary/Polynesian/Grand Floridian bus was not there. So once we arrived at the TTC we used the walkway back to the Polynesian.

 

[mmmears]

It took my DD and I 10 minutes to walk back to the Poly from the GF at a leisurely pace. The campfire movies site was in between the wedding pavilion and the GF. It's very conveniently located from either resort, and it's a lovely walk along the lagoon.

 

[chris44]

FYI re s'mores & movie at GF - they provide towels to sit on to roast marshmallows & there are lounge chairs to sit on for movie. S'mores packet is $7.00 & has plenty of stuff for at least 4-5 people (or more). They take cash or charge to KTTW card.
I can post more info after I get home to type on computer instead of phone!

 

[Sphyrna]

That has also happened in the tub during my most recent stay at the Contemporary, however I never called maintenance because it wasn't a big deal and the water did eventually go down the drain.

It doesn't really bother me either. I just mentioned it more so they can fix it before the next guests. I can live it with.

I love the transportation options at the Poly. Went to Epcot tonight so used the walkway to the TTC then hopped on the monorail. That was so nice. Without an ADR we had no problem getting in to Chefs de France at a little after 6:00. Gave them my name and just as I sat down they called my name! LoL The place did start to fill up while we were there but at first it was fairly empty. Great meal!

I have to watch myself or this trip could become very expensive. I saw a few things in the Wyland gallery that I would love to have. One of them was $2000

 

[brentalex]

DH & are I are getting in around lunch time & hope to spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool.

I know to pack our swim suits & sun screen in our carry on bags, but what about towels?

Thanks!!

You need to make sure that your sun screen is 3 oz or less and is in a clear bag with any other liquids, or they will not allow it on the plane. Or buy a new bottle of it once you get past security at the airport.

 

[litlpixie]

Yesterday, I switched my ressie from BC to Poly or my upcoming July trip. I'm so glad I did!! I was at the Poly for the first time last August and stayed in Nuie, and I will be staying in the Hawaii longhouse next month. I cannot contain my excitement.......the BC was awesome, but I was just there in March, and wasn't really impressed with the club lounge, so I'm giving the Poly club a try for my birthday FINALLY to my question, I reserved a GV club room, are there balconies on the 2nd floor??

 

[BCV23]

Yesterday, I switched my ressie from BC to Poly or my upcoming July trip. I'm so glad I did!! I was at the Poly for the first time last August and stayed in Nuie, and I will be staying in the Hawaii longhouse next month. I cannot contain my excitement.......the BC was awesome, but I was just there in March, and wasn't really impressed with the club lounge, so I'm giving the Poly club a try for my birthday FINALLY to my question, I reserved a GV club room, are there balconies on the 2nd floor??

No balconies on the second floor of Hawaii but the lounge is right down the hall.

zima-cheryl, towels are provided at the pools.

 

[mmmears]

Yesterday, I switched my ressie from BC to Poly or my upcoming July trip. I'm so glad I did!! I was at the Poly for the first time last August and stayed in Nuie, and I will be staying in the Hawaii longhouse next month. I cannot contain my excitement.......the BC was awesome, but I was just there in March, and wasn't really impressed with the club lounge, so I'm giving the Poly club a try for my birthday FINALLY to my question, I reserved a GV club room, are there balconies on the 2nd floor??

Great choice, especially since you were just at the BC in March! We're going in the opposite direction, but we were just there in April and I think it's fun to try out a new resort & lounge. The Poly lounge is HUGE, with the best view of any CL!!! 2-story windows looking out over the lake & Cinderella's castle! I hope you have a great time. (And BCV is right, no balconies on the second floor, so if you want one, please request it).

 

[CubanaMama]

Can anyone tell me if you get "lei'd" when entering the resort, at check-in?

 

[brentalex]

Can anyone tell me if you get "lei'd" when entering the resort, at check-in?

In April, we got them we when checked in

 

[Robin4]

We just got back last night from 8 nights/ 9 days at the Poly! It was our first stay and WOW it could not have been more perfect. My parents took me for my graduation trip (I'm using my mom's account) and I'm hoping we can go back. We did online check-in and it was great. Honestly, I didn't really understand online check-in before we left but it was definitely worth it. We checked in Monday the 25th and were instantly greeted with an Aloha and a cookie... could it get any better? We booked GV and requested Samoa first floor and that is exactly what we got. When we got there no one was checking-in but I was still glad we did online check-in because it went by so much faster and I'm thinking it may have insured our room preference some. We were in room 1601 which was facing the volcano pool and the room on the end closest to the GCH. Even though our view was just of plants, the torches, and top of the volcano slide, that short almost no walk to the GCH and pool made it the perfect room for us. We ate at Ohana and Capt. Cook's many times. After going to quite a few resort "food courts" in the past I think Capt. Cook's was my favorite. I only tried the flat breads and the grilled cheese but that was only because I love them so much I didn't want to try anything else. We had Tonga Toast a few mornings and that stuff is out of this world... I'd go visit the Poly just to eat it. I tried the Kona coffee and I thought it was pretty good, definitely better than Starbuck's brew but it didn't change my life. One thing I am going to miss about the Poly is the monorail! Being able to go from our room to the gate of MK in 10 minutes total has spoiled me. The bus service to AK and HS was so so... sharing the bus was a pain but I wouldn't say it was really any worse than anywhere else. We tried walking from the TTC to our room and we thought it was too long so we opted to take the monorail every time. Overall the service was great and I can't think of one complaint. I definitely understand the Polynesian obsession now because my family and I are hooked

 

[Tess]

We just got back last night from 8 nights/ 9 days at the Poly! It was our first stay and WOW it could not have been more perfect. My parents took me for my graduation trip (I'm using my mom's account) and I'm hoping we can go back. We did online check-in and it was great. Honestly, I didn't really understand online check-in before we left but it was definitely worth it. We checked in Monday the 25th and were instantly greeted with an Aloha and a cookie... could it get any better? We booked GV and requested Samoa first floor and that is exactly what we got. When we got there no one was checking-in but I was still glad we did online check-in because it went by so much faster and I'm thinking it may have insured our room preference some. We were in room 1601 which was facing the volcano pool and the room on the end closest to the GCH. Even though our view was just of plants, the torches, and top of the volcano slide, that short almost no walk to the GCH and pool made it the perfect room for us. We ate at Ohana and Capt. Cook's many times. After going to quite a few resort "food courts" in the past I think Capt. Cook's was my favorite. I only tried the flat breads and the grilled cheese but that was only because I love them so much I didn't want to try anything else. We had Tonga Toast a few mornings and that stuff is out of this world... I'd go visit the Poly just to eat it. I tried the Kona coffee and I thought it was pretty good, definitely better than Starbuck's brew but it didn't change my life. One thing I am going to miss about the Poly is the monorail! Being able to go from our room to the gate of MK in 10 minutes total has spoiled me. The bus service to AK and HS was so so... sharing the bus was a pain but I wouldn't say it was really any worse than anywhere else. We tried walking from the TTC to our room and we thought it was too long so we opted to take the monorail every time. Overall the service was great and I can't think of one complaint. I definitely understand the Polynesian obsession now because my family and I are hooked

Welcome back and Aloha! Mahalo for the report--glad you enjoyed your stay!

We are booked at BC for our September stay (we were at the Polynesian in May), but already I'm longing to return to the Polynesian. . .

 

[simplymama]

We just got back last night from 8 nights/ 9 days at the Poly! It was our first stay and WOW it could not have been more perfect. My parents took me for my graduation trip (I'm using my mom's account) and I'm hoping we can go back. We did online check-in and it was great. Honestly, I didn't really understand online check-in before we left but it was definitely worth it. We checked in Monday the 25th and were instantly greeted with an Aloha and a cookie... could it get any better? We booked GV and requested Samoa first floor and that is exactly what we got. When we got there no one was checking-in but I was still glad we did online check-in because it went by so much faster and I'm thinking it may have insured our room preference some. We were in room 1601 which was facing the volcano pool and the room on the end closest to the GCH. Even though our view was just of plants, the torches, and top of the volcano slide, that short almost no walk to the GCH and pool made it the perfect room for us. We ate at Ohana and Capt. Cook's many times. After going to quite a few resort "food courts" in the past I think Capt. Cook's was my favorite. I only tried the flat breads and the grilled cheese but that was only because I love them so much I didn't want to try anything else. We had Tonga Toast a few mornings and that stuff is out of this world... I'd go visit the Poly just to eat it. I tried the Kona coffee and I thought it was pretty good, definitely better than Starbuck's brew but it didn't change my life. One thing I am going to miss about the Poly is the monorail! Being able to go from our room to the gate of MK in 10 minutes total has spoiled me. The bus service to AK and HS was so so... sharing the bus was a pain but I wouldn't say it was really any worse than anywhere else. We tried walking from the TTC to our room and we thought it was too long so we opted to take the monorail every time. Overall the service was great and I can't think of one complaint. I definitely understand the Polynesian obsession now because my family and I are hooked

Glad you had such a nice trip.

Were you able to get any walk in's at Ohana, or did you have a ressie? We have one for breakfast, but have had no luck with dinner.

Also do you know where's the best place to catch a bus to DTD? Oh and do busses, not pick up right at the POLY for the HS and AK parks, or do you have to go to the TTC or M/K to cath them? Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We just got back last night from 8 nights/ 9 days at the Poly! It was our first stay and WOW it could not have been more perfect. My parents took me for my graduation trip (I'm using my mom's account) and I'm hoping we can go back. We did online check-in and it was great. Honestly, I didn't really understand online check-in before we left but it was definitely worth it. We checked in Monday the 25th and were instantly greeted with an Aloha and a cookie... could it get any better? We booked GV and requested Samoa first floor and that is exactly what we got. When we got there no one was checking-in but I was still glad we did online check-in because it went by so much faster and I'm thinking it may have insured our room preference some. We were in room 1601 which was facing the volcano pool and the room on the end closest to the GCH. Even though our view was just of plants, the torches, and top of the volcano slide, that short almost no walk to the GCH and pool made it the perfect room for us. We ate at Ohana and Capt. Cook's many times. After going to quite a few resort "food courts" in the past I think Capt. Cook's was my favorite. I only tried the flat breads and the grilled cheese but that was only because I love them so much I didn't want to try anything else. We had Tonga Toast a few mornings and that stuff is out of this world... I'd go visit the Poly just to eat it. I tried the Kona coffee and I thought it was pretty good, definitely better than Starbuck's brew but it didn't change my life. One thing I am going to miss about the Poly is the monorail! Being able to go from our room to the gate of MK in 10 minutes total has spoiled me. The bus service to AK and HS was so so... sharing the bus was a pain but I wouldn't say it was really any worse than anywhere else. We tried walking from the TTC to our room and we thought it was too long so we opted to take the monorail every time. Overall the service was great and I can't think of one complaint. I definitely understand the Polynesian obsession now because my family and I are hooked

Thanks for posting your trip report.