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

[Pugsly]

I am curious on how do they fix a cheek bone? That has to hurt.

Taylor - they made an incision behind my hairline just above my ear and went in and popped the cheekbone back into place. I didn't want any other details past that, but the surgeon said it went back into place very easily (I didn't want to know how they did it and what tools they used specifically

 

[jmamom]

We'll be staying at the Poly in mid November and will be celebrating our 10th anniversary. The three kids will be with us (romantic trip for five!), but we are considering getting a babysitter one night so we can have a nice dinner alone and do something fun.

I want to stick fairly close to the Polynesian (on the monorail) in case there's an issue with the kids. Luckily, I think we still have lots of options. What would be your suggestion for a nice evening out?

We are doing the same thing in September for our 15th anniversary. I'm planning to have dinner at Citricos at the GF, although I'm also thinking of looking into a private dining experience there. I read about it in a trip report, and it sounds so nice!( and probably crazy expensive.) Either way, I figure it will be a nice walk on the beach to and from dinner, maybe make it a little romantic. Have a great time, whatever you decide!

 

[Pugsly]

Hi all!

Just back from our 7-night stay at the Poly (5/31 - 6/8) and had a wonderful time!

We had requested Tokelau 3rd floor, and were placed in Tokelau 2nd floor (2911 - 4th door from the lagoon side of the building) facing the lagoon and the GF - great view!

DS was very surprised and very excited when I presented him with the poem the morning that we left and kept saying all week how great it was that we finally stayed there! We enjoyed a couple of afternoons by the pool or on the beach with Pina Colavas in hand and when we were chased away by the t-storms, spent the afternoon on the balcony. Loved sitting on the beach, listening to the waves, the tropical music, or the activities going on - including hearing music by Journey (my all time favorite band) while doing so! It just didn't get any better. Took a stroll by the beach most nights and spent some time either on the swings, hammocks or beach chairs just staring at the castle (including about two hours on the hammocks Saturday night until they turned the lights out on the castle at midnight).

We ate at Kona twice (lunch and breakfast) and enjoyed both - especially the shrimp coconut curry soup. And did the character breakfast at 'Ohana and had GREAT character interaction - Lilo even got my 21-year old son up to march in the kiddie parade.

Not a single towel animal to be had, but there was something made out of lei's one day - we still don't know what it was supposed to be (as opposed to the mickey head made out of lei's which waited for us the day we arrived). And there was one day when a dirty wet towel was left on the bathroom counter; we just left it on the floor and didn't see the need to fuss with mousekeeping over it. I wasn't overly impressed with the shower (and the way the water came out of it), but we dealt with it no problem.

We loved our transportation options and didn't mind the short walk to the TTC. The worst part was getting to AK by bus (but that may just be the distance between the two resorts). Everything else was a short trip away. The worst part of using the monorail between the MK and the Poly was hearing on our last day, the message upon arrival at the TTC that says, "If this concludes your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, we hope you've enjoyed your stay."

Overall, we loved the Poly, felt very relaxed, and would love to stay there again if funds allowed.

 

[taylor3297]

Taylor - they made an incision behind my hairline just above my ear and went in and popped the cheekbone back into place. I didn't want any other details past that, but the surgeon said it went back into place very easily (I didn't want to know how they did it and what tools they used specifically

Well I learn something new everyday. This is just so interesting. I am glad things are back where they are supposed to be.

 

[taylor3297]

We'll be staying at the Poly in mid November and will be celebrating our 10th anniversary. The three kids will be with us (romantic trip for five!), but we are considering getting a babysitter one night so we can have a nice dinner alone and do something fun.

I want to stick fairly close to the Polynesian (on the monorail) in case there's an issue with the kids. Luckily, I think we still have lots of options. What would be your suggestion for a nice evening out?

You could send the kids to the neverland club if they are of the right age.

 

[Mouskemom]

You could send the kids to the neverland club if they are of the right age.

My youngest son will only be 14 months old, so I think I'll have to try Kids Night Out in-room babysitting.

 

[maiapapaya]

That's SUPER exciting! And ask away with any questions. That's what we're all here for.

First couple of questions ... (to keep my mind off the fact that my husband might have trouble getting time off in the fall now )

Is it still warm enough at the end of October to enjoy lots of pool time?

What time are the fireworks on the nights of MNSSHP? I assume they can still be seen from the Poly beach just like Wishes (unless they do something totally different with them? )

 

[soulmates]

This thread is SO exciting! My DP has mentioned MANY times, next trip, she really wants to stay here. We'll, we decided we could swing it IF we book in Aug(again) and do Free Dining. Sooo, we'll sweat it out in the heat, but it will be sooooo worth it to stay there!! I'll be devouring this thread, SO much info. Thanks for ALL the pics and the time to keep up with it all~

 

[OilyStars]

We'll be staying at the Poly in mid November and will be celebrating our 10th anniversary. The three kids will be with us (romantic trip for five!), but we are considering getting a babysitter one night so we can have a nice dinner alone and do something fun.

I want to stick fairly close to the Polynesian (on the monorail) in case there's an issue with the kids. Luckily, I think we still have lots of options. What would be your suggestion for a nice evening out?

My DF and I had a really nice dinner at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort. If you schedule your dinner around 7:30pm you get to watch the Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom! They also have an observation deck you can go out on and they pipe in the music from MK. We loved it and thought it was very romantic!

 

[MHTeacher]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we just returned from four glorious nights at the Poly. Everything was beautiful and relaxing. I had not used online check in, but had no problems when we got there, around 10 am. We had been placed in Raratonga and our room was ready, but I had requested Tokelau. When my cm checked, she had a room in Tokelau and it was ready also....so we took it!

Ate at Capt. Cooks a couple of times and Ohana once. We didn't make it to Kona this visit.

We made it a point to catch the torch lighting ceremony this visit.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Is it still warm enough at the end of October to enjoy lots of pool time?

It was when I was there around that time in October a few years ago. The weather can shift somewhat but when I lived there, you could swim almost up through December (and I have). Keep an eye on sites like Weather.com to let you know but i'd still pack my bathing suits.

What time are the fireworks on the nights of MNSSHP? I assume they can still be seen from the Poly beach just like Wishes (unless they do something totally different with them? )

They're usually sometime between 9pm and 10pm. The schedule is usually posted over on DisneyWorld.com and you can also get at schedule of events at the park. You can see them from the Poly beach but when there are specialty fireworks like that, it's really nice to see them in the park. There are fireworks that are also set off from the 7 Seas Lagoon so it isn't like regular Wishes. Hope that helps!

This thread is SO exciting! My DP has mentioned MANY times, next trip, she really wants to stay here. We'll, we decided we could swing it IF we book in Aug(again) and do Free Dining. Sooo, we'll sweat it out in the heat, but it will be sooooo worth it to stay there!!

When I took the Terror Squad, it was in late August and the heat was crazy but we had a ton of fun. So nice to take that short monorail ride (or boat ride) back to the Poly to spend hours in the volcano pool. It was soo worth it to stay there then.

Just wanted to let everyone know that we just returned from four glorious nights at the Poly.

So glad to hear you had a wonderful time! Isn't the torch lighting ceremony amazing?

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

We are just back from our May 31- June 7 stay. I will do a trip report later.
We had a wonderful time at the POLY. It is a very magical place to stay. We were in room 2038 Tahiti, which is the last room on the 2nd floor- closest to the TTC. We had a beautiful view of the lagoon and of Space Mountain (but not a speck of the castle thanks to 2 trees). Although it is far from GCH, it is nice to be so close to TTC. Nice large room- 2 sinks.

We ate at O'hana, Chefs de France, Liberty Tree Tavern, 50's Prime time, Kona Cafe, Rose & Crown Pub, and Le Cellier. I must say they were all good. I think Kona was my favorite, and although O'hana has always been my favorite, it might be the first to drop off the list. (still good tho!) If you want to know any specifics- just ask!

You know, the only troublesome thing the whole week was this: PEOPLE- CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN!
EX: Children pouring out their drinks in Captain Cooks (on purpose) and parents walking off and leaving the mess.
Children hitting their parents and grandparents while they "count to 3".
Children charging the buses before people get off and NO ONE telling them to step back- the same with the elevators.
Children throwing fits and then getting exactly what they wanted!
The list goes on and on...

Now, before I get flamed- I have children (2 girls), I LOVE children (I'm a teacher), but I am very concerned about the future of our world when 3 - 9 year olds are completely in charge of the family....

Glad you had a great time. We stayed at the Poly a month ago for our honeymoon and we were in Tahiti 2035!! Sorry for your obstructed view of the castle. Yes I agree, the proximity to the TTC was wonderful.

 

[PolyAddict]

We arrived 10:30 last Monday at Poly club level. Our room was ready and we were swept away to it on the golf cart. I had requested a 1st floor room but we were fine with the balcony. In all 3 trips as a family we have always had a third floor. We made pigs of ourselves on all of the food offerings.DH loved the beer and i enjoyed the punch.

I am off to do some laundry but will try to check in if you have any questions.

 

[grace&philipsmom]

We are staying at the Poly at the end of August. Can anyone tell me it the Poly has private dining available to order the chocolate Mickey's and chocolate covered strawberries? I would like to order this for our first night. We are not CL.
Thanks!

 

[maiapapaya]

It was when I was there around that time in October a few years ago. The weather can shift somewhat but when I lived there, you could swim almost up through December (and I have). Keep an eye on sites like Weather.com to let you know but i'd still pack my bathing suits.

They're usually sometime between 9pm and 10pm. The schedule is usually posted over on DisneyWorld.com and you can also get at schedule of events at the park. You can see them from the Poly beach but when there are specialty fireworks like that, it's really nice to see them in the park. There are fireworks that are also set off from the 7 Seas Lagoon so it isn't like regular Wishes. Hope that helps!

Well we're from Canada, so our definition of pool-worthy weather is probably pretty liberal! (I'm thinking 68+ and we're in there)

I found the MNSSHP fireworks time (9:30). We do plan on going to MNSSHP (if we actually make it to WDW in October ... still waiting to find out about DH's work ...), but we also plan on a few nights of enjoying the fireworks from Poly too.

Thanks MsStinkerBelle!

 

[Kteacher]

PolyAddict-can you confirm that the pineapple bread is gone from the CL at breakfast???

 

[Tess]

PolyAddict-can you confirm that the pineapple bread is gone from the CL at breakfast???

I am the one who originally posted about the pineapple bread kteacher. If I recall correctly, another poster also chimed in that the pineapple bread was gone in March or April as well.

We were there in May and were told that it was indeed gone from the menu. The breakfast now consists of: bagels, cinnamon rolls, three cereals, croissants, and/or sometimes bread for toast, and fruit. The bread was available by request even if it wasn't on the counter. The juices remain the same, coffee, tea, and milk (chocolate by request).

As I posted before, this was a real bummer because I can get a bagel, toast, etc. anywhere, but the pineapple bread was the Polynesian specialty. You can purchase the bread at the coffee bar in the GCH.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Well we're from Canada, so our definition of pool-worthy weather is probably pretty liberal! (I'm thinking 68+ and we're in there)

We WDW vets have a joke--when the temperature dips below 60 at night, the only people swimming are Canadians and folks from Michigan.

I found the MNSSHP fireworks time (9:30). We do plan on going to MNSSHP (if we actually make it to WDW in October ... still waiting to find out about DH's work ...), but we also plan on a few nights of enjoying the fireworks from Poly too.

Thanks MsStinkerBelle!

You're welcome! Definitely do check out the fireworks from the Poly. Instead of watching them from the main beach, try watching them from the little beach next to the Tuvalu longhouse. Much less crowded plus there are more chairs, hammocks and swings.

Feel free to PM me with questions as well!

 

[PolyAddict]

PolyAddict-can you confirm that the pineapple bread is gone from the CL at breakfast???

Tess is right.No more pineapple bread. On a positive note the cinnamon rolls and croissants were delicious.

 

[Desnik]

We will be at the POLY in 2 weeks and I can't wait!!!
Just a quick question, are there DVD players in the regular rooms?