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

[kandcmch]

Well, I guess we can see what people say about the parks today. I think all of us are going to be worried about the crowd and hopefully it will be nothing. We will go and it won't be as bad as we prepared ourselves for. So let's us think positive. Because I don't want to spend my first time at disney in tears. LOL

 

[kandcmch]

Okay had to Bump myself to 100 post!!! GOAL

 

[Debbie]

Okay had to Bump myself to 100 post!!! GOAL

Congrats kandcmch! You made it!

 

[OandA]

Okay had to Bump myself to 100 post!!! GOAL

Enjoy your trip in 3 days. I'm jealous.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ha ha. And I was going to say a third amount - $11/day. But last time I did valet parking at WDW was in July

It is on my folio for our January and March, 2009 visits as $10/day. Plus, when I picked up my car on the second day I was there in March, the bell stand asked me to pay in cash that day, as they had a glitch in their system and couldn't attach the charge to my folio - they asked for $10. And when we went to Cali Grill, the Contemporary bell stand tried to charge me for valet parking, until I reminded them I was already valet parked at WL - they said "that will be $10, please!" So I know it wasn't a mistake on my folio.

Maybe I won the valet parking lottery!

***Good luck to everyone going in the next few days, I hope you have a great time, crowds notwithstanding!

 

[dfarner]

Well, I guess we can see what people say about the parks today. I think all of us are going to be worried about the crowd and hopefully it will be nothing. We will go and it won't be as bad as we prepared ourselves for. So let's us think positive. Because I don't want to spend my first time at disney in tears. LOL

Good luck~I hope everything goes just your way.

 

[johnsonet]

...We should be fine as long as we get there early and then arrive again later on. And don't worry kandcmch, our first trip was over Spring Break and we not only survived but kept coming back! (We do tend to prefer August though - the crowds are a LOT lower. )

I agree! Try not to stress out everyone. You can't see or do it all anyway, just focus on getting there as early as you reasonably can and hitting the things first that will be impossible later in the day. Don't forget to take time to soak up the Magic of Disney!!

Have fun and don't be stressed . I'm so excited for you and kaffinito and kandcmch (and anyone else I've missed). You will be at the POLY, it doesn't get any better than that . I can't wait to hear about everyone's trip (with pictures) when you all return!

Ditto!!

Okay had to Bump myself to 100 post!!! GOAL

Congratulations!

It is on my folio for our January and March, 2009 visits as $10/day. Plus, when I picked up my car on the second day I was there in March, the bell stand asked me to pay in cash that day, as they had a glitch in their system and couldn't attach the charge to my folio - they asked for $10. And when we went to Cali Grill, the Contemporary bell stand tried to charge me for valet parking, until I reminded them I was already valet parked at WL - they said "that will be $10, please!" So I know it wasn't a mistake on my folio.

Ok - I was just off on that, obviously - think I was confusing it with Kids' Clubs going up to $11/hour from $10/hour

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Ok - I was just off on that, obviously - think I was confusing it with Kids' Clubs going up to $11/hour from $10/hour

I was thinking maybe they had lost business from increasing the price, and had reduced it this year? But if the kids' clubs went up too, your explanation makes more sense.

I truly wasn't trying to be snarky, I was just explaining how I was so sure that the price I was charged just a couple weeks ago was $10. It's very possible they have raised the price since I was there! Everything changes so quickly, it seems.

 

[johnsonet]

I was thinking maybe they had lost business from increasing the price, and had reduced it this year? But if the kids' clubs went up too, your explanation makes more sense.

I truly wasn't trying to be snarky, I was just explaining how I was so sure that the price I was charged just a couple weeks ago was $10. It's very possible they have raised the price since I was there! Everything changes so quickly, it seems.

k&a&c'smom - you've never been "snarky"!! What I was trying to say was, "I WAS WRONG!"

 

[summersalt]

If the parks are '9's, how crowded is the resort? Predictions are mostly 9's for our week but I'm not really stressing. I figure if the crowds are unbearable I'll run back to the Poly for refuge!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

If the parks are '9's, how crowded is the resort? Predictions are mostly 9's for our week but I'm not really stressing. I figure if the crowds are unbearable I'll run back to the Poly for refuge!

Check out the touring plans site at (I hope this is ok to post this link):
http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14

They have the unofficial crowd levels, a GREAT crowd blog, definitions of the numbers (what '9' means), and some salve to sooth your soul ("it's the touring plan that counts more than the crowd levels"). So everyone that is leaving during these 9 & 10 crowd levels - who cares!!! You'll be soaking it up at the Poly which can't get 'more' crowded than it's max occupants (well, you know what I mean!) and you have EMH to take advantage of and you are PREPARED with all these great tips from everyone on the disboards!!!

Enjoy! Have fun! Can't wait to see your Aloha! posts before you go...and when you return

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

No, there is no access in the lounge.

However, if you do have a broadband (wireless) card, the 3G reception in the lounge is amazing!

To my fellow Poly DISers going this week: check out on the Theme Park Boards -- there's a thread about how it's so crowded that they had to close the MK today due to capacity! Guess I'll be seeing you all around the pool!

This is *very* common during peak times. I've heard today it will be a Stage 3 shutdown (no day guests). I know during Christmas/New Years it wasn't uncommon for the MK to close to any more people coming in at around 11:30am! I'd suggest getting to the parks as early as you can, staying until around noon then going back later in the evening. The CL lounge is wonderful to use while the parks are packed like sardines.

Does anyone know what they serve before 6:30am? Like the grab-n-go things like yogurt or sandwiches?

Usually the refrigerator case has yogurt, milk and other breakfast goodies. Plus the bakery case has items readily-available.

I seriously regretted opening that crowd thread. I had to close it and walk away. It totally stressed me out.

Try not to let it stress you out too much. As someone who has done WDW regularly at peak times (Easter and Christmas), just concentrate on what is most important to you to get done and go from there. Remember, the Poly's location is your friend and island of sanity from the chaos of the parks.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

k&a&c'smom - you've never been "snarky"!! What I was trying to say was, "I WAS WRONG!"

Turns out I was wrong as well. I could have sworn the valet parking fee had gone up.

What I 'm sure did go up was the hourly rate at the Neverland Club. It was $11.25/hr when I dropped DD off during our December visit.

 

[kaffinito]

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

 

[KSBelle]

mmmears-kandcmch-kaffinito-ALOHA!!!
May the Tiki Gods Bless you with Great Weather and Low Crowds!!!
Can't wait for the trip reports!!

 

[mmmears]

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

That sounds awesome! Then they'll really be surprised when you go up to the check-in counter! How fun! I don't know how you've been able to keep your secret for so long, but I think it'll be worth it when you see their faces.

However, if you do have a broadband (wireless) card, the 3G reception in the lounge is amazing!



This is *very* common during peak times. I've heard today it will be a Stage 3 shutdown (no guests). I know during Christmas/New Years it wasn't common for the MK to close to any more people coming in at around 11:30am! I'd suggest getting to the parks as early as you can, staying until around noon then going back later in the evening. The CL lounge is wonderful to use while the parks are packed like sardines.



Usually the refrigerator case has yogurt, milk and other breakfast goodies. Plus the bakery case has items readily-available.

Thanks for the 3G info for the lounge -- I guess I can check my email on my phone that way, but I wont be able to check in here.

We're planning our days just like you've suggested -- morning & evening touring in the parks, the rest of the time at the Poly. Hopefully it will all work out just fine.

Thanks for the info on the yogurt -- if we have that & fruit then we'll be fine.

 

[johnsonet]

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

kaffinito - I would say just self-park. It's been very convenient for me in the past. This way you have your keys and you know where you're parked. I like the idea of telling them once you're in the lobby
Which building have you requested? I can't remember... anyway, if you end up on the TTC side of the GCH (Tokelau, Raratonga, Niue, Hawaii, Samoa, Rapa Nui, Tahiti), returning to your car for your luggage will be easy. Or will you have a ton of luggage and need help from a bellman?
If you're going to need a bellman, and want to surprise the children once you're in the lobby, I would say self-park... walk in and check in and then retn to your car and proceed to valet and let them take it from there...Hope this helps but I'm afraid it won't

 

[sandym718]

Just want to confirm that one of the the little stores (can't remember their names!) and/or Captain Cook's sells 1/2 gallons (or so, but not individual sized, I mean) of milk?

We're driving down and bringing lots of snacks, bottled water and breakfast items for the room, but I don't want to worry about keeping the milk cold for 1 1/2-2 days while we drive down/wait for the room to be ready. Thanks!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

I think this is great! Makes me wish I was there to experience the surprise.

Just want to confirm that one of the the little stores (can't remember their names!) and/or Captain Cook's sells 1/2 gallons (or so, but not individual sized, I mean) of milk?

1/2 gallons of milk are available in Samoa Snacks (2nd floor of the GCH) and at Captain Cooks. I took a few photos in Captain Cooks last August, and in one of the shots you can see the refrigerator case that has the milk: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27109484&postcount=3774 . Hope that helps!

 

[sandym718]

1/2 gallons of milk are available in Samoa Snacks (2nd floor of the GCH) and at Captain Cooks. I took a few photos in Captain Cooks last August, and in one of the shots you can see the refrigerator case that has the milk: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27109484&postcount=3774 . Hope that helps!

Thank you!!