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

[k&a&c'smom]

Sphyrna - It irks me to pay for internet, too, but I tell myself that I probably pay for it at other resorts/hotels, it's just built into the room rate. At least at WDW, only the people who use the internet get charged, and only for the days they use it.

ALOHA! to everyone leaving - have a great trip!

 

[johnsonet]

mmmears - I'm afraid I've missed you but have a FABULOUS TRIP!! Can't wait to hear all about it
kandcmch, luvamouse and kaffinito, you too!! Have a great time and good luck with surprises (kaffinito) and crowds!

 

[dfarner]

I've been to the luau with my DD. We didn't really get dressed up--just used the leis we got as headbands and necklaces. Dressing your kids would be a great idea. Here's a photo from December '06 of the luau when the kids were brought up on stage with 'Polynesian Santa':

Thank you so much for the picture!

 

[wlwilliams9]

28 more days until we are at the Poly for the 1st time! I can't wait anymore, I'm dying of anticipation!!

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

I'm leaving in about an hour and I'm ecstatic! We arrive at the Poly on Saturday! I hope to find mmmears, kaffinito, kandcmch and someone else I can't remember--p sorry!

I can't post from the Poly with any crowd reports for the folks going the week after, but have a plan and be ready to throw that plan out the window! That is my strategy for life!

I'll try to get a trip report up as soon as I can--thanks for all the reports here, all the tips and well wishes! Have a wonderful countdown everyone!!

Those last few days before a trip go so slow. I hope you have a good time. I can't wait to hear about it.

kandcmch, mmmears, and kaffinato~ I can't wait to hear about your trips too. At least if it's busy you'll have the Poly to relax at.

 

[Ghick56]

Our Vacation group of 7 will be arriving at the Polynesian on Sunday, May 31. I did not request a Longhouse at the time of reserving, but would like to now. Should I call back the Reservation Center?, Call the hotel? Fax the Hotel? I would like to do it before we arrive.

Thanks for all the help on these boards! Now if I can only get my ADRs! I got 2 out of 7 the first time- but I'm still trying!

 

[two*little*birds]

Great picture...

Just to clarify, I've seen posts that you can't swim in the lagoon. So having your kids wade through the water is safe? Any experiences here from anyone?

Thanks!

 

[PolyAddict]

Our Vacation group of 7 will be arriving at the Polynesian on Sunday, May 31. I did not request a Longhouse at the time of reserving, but would like to now. Should I call back the Reservation Center?, Call the hotel? Fax the Hotel? I would like to do it before we arrive.

Thanks for all the help on these boards! Now if I can only get my ADRs! I got 2 out of 7 the first time- but I'm still trying!

We arrive the next day and leave on the 8th!!! Call whomever you made ressies through and put your requests in. Just be open minded when checking in they have always showed me what was available and let me choose from that or wait until something else opened up that i may have wanted more. They are very accomodating.

 

[johnsonet]

28 more days until we are at the Poly for the 1st time! I can't wait anymore, I'm dying of anticipation!!

How awesome You are going to have a great time. Your wait's not bad at all!

Those last few days before a trip go so slow. I hope you have a good time. I can't wait to hear about it.

kandcmch, mmmears, and kaffinato~ I can't wait to hear about your trips too. At least if it's busy you'll have the Poly to relax at.

Exactly!

Just to clarify, I've seen posts that you can't swim in the lagoon. So having your kids wade through the water is safe? Any experiences here from anyone?

Thanks!

There is LOTS of shallow wading going on at both the Poly and GF. Children run along the shore and some go in a bit deeper. Seems to be safe. Just no swimming allowed.

 

[Sphyrna]

True, I guess it is better to only charge those who are using the internet when they're using it rather than include it in the cost of the room and make everyone pay for it. I guess it just seems odd when almost all other hotels do include it to see Disney doesn't.

 

[johnsonet]

True, I guess it is better to only charge those who are using the internet when they're using it rather than include it in the cost of the room and make everyone pay for it. I guess it just seems odd when almost all other hotels do include it to see Disney doesn't.

It does seem odd. But actually, many higher-end hotel chains (like Ritz Carlton) DO charge you for wireless internet useage. Lower and mid-level offer it for free as a perk.

 

[BCV23]

It does seem odd. But actually, many higher-end hotel chains (like Ritz Carlton) DO charge you for wireless internet useage. Lower and mid-level offer it for free as a perk.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

So a lot of our Poly friends are actually there or on their way!!! Hope you are all having fun and we can't wait to hear about the trips! mmears - hope you guys got better before you left

So has anyone been there recently and has a list of other activities that go on? I've heard the torch lighting ceremony is back on but I was wondering if they do any other kids and/or adult activities?

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

There is LOTS of shallow wading going on at both the Poly and GF. Children run along the shore and some go in a bit deeper. Seems to be safe. Just no swimming allowed.

I'm no authority on the subject, but I asked about swimming/wading at the Poly beach and was advised that it's not safe due to a virus or bacteria that has been known to be fatal. Seems (from what I've been told) that it is most dangerous if someone goes underwater, but that it can be contracted via lacerations on feet/legs also. Hopefully someone with more knowledge than I will come along and verify or repute what I've posted, but I just wanted to let you know that I don't think it's safe. I've also been told that there are "No Swimming" signs posted for the beach area and the reason is because of the virus/bacteria - not the water level, etc. Small children could easily slip & fall & get contaminated water up their nose - as could anyone, for that matter.
Normally I would not have interjected my opinion into a thread like this without first-hand knowledge - but I wanted to let you all know what I was told... And I'm definitely not trying to discredit the PP - just passing along a word to the wise.

 

[johnsonet]

I'm no authority on the subject, but I asked about swimming/wading at the Poly beach and was advised that it's not safe due to a virus or bacteria that has been known to be fatal. Seems (from what I've been told) that it is most dangerous if someone goes underwater, but that it can be contracted via lacerations on feet/legs also. Hopefully someone with more knowledge than I will come along and verify or repute what I've posted, but I just wanted to let you know that I don't think it's safe. I've also been told that there are "No Swimming" signs posted for the beach area and the reason is because of the virus/bacteria - not the water level, etc. Small children could easily slip & fall & get contaminated water up their nose - as could anyone, for that matter.
Normally I would not have interjected my opinion into a thread like this without first-hand knowledge - but I wanted to let you all know what I was told... And I'm definitely not trying to discredit the PP - just passing along a word to the wise.

No worries I understand your concern. Over the years I've read conflicting info on the DIS re. the exact reason for the no swimming rule. I tend to think it's just a liability issue but have no facts on the matter...
I must say that I believe if there were truly a potentially fatal bacteria in the Seven Seas Lagoon, then there would be fencing to keep people out or CMs patrolling or something.

I was just adding my .02 before b/c I sat on the Poly beach several days last month (and this past summer and on a couple of other trips) and watched kids running along the water's edge. I've never seen anyone actually swimming or going under.

And you're correct, there ARE "No Swimming" signs posted Here's a pic of one (I took the pic b/c the guy's tshirt made me laugh. "Traffic Cops Even Scare Other Cops"

 

[kandcmch]

I am so excited!!! Leave work early tomorrow to head to my mother in laws so we can have her follow us and then leave there Easter sunday. No parks that day we r planning to go to DTD for the day.

 

[Sphyrna]

I heard about the virus on the podcast. Don't know for sure if it's true or not but I'm not going to chance it.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Picture is too funny, Johnsonet!
I too have always felt that if there was really a morbid threat to swimming in the lagoon, that Disney would do more than post "No Swimming" signs, but every time I post the question, I'm given the same advice, so I thought it prudent to pass along...
You're quite gracious to accept my post in the spirit in which it was intended.

 

[KSBelle]

Well,I'm not gonna swim in the lake b/c an alligator might get me.

But isn't swimming in the lake one part of a WDW Marathon? Or was that just a dream I had??

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

You may be right about the Marathon, KSBelle...