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

[tarak]

Weather-wise, the best times to go is between November and May. The humidity starts to kick up around late May and things really simmer from then through almost early November. The humidity doesn't bother me as much as I'm used to it but the soaking constant rain they had in August for Tropical Storm Faye was plain awful. Made me never want to visit in August again.



Oh, I'm absolutely miserable when the temps drop below 60 during the day *but*, it was different when were were at Disney in December. It added to the festive atmosphere of the season without being 'bone chilling'. Plus, since I discovered the wonderful HeatGear clothing from UnderArmor, that stuff is great for keeping warm.

Now last year in December it was absolutely HOT! The temperature didn't drop into the 70's until after we left.

I grew up in Arizona and the Southern California desert. So I can handle heat, but the humidity kills me. I've lived in Pennsylvania for 15 years now (and a year in Baton Rouge before that). You'd think I'd be used to it.
I admit, though the first day we got to WDW last year (it was the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so I think it was Dec. 1, but I'm not positive), it rained and it was around 60 and it was sort of miserable. And my older daughter hates to wear a coat, so she conveniently left it in the car. We were so busy making sure we had the right number of bodies and luggage that we didn't notice it until we were in the air. And usually going from PA to FL in early December is nice because its like going from freezing to t-shirt weather. But a coat would have been a nice thing.

I showed my BIL pictures of the resort and his only question was whether there was a tiki bar by the pool. My sister thinks I'm nuts for planning so far ahead, but I have a friend at work who is going the same time and she's as nuts as I am, apparently. We're going to have a pre-trip getogether once a month and do a theme with the kids. This month is Pirates of the Caribbean - we're planning a treasure hunt in the backyard, followed up by the movie and snacks (Pirate's Booty, for example). We're hoping it makes the time go faster. But since we still have 19 months to go, I'm thinking not. That's a lot of Disney movies.

 

[Nanookz]

Does anyone know if my little girl can bring a floatee ring in the pool? when it is inflated it is very thin.
thanks

 

[teacher5]

When are they coming? What will they be like?

 

[taylor3297]

I grew up in Arizona and the Southern California desert. So I can handle heat, but the humidity kills me. I've lived in Pennsylvania for 15 years now (and a year in Baton Rouge before that). You'd think I'd be used to it.
I admit, though the first day we got to WDW last year (it was the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so I think it was Dec. 1, but I'm not positive), it rained and it was around 60 and it was sort of miserable. And my older daughter hates to wear a coat, so she conveniently left it in the car. We were so busy making sure we had the right number of bodies and luggage that we didn't notice it until we were in the air. And usually going from PA to FL in early December is nice because its like going from freezing to t-shirt weather. But a coat would have been a nice thing.

I showed my BIL pictures of the resort and his only question was whether there was a tiki bar by the pool. My sister thinks I'm nuts for planning so far ahead, but I have a friend at work who is going the same time and she's as nuts as I am, apparently. We're going to have a pre-trip getogether once a month and do a theme with the kids. This month is Pirates of the Caribbean - we're planning a treasure hunt in the backyard, followed up by the movie and snacks (Pirate's Booty, for example). We're hoping it makes the time go faster. But since we still have 19 months to go, I'm thinking not. That's a lot of Disney movies.

I am glad that I am not alone on planning so far ahead. I like the pre-trip get together idea. I guess I could do something like that just for my family. All my neighbors think I am crazy for planning like I am.

 

[PSU]

Hi there -
Wondering if anyone knew about the Fiji renovations......Planning to stay at Poly over Memorial Day...Wondering if they'll be done by then

 

[matthew&haleysmom]

Can anyone tell me if you can still have park purchases sent to the POLY?

Also, we are staying in a theme park view. I put in a request for a first floor. What longhouses have a theme park view. Also, do people enjoy a first floor room?

 

[taylor3297]

Can anyone tell me if you can still have park purchases sent to the POLY?

Also, we are staying in a theme park view. I put in a request for a first floor. What longhouses have a theme park view. Also, do people enjoy a first floor room?

Yes you can have your purchases sent to the Poly.

When we had the theme park view we were in Tuvalu, second floor (no balcony or patio) There are other longhouses that have the theme park view can't remembe which ones.


Take a look at this website. It has so much information on the Poly. http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/

 

[matthew&haleysmom]

Yes you can have your purchases sent to the Poly.

When we had the theme park view we were in Tuvalu, second floor (no balcony or patio) There are other longhouses that have the theme park view can't remembe which ones.


Take a look at this website. It has so much information on the Poly. http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/

Thanks! I have been looking at that site; however, for some reason I can't ever remember what longhouses have the theme park views.

 

[Sphyrna]

Can anyone tell me if you can still have park purchases sent to the POLY?

Your question was already answered but I wanted to add one more thing. Keep in mind if you're sending your purchases back to your resort that it can take 24 hrs. So don't plan to use it your last day (or if you bought something you're going to want soon).

 

[goopysolelady]

Can anyone tell me if you can still have park purchases sent to the POLY?

Also, we are staying in a theme park view. I put in a request for a first floor. What longhouses have a theme park view. Also, do people enjoy a first floor room?

Stayed at the TOKELAU in Sept. '08 on first floor and loved it! Walked out our patio doors directly to the pool. Our daughter and her family were on the 3rd floor of same longhouse and while elevator waiting time was never long, we definitely enjoyed the convenience of the first floor!

 

[Nanookz]

Is there any benefit to checkin onsite instead of online? I guess onsite they might upgrade your room but from what I have read that is like a 10% chance, if that?

 

[BCV23]

Also, we are staying in a theme park view. I put in a request for a first floor. What longhouses have a theme park view. Also, do people enjoy a first floor room?

Tahiti, Tuvalu and Aotearoa have theme park view rooms.

We love first floor rooms at the Polynesian and always request one...in fact, that's normally been our only request.

Is there any benefit to checkin onsite instead of online? I guess onsite they might upgrade your room but from what I have read that is like a 10% chance, if that?

The advantage is that is saves time. Your packet will be ready to go when you arrive including room keys.

I don't know that an upgrade is any more likely with old fashioned checkin. I also doubt that 10% of guests are upgraded. We've stayed at the Polynesian over 30 times and have never had an upgrade.

 

[mmouse37]

We just got back last night from a week in Florida...3 nights at the Poly, 3 nights at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and 1 night in Fort lauderdale.

We did not do online check in at the Poly. We checked in at about 8:30 am and it did not take long at all (but the CM at check in had no personality at all....I was very surprised she did not have more enthusiasm). I even brought a large package of candy for the staff and she just looked at me like I had 2 heads...it was very surreal. Anyway...we had booked a GV room and were upgraded at checkin to a MK view...but...I am not complaining but we were put in Tuvalu which had great views..we were on the second floor so no balcony. The walk was far to get back to the pool area. Again, I am not complaining just making an observation...if I had kids with me I would not book Tuvalu. Too bad they did not have a bridge to link the pool area with Tuvalu and Fiji...LOL!! We had a fantastic time!!! We were celebrating our 30th Anniv and my 50th B'day so not sure if that had anything to do with the upgrade. We tried to pay for an upgrade to CL but none were available. As I said we were able to get our keys but our room was not read until after 3:00 so we just went to the Park for the day.

We wanted to book a second room for our DD when we got there but they were completely sold out...we were able to get her a room for the rest of our stay but not the first night.

We had a blast and when I have more time I will post some pics....off to see South Pacific now in NYC (keeping with the Poly theme LOL!!!).

MJ

 

[KSBelle]

mmouse37
Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay at the Poly and thanks for the trip report. The trip reports are what keeps me going!!!!
Can't wait to see your pic's. Thanks!

 

[mmmears]

mmouse37,

Glad you had a nice trip. The Poly was sold out when we were there in April, too. How was Vero Beach? I've been tempted to book a few nights there...

 

[Sphyrna]

MJ,

Glad you had a good trip!! Gratz on the upgrade, even if the buidling wasn't the most convenient for you.

 

[teacher5]

Since it looks like you are a big DCL enjoyer, when can you start booking their new ships? Are you planning on being a passenger on one of the maiden voyages of their new ships? We have not been on a Disney cruise for several years (was going every year for a while there) and was hoping to go again when the new ships are here. Tried Royal Carribean once and did not enjoy it half as much as Disney.
Thanks!

 

[huntconn]

We just got back last night from a week in Florida...3 nights at the Poly, 3 nights at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and 1 night in Fort lauderdale.

We did not do online check in at the Poly. We checked in at about 8:30 am and it did not take long at all (but the CM at check in had no personality at all....I was very surprised she did not have more enthusiasm). I even brought a large package of candy for the staff and she just looked at me like I had 2 heads...it was very surreal. Anyway...we had booked a GV room and were upgraded at checkin to a MK view...but...I am not complaining but we were put in Tuvalu which had great views..we were on the second floor so no balcony. The walk was far to get back to the pool area. Again, I am not complaining just making an observation...if I had kids with me I would not book Tuvalu. Too bad they did not have a bridge to link the pool area with Tuvalu and Fiji...LOL!! We had a fantastic time!!! We were celebrating our 30th Anniv and my 50th B'day so not sure if that had anything to do with the upgrade. We tried to pay for an upgrade to CL but none were available. As I said we were able to get our keys but our room was not read until after 3:00 so we just went to the Park for the day.

We wanted to book a second room for our DD when we got there but they were completely sold out...we were able to get her a room for the rest of our stay but not the first night.

We had a blast and when I have more time I will post some pics....off to see South Pacific now in NYC (keeping with the Poly theme LOL!!!).

MJ

That's funny that you mention a bridge across the marina. I have always thought they should have one two. It would certainly help the foks in Tuvalu and Fiji get to the pool area more quickly and easily. Only problem is it would partially obstruct the view from Tonga and I'm sure Disney does not want to upset the "high rollers".

 

[matthew&haleysmom]

Tahiti, Tuvalu and Aotearoa have theme park view rooms.

We love first floor rooms at the Polynesian and always request one...in fact, that's normally been our only request.



The advantage is that is saves time. Your packet will be ready to go when you arrive including room keys.

I don't know that an upgrade is any more likely with old fashioned checkin. I also doubt that 10% of guests are upgraded. We've stayed at the Polynesian over 30 times and have never had an upgrade.

Thanks for the response. I am going to look up these longhouses. The only request I put in was a first floor room. My mom has mobility issues and I think it would be easier for her.

 

[taylor3297]

On our last trip, we stayed in Tuvalu and found that the walk to the pool or anywhere else wasn't bad at all. My daughter loved looking at the marina, flowers and whatever else we encountered. She was 4 at that time, and we did not bring a stroller. We also enjoyed our MK view from the second floor. Even though there isn't a balcony it was nice to open the sliding glass door to watch the fireworks and the water parade.