okay, here's a continuation of earlier!
so monorail was fantastic, even with it's minor hiccups! DD got hot and tired after 3-4 hours at MK so we'd "hop on the monorail" as she would say and we'd be home in less than 15 minutes. I never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a monorail, and it was so convenient. Plus, I loved getting off in that gorgeous lobby and looking around and smelling that smell of the lobby. By the way, does anyone know if they have some kind of incense or something, and if so, what is it? I just remember walking in and breathing in and closing my eyes and feeling so peaceful. The curtains in the room smelled like it too so I'm thinking it's some kind of scent they use???
anyhoo, I also liked the close proximity to the TTC. From Hawaii to TTC monorail to Epcot, at a fast pace, it took about 8 minutes pushing my DD in a stroller. It was a nice walk, and I loved the walk through the grounds. For those of you wondering about "bad" garden views, you really needn't worry. I did a lot of investigating through my walks and looked at all of the different longhouses and they all offer pretty views, even if it isn't looking at anything in particular. Even the parking lot view of Rapa Nui was lovely. And like I mentioned earlier, I saw nothing but leaves and I still enjoyed my stay immensely! Don't worry about GV views! One longhouse that I thought was so cute was Niue. It is set back towards the GCH and close to both pools and it's tucked away so that people don't really notice it. It has a lot of grass for little ones to frolic in (my DD loved this area to run!) Someone earlier mentioned Fiji, and I can confirm it was already fixed and back in business. There were people already there when I arrived and I remember the first day looking up at it with envy, but then being glad I got the upgrade later! It definitely has beautiful views from both sides.
The launch in front of the volcano pool was a nice ride. Much quicker going to the MK than coming back as you stop at the GF on the way home from MK. Another funny "stuck" story. We were going to watch the fireworks from the MK on Thursday night when DD decides at 8:30 she wants to go home. I book through the MK and fight my way through Main St crowds and by the time I get to the entrance it is ten to nine. I knew I'd be waiting for the monorail so I decided on the launch. One was waiting, and we actually got to watch the fireworks from the launch which was really beautiful over the water. We dropped off some folks at the GF, and then as we headed back to the Poly, we had to veer over because of the EWP...and the launch gets stuck in the middle of the lake

It was a little scary at first, because it's pretty dark out there, the EWP had moved away and the fireworks had ended. Our captain had everyone in the back move to the front and somehow got us moving again...still not sure what we got stuck on as we were nowhere near land???
We did walk over to the GF one night for the marshmallow roast. It was one of the highlights of our trip! The walk over was beautiful...sunset on the beach, torchlit paths, the Spirit of Aloha was starting up. When we arrived, they were playing music, throwing around frisbees, people were dancing, and roasting their marshmallows. DD had an absolute ball and danced in the sand for over a half hour. We would have stayed longer except we wanted to get back home to the lounge for the fireworks!
Concierge was nice. I definitely wouldn't pay the extra money to stay there, but as a courtesy upgrade, it was nice. DD drinks lots of choco milk so I never had to buy any, just asked someone and they'd bring us out a few to bring back to the room each day. I was given big bottles of Evian to take back to my room. I liked the unlimited drinks...soda, juice, lemonade, tea and drinks in the evening. I had that punch every evening with the fireworks and grew to look forward to it (and wish I could have one now!). DD enjoyed the choco chip cookies and I loved the hummus and pita bread every afternoon, as well as the cheese and crackers. Each night they had something different for dinnerish options. One night we ate there for dinner and had drumsticks, fried rice and sushi. Everything was always delicious!
We ate at 'Ohana for both dinner and the character breakfast. DD was not impressed with the dinner nor the entertainment, although we had a beautiful view of the castle lit from our table. We lasted about a half hour before we had to leave. Salad was very good, as were the sticky wings. Dumplings were dry as were the noodles. Steak and shrimp were fantastic and pork was dry. Bread pudding was to die for. I gobbled it up and wish DD was behaving so I could have had more!
'Ohana breakfast was really good. Food was fresh and plentiful. The character interaction was typical...quick visit, quick picture, off to the next table. If you want a great character meal go to 1900 Park Faire for either breakfast or dinner. We did almost every character meal possible and both meals were delicious and character interactions were genuine and outstanding! Prince Charming even asked DD to dance, and that was the highlight of my trip...brought tears to my eyes (and Prince CHarming was a hubba hubba hubba too

Too bad he didn't ask Mom for a dance

)
Anyhoo, I think that's it for now. If anyone has any questions about anything, please feel free to ask. We both loved the Polynesian.

Last year at the WL, DD was ready to come home after about four days. This time, I'll never forget the morning before we left, DD woke up and looked at me and said, "Mommy, do we have to go home tomorrow?" and I said, "yes, sweetheart, we leave tomorrow". And what did she do? Burst out crying, saying she didn't want to leave the Polynesian!

The only other time I didn't want to return home from a vacation was when I went to Alaska for two weeks. This was a close second. There is magic at the Polynesian, and it holds you captive from the minute you step out of the bus. Oh, almost forgot, caught the torch lighting and it was a really neat ceremony to watch! I am torn about staying at the Poly again because I know we'd both go back in a heartbeat, but I wouldn't be able to afford it again for a few years. So now I"m in planning mode for my next vacation...do we go again next year and stay at a mod resort, or wait a few years to do Poly again? Time will only tell!