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

[mmmears]

Tinkerbellie16 -- glad you all had a nice trip at the Poly. I totally agree about 'Ohana -- we had a great dinner there. Never got to try Kona -- we had ADRs, but weren't hungry, so we cancelled them and snacked in the lounge instead. But the dessert at 'Ohana is our favorite at WDW!!!

There were a couple of things wrong with our room, too (one light bulb out, the remote wouldn't operate the DVD player, and the power strip on the desk didn't work). DH called immediately, and we went swimming. When we returned, it was all taken care of! We were very happy with the service.

And I hear you on the chairs around the pool -- I can't believe someone made you get up!

Thanks for the great trip report! I think it's always nice to read about other people's vacations when I am not on one myself -- just extends the magic a bit!

 

[matthew&haleysmom]

I am surprised that many people don't know to leave the doors opened on the cabinet that holds the refrigerator. A CM at the poly I was chit chatting with on our last trip, told me that they have to replace loads of refrigerators because people don't keep the doors open. Also, the CM said that people call after they first check in because the refrigerator didn't feel cold, well housekeeping turns them off when people check out to conserve energy. So, they have to remind people to turn them on. I would think after this happening so much the CM checking you in would give pointers about the refrigerators.

On another topic, friends want to join us on our trip next year. This is a great idea, but they aren't sure if they want to stay at the poly since there aren't any king beds in the regular rooms (friends hubby is 6'6"). I am set on the poly. They have mentioned staying CL at WL. Would I be a horrible person for not even considering staying there?

Thanks for posting this. I would have never looked to see if the fridge was on. I would just assume it was on. Now, I will just have to remember this advice next month.

 

[sharlon]

So glad you had a good time and a great report!! Funny, now that you mentioned it...the fridge we had in the room did not get cold at all. I placed a bottle of cold soda in there and the next day it was warm!!! Luckily we were out and about so much that I did not use it much.

I could have sworn there used to be a children's playground at the Poly...but I did not actively look this time around since we had no small children with us.

Ok...I could not really mention this before our trip for privacy reasons but....since the trip is now over I am pretty sure it is not a problem.

Hayden is actually my DD's friend and one of the main reasons we were at WDW....DD has been friends with her for years. When DD told me that Hayden had invited her to WDW, I, as a certified Disney fanatic had to be there as well!!! (we were going to be in Florida anyway that week and I could not have my DD at WDW and me not be there!!!) The girls you saw her with at the pool and playing volleyball were our DD's.

Hayden was at WDW to host Grad night on Friday and Saturday night at Hollywood Studios. All of us got invited to Grad night which I wasn't expecting but was glad to go!!! It was a very interesting 3 days at WDW....my girls and Hayden and hubby all surprised me with a birthday dinner at California Grill which I was unable to secure ressies for...but they got them for me!!! We had a great meal there Saturday night in the wine room.

They all left late on Monday afternoon but hubby and I stayed on until Tuesday and then headed for Vero Beach where we just chilled out by the pool and recovered!!!

MJ

Let me just say that I told my DD12 that Hayden was at WDW this past weekend, and her jaw dropped to the floor. Then I told her about your daughters being friends, and she eyes were like this:
Then she said something really sweet. She said that Hayden seems to be one of those stars who doesn't act like a star, just like a normal girl. I think she's a fan. what do you think?

 

[Sphyrna]

I received my documentation today! Woo Hoo!!

 

[KimDis]

I received my documentation today! Woo Hoo!!

Still waiting to get mine from my TA...

 

[mmmears]

I received my documentation today! Woo Hoo!!

Yay! That means that your trip is just around the corner!

 

[goopysolelady]

Or..... have those magical Imagineers design a door with a screen type material or something along those lines. That way the fridge can stay hidden but will still be vented.

Not a horrible person... but maybe venture outside your box and try the WL. Who knows, you will either like it, or it will make you appreciate the Poly more.

I would say WL is my second favorite place to stay with Poly being my absolute favorite! Both resorts have those special places that make them special. Personally, I love the fireplace with the rocking chairs in the great room at the WL. So relaxing to sit there, especially late at night, and reflect on the day. Our family stayed there in '06; Poly in '08 and daughter and her family will be there for this years trip. In '06 my best friend was able to join us for a few days for her first trip to WDW. Being at the WL "hooked her" ... she's more of an outdoors person and felt right at home. I will add one downside (for me) of the WL is the enormous "feet" on the beds. I stubbed my toe more than once!!!

 

[carlnix30]

well, I have read all that I can read. printed all that I can print. Now I am sitting here waiting for my trip to happen!. why is it you can plan a trip wait a hundred days, time flys by. BUT the last week seems like another hundred days! ugggg! I have been reading all the trip reports and the live updates and I was green with envy! I then realized, the ones that are there or the ones that were there before me will be at home seeing my live report and my trip report. so that makes up for it! thank you guys for your advice and info! I think that what you guys have written will help in my quest for a happy and eventful family vacation. stay tuned for my live reports and my trip report with pics! Thank you again guys!

 

[johnsonet]

Thank you so much!! I can't believe it's been 10 years already!! Yep--that's my 4 1/2 year old, Ally, with all of her Disney Princess dolls!! She is ALL about the princesses right now!!

4 1/2... I remember those days Very sweet...

well, I have read all that I can read. printed all that I can print. Now I am sitting here waiting for my trip to happen!. why is it you can plan a trip wait a hundred days, time flys by. BUT the last week seems like another hundred days! ugggg! I have been reading all the trip reports and the live updates and I was green with envy! I then realized, the ones that are there or the ones that were there before me will be at home seeing my live report and my trip report. so that makes up for it! thank you guys for your advice and info! I think that what you guys have written will help in my quest for a happy and eventful family vacation. stay tuned for my live reports and my trip report with pics! Thank you again guys!

Have an awesome time!!
Can't wait for those pics and live reports

 

[mmouse37]

How cool! Did your daughter and Hayden grow up together?

Yep....just a town away and in her early years Hayden went to public school. Later on she had tutors as she was always on a set somewhere. After WDW she went back to LA (where she lives now) and auditioned for the role of Ariel Moore in the remake of Footloose.

MJ

 

[mmouse37]

Let me just say that I told my DD12 that Hayden was at WDW this past weekend, and her jaw dropped to the floor. Then I told her about your daughters being friends, and she eyes were like this:
Then she said something really sweet. She said that Hayden seems to be one of those stars who doesn't act like a star, just like a normal girl. I think she's a fan. what do you think?

So far she is "normal" but the press always likes to put celebs in a bad light....there are so many stories that I have read that are simply not true...but that is the business. She handles it pretty well so far.

Here is a pic from the lobby of the Poly, right across from the Wyland Gallery

And on stage at Grad Night

I can't lie....I had an awesome time behind the scenes!!!

MJ

 

[PolyAddict]

I received my documentation today! Woo Hoo!!

Good feeling isn't it?Got ours Saturday.

 

[TJM1976]

I would say WL is my second favorite place to stay with Poly being my absolute favorite! Both resorts have those special places that make them special. Personally, I love the fireplace with the rocking chairs in the great room at the WL. So relaxing to sit there, especially late at night, and reflect on the day. Our family stayed there in '06; Poly in '08 and daughter and her family will be there for this years trip. In '06 my best friend was able to join us for a few days for her first trip to WDW. Being at the WL "hooked her" ... she's more of an outdoors person and felt right at home. I will add one downside (for me) of the WL is the enormous "feet" on the beds. I stubbed my toe more than once!!!

WL and Poly are great, each in their own different way. It all depends on personal taste.

 

[BCV23]

mmouse37 and tinkerbellie, I enjoyed your reviews.

Fun pictures, mmouse. What a cool experience to be backstage. And don't you love having dinner in the wine room at CG? Love it. Were flatbreads back on the menu by any chance?

You're right...there used to be a playground at the Polynesian. Three different locations over the years. The last one was removed when the Volcano pool was built. Does anyone besides my family miss the old pool?

Tinkerbellie, sorry your dinner at Kona wasn't as good this time. We really enjoy dinner there.

 

[taylor3297]

I noticed several have stated they are awating their documents from their TA, I am curious as to which agencies folk use to book their trips. In the past I have used AAA. I am open to others that will keep an eye out on deals after you have placed your intial deposit on a package.

 

[Tess]

Does anyone besides my family miss the old pool?

We were looking at pictures not too long ago and we remember the old pool fondly. The deep end was a great place to get away from the splashing little ones, but the kiddie pool was so tiny! Ahhh, memories. . .

My kids also loved the playground.

 

[mmouse37]

mmouse37 and tinkerbellie, I enjoyed your reviews.

Fun pictures, mmouse. What a cool experience to be backstage. And don't you love having dinner in the wine room at CG? Love it. Were flatbreads back on the menu by any chance?

You're right...there used to be a playground at the Polynesian. Three different locations over the years. The last one was removed when the Volcano pool was built. Does anyone besides my family miss the old pool?

Tinkerbellie, sorry your dinner at Kona wasn't as good this time. We really enjoy dinner there.

We had lunch at Kona on Sunday and it was great....it was pretty empty. We did not have a ressie and just walked right in.

I will try and post my resort pics later today...hubby is rushing me off to run some errands.

MJ

 

[NJBILL]

Just Made our Final Payment...One step closer..

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Hi all,

Well we are back from our honeymoon trip! It was fantastic. No problems at all with the Polynesian. Just a few quick notes, a more detailed trip report to follow.

1. no problems with food or service, ate at Kona for breakfast, Ohana for dinner and Captain Cooks for breakfast a couple times.

2. no problems with in room refrigerator, kept our drinks cold, didn't overheat and we kept the doors closed.

3. booked garden view, upgraded to Magic Kingdom view, we stayed in Tahiti 2035

 

[Carrie772]

I would say WL is my second favorite place to stay with Poly being my absolute favorite! Both resorts have those special places that make them special. Personally, I love the fireplace with the rocking chairs in the great room at the WL.

Regarding special places, let's not forget the spot on the 5th (?) floor right over the entrance of the building with the cluster of chairs and a lit fireplace. Awesome spot to rest, read the paper, snooze. Everytime we have gone, it's been empty of people. Also, from there you can find a door that leads to a balcony area looking out over the parking lot that has rocking chairs. So pleasant!