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

[WDWKOOK]

McDonalds has better coffee now so why not use that? Anyways, just rantings of another coffee addict.

Agreed, except that WDW had the brilliant idea to get rid of all the McDonalds in the parks and convert them to snack stands. This was posted in the Restaurants thread:

"All McDonalds outlets inside the theme parks were recently removed and replaced with what appears to be Disney-run snack stands. The Epcot outlet was just changed over in March."

 

[mmmears]

.


Aloooha!
It rained so hard yesterday! Good thing DBF and I napped through most of the downpour but the thunder and lightning is what woke me up! We took the monorail to MK and got to ride in the front all the way around the loop and back to MK because the driver wanted to make a 'special moment' for us....AND he's on the DIS! His name is Bryan and on here he's MonorailGuy! He told us he had dinner with Cheshire Figment the other day! I tried to have DBF try kona coffee but kona island was closed by the time we got there. Were gonna try again this morning, its beautiful out right now I just hope it stays this way. Fantasmic tonight and a DISmeet at MK EMH

Thanks for sharing your great view! I'm sorry you're hitting some of the bad weather, but hopefully it will clear up soon. That's neat that you got an extra monrail ride and met a fellow DISser! A magic moment! Thanks for the update -- it's great to read about your trip!

Welcome back Tess! Sorry about the rain.

I am loving the live reports. DH and and I are still mulling over our decision. Sometimes I wonder if it is this darn hysterectomy that has be so indecisive!

I can't wait to see pics!

I've had trips planned that I was just so-so on, but then we went and I had a great time. Maybe pushing it back will help you to feel better. I totally understand not wanting to run around the parks. On this upcoming trip, we're hoping to get to spend more time relaxing at our resorts and less time running around.

 

[BCV23]

Ok friends...DD and I just had the discussion and I am looking for your experiences. We are thinking about 2/27 to 3/6/2010.

I asked on the Theme park board but wondering about your thoughts if anyone has gone during this time?? Weather, crowds, the impact of the Princess Half Marathon or ESPN weekend???

Thanks guys!

We were at WDW last year during the last week of Feb. I'd have to look up the exact dates but it was probably about the last 10 days. This year we were there from 3/1-3/13.

Crowds were relatively low both trips. As I recall, during the beginning of our Feb. trip we hit the end of the Feb. break that many NE schools seem to take. With your dates, you should miss that. That time of year, the weather varies from cool to warm. Last year, it was record cold one morning. This year, our first week was on the cool side but then it warmed up. We weren't at the Polynesian either trip so I'm not sure if the Princess half marathon affected traffic that day. It probably did as we've been at the Polynesian several times for the marathon and it certainly affects it then. But the parks are great. I would just do MK or Epcot that day.

ESPN only affects DHS in our experience. Plus you may see a sports star or two. A former NBA star was staying at our hotel and had breakfast in the lounge one morning while we were there.

 

[BreezysMom]

Thanks BCV! That helps. We agreed if we rescheduled, that we would book LVCL . This way I know I will have a fab view regardless!

I am basically sold, I am going to give it a few weeks to mull over. But I appreciate all advice/experiences!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Agreed, except that WDW had the brilliant idea to get rid of all the McDonalds in the parks and convert them to snack stands. This was posted in the Restaurants thread:

I knew about that. What I meant was having the Poly use whatever coffee blend McDonalds has instead of Nescrapfe. But considering how they've gotten rid of the snack stands sponsored by McDonalds, no chance of that happening soon. Dang!

 

[Robin4]

I posted a thread regarding this but thought I would give it another try... we love the Poly loop music played on Tikiman's sight and would be thrilled to have a copy of it to listen to on the way to the Poly TOMORROW Does anyone know how to do this or the names of the songs played in the resort? Thanks for all of your help. Even though we've never stayed at the Poly we feel like experts now thanks to this thread

 

[BreezysMom]

I am truly exhausted from all the thinking I have done today...

First of all, we have decided to cancel our September trip. I know it sounds crazy but we just found as time was approaching, the more apprehensive I had come. DD will only be in school about a month, so I was uneasy about pulling her out for a week so soon after school starting. I had a hysterectomy in February and some complications since and I still have some bad days. I want to be back to 100% so I can hit the ground running. Literally because I am thinking about doing the Princess Half Marathon

To top it off, I have been coming to the conclusion that staying Club Level, although sounds wonderful, is too much for us for the extra cost. DH and DD are picky eaters and have not been hearing not so stellar reviews lately about the "extra" amenities, so we think we may just book a TPV, which is really in my heart anyway. I have a great TA who I used on our last two trips and she basically does the same services as the IPO.

So come August when the 2010 rates come out, I will book our late Feb/early March return to the Poly. When we planned our first trip we booked it a year in advance and our second trip was like a 14 month wait, so really 9 months will go by quickly.

Now, I get to live vicariously through all of you going before us! Happy planning friends!

 

[goopysolelady]

THANKS debbie and mom2mek for the websites for the Macadamia Pancakes recipe. I do have a question though ... the pancake ingredients call for 1 1/4 cups sugar but the mixing directions say "add BROWN sugar" ... do I use "sugar" or "brown sugar"? Anyone try this recipe and which did you use?

 

[tinkerrn]

I have never stayed at the Poly, but am hoping I will soon!
I do have some questions about the room views. I was going to book a standard view, however, it seems that everone wants to book a MK/Theme Park view or a LV CL room. Is this a must to get the full POLY effect? Maybe I am missing something since I have never stayed there. Would I be missing out by not getting one of these rooms?
I thought It would be neat to have a monorail view or a pool view. Help!!!

 

[BreezysMom]

I have never stayed at the Poly, but am hoping I will soon!
I do have some questions about the room views. I was going to book a standard view, however, it seems that everone wants to book a MK/Theme Park view or a LV CL room. Is this a must to get the full POLY effect? Maybe I am missing something since I have never stayed there. Would I be missing out by not getting one of these rooms?
I thought It would be neat to have a monorail view or a pool view. Help!!!

No, not at all. I have stayed GV both trips and have had a beautiful view from the Figi longhouse which is all GV.

Check this site out and it will help you decide http://www.tikimanpages.com/tiki/

Happy Planning!

 

[Carrie772]

THANKS debbie and mom2mek for the websites for the Macadamia Pancakes recipe. I do have a question though ... the pancake ingredients call for 1 1/4 cups sugar but the mixing directions say "add BROWN sugar" ... do I use "sugar" or "brown sugar"? Anyone try this recipe and which did you use?

That's a good question. I just noticed the disparity. Anyone know?

 

[Tess]

I have never stayed at the Poly, but am hoping I will soon!
I do have some questions about the room views. I was going to book a standard view, however, it seems that everone wants to book a MK/Theme Park view or a LV CL room. Is this a must to get the full POLY effect? Maybe I am missing something since I have never stayed there. Would I be missing out by not getting one of these rooms?
I thought It would be neat to have a monorail view or a pool view. Help!!!

Room views and service levels are a matter of personal preference. If you are spending a great deal of time at the resort or have little ones who are in bed early, a TPV could be a good thing.

The standard rooms at the Polynesian are lovely and you will not be missing out on the "full Poly effect" by choosing to save some money with a standard view. All of the longhouses have benefits and I'm sure you will be happy with your standard view.

 

[iloveeeyore]

I have never stayed at the Poly, but am hoping I will soon!
I do have some questions about the room views. I was going to book a standard view, however, it seems that everone wants to book a MK/Theme Park view or a LV CL room. Is this a must to get the full POLY effect? Maybe I am missing something since I have never stayed there. Would I be missing out by not getting one of these rooms?
I thought It would be neat to have a monorail view or a pool view. Help!!!

This is one of the questions DH and I always debate when making a ressie. Let me tell you, IMO, the BEST view in all of WDW and maybe even the whole real world , is the TPV at the Poly! (LV probably just as good, though not as great a view of the castle in many cases). You can even watch Wishes and EWP from your private balcony or patio! The thing is, it is very much more expensive than GV, and MOST of the GV rooms have very lovely views, too (monorail, pools, exotic vegetation, some even overlook the marina and/or beach). The great thing about the Poly is even if you book GV category, it is only steps to the beach or dock or pool from where you can enjoy this breathtaking vista without paying the price to upgrade. How much time will you spend in your room? Would the extra $$ be a real stretch? These are the questions we always consider. So far, we have only booked GV, as we don't have a lot of $$ coming out the wazoo. But we spend lots of time on that beach appreciating that view. It is unbelievable! Check out the Poly pics thread on the resort pics sub-board.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I have never stayed at the Poly, but am hoping I will soon!
I do have some questions about the room views. I was going to book a standard view, however, it seems that everone wants to book a MK/Theme Park view or a LV CL room. Is this a must to get the full POLY effect? Maybe I am missing something since I have never stayed there. Would I be missing out by not getting one of these rooms?
I thought It would be neat to have a monorail view or a pool view. Help!!!

Frankly, just being able to 'stay' at the Poly will give you the 'Full Poly Effect'. Our first stay a the Poly was a LV, the second was a GV the third was a GV CL room and our fourth will be a TPV. In all of those stays, even when we were staying garden view we didn't feel we were missing out at all. Our 1st floor room in Samoa facing the Volcano pool was one of our most memorable visits.

Just go with what you preference is and your wallet will allow.

 

[tinkerrn]

The LV/MK views loook great in the photos. However, we had a GF MK view in Feb., and weren't all that impressed with it. Yes, we got to see the fireworks, the water parade, etc... but we didnt spend much time on our balcony.

I dont mind spending the money, just want to be sure it is worth it. Thanks you!

 

[johnsonet]

I have never stayed at the Poly, but am hoping I will soon!
I do have some questions about the room views. I was going to book a standard view, however, it seems that everone wants to book a MK/Theme Park view or a LV CL room. Is this a must to get the full POLY effect? Maybe I am missing something since I have never stayed there. Would I be missing out by not getting one of these rooms?
I thought It would be neat to have a monorail view or a pool view. Help!!!

GV at the Poly is wonderful. Some views are better than others, so do your research and make a request or two on your reservation to try and get what you want

Frankly, just being able to 'stay' at the Poly will give you the 'Full Poly Effect'.

I Totally agree!

The LV/MK views loook great in the photos. However, we had a GF MK view in Feb., and weren't all that impressed with it. Yes, we got to see the fireworks, the water parade, etc... but we didnt spend much time on our balcony.

I dont mind spending the money, just want to be sure it is worth it. Thanks you!

I've had many MK views from the GF but only one from the Poly. The view from the Poly blew me away! The resort was built to have those dead-on views and they are truly perfect

 

[mmmears]

I have never stayed at the Poly, but am hoping I will soon!
I do have some questions about the room views. I was going to book a standard view, however, it seems that everone wants to book a MK/Theme Park view or a LV CL room. Is this a must to get the full POLY effect? Maybe I am missing something since I have never stayed there. Would I be missing out by not getting one of these rooms?
I thought It would be neat to have a monorail view or a pool view. Help!!!

I agree that it's the BEST view in WDW, but no, it's not a necessity. You get the same beach, pool, and gardens, along with that wonderful, tropical "laid-back" feeling no matter which way your room faces. And the rooms are all the same on the inside. I really wanted to stay LVCL on our first trip there, but now I'm spoiled.... The gardens are beautiful and it sounds like you'd appreciate a GV room -- I say save the money and try it out.

 

[PolyAddict]

For those who checked out the Bounceback offer...are the dates only for 2009?

thanks

 

[mmmears]

For those who checked out the Bounceback offer...are the dates only for 2009?

thanks

The one we had around the end of April went through December 18th, 2009. Don't know if it has changed in the last few weeks.

 

[PolyAddict]

The one we had around the end of April went through December 18th, 2009. Don't know if it has changed in the last few weeks.

No probably not.

It would just be sweet to secure next years trip with a 30% discount instead of the watch and wait game. In 2008 i decided if WDW doesn't offer a deal that i can take advantage of than we will book Swan/Dolphin resorts again. Of course, i do miss my fav the Poly but I don't miss all of the money i save. Last year i saved $1100 by switching to the Swan.