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

[MsStinkerBelle]

We will be at the POLY in 2 weeks and I can't wait!!!
Just a quick question, are there DVD players in the regular rooms?

Unfortunately no DVD players in the regular rooms.

 

[Tess]

We WDW vets have a joke--when the temperature dips below 60 at night, the only people swimming are Canadians and folks from Michigan.

Not this Michigander. . .then again, I'm not a native. I much prefer my temps in the upper 80s--otherwise, it's too cold. The water temperature should also be in the mid 80s. . .

 

[maiapapaya]

You're welcome! Definitely do check out the fireworks from the Poly. Instead of watching them from the main beach, try watching them from the little beach next to the Tuvalu longhouse. Much less crowded plus there are more chairs, hammocks and swings.

Feel free to PM me with questions as well!

We're hoping to be in Tahiti and I've heard the same about the Tahiti beach. We'll also be watching them from our balcony , er my DH's balcony. Although he was initially resistant to even bringing the kids to Disney (he has bad memories of bringing my stepdaughter when she was little) he is now insisting on a MK view room so he can watch the fireworks from his balcony.

 

[grittyreid]

i think i read that there are dvd's in club lounge; can anyone tell me are they all disney?old movies? any new releases? thank you

 

[Desnik]

Unfortunately no DVD players in the regular rooms.

Thanks. I am a DVC'er and am use to the DVD players! We just have MIL watching the kids in our room for a few hours and we wanted to bring our DD's recital DVD for her to watch. Oh well, no biggy.

 

[mmmears]

First couple of questions ... (to keep my mind off the fact that my husband might have trouble getting time off in the fall now )

Is it still warm enough at the end of October to enjoy lots of pool time?

What time are the fireworks on the nights of MNSSHP? I assume they can still be seen from the Poly beach just like Wishes (unless they do something totally different with them? )

I know it varies from year to year, but the two times we were there in October we couldn't believe how HOT it was (not warm, but tropically hot and humid). I would definitely be ready for some pool time then since it should still be swimming weather (unless something really weird happens).

We arrived 10:30 last Monday at Poly club level. Our room was ready and we were swept away to it on the golf cart. I had requested a 1st floor room but we were fine with the balcony. In all 3 trips as a family we have always had a third floor. We made pigs of ourselves on all of the food offerings.DH loved the beer and i enjoyed the punch.

I am off to do some laundry but will try to check in if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful trip! We loved our room in Hawaii on the 3rd floor, but I can see why some people would prefer the first floor, too. You're so lucky to be there right now!

PolyAddict-can you confirm that the pineapple bread is gone from the CL at breakfast???

I'm the one Tess referred to that posted that is was gone in April... Sorry to hear it's not back.

We will be at the POLY in 2 weeks and I can't wait!!!
Just a quick question, are there DVD players in the regular rooms?

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[maiapapaya]

My sister & BIL will be coming with us and my sister would like to go out for some adults-only drinks one night during our stay (our 18 y.o. will hopefully babysit). Where is a good place to go that's fairly close by ?(don't want to make the trek to DTD for example) She does not want to stay at Poly for drinks (she figures we'll be getting plenty of those anyways! )

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Where is a good place to go that's fairly close by ?(don't want to make the trek to DTD for example)

A good place is Mizner's Lounge over in the Grand Floridian.

 

[litlpixie]

Well the Poly IPO gets thumbs up from me as I requested my ADR's and within 20 minutes Trish got back to me confirming all of them!!

Can't wait to be there!!

 

[Tess]

My sister & BIL will be coming with us and my sister would like to go out for some adults-only drinks one night during our stay (our 18 y.o. will hopefully babysit). Where is a good place to go that's fairly close by ?(don't want to make the trek to DTD for example) She does not want to stay at Poly for drinks (she figures we'll be getting plenty of those anyways! )

A good place is Mizner's Lounge over in the Grand Floridian.

During our rainy visit in May, my husband and I monorailed around and the lounges all offer pretty much the same drinks. There was a time when each had a "specialty", but it appears Disney has successfully neutralized the drinks menus so they are fairly uniform.

In addition to Mizner's at GF as Ms. Stinkerbelle recommended, we like the lounge at Wilderness Lodge. Also, The Wave lounge at Contemporary has an interesting vibe.

We used to enjoy the Outer Rim at Contemporary, but it was overrun with little ones during May--waiting for Chef Mickey's I guess. In any event, it was really loud and not conducive to adult conversation.

It's also nice (provided the weather is cooperating), to pick up a drink from one of the counter service areas (limited selection admittedly) and find a nice spot outside the various resorts. We've never had much luck with finding a pool bar, other than the Barefoot Bar at Polynesian, open when we are out and about. Could be because we tend to monorail around when it is raining.

Those are about your only options other than the Tambu at the Polynesian which you said you would be visiting later in your trip.

Have fun. . .

 

[maiapapaya]

Thanks for the lounge recommendations ladies!

 

[Sphyrna]

Thanks. I am a DVC'er and am use to the DVD players! We just have MIL watching the kids in our room for a few hours and we wanted to bring our DD's recital DVD for her to watch. Oh well, no biggy.

The TV does have A/V inputs on the front of it so if you have a portable DVD player or laptop you could always get a cable to hook it up to the TV. I know they have the RCA jacks (red, yellow, white), not sure if they also had S-video on the front or not.

 

[Sphyrna]

I got back yesterday evening from my 10 day Orlando trip, including 7 days at the Poly! I posted a couple times live from the poly during my trip. I was so bummed yesterday and didn't want to leave. I really enjoyed the Poly. I wish I had taken more time out to further enjoy it. I never got in to either pool and never got a dole whip But I loved watching Wishes from my balcony and just the overall vibe of the resort.

 

[KSBelle]

I have a Monorail question for all you Poly experts--I know the resort monorail starts running at 7:00 AM and was wondering about what time it makes it's first stop at the Poly?
I am planning on doing the Steam Train Tour at MK and need to be there around 7:15 am or so.
Anyone think that will be a problem??? Would appreciate hearing about your experiences. TIA!!!

 

[Me&3]

I got back yesterday evening from my 10 day Orlando trip, including 7 days at the Poly! I posted a couple times live from the poly during my trip. I was so bummed yesterday and didn't want to leave. I really enjoyed the Poly. I wish I had taken more time out to further enjoy it. I never got in to either pool and never got a dole whip But I loved watching Wishes from my balcony and just the overall vibe of the resort.

Welcome Back Why didn't you get in the pool was the weather bad? And no Dole Whip

 

[TronkoMouse]

We arrived 10:30 last Monday at Poly club level. Our room was ready and we were swept away to it on the golf cart. I had requested a 1st floor room but we were fine with the balcony. In all 3 trips as a family we have always had a third floor. We made pigs of ourselves on all of the food offerings.DH loved the beer and i enjoyed the punch.

I am off to do some laundry but will try to check in if you have any questions.

I have a couple club level food questions for you (or any other Poly expert).

• Do you remember what time they bring the dinner time offerings out?
• Do they put out anything at lunch time?
• Do you think that the offerings put out are enough to be able to fill us up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

The reason I ask is that we are in for just one day on October (after a wedding the day before) to enjoy the resort (swim) and attend MNSSHP. I am considering doing club level to try and save time on dinner and breakfast. Since we will be on such a tight schedule I really don't want to spend too much time at Ohana but would still like something other than Captain Cooks (not that Captain Cooks is bad, but you know what I mean).

--Kevin

 

[goopysolelady]

We are just back from our May 31- June 7 stay. I will do a trip report later.
We had a wonderful time at the POLY. It is a very magical place to stay. We were in room 2038 Tahiti, which is the last room on the 2nd floor- closest to the TTC. We had a beautiful view of the lagoon and of Space Mountain (but not a speck of the castle thanks to 2 trees). Although it is far from GCH, it is nice to be so close to TTC. Nice large room- 2 sinks.

We ate at O'hana, Chefs de France, Liberty Tree Tavern, 50's Prime time, Kona Cafe, Rose & Crown Pub, and Le Cellier. I must say they were all good. I think Kona was my favorite, and although O'hana has always been my favorite, it might be the first to drop off the list. (still good tho!) If you want to know any specifics- just ask!

You know, the only troublesome thing the whole week was this: PEOPLE- CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN!
EX: Children pouring out their drinks in Captain Cooks (on purpose) and parents walking off and leaving the mess.
Children hitting their parents and grandparents while they "count to 3".
Children charging the buses before people get off and NO ONE telling them to step back- the same with the elevators.
Children throwing fits and then getting exactly what they wanted!
The list goes on and on...

Now, before I get flamed- I have children (2 girls), I LOVE children (I'm a teacher), but I am very concerned about the future of our world when 3 - 9 year olds are completely in charge of the family....

TOTALLY agree with you on the CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN issue! I have 2 precious granddaughters and we've taught them manners as soon as they were able to understand! The 2 year old goes a little overboard sometimes with the "please and thank you"! We've even had to "re-direct" them at times as they watch "temper tantrums" taking place. When we witness this type of behavior we tend to take the next elevator or get on a different monorail car, etc. I realize that after a long day at one of the parks "melt-downs" do happen but some children are just plain rude. I own a Family Day Care Home and teaching manners is a top priority. So good to hear someone else agrees with our "old school" line of thinking.

 

[Sphyrna]

Welcome Back Why didn't you get in the pool was the weather bad? And no Dole Whip

Just never had time. When I did have some down time I was trying to rest. Plus I found even the quiet pool wasn't that quiet. There were usually quite a few people, including kids carrying on and having fun. I prefer it to be less crowded and quieter.

I know! I kept wanting to try the dole whip but every time I was at Capt Cook's I wasn't that hungry for it. I kept waiting to be hungry so I could enjoy it better. Guess that didn't work out. Oh well, something to look forward to next time

 

[Tess]

I have a couple club level food questions for you (or any other Poly expert).

• Do you remember what time they bring the dinner time offerings out?
  
  
  Evening service is from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Desserts are 8:00-10:00 p.m.
  
  
• Do they put out anything at lunch time?
  
  
  Yes, but it is more snack-type foods, i.e., chips/salsa, candy, fresh fruit, juice, sodas, coffee, and tea. Nothing substantial for "lunch".
  
  
• Do you think that the offerings put out are enough to be able to fill us up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
  
  
  The breakfast and evening services are certainly substantial enough, but lunch is not "lunch". You may want to grab a bite at Captain Cook's if you are hanging out at the pools or order in room dining. I've even seen folks enjoying in room dining around the pool. Personally, I wouldn't want in room dining around the pool, but some people must enjoy it.
  

The reason I ask is that we are in for just one day on October (after a wedding the day before) to enjoy the resort (swim) and attend MNSSHP. I am considering doing club level to try and save time on dinner and breakfast. Since we will be on such a tight schedule I really don't want to spend too much time at Ohana but would still like something other than Captain Cooks (not that Captain Cooks is bad, but you know what I mean).

--Kevin

Hope that helps in your planning!

 

[TronkoMouse]

Hope that helps in your planning!

Great info, exactly what I wanted to know. Thanks!

--Kevin