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

[Carrie772]

How long do you all typically go for? This is our first family trip and, honestly, I doubt we'll be able to go back for at least 3-4 yrs. So of course I want to cram in as much as possible. I was thinking with the 6 full days we have that I'd do one day at each park with an extra at MK and then leave one day for DTD and enjoying the resort. Is that a good plan with a 2 and 3 yr old???

We go every year and try to stay for 7 nights and 6 full days. We don't always manage that, so sometimes it's 5 nights and 4 full days. That way we have at least one day per park.

 

[maiapapaya]

I just booked my air for our Dec trip! I had to cut it back from 8nts to 7nts b/c the airfare returning on Sunday was a good $40 per person more. So figuring another $160 plus another hotel night/food - just didn't seem worth it for the extra night - as much as I'd have LOVED it. Oh plus we wouldn't have gotten home till 10p and DH has to work the next day. So, boo hoo, onlky 7nts but somehow I'll survive, right???

How long do you all typically go for? This is our first family trip and, honestly, I doubt we'll be able to go back for at least 3-4 yrs. So of course I want to cram in as much as possible. I was thinking with the 6 full days we have that I'd do one day at each park with an extra at MK and then leave one day for DTD and enjoying the resort. Is that a good plan with a 2 and 3 yr old???

This is our first trip with our kids (4 & 7). We are going for 8 nights. We have one day planned for each of the parks, plus "princess day" at MK (BBB & lunch at CRT), a "down time" day with shopping at DTD and then a second "down" day because we will be going to MNSSHP that night. If it weren't for MNSSHP we could probably do what we wanted in a 7 night stay.

 

[tarak]

I just booked my air for our Dec trip! I had to cut it back from 8nts to 7nts b/c the airfare returning on Sunday was a good $40 per person more. So figuring another $160 plus another hotel night/food - just didn't seem worth it for the extra night - as much as I'd have LOVED it. Oh plus we wouldn't have gotten home till 10p and DH has to work the next day. So, boo hoo, onlky 7nts but somehow I'll survive, right???

How long do you all typically go for? This is our first family trip and, honestly, I doubt we'll be able to go back for at least 3-4 yrs. So of course I want to cram in as much as possible. I was thinking with the 6 full days we have that I'd do one day at each park with an extra at MK and then leave one day for DTD and enjoying the resort. Is that a good plan with a 2 and 3 yr old???

Picabo, I think your plan sounds very good - we've gone twice in the past three years as a family. The first time we had our two daughters (2 and 4 at the time) and I was pregnant with our son. We stayed three full days and spent a day each at Epcot, MK and AK. We took time during each afternoon to take naps (the girls were wiped out), but it would have been nice to have an extra day for down time.
This last time, we had our son with us and he'd just turned 1. We were there for four full days and could really have used at least one day in the middle for downtown Disney, or just hanging around at the resort. This next trip, we're doing a split stay between AKL and the Poly - two days at AKL and six at the Poly. Unless airtran changes the flight schedule, the last day doesn't count, because we have to leave at the crack of dawn to catch our flight. I'm planning to do one full day at Epcot, MK and AK - and then a half day at Hollywood studios (which I wasn't thrilled with, but our older daughter wants to go on the Tower of Terror again and I want to see the Christmas lights). I'm planning two days of down time.
So I guess that's a long rambling way of saying your plans for the trip sound pretty good to me

 

[Picabo]

Do y'all think it increases your odds at getting a balcony if you arrive earlier in the day? We have always arrived around 4:00 and didn't have any luck 3 years ago getting a balcony or a patio. Maybe this year as we get there at 11:00 we will have better luck.

OMG someone better be prepared if I DON'T get a balacony! I know it's not a guarantee but I requested it and booked 18mos in advance. We have 2 lil ones who will be having afternoon naps and early bedtimes so if they can't accomodate me by giving me a balcony - I'm giong to be one unhappy camper!!! So I will PRAY hard that i get one!

Did you request it? I'd just be sure you request it and ask for a bldg that actually has balcony on all 3 floors. (Tokalau is one)

 

[tarak]

OMG someone better be prepared if I DON'T get a balacony! I know it's not a guarantee but I requested it and booked 18mos in advance. We have 2 lil ones who will be having afternoon naps and early bedtimes so if they can't accomodate me by giving me a balcony - I'm giong to be one unhappy camper!!! So I will PRAY hard that i get one!

Did you request it? I'd just be sure you request it and ask for a bldg that actually has balcony on all 3 floors. (Tokalau is one)

Picabo - I know exactly what you mean - we'll be traveling with our three kids and my sister and her husband will be in another room - if we don't have a balcony to go to after the kids are in bed, I'll have an issue. I know Hawaii doesn't have balconies on the second floor, which is why I'm sort of hesitant to book CL. I'd rather have a patio, but a balcony would be fine. No balcony and the five of us in one room would get old quickly, I think.

 

[KimDis]

Hey Poly experts! Do they offer resort tours of the Poly like they do the WL?

 

[Tess]

Are they in the Hawaii longhouse? I am looking on allears and trying to find a price per night for the club level theme park view.

When you are looking at pricing, you are looking for Lagoon View Club Level. That is, in effect, a theme park view in Hawaii. You are correct, CL is contained within Hawaii unless you are booking a suite. Suites are located in Tonga.

 

[tarak]

FWIW - I looked at Tikiman's site and it appears that these longhouses do have balconies on the second floor:
Tahiti
Tokelau
Aotearoa
Rapa Nui

 

[NJBILL]

FWIW - I looked at Tikiman's site and it appears that these longhouses do have balconies on the second floor:
Tahiti
Tokelau
Aotearoa
Rapa Nui

Is smoking allowed on balconies?

 

[Jennygt]

Hi all! I have been to the poly but I don't remember this, is there any shade, umbrellas at or around the pool available? Thanks.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Is smoking allowed on balconies?

No it's not.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi all! I have been to the poly but I don't remember this, is there any shade, umbrellas at or around the pool available? Thanks.

There are some tables with umbrellas, although I don't think there was a lot of them available.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Hi everyone!

I was sitting by the pool today and wishing it was the volcano pool instead. I wish they would come out with October hours so I can plan. Any ideas when they come out??

 

[mbcary]

When you are looking at pricing, you are looking for Lagoon View Club Level. That is, in effect, a theme park view in Hawaii. You are correct, CL is contained within Hawaii unless you are booking a suite. Suites are located in Tonga.

Thanks Tess!! That is exactly the information I needed. I am trying to decide if I want to do something different than BC/YC, so I doing a little research.

 

[Tess]

Thanks Tess!! That is exactly the information I needed. I am trying to decide if I want to do something different than BC/YC, so I doing a little research.

Your welcome--we're at BC just before you arrive. . .that is, if I can keep myself from changing our plans and moving to Polynesian. BC is definitely more convenient for us since our focus will be EPCOT, but then there is my beloved Polynesian. . .

Enjoy your planning!

 

[huntconn]

Aloha Poly Fans,
We just checked in this morning and as promised I will be giving periodic reports on my experiences at the Poly as well as impressions of the general state of things at the resort.
First off, I'd like to cover our check-in which went absolutely perfectly as opposed to several recent reports I have seen recently on these boards. In fact, it went smoother than ever. When we pulled up to the guard shack in the Family Truckster, we were greeted with a warm Aloha and asked to provide picture id. We were then given a yellow card that stated we were club level guests and this card was to be presented when we pulled up to the GCH. When we pulled up to the GCH we were met by a greeter who warmly welcomed us and took our club level card. The greeter summoned a bell hop who quickly began unloading the Truckster. I self parked and by the time I returned, the bell hop had the golf cart completely loaded and was waiting to take us to the Hawaii building. Tony took us to the Hawaii building by way of the marina which was nice as we usually arrive in the opposite direction. BTW, our room was ready at 11:30 am when we arrived. We were given room 3503, beautiful dead on view of the castle and lagoon and just steps away from the lounge, just as we had requested.
Also, just for the record:
1. All of the CM's have been extremely friendly so far.
2. There is NO MOLD anywhere in our room, it is spotless.
3. Everything in the room was in working order upon check-in except the refrigerator which was quickly replaced with single call to the club desk.
4. We had the welcome Poly candy bars in our room after returing from the MK, and yes they are smaller than in years past. (OMG our trip is just ruined!!!)
Sorry to go on so long but I really wanted to give some positive news on this wonderful resort for a change. I know a lot of recent reports on these boards have given a bleak view of the Poly's current state but so far they appear to be unfounded, just as I had hoped. I will give more reports when time permits if anyone is interested. And if you're not...too bad 'cause it's fun!

 

[Kteacher]

Hi Huntconn. Thanks for the update!! We'll be checking in to the Hawaii building soon

 

[MickeyT]

When we pulled up to the guard shack in the Family Truckster, we were greeted with a warm Aloha and asked to provide picture id. We were then given a yellow card that stated we were club level guests and this card was to be presented when we pulled up to the GCH. When we pulled up to the GCH we were met by a greeter who warmly welcomed us and took our club level card. The greeter summoned a bell hop who quickly began unloading the Truckster. I self parked and by the time I returned, the bell hop had the golf cart completely loaded and was waiting to take us to the Hawaii building. !

Keep it coming HuntConn!! So glad to hear everything went smoothe. I have a mental picture of you guys pulling up in the Truckster! Clark would be so proud.

Also glad to see an example of how the self park went well. Was wondering if that was a problem but sounds like yours went fine. Anyway have fun and check in when you get a chance for us dreamers back in the 'other' world!

 

[KSBelle]

THANKS huntconn--I just love live reports!!!
Sounds like you have a Magical View!!!

 

[kimgof]

Thanks Huntconn for your great report...its so nice to hear good experiences!
Hope the rest of your trip is just as great! Please report back with some more reviews of your stay!