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

[cmac609]

What is the best way to get back to the poly from MK when it is really busy? We are going to be at the MK over the 4th and will be battling the crowds. Is it better to take the monorail back or to ride the boats that go to the resort?

I would say the monorail is the best way. We were at the Poly last 4th of July and that is what worked for us...never had a real issue with crowds on the monorail...just the parks

 

[takinthekids]

Last year we stayed at ALK and they had daily activities for the kids, some free some cost $. Do they do this at the Poly?

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Last year we stayed at ALK and they had daily activities for the kids, some free some cost $. Do they do this at the Poly?

Yes...they have Hula lessons, poolside activities, crafts, etc. Just ask for a schedule when you check in.

 

[Tess]

Thought I would pop in with another Poly update:
-Mousekeeping has been spot on this week. My suggestion to anyone staying at the Poly soon would be to request that your room be cleaned by a certain time of day. I've seen several complaints on the boards about people's room not being cleaned early enough. Upon check in I requested that our room be cleaned between 9am and 12 pm every day and so far that request has been honored. We like to hit the parks early then return to the room to change for the pool by 1pm or so every day. Years ago, it was inconvenient to return to the room to change into our swim clothes in the early afternoon only to find the room was still being cleaned. One quick note about the woman who has been cleaing our room this week. We returned from DHS around 12pm and Awilda (our mousekeeper) was just finishing up the room. I told her I was just dropping off a couple of sodas from the lounge in the refirgerator and turned to leave. She made a point of stopping me before I left to thank me for leaving tips for her and to say how much she appreciated it. I was very impressed with her gratitude especially considering that the tips I had been leaving were nothing excessive by any means. Anyway it was nice to be personally thanked by our Mousekeeper for leaving a gratuity. More later........

Isnt' Awilda the best! We have been fortunate enough to have her mousekeeping skills on quite a number of visits. She is truly a sweetie AND she is always grateful for the tips. She has stopped us in the hallway, left handwritten notes on the desk, etc. After a couple of stays, she now remembers us when we return. She is a nice lady and does a fine job.

If you send a letter after your stay, don't forget to mention Awilda--the mousekeepers, like all of the CMs, are acknowledged when they receive kudos.

 

[Tess]

Couple of other thoughts/observations while waiting for the EWP to start:
-I was standing next to a woman in the Club Lounge who asked a CM to heat something up in their microwave. The CM told her that they had no microwave in the lounge and that she could request a microwave for her room. Now, we always request a microwave for our room even if we never use it, there's not charge for it. That aside, does anyone find it a little strange that there is no microwave in the lounge, even back in the kitchen area? Just seems strange to me that they do not have such a commonplace item in the lounge.

I bet they have a microwave, but I bet they're not allowed to use it for guest food items. It's a food safety issue because they don't know where your item/food has been.

I think vicki_c has the right idea. I know in the past my husband has asked them to warm a danish and they had no problem doing it. I would have to believe there is a microwave in back, but I do know they are not allowed to store guest items, i.e., beverages, and the like due to health code issues. It probably works the same way with heating food that was not provided in the lounge--cross-contamination, etc. I'm just guessing though. . .

 

[johnsonet]

it sucks. its a glorified motel 6 with 2 swimming pools and restaurants.

 

[johnsonet]

Last year we stayed at ALK and they had daily activities for the kids, some free some cost $. Do they do this at the Poly?

Hi. You'll receive a list of activities with your welcome packet. Our favorite is the Make-Your-Own Tiki Mask. It has now gone up to $20 but it's fun to paint and they are gorgeous!

 

[kimgof]

Do they also play games at the pool? Is that in the schedule as well? I can't wait. I actually made sure to leave time in our week to enjoy the Poly. This will be our first visit and I know we will love it!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Is there an age limit on the activities?

 

[johnsonet]

Do they also play games at the pool? Is that in the schedule as well? I can't wait. I actually made sure to leave time in our week to enjoy the Poly. This will be our first visit and I know we will love it!

On my list of recreational activities from March, there are things like
Hawaiian Pool Party. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3pm
"Kids, follow the music to the Volcano Pool. For music and fun games created for all ages."
Water Volleyball. Mondays 2-3pm
"Come splash your way into a fun game of water volleyball."
Dive Toys. Saturdays 12:30-1:30pm
"Get your goggles and meet at the Volcano Pool to see what you can find in our pool."
Water Noodle Games. Wednesdays 12:30-1:30pm
"Join us at the Volcano Pool to try your skills out at our water noodle games."

Is there an age limit on the activities?

Everything on my sheet says "All ages"

 

[tinkerbell60]

Thanks! We are going to try to take advantage of the resort activities this trip!

 

[Julieh22]

Hello! I am staying 5 nights in September in a MK View room with my DS6 and DS20 mos. I chose the Poly this trip because my DH is unable to come with us and I wanted convenient transporation options. My parents are staying at Fort Wilderness in a camper and will be meeting us in the parks.

Is there anything special I need to know about this resort? We usually stay at the Beach Club so I feel like I am out of my element. How is the pool for youngsters? Is there a particular MK view section that would be good for us?

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Hello! I am staying 5 nights in September in a MK View room with my DS6 and DS20 mos. I chose the Poly this trip because my DH is unable to come with us and I wanted convenient transporation options. My parents are staying at Fort Wilderness in a camper and will be meeting us in the parks.

Is there anything special I need to know about this resort? We usually stay at the Beach Club so I feel like I am out of my element. How is the pool for youngsters? Is there a particular MK view section that would be good for us?

You will love the Poly! It is zero entry so it will be wonderful for your children. They offer life vests as well. You can see the castle from the pool. The volcano slide is fun for many. At night if you want out of the park, you can watch Wishes from the pool/beach while the kids play in the sand.

Somoa is right in front of the pool. That would be easy for you to go back and forth. Although I could see your little one waking extra early knowing that the pool is within a yell. Captain Cooks is great for snacks and is very close. Go to Tikiman's site and get aquainted with the resort. You will be glad you did!

Have a great time!!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Just to clarify an earlier post (pages back)...

NO 2nd floor balconies in Aotearoa.
YES 2nd floor balconies in Tahiti, Tokelau and Rapa Nui (only).

When you look at pictures, all the longhouses APPEAR to have 2nd floor balconies. Most 2nd floor ones are just facade...very deceiving.

We have found that at busy times, the best way back to Poly at park closing depends. If your feet are really tired, use the launch. The walk is shorter to the dock than walking up the monorail ramp, and most people don't use the launch, so usually you can walk right on. It's also a beautiful, relaxing ride. If the monorail platform appears crowded, use the launch. If you eyeball the dock and it looks like you just missed a launch and the line for monorail isn't long, use the monorail.

Another way is the ferry to TTC (if your room is close to TTC).

In other words, remain flexible and be ready to improvise.

 

[teacher5]

I am a bit confused. Is a launch and a ferry the same thing?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I am a bit confused. Is a launch and a ferry the same thing?

The ferry is a much bigger boat then the launch which is a smaller boat.

 

[Picabo]

Can someone direct me to a menu for room service that has pricing and hours?

THANKS!

 

[SuAnne]

Hi Everyone,
Just jumping on the Poly thread as I have just booked a LVC room for our Aug trip..whoohoo

We were originally going to do free dining with a split stay at Pop Century for 4 nights and then 5 nights at the Poly with a theme park view , but then when the 35% room discount came out last week I started to think about switching our entire stay to the Poly. Well don't you know when I I started pricing it out the lagoon view club rate was better than the theme park view rate! So now we are only staying one night at Pop when we arrive ( we don't get in until 11:30pm) and then over to the Poly for 8 nights. I can't wait!

Will I be contacted by the Poly IPO by email? When we stayed at AKL last year I seem to recall gettting an email from them quite soon after making our reservation. I have all our ADRs made, but I'm thinking of booking the Wildlife Discovery Tour this time.

Thanks a bunch

 

[kimgof]

On my list of recreational activities from March, there are things like
Hawaiian Pool Party. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3pm
"Kids, follow the music to the Volcano Pool. For music and fun games created for all ages."
Water Volleyball. Mondays 2-3pm
"Come splash your way into a fun game of water volleyball."
Dive Toys. Saturdays 12:30-1:30pm
"Get your goggles and meet at the Volcano Pool to see what you can find in our pool."
Water Noodle Games. Wednesdays 12:30-1:30pm
"Join us at the Volcano Pool to try your skills out at our water noodle games."



Everything on my sheet says "All ages"

Thanks so much for the info! My kids would absolutely love the games at the pool!

 

[LorieDisneyLover]

Hi Everyone,
Just jumping on the Poly thread as I have just booked a LVC room for our Aug trip..whoohoo

We were originally going to do free dining with a split stay at Pop Century for 4 nights and then 5 nights at the Poly with a theme park view , but then when the 35% room discount came out last week I started to think about switching our entire stay to the Poly. Well don't you know when I I started pricing it out the lagoon view club rate was better than the theme park view rate! So now we are only staying one night at Pop when we arrive ( we don't get in until 11:30pm) and then over to the Poly for 8 nights. I can't wait!

Will I be contacted by the Poly IPO by email? When we stayed at AKL last year I seem to recall gettting an email from them quite soon after making our reservation. I have all our ADRs made, but I'm thinking of booking the Wildlife Discovery Tour this time.

Thanks a bunch

You can email them a few days before the 90 day mark with your requests. It seems most are receiving their requests later on in the day on the 90th day with their request fulfilled.