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

[Kay7979]

Just got back from a glorious first time stay at the Poly. I cannot say enough about the resort!! It was so beautiful, especially at night. ..

It seems there have been quite a few First Time Poly guests lately. We will join the ranks soon, so it's great to hear that your first stay was as wonderful as you expected. Our last two onsite stays were at the Beach Club Villas and at the Wilderness Lodge, so we are looking forward to sampling the delights of the Poly. Thanks for your report!

 

[scjo68]

Okay, never done this before, so bear with me: not sure what is TMI and what people really want to know...
Just got back from a glorious first time stay at the Poly. I cannot say enough about the resort!! It was so beautiful, especially at night. We stayed in Aotearoa and thought it was a great location - close to the GCH, volcano pool and marina (we frequently took the boat back from MK) Loved the small beach near it - great place to sip a drink and watch the fireworks! Even the walk to the TTC didn't seem bad.
We were able to watch the ELP and Wishes from the pool and/or beach several times (I refuse to ever watch fireworks again unless I'm on a beach with the castle in front of me ) I was able to try out quite a few of the drinks either in the lounge or at the poolside bar (yum!). I had my first (and second and third) dole whip (double yum!!). We ate at Kona Cafe for lunch twice (and one extra time just for Kona Kones (more yumminess!) - the menu was great and everything was delicious. Took a peek at the dinner menu and will have to plan that for our next trip. We did the Lilo&Stitch character breakfast at Ohana's - food, service, and character interaction was great! We saw the torch lighting ceremony and my daughter did the hula lessons one afternoon (she loved it!). EVERY cast member we came in contact with was lovely! And all the guests seemed lovely too!! We had a truly magical time! Thank you all for the reports and tips you put up on the boards - it really helped me to plan and have a wonderful vacation! I'm happy to try and answer any questions about our stay, the parks, etc. if you have them...

Thanks for the report!
Were you able to just walk up and get a table at Kona or did you have ADR's?
How about Captain Cook's? Crowded?

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

It seems there have been quite a few First Time Poly guests lately. We will join the ranks soon, so it's great to hear that your first stay was as wonderful as you expected. Our last two onsite stays were at the Beach Club Villas and at the Wilderness Lodge, so we are looking forward to sampling the delights of the Poly. Thanks for your report!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Poly! I've stayed at the Poly and the Beach Club resort. I enjoyed the Beach Club (proximity to Epcot & movies on the Beach) but I really like the Poly with the monorail access and the theming (and the food!!). And I know this is a Poly thread, but I'd love to hear your opinions on WL (my next adventure) especially compared to BC.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I have really enjoyed keeping up with this thread. We are just a couple of days away from our first stay at the Poly. We are very excited!

The kids know we are staying somewhere new (we usually stay at POFQ/POR), but they don't know where- they want to be surprised. DD11 will be so excited- she's always wanted to stay at the Poly!

Anyway, I was curious about Captain Cook's- is it crazy busy in the morning? We are usually up and out very early, so we don't usually have that problem at the mod. food courts, but they are much bigger. What about dinner time? The POFQ/rs food court is usually pretty busy at dinner time... but at least there is room to move around. Is it hard to get in and get dinner at Captain Cook's?

I've stayed at the Poly twice at the end of April (between busy times) and Captain Cooks is very busy in the morning and yes, busy at other meal times too. I am one of the folks who likes Captain Cook's and doesn't mind it I recommend you be prepared though - have each person in your party have a duty. So everyone order at the kiosk first (or just order for people if they know what they want). Then one person go in line to pay. Have another get the quick items. Have another person get a table (although I've never had a problem getting a table - get one outside!!) Ok, that is excessive but if you are there in the busiest time, you'll be glad. And just a note, it is a small area compared to most moderate resort food courts so you'll be bumping into people at the busy times. If you are prepared and understand what to expect, then you will be fine. Just don't get frustrated - too many people do and there is nothing you can do to make the line go faster!

One more piece of advice, the last time I was there in April, they had you order THEN PAY, then you got a beeper for your food. So get in line RIGHT AWAY to pay if at all possible (and have another person grab the 'quick' items like OJ and cheese danishes!).

Enjoy your trip - have so much fun!!!

 

[mermster]

Thanks for the report!
Were you able to just walk up and get a table at Kona or did you have ADR's?
How about Captain Cook's? Crowded?

Thanks everybody for the kind words
We had ADRs for Kona lunch, but it was not packed either time - you could have definitely just walked up (both were later lunch times - 1/1:30ish). Now dinner was a completely different story - every time we walked past there at dinner time it was mobbed! The night we just got dessert, we made reservations that morning and the only time they could get us in that night was 9:30. Forgot to mention (I think) that we had breakfast there too - tonga toast!!! Had ADRs, but it wasn't busy - could have just walked up.
Captain Cook's had a steady stream of people most of the time (except late night). We never ate in there - just grabbed breakfast items, drinks, or dole whips for on the go. Lines to check out weren't bad. But, we never had to order and wait for anything to be made...

 

[parkers218]

BreezysMom


Thanks...not a big drinker so I think I will suggest it to the hubby then ask for a sip (or two)

 

[koho]

Does anyone know how I can get in touch with someone at the Poly that could help me. I am trying to do something special for my mother-in-law and wife. We have booked our trip through AAA and are staying in a garden view room.

This will be my mother-in-law's first time ever to WDW. Not to mention she just had surgery today and my father-in-law past away last year. (I do not want to go into everything here.)

Anyway, I wanted to see if they could see about getting us a room with a good view since there is a possibility that my mother-in-law could be resting in the room alot.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[iloveeeyore]

Does anyone know how I can get in touch with someone at the Poly that could help me. I am trying to do something special for my mother-in-law and wife. We have booked our trip through AAA and are staying in a garden view room.

This will be my mother-in-law's first time ever to WDW. Not to mention she just had surgery today and my father-in-law past away last year. (I do not want to go into everything here.)

Anyway, I wanted to see if they could see about getting us a room with a good view since there is a possibility that my mother-in-law could be resting in the room alot.

Thanks in advance for the help.

I believe the best way is to make a request on your reservation, which you can only do through AAA, since they own your ressie. You can call your agent and request "a room with a really nice view," and you can state your reasoning, that someone will be spending a lot of time in the room for health reasons. They make every effort to be accommodating.

Just a thought, the room assignors don't always know which rooms have the "best" views, so you may want to have some ideas in mind so you can make a list of the general area where you would like to be and request them in a certain order. (Also, what's "best" for one person might be not-so-great for another). Check out the first page of this thread for descriptions of each longhouse and also google "tikiman pages" for information, but some garden view favorites that come up again and again here are Samoa facing the volcano pool, north end of Tokelau for oblique angles of the castle, Fiji either side (marina or luau cove). Rarotonga and Aotearoa have nice views of the monorail. Also note that not all rooms in the Poly have a patio or balcony, so you might want to request a room with one or the other; then you will have some space to spread outdoors.

Hope this helps.

 

[iloveeeyore]

Please tell me more about Aotearoa! We were looking at our Poly map the other day and trying to decide whether to request a longhouse, and this one looks like it would have great views from either side. DD and I are very drawn to Aotearoa...Which side were you on? What was your room # and what was your view like? Do you have any photos to post? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kay7979]

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Poly! I've stayed at the Poly and the Beach Club resort. I enjoyed the Beach Club (proximity to Epcot & movies on the Beach) but I really like the Poly with the monorail access and the theming (and the food!!). And I know this is a Poly thread, but I'd love to hear your opinions on WL (my next adventure) especially compared to BC.

DH was not keen on the Beach Club theme. He felt the resort themeing was not unique enough. It was too generically Victorian seaside, and while beautiful, it just didn't make a huge impression. Conversely, WL is heavy on theming and atmosphere, it's quite unique, and it's a theme we are both really attracted to. We find it so peaceful and relaxing there. I have heard that surveys of the general public indicate that WL gets very high marks for the most "wow factor" theming.

We love the grounds of the Poly, the beautiful winding walkways and luxuriant landscaping, and the overall Polynesian theme. We own a couple timeshares in Hawaii and were there this March, so obviously we enjoy the Poly's type of theme. We go for Tonga Toast every WDW visit, browse the gift shops and walk the grounds, so it will be a treat to actually stay at the Poly this trip. This is a non-park mini-trip, so we are really focusing on relaxing and exploring this resort, and absorbing the wonderful atmosphere.

 

[tarak]

iloveeyeore - we stayed at Aotearoa our first trip out as a family. We had the theme park view and could see the fireworks every night from the balcony. It was wonderful! I don't remember where we were located except it was on the third floor. It was nice and quiet (which I guess the Poly is criticized for on occasion) - I don't know if that's because we were there during low season (late April) or becuase we were on the third floor and didn't have anyone overhead.

Tinkerbellie16 - the other family trip we've taken to WDW, we stayed at the WL. My husband is pretty much a diehard Poly fan, I've discovered. The resort is gorgeous. It was quiet and we didn't have any incidents. We had a nice view and the boat is very convenient to the MK. The difference between the two resorts to me is that the Poly has a more laid back atmosphere. It's not that the WL is stuffy. But it definitely has that "wow" factor and it's almost overwhelming. The Poly has wonderful theming, but it's more of a quiet beauty to me. My older daughter definitely preferred the Poly. We're staying at the AKL, which I've always wanted to go to, for the trip we're taking next month. She doesn't know about the trip and I'm hoping she likes AKL or at least will just be so happy to be at Disney World that she won't care that it's not the Poly (hoping for a good savannah view and lots of animals as well).

For the big family trip we're planning next year, we're going to stay at the Poly.

ETA: I've never stayed at BC, so I can't help with that at all.

 

[mermster]

Please tell me more about Aotearoa! We were looking at our Poly map the other day and trying to decide whether to request a longhouse, and this one looks like it would have great views from either side. DD and I are very drawn to Aotearoa...Which side were you on? What was your room # and what was your view like? Do you have any photos to post? Thanks in advance!

We were in 3207, facing the monorail. I thought it was great. Big tree outside covered any parking lot type view, and watching the monorail go by was fun (especially for my daughter). It was very quiet. I thought it was a great location - away from the hustle and bustle of everything, but still really close to the GCH and pool. Having the smaller beach right by us was nice too. Have never posted a photo, so will have to check out what I need to do for that My pics showing view from balcony don't really show much though. Could never time it that we got the monorial in the background, so the pics are of one or more of us with a big tree in the background... Anyway, we really liked Aotearoa!! Have a great time planning!!

 

[queenmichelle]

OHHH boy!! do I feel sorry for you Last trip was hard enough with one teen girl and two pre-teens!! so stressful we are leaving them with g-ma and going it as adults!!if we see you we will definatley buy you at least two strong drinks!! we will the ones sitting without kids with a smile on our faces!

Well let me place my order now...I really want to try a lapu lapu and I'll also take a mai tai...LOL!! The girls are all pretty well behaved so I'm not too worried. We went on a short road trip in February to practice.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Does anyone know how I can get in touch with someone at the Poly that could help me. I am trying to do something special for my mother-in-law and wife. We have booked our trip through AAA and are staying in a garden view room.

This will be my mother-in-law's first time ever to WDW. Not to mention she just had surgery today and my father-in-law past away last year. (I do not want to go into everything here.)

Anyway, I wanted to see if they could see about getting us a room with a good view since there is a possibility that my mother-in-law could be resting in the room alot.

Thanks in advance for the help.

I did not want to pay for a view so I requested Tokelau both times and got it. This year, we were on the end room on the ground floor and if we walked out of the room, we could see the castle. But I will say this, although the views are fantastic of the lake and the castle, sometimes I really just enjoyed looking at the palm trees and the ducks quacking by so even if you aren't in a MK view room, don't discount the peacefulness of many of the other views!

DH was not keen on the Beach Club theme. He felt the resort themeing was not unique enough. It was too generically Victorian seaside, and while beautiful, it just didn't make a huge impression. Conversely, WL is heavy on theming and atmosphere, it's quite unique, and it's a theme we are both really attracted to. We find it so peaceful and relaxing there. I have heard that surveys of the general public indicate that WL gets very high marks for the most "wow factor" theming.

We love the grounds of the Poly, the beautiful winding walkways and luxuriant landscaping, and the overall Polynesian theme. We own a couple timeshares in Hawaii and were there this March, so obviously we enjoy the Poly's type of theme. We go for Tonga Toast every WDW visit, browse the gift shops and walk the grounds, so it will be a treat to actually stay at the Poly this trip. This is a non-park mini-trip, so we are really focusing on relaxing and exploring this resort, and absorbing the wonderful atmosphere.

Thank you for your feedback! I adore the Poly and would prefer to stay there over and over again but my husband was really disappointed that there wasn't a hot tub!! I felt so bad because he really 'gives in' to my Disney 'addiction' and he just asks for somewhere with a pool and beer (any Disney resort can do that) but I didn't know they didn't have a hot tub. So his next request includes a hot tub

Tinkerbellie16 - the other family trip we've taken to WDW, we stayed at the WL. My husband is pretty much a diehard Poly fan, I've discovered. The resort is gorgeous. It was quiet and we didn't have any incidents. We had a nice view and the boat is very convenient to the MK. The difference between the two resorts to me is that the Poly has a more laid back atmosphere. It's not that the WL is stuffy. But it definitely has that "wow" factor and it's almost overwhelming. The Poly has wonderful theming, but it's more of a quiet beauty to me. My older daughter definitely preferred the Poly. We're staying at the AKL, which I've always wanted to go to, for the trip we're taking next month. She doesn't know about the trip and I'm hoping she likes AKL or at least will just be so happy to be at Disney World that she won't care that it's not the Poly (hoping for a good savannah view and lots of animals as well).

For the big family trip we're planning next year, we're going to stay at the Poly.

ETA: I've never stayed at BC, so I can't help with that at all.

Thanks for your feedback too! I enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts on the different resorts. I actually have stayed at AKL and thought it was a great resort but the distant to most of the parks was noticable, especially with my kids at the time being 2 & 3. I do love the monorail at the Poly and the short walk to the TTC to get to epcot.

Well, maybe the hubby doesn't need a hot tub and I can go back to the Poly Oh goodness, they need to build a hot tub!!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

For those of you that enjoy an adult libation, please read on

I love the fancy, yummy drinks at the Poly and this year, I found a new favorite that I now make at home. It is called the Fusion Lemonade. It is a mixture of Fusion liqueur (passion fruit, blood oranges, & mango vodka - yes, it's pink!), vodka, and LIGHT lemonade. While I ADORE the Poly's yummy drinks, sometimes all the coconut and juices get a little heavy. This drink is not heavy tasting and you can not taste the 'light' but that lemonade is only 5 calories!! I especially like it because I can indulge more in the food and not worry so much about consuming all the drink calories or getting full on a huge drink. I highly recommend this drink (in addition of course to all the other yummy drinks!) and if you are like me, you'll come home and buy the ingredients to make fusion lemonades at home (yup, my manly hubby likes these drinks too!).

For those that don't drink alcohol, the Poly will make 'virgin' yummy drinks too but alas, the Fusion Lemonade is called that for the main ingredient which is the Fusion Liqueur so this one is only made with alcohol.

Ok, just had to add that in after seeing BreezysMom lapu lapu photo - thanks for that!!

 

[tarak]

Thanks for your feedback too! I enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts on the different resorts. I actually have stayed at AKL and thought it was a great resort but the distant to most of the parks was noticable, especially with my kids at the time being 2 & 3. I do love the monorail at the Poly and the short walk to the TTC to get to epcot.

Well, maybe the hubby doesn't need a hot tub and I can go back to the Poly Oh goodness, they need to build a hot tub!!

The distance is definitely a drawback. I debated a lot whether to switch over to the Poly. If I was going with my son (who isn't quite 2), I'd have done it. But I think my daughters (6 and 5) will love the animals and theme, so hopefully all will be well. And my younger daughter, at least, thought the bus ride was one of the best parts of our last trip.

And I agree, the Poly needs a hot tub!

 

[wideeyes]

For those of you that enjoy an adult libation, please read on

I love the fancy, yummy drinks at the Poly and this year, I found a new favorite that I now make at home. It is called the Fusion Lemonade. It is a mixture of Fusion liqueur (passion fruit, blood oranges, & mango vodka - yes, it's pink!), vodka, and LIGHT lemonade. While I ADORE the Poly's yummy drinks, sometimes all the coconut and juices get a little heavy. This drink is not heavy tasting and you can not taste the 'light' but that lemonade is only 5 calories!! I especially like it because I can indulge more in the food and not worry so much about consuming all the drink calories or getting full on a huge drink. I highly recommend this drink (in addition of course to all the other yummy drinks!) and if you are like me, you'll come home and buy the ingredients to make fusion lemonades at home (yup, my manly hubby likes these drinks too!).

For those that don't drink alcohol, the Poly will make 'virgin' yummy drinks too but alas, the Fusion Lemonade is called that for the main ingredient which is the Fusion Liqueur so this one is only made with alcohol.

Ok, just had to add that in after seeing BreezysMom lapu lapu photo - thanks for that!!

sounds lovely will have to try one.

 

[team disney]

Is the Tonga toast just as good at Captain Cooks as it is at Kona?

I'm trying to avoid booking a breakfast ADR at Kona but I REALLY want to try the Tonga Toast. If it's the same thing at Captain Cooks, it would solve that problem.

YES! It is the same!

It has been a long time since I have posted in this thread. But, I do lurk often!

I have to share in my excitement... 9 days til we check in!!!
But at the same time..
I sure am getting nervous because I have lots of to do! I have barely began the packing and we fly out next week (spending time at Grandma's first ) Can't even wait to wash awy the pretravel stress with a lovely Poly drink!

one more question...Any early signs of those pesky Love bugs? (the real flying ones )

&

 

[ckdsnynt]

Well, we were originally booked for the Ply 11/30-12/5 for our 38th anniversary. That also happens to be Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend (the 30th) so we couldn't get a cheap flight out. So, we had to start our vacation on the 29th and add a day to the Poly ressie! Not really sad!
and we decided to make a request for the Tahiti longhouse. Took us a while to make up our minds but hopefully, this will work out okay! I use an ecv to get around so I really didn't want to be that far from the GCH but I guess I can get back there really quick!

 

[maiapapaya]

Just paid off our trip! Woo hoo!
It's a few weeks early, but the Canadian dollar is pretty strong right now and besides, it makes things seem that much closer!