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

[stitchrulz]

For those just back (or there now!), how crowded does the resort seem? TIA!

 

[Tess]

We are here sitting on our balcony in Hawaii bldg room 3509!!! I watched the cast members practicing hallowishes at the castle along with fireworks early yesterday morning! We walked through the suites last night. The princess II is either 1bd or 2bd. with two or three bathrooms, one of which is absolutley huge! Each room in suite has it's own thermostat. Either way it is very well thought out, every room has balcony facing the lagoon and the castle. Looks directly center with the marina. They are decorated very nicely. The ambassador suite is even larger and has a kitchenette and dining room. This one has a drawback that it's views are of the front of the hotel. The building is located just next to the GCH, great for a location. There is an endless supply of chips and sodas in the private sitting area an there is a breakfast and dinner service. I was told by cast members that the breakfast was great! In my opinion this building is even more exclusive than Hawaii due to the small amount of rooms in such a large building. Regrettably the king kamehameha suite was taken so I could not see that one.

Great view isn't it, we had 3507 in May--loved it! The view wasn't particularly great when it was pouring buckets, but was nice when the rain let up and during the lovely first week of weather.

Thanks for the info on the suites--those are definitely out of my price range, but I would love to stay in Tonga some day.

Glad you are enjoying your stay.

 

[tink_lover]

OMG - tomorrow we will be there!!!! First time CL for us and we can hardly wait! I don't even care if it's raining as long as it's warm.

 

[BarleyJack]

OMG - tomorrow we will be there!!!! First time CL for us and we can hardly wait! I don't even care if it's raining as long as it's warm.

have safe travels and a wonderful time!

 

[ckdsnynt]

Thanks for the review. We, too, were at the Poly for the first time. I loved the relaxed atmosphere that the trip had. Whether that feeling was the stay at the Poly, or the fact that DH is not a park person, and I was going with that vibe, I don't know.

We were in Tahiti-3rd floor TPV. I was disappointed to have a huge palm tree blocking the view of the castle unless I was at either end of my balcony, or standing in the middle of the room. Not a deal breaker, but a bit of a disappointment.

The room was immaculate, and continued to be so throughout the stay. Extra soaps/shampoos each day-including the day that I forgot the tip. I changed the AC and it seemed to remain at 74/75 throughout the day and night, which was exactly where I had set it.

The walk to TTC was 3 minutes tops at DH's VERY s-l-o-w pace. GCH was closer to 5-7 minutes I think.

We did the luau and had a great time. I booked cat 1, and, although I didn't have a palm tree blocking my view, there was a pole! Again, an adjustment of ME was what was needed for some great pics.

We ate dinner and breakfast at Kona, and it was fabulous!

It was our silver anniversary trip, and, bottom line, it turned out golden.

Next time: no extra money for TPV. Maybe CL. Probably ASMu.

We have booked MKV for Dec. and I think if I don't get a good view of the MK I am going to be so disappointed. I have read too many times on here of people that pay only for a LV or GV and they see the fireworks without having to pay so if you do pay for that view, you should get it. JMHO.
I'm sorry. That sounds really ugly and I don't mean to.

Glad to hear you had a great time. We will be celebrating our 38th anniversary and we have waitted a very long time to get to stay at the Poly. It is probably a once in a lifetime deal for us since we now own BLT shares.

 

[maiapapaya]

We have booked MKV for Dec. and I think if I don't get a good view of the MK I am going to be so disappointed. I have read too many times on here of people that pay only for a LV or GV and they see the fireworks without having to pay so if you do pay for that view, you should get it. JMHO.
I'm sorry. That sounds really ugly and I don't mean to.

Glad to hear you had a great time. We will be celebrating our 38th anniversary and we have waitted a very long time to get to stay at the Poly. It is probably a once in a lifetime deal for us since we now own BLT shares.

ITA (and your post didn't sound "ugly" IMHO). It was my understanding that MKV rooms are supposed to have an unobstructed view. If there is something (like a tree, the island etc) partially blocking the view the room is classed as lagoon view. MKV costs a lot of money (and is a splurge for a lot of people). If we don't get what we've paid the extra to have we will be requesting a different room too.

 

[CleveRocks]

It was my understanding that MKV rooms are supposed to have an unobstructed view. If there is something (like a tree, the island etc) partially blocking the view the room is classed as lagoon view.

I totally agree. That's what differentiates Theme Park View from Lagoon View.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Only a few more days, then we are off to the Poly. My only regret is that we only have the three day weekend and it will pass all too quickly. Still, this will be a real treat, especially trying out CL, and I intend to take lots of pictures of the buildings, grounds, and the lounge.

We usually walk around the Poly after our ritual trip there for Tonga Toast, but I don't recall ever seeing the quiet pool, so I am sure there is a lot we have never seen. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the grounds at night with the torches lit, as we have never been there at night.

Who else will be there over Labor Day weekend?

Have a great time! I'm jealous of everyone going this weekend The quiet pool is actually our favorite pool because of the deep end you can jump into. It is right next to Tokelau and Hawaii. You can even walk to the volcano pool bar fairly quickly to stock up on drinks (if you like them - um, I do ).

We are here sitting on our balcony in Hawaii bldg room 3509!!! I watched the cast members practicing hallowishes at the castle along with fireworks early yesterday morning! We walked through the suites last night. The princess II is either 1bd or 2bd. with two or three bathrooms, one of which is absolutley huge! Each room in suite has it's own thermostat. Either way it is very well thought out, every room has balcony facing the lagoon and the castle. Looks directly center with the marina. They are decorated very nicely. The ambassador suite is even larger and has a kitchenette and dining room. This one has a drawback that it's views are of the front of the hotel. The building is located just next to the GCH, great for a location. There is an endless supply of chips and sodas in the private sitting area an there is a breakfast and dinner service. I was told by cast members that the breakfast was great! In my opinion this building is even more exclusive than Hawaii due to the small amount of rooms in such a large building. Regrettably the king kamehameha suite was taken so I could not see that one.

STOP THE PRESSES!!!! How were you able to see the suites? That is soooo cool. Tell us more if you can

 

[carlnix30]

Have a great time! I'm jealous of everyone going this weekend The quiet pool is actually our favorite pool because of the deep end you can jump into. It is right next to Tokelau and Hawaii. You can even walk to the volcano pool bar fairly quickly to stock up on drinks (if you like them - um, I do ).



STOP THE PRESSES!!!! How were you able to see the suites? That is soooo cool. Tell us more if you can

Michael Nina and Alex are the best concierge in the world! We asked them if we could take a look, we took kids three months ago and we felt a bit crowded so we are considering our options for next June trip. If I had my choice I would consider princess II also this is the only bldg with balcony on second floor! Our daughter wants the little bags of chips they offer! I can probably save $200 dollars a day in teen chips! I have price sheet for all suites at poly if anyone is interested!

Crowd levels are absolutley low right now! Seems as if they are all from new York or Philly! Really weird! The poly is not crowded at all come on down the resort is waiting!

 

[tarak]

I want to tour the suites!
I actually thought about booking a suite for our trip next year. But it was a lot cheaper to get two rooms than to get a suite. I also thought maybe some space might be in order after a few days. My BIL is totally laid back. My sister, whom I love dearly, is type A - we drove each other nuts growing up and that was sharing a bathroom with two sinks. We joke that if we were ever on the Amazing Race together I'd be yelling at her to drop the %$*& mascara, it's a race! And she'd do it, but she'd be cursing at me under her breath.

 

[nala1128]

We are here at Poly in Hawaii on the 3rd floor too. Got here a week ago today. We were supposed to check out today but DH agreed to add a few more days so we are here til Saturday!Yay!! There was no proble
for them to add the extra days and keep us In the same room. It is pretty quiet at the hotel and parks as well

 

[Debbie]

Well, it could be that I am just short. Like I said, I could see the castle from both ends of the balcony and from the room. I didn't complain, since I was pleased that I could see it. I just wanted to be able to lay in my bed and watch the colours change. LOL

Rides were really reasonable, some were a walk on, some a 10-15 minute wait. We used our fast passes well. The only ride I walked away from was Test Track. Oh, and I did single rider at RnR.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

We are here at Poly in Hawaii on the 3rd floor too. Got here a week ago today. We were supposed to check out today but DH agreed to add a few more days so we are here til Saturday!Yay!! There was no proble
for them to add the extra days and keep us In the same room. It is pretty quiet at the hotel and parks as well

Your DH is obviously a sweetie!! Lucky you! Enjoy the extra time!

 

[maiapapaya]

Well, it could be that I am just short. Like I said, I could see the castle from both ends of the balcony and from the room. I didn't complain, since I was pleased that I could see it. I just wanted to be able to lay in my bed and watch the colours change. LOL

Well that would still be a problem for me because I'm short too!
And I want to lay in bed & watch the castle change colours as well (that's why we've already assigned the kids to the bed by the bathroom!)

 

[Magical JenK]

OMG - tomorrow we will be there!!!! First time CL for us and we can hardly wait! I don't even care if it's raining as long as it's warm.

Have fun! We arrive on Sunday for our first trip to the Poly! I hope it's a bit warmer too...it's been too cold here (MN-like you) this week!

 

[BreezysMom]

For those just back (or there now!), how crowded does the resort seem? TIA!

I am not just back or there now but I just wanted to say that during both of my previous trips the Poly has been at capicity and I would have never know it. The resort is so spread out. Sometimes we would walk the resort in the evening and occasionally pass a family or two.

The lobby is busy during the evening dining hours due to Ohanas and Kona and of course when people are coming it to check out the resort say prior to the Spirit of Aloha. You either learn to avoid the lobby during this time, or take a seat and peole watch like I do!

Have a great trip!

 

[marehoodlum]

Last time I was in WDW (just a few short years ago), i had a "girl day" with my older daughter at the pool, we got frozen drinks and got our hair wrapped...

Now my younger daughter wants the same day for her...so....does anyone know if they still do hair wrapping by the pool? I think it was at the place where the drinks are....

63 days to go....

 

[jarendt]

Hi Everyone,

I am a long time lurker (I booked our trip last fall). I am super excited, as we are planning a surprise family trip including our daughters (ages 6 and 3) and my parents! Needless to say the entire trip has been catered around grandparents and young kids.

Since it is entirely possibly my parents or kids will be too pooped during the evening, we have SPLURGED for MK Views! I will be absolutely crushed (and probably really, really mad) if there is ANYTHING obstructing my view!

Everything I have read, indicates MK Views are completely unobstructed. If there is any bushes, trees, etc... it is LV.

Please tell me I dont have to worry about this. Has anyone else had or heard of this happening?

Thanks,
Jennifer

Dreaming of my SURPRISE Dream trip Nov 8-14th

 

[BreezysMom]

Last time I was in WDW (just a few short years ago), i had a "girl day" with my older daughter at the pool, we got frozen drinks and got our hair wrapped...

Now my younger daughter wants the same day for her...so....does anyone know if they still do hair wrapping by the pool? I think it was at the place where the drinks are....

63 days to go....

Yes, they do it right by the bar. They are open I think from 10am to 5pm and they only take cash as payment.

Have fun! DD loves getting her hair wrapped. Her last one lasted a month!

 

[marehoodlum]

Yes, they do it right by the bar. They are open I think from 10am to 5pm and they only take cash as payment.

Have fun! DD loves getting her hair wrapped. Her last one lasted a month!

Thanks so much, she will be thrilled I just love spending time at the resort after a few days of park hopping!!

Can not wait