The *NEW* Polynesian Resort FAQ thread - *2008*

[BKMETV]

No Hot tub and no gym....we were told we could use those facilities at the Grand Floridian if we wanted to.

That is one referb I would like to see!

Thanks...I was just thinking it could be a little cool in Dec. and a hot tub might be nice for me. The kids will swim in the pool no matter what the weather.

Ev

 

[brergnat]

Since you are allowed to use the hot tubs at GF as a Poly resort guest, can you also use the GF Pool? Like, could me and DH hang in the hot tub while our kids use the pool there? I don't want to do anything against the rules, but it seems logical that if they allow Poly guests to use the GF spa, then the pool is allowed as well. Correct me if I'm wrong please!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I don't think it's the hot tubs outside that you can use at the Grand Floridian if you are staying at the Polynesian. I think it's the ones inside where the health club is because that is what the Polynesian guests can use.

 

[johnsonet]

Since you are allowed to use the hot tubs at GF as a Poly resort guest, can you also use the GF Pool? Like, could me and DH hang in the hot tub while our kids use the pool there? I don't want to do anything against the rules, but it seems logical that if they allow Poly guests to use the GF spa, then the pool is allowed as well. Correct me if I'm wrong please!

I don't think it's the hot tubs outside that you can use at the Grand Floridian if you are staying at the Polynesian. I think it's the ones inside where the health club is because that is what the Polynesian guests can use.

I think you're right, CR Resort Fan 4 Life. I take it that Poly guests have the use of the GF Spa, which includes one hot tub in both its Men's and its Women's locker rooms, along with showers, saunas and steam rooms (small). I do not believe that Poly guests have the use of the outdoor hot tub next to the Quiet Pool at the GF resort.
For those who do not know it, the GF Spa is a separate bldg. from the GF resort, and is probably equidistant from the GF and the Poly. I have stayed at both resorts multiple times and this is my understanding.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think you're right, CR Resort Fan 4 Life. I take it that Poly guests have the use of the GF Spa, which includes one hot tub in both its Men's and its Women's locker rooms, along with showers, saunas and steam rooms (small). I do not believe that Poly guests have the use of the outdoor hot tub next to the Quiet Pool at the GF resort.
For those who do not know it, the GF Spa is a separate bldg. from the GF resort, and is probably equidistant from the GF and the Poly. I have stayed at both resorts multiple times and this is my understanding.

Yes you are correct. Since the Grand Floridian shares all that with the Polynesian guests they have free access to whatever is free in the gym and spa. If there is anything that comes with a fee because I am sure there is, then both the Polynesian and Grand Floridian guests would need to pay for it.

 

[cmac609]

I've used Magical Vacations and they are wonderful. The discounts that they're able to obtain are legitimate and very good. We've found them to be much better than AAA, but they will give you a price quote so that you can compare.


Also in regards to Allison at the IPO (concierge pre-planning office), she is OUTSTANDING!!! She is a wonderful person and seems to really care about her work. She's always very, very pleasant and very, very helpful, and always asks if there's anything else she can do for you. Disney is very fortunate to have her.

SeaSpray, you have used Magical Vacations before and never had a problem??? I just don't want to get involved with anything that is a Scam. I will feel better knowing that others have used them without a problem. Also, did you have to put the deposit down with only a check...how about final payment.

Please respond as soon as possible because I want to schedule my trip....thanks soooo much.

Caroline

 

[cmac609]

Thanks guys for your magical vacations info. I have a package quote from them and I am waiting to here from AAA to see what the upgrade from CBR to Poly would be with them.

The problem is, the package price is for the day after we get there so I could book AAA for the one night but it is about $400 and we won't get into orlando until about 6pm so I'm not sure what to do about that night.

I also talked to Lisa and she is doing an excellent job.

Hi Lovepooh

I am also interested in booking with Magical Vacations and have been talking with Lisa. Have you booked yet? Did they require that you pay with a check too for the deposit??? I just thought that was weid.

Caroline

 

[John's Mom]

I booked a trip through Magical Vacations in December and I used my Disney Visa Credit Card. I have talked to Lisa a few times and she has provided great service so far.

 

[SeaSpray]

SeaSpray, you have used Magical Vacations before and never had a problem??? I just don't want to get involved with anything that is a Scam. I will feel better knowing that others have used them without a problem. Also, did you have to put the deposit down with only a check...how about final payment.

Please respond as soon as possible because I want to schedule my trip....thanks soooo much.

Caroline

HI Caroline:

I normally do not feel comfortable recommending companies unless I am 100% sure, even 1000% sure, that they are legitimate and ethical. I can say with full surety that Magical Vacations (based out of New Jersey, the owner is Lisa) is a legitimate and extremely well-run travel agency. Lisa will call you back, usually the same day, to discuss anything related to your reservation or even if you just want a quote, or have a question. Unless it's urgent, I usually email, but have gotten many phone calls from Lisa, too.

I hope this info is helpful

I think I gave Lisa my credit card info for the deposits, but I may have mailed a check for previous trips, not sure! As far as final payment, we booked a room-only, so we'll make the final payment directly to Disney, while we're on our trip.

 

[NeverlandPixie]

I'm back All I can say is, "Wow!"

So here are some of my thoughts:

DME

• Fast, efficient and reliable; even with the long lines to check-in, I was at the Polynesian check-in desk within 70 minutes of the plane pulling up at the gate.
• Luggage was delivered while I was out with no complaints.
• Return DME was right on time, and our driver, Gregory Moore, was quite the comedian.

Polynesian

• Checkin was a breeze. The CM tried to upgrade me but the resort was full. Still, the garden view rooms were beautiful, and quite large! I was in Tahiti Room 2007.
• Absolutely breathtaking. I'm really glad that I was able to stay at my dream resort. I probably won't be able to stay here again for a very long time, but the memories will last (and I can always visit)
• Transportation was outstanding, except for the resort buses. I found it much faster to walk to the TTC to take a direct bus to AK or DHS.
• Walking to the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail was unbelievably convenient. It was much more so than an Epcot area resort. My favourite was taking the boat back from MK via GF and then the Poly. Beautiful and relaxing.
• Mousekeeping was good, but not great. No complaints, but no compliments either. (No towel animals, BTW, but being a solo adult, I didn't expect or ask for any either).
• Torch lighting ceremony, Electrical Water Pagent, pools and general landscaping/maintenance, etc., was excellent.
• Kona Cafe was by far my favourite meal of trip. Although I didn't post any pictures, the Lapu Lapu comes a close second
• Rooms were large, could easily accomodate 5 and not trip over anyone. I can see why so many families
  book a room together here.

Disney Dining Plan

• Since it was just me, I decided to try the DDP for the first time. It's just not for me. I found that I would be somewhere, then ... oops, time to go, gotta make that ADR. I think I would rather go with the flow, book some special ADRs, and leave the rest to chance or counter service.
• A lot of food. I ended up having all but one of my snack credits left (most of my snacks ended up being from carts/kiosks that didn't accept the DDP or were cash only). I ended up having two CS meals left as well, and just paid for my Mom and Dad's breakfast on checkout day (my dad arrived just after mindnight on my check out day).
• I will not use the DDP again, or at least until my son is older and can eat more than I

And, of course, no review would be complete without some photos:

Tahiti Room 2007:

Secluded beach behind Tahiti:

View of Space Mountain from Tahiti:

Drinks at Naneo Volcano Pool (pina coladas):

Kona Cafe:

Kona Sundown:

Macademia Mahi Mahi:

Torch Lighting Ceremony:

Samoa Snacks/Trader Jacks:

Other interests:

What else can I say? I had a fabulous trip and can't wait to go back. In fact, I booked the bouceback for November 30-December 7 at Pop (I can only splurge so much )

 

[Tink rules]

So how did you like traveling alone at WDW???

I LOVE IT!!!

Even though I do the trips with the family... I do love to wander around and see the World all by my self!!! (talk about spoiling myself!!!)

 

[padisneylover]

Welcome back and great pictures. Two more weeks and we are on our way

 

[NeverlandPixie]

So how did you like traveling alone at WDW???

I LOVE IT!!!

Even though I do the trips with the family... I do love to wander around and see the World all by my self!!! (talk about spoiling myself!!!)

I loved it. Didn't feel like I was left out, being looked at ... nothing. It was fabulous. But I think I overdid it. Not being with DS, I didn't "slow down" at all and came back very, very tired.

Welcome back and great pictures. Two more weeks and we are on our way

Thanks. I got a new camera and was still pretty much figuring out the settings for the best shots Your two weeks are just going to fly by!

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

Hi


Also, somebody else recommended The Magic for Less. Anybody use them?? What was your experience with them??? Any problems or dislikes???

Please help us. I want to rebook as soon as possible..

Caroline

We have used the magic for less 3 times now. Never an issue, fast replies to our emails, and Deb always makes the majority of our ADRs for us. We have or Poly trip for October booked through them right now in fact.

Good luck deciding

 

[NCDisneyMom]

Neverland Pixie...GREAT pictures! We were in Tahiti 3005 (just upstairs from you) on our last visit. Your pictures brought back memories of our view. Glad you had such a nice time!

 

[krbq]

NeverlandPixie, thank you for the great trip report and for sharing your photos -- they remind me how fantastically beautiful the Polynesian is

 

[disneydreamin247]

Awesome pics and report. Glad to hear you had a good time, and enjoyed being solo.

BTW is it October yet or what?!

 

[SeaSpray]

NeverlandPixie: Thanks for the resort report and for the great pictures!!!! I'll add a link to your post in the Index on Page 1, as soon as I get the chance. You got some great shots of your view and other views, from Tahiti

Also, is the orange drink a Mimosa by any chance?? I've been dreaming of the breakfasts I'll be having at the Kona Cafe and I see that they have Mimosas on the menu.



One month until I'm there!!!!!

 

[CdnDisneyLuvr]

I am missing the Poly sooo much! Thanks for the pics!

 

[NeverlandPixie]

Thanks everyone! I have tonnes more, not sure if I should post them here or over on the Poly Pics thread.

SeaSpray: Sorry, not a mimosa but a whiskey and OJ