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

[BCV23]

I have a question about the daybeds at the Poly.

We're a family of 3 -- dh, ds and me -- and have never used them, but we've just decided that on our December trip, we're going to have our niece and nephew (10 & 7) who live near WDW come and spend one night with us at the Poly. Then we're going to take them to the MK for the day for a character meal and a day of fun!

We're so excited -- we've always wanted to take them to WDW, so this is finally our chance! They live in FL, but have only been to the MK once 2 years ago (and didn't get to ride much due to unprepared brother & sil), so it will be so much fun!

Anyway, obviously we're going to need to use the daybed. Are they already made up underneath the cover? Or do we have to do something with that?

Also, in a related question, if the day they're with us is an EMH morning at the MK, can we get them room keys for the one night so they can get into the park with us? We'll still be only 5 in the room, so we won't be going over any limits, and I want them to be able to enter w/us obviously!

Thanks for any help! This will be their Christmas gift from us and it's made me even more excited than I was before for the trip! I can hardly wait to share the Poly and the MK with them!

The daybeds are normally made up. The pillow and blanket are in the closet. I would check early in the day though just to be sure.

Yes, you should can get keys for your niece and nephew. You can probably just do that at checkin and keep the extra keys in the safe until they arrive for their night. What a fun treat!

 

[BCV23]

I need to get my girls from the Poly to Downtown Disney for an appointment at the BBB (the Castle location is all booked!). Is the fastest route to take the DTD bus from the resort? Is it any faster taking a bus from the TTC? I am trying to figure out what time I need to leave for a 3:30 appointment. Many thanks if any of you Polynesian experts have any transportation tips for this first time visitor

There are no buses from the TTC to DTD. Getting a taxi would be fastest if you won't have a car. Otherwise, I'd allow plenty of time to take the bus from the Polynesian.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Anyway, obviously we're going to need to use the daybed. Are they already made up underneath the cover? Or do we have to do something with that?:

They are most definitely made up already. You just pull the little tab hidden right behind the top of the daybed to convert it from the 'couch' to the bed by pulling down and the sleeping area is already made up for you. Here's a close-up photo of the daybed (made up by housekeeping) with a little 'surprise' left for my Godsister who slept on it our entire trip:

Also, in a related question, if the day they're with us is an EMH morning at the MK, can we get them room keys for the one night so they can get into the park with us? We'll still be only 5 in the room, so we won't be going over any limits, and I want them to be able to enter w/us obviously! ?:

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I don't believe you can get room keys for anyone who isn't on the reservation. I'm assuming they're not on the reservation as they're only there for one night.

Thanks for any help! This will be their Christmas gift from us and it's made me even more excited than I was before for the trip! I can hardly wait to share the Poly and the MK with them!

That is a wonderful Christmas present! Nothing like sharing the Poly love with those you 'love'.

I need to get my girls from the Poly to Downtown Disney for an appointment at the BBB (the Castle location is all booked!). Is the fastest route to take the DTD bus from the resort? Is it any faster taking a bus from the TTC?

I know the absolute fastest way to DTD if you don't have your own car is to take a cab from the Poly. There is usually quite a few of them lined up next to the curb at the Poly. Aside from that, I've only taken the bus to DTD from the Poly. Not sure how fast it is from the TTC but from the Poly, after stopping at the Grand Floridian, it took about 20 minutes in transit time.

 

[BCV23]

They are most definitely made up already.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I don't believe you can get room keys for anyone who isn't on the reservation. I'm assuming they're not on the reservation as they're only there for one night.

Aside from that, I've only taken the bus to DTD from the Poly. Not sure how fast it is from the TTC but from the Poly, after stopping at the Grand Floridian, it took about 20 minutes in transit time.

The daybeds are usually already made up. But we've had the rare occasion when it's not been done. It's far better to make sure early int he day that it has been prepared than to get back to the room with tired little ones only to discover you're missing linens.

If it's a room only reservation, there's no problem in adding them at the beginning or just going the day they arrive and adding them to the reservation. Once our son was in college, he often only joined us part way through the trip or left early. We just explained to the front desk. Of course at that age there was an extra $25/night charge. But for the OP, the children are young enough that there's no additional charge.

There is no bus from the TTC to DTD.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Thanks MsStinkerbelle & BCV23! I'm so excited to do this ... it's going to make the trip even more special to have them there with us. I was missing them so much today (they moved a year ago) and that's when we came up with the idea to not just visit them but have a Disney Sleepover Party!

It's good to know what to check for on the daybed and that we'll be able to get keys for them in case of an EMH morning.

 

[smt218]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173219

Here is an awesome thread totally devoted to that stuff. It's really great. Pix are neat too!

Thanks. That is a long thread, started looking at all the cakes, they look good.

 

[Harborchick]

Thank you, BCV and Ms. Stinkerbelle, for answering my transporation question. It really helps me to plan!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

If it's a room only reservation, there's no problem in adding them at the beginning or just going the day they arrive and adding them to the reservation. Once our son was in college, he often only joined us part way through the trip or left early. We just explained to the front desk.

This is really good info to know! I didn't know this. Proves you learn something new every day--especially on this thread.

DiznEeyore and Harborchick, you're very welcome! Can't wait for you guys to report back on the Poly 'magic'.

 

[BCV23]

You're welcome, MsStinkerBelle and Harborchick. Happy Polynesian daydreams everyone.

 

[cmesq61]

First trip, staying at the Poly 6 nights/7 days in September. We can't wait. I cannot seem to make up my mind which longhouse to request! We have 2 garden view rooms--I have requested connecting--for my DD 14 and DS 15, and a second room for me and my boyfiriend. I will be using an ECV for the trip to get around the parks and hotel grounds, but am able to move around a non-handicapped accessible room OK. So I was thinking maybe requesting ground floor to avoid elevators? Maybe Tokelau since it seems centrally located? We are only planning to "do" 3 parks in order to have plenty of "down" time/pool time. Any room request suggestions--or any other suggestions for that matter--greatly apppreciated.

 

[BCV23]

First trip, staying at the Poly 6 nights/7 days in September. We can't wait. I cannot seem to make up my mind which longhouse to request! We have 2 garden view rooms--I have requested connecting--for my DD 14 and DS 15, and a second room for me and my boyfiriend. I will be using an ECV for the trip to get around the parks and hotel grounds, but am able to move around a non-handicapped accessible room OK. So I was thinking maybe requesting ground floor to avoid elevators? Maybe Tokelau since it seems centrally located? We are only planning to "do" 3 parks in order to have plenty of "down" time/pool time. Any room request suggestions--or any other suggestions for that matter--greatly apppreciated.

I think your idea of requesting ground floor is an excellent one. The elevators at the Polynesian aren't especially large.

Tokelau is also a good idea. You're right that it is centrally located with easy access to the GCH, TTC, both pools, and the bus stop. It's also a large longhouse so you have a better chance of getting your request. And since it's a longhouse with larger rooms, there's more space for your ECV.

But I would ask for first floor first and mention that you'll have an ECV.

 

[MagicalEars]

You just need a regular AP. Unfortunately, AP discounts are becoming fewer and fewer. Once you have an AP, you can log into the Passholder website to see current offers, but most of us just check the boards here. This is the most reliable place for current info! (And I don't EVER count on WDW to send email notifications - I know better! )


Terry, feel better. So sorry you're having health issues.

I love this thread, it's so helpful and so much fun!

So would any of you say that the AP's are still worth it? We are hoping to start going to WDW every year now and thought that the AP would help us save money and get discounts, thus allowing us to stay at the Poly or other deluxes more often. I also see talk of "bounceback", what is this? Is this something they offer you while you're there?

PS- You always have great pictures MsStinkerBelle!

 

[BCV23]

We do get APs every year but I wouldn't do it just for the room discounts....never have. The room discounts aren't as deep as they used to be.
But if you can stagger your trips so that the AP will save you on admission, then it can be a great deal.

Yes, Bounceback is a program that allows you to book your next trip at a very nice rate but it's for certain dates and must be booked while you're there. There will be current info on the sub resort forum I'm sure.

 

[MagicalEars]

We do get APs every year but I wouldn't do it just for the room discounts....never have. The room discounts aren't as deep as they used to be.
But if you can stagger your trips so that the AP will save you on admission, then it can be a great deal.

Yes, Bounceback is a program that allows you to book your next trip at a very nice rate but it's for certain dates and must be booked while you're there. There will be current info on the sub resort forum I'm sure.

Thanks for the info!

 

[CTDis4]

Where in the resot would you request (and I know it's just that...a request) a room that had a balcony...maybe a peek at the lake (not vital) and would be close to main building. Thanks!

 

[cara loves the poly]

Where in the resot would you request (and I know it's just that...a request) a room that had a balcony...maybe a peek at the lake (not vital) and would be close to main building. Thanks!

Hawaii! Do have a garden or lagoon view room booked? Request third floor for a balcony.

 

[aljack33]

How should I put in my request for a Longhouse. We would love to be in the same one as last year. We leave next Wednesday Should I fax or call in my request?

 

[CTDis4]

Hawaii! Do have a garden or lagoon view room booked? Request third floor for a balcony.

Haven't booked yet...looking to book for December. So I should book a lagoon view to get the lake and request third floor all in the Hawaii building?

 

[DiznEeyore]

Haven't booked yet...looking to book for December. So I should book a lagoon view to get the lake and request third floor all in the Hawaii building?

Just FYI, Hawaii is the concierge building, in case you weren't aware. You can only request it if you pay for concierge/club level.

 

[BCV23]

Where in the resot would you request (and I know it's just that...a request) a room that had a balcony...maybe a peek at the lake (not vital) and would be close to main building. Thanks!

The buildings closest to the GCH (of which Hawaii is not one) only have balconies on the third floor. So if those are your requests, I'd put them in order of importance and leave it at that.

Niue is very close to the GCH but only has two floors so no balconies. Samoa is just beyond it and some rooms get a view of the lagoon although not the MK. But it's a small longhouse like Niue so you might not get that request. Raratonga is very close to the GCH but no views of the lagoon. Fiji is rather close to the GCH but further from the pools and bus stop of that matters. Some of those rooms can see the lagoon...actually I would think most. One side faces the lagoon but again not the MK. The other side faces the marina with the lagoon to the side.