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

[Tess]

Can you go and sit at the beach with a drink / snack if you're not a poly guest?
I would like to visit the poly for lunch when at MK for some "chill out" time as we will be there from rope drop until closing on the 30 April - the poly seems the perfect location for a rest for an hour or two.

The Polynesian is open to anyone to visit. You could certainly grab a bite to eat, a drink, and wander around the property for some down time. Captain Cook's has an outdoor eating area or there are tables around both pools, if you are able to grab one. The pool areas are quite busy at times. Take the boat from MK for a truly relaxing ride.

 

[Tess]

upon further research, it would appear that 3rd floor in Tahiti with the MK view would be a good choice. Thoughts?

Also, if we do go 3rd Floor/MK View in Tahiti, it would seem to be very convenient to the MK Ferry and the Monorail (both MK and EPCOT) at the TTC. That could be a nice benefit as well.

Is that building "quiet" and are my assumptions about this being a good location accurate given the things we are looking for?

Thanks!

Your thoughts are completely accurate. Tahiti is a great longhouse with all the assets you describe. If that is what you're looking for, you've got the right building.

 

[Tess]

Am I reading correctly that there is only one place to refill the drink mugs and that one place is in the GCH? If so, about how far from the GCH to the Volcano pool? Trying to be prepared for any resistance from my teens about having to go back and forth to refill their (and mine) mugs if we spend a whole day at the pool. And can we adults get adult libations at the pool? Maybe from a cute pool boy?

I've never used the refillable mugs before so I can't answer that question for you. The drinks station is at Captain Cook's in the GCH--I have no clue if you can refill anywhere else, e.g., pool bar? Someone will know.

I do know about the adult libations--the pool bar is located at the volcano pool and has a variety of options (full bar). Last year they were testing whether it was feasible to employ a "waitress/waiter" around the pool. I saw a young lady on one occasion, but certainly not frequently. The pool bar is not far from any spot around the pool so not a major chore to fetch your own drink. A cute pool boy would be a good idea, I just take mine along with me!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

SOOOO...I'm wondering what your experiences are with the two boats at MK closing. Both the one to the TTC, and the smaller one that goes to the Poly and GF. Are they usually extremely crowded, as well, or do they tend to be less crowded as most people want to ride the monorail. If they are just as crowded, I would rather be squished on a crowded, air-conditioned monorail. But, it would be very nice if they were faster/less crowded.

What have your experiences been?

My experience has been to avoid the ferry for the TTC--too crowded! I'd only use that mode if the longhouse I was staying in was close to the TTC (Tahiti, Rapa Nui). The boat to the GF and Poly tend to be less crowded as most people head for the monorail because they don't know about the boat. We've used it a few times when we didn't feel like dragging ourselves up the resort monorail ramp. If the boat isn't at the dock you'll have about a 20 minute wait. Since there are less folks it'll actually be 'peaceful.

Please note that there are times when that boat is 'closed' for the night so you'll have to use the monorail. It's been few and far between but I have seen it happen.

Am I reading correctly that there is only one place to refill the drink mugs and that one place is in the GCH? If so, about how far from the GCH to the Volcano pool? Trying to be prepared for any resistance from my teens about having to go back and forth to refill their (and mine) mugs if we spend a whole day at the pool. And can we adults get adult libations at the pool? Maybe from a cute pool boy?

Yes, you're reading that correctly. We've only used the refillable mugs on one visit but Captain Cooks is the only place to get them refilled. Not a very far walk at all from the pool to the GCH (about 15 - 30 seconds). You can actually see the pool from Captain Cook's.

Definitely are adult libations at the barefoot pool bar. As for cute pool boys...the lifeguards were cute but nowhere near the league of the cute guys from the Spirit of Aloha show.

 

[vtwep]

Your thoughts are completely accurate. Tahiti is a great longhouse with all the assets you describe. If that is what you're looking for, you've got the right building.

THANKS!!

 

[SeaSpray]

My experience has been to avoid the ferry for the TTC--too crowded! I'd only use that mode if the longhouse I was staying in was close to the TTC (Tahiti, Rapa Nui). The boat to the GF and Poly tend to be less crowded as most people head for the monorail because they don't know about the boat. We've used it a few times when we didn't feel like dragging ourselves up the resort monorail ramp. If the boat isn't at the dock you'll have about a 20 minute wait. Since there are less folks it'll actually be 'peaceful.

Please note that there are times when that boat is 'closed' for the night so you'll have to use the monorail. It's been few and far between but I have seen it happen.

We use the boat launch at the Polynesian almost exclusively (we only use the monorail if we happen to already be in the GCH, for example, after having breakfast at the Kona Cafe) and we've never had a 20 minute wait for the next boat to come along. Probably no more than 10 minutes, and usually much less. As you see 1 boat pull away from the Polynesian marina dock, you can see the next one coming from the Grand Floridian

I'm not saying this to disagree with MsStinkerbelle because she is VERY knowledgable about the Polynesian and that was her experience but I just wanted to add our experience with the boat launch too

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I'm not saying this to disagree with MsStinkerbelle because she is VERY knowledgable about the Polynesian and that was her experience but I just wanted to add our experience with the boat launch too

Thanks SeaSpray! Glad to hear others haven't had a wait as long as mine.

I forgot to add that we went during Christmas and Easter which is one of the most insanely crowded times of the year so that probably had a lot to do with it our wait time.

 

[BCV23]

Just adding that I agree about not taking the ferry at closing. There's little seating.

But midday, it is a pleasant and quick trip back to the Polynesian if you're in an Eastern longhouse if one is about to dock or loading when you leave the MK. It loads quickly then as there aren't many riders. The ride itself is 5 minutes.

I also agree that the launch is good any time it's running. There are only so much room and no standing is allowed.

Any time of the day we just judge our options when we leave the MK. Resort monorail (or even express monorail if in E. longhouses....but that's my last choice), launch or ferry. It's great to have so many options.

NCDisneymom, the walk to CC from the pool is probably 30 feet.

vtwep, you asked about concierge rooms with that view as well. If you book lagoonview room, request 3rd floor, you'll have a great view of the MK. But if you want a guaranteed MK view that's unobstructed, you'll need to book MK view (not a category in concierge). Request 3rd floor and Tahiti or whatever longhouse you like. The other MK view rooms are also in quiet locations but much further from the TTC,

 

[vtwep]

vtwep, you asked about concierge rooms with that view as well. If you book lagoonview room, request 3rd floor, you'll have a great view of the MK. But if you want a guaranteed MK view that's unobstructed, you'll need to book MK view (not a category in concierge). Request 3rd floor and Tahiti or whatever longhouse you like. The other MK view rooms are also in quiet locations but much further from the TTC,

Thanks! I'll definitely pass this info on to the GG planners...they haven't decided on a resort yet, but the Poly is one of the two front-runners assuming nothing changes! Appreciate the reply.

 

[amberandolly]

The Polynesian is open to anyone to visit. You could certainly grab a bite to eat, a drink, and wander around the property for some down time. Captain Cook's has an outdoor eating area or there are tables around both pools, if you are able to grab one. The pool areas are quite busy at times. Take the boat from MK for a truly relaxing ride.

Thanks for the info.

 

[senecabeach]

The Polynesian is open to anyone to visit. You could certainly grab a bite to eat, a drink, and wander around the property for some down time. Captain Cook's has an outdoor eating area or there are tables around both pools, if you are able to grab one. The pool areas are quite busy at times. Take the boat from MK for a truly relaxing ride.

and the pina colada's from the pool bar are awesome..

 

[MagicalEars]

Aloha everyone! I'm back with a few more questions....

I know they sell swimming gear and such at the Poly gift shop, but do they sell a Disney themed shovel and pail for playing in the sand? My DD is just going to love the beaches at the Poly, so a themed pail & shovel will put her on .

These H20 bath products that are in the rooms, do they have a strong sent? I get headaches easily from perfume type smells.

I'm reading conflicting reports on these boards as to if a pack-n-play is already in the rooms (some say it's in the closet), or if you still have to request one. Which is it at the Poly? Also, are they as big as your typical Pack-n-plays that you get at say Babies R Us, or are they smaller?

Kona Coffee question....is the Kona Coffee at the Poly much better than what you can buy at your local store? I was dying to try some, so I bought some at BJ's and it wasn't too good. I'm a big coffee addict, at least a pot a day, and wasn't too thrilled with the Kona blend.

 

[BCV23]

The pails and shovels aren't themed but my kids never minded. When you're playing in the sand with the castle across the lagoon, that's pretty good theming.

There haven't been pack n plays in our rooms...that would be 30 different stays. I believe the Polynesian still has traditional hotel cribs available. We're 20 years past that stage but I still see them in the halls from time to time. They're not as large as a regular crib but I liked them far better than Pack n plays when my kids were babies.

Kona has pure Kona served in a presspot as well as a Kona blend that's poured. I drink decaf when I have coffee and enjoy the Kona decaf blend.

 

[packerbeth]

Bless your brother and his family! That is a very long time. My DH has been gone since August and it hasn't been easy, but like I said above, the key is to stay really really busy. (and to plan an awesome vacation to Disney!)

Since he's been gone for over a year, he probably got the "R&R" deal at SOG. My DH will be short the 12 month minimum for the discount, but it's all good. I'm just happy he'll be coming home!

I think he used his R & R when he came home for my other brother's wedding last May, but I'm not sure. He should be arriving home this week, and then he and I can actually discuss the trip!

Hope your time flies by and your DH is home and ready for your trip to Disney World!

 

[SeaSpray]

Aloha everyone! I'm back with a few more questions....


These H20 bath products that are in the rooms, do they have a strong sent? I get headaches easily from perfume type smells.


Kona Coffee question....is the Kona Coffee at the Poly much better than what you can buy at your local store? I was dying to try some, so I bought some at BJ's and it wasn't too good. I'm a big coffee addict, at least a pot a day, and wasn't too thrilled with the Kona blend.

I can help with these 2 questions I personally do not think that the H20 products at the Polynesian have a very strong and/or perfumey smell. They have a "clean" scent, but it's not very strong at all (in my humble opinion. lol).

It's funny you should ask about the Kona coffee in regards to comparing it with Kona coffee from other places! LOL After my co-worker brought back Kona coffee from Hawaii a few weeks ago, my manager found out how much I LOVE Kona coffee so she picked some up from a discount store and brought it in to surprise me. She brewed a pot of it, and I have to say, it wasn't too good. I mean, it wasn't even as good as a decent cup of regular brewed coffee, let alone Kona coffee from Hawaii or the Polynesian! So, even though you didn't like the Kona coffee from BJ's, you might want to still give the Polynesian's/Kona Cafe's Kona coffee a try. If you do, I hope you like it (and if you don't like it, don't come back and blame me! ).

P.S. As you know, Kona blend isn't the same as 100% Kona coffee. I've tried the Kona blend at the Kona Cafe and didn't like it, but I LOVE the 100% Kona press pot!

 

[XxDisneyFan00xX]

I'm not sure if someone has posted this already, but have you all heard that the Kona Island will be open until 8:00pm? My mother used to walk up to the Kona Cafe and buy a cup of Kona coffee to go from there, but since 2006 they stopped allowing people to do that. So than it was you either had to get a cup of Kona Coffee before 11am or go to the Earl of Sandwich.

 

[disneydreamin247]

So I have started planning next year's trip (because I am obsessive). I am going with a friend and her DS, both of whom have never been to WDW We are going to stay at the Poly, and I was thinking next year I would probably like to do a lagoon or MK view. My friend would probably just get a GV. Would we still be able to request connecting or adjoining rooms?

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I can help with these 2 questions I personally do not think that the H20 products at the Polynesian have a very strong and/or perfumey smell. They have a "clean" scent, but it's not very strong at all (in my humble opinion. lol).

I share your humble opinion on this. I have sensitive skin plus while I like strong scents, the smell of the H20 products at the Poly (the Aquatics line) is very light. It reminds me of 'fresh laundry'. A nice clean smell that doesn't compete with your perfume or makes you smell like a perfume department.

And gotta agree again, 100% Kona coffee is much better than Kona blend. My sisters and I drained a pressed pot of this stuff so fast, our waiter told us, "I've never seen a pot go that fast before!" LOL!

I'm not sure if someone has posted this already, but have you all heard that the Kona Island will be open until 8:00pm?

:::jaw drops::: I hadn't heard this? The caffeine addict in me is going

 

[lovepooh]

So I have started planning next year's trip (because I am obsessive). I am going with a friend and her DS, both of whom have never been to WDW We are going to stay at the Poly, and I was thinking next year I would probably like to do a lagoon or MK view. My friend would probably just get a GV. Would we still be able to request connecting or adjoining rooms?

From what I've read on other threads, connecting means attached by the inside door and adjoining means across the hall or nearby. I would imagine it wouldn't be a problem for them to give you adjoining rooms. Your room would be on the side of the building that faces MK or a loagoon and your friends would be on the other side. You could for sure request it or at least request to be in the same building.

 

[MagicalEars]

I can help with these 2 questions I personally do not think that the H20 products at the Polynesian have a very strong and/or perfumey smell. They have a "clean" scent, but it's not very strong at all (in my humble opinion. lol).

It's funny you should ask about the Kona coffee in regards to comparing it with Kona coffee from other places! LOL After my co-worker brought back Kona coffee from Hawaii a few weeks ago, my manager found out how much I LOVE Kona coffee so she picked some up from a discount store and brought it in to surprise me. She brewed a pot of it, and I have to say, it wasn't too good. I mean, it wasn't even as good as a decent cup of regular brewed coffee, let alone Kona coffee from Hawaii or the Polynesian! So, even though you didn't like the Kona coffee from BJ's, you might want to still give the Polynesian's/Kona Cafe's Kona coffee a try. If you do, I hope you like it (and if you don't like it, don't come back and blame me! ).

P.S. As you know, Kona blend isn't the same as 100% Kona coffee. I've tried the Kona blend at the Kona Cafe and didn't like it, but I LOVE the 100% Kona press pot!

It's funny you say that, because we felt exactly the same way. It wasn't even as good as a regular cup of coffee.

Thanks for the heads up on the H20 products.

Sigh....I'm over at the GF thread asking them questions as well. I think I've been reading too many reviews as it's making me second guess all of my choices. One way or the other, I have to make a final decision soon. Final payment and any changes need to be made by the 27th.

I want to thank everyone again for putting up with my questions (usually long-winded ones) and giving such helpful and friendly advice.