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

[typhoonlagooner]

The deluxe resorts just aren't as busy during the hottest, most humid time of the year.

Hmm can someone elaborate on this?

We haven't traveled in August since 2003 and 2002 and both times were at CBR. We never thought it was overly crowded but I'm having nightmares about the Poly pool being packed full, the beach crowded, etc.

Do the deluxes rarely sell out in the summer months (excluding peak holidays)?

 

[SeaSpray]

Hmm can someone elaborate on this?

We haven't traveled in August since 2003 and 2002 and both times were at CBR. We never thought it was overly crowded but I'm having nightmares about the Poly pool being packed full, the beach crowded, etc.

Do the deluxes rarely sell out in the summer months (excluding peak holidays)?

I've been to WDW & Polynesian twice in July and once in August and the worst (weather-wise) was the early July trip. In 2005 we were there right after 4th of July and the weather was horrendously hot and HUMID. Heat index was 114 degrees.

Last summer was our end-of-July trip and I was very pleasantly surprised to feel that while it was "hot", there wasn't much humidity and it wasn't at all unpleasant to be outdoors.

In 2006 we were there at the end of August and the weather was nowhere as bad as our July 2005 trip. I honestly think that in the summer it can be hit or miss in regards to how humid it can be. 90 degrees with low humidity is not bad at all, but add in high humidity and it's very difficult to breathe, and extremely uncomfortable to be outdoors for long periods of time, especially while moving through a theme park!

As for crowds in the PARKS, I didn't think the crowds were too bad in late July and late August, but the week following 4th of July was pretty crowded.

During all 3 of my summer trips, I honestly did not find the pool at the Polynesian to be overly or uncomfortably crowded. There was always room to swim; in other words it was NOT elbow-to-elbow in the pool. At least, not during the times I've been there.

I don't know about the deluxes actually selling out or not in the summer months but I know that the Polynesian is usually at capacity or close to capacity, most of the time, although perhaps the summer months are less so, I'm really not sure. Having said that, I've never found it to be too crowded.

I hope this info is helpful, and as always, it reflects only my own personal experiences

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Seaspray... as always you've been helpful and thank you so much for your time and effort with this FAQ I've loved looking through the pics on your family's vacation site... seems like you've had some great vacations (and memories)!

I've been comparing our experience in March to what's "expected" for our week in August and it seems pretty even park crowd wise. We had no complaints or issues with rides and wait times but the park was definately 'busy' with lots of congestion.

I'm really nervous about the heat but LOVE the fact that I have a resort like the Polynesian to 'retreat' to. In September (which didn't end up as brutal as we were expecting) we were at ASmu and there wasn't much escape to crowds and heat with exception to the room!

I've read that the deluxe resorts tend to 'struggle' during certain times of the year due to the price tag but it wouldn't surprise me if, like you said, the Poly tends to be at capacity or close to year round. As of right now, every category is available for our dates and I'm hoping that since the week "should" fall right before the free dinning offer, we won't run into excessive crowds.

Hopefully the Poly will turn out to be the ideal vacation retreat and if anything, one of those lapu lapus will certainly make it seem that way lol!

 

[LETSGOFAM]

Ok, we plan on getting up early every morning and grabbing a quick bite at Captain Cook's - we have a character breakfast at the poly on the Saturday that we leave to come back home. I really don't want to miss out on the EMH mornings but I also wanted to try the press pot everyone talks about and the yummy tonga toast and macademia nut pancakes. I was hoping they would be offered during the character breakfast - is it just a buffet?

 

[SeaSpray]

Ok, we plan on getting up early every morning and grabbing a quick bite at Captain Cook's - we have a character breakfast at the poly on the Saturday that we leave to come back home. I really don't want to miss out on the EMH mornings but I also wanted to try the press pot everyone talks about and the yummy tonga toast and macademia nut pancakes. I was hoping they would be offered during the character breakfast - is it just a buffet?

The character breakfast at the Polynesian resort is held at 'Ohana. It's all-you-care-to-eat, but the food is brought out to your table on platters. You don't go to the food as in a regular buffet; the food is brought out to you.

Having said that, they do not serve Tonga Toast, Pineapple Macadamia pancakes, or the 100% Kona coffee press pot at 'Ohana since it's a fixed menu. Those items are served at the Kona Cafe which is on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House and is just a very short distance (maybe 30 feet) from the entrance to 'Ohana.

If you can alter your touring plans you might want to try both!

 

[BCV23]

Ok, we plan on getting up early every morning and grabbing a quick bite at Captain Cook's - we have a character breakfast at the poly on the Saturday that we leave to come back home. I really don't want to miss out on the EMH mornings but I also wanted to try the press pot everyone talks about and the yummy tonga toast and macademia nut pancakes. I was hoping they would be offered during the character breakfast - is it just a buffet?

The character breakfast at 'Ohana is served family style. Your table will receive platters of eggs, waffles, etc..

Perhaps consider room service one EMH day. Macadamia pancakes and Tonga Toast are on the menu. I don't remember ever seeing the presspot on it, but you could ask. If it's possible, I'm sure they would do it for you. Room service will deliver as early as 6am and is a great way to start the day.

 

[SeaSpray]

Seaspray... as always you've been helpful and thank you so much for your time and effort with this FAQ I've loved looking through the pics on your family's vacation site... seems like you've had some great vacations (and memories)!

I've been comparing our experience in March to what's "expected" for our week in August and it seems pretty even park crowd wise. We had no complaints or issues with rides and wait times but the park was definately 'busy' with lots of congestion.

I'm really nervous about the heat but LOVE the fact that I have a resort like the Polynesian to 'retreat' to. In September (which didn't end up as brutal as we were expecting) we were at ASmu and there wasn't much escape to crowds and heat with exception to the room!

I've read that the deluxe resorts tend to 'struggle' during certain times of the year due to the price tag but it wouldn't surprise me if, like you said, the Poly tends to be at capacity or close to year round. As of right now, every category is available for our dates and I'm hoping that since the week "should" fall right before the free dinning offer, we won't run into excessive crowds.

Hopefully the Poly will turn out to be the ideal vacation retreat and if anything, one of those lapu lapus will certainly make it seem that way lol!

You're welcome! I'm always so glad to know that other people are enjoying our pictures!

I hope you have great weather for your trip, and if not, a Lapu Lapu (or two. LOL) will make you feel better!

 

[cutedisneygirly]

I have a funny question for all of you:

I know that since the Poly is an older resort that the shower heads are not as high as the newer resorts. My DFi is 6'1, so he doesn't care for the shorter shower heads since it makes it hard for him to wash his hair (I am 5'5, so it doesn't matter to me ). However, I am wondering if the three newer longhouses do have higher showerheads, or is the height the same throughout the resort?
Also, if they are all shorter, can the showerheads be adjusted (swiveled)?

TIA!!!

 

[BCV23]

I have a funny question for all of you:

I know that since the Poly is an older resort that the shower heads are not as high as the newer resorts. My DFi is 6'1, so he doesn't care for the shorter shower heads since it makes it hard for him to wash his hair (I am 5'5, so it doesn't matter to me ). However, I am wondering if the three newer longhouses do have higher showerheads, or is the height the same throughout the resort?
Also, if they are all shorter, can the showerheads be adjusted (swiveled)?

TIA!!!

They can be swiveled.

I've never noticed if there's a difference in the newer longhouse. But my DH who is 6' has never had a problem. Of course, he travels all the time and is used to different showers. I sometimes wonder if some who complain about that just are so accustomed to a higher showerhead at home that it bothers them.

 

[BCV23]

Hmm can someone elaborate on this?

We haven't traveled in August since 2003 and 2002 and both times were at CBR. We never thought it was overly crowded but I'm having nightmares about the Poly pool being packed full, the beach crowded, etc.

Do the deluxes rarely sell out in the summer months (excluding peak holidays)?

We've been at the Polynesian when it was oversold and the beach is never a problem.

I don't think the Polynesian is always at 100% though. I'm an early riser and you can tell by the number of doors without a paper outside of them.

The rates at the deluxe resorts wouldn't fall in July if there wasn't a dropoff in occupancy. However, just a few years ago I know value season started right after July 4. Now it is pushed back to the 20th so mid July must have picked up in occupancy levels at the deluxe resorts.

We have rarely gone in the summer but the 3 or 4 times we've stayed at the Polynesian in that season, the pools haven't been as crowded as Spring break for instance. One Saturday night is an exception in our experience. But I really think that might have been a case of locals at the pool. It was like one big party and suddenly got very quiet.

But the humidity in the summer can be amazing. In the am, it hangs like a haze sometimes. And the strength of the sun is something too. We get quite hot and humid in the midWest but the sun doesn't beat down like it does in FL.

 

[donalds girl]

Hello All!
Wow! This site is GREAT!
Glad I found you, your tips are excellent!

 

[NeverlandPixie]

Leaving for the Poly in 9 hours!

 

[SeaSpray]

Leaving for the Poly in 9 hours!

WOO HOO!! Have an excellent time!!!!

 

[typhoonlagooner]

We've been at the Polynesian when it was oversold and the beach is never a problem.

I don't think the Polynesian is always at 100% though. I'm an early riser and you can tell by the number of doors without a paper outside of them.

The rates at the deluxe resorts wouldn't fall in July if there wasn't a dropoff in occupancy. However, just a few years ago I know value season started right after July 4. Now it is pushed back to the 20th so mid July must have picked up in occupancy levels at the deluxe resorts.

We have rarely gone in the summer but the 3 or 4 times we've stayed at the Polynesian in that season, the pools haven't been as crowded as Spring break for instance. One Saturday night is an exception in our experience. But I really think that might have been a case of locals at the pool. It was like one big party and suddenly got very quiet.

But the humidity in the summer can be amazing. In the am, it hangs like a haze sometimes. And the strength of the sun is something too. We get quite hot and humid in the midWest but the sun doesn't beat down like it does in FL.

Thanks for the info!

Like I said before, I'm really hoping that the Polynesian will be a great retreat from the park crowds and heat but nervous as to what I could be coming back to in the afternoon! I've been reading about "pool hoppers" at the Poly... glad your experience was handled!

While we were waiting for the BPB at DHS on 3/13 I couldn't believe how hot it was sitting, waiting, and watching... it was only high 70s (but direct sun)... I can't imagine doing that with mid 90s and humidity My shorts and shirt were damp for a good hour (TMI, I know )

It would be rough coming back to the resort with both pools packed, crazy crowd noise, etc. I wouldn't be upset by any means... just disapointed. Like I said though... SeaSpray has taken enough pics of the "adult drinks" at the Poly to make me think that I'll be a-ok once I get a couple of those in me!

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

I don't know about certain times of year, but I do find the Poly to be a busy resort in general. Not as quiet & peaceful as other places we have stayed. I guess that would have something to do with the restaurants, & just the general curiosity of the resort. That being said, I'm still looking forward to checking in 45 days from now!! Especially getting that code. Boy, does that feel good. See you all there!!

 

[BCV23]

SeaSpray has taken enough pics of the "adult drinks" at the Poly to make me think that I'll be a-ok once I get a couple of those in me!

Ah, yes. Terry's great pictures really help with the anticipation, don't they?

 

[cutedisneygirly]

They can be swiveled.

I've never noticed if there's a difference in the newer longhouse. But my DH who is 6' has never had a problem. Of course, he travels all the time and is used to different showers. I sometimes wonder if some who complain about that just are so accustomed to a higher showerhead at home that it bothers them.

Thanks for the info.

He has a higher showerhead at home because it is difficult for him to bend over backwards to get his hair under the water!

 

[typhoonlagooner]

Ah, yes. Terry's great pictures really help with the anticipation, don't they?

It took me through 3 explorer crashes and 2 system freezes before her most recent addition (extremely picture heavy) would load correctly ah but it was worth it.

The only downside? (well beside the freezing and crashing ) Somehow my GV room category just ain't cuttin' it next to her LVC lol

BVC23 what was your favorite longhouse when you stayed there. I believe I read you stayed at every longhouse but 1 or 2...

 

[minnie my my]

Leaving for the Poly in 9 hours!

I hope you have a wonderful trip. Think about all of us while you're there.

 

[BCV23]

Leaving for the Poly in 9 hours!

How did I miss this!?

Have a great time.

Let us know about your visit, please!