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

[cyndisun]

Has anyone ever done a split stay Poly/AKL? Am TRYING to cut costs a BIT (I know AKL won't help much though) and was thinking of doing POLY for 5nts at teh start (with a dining/ticket package) THEN moving to AK for 2-3nts (without a package, just using exisiting tickets but doing meals on our own) We'll have a 2 and 3 yr old...so maybe not a good idea to move??? I just figure for AK and DHS and DTD we need to take a bus anyhow so why not just stay at a cheaper hotel for a few nights to help cut costs? Thoughts??

THANKS!

We are doing that split for the first time in a few weeks. When I get back (and get DS off to school) I will post how it went.

We have done a split stay before with AKL and BWI when DS was five. It really isn't any trouble because Disney transfers your luggage. You just end up at a different hotel at the end of your day. It all went smoothly.

Good luck.

 

[PNO4TE]

Only 21 more days till we're at the Poly!!!!

I can't WAIT!!!

Not long at all!

 

[PNO4TE]

Melanie - We have done split stays on numerous trips. Sometimes it was because we got AP discounts for a portion of the stay at each resort and sometimes it was because we really wanted to try 2 resorts. Since Disney moves your luggage for you (be prepared for a wait on the delivery end) it is not at all difficult to do. You give your luggage to bell services, check out of one resort, head to the park for the day, return to your new resort, check in and when you get to your room, request that your luggage be delivered.

If your kids are still napping, it might be difficult because of the time of year you are traveling. Sometimes we haven't gotten into our second resort until after 4:00 during the holiday season.

If you really want to save some money I would seriously consider a split stay. AKL or even one of the moderates would be a great option for a slightly cheaper resort.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

I'm in the SAME boat as you are! DH has never ever been to Disney and honestly don't have any interest. He's simply going since I'm making him and he'll be a good sport for the girls. The ONLY reason we're splurging to stay at the Poly is b/c I want him to be WOW'd into wanting to go back again. Of course, that'll mean more expensive Poly trips b/c I'm sure once we go once, we can't go to anything else! hehe

I'm contemplating doing a CR/Poly split to help cut the costs. Is this a stupid idea with a 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 yr old and a non-Disney husband? Is it tackling too much? I figure "how hard can it be to switch hotels when they are both on the monorail". Just not sure if it's worth the diff in money to split it. Was thinking 2nts CR and 5nts Poly or 3/4...something like that.

With little ones I would pick one and stay. It is a vacation and you are going to be doing most of the work wanting everyone to have fun. Relax and it will be worth the extra money. You will need to have fun too.

 

[Native NYer]

Maybe this has been asked already, but what kids activities are available at the Poly? We'll be there in 17 days with my 4.5 yr old nephew.

 

[honeybee30]

I think we should all start packing !!! I love taking trips it the packing I don't like and the end of the trip

Speaking of packing....I've still got loads and loads of laundry to do before I can even start packing for next week! Only 6 more days!

I agree, though. I'm not a big fan of packing either, but unpacking really sucks!

I'm contemplating doing a CR/Poly split to help cut the costs. Is this a stupid idea with a 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 yr old and a non-Disney husband? Is it tackling too much? I figure "how hard can it be to switch hotels when they are both on the monorail". Just not sure if it's worth the diff in money to split it. Was thinking 2nts CR and 5nts Poly or 3/4...something like that.

I can't say whether it would be good for your family or not, but we've done split stays several times and they've worked out fine for us. On our August trip we're staying at WL for 2 nights before moving over to the Poly for 10 nights. I admit having a car at WDW makes it easier to switch resorts (we've done it with and without our own transportation), so that might be a consideration.

 

[bunnyfoo]

We'll I've booked the Poly (again) for our January trip! I tried to get a CL room but my TA says they're all gone for my dates. We were thinking it might be due to the marathon weekend or some other convention. She managed to get us the honeymoon suite which sounds fun! I think she's going to keep an eye out for any garden view CL rooms but who knows. It's going to be surprise for my fiance - as in "Surprise! Here's the bill!" No I'm just kidding!!

The CL staff have been fantastic so far - quick replies and I even managed to speak to someone on the phone. When I stayed at AKL CL, I usually had to leave a message and have someone call me back. Do they have more staff working at the Poly IPO?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to January! It can't come quickly enough

 

[BCV23]

We'll I've booked the Poly (again) for our January trip! I tried to get a CL room but my TA says they're all gone for my dates. We were thinking it might be due to the marathon weekend or some other convention. She managed to get us the honeymoon suite which sounds fun! I think she's going to keep an eye out for any garden view CL rooms but who knows. It's going to be surprise for my fiance - as in "Surprise! Here's the bill!" No I'm just kidding!!

The CL staff have been fantastic so far - quick replies and I even managed to speak to someone on the phone. When I stayed at AKL CL, I usually had to leave a message and have someone call me back. Do they have more staff working at the Poly IPO?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to January! It can't come quickly enough

The honeymoon suite is concierge but in the Tonga building. Very cool!

 

[BCV23]

Maybe this has been asked already, but what kids activities are available at the Poly? We'll be there in 17 days with my 4.5 yr old nephew.

On the first page of the thread, there are links to activities. They do vary but it will give you an idea. When you check in, you'll receive a current list.

Happy planning!

 

[Native NYer]

On the first page of the thread, there are links to activities. They do vary but it will give you an idea. When you check in, you'll receive a current list.

Happy planning!

Thanks!!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

The honeymoon suite is concierge but in the Tonga building. Very cool!

Yes, she mentioned that to us! I'm hoping it's a quiet building since I don't think we'll have much of a choice for the room location.

 

[BCV23]

Yes, she mentioned that to us! I'm hoping it's a quiet building since I don't think we'll have much of a choice for the room location.

We've never stayed in Tonga but I bet it's an unusually quiet location. It's a very small building with just two floors...all suites. It has an incredible location...right next to the GCH. You have a view of the marina with the castle beyond if the Honeymoon Suite is on that side of the building which I think it is. Only one of those suites too if memory serves. Have you visited Tikiman's site? He has pictures and info about the suites.

 

[DeblovesPoohbear]

The original activity pool at the Polynesian had a most excellent slide that was set in a grotto. My sons loved it. Much shorter than the current one but they liked it much better.

Thanks!
I love,love,LOVE this thread
My DH and I have been talking aout staying at the Poly for our next trip
We usually do the Wilderness Lodge, my DH has stayed at the Poly when he was a kid. But this thread has us sold. That Tonga toast, OMG! That is making my mouth water!!!!

 

[funntheson]

I guess we better get busy as well!

 

[honeybee30]

I guess we better get busy as well!

It looks like you're arriving the same day as us!

We're driving down on the 29th & checking-in on the 30th!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We also check-in the 30th!!! Party in my room!!!!!

 

[johnsonet]

It looks like you're arriving the same day as us!

We're driving down on the 29th & checking-in on the 30th!

We also check-in the 30th!!! Party in my room!!!!!

Are you going to be doing live reports? I am!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I promised DH I'd try not to spend too much time online When we were down in May I did a live report from the BC and posted several times a day. I think he got annoyed with me.

 

[johnsonet]

I promised DH I'd try not to spend too much time online When we were down in May I did a live report from the BC and posted several times a day. I think he got annoyed with me.

I can totally understand that Maybe you can post just here and there

Yes, I enjoyed your posts from BC a lot, that is why I was asking. I'll be traveling alone with my daughter and once she's in bed I'm thinking of doing live reports - I enjoy reading other people's so much

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

DH and I will be alone. So it might be hard to find time for posting!