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

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Got it.

 

[fortheboys]

I love this thread! I've been reading it all afternoon.. thankfully my boss hasn't needed me for anything.

I do have a question though... We'll be going on our "Disneymoon" in Oct 2009 and will be staying at the Polynesian (SOOOOO EXCITED!); has anyone stayed here on their honeymoon and what kind of perks did you get? Room Upgrades??

We stayed in a GVC at the Poly for our Honeymoon in Nov of 2001. No room upgrade - we paid for it! About a month before the trip they sent a big box filled with beanies (3 or 4 bugs life characters) stickers, and other things I can't remember - but the box was about 2 or 3 times the size of a shoebox! Good size! Upon arrival they had chocolates in the room, every day there was something in the room. A single red rose, a personalized mini chocolate cake, a decorated plate with choc. covered strawberries etc. No towel art or things like that (It wasn't common back then!), but also some special treatment in the parks at our ADR's... Loved every minute of it!

 

[jkstewart1800]

I was wondering if the boats were a faster way to get to the MK in the morning.

And I was told there are TWO boats. One directly at the marina of the hotel and then one at the TTC (which I was told was a short walk from the poly)

So boat or monorail? and if monorail should we take the poly stop or walk to the TTC and take the monorail from there?

Any adviced would be appreciated

 

[shyjade]

I was wondering if the boats were a faster way to get to the MK in the morning.

And I was told there are TWO boats. One directly at the marina of the hotel and then one at the TTC (which I was told was a short walk from the poly)

So boat or monorail? and if monorail should we take the poly stop or walk to the TTC and take the monorail from there?

Any adviced would be appreciated

The boat from the TTC is the ferry. It's larger, but slower, and open to the public (picture the masses of people rushing in from the parking lot when the parks open). DEFINATELY take the boat from the Poly!

 

[BCV23]

We stayed in a GVC at the Poly for our Honeymoon in Nov of 2001. No room upgrade - we paid for it! About a month before the trip they sent a big box filled with beanies (3 or 4 bugs life characters) stickers, and other things I can't remember - but the box was about 2 or 3 times the size of a shoebox! Good size! Upon arrival they had chocolates in the room, every day there was something in the room. A single red rose, a personalized mini chocolate cake, a decorated plate with choc. covered strawberries etc. No towel art or things like that (It wasn't common back then!), but also some special treatment in the parks at our ADR's... Loved every minute of it!

Wow, you certainly received some magic on your honeymoon! Happy planning for your return trip to the Polynesian.

I was wondering if the boats were a faster way to get to the MK in the morning.

And I was told there are TWO boats. One directly at the marina of the hotel and then one at the TTC (which I was told was a short walk from the poly)

So boat or monorail? and if monorail should we take the poly stop or walk to the TTC and take the monorail from there?

Any adviced would be appreciated

The little launches from the Polynesian dock are great fun and charming. The MK is the next stop after the Polynesian so it can be a very quick ride to the MK. However, they don't run until 8:30 and the wait can be longer than for the monorail. Our favorite way to do it is take the monorail in the am and return via the launch. But be sure to try both whatever order you try.

The boat from the TTC is the ferry. It's larger, but slower, and open to the public (picture the masses of people rushing in from the parking lot when the parks open). DEFINATELY take the boat from the Poly!

Yes, taking the ferry to the MK would be crowded. However, it is actually quite fast....the crossing takes 5 minutes. We sometimes return to the Polynesian via the big ferry midday especially if we're in Rapa Nui which is so close to the TTC. It's almost like having your own private boat. Just kidding but not many people return that time of day. And it is an easy rollon for large strollers or wheelchairs.

 

[OilyStars]

We stayed in a GVC at the Poly for our Honeymoon in Nov of 2001. No room upgrade - we paid for it! About a month before the trip they sent a big box filled with beanies (3 or 4 bugs life characters) stickers, and other things I can't remember - but the box was about 2 or 3 times the size of a shoebox! Good size! Upon arrival they had chocolates in the room, every day there was something in the room. A single red rose, a personalized mini chocolate cake, a decorated plate with choc. covered strawberries etc. No towel art or things like that (It wasn't common back then!), but also some special treatment in the parks at our ADR's... Loved every minute of it!

Thanks for the info! We book our trips online and I was really bummed when they took away the romantic escape (?) and the Honeymoon notificiation option. I guess too many people were claiming to be on their honeymoon and ruined it for the rest of us....

My DF said he's going to find a reason to call Disney once we've booked our vacation online and let them know it's our honeymoon (and his birthday!). I'm not really worried about the room views, although it would be nice to have a view of the theme park, since all the rooms have a pretty good view of vegitation or whatever.

Ok. I'm ready to go on vacation now!

 

[shyjade]

Thanks for the info! We book our trips online and I was really bummed when they took away the romantic escape (?) and the Honeymoon notificiation option. I guess too many people were claiming to be on their honeymoon and ruined it for the rest of us....

My DF said he's going to find a reason to call Disney once we've booked our vacation online and let them know it's our honeymoon (and his birthday!). I'm not really worried about the room views, although it would be nice to have a view of the theme park, since all the rooms have a pretty good view of vegitation or whatever.

Ok. I'm ready to go on vacation now!

Often when making ADR's I've been asked if we will be celebrating anything special, and I take that opportunity (when presented to me) to mention it (if we are). Since our Nov. trip is a gift to my parents for their upcoming 30th anniversary, some CM's have actually given me suggestions (without my asking) about ways to help make it more magical (eg. requesting anniversary pins). I always graciously thank them for their ideas and never let on that I already know these things thanks to the DIS!

 

[CruisingCamper]

Good Morning Everyone,

We have a gotten our docs in the mail, along with our luggage tags for DME, so now, I am really excited!!! YaHOO!!!! One Month from today!!


So, now to my question: I need to ship some things for DS1 to the Poly for our stay, anyone ever done this? And which address do you use? I guess I may need to call WDW and ask what to include on the labels.

I checked out gardengrocer, net grocer, etc... but I'm thinking that even though they may be less of a headache for me, that I still need to purchase my own supplies and mail them.

Thanks for any info!!!

 

[KJF]

I tried to reserve a room at the Poly in Hawaii during 4/18-4/23 and I can not believe that there are not any club level rooms availble during this time period. Does anyone have any idea what could be happening???

I'm pretty sure I remember hearing that Easter is 4/19 next year. If so, that would explain them being sold out.

 

[Tonyspad]

I thought the same thing, but Easter is 4/12 in 2009.

 

[shellbelle]

Does the bug spray keep the lovebugs off of you also? We don't have lovebugs where I live so I don't know much about anything other than mosquitos.

We have lovebugs in the Spring. Sprays do not help. If anything, I would think it would make them stick to you. I would NOT suggest a spray.

They seem to be attracted to white/light colors. They are not everywhere, but seem to migrate in certain areas. They do not bite and will not hurt you, just annoy you.

 

[shyjade]

I saw the beginning of the launch post with tons of great pictures of not only the Poly but of massive amounts of F O O D!! Well, how does one stay in shape while indulging on all these great tasting lunches, and dinners? Do they have a fitness center at the resort?
Thanks All!

Brunette

Yes, there is tons of great food at Disney! I've found that we walk SO much while we're there, the extra calories don't hurt us too bad. We may gain a few pounds when we get home, but many people average 10-12 miles of walking per day, and that burns a lot of calories! Plus Disney offers plenty of healthy food alternatives for those who want to eat better. Personally, vacation is my "eat what I want" time.

 

[CDolacki2003]

My DH, DAunt(mid 70's), and I did this tour a couple of months ago. It's called the Wildlife Discovery Excursion, and we really enjoyed it. It takes place along the same path that the Kilimanjaro Safari goes on, except that we kept stopping and pulling off the road while the guide spoke. They take you "back stage" to board a special van for this tour.

We got to ask any and all questions that we had (I noticed the "chainmail" that was wrapped around many of the trees and so I got to ask about it). The guide really provided a ton of info, and you had to wait for him to take a breath for a break in the conversation in order to ask a question. LOL I'm exaggerating a little, but he was very good, very informative, and he did stop once in a while to see if anyone had any questions. He seemed to really enjoy his work.

Seaspray, again many thanks for the wonderful info. I am hoping to do the early safari, at 10 I believe it is. I heard the animals are more active in the am then the afternoon one.

 

[brunette8706]

Hi All!

First, I would like to say there is a tremendous amount of information on this board and alot of information just on this thread alone. My question, though, is if you get a patio room that is right near the pool, do you lock the patio door? I know it's a stupid question, but if I'm going to access the pool via the patio can you lock it somehow from the outside? What is your experience? Or have you just went to the pool via the long way?

Thank you!

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Yes, there is tons of great food at Disney! I've found that we walk SO much while we're there, the extra calories don't hurt us too bad. We may gain a few pounds when we get home, but many people average 10-12 miles of walking per day, and that burns a lot of calories! Plus Disney offers plenty of healthy food alternatives for those who want to eat better. Personally, vacation is my "eat what I want" time.

Thanks! Makes sense to me. I wonder if the Tonga toast at the Captain Cooks take out is the same as in Kona? Do you know!? THis is something I would love to try.

thanks!
Brunette

 

[sandym718]

Hi All!

First, I would like to say there is a tremendous amount of information on this board and alot of information just on this thread alone. My question, though, is if you get a patio room that is right near the pool, do you lock the patio door? I know it's a stupid question, but if I'm going to access the pool via the patio can you lock it somehow from the outside? What is your experience? Or have you just went to the pool via the long way?

Thank you!

Brunette

There is no way to lock the patio doors from the outside. DH and I would take turns leaving the room this way (the other sitting outside, this is when the kids were napping), but if we were all going to the pool or elsewhere, we used the regular room door. We were not near the pool, though, so it wasn't really an issue.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I wonder if the Tonga toast at the Captain Cooks take out is the same as in Kona?

Others have posted the Tonga Toast at Captin Cook's is the same as Kona Cafe.

 

[team disney]

Aloha!
I finally read each and every post (I did it over 7 days!).

My family of four will experience our first stay at the Poly Sept 26- Oct. 1.
We are so excited! This year we plan to slow down a bit and really want to enjoy our Disney Resort. We are not park hopping! I think that in itself will slow us down.... no rushing here or there. We will visit mk, epcot, ds, and Ak, but doing one park a day with a long break mid day at the Poly.
The pictures, trip reports, and inforamtion here have been very valuable to me! Thanks to all!

2 questions
1. When does Love bug season end? I have experienced it before while staying at allstar sports and those stinkin' things were everywhere... even embedded in the curtains of our room! EWWWWWWW!

2. My Mom and Dad (Florida residents) will spend a day with us and I was wondering if they will be able to park at the Poly, have breakfast with us at Kona's, leave the car there and join us for the day at DS?

TIA

 

[brunette8706]

There is no way to lock the patio doors from the outside. DH and I would take turns leaving the room this way (the other sitting outside, this is when the kids were napping), but if we were all going to the pool or elsewhere, we used the regular room door. We were not near the pool, though, so it wasn't really an issue.

Thanks Sandy!

Do you think it would be "safe" to leave it unlocked while at the pool??? Maybe not, huh.

Thanks for your reply.

Hi CR Resort Fan 4 Life!

Thanks for the quick answer! I am definitely going to try the Tonga toast at Captain Cooks then. This way I can eat it outside.

Thank you!

Brunette

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi CR Resort Fan 4 Life!

Thanks for the quick answer! I am definitely going to try the Tonga toast at Captain Cooks then. This way I can eat it outside.

Thank you!

You're welcome and have a great time.