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

[CJK]

Hi all!

Dh and I are going to the Polynesian for 3 nights next month to celebrate our 10th anniversary! We've booked a garden view room and have requested a third floor room because I just LOVE sitting on the balcony, sipping wine and enjoying the view!

I was wondering if anyone has some advice on any special way we can celebrate our anniversary? Our big dinner is at Jiko, but we're also eating at 'Ohana and Kona Cafe. I'm not able to spend much more additional money (we're not on the dining plan since it made more sense to get an AP rate on our room rather than get free dining) so I'm looking for somewhat thrifty ideas. I'm already dreaming about watching the fireworks on the beach together and going for evening walks throughout the resort.

Thanks for the fabulous thread. I'm so excited!!!!

 

[fortheboys]

Hi all!

I was wondering if anyone has some advice on any special way we can celebrate our anniversary? Our big dinner is at Jiko, but we're also eating at 'Ohana and Kona Cafe. I'm not able to spend much more additional money (we're not on the dining plan since it made more sense to get an AP rate on our room rather than get free dining) so I'm looking for somewhat thrifty ideas. I'm already dreaming about watching the fireworks on the beach together and going for evening walks throughout the resort.

Thanks for the fabulous thread. I'm so excited!!!!

On our honeymoon we enjoyed naps in the hammock on the beach, get there early to snag it for fireworks! We also made sure the desk staff (and anyone else!) knew we were honeymooners - don't be shy to share that its a special occassion! Often they will suprise you with something - a bit of extra magic (could be a rose in your room, or dessert at dinner) We really enjoyed strolling around the parks at dusk - especially the rose garden area in MK, and the world showcase can be very romantic, you can sit on the water and enjoy a margarita or snack...We also made use of the pool late in the evening when it was quiet. It was lovely to sit on the edge or lay in the water and stare across at the castle We also sat in the chairs outside Ohana's and enjoyed cocktails and the view! ... Enjoy your trip!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

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?

Welcome to the Poly FAQ.

Last August I had a room right outside of the Nanea Volcano pool in the Samoa longhouse. As other posters have said you can't lock it from the outside. When my daughter, nephews and godsister went to the pool, they had a room key with them as I locked the patio door after they'd left. Being in the Samoa building we didn't have that long of a way to go to get to the pool. Even exiting the room through the front door it took us around 30 seconds at the most.

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!

Aloha! From what I can remember when I lived in Orlando, Love Bug season ends in October for the September swarm and June for the May swarm. They are such a friggin' nuisance!

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?

I did this last August as well when we had family members meet us for dinner at 'Ohana. They will be allowed to park but will only be issued a 3 hour parking pass to park in the lot. Hope that helps!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We just returned from a wonderful stay at the Poly.

I think we had one of the nicest rooms at the resort - 3rd floor Samoa with a view of the volcano pool, GF Wedding chapel, boat dock and could watch the EWP from our balcony.

Kids had a great time at both the volcano and the quiet pools and it was one of the most relaxing Disney vacations we've ever had. We've stay at the Poly before and liked it but this trip we fell in love with the Poly.

We're having a hard time deciding between the Poly and GF for next 4th of July vacation!

 

[karapp75]

i know there is a smoking thread out there and I have looked it up but i went through so many pages and couldn't find what I was looking for. I have looked online for maps of the poly and can't find the designated smoking areas listed. I am allergic to smoke and just want to make sure my room isn't located near one. I am not flaming anyone or giving any opinions. Can some nice diser just state where they are located? Thanks so much.

 

[Briggidge2]

We just got back from the Poly today. We so didn't want to leave! It was so beautiful and so tranquil! I'll eventually post some pictures...but for right now i'm gonna go and unpack and go to bed!

 

[brunette8706]

Welcome to the Poly FAQ.

Last August I had a room right outside of the Nanea Volcano pool in the Samoa longhouse. As other posters have said you can't lock it from the outside. When my daughter, nephews and godsister went to the pool, they had a room key with them as I locked the patio door after they'd left. Being in the Samoa building we didn't have that long of a way to go to get to the pool. Even exiting the room through the front door it took us around 30 seconds at the most.



Hi!

Thank you so much for the information. I did see your photo of the view that you posted in this link! Just beatiful! Thanks again for the great information!

Brunette

 

[BCV23]

We just got back from the Poly today. We so didn't want to leave! It was so beautiful and so tranquil! I'll eventually post some pictures...but for right now i'm gonna go and unpack and go to bed!

Beautiful and tranquil indeed. Looking forward to your pictures.

 

[lzj21428]

i know there is a smoking thread out there and I have looked it up but i went through so many pages and couldn't find what I was looking for. I have looked online for maps of the poly and can't find the designated smoking areas listed. I am allergic to smoke and just want to make sure my room isn't located near one. I am not flaming anyone or giving any opinions. Can some nice diser just state where they are located? Thanks so much.

If you look at the top of the Resorts Board there is a "sticky" thread that has maps of all the resorts with the DSA's . It's titled WDW Resorts Smoke Free/With Maps

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Just booked this morning for our honeymoon!! Got a AAA rate of 301.75 a night plus tax for July 19-24th. I am sooo excited! Haven't stayed at Poly since 1994 when I was 13 years old. Woo Hoo!

 

[team disney]

Welcome to the Poly FAQ.

Aloha! From what I can remember when I lived in Orlando, Love Bug season ends in October for the September swarm and June for the May swarm. They are such a friggin' nuisance!



I did this last August as well when we had family members meet us for dinner at 'Ohana. They will be allowed to park but will only be issued a 3 hour parking pass to park in the lot. Hope that helps!

Thank you MsSstinkerbelle! I have enjoyed your posts and I am seriously considering booking a Decemebr 2009 trip. I have got to see Disney at Christmas!
Does the poly do a pretty good job with cleaning up those love bugs? When I stayed at the All star sports besides the squished bugs in the curtain I had a few squished on the walls. I did call mousekeeping but it never did get cleaned up during my stay. We kind of just dealt with it. yuck!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

i know there is a smoking thread out there and I have looked it up but i went through so many pages and couldn't find what I was looking for. I have looked online for maps of the poly and can't find the designated smoking areas listed. I am allergic to smoke and just want to make sure my room isn't located near one. I am not flaming anyone or giving any opinions. Can some nice diser just state where they are located? Thanks so much.

Here are the smoking areas that are listed on the Polynesian map. There is one before you enter the Great Ceremonial House from the front and another one past automatic doors which lead to the various Longhouses. Besides that they are some by the various Longhouses and those would be Aotearoa, Tuvalu, Rapi Nui and the Tangaroa Terrace. Besides those locations they also have them by the Luau Cove, by the Volacano pool, the bathrooms by the quiet pool, and on the walkway to the Transportation & Ticket Center.

 

[Shell54]

Here are the smoking areas that are listed on the Polynesian map. There is one before you enter the Great Ceremonial House from the front and another one past automatic doors which lead to the various Longhouses. Besides that they are some by the various Longhouses and those would be Aotearoa, Tuvalu, Rapi Nui and the Tangaroa Terrace. Besides those locations they also have them by the Luau Cove, by the Volacano pool, the bathrooms by the quiet pool, and on the walkway to the Transportation & Ticket Center.

Thanks as always for the helpful info CR Resort Fan 4 LifeMy DH is a cigar smoker I myself dislike smoking and have been trying to get him to quit to no avail...he isn't permitted to smoke in the house..He will be thrilled (I'm not exaggerating) to know that he can have a cigar some evenings with his drinks in those designated areas. I know he shouldn't smoke..so please no flames folks.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks as always for the helpful info CR Resort Fan 4 LifeMy DH is a cigar smoker I myself dislike smoking and have been trying to get him to quit to no avail...he isn't permitted to smoke in the house..He will be thrilled (I'm not exaggerating) to know that he can have a cigar some evenings with his drinks in those designated areas. I know he shouldn't smoke..so please no flames folks.

You're welcome and no flames from me because if he wants to smoke that is his decision.

 

[jkstewart1800]

man, that seems like a lot of smoking areas... I guess I was just thinking there would be one maybe two.... not a spot outside every building....

 

[krbq]

i know there is a smoking thread out there and I have looked it up but i went through so many pages and couldn't find what I was looking for. I have looked online for maps of the poly and can't find the designated smoking areas listed. I am allergic to smoke and just want to make sure my room isn't located near one. I am not flaming anyone or giving any opinions. Can some nice diser just state where they are located? Thanks so much.

Here's the map:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/PolynesianMap.pdf

 

[Tess]

Thanks as always for the helpful info CR Resort Fan 4 LifeMy DH is a cigar smoker I myself dislike smoking and have been trying to get him to quit to no avail...he isn't permitted to smoke in the house..He will be thrilled (I'm not exaggerating) to know that he can have a cigar some evenings with his drinks in those designated areas. I know he shouldn't smoke..so please no flames folks.

There are also three second floor table and chair set-ups, that I have seen--could be more, for smokers. One is on the open deck crossing between Niue and Raratonga, the second is at the south end of Samoa, and the third is at the south end of Figi. The latter two are covered areas. The rest of the areas are in the open.

I have also seen many people smoking around the pool bar deck area although some have said they were not permitted to smoke there. Guess it is up to the bartender on duty???? The volcano pool smoking area is kind of hidden. It's on the upper deck area and surrounded by vegetation.

All of that being said, we witnessed many people smoking in the tiki huts around the quiet pool as well and no one bothered them, including CMs.

Just information folks, do not shoot the messenger.

 

[shyjade]

There are also three second floor table and chair set-ups, that I have seen--could be more, for smokers. One is on the open deck crossing between Niue and Raratonga, the second is at the south end of Samoa, and the third is at the south end of Figi. The latter two are covered areas. The rest of the areas are in the open.

This was a real bummer on our last trip because we were on the 2nd floor in Fiji. We would normally take the stairs and there it was, staring us in the face every time we passed it...the designated smoking balcony. The bummer part for us was that because we were on the 2nd floor, we had no balcony to sit out on and enjoy. That would've been the perfect place to sit, but I was travelling alone with my DD9, I didn't want to sit out there with her. Guess I felt a little ripped off that we didn't have a balcony to sit on yet the smokers had one.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I think we had one of the nicest rooms at the resort - 3rd floor Samoa with a view of the volcano pool, GF Wedding chapel, boat dock and could watch the EWP from our balcony.

Welcome back! Isn't Samoa a wonderful longhouse? What room on the 3rd floor were you in?

We just got back from the Poly today. We so didn't want to leave! It was so beautiful and so tranquil! I'll eventually post some pictures...but for right now i'm gonna go and unpack and go to bed!

That Post-Poly-Blues are something else, aren't they? Out of all the Disney hotels I've stayed in, I felt like kicking and screaming when I had to leave the Poly. Can't wait to see those pictures!

Thank you so much for the information. I did see your photo of the view that you posted in this link! Just beatiful! Thanks again for the great information!

You are very welcome! Glad I could help. One of these days I'm going to get all of my Poly photos in the same place.

Thank you MsSstinkerbelle! I have enjoyed your posts and I am seriously considering booking a Decemebr 2009 trip. I have got to see Disney at Christmas!

You're very welcome! While its super-crowded, we'd rather be nowhere else at Christmas. I've done Disney countless times during the summer so it's a special treat to see how the place is transformed for the holidays. Definitely worth considering for Christmas 2009!

Does the poly do a pretty good job with cleaning up those love bugs?

I haven't been at the Poly during love bug season but I do know they keep the grounds very clean. There will probably still be a few 'nuisance' love bugs but from what I hear they do a good job of keeping them under control.

 

[Tess]

Guess I felt a little ripped off that we didn't have a balcony to sit on yet the smokers had one.

Imagine how they would feel if it was pouring down rain and nowhere to go. I have actually seen folks using the space to sit and eat rather than smoking. In fact, I've rarely seen the spaces occupied unless it was raining. Maybe it's more of an evening thing, I'll admit I don't do a lot of wandering at night.