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

[CruisingCamper]

26 days to go!!! Yahoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so ready for the world!! It pains me to sit here at work...and wait, and wait, and wait!!

My DH also thinks that I go overboard on planning and thinking about our WDW trip. I keep asking him questions about what he thinks we need to pack, or plan to do and all he ever says is "I don't care!!" He does love WDW though.

 

[Briggidge2]

Great pictures!! I cannot wait until we're at the Poly. What rate was your room? We are garden view. I love your view.

We had the garden view too. I think there are no bad view at the Poly! Since we were facing the MK side, even with the buildings in front of it, we could see the fireworks from our bed. (we found this out the last night. It's hard to put kids to bed when they can see fireworks. LOL!)

 

[Briggidge2]

Briggedge2- Thanks for the pictures What a beautiful family!

Great pics. You just upped my excitement level!!!

TFS

Briggidge2:

Awesome pictures.

Thanks for posting your wonderful pics!! You have a lovely family!!

I can't wait to get there!! Only 30 long days left

Not a problem! I know how it is to be so many days out and seeing the pics just makes you more excited about the trip!

Oh how I'm enjoying the pix!!! I wish I were there RIGHT NOW! More pix please!!

How much is it to rent a boat? Do you drive it yourself or does a CM drive you? Sounds like something DH would LOVE to do!

OK so has anyone had the Pork sandwich from Captain Cooks? It sounds sooo scrumptious. I need ot know if it's as good as it sounds!

THANKS!

I think for the pontoon boat, it was 45 dollars per half hour and we had it for an hour. An hour is the perfect amount to see what you can see via boat. Just don't play chicken with the ferry boats like my DH did. LOL! Those boats have the right of way and our pontoon didn't move as fast. The smaller speed boats are cheaper, but for our whole family to enjoy, the pontoon was the best option.

I don't know about the pork sandwich, but the adult grilled cheese looked mighty yummy! And don't forget to have a dole whip!

Briggidge2, thanks for the pics! I'm counting down the days to our trip, my husband thinks it's silly but after looking at those pictures I can't wait to go!

My DH started to go crazy a week before our trip b/c I packing and taking things out, and packing it back in...like a mad woman. My over-planning paid off though...I had packed one of those instant cool pack things and some extra strength aspirin in my "emergency everything bag" and in the middle of our trip, my DH sprained his ankle and was thankful for my over-preparedness. HAHA!

 

[shinnl]

Hi guys. First time post.

Our family of 4 (me, wife, 5 year old girl and 2 year old boy) currently have a hold for a GV room at the Poly for Thanksgiving week this year. We have another week before we have to confirm them, so I have been doing some research on the Poly and other resorts nearby.

I did a rate search on the Disney site this afternoon and noticed for the first time that the Grand Floridian was coming up a bit cheaper. Couple this with a less than glowing review on the pod-cast on this site regarding the food at the Poly, and I am thinking of switching.

So a question to the Poly veterans. Was the review on the pod-cast too rough? In particular regarding the food quality at the character breakfast and at Captain Cook's.

Or maybe the Poly is just better suited to kids as compared to the Grand Floridian. Although I noticed the Grand Floridian did have a character breakfast and dinner there.

Let me know what you think.

-Lee

 

[seashellmom]

We arrived on Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and the hotel is beautiful. I did not expect our room to be ready, but it was . . . . . . . . . in the Hawaii building!!! Yes, we got a free upgrade to conceirge level. We have the best view of the castle and can walk right out on to the beach. I was so excited and my husband had no clue what that meant. Just wanted to do a quick post. Will hopefully have more time tomorrow.

 

[johnsonet]

Hi guys. First time post.

Our family of 4 (me, wife, 5 year old girl and 2 year old boy) currently have a hold for a GV room at the Poly for Thanksgiving week this year. We have another week before we have to confirm them, so I have been doing some research on the Poly and other resorts nearby.

I did a rate search on the Disney site this afternoon and noticed for the first time that the Grand Floridian was coming up a bit cheaper. Couple this with a less than glowing review on the pod-cast on this site regarding the food at the Poly, and I am thinking of switching.

So a question to the Poly veterans. Was the review on the pod-cast too rough? In particular regarding the food quality at the character breakfast and at Captain Cook's.

Or maybe the Poly is just better suited to kids as compared to the Grand Floridian. Although I noticed the Grand Floridian did have a character breakfast and dinner there.

Let me know what you think.

-Lee

I haven't heard the podcast, but I was just at both Polynesian and GF and they are both wonderful. Why not stick with your first choice and give it a try? The resorts are VERY different. You children will be thrilled with both.
Re. food quality, Polynesian has the always delicious Kona Cafe, as well as 'Ohana and Captain Cook's which has always been good for us.
We did skip Ohana character breakfast this trip b/c we wanted to go back to Kona Cafe but I think Ohana would be a must-do with little ones your age
GF has even better dining choices, like Citrico's and Narcoossee's and GF Cafe plus afternoon tea in the Garden View Lounge AND Victoria and Albert's the adults-only high-end restaurant, but I was NOT impressed with the Cinderella's Royal Feast at 1900 Park Faire... We were essentially herded in like cattle (this happens at 'Ohana too, from the looks of it) and the food was NOT impressive, except for the desserts. We had a very nice server and Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters were funny, so I don't regret going but the food quality was not great, especially for $80+ for 2 people... AT ALL. BUT, Character meals are worth it for the children

I would stick with the Polynesian

 

[johnsonet]

I've been planning my honeymoon at the poly for the last year and now it's a week away. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful information I've gathered from this thread. We decided to go all out and stay in the Honeymoon Suite. We're soooo excited! We are planning on taking the Carriage Ride at Port Orleans the evening we arrive at sunset. What would be the fastest and easiest way to get there? I assume it's a cab. From there I understand we can take a boat to Downtown Disney. (Gotta get the Bride and Groom Ears)

CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes

Maybe a bus from TTC directly to PO?

Hopefully you will share some pix of the honeymoon suite (hint, hint)!

26 days to go!!! Yahoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so ready for the world!! It pains me to sit here at work...and wait, and wait, and wait!!

My DH also thinks that I go overboard on planning and thinking about our WDW trip. I keep asking him questions about what he thinks we need to pack, or plan to do and all he ever says is "I don't care!!" He does love WDW though.

Hilarious! I can totally relate on the DH part. I love planning and he prefers to book a trip a couple of days in advance!! No, no, no, no, NO!

26 days will pass before you know it and then you'll be BACK home, planning your next trip

 

[momatater]

We arrived on Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and the hotel is beautiful. I did not expect our room to be ready, but it was . . . . . . . . . in the Hawaii building!!! Yes, we got a free upgrade to conceirge level. We have the best view of the castle and can walk right out on to the beach. I was so excited and my husband had no clue what that meant. Just wanted to do a quick post. Will hopefully have more time tomorrow.

Congrats on the upgrade!! The view from there is fabulous! I can't wait to check-in soon! (we are also staying LG CL!!)

Enjoy your trip and keep us updated when you can!!!

 

[johnsonet]

We arrived on Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and the hotel is beautiful. I did not expect our room to be ready, but it was . . . . . . . . . in the Hawaii building!!! Yes, we got a free upgrade to conceirge level. We have the best view of the castle and can walk right out on to the beach. I was so excited and my husband had no clue what that meant. Just wanted to do a quick post. Will hopefully have more time tomorrow.

OMG. Congratulations! What a sweet upgrade I was in Hawaii bldg a couple of weeks ago on the 3d floor. Could NOT believe our views LOVED it. Great, quiet building and very nice staff

Hope you'll check back in with the thread

 

[disneyfan67]

I hope your trip is magical. You have a great attitude re. the price. We were lagoon view club level a couple of weeks ago and I swear it was worth every penny! The Polynesian is a WONDERFUL place to stay while at Disney. Maybe we'll see you there next August

Thank you very much and unless something really bad was to happen on that trip, it never ceases to be a magical time. It's one of the reasons why I choose the Polynesian because not only do I know it so well, it's theme is a big part of my vacation and complements it. On the issue concerning the cost and having to be rich to stay at the Poly, I have a few suggestions. The rack rates at the Poly are ridiculous, but if you look around and find a good TA who can get blocks of rooms at a great discount, then it's affordable. Same with 40% bounce back offers. You just have to look around, do your homework, save like crazy, and a little luck doesn't hurt either.


One of things that stands out to me about the Poly, is how laid back and easy it makes touring the parks. On my last trip July 2007, I had the chance to see Sea Spray, along with a few others on this board and we all got to know each other. My family had just gotten back from a day at MK, we had ate and a bunch of us were just relaxing in the Volcano pool. Then a few others had mentioned going to MK later that night for EMH and next thing I know I'm back at MK in less than 15 minutes. Next thing I know it's 2am in the morning and my family is finally getting to bed. It was some good times had on that trip and staying at the Polynesian made it possible. I couldn't get that feeling or convenience from staying off site somewhere. Sorry to ramble, but it's easy for me to do when talking about the Poly.

 

[johnsonet]

Thank you very much and unless something really bad was to happen on that trip, it never ceases to be a magical time. It's one of the reasons why I choose the Polynesian because not only do I know it so well, it's theme is a big part of my vacation and complements it. On the issue concerning the cost and having to be rich to stay at the Poly, I have a few suggestions. The rack rates at the Poly are ridiculous, but if you look around and find a good TA who can get blocks of rooms at a great discount, then it's affordable. Same with 40% bounce back offers. You just have to look around, do your homework, save like crazy, and a little luck doesn't hurt either.


One of things that stands out to me about the Poly, is how laid back and easy it makes touring the parks. On my last trip July 2007, I had the chance to see Sea Spray, along with a few others on this board and we all got to know each other. My family had just gotten back from a day at MK, we had ate and a bunch of us were just relaxing in the Volcano pool. Then a few others had mentioned going to MK later that night for EMH and next thing I know I'm back at MK in less than 15 minutes. Next thing I know it's 2am in the morning and my family is finally getting to bed. It was some good times had on that trip and staying at the Polynesian made it possible. I couldn't get that feeling or convenience from staying off site somewhere. Sorry to ramble, but it's easy for me to do when talking about the Poly.

Thanks. Sounds like the Polynesian is where you are meant to be I agree about how it complements a relaxed, but magical, vacation. And meeting up with other DISers can be awesome

Briggidge2 Thanks for your pics, your family is precious I love the pic in your room of your DH looking at the TV (?) and some of the children around the bed

 

[SeaSpray]

I just wanted to check in and say hello to everyone. My family and I have decided on staying at the Poly in August 2009 and that's what we're gearing up for. Sure it's expensive and does seem out of reach, but that's what saving money for something you really want is all about, IMO. On our budget, we should be staying at a moderate, but the Poly is like home to my family and it wouldn't be a true Disney vacation to us, without staying there. I get bummed about the ever increasing room rates and swear each time my last trip, is it for awhile, but then we start to miss it so much. Here's hoping that I'll see some of you August 1 – August 10, 2009, that's the dates I'll be there. Aloha everyone.

OMG ED!!! We're planning on the first week of August 2009, too!!!!! YAY!!!! It would be so awesome to see you and Maryann again!!! We're hoping to see a LOT of "old" friends again!!

 

[Picabo]

The rack rates at the Poly are ridiculous, but if you look around and find a good TA who can get blocks of rooms at a great discount, then it's affordable. You just have to look around, do your homework, save like crazy, and a little luck doesn't hurt either.

OK now you've really peaked my curiosity...how on earth do you find an agent who has a block of rooms at discounted rates? Is that cheaper than getting a public discount and/or pin, etc? If there are agents out there with group rates, can you add a package (tkts/dining) to it???? I'm very interested in this!

Thank you!

 

[SeaSpray]

OK now you've really peaked my curiosity...how on earth do you find an agent who has a block of rooms at discounted rates? Is that cheaper than getting a public discount and/or pin, etc? If there are agents out there with group rates, can you add a package (tkts/dining) to it???? I'm very interested in this!

Thank you!

disneyfan67 and I use the same travel agent. This recent thread should answer a lot of your questions: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1911354


P.S. Yes, you can add a package to the discounted group rates.

 

[disneyag08]

Thank you sooo much for this detailed response about the Polynesian! My family is going to WDW Jan 2009 and we are staying there for the first time. I was wondering about the details and pluses to staying here and thanks to you I now know!

 

[baloosballs]

Thanks Johnsonet! I'll do what I can about the pics.

 

[WOODY13]

Hi guys. First time post.

Our family of 4 (me, wife, 5 year old girl and 2 year old boy) currently have a hold for a GV room at the Poly for Thanksgiving week this year. We have another week before we have to confirm them, so I have been doing some research on the Poly and other resorts nearby.

I did a rate search on the Disney site this afternoon and noticed for the first time that the Grand Floridian was coming up a bit cheaper. Couple this with a less than glowing review on the pod-cast on this site regarding the food at the Poly, and I am thinking of switching.

So a question to the Poly veterans. Was the review on the pod-cast too rough? In particular regarding the food quality at the character breakfast and at Captain Cook's.

Or maybe the Poly is just better suited to kids as compared to the Grand Floridian. Although I noticed the Grand Floridian did have a character breakfast and dinner there.

Let me know what you think.

-Lee

Lee, I did listen to the podcast and I was shocked at Pete's review of Kona. I think it is one of the first times I have heard a bad review of Kona. It is one of our favorites. We also liked O'Hana but only have done it for dinner. Captain Cook's is not the best quick service on property but not bad. You could always take the monorail to GF or CR and do the character breakfast there. I'm not sure how you came up with a cheaper price at GF I am pretty sure it is the most expensive resort on property. I think rooms run about $35-$50 more per night than The Poly. I don't think I would change resorts based on the review of the food on the podcast. Remember he did say he loved everything else about The Poly.

 

[blondinkaya]

I just made my ressie for the Poly! I'm so excited! Our first trip ever was this past May; we wanted to "test the waters" and see how we'd like the World before going all out. We are hooked! I was debating on whether to stay at CR or the Poly (we knew we wanted a deluxe on the monorail), and the Poly just won out. Much of the decision was thanks to this thread.

It's too bad we have over 15 months to wait. It's going to go by sooo slowly ...

 

[lustergirl]

Good Morning Everyone. I keep reading about codes and discounts for the Poly. I am sure I am out of luck to get one next year at Thanksgiving time as I know these are blackout dates. Oh well I guess I will just go with the flow!! Have a great day all you Poly lovers!!

 

[lustergirl]

I just made my ressie for the Poly! I'm so excited! Our first trip ever was this past May; we wanted to "test the waters" and see how we'd like the World before going all out. We are hooked! I was debating on whether to stay at CR or the Poly (we knew we wanted a deluxe on the monorail), and the Poly just won out. Much of the decision was thanks to this thread.

It's too bad we have over 15 months to wait. It's going to go by sooo slowly ...

Blondinkaya- I just noticed you will be there a week before me- good luck with the countdown. I am so obsessing already and look how far we got to go. My hubby thinks I am stark raven mad.