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

[Alicnwondrln]

Just booked the Poly Magic Kingdom View for our early May trip. We Disneymooned at the Poly 14 years ago, and my kiddos really wanted to try it. They love how the Volcano pool looks. We are very excited!

Which bldgs have Handicap Accessible rooms for MK view? Does Tahiti?

From All Ears:

Selected rooms in Rapa Nui and Tokelau are wheelchair accessible and include oversized bathrooms with wider doors. Some rooms include roll-in showers or bathtubs with handrails. All of these rooms are equipped with double peepholes. In any room, you can request a shower bench or a hand-held showerhead.

Elevators are in every building, except Niue. To get to the second floor of that building by elevator, you'd have to enter Rarotonga, go via elevator to the second floor, and then cross the walkway that connects the upper floors of these two buildings.

Only Hawaii, Tokelau, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui have automatic doors leading into or out of the buildings themselves.

Designated parking areas for guests with disabilities are provided in the main parking lot, as well as the separate parking lot in front of Rapa Nui. For vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit, complimentary valet parking will be provided.

Room communication kits can be installed in any room, including door knock and phone alerts, bed shakers, TTY telephones, strobe fire alarms, and phone amplifiers.

A limited supply of wheelchairs is available at Guest Services. They are complimentary, but do require a deposit. This deposit is waived if a credit card is on your reservation for charging purposes. The deposit amount will only be charged if the wheelchair is not returned. These wheelchairs are rented on a first-come first-served basis, and cannot be reserved. The Polynesian does not offer electric convenience vehicles.

The Polynesian's main Nanea Volcano Pool is a "zero-entry" pool, which means the entrance slopes gradually like a real beach. There is also a water wheelchair available to aid in entering the pool -- ask a lifeguard for assistance.


ETA http://allears.net/acc/g_poly_acc.htm

 

[triplefigs]

From All Ears:

Selected rooms in Rapa Nui and Tokelau are wheelchair accessible and include oversized bathrooms with wider doors. Some rooms include roll-in showers or bathtubs with handrails. All of these rooms are equipped with double peepholes. In any room, you can request a shower bench or a hand-held showerhead.

Elevators are in every building, except Niue. To get to the second floor of that building by elevator, you'd have to enter Rarotonga, go via elevator to the second floor, and then cross the walkway that connects the upper floors of these two buildings.

Only Hawaii, Tokelau, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui have automatic doors leading into or out of the buildings themselves.

Designated parking areas for guests with disabilities are provided in the main parking lot, as well as the separate parking lot in front of Rapa Nui. For vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit, complimentary valet parking will be provided.

Room communication kits can be installed in any room, including door knock and phone alerts, bed shakers, TTY telephones, strobe fire alarms, and phone amplifiers.

A limited supply of wheelchairs is available at Guest Services. They are complimentary, but do require a deposit. This deposit is waived if a credit card is on your reservation for charging purposes. The deposit amount will only be charged if the wheelchair is not returned. These wheelchairs are rented on a first-come first-served basis, and cannot be reserved. The Polynesian does not offer electric convenience vehicles.

The Polynesian's main Nanea Volcano Pool is a "zero-entry" pool, which means the entrance slopes gradually like a real beach. There is also a water wheelchair available to aid in entering the pool -- ask a lifeguard for assistance.


ETA http://allears.net/acc/g_poly_acc.htm

Thanks, Kelly. I may just do a regular MK view room and ask for a hand-held shower head. That would help in bathing DS a ton.

Anyone ever had a hand-held shower head brought to their room instead of the standard one?

 

[WOODY13]

disneyfan67;26939322]Here's some info I found for you. I stopped there for gas once and they have just about everything you need and the prices are reasonable for where it's located at.

Wow, all the times I've diven by it I have never stopped in. Do they sell beer? We always have gone to the Publix or the Hess in Downtown Disney.

 

[lzj21428]

Anyone who's going within the next few days worried about TS Fay? I'm following the weather reports and wondering if we will be able to get in on Tues. I'm hoping this storm fizzles out or moves away from land.

Sending us all pixie dust.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Seaspray, I was looking at your beyond awesome pictures, and in one picture of checking in at the lounge, beside the juice....was those park maps or just Disney brochers????....looked like park maps.

They are park maps and the Times Guide

Thanks, Kelly. I may just do a regular MK view room and ask for a hand-held shower head. That would help in bathing DS a ton.

Anyone ever had a hand-held shower head brought to their room instead of the standard one?

There are 2 accessible rooms in Tahiti. You'll want to contact the Special Requests department at the reservation center to book them. That info in All-Ears is outdated, and doesn't mention the accessible rooms in Rapa Nui or Hawaii either.

Anyone who's going within the next few days worried about TS Fay? I'm following the weather reports and wondering if we will be able to get in on Tues. I'm hoping this storm fizzles out or moves away from land.

Sending us all pixie dust.

I'd rather be at WDW than at home durring a hurricane. The good construction of the buildings, and the fact that the resorts have thier own generator systems, mean you'll be safe and cool inside the air-conditioned room

 

[lzj21428]

ConcKahuna, I'm not worried about being there during a storm, I'm worried about getting there in the first place. We were there for Hurricane Charley in 2004 and it was fine. A bit nerve racking and the stuff that happened before the storm and after the storm were where we had problems. During the actual storm was a breeze!!

 

[Matt'sMom]

There are 2 accessible rooms in Tahiti. You'll want to contact the Special Requests department at the reservation center to book them. That info in All-Ears is outdated, and doesn't mention the accessible rooms in Rapa Nui or Hawaii either.

Just wanted to add that, Yes, Tahiti longhouse has both MKV & LV HA rooms. I believe that they are located side by side, on the first floor (with patios), towards the end of the building closest to MK & Sunset Point. These HA rooms can accomidate up to 5 guests (2 queen beds plus daybed)... but also have a connecting room available, for those who prefer to book two connecting rooms.

We have the LV HA room in Tahiti booked for our December '08 stay. Will post a review and photos after our trip.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Hey everyone! It looks like our family (and grand gathering) will be staying at the Poly next year!

I've looked through a lot of this thread, but not all of it. So if this question has been asked, excuse me...

I was curious about the daybeds. We are a family of 5. Our youngest will be 5when we go. How big are they? I've seen pictures of them but can't really gauge the size and I can't find any pics where they are made in a bed. Do the pillows come off and that's the bed or does it fold down like a futon?

I am so freaking excited I can't stand it. The next year will be sooooo slow!

 

[disneyfan67]

Hey everyone! It looks like our family (and grand gathering) will be staying at the Poly next year!

I've looked through a lot of this thread, but not all of it. So if this question has been asked, excuse me...

I was curious about the daybeds. We are a family of 5. Our youngest will be 5when we go. How big are they? I've seen pictures of them but can't really gauge the size and I can't find any pics where they are made in a bed. Do the pillows come off and that's the bed or does it fold down like a futon?

I am so freaking excited I can't stand it. The next year will be sooooo slow!

First off, congratulations and I'll bet that trip will have memories that last a lifetime. Having a grand gathering at the Poly just sounds so cool to me.

As for the day beds, I would say they are considered a twin, if I'm correct. I took a nap on one after a long day at the water parks, mainly to see how comfortable they were. I have to say it not only passed the test, it fit me fine and I'm a father that is 6'1 and 300 lbs. My son who was 10 at the time of our last trip, thought it was the coolest thing ever, with the expectation of bunk beds of course.

It's not like a standard futon, but a couch that converts into a bed by lifting up on it in one place and it kind of flips or turns over (if that makes sense) to a mattress with sheets and blanket already on it. It has a removable strap to keep all of the clean bedding it place while it's in the couch position. It's pretty cool and that's why my one son put a claim on it as son as he saw what it did.

I got this image at Allears.net and while I can't properly show you how the couch/daybed works, trust me when I say how simple it is. It will take you seconds to convert it it into a bed for sleeping. I hope I was able to help in someway.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

First off, congratulations and I'll bet that trip will have memories that last a lifetime. Having a grand gathering at the Poly just sounds so cool to me.

As for the day beds, I would say they are considered a twin, if I'm correct. I took a nap on one after a long day at the water parks, mainly to see how comfortable they were. I have to say it not only passed the test, it fit me fine and I'm a father that is 6'1 and 300 lbs. My son who was 10 at the time of our last trip, thought it was the coolest thing ever, with the expectation of bunk beds of course.

It's not like a standard futon, but a couch that converts into a bed by lifting up on it in one place and it kind of flips or turns over (if that makes sense) to a mattress with sheets and blanket already on it. It has a removable strap to keep all of the clean bedding it place while it's in the couch position. It's pretty cool and that's why my one son put a claim on it as son as he saw what it did.

I got this image at Allears.net and while I can't properly show you how the couch/daybed works, trust me when I say how simple it is. It will take you seconds to convert it it into a bed for sleeping. I hope I was able to help in someway.

Thanks! You were a great help! I will not be worried about any of my kids sleeping on it then!!

ETA: I actually found a picture of it made into a bed on the wdwinfo so I can see what you are talking about now!

I'm sure I'll be asking loads of questions since I have over a year to plan!!

 

[lzj21428]

Well, it's looking more and more like we are going to have to cancel this trip. With all the info I have seen and listened to, it looks like this storm is going to be over Orlando just about the time we would be arriving.

I spoke to Disney just a few mins. ago and if we do cancel, we would get a full refund since we booked everything through them.

My plan is to sit on this until Monday and see what this storm does. I'm not holding my breath. I'm about ready to cry.

 

[PolyAddict]

Well, it's looking more and more like we are going to have to cancel this trip. With all the info I have seen and listened to, it looks like this storm is going to be over Orlando just about the time we would be arriving.

I spoke to Disney just a few mins. ago and if we do cancel, we would get a full refund since we booked everything through them.

My plan is to sit on this until Monday and see what this storm does. I'm not holding my breath. I'm about ready to cry.

So sorry to hear this. It is never easy to cancel a trip. I know in May 2005, I got very ill 2 days before we were due to leave and I refused to cancel. We went anyway and ended up leaving after 4 nights, we were supposed to be there 8 nights. Then Hurricane Katrina came through on DD' birthday!!! Needless to say it was not a good year for us. I hope things change or if nothing else you get to reschedule soon!!

 

[jkstewart1800]

Well, it's looking more and more like we are going to have to cancel this trip. With all the info I have seen and listened to, it looks like this storm is going to be over Orlando just about the time we would be arriving.

I spoke to Disney just a few mins. ago and if we do cancel, we would get a full refund since we booked everything through them.

My plan is to sit on this until Monday and see what this storm does. I'm not holding my breath. I'm about ready to cry.

Well - we can't cancel.... so we are going and hoping for the best.... I have been there during storms before.... either the crowds are NILL because of the rain or the hotels are pack because no one else but Disney has power!

 

[lzj21428]

Well - we can't cancel.... so we are going and hoping for the best.... I have been there during storms before.... either the crowds are NILL because of the rain or the hotels are pack because no one else but Disney has power!

Julia, if I was leaving tomorrow, like you are, I wouldn't cancel. But, we are scheduled to leave here on Tues. and arrive around 3 PM Tues and that's when the storm is scheduled to be over top Orlando. I have a feeling, if I don't cancel myself, the airline will cancel the flight anyway. We were there in 2004 during hurricane Charlie, but we were there before the storm came in, it was getting home that was the problem then. That I could live with. You will have a great trip, I'm sure.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Well, it's looking more and more like we are going to have to cancel this trip. With all the info I have seen and listened to, it looks like this storm is going to be over Orlando just about the time we would be arriving.

I spoke to Disney just a few mins. ago and if we do cancel, we would get a full refund since we booked everything through them.

My plan is to sit on this until Monday and see what this storm does. I'm not holding my breath. I'm about ready to cry.

your way!

What is the airline policy as far as making up cancelled flights? Have you talked to them yet? Is there anyway you could tack on a day or push it back a day? I'm sure you have thought of all this already though. I would just hate to have to cancel

Like you said wait it out til Monday and we'll all hope and pray for the best!

 

[Me&3]

Well - we can't cancel.... so we are going and hoping for the best.... I have been there during storms before.... either the crowds are NILL because of the rain or the hotels are pack because no one else but Disney has power!

Julia, if I was leaving tomorrow, like you are, I wouldn't cancel. But, we are scheduled to leave here on Tues. and arrive around 3 PM Tues and that's when the storm is scheduled to be over top Orlando. I have a feeling, if I don't cancel myself, the airline will cancel the flight anyway. We were there in 2004 during hurricane Charlie, but we were there before the storm came in, it was getting home that was the problem then. That I could live with. You will have a great trip, I'm sure.

Everyone be safe and try to enjoy your trip. I am also watching the forcast not for a trip but I live in South Florida. Davie it's right by Fort Lauderdale.

 

[lzj21428]

your way!

What is the airline policy as far as making up cancelled flights? Have you talked to them yet? Is there anyway you could tack on a day or push it back a day? I'm sure you have thought of all this already though. I would just hate to have to cancel

Like you said wait it out til Monday and we'll all hope and pray for the best!

We booked our air through Disney, so when I spoke with the CR, she said I would be refunded for the total package, room, tickets, and airfare. I wish I could fly in Monday, but that's not possible and I can't come in later as kids go back to school on the 26th.

I was soooo looking forward to staying in that Ambassador Suite. Who knows when I'll be able to do that again.

Sending good thoughts to all in Florida, residents and vacationers, who may have to get through this storm. And still keeping my fingers crossed that it will change course or fizzle out!!

 

[janiebegood]

When my mom fretted about hurricanes and tropical storms while we lived in Florida, I always reminded her that all evacuation routes lead to Orlando.

 

[BCV23]

We've been on vacation so I need to catch up with this great thread. But I agree that the info on accessible rooms is out of date. I think Tikiman has posted that Niue has an accessible room now too as well as those new ones in Tahiti and Hawaii. Also I think all buildings now have automatic doors, don't they?

For those going soon, I hope Fay doesn't affect you much. A DVCer always posts good info on hurricanes. Here's a link to his thread on Fay. He tends to update daily and sometimes more often.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1921119

 

[kaity230]

Hi! I am looking into renting a small boat for my two teens (17 and 15) while we are staying at the Poly (or beach/yacht club). Rather than book this, I would like to play it by ear and see if we have enough time and energy when we get there. Is there generally good availability without a ressie in August? And do they have kayaks available? Thanks!