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

[AUDramaQueen]

For those who've been with kids - do toddler seem to enjoy 'Ohana's dinner? My girls love rice and lomein noodles and dumplings, etc (hubby is Vietnamese, so we eat lots of asian food around here) so I'm HOPING that's a good pick for a 2 and 4 yr old, cuz I really want to eat there!

We ate there when my kids were 3, 5 and 7. They liked it a lot. They have an alternate kids' menu too if for some reason they decided they don't like what's offered.

They do fun stuff, like a kids' parade with maracas and the limbo. It is very kid friendly so I'm sure they (and you) will love it.

I'm drooling right now thinking of that bread pudding.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

So could someone give me an indication of how far the walk would be from say Tahiti to the GCH? The time walking with kids would be even better. I'm having trouble with the scale of the resort map.

My grandmother will be with us and can't do a ton of walking. We were hoping to get somewhere between the TTC and the GCH, like everyone else, I'm sure

I will probably request Tokelau, but was just curious what the ones that were furthest away would be time wise so I could get an idea of the map scale.

Thanks!

 

[seashellmom]

I think the key is to not be TOO detailed in the request. I've never been there but I would THINK that if you request "Raratonga monorail view" instead of "Raratonga monorail view, 3rd floor balcony, near elevator" you'd have a better chance of getting your wish. I've heard (with ANY resort) that too MANY requests and that can muck things up.

ALL this talk about the best assets of Poly is getting me so excited! I WISH Dec 09 would hurry up and get here already!!!

For those who've been with kids - do toddler seem to enjoy 'Ohana's dinner? My girls love rice and lomein noodles and dumplings, etc (hubby is Vietnamese, so we eat lots of asian food around here) so I'm HOPING that's a good pick for a 2 and 4 yr old, cuz I really want to eat there!

We ate there last week with my 3 and 11 yo dds. While my husband and I enjoyed it, it was not a favorite for my girls. They enjoyed the Ohana breakfast much more. I have heard that you can order from a kids menu, which we did not do. The best part for them was the dessert. The meats were just too much for them. Remember though, your children may eat differently than mine.

 

[BCV23]

So could someone give me an indication of how far the walk would be from say Tahiti to the GCH? The time walking with kids would be even better. I'm having trouble with the scale of the resort map.

My grandmother will be with us and can't do a ton of walking. We were hoping to get somewhere between the TTC and the GCH, like everyone else, I'm sure

I will probably request Tokelau, but was just curious what the ones that were furthest away would be time wise so I could get an idea of the map scale.

Thanks!

I would not request Tahiti if traveling with someone who can't do much walking. I'd guesstimate it to be a 8-10 minute walk from the farthest room in Tahiti to the GCH.

Why not ask for Niue or Raratonga and explain why you're requesting a building close to the GCH. Tokelau is another good choice but does add a couple minutes walk every time she wants to go to the GCH.

 

[JRDMAN]

We're going to be staying 3 nights at the Poly for part of our Honeymoon. Well, we're wondering what the difference is between the Garden and Lagoon CL views against the Honeymoon Suite. We figured the obvious thing for us to do would be the Honeymoon Suite, but I was just wondering what the difference is that causes the price jump. Room size? Extra amenities?

I mean, Lagoon View CL vs Honeymoon. It seems like it'd be pretty close to the same.

I might be wrong, but i believe that all the suites have lagoon view. Naturally the suites are much larger with many more furniture comforts, than the rooms at the Hawaii bldg (club level bldg) . As for the lounge and daily food offerings, guests of the Suites bldg have to go to and are welcomed at the lounge in the hawaii bldg. But I do believe that the suites bldg does have morning (breakfast) offerings saving the short walk to the Hawaii bldg.
All of the lagoon views are breathtaking. But that's not to say that the garden views aren't also nice. The garden views tend to be more serene in the morning and if you love tropical foliage the saving in $$$ is definitely worth it. Don't forget that the CL lounge is available to ALL suites guests and CL guests in the Hawaii bldg and the lagoon view from the lounge is absolutely beautiful...there's nothing like having your coffee and breakfast goodies while looking across 7 Seas Lagoon at The Castle!

 

[BCV23]

I've never stayed in Tonga which is the suites building but do know that some of the rooms face the monorail not the marina (with the lagoon beyond it). I think the honeymoon suite does face the marina though. ConchKahuna will know I imagine.

The king bed in the honeymoon suite would be one difference. I think there's also a larger tub or jacuzzi. If Tikiman's site is up, he probably has pictures.

I'm sure the Tonga building would feel more secluded as well. It's a small building.

 

[johnsonet]

We're going to be staying 3 nights at the Poly for part of our Honeymoon. Well, we're wondering what the difference is between the Garden and Lagoon CL views against the Honeymoon Suite. We figured the obvious thing for us to do would be the Honeymoon Suite, but I was just wondering what the difference is that causes the price jump. Room size? Extra amenities?

I mean, Lagoon View CL vs Honeymoon. It seems like it'd be pretty close to the same.

A King bed and, I'm assuming, a more quiet building might make you lean towards a suite in Tonga, but I can promise you that a view like mine in Hawaii (Lagoon View Club Level) would make you VERY happy campers

 

[AUDramaQueen]

I would not request Tahiti if traveling with someone who can't do much walking. I'd guesstimate it to be a 8-10 minute walk from the farthest room in Tahiti to the GCH.

Why not ask for Niue or Raratonga and explain why you're requesting a building close to the GCH. Tokelau is another good choice but does add a couple minutes walk every time she wants to go to the GCH.

Thank you! We stayed at CBR last time and she did OK with the walk to the bus stop and the food court area there. That's why I was wanting to know the times so I could compare the two.

She wants to do Epcot a lot so she wanted to be close to the TTC also.

 

[BCV23]

Thank you! We stayed at CBR last time and she did OK with the walk to the bus stop and the food court area there. That's why I was wanting to know the times so I could compare the two.

She wants to do Epcot a lot so she wanted to be close to the TTC also.

Oh, well let me revise my advice then. If she won't need to go to the GCH too often, Tahiti or Rapa Nui might be great choices for park hopping. She could always take the large ferry or express monorail to the MK from the TTC.

But if she was fine at CBR, I bet she'll do great in any longhouse at the Polynesian.

Sorry...in the long run, I've been no help.

Mocharilla, I do agree with johnsonet....the lagoon view in Hawaii is incredible. Personally, I'd give up a king bed for it.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Oh, well let me revise my advice then. If she won't need to go to the GCH too often, Tahiti or Rapa Nui might be great choices for park hopping. She could always take the large ferry or express monorail to the MK from the TTC.

But if she was fine at CBR, I bet she'll do great in any longhouse at the Polynesian.

Sorry...in the long run, I've been no help.

Mocharilla, I do agree with johnsonet....the lagoon view in Hawaii is incredible. Personally, I'd give up a king bed for it.

No, you were a great help, of course! I needed to be able know how far the buildings were and you told me! Thanks you for the input.

I've got those 3 buildings highlighted. I think I will just throw a dart at the map and pick whichever one it lands on

 

[Picabo]

You're making me DROOL with the pix of the view from Lagoon concierge!

Now, not to be picky but the castle looks way further away than what I'd envision or seen in pix before (Guessing most zoom in for the photo op!) So if you see the fireworks from the beach (for us in a garden view and not able to see out of our balcony!) is it still an impressive show? Is it true there is music playing at the beach while the fireworks go off?

Guess waht I'm trying to figure out is, I was hoping to get OUT Of MK before the fireworks so the girls could get to bed at a relatively decent time. But would you think it's worth it ONE night to stay late to see them AT the magic kingdom instead of relying on being 'wowed' from the Poly beach??

Thank you!

 

[guitarob]

...So if you see the fireworks from the beach (for us in a garden view and not able to see out of our balcony!) is it still an impressive show? Is it true there is music playing at the beach while the fireworks go off?

Guess waht I'm trying to figure out is, I was hoping to get OUT Of MK before the fireworks so the girls could get to bed at a relatively decent time. But would you think it's worth it ONE night to stay late to see them AT the magic kingdom instead of relying on being 'wowed' from the Poly beach??

Thank you!

It's absolutely worth staying one night in the Magic Kingdom. There is music on the beach, but not nearly as loud. In my ever-so-humble opinion, I've found that it's a completely different experience from the Poly beach than it is from within the park. Both magical, both worth doing. It's like getting two different fireworks displays from the same show.

No matter what you decide, ENJOY!!

 

[kaity230]

I don't mean to be repetitive - but my post was the last one of the page a few pages back, so I think my question got overlooked

"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!"

 

[triplefigs]

Well, we got email 2 pin codes last week and our May 2009 trip is now Dec 2008!!!! I am so excited that I cannot quit smiling. We were so lucky and still got the MK view. We will be at the Poly Dec 13-20 and going to MVMCP on the 16th. I requested Tahiti, 3rd floor. We are NOT telling our triplets and will try to totally surprise them. I got approval from my new job (NICU RN) last night for the time off, so we are good to go! Now I've go to scramble and try to plan some dining. This is going to be so much fun!

 

[triplefigs]

I would not request Tahiti if traveling with someone who can't do much walking. I'd guesstimate it to be a 8-10 minute walk from the farthest room in Tahiti to the GCH.

Why not ask for Niue or Raratonga and explain why you're requesting a building close to the GCH. Tokelau is another good choice but does add a couple minutes walk every time she wants to go to the GCH.

So if you didn't request Tahiti for a MK View room, which bldg would you request? I'm wondering if I should have my TA call Special needs services and try to block me a room for DS again?

 

[Mocharilla]

You're making me DROOL with the pix of the view from Lagoon concierge!

Now, not to be picky but the castle looks way further away than what I'd envision or seen in pix before (Guessing most zoom in for the photo op!) So if you see the fireworks from the beach (for us in a garden view and not able to see out of our balcony!) is it still an impressive show? Is it true there is music playing at the beach while the fireworks go off?

Guess waht I'm trying to figure out is, I was hoping to get OUT Of MK before the fireworks so the girls could get to bed at a relatively decent time. But would you think it's worth it ONE night to stay late to see them AT the magic kingdom instead of relying on being 'wowed' from the Poly beach??

Thank you!

Now, I've never stayed at Poly, but I did just have an experience there.

My fiance proposed to me on the beach last Thursday. He did it right before the fireworks started at the water's edge.

We watched the fireworks and they were still very amazing. In fact, the fact that the castle is small made it even more shocking of how HUGE some of those chandelier ones are. WOW!

You can't really hear the music, at least from where we were sitting. We were in front of the Hawaii building.

 

[lovemy2boys]

I don't mean to be repetitive - but my post was the last one of the page a few pages back, so I think my question got overlooked

"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!"

Good question! I was under the assumption that you could not make reservations for the Sea Raycers. I hope I'm wrong! Although it wouldn't make much of a difference at this point anyway since we leave in 5 days....

 

[BCV23]

It's absolutely worth staying one night in the Magic Kingdom. There is music on the beach, but not nearly as loud. In my ever-so-humble opinion, I've found that it's a completely different experience from the Poly beach than it is from within the park. Both magical, both worth doing. It's like getting two different fireworks displays from the same show.

No matter what you decide, ENJOY!!

I completely agree. There are some effects that can only be seen within the MK. But for the most part, I actually prefer Wishes from the Polynesian. Peaceful, beautiful and magical!

I don't mean to be repetitive - but my post was the last one of the page a few pages back, so I think my question got overlooked

"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!"

I saw your question but hesitated to answer since we've never stayed at the Polynesian in August...only month we've missed I think. But I don't think you will have a problem. I only remember having to wait one time for a little boat and that was one Spring break week...probably one that coincided with Easter. That's a far more crowded time at the Polynesian than August which is value season. Have lots of fun!

So if you didn't request Tahiti for a MK View room, which bldg would you request? I'm wondering if I should have my TA call Special needs services and try to block me a room for DS again?

Tahiti is a fantastic building for lagoon view I think. But that poster mentioned the grandmother couldn't walk much. Tahiti is the farthest from the GCH so I was cautioning about that. It just depends on your plans and of course your son's needs. Does he walk around WDW or do he use a pediatric stroller or wheelchair? Which parks will you visit? Will you have a car?

Now, I've never stayed at Poly, but I did just have an experience there.

My fiance proposed to me on the beach last Thursday. He did it right before the fireworks started at the water's edge.

We watched the fireworks and they were still very amazing. In fact, the fact that the castle is small made it even more shocking of how HUGE some of those chandelier ones are. WOW!

You can't really hear the music, at least from where we were sitting. We were in front of the Hawaii building.

Congratulations!!!!! And how romantic!

Good question! I was under the assumption that you could not make reservations for the Sea Raycers. I hope I'm wrong! Although it wouldn't make much of a difference at this point anyway since we leave in 5 days....

I don't think you can make a reservation either. At least we've never done so. Have a fantastic trip!

 

[Shell54]

Good question! I was under the assumption that you could not make reservations for the Sea Raycers. I hope I'm wrong! Although it wouldn't make much of a difference at this point anyway since we leave in 5 days....

Post#8 way back at the start of this thread addresses boat rentals at The Poly.I don't know if it is current info. Sounds like we have do it after we check in. DH and I would love to rent a kayak..but we'll have to see if they are available.
Anybody rent a boat or kayak while you were at the Poly?

 

[mmmears]

Aloha everyone!

My husband and I are saving for our 2010 trip and we're planning on having enough $ to splurge on the Poly. (I'm budgeting for rack rate...I haven't seen much promising info yet on codes for the Poly, but then again I haven't done a throrough search.)

This thread is awesome! It has taken me a week to read (off and on, obviously) but has been totally worth it.

With 4 kids, staying at a Deluxe was never in the budget, but then again I never made it a priority. Our 2010 trip will be special - it's the first time I'm going with my husband (went with my ex and the kids in years past) and we'll be celebrating the graduation of both of my teenagers (one's graduating in 2009 and the other will graduate in 2010) so I want to make it extra-nice.

Right now, we're planning on the 3rd week of June 2010, but I haven't decided on whether or not to just plan to stay our entire stay at the Poly with 2 standard GV rooms or if I should plan a split stay between the Poly & Ft. Wilderness in an effort to save some $ for "extras". At least I have PLENTY of time to decide, eh? If I DID decide to do a split stay, I will be keeping the Poly portion of our stay as a secret - I think it'd be fun to surprise the kids!

Good luck to all that have a trip planned this week - hope Fay decides to stay away!

XOXO~

~Wendy

Welcome! I'm not sure about codes yet, but you can get a AAA discount on room reservations at the Poly. I just did and it is saving us quite a bit of $$$.

I hope you have a great trip!