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

[Aliceacc]

I'm just starting to work on my 2009 plans. I really really want to stay at Poly. It's my dream resort. So that being said. I'm trying to figure out which long house to request since I'm hoping to reserve very soon. I need something that is going to be a short walk to the GCH, pool, monorail and buses. My Mom is in need of a hip replacement and not sure if this will be done before our trip. So walking long distances is challenging. I also will have a 2 and 8 year old to keep in mind when planning as well. Any help you guys can give is greatly appreciated.

Hi and welcome!!

What you might want to do, rather than specifying a particular longhouse, is to specify exactly what you want-- proximity to the GCH, pool, monorail and busses, and why. Leave the particulars up to those who are assigning the rooms, based on what they know about the resort.

That said, I think Tokelau meets most of your requirements.

Also, would mom benefit from the use of an ECV? Hit the Disabilities board and find out what other accomodations would be helpful.

 

[Tess]

I am sure that it has been mentioned, but can you get a king bed at the Poly?

To my knowledge there are no king beds at the Polynesian. There could possibly be one in the suites building, but I wouldn't know since I have never been inside the Tonga building.

 

[mommyoftwo08]

Can anyone give me more information on the new campfires that are on the beach?

Thank you!

 

[JRDMAN]

To my knowledge there are no king beds at the Polynesian. There could possibly be one in the suites building, but I wouldn't know since I have never been inside the Tonga building.

That's correct...the only rooms with king size beds are in the Tonga bldg. (suites). All the other rooms are pretty much the same with the size of the room varying slightly. They all have 2 queen size beds and a daybed.

 

[BootsJessie]

Can someone recommend where to get beer and wine?
Is there somewhere close I can pop out to to get some or would it be better to have it delivered via Garden Grocer?
Thanks,

 

[dancemomnj]

Can anyone give me more information on the new campfires that are on the beach?

Thank you!

I just came back on Sunday. We tired to do this a couple times and they didn't have it. On the activities sheet they say they have it every night at 8. I talked to the lifeguards who I was directed to talk to at the marina. They told me they hardly ever have it and if they do it's Monday, Wed. and Fri. I believe these were the three days. I checked on it twice. One time they even called the supervisor for me to see if they were having it and they did not. They explained to me when they are understaffed they can't do it and with school going back they are understaffed in August. So, do not count on it being there. When you go ask at the marina if they are having it.

 

[Tess]

Can someone recommend where to get beer and wine?
Is there somewhere close I can pop out to to get some or would it be better to have it delivered via Garden Grocer?
Thanks,

We always stop at Publix on our way into WDW to pick-up the essential poolside supplies. There is also a Hess Service Station just south of the Polynesian that offers beer for sale--not sure about wine though.

I'm sure others will have further suggestions on nearby shopping venues. Of course, Garden Grocer would be the easiest option especially if you do not have a car.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Can someone recommend where to get beer and wine?
Is there somewhere close I can pop out to to get some or would it be better to have it delivered via Garden Grocer?
Thanks,

We stop at Publix or Walmart for water and other things.

 

[lzj21428]

Oh no - I'm so sorry you had to cancel your trip. How are your kids handling it?

FreFam, my kids are older (20,15,12), so they are a bit more understanding about these things than if I had little ones.

When I found out the flight was cancelled and the trip was off, I went online and booked a quick trip to the beach. Was lucky to find a hotel and that's where we are now. It's not Disney, but at least it's a getaway before school starts.

 

[BootsJessie]

Of course, Garden Grocer would be the easiest option especially if you do not have a car.

Thanks.
We won't have a car so I'm thinking this is my best option. Unless anything is withing walking distance which it doesn't sound like there is.

 

[BootsJessie]

Another question to those that would know the difference could help me out with:

First trip for the family coming up! and I want it to be extra special.
Currently have a LV room booked. Upgrade to LV CL would be over $1000 for the week that's more than is in the piggy bank.
I don't think it would be nearly as much if we were to go with GV but upgrade to CL. Those that know the difference, would that be worth it? or would I wish I had stayed with the LV?
I like the idea of the cereals, fruit and stuff for the kids in the morning in CL. Or would I end up wishing I had just ordered that stuff from Garden Grocer and stay with the LV room?

 

[mommyoftwo08]

I just came back on Sunday. We tired to do this a couple times and they didn't have it. On the activities sheet they say they have it every night at 8. I talked to the lifeguards who I was directed to talk to at the marina. They told me they hardly ever have it and if they do it's Monday, Wed. and Fri. I believe these were the three days. I checked on it twice. One time they even called the supervisor for me to see if they were having it and they did not. They explained to me when they are understaffed they can't do it and with school going back they are understaffed in August. So, do not count on it being there. When you go ask at the marina if they are having it.

Thank you for the information! I appreciate it.

 

[BCV23]

FreFam, my kids are older (20,15,12), so they are a bit more understanding about these things than if I had little ones.

When I found out the flight was cancelled and the trip was off, I went online and booked a quick trip to the beach. Was lucky to find a hotel and that's where we are now. It's not Disney, but at least it's a getaway before school starts.

Sorry you had to cancel the Polynesian but glad you managed to find an alternative at the last minute.

Another question to those that would know the difference could help me out with:

First trip for the family coming up! and I want it to be extra special.
Currently have a LV room booked. Upgrade to LV CL would be over $1000 for the week that's more than is in the piggy bank.
I don't think it would be nearly as much if we were to go with GV but upgrade to CL. Those that know the difference, would that be worth it? or would I wish I had stayed with the LV?
I like the idea of the cereals, fruit and stuff for the kids in the morning in CL. Or would I end up wishing I had just ordered that stuff from Garden Grocer and stay with the LV room?

I would choose gardenview concierge level if it were me. You can still see the lagoon from the lounge and it's a short walk outside to the beach. But either is a great choice.

BTW, the shop on the second floor has a small selection of wine and beer. Rather expensive but convenient in a pinch.

 

[Mickdeb]

Thanks.
We won't have a car so I'm thinking this is my best option. Unless anything is withing walking distance which it doesn't sound like there is.

Not sure if you just wanted beer and wine. Gardengrocer has a $40.00 minimum purchase requirement and beer, wine, liquor does not qualify towards that $40.00. Just wanted to give you the heads up

Have a great trip

 

[BootsJessie]

Not sure if you just wanted beer and wine. Gardengrocer has a $40.00 minimum purchase requirement and beer, wine, liquor does not qualify towards that $40.00. Just wanted to give you the heads up

Have a great trip

Thanks for the info.
If we change to CL, I don't think we'll need any other groceries so that's good to know. If we stay with std LV then we'll need more than the required $40 min.

 

[Tess]

Another question to those that would know the difference could help me out with:

First trip for the family coming up! and I want it to be extra special.
Currently have a LV room booked. Upgrade to LV CL would be over $1000 for the week that's more than is in the piggy bank.
I don't think it would be nearly as much if we were to go with GV but upgrade to CL. Those that know the difference, would that be worth it? or would I wish I had stayed with the LV?
I like the idea of the cereals, fruit and stuff for the kids in the morning in CL. Or would I end up wishing I had just ordered that stuff from Garden Grocer and stay with the LV room?

I would bump up to GV CL versus a LV nonCL, but that's just me. It has been our experience the GV CL is about $100 per night less than the LV CL. I have no idea what the going rate for the MK nonCL is presently, but obviously you do since you have it booked. The only fly in your ointment could be the ability to book at CL--it has been pretty full of late.

The difference between the MK nonCL view and GV CL is probably not that large. I would figure out what I would be spending for in room supplies at the nonCL room and decide if it makes financial sense to change and save yourself the $$$ on in room food. You might be pleasantly surprised at the cost differential AND it is so convenient to have the lounge for breakfast, snacks, evening service, and desserts!

Only you can put a price on the value of a concierge stay. Good luck with that decision!

 

[BootsJessie]

I would bump up to GV CL versus a LV nonCL, but that's just me. It has been our experience the GV CL is about $100 per night less than the LV CL. I have no idea what the going rate for the MK nonCL is presently, but obviously you do since you have it booked. The only fly in your ointment could be the ability to book at CL--it has been pretty full of late.

The difference between the MK nonCL view and GV CL is probably not that large. I would figure out what I would be spending for in room supplies at the nonCL room and decide if it makes financial sense to change and save yourself the $$$ on in room food. You might be pleasantly surprised at the cost differential AND it is so convenient to have the lounge for breakfast, snacks, evening service, and desserts!

Only you can put a price on the value of a concierge stay. Good luck with that decision!

Thanks so much for the info, certainly helpful!
We don't have MK view, just LV not CL. From standard LV to GV CL is only about $300 for the week. I do like the sound of the convenience of the lounge for breakfasts and snacks.
Those that have use the lounge, is there much wine and beer in the evenings?

 

[bilnsheldodisney]

We just got back from a great 7 night stay at the Poly. I booked Garden View Club Level mostly because of the snacks and food. However, before we left I started to really wish that we had gotten the Lagoon View - nothing was available but I did make a note with the reservation that I would be willing to pay for an upgrade if it was available at check in.

Concierge check in alone is a dream. You get to by-pass the line in the GCH. We didn't get to ride on the golf cart because we were early (12 noonish) and the room wasn't ready - but they took our bags and we were escorted to Hawaii for the quiet, no wait check-in. I mentioned again to the CM checking us in that I would LOVE an upgrade to MK view. He was a doll by the way - they all were - and after some clicking around on his computer and checking, he told me that he could upgrade us - FOR FREE. Now - we were celebrating a wedding anniversary while we were there and I did mention that - but I really think it was just luck. And the room was ready right then. Our room 3507 had to be (in my opinion) the best view in the whole place. So, if you want to to pay for Garden View concierge, you may just get lucky and get an upgrade - I'm sure it doesn't happen all the time but it is worth a shot!

We had breakfast in the lounge 3 our of 7 days and it was terrific. Dinner only once - but desserts and beer and wine each night we were there was awesome. The staff could not be nicer, honestly.

Club Level is so worth it in my opinion. Have fun!
Shel

 

[bilnsheldodisney]

Yes - plenty. Each night with dinner they had different kinds of wine out - red and white. I like white zinfandel and asked if they had any, the answer was a pleasant "of course" and after the first night, they had it out and available. The also had a rum punch out with dinner. With the evening desserts, they had punch, cordials and liquers out - and you could ask for wine and beer. And my dh asked for beer with dinner and got a heineken - or 2 - or 3...

 

[Tess]

Thanks so much for the info, certainly helpful!
We don't have MK view, just LV not CL. From standard LV to GV CL is only about $300 for the week. I do like the sound of the convenience of the lounge for breakfasts and snacks.
Those that have use the lounge, is there much wine and beer in the evenings?

I've never seen them run out of either. . .although a certain brand might not be available after a busy evening.

While we haven't done it, I know that you can actually get a beer before the service (evening) begins provided there's someone in the lounge to get it for you. Well, I'll take that back, I think once we were chatting with a couple of the lounge staffers and they asked, knowing we enjoy our beer, if we wanted a beer while we visited. . .we still have our own room supply for after lounge hours and poolside enjoyment.

As to the rate difference, I figured it wasn't too much--it used to be even less. Pricing between a LV (prior to the introduction of MK view) and GV CL was around $25 per night in the good old days--I never could figure out why people wouldn't bite on that minimal difference, you would spend more than that on breakfast and sodas.

Looks like you're getting some good feedback--good luck with your choice.