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

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

I've never timed the launch ride but it is quick....maybe 6 or 7 minutes. I have timed the ferry which made the crossing in 5 minutes.

Of course once at the dock, you must go through security and the turnstiles as well as walk to the restaurant.

Happy planning!

Oh wow, that is really quick, thank you!!!

 

[kwlewis10]

Hi everyone, this is my very first post. I hope I'm not breaking any rules with it! My family is staying at the Poly in early February for four nights/five days. We've never stayed overnight before (well, I did once in 1985 or so, but it was off-site and I can't even remember where), and we're very excited. As a newbie to staying at the resort, I was hoping some of you experts could answer some of my questions :

1. Refillable Mugs: My husband and I think it will be worth it to get the mugs, since we only have to refill about three times a day to make it economical. My question is this: do most people carry the mugs around with them at the parks just so they have them on-hand when they return to their resorts, or do they keep them in their rooms? If we lug them around, the only thing we could refill them with at the parks is water-fountain water, so we're not sure what the usual protocol is!

2. Park Hopping: I know it's easy to hop from MK to Epcot, but what about to HS or AK? How long does it take to go from Poly to AK or Poly to HS? Are the buses at the resort or at the MK?

3. Longhouse requests: Many of you have used the fax and call system about 4-5 before arrival, but another site said the only request that works is the note with your initial reservation. Since we didn't request a particular longhouse with our reservation, are we plumb out of luck?

4. Resort Dining: Ohana is completely booked except for 9:40 or so seatings, and that's way too late for our family (kids will be 7, 4 and 11 months) during the trip, so we've made reservations at Kona Cafe (we love Kona coffee) for breakfast a couple of days. Should we keep calling to see if Ohana opens up a time? On another note, is the coffee at the refillable station any good?

5. Stroller to/from Resort: I'm a big babywearer, so I will be carrying our baby in a sling/soft backpack, but I'm not sure about my 4-year-old's stamina. I'd prefer to rent a stroller from the park than risk taking our own (I've read several posts about people "losing" theirs to other visitors). Is the walk t/f the monorail short enough to expect our daughter to walk it without complaints of "I'm tired!"?

Thanks in advance to anyone/everyone who can help a mama out!

I can't answer all of your questions, but I'll tell you what I can.

Park Hopping I do not believe you can go straight from MK to AK or HS. There are busses that come to the Poly for AK and HS, and also the TTC. We went to the Poly bus stop one morning and the way people come in, many don't wait their turn and those on the scooters feel they have priority. So knowing that we wouldn't be able to get on the bus with 2 strollers we had to break down, the stuff from the strollers, a 18m, a 3.5yo, a 5yo and MIL, we left Poly to catch the bus at TTC. No one really takes those buses, so it was no problem getting on. The other times we did the bus, we went straight to TTC (our longhouse was between the two). The buses go to the Poly and TTC about every 20 minutes, so the wait always depends on if you get there right after a bus leaves, etc. I think it was about a 10-15min ride to HS and AK. You have to break down any stroller you have.

Longhouse request You can call the CRO or you TA to add your requests to your reservation. I only decided the week prior that we wanted Rapa Nui and 2nd floor. That's exactly what we got during a sold out week. Just make sure the reservation is noted by 5 days prior to arrival.

Strollers We were planning on having the 1 stroller for the 18m and possibly renting a stroller in the parks later in the day for the 3.5yo if needed. After Day #1, we found that the 3.5yo wanted in her sister's stroller too much in the morning. Rather than consistently pay for a rental for 7 more days, we purchased an umbrella stroller from HS for $55. It worked out really well and came in handy for naps on the way back from the parks and when hopping. There were a few times my almost 6yo also needed/wanted a stroller later in the day and we'd carry the baby. My suggestion would be to bring a stroller with you for your 4yo and to have for the baby when you need a break (I am/was a baby wearer with all 3 of my kids and miss it now that my baby is so big ) We've been twice with our own strollers and never had a problem - one trip with 1 stroller and the 2nd trip with 2 strollers (the 2nd one we bought). May 2010 when we go again, I'll just suck it up and bring 2 strollers with us - the kids will be 7yo DS, 5yo DD and 34m DD. I know even then the to-be 5yo will be tired by the end of the day. FWIW, at home, my 3yo or 5yo never ride in strollers; the 3yo only if I am focused on an errand and can't handle chasing her around.

Have fun!!!

 

[Caitsmama]

Also I am doing the Princess 5K as I see you are doing the 1/2!

Are you staying at the Poly? We are arriving march 5th at night and staying til the 12th.

You should come over to the DIS Wish Boards, and there is a thread there for all the DIS'ers who are doing the races!! Come say hi!!

 

[Caitsmama]

Ok, reguarding this swimming thing -- a bit OT, but then WHY do they have a Triathalon at WDW where you have to swim in the lagoon, (i believe one of the races, you start on the beach of the GF and swim so many meters).. That's kinda scary now that i think of it!!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Welcome aboard!

Hi everyone, this is my very first post. I hope I'm not breaking any rules with it! My family is staying at the Poly in early February for four nights/five days. We've never stayed overnight before (well, I did once in 1985 or so, but it was off-site and I can't even remember where), and we're very excited. As a newbie to staying at the resort, I was hoping some of you experts could answer some of my questions :

First off, let me say there's nothing quite like staying overnight at the Poly for the first time. It's like a dream. And even when you do it several times like folks here on the boards have, it's a dream you don't want to ever wake up from.

My question is this: do most people carry the mugs around with them at the parks just so they have them on-hand when they return to their resorts, or do they keep them in their rooms? If we lug them around, the only thing we could refill them with at the parks is water-fountain water, so we're not sure what the usual protocol is!

The only protocol is 'do what works for you'. As I'm a mom, and a single mom at that, I'm more often tasked with carrying the mugs around in my backpack. No big deal as they are rather light. Some people keep them on hand in their rooms but this doesn't work for us. Usually DD would always want something to drink as soon as we got into the GCH from the parks.

2. Park Hopping: I know it's easy to hop from MK to Epcot, but what about to HS or AK? How long does it take to go from Poly to AK or Poly to HS? Are the buses at the resort or at the MK?

It takes about 20 minutes to get from the Poly to the AK and about 15 to get to HS. The buses to the parks are only available at the resort or the TTC, not the MK. The buses at the MK are solely for resort destinations exclusve of the GF, Poly and CR. Personally I would take the walk from the Poly to the TTC to take the bus to the AK or HS because the Poly bus has to stop at the Grand Floridian to pick up guests first before going to these destinations.

Since we didn't request a particular longhouse with our reservation, are we plumb out of luck?

I've never faxed in a request and I've gotten my request about 50% of the time. All of my requests have been noted on my reservation by my TA. And no, you're not out of luck per se. You can still add a longhouse request to your reservation. Please note this is only a request, not a guarantee. The CMs will try their best to accomodate you.

4. Should we keep calling to see if Ohana opens up a time? On another note, is the coffee at the refillable station any good?

Definitely keep calling. Plus when you check in at the resort you can always either call from there or ask at the concierge desk in the GCH. The coffee at the refill station isn't all that good--its just functional. Now the cofee at the Kona Island coffee bar is amazing!

Is the walk t/f the monorail short enough to expect our daughter to walk it without complaints of "I'm tired!"?

Usually the kids are so hyped up to be at Disney that the walk to/from the monorail isn't that bad for them. However, I had a stroller when my DD was 4 and it was invaluable when she was very tired.

Thanks in advance to anyone/everyone who can help a mama out!

My pleasure!

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

How or what is the coffee in the Poly Club Lounge?

 

[Tess]

How or what is the coffee in the Poly Club Lounge?

Nescrape`. . .standard machine with cappucino, lattes, regular/decaf coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, etc.--not good. . .but suffices because it's there and plentiful.

 

[cmesq61]

Hi everyone, this is my very first post. I hope I'm not breaking any rules with it! My family is staying at the Poly in early February for four nights/five days. We've never stayed overnight before (well, I did once in 1985 or so, but it was off-site and I can't even remember where), and we're very excited. As a newbie to staying at the resort, I was hoping some of you experts could answer some of my questions :

1. Refillable Mugs: My husband and I think it will be worth it to get the mugs, since we only have to refill about three times a day to make it economical. My question is this: do most people carry the mugs around with them at the parks just so they have them on-hand when they return to their resorts, or do they keep them in their rooms? If we lug them around, the only thing we could refill them with at the parks is water-fountain water, so we're not sure what the usual protocol is!

We tried lugging ours around the first day and quickly nixed that idea. We ended up not using them much as we were in the Tahiti building and so far from the GCH but so very close to the TTC that we just didn't end up using the mugs unless we were at the pool. That's becasue we would come and go from the TTC and not from the Poly lobby monorail stop.

2. Park Hopping: I know it's easy to hop from MK to Epcot, but what about to HS or AK? How long does it take to go from Poly to AK or Poly to HS? Are the buses at the resort or at the MK?

I am handicapped and use and ECV so I avoid the busses like the plague. So, to get to DHS, my BF and I go out the back gate of EP (as you enter international place) and stroll to DHS, or you can take a boat, but the walk is not bad especially if your little one is in a stroller. You can also take a bus from the TTC directly adjacent to the Poly. That's how my kids prefer to go and they have never found the buses too bad. Not sure what their longest wait has been but I can ask. I've never been to AK so sorry, can't help there.

3. Longhouse requests: Many of you have used the fax and call system about 4-5 before arrival, but another site said the only request that works is the note with your initial reservation. Since we didn't request a particular longhouse with our reservation, are we plumb out of luck?

I went with the request made at reservation and lucked out by getting what I wanted.

4. Resort Dining: Ohana is completely booked except for 9:40 or so seatings, and that's way too late for our family (kids will be 7, 4 and 11 months) during the trip, so we've made reservations at Kona Cafe (we love Kona coffee) for breakfast a couple of days. Should we keep calling to see if Ohana opens up a time? On another note, is the coffee at the refillable station any good?
Coffee at refillable was OK, and I am a DUnkin Donuts devotee. There were only a few places in all of WDW that I found the coffee intolerable. Keep trying Ohana. We were able to get a 4:30 when we were there just by inquiring everyday.

5. Stroller to/from Resort: I'm a big babywearer, so I will be carrying our baby in a sling/soft backpack, but I'm not sure about my 4-year-old's stamina. I'd prefer to rent a stroller from the park than risk taking our own (I've read several posts about people "losing" theirs to other visitors). Is the walk t/f the monorail short enough to expect our daughter to walk it without complaints of "I'm tired!"?
Don't have a stroller but I park my ECV everywhere and haven't had any trouble. Of course, it has the advantage of a removable key and being too heavy for someone to carry away!


Hope you guys have a fabulous time.

 

[urbanmama]

Many thanks to everyone who answered my questions. I knew you Poly vets would have answers for me! We're looking forward to our vacation!

 

[GSLand]

Just wanted to share some pictures of the Polynesian. We love this hotel, it's probably our second favorite WDW resort behind Grand Floridian.

Hi DonaldDoleWhip - loved the pictures.

But where was the fruit carving picture taken? We were there in December (out first Poly stay) and didn't see any cute fruit and vegetables

 

[melk]

Forgive me if this has been covered before, but we are arriving on a Tuesday around 11:30 (in April). I would like to have lunch at Kona Cafe and then relax and swim for the afternoon. We have a garden view room, I made no requests concerning it. Do you think we have a pretty good chance of getting our room early so we can dump all our stuff in it?

Thank you! (Can't wait....our first time at the Polynesian!)

 

[ppan77]

Last year we arrived around the same time at CR and walked right to our room So you never know ...but dont be disappointed if it doesnt happen.


Anyhow Poly lovers we are staying at the Poly for our first time!! I need some tips on MUST DO's while we are there! What to eat, drink, do...so we dont miss out! Let me know!!

 

[johnsonet]

... Poly lovers we are staying at the Poly for our first time!! I need some tips on MUST DO's while we are there! What to eat, drink, do...so we dont miss out! Let me know!!

I'm sure you will LOVE the Polynesian
I would say take time to stroll the grounds of the resort - walk back from the TTC when returning from Epcot via monorail, for example... Check out the shops in the Grand Ceremonial House... Sit by the pool and walk on the beach... sit on the "hidden" beach in front of the Tahiti Longhouse (or the main beach in front of the Volcano pool) at night and watch the big ferries lit up on Seven Seas Lagoon taking guests to the MK... check to see if there are activities that appeal to you - my daughter and niece painted wooden tiki masks that are gorgeous! We always go to Kona Cafe for at least breakfast and dinner once during our stays. A lot of people love 'Ohana too ~ WDW guests come from all over to eat there!

The Polynesian is a LOT of fun

 

[mmmears]

Forgive me if this has been covered before, but we are arriving on a Tuesday around 11:30 (in April). I would like to have lunch at Kona Cafe and then relax and swim for the afternoon. We have a garden view room, I made no requests concerning it. Do you think we have a pretty good chance of getting our room early so we can dump all our stuff in it?

Thank you! (Can't wait....our first time at the Polynesian!)

My advice is to let them know when you will be arriving, and have them put on the reservation that you're requesting early check-in. This usually helps if you dont have any other requests. Otherwise, I know they'll hold your bags for you (but then it's more of a pain to change for swimming). Good luck!

 

[Picabo]

Hi fellow Poly fans!!! It's been a long time since I've posted here. We boked our first family trip (and first time onsite for me, too) about 18mos early and now I only have about 10mos left to wait! WOOHOO! Anyhow, so now I'm back on track and ready to start my planning, again! FUN FUN!

Anyhow, few questions - has anyone used Magical Vacations??? Are they are good company to go with? Reputable? Any problems with them at all?

Also, contemplating between garden view and garden club level. Is club level really WORTH the extra money?? We may not have the dining plan and so the club level is a bit tempting since we can have bkfst foods taken care of in the club lounge (right???) What offerings are available in the mornings in the club lounge?? Is there enough selection there for toddler to be happy? (Will have a 2 1/2 yr old and an almost 4 yr old) Do they have fresh fruits? Yogurt? Donuts or waffles? What juices do they have? Is there anywhere I can find what is offered throughout the day in the club level?

ALSO, we originally were planning to arrive on a weekday - hoping to avoid crowds at check in. If we end up going Sat-Sat are we going to experience a horrible wait to get checked in? This is what I'm trying to avoid, if possible. I have an impatient hubby and 2 toddlers....haha

Last, if you are in club level, is there any need to get the refillable mug? Or would that not be necessary in clue level?

THANKS!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I just finished a survey specific to my recent stay at the Polynesian. I'm glad I got the survey so I could give kudos to some wonderful CMs during our stay.

Anybody else get one of these after a stay there?

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Nescrape`. . .standard machine with cappucino, lattes, regular/decaf coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, etc.--not good. . .but suffices because it's there and plentiful.

I guess I will still have to go get me some Kona Coffee!

 

[momatater]

I just finished a survey specific to my recent stay at the Polynesian. I'm glad I got the survey so I could give kudos to some wonderful CMs during our stay.

Anybody else get one of these after a stay there?

Yes! I have received this survey the last 2 times we stayed at the Poly. I also was glad to be able to give kudos to a few great CMs.

 

[Tess]

I guess I will still have to go get me some Kona Coffee!

yep. . .

 

[kwlewis10]

Forgive me if this has been covered before, but we are arriving on a Tuesday around 11:30 (in April). I would like to have lunch at Kona Cafe and then relax and swim for the afternoon. We have a garden view room, I made no requests concerning it. Do you think we have a pretty good chance of getting our room early so we can dump all our stuff in it?

I wouldn't think you'd have a problem. The only times we've ever waited was because we were waiting for a room type we requested. If we wanted a room overlooking the parking lot (vs the other side of the bldg), we could have gotten into our room a few hourse before the 3pm check-in. I'd do what another poster suggested and put early check-in on your reservation.

I would also pack a separate bag with your swim stuff just in case. And leave your other bags with the bellmen in case you don't get your room right away.