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

[Tess]

Welcome back Johnsonet, although I understand wholeheartedly your desire to remain at the Polynesian. . .

Nice pics too!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

The Niue building (right next to a side entrance to the GCH) is a good location. Another good choice would be Rarotonga. "noise" is somewhat relative as I've never found the resort to be overtly 'loud'.



As someone who has very bad allergies and is VERY sensitive to cigarette smoke, this was the only 'con' I had concerning Pop. I can completely relate to your DD on this. I didn't have any such problems at the Poly. I will suggest that just in case some folks decide to smoke on the main drag into the GCH, I'd advise using the side entrances into the GCH (next to Niue and the other next to Tonga). No smoke there.

I've found the CMs at the Poly to be very accomodating. In addition to noting your needs on your reservation, reiterate them at check-in as well. Hope that helps!

Thanks for the quick reply, I will make sure to read this whole thread once the boards start running a bit quicker...

Here is a link to a Polynesian map with the Designated Smoking Areas:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/PolynesianMap.pdf

This will DEFINETELY help, thanks..

Tink is here! Hey Diane!
The people here are so helpful, even when they are not aware they are. LOL I do a great deal of reading and have learned so much for my first Poly stay.

Yeah a familiar face, nice to see you again Sharlon, and it's outside the "my" normal little world...

 

[Walkie]

There are no pre-set routes and no pre-set groupings of resorts ... it all gets dispatched based upon expected need, and they predeict the need due to the reservations data they have.

Disney's Magical Express buses stop at a maximum of 4 resorts. Most do 2 or 3.

The time it takes to get to your resort is pretty much comparable with other modes of transportation such as car services and rental cars. A lot of people assume that the other ways get you there faster, but they forget to factor in thr fact that with DME you totally skip baggage claim, which shaves off a bunch of time.

The overall average reported time from airplane exit to resort drop-off via DME is 70 minutes. The 3 times I used it, I timed it at 63 minutes, 56 minutes and 57 minutes. The 57 minute time was last month, when I stayed at Polynesian.

Pack for your immediate needs in your carry-on, as your checked luggage will be delivered about 3 hours after you check-in at the resort. You don't need to wait in the room, and in fact you shouldn't ... DME luggage "magically" appears in your room whether you're in there or not.

The Transportation forum here on the DIS has lots and lots of DME threads, and you can ask more detailed questions over there by starting your own thread.

Thanks CleveRocks. I've read posts here and on other boards where folks debate which method of transport is faster, but I think you're right, the town car folks never mention how long they wait for their luggage. The ME sounds like the way to go for us.

 

[mmmears]

Thanks CleveRocks. I've read posts here and on other boards where folks debate which method of transport is faster, but I think you're right, the town car folks never mention how long they wait for their luggage. The ME sounds like the way to go for us.

We're trying a town car for the first time next month since we're in a real hurry to get to our hotel. But then, we're taking only carry-ons, so I'm thinking that it will beat ME by quite a bit of time that way.

 

[mmmears]

Well, I am just back from the Polynesian and I swear I think it was our best trip ever. Sorry not to have posted live as promised. Actually, I did post from there a time or two but didn't disclose it at the time...
Anyway, I'll post pics soon. Picabo - I was there when you asked about the beach toys and I have photos and prices for you
We had BEAUTIFUL weather and the CMs were SO FRIENDLY and On-line check-in is almost ridiculously easy
CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN!!
mmmears, you are in for such a treat

I'm so glad to hear that you had a fantastic time again at the Poly!!!

And, yes, I am hoping that our trip comes soon and that we love it there, too!

Love the photos you posted, as usual.

How crowded were the Poly and the pools?

 

[johnsonet]

How about (for those who've been to the Poly) sharing your favorite moments there at the resort! Or any special TIPS that general public may not know about!

Such as - is there any place better than another for viewing Wishes and/or the Water Pagent??

When we stayed LV CL this summer, our favorite place was from our room This trip, we were GV and never even missed the view BUT we did enjoy Wishes one evening from the Marina after a casual supper at Captain Cook's. We walked outside and the view from the Marina was UNREAL I highly recommend it.

I'm so upset about Tikiman's site closing I check it every so often for any updates.

I have a question. I requested 3rd floor Tuvalu and I'm booked MKV. Has anyone stayed in this long house? My worry is that its to far from everything, and I haven't seen many pictures of views from there and everyone raves about Tahiti. Im starting to second guess myself any one have any experience in Tuvalu?

I walked thru Tuvalu one afternoon and I think its MK views must be fantastic You're right on the water. No worries! Tahiti would be great too (I've stayed there once but in a GV room).

I just started reading disboards last week, I'm hardly getting anything else accomplished! I'm up to page 45 on this Polynesian thread.

I just created my countdown ticker so I had to post to check it out.

Congratulations! This is a VERY cool board and the Poly is the BEST

For those of you who have stayed at the Poly before, when leaving Epcot, do you just take the monorail to the TTC and then walk to your room? (We'll be in the Hawaii bldg.).

I know people say it can be a bit of a walk, but it is really any less walking to transfer to the other monorail, wait, then go to the GCH and walk to your room?

Great point and YES, we walk unless it is raining No need to get off one monorail, go down ramp, go up ramp, get on Resorts/MK monorail, get off at Poly's GCH, walk down GCH stairs and walk to Hawaii. Walking is probably faster and def. easier unless there are mobility issues...

That's what we do too unless it's pouring rain or on NYE 1999 when the TTC walkway was closed at the Polynesian entrance.

For us, it's probably more like a 7-8 minute walk. Even after Epcot, it's an easy walk.

AGREE!

We almost always walk from the TTC to the Hawaii building. It's a beautiful walk and so relaxing, even when we're exhausted from a day at Epcot!

Agree again!

 

[kaffinito]

Thanks for the pics! It makes me even more excited for our trip in 19 more days!

Do you think if I slipped the gate guard a note asking them not to let on to my kids that I was checking in they would play along with it? They think we're going there for lunch the first day because I miss the place and are convinced we're staying at POR.

I can hardly wait to see how surprised they are when I go to the front desk to check in!

 

[CleveRocks]

We're trying a town car for the first time next month since we're in a real hurry to get to our hotel. But then, we're taking only carry-ons, so I'm thinking that it will beat ME by quite a bit of time that way.

I totally agree that a car service and carry-on-only should be faster than DME.

 

[johnsonet]

I'm so glad to hear that you had a fantastic time again at the Poly!!!

And, yes, I am hoping that our trip comes soon and that we love it there, too!

Love the photos you posted, as usual.

How crowded were the Poly and the pools?

Hey! Sorry not to have posted LIVE for you most of all Hopefully I can still answer a lot of your last-minute questions!
The pools were crowded in the afternoons. There were some non-resort guests. One group of teenagers was particularly sweet and one of the guys kept offering to take pics of us for us I assume they were not guests b/c they all had resort mugs from another resort They were on towels on the sand - not in chairs.
Also, I saw some families during the week with LOTS of bags, strollers, STUFF that I assumed were "visiting" - YES, they may have checked out earlier but there were instances of this mid-morning too. While this isn't ideal, I just accept it as "the way it goes" - Poly simply has the BEST beach Maybe they were all DVC and are allowed to... I have no idea. Anyway, when DD and I did "pool days" we were out by 1oam and had our pick of chairs - Beach/Volcano pool/Quiet Pool. If we went to the parks (which was every day of the second half of our trip b/c DSIL and nieces joined us) chairs were scarce or nonexistent (3pm-ish). It took me a while one day to find 2 chairs for my SIL and me. One man saw me looking and was leaving and came over and offered his to me - and another woman over by the dock had an empty one next to her and I just asked. Since it worked out, I wasn't put off... Of course, if you get there and can't find a chair at all, I can understand being peeved, especially if non-guests are taking up space
I HIGHLY recommend taking a day or two to enjoy the resort. We travel to WDW often and are Passholders, so this is no problem. If your focus is on the parks, this can be difficult...

Here is a pic of Quiet Pool around 10am last week

Poly Beach around 11am last week

and at around 4:30pm

Volcano Pool around 5pm last Wednesday (?) (Sorry - no a.m. pics this trip)

Volcano Pool around 9:30pm

My advice: If you want good seats by the pool or on the beach ~ Go early!

Thanks for the pics! It makes me even more excited for our trip in 19 more days!

Do you think if I slipped the gate guard a note asking them not to let on to my kids that I was checking in they would play along with it? They think we're going there for lunch the first day because I miss the place and are convinced we're staying at POR.

I can hardly wait to see how surprised they are when I go to the front desk to check in!

Festive plan! Good luck with that. I think you can pull that off. They will be asking for your ID anyway and if your children don't suspect anything, they'll probably not notice.

 

[mmmears]

Thanks, Johnsonet! Unfortunately, we plan to spend all the afternoons at the pools, so I think we'll be in the thick of the crowds... But we are planning one night at the pool, so hopefully it wont be crowded then. We use our mornings for the parks -- we live too far away to go often, so we want to get the most out of this trip as we can.

I'm really glad you had a good time at the Poly. I just showed your photos to my DH and he just smiled -- -- we're getting close to our vacation, finally!

 

[PolynesianAlex]

Im afraid to try Grand Floridian should i stick it out and stay there or go for Poly Club Level

EDIT : Also if ur staying at poly club level do you still but The Refillable Mugs?

 

[kaffinito]

Festive plan! Good luck with that. I think you can pull that off. They will be asking for your ID anyway and if your children don't suspect anything, they'll probably not notice.

Thank you for the reassurance!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Thanks for the photos, johnsonet. My favorite has to be the photo of the volcano pool 'facing' the MK. That is the best pool experience in WDW in my not so humble opinion.

And I'm glad you enjoyed your trip!

 

[Tess]

Im afraid to try Grand Floridian should i stick it out and stay there or go for Poly Club Level

EDIT : Also if ur staying at poly club level do you still but The Refillable Mugs?

We have found no need for a refillable mug when staying CL.

As to your question re: GF vs Polynesian CL, that is a personal choice and there are pros to both. I guess I would ask myself which style is more like my own and choose accordingly. If you like a more formal east coast ocean resort feel choose the GF. If you prefer a more laid back, casual island feel--choose the Polynesian. In either event, you can always choose the other on your next visit.

Good luck deciding!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Im afraid to try Grand Floridian should i stick it out and stay there or go for Poly Club Level?

I guess the question you should ask is, would you regret it if you didn't stay Club Level at the Poly. While I love visiting the GF, after getting to stay Club Level last Christmas at the Poly, I'm not too keen on staying at the GF. That's just me.

EDIT : Also if ur staying at poly club level do you still but The Refillable Mugs?

I don't think its worth it to buy the refillable mugs if you're staying Club Level. The Coke refrigerator in the lounge is usually stocked with soft drinks throughout the day and evening. We usually popped in after a late night at the parks to get a soda.

 

[johnsonet]

Welcome back Johnsonet, although I understand wholeheartedly your desire to remain at the Polynesian. . .

Nice pics too!

Thank you

Thanks, Johnsonet! Unfortunately, we plan to spend all the afternoons at the pools, so I think we'll be in the thick of the crowds... But we are planning one night at the pool, so hopefully it wont be crowded then. We use our mornings for the parks -- we live too far away to go often, so we want to get the most out of this trip as we can.

I'm really glad you had a good time at the Poly. I just showed your photos to my DH and he just smiled -- -- we're getting close to our vacation, finally!

Thanks! I know you're traveling a long way and have lots of fun planned! You will be able to enjoy the pools and beach in the afternoons - no worries!

Thank you for the reassurance!

Hope you'll report back about how it goes with the surprise

... the photo of the volcano pool 'facing' the MK. That is the best pool experience in WDW in my not so humble opinion.

I completely agree

 

[scampagna6]

Does anyone know the Volcano Pool hours for May? Especially night time.

TIA

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Johnsonet,

Thank you for sharing your great photos with us! Did you get to eat at Kona or Ohana this trip? If so, how was the food? Thanks

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Im afraid to try Grand Floridian should i stick it out and stay there or go for Poly Club Level

EDIT : Also if ur staying at poly club level do you still but The Refillable Mugs?

I think the mere(sp?) fact that you are asking that question actually answers your question....

We were going to try and save money by staying at CSR but all I could think about was the Poly. Then the 4/3 deal came out and I tried to get to Poly but it was not available so I booked WL. I checked everyday until Walla! Poly GVCL was open. I snagged it even though I only wanted GV. A few weeks later, GV opened up and I booked that. Since booking Poly GV, I have been absolutely content and stopped asking the question......

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

Hi all, first time poster, loving this board!!!

We are taking our kids (DS almost 5, DD 3.5) to their first Disney experience 4/19-4/26. For us adults, it's our first trip to the Poly and our first return to the World since December 2001.

We went ahead and splurged for a MK view, and I know the reservationist put us in for Tuvalu. One thing I know for sure we want is either a patio or balcony - love my kids dearly, but it will be nice to have a small escape space for DH and I!

Would people recommend a balcony or patio? Would the MK view be much different do you think? If we were to do a patio in Tuvalu, MK view, should we be worried about the kids falling in the lagoon??

Thanks, and thanks too for all the great info on this board!!