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

[shyjade]

I'm thrilled that after today, I can say "next month we are returning to the Poly"!!

 

[baj0505]

We just booked for the Poly for Jan 4-8th first time staying at a Magic Kingdom resort -- we are usually Beach Club / Epcot junkies. The proximity to the TTC and quick ride to Epcot pushed us to try the Poly. Looking forward to reading all the posts!!

 

[Me!Thatswho]

We are also going to experience the Poly for the first time. We'll be there New Years Eve through the 7th. Definitely can't wait to return to WDW!

 

[DisneyToddlers]

MNSSHP Pics....

MOMATATER-I saw you guys dressed in your pirate costumes at the Poly!!!! You were just past Samoa, walking towards the GCH near the footbridge by the Volcano Pool and I was walking toward Samoa, which was my longhouse. I remember thinking you guys were CM's in character doing something special at the Poly. It only hit me after you past that you were going to MNSSHP (this was my first trip, so it didn't register right away!!!) Anyway, you all looked AWESOME and I even went up to my room and told DH that I just mistook you guys for CM's, as your costumes were so great! I had been thrilled to read your live reports before I left (I was there from 9/15-9/25). I wish I knew it was you when I saw you guys! It was funny to see your pics here on the POLY thread after that!

 

[DisneyToddlers]

WOW! What a fantastic resort! Just got back from our 10 night stay at the POLY on Thursday night. I LOVED it as much as I knew I would!!!!!! And more!!!!!! I could tell from all of the info in this thread that it was the place for me-and it was!

We arrived at the Poly on Mon., Sept 15th at about 12 pm. Our room was not ready until about 3pm (don't know the exact time, because we were swimming at the Volcano Pool and only checked once in a while). I inquired about how much an upgrade would be (as suggested on here to see about an upgrade) and after checking with another CM, said that since we were staying so long, there really wasn't anything available for the length of our stay. That was totally fine, as we were given the exact location we requested!!!! We wanted 3rd floor Samoa, facing the Volcano Pool, and that's exactly what we got! I loved our room and our view. We had a beautiful Lagoon View for a garden view price, and loved looking at the Volcano Pool, too. The location was so perfect, as we loved being near the GCH. It made the trip to the MK even that much quicker. Sure it was a little bit of a walk to the TTC, but then again the whole trip was about WALKING. Walking at the Poly was so enjoyable though. I just wanted to freeze time whenever I was on the grounds.

We were in the end room closest to the Lagoon, room 3610. The room was spacious enough for our family of 2 adults/2 young children. Mousekeeping was fine, although I secretly wished for towel Mickey's or something special. We left her (we seemed to have the same Mousekeeper daily) a nice tip each day. One day I left a note asking for a towel Mickey for the kids and she left one and also left 2 great, elaborate, towel bunnies for the kids. Very, very cute! I figured it couldn't hurt to ask! She was very nice-we'd see her in the hallways sometimes and chit-chat.

We never made it to the Quiet Pool. We loved the Volcano Pool sooooo much! The zero entry was so great for our 1 1/2 year old and our 3 1/2 year old. I don't think it was ever "too crowded" and I'm pretty sensitive to that. Only DH and I made it down the slide. Our 3 1/2 year old DD could have used a lifejacket to go down it, but was too scared to try. She cracks us up! She ADORES rollercoasters and fast rides. She couldn't get enough of Big Thunder Mountain and Test Track, but throw in the possibility of getting splashed in the face-Well forget it!!!!

We ate at Captain Cooks for several breakfasts and lunches and all the meals were good. After the first time, we got the hang of the ordering system. We didn't see any mass confusion, although people were asking for clarification. We had a breakfast and a Dinner at Kona which were both very good-(Why didn't I have Tonga Toast more than once!!!!!!) We Loved our breakfast and dinner at Ohana's. They were some of our favorite meals of the trip. The only thing was, both DH and I had stomach pain right after the dinner. It was crazy that it happened to both of us at the same time on the way up to the room! Then to top it off, we met a woman the next day who had eaten there that night and she also had a problem. DH went to talk to the Ohana manager the next day, who wanted to do something for us, but DH told him he just wanted him to know, and refused to take anything as we were fine. I would not hesitate to eat there again, even with that experience. It may have been the spices or food combos and we really did love it.

We did the Luau also, and didn't find it as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. The food and the show were just ok. I guess maybe we expected a little more for the price, and felt that the show dragged on a little. There were a lot of people crammed into the space.


OK, back on a postive note-what more can I say, other than that I know now what you all meant about the Poly being "home". It truly feels like it to me! We went to several other resorts in WDW and we just didn't "feel" them. The Poly is the place for us!!!! And the best part is we have a bounceback booked at the Poly for free dining next September. WOOHOO

I'll post pictures when I can and more details if I think of them!

Patty

 

[momatater]

how could you not enjoy???

your mom did a GREAT job on the costumes!

Thank you very much!

I love this new thread!!! I had lurked on the old one before, but started going through Disney Withdrawl, so had to stay away from trip planning boards so I don't end up planning a trip we can't afford!!! We are hoping to get back to the Poly in Dec. 2009.

I'm loving the Live updates and Trip Reports! Stephanie, thanks for posting your pics...Those Pirate costumes are awesome..your Mom did a great job!!

Shell54, congrats on the upgrade..that's great (and I guess you answered out earlier ??as to would requesting a certain building affect your chances of a Pixie Dust Upgrade...NO!!!) I can't wait to see all of your pics!!

As to the cost of the views issue..I don't really understand that either...although since we aren't in the room much, I'm not a big "view" person, it's more about location with me...although i do admit, I'd be unhappy with a $355/nt parking lot view. I'd certainly rather pay more for CL service than lagoon or theme park view..I had never really noticed this pricing structure, as I am usually just looking for the least expensive way to stay at the Poly possible, but I will certainly check it out the next time I am planning a trip.

Those of you who are there now of going soon...have a fun, safe trip!!

Thank you!

Stephanie, I love your photos! You have a beautiful family. The costumes are great. This past week while we were there, it was much fun watching everyone going to that. We were in MK that day,but weren't attending the party so we left the park around 6:30. Iam going to try and post my photos today. I looked at my Photopass photos and own photos and the ones I took at the Poly turned out nice.

Thank you! I loved your pics as well. We also saw a bride with the carriage, but we were on the monorail and I always look in that direction to see if I get lucky to see a bride. It must have been even better to walk up on it! I'm glad you had such a great time.

We just got back too and also received an upgrade to Hawaii..I was grinning like a fool for a good couple of hours after. The CM who checked us in (Chuck) was so nice. Everyone at the Poly was friendly . I'm so glad my Dad picked this resort but now I am spoiled. I consider myself to be a Poly fan now and will stay there in 2009 with my sis. I'm toying with garden view or going for lagoon or theme park view..I have about a year to pay this off so I may go for it. My sister will love this resort.

I too found mousekeeping to be pretty good, I think all the resorts have seen a slight downturn in mousekeeping quality so I tried to not let small things get to me.

We did Kona Cafe for breakfast 9/23 and found them to be OK. My Tonga Toast was good and the coffee was great.

Loved being on the monorail. Didn't have too much of an issue with buses, most came within 15 minutes.

I'll post pics as well- I'll be downloading them soon.

Thanks for the report and I'm glad you had such a great time. Pics?? I'm ready!

 

[momatater]

I garnered so much information from this thread before we left for the Poly and I thought I would write a quick review of my experience in case it may help someone with their planning.

Our all girl crew consisted of Me, DD-25yrs., DD-23yrs., DD-4.5yrs., and my granddaughter 20 months. We rented a car and arrived at the Poly at about 5pm-ish on Saturday. There was no check-in line and the process was quick and pleasant. We had reserved a standard GV room and I had only requested a balcony or patio. We were assigned a 3rd floor room in the Aotearoa long house. The view included the monorail and a bit of the highway. But truthfully it was just fine and it was very quiet. I had read about noise from the luau, but we didn't hear it at all. We loved the location as it was close to the main house and the pool. I would stay in this longhouse again.

I was worried about all 5 of us being comfortable in one room for a week, but it was fine. There was plenty of storage and the counter space in the bathroom provided enough room, even with our all girl crew. I didn't find the room that dark, although the bathroom lighting could be better for makeup application.

The mousekeeping was just fine. We usually left the room by 7:30am and returned about 1pm for an afternoon break. Our room was always made up, vacuumed, trash out, etc. It was just great. My oldest daughter slept on the daybed and reported that it was comfortable and she slept well.

We used the monorail for MK and Epcot and it was especially convenient with the small children. But did not use any of the busses, as we had a car.

The Poly grounds are beautiful. The lobby smells great and is just as beautiful. The pool was fun. I really didn't find it especially crowded. We were always able to find chairs or a table near the bar. They gave us lifejackets for the kids and let us keep them all week, so we didn't have to ask each time we went to the pool.

As has been reported, the flow at Captian Cooks is a mess. However, the food was decent. We especially liked the grown-up grilled cheese and the pulled pork sandwich. And of course LOVED the dole whip!! The pastries were also very good! We ate one breakfast at Kona. I had the Tonga toast and it was delish, but even better was the pressed coffee. That coffee tasted so good after getting Nescafe everywhere else!

We all thought the boutiki shop had some cute things. We bought a couple sundresses and tops there. We thought the pricing was decent.

I used the laundry room one day. It took a little over an hour for a full wash/dry cycle. The cost was $2.00 per load per washer and per dryer. There were plenty of machines. There were only two other people doing laundry at the time I was there.

All the CMs were friendly with an "Aloha" greeting everywhere. Even my four year old started using the same greeting to everyone.

Overall we had a great time! The parks were empty and we really didn't have to wait for anything. I think our longest wait was 10 minutes. We fast passed Toy Story and Kilamanjaro Safari or else we would have had a long wait. We won Magic Kingdom Dream Fastpasses at the Princess greeting place in Toontown. It was fun to win, but we really didn't get to use them as we walked on all the rides that day. We went to MNSSHP that same night and thought we might use the fast passes that evening, but again walked on all the rides. By the way, we loved the party. We would definitely attend again. It is a must do!!

As far as weather goes, it was really nice. It rained hard on Monday afternoon/evening, but other than that it was perfect for us. We saw a couple love bugs at the end of the week at Disney Studios, but that was it.

It was soooo much fun. All of us loved it. My four year old said she wanted to stay for a thousand days! I think we all wanted to stay that long! Again, thanks to everyone who contributes to these boards. All the information really helped us have a perfect family vacation!

Thanks for the great report. Glad you had such a great time!

I am almost down to single digits I've stayed at the Poly once before, but never in the Hawaii building. I'm getting so excited . Thanks for all the trip reports and pics

9 DAYS!! WOO HOO for you!!

I'm thrilled that after today, I can say "next month we are returning to the Poly"!!

Getting closer! Lucky you!!!

We just booked for the Poly for Jan 4-8th first time staying at a Magic Kingdom resort -- we are usually Beach Club / Epcot junkies. The proximity to the TTC and quick ride to Epcot pushed us to try the Poly. Looking forward to reading all the posts!!

We are also going to experience the Poly for the first time. We'll be there New Years Eve through the 7th. Definitely can't wait to return to WDW!

I hope you both enjoy the Poly as much as some of us others do. The location is second to none, IMO. Have a great time!

MOMATATER-I saw you guys dressed in your pirate costumes at the Poly!!!! You were just past Samoa, walking towards the GCH near the footbridge by the Volcano Pool and I was walking toward Samoa, which was my longhouse. I remember thinking you guys were CM's in character doing something special at the Poly. It only hit me after you past that you were going to MNSSHP (this was my first trip, so it didn't register right away!!!) Anyway, you all looked AWESOME and I even went up to my room and told DH that I just mistook you guys for CM's, as your costumes were so great! I had been thrilled to read your live reports before I left (I was there from 9/15-9/25). I wish I knew it was you when I saw you guys! It was funny to see your pics here on the POLY thread after that!

OMG, too bad you didn't know it was us...I would have loved to chat for a bit! I'm shocked you thought we were CMs, maybe that explains why so many people at the MK before and during the party wanted pics and kept shaking "Capt. Jacks" hand! It's kinda cool when you realize "hey, I (sorta kinda) knew those people!

WOW! What a fantastic resort! Just got back from our 10 night stay at the POLY on Thursday night. I LOVED it as much as I knew I would!!!!!! And more!!!!!! I could tell from all of the info in this thread that it was the place for me-and it was!

We arrived at the Poly on Mon., Sept 15th at about 12 pm. Our room was not ready until about 3pm (don't know the exact time, because we were swimming at the Volcano Pool and only checked once in a while). I inquired about how much an upgrade would be (as suggested on here to see about an upgrade) and after checking with another CM, said that since we were staying so long, there really wasn't anything available for the length of our stay. That was totally fine, as we were given the exact location we requested!!!! We wanted 3rd floor Samoa, facing the Volcano Pool, and that's exactly what we got! I loved our room and our view. We had a beautiful Lagoon View for a garden view price, and loved looking at the Volcano Pool, too. The location was so perfect, as we loved being near the GCH. It made the trip to the MK even that much quicker. Sure it was a little bit of a walk to the TTC, but then again the whole trip was about WALKING. Walking at the Poly was so enjoyable though. I just wanted to freeze time whenever I was on the grounds.

We were in the end room closest to the Lagoon, room 3610. The room was spacious enough for our family of 2 adults/2 young children. Mousekeeping was fine, although I secretly wished for towel Mickey's or something special. We left her (we seemed to have the same Mousekeeper daily) a nice tip each day. One day I left a note asking for a towel Mickey for the kids and she left one and also left 2 great, elaborate, towel bunnies for the kids. Very, very cute! I figured it couldn't hurt to ask! She was very nice-we'd see her in the hallways sometimes and chit-chat.

We never made it to the Quiet Pool. We loved the Volcano Pool sooooo much! The zero entry was so great for our 1 1/2 year old and our 3 1/2 year old. I don't think it was ever "too crowded" and I'm pretty sensitive to that. Only DH and I made it down the slide. Our 3 1/2 year old DD could have used a lifejacket to go down it, but was too scared to try. She cracks us up! She ADORES rollercoasters and fast rides. She couldn't get enough of Big Thunder Mountain and Test Track, but throw in the possibility of getting splashed in the face-Well forget it!!!!

We ate at Captain Cooks for several breakfasts and lunches and all the meals were good. After the first time, we got the hang of the ordering system. We didn't see any mass confusion, although people were asking for clarification. We had a breakfast and a Dinner at Kona which were both very good-(Why didn't I have Tonga Toast more than once!!!!!!) We Loved our breakfast and dinner at Ohana's. They were some of our favorite meals of the trip. The only thing was, both DH and I had stomach pain right after the dinner. It was crazy that it happened to both of us at the same time on the way up to the room! Then to top it off, we met a woman the next day who had eaten there that night and she also had a problem. DH went to talk to the Ohana manager the next day, who wanted to do something for us, but DH told him he just wanted him to know, and refused to take anything as we were fine. I would not hesitate to eat there again, even with that experience. It may have been the spices or food combos and we really did love it.

We did the Luau also, and didn't find it as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. The food and the show were just ok. I guess maybe we expected a little more for the price, and felt that the show dragged on a little. There were a lot of people crammed into the space.


OK, back on a postive note-what more can I say, other than that I know now what you all meant about the Poly being "home". It truly feels like it to me! We went to several other resorts in WDW and we just didn't "feel" them. The Poly is the place for us!!!! And the best part is we have a bounceback booked at the Poly for free dining next September. WOOHOO

I'll post pictures when I can and more details if I think of them!

Patty

I'm so glad you had such a good time! The Poly is one of our favorite places on earth....PERIOD!!!

What dates are you going next Sept? We also booked bounceback, Sept 3-11.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

WOW! What a fantastic resort! Just got back from our 10 night stay at the POLY on Thursday night. I LOVED it as much as I knew I would!!!!!! And more!!!!!! I could tell from all of the info in this thread that it was the place for me-and it was!

We arrived at the Poly on Mon., Sept 15th at about 12 pm. Our room was not ready until about 3pm (don't know the exact time, because we were swimming at the Volcano Pool and only checked once in a while). I inquired about how much an upgrade would be (as suggested on here to see about an upgrade) and after checking with another CM, said that since we were staying so long, there really wasn't anything available for the length of our stay. That was totally fine, as we were given the exact location we requested!!!! We wanted 3rd floor Samoa, facing the Volcano Pool, and that's exactly what we got! I loved our room and our view. We had a beautiful Lagoon View for a garden view price, and loved looking at the Volcano Pool, too. The location was so perfect, as we loved being near the GCH. It made the trip to the MK even that much quicker. Sure it was a little bit of a walk to the TTC, but then again the whole trip was about WALKING. Walking at the Poly was so enjoyable though. I just wanted to freeze time whenever I was on the grounds.

We were in the end room closest to the Lagoon, room 3610. The room was spacious enough for our family of 2 adults/2 young children. Mousekeeping was fine, although I secretly wished for towel Mickey's or something special. We left her (we seemed to have the same Mousekeeper daily) a nice tip each day. One day I left a note asking for a towel Mickey for the kids and she left one and also left 2 great, elaborate, towel bunnies for the kids. Very, very cute! I figured it couldn't hurt to ask! She was very nice-we'd see her in the hallways sometimes and chit-chat.

We never made it to the Quiet Pool. We loved the Volcano Pool sooooo much! The zero entry was so great for our 1 1/2 year old and our 3 1/2 year old. I don't think it was ever "too crowded" and I'm pretty sensitive to that. Only DH and I made it down the slide. Our 3 1/2 year old DD could have used a lifejacket to go down it, but was too scared to try. She cracks us up! She ADORES rollercoasters and fast rides. She couldn't get enough of Big Thunder Mountain and Test Track, but throw in the possibility of getting splashed in the face-Well forget it!!!!

We ate at Captain Cooks for several breakfasts and lunches and all the meals were good. After the first time, we got the hang of the ordering system. We didn't see any mass confusion, although people were asking for clarification. We had a breakfast and a Dinner at Kona which were both very good-(Why didn't I have Tonga Toast more than once!!!!!!) We Loved our breakfast and dinner at Ohana's. They were some of our favorite meals of the trip. The only thing was, both DH and I had stomach pain right after the dinner. It was crazy that it happened to both of us at the same time on the way up to the room! Then to top it off, we met a woman the next day who had eaten there that night and she also had a problem. DH went to talk to the Ohana manager the next day, who wanted to do something for us, but DH told him he just wanted him to know, and refused to take anything as we were fine. I would not hesitate to eat there again, even with that experience. It may have been the spices or food combos and we really did love it.

We did the Luau also, and didn't find it as enjoyable as I hoped it would be. The food and the show were just ok. I guess maybe we expected a little more for the price, and felt that the show dragged on a little. There were a lot of people crammed into the space.


OK, back on a postive note-what more can I say, other than that I know now what you all meant about the Poly being "home". It truly feels like it to me! We went to several other resorts in WDW and we just didn't "feel" them. The Poly is the place for us!!!! And the best part is we have a bounceback booked at the Poly for free dining next September. WOOHOO

I'll post pictures when I can and more details if I think of them!

Patty

Thanks for posting that great review and I can't wait to see your pictures.

 

[shyjade]

I'm happy to finally be able to say "next month we will be at the Poly again!"

40 days and counting...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I'm happy to finally be able to say "next month we will be at the Poly again!"

40 days and counting...

Have a great time.

 

[shyjade]

Thanks, I KNOW I will! After staying at the Poly last year for the first time (thanks to this thread ) I knew I'd rather take less trips to Disney but stay at the Poly when we do go. It really did feel like "home" to us.

 

[Shell54]

We didn't book the bounceback, but we are going back (to the the Poly ) in June and hoping for a pincode in the meantime. Our son is coming with us this time so it'll be fun to introduce him to this gorgeous resort.
Hope all you guys going soon have a blast I love reading the reports and seeing the pictures. I can't believe last week at this time I was at the Poly and getting ready to head to AK...

 

[momatater]

We didn't book the bounceback, but we are going back (to the the Poly ) in June and hoping for a pincode in the meantime. Our son is coming with us this time so it'll be fun to introduce him to this gorgeous resort.
Hope all you guys going soon have a blast I love reading the reports and seeing the pictures. I can't believe last week at this time I was at the Poly and getting ready to head to AK...

Oh how cool, your son will love it!!!

I know what you mean thinking "last week at this time I was...." I'm still doing it, saying "only 12 days ago we were doing such and such" Soon I will be saying to my boys "ya know, 107 days ago we were eating a dole whip from Capt Cooks" When will the withdrawals ever end??????

 

[Me&3]

Great TR Patty can't wait to see your pics

 

[shyjade]

That's why I found returning from Disney in mid-November to be best. When we get home it's time to start preparing for the holidays, so the "after Disney crash" is somewhat lessened with the excitement and craziness of the holidays!

 

[Mrs.Prince]

How many of those little shade things over the beach chairs are there?

Do they have movies on the beach at the Poly?

 

[cmesq61]

Just back from our first stay at the Poly. More details to follow when I catch up on sleep and laundry, but...awesome, awesome, aswesome. Tahiti, rooms 2013 and 2014. No upgrades or YOAMD, but a fabulous trip.

To the person that asked about gin in the store--yes they have it.

More detailed Poly, meals and disabilities reports to follow...

Thanks to all here for the very helpful info that I went armed with!

 

[habg1]

Can't wait for your info on your trip.

 

[luvthemouse71]

It's amazing how the Poly makes you feel so at home..usually, I like to try different resorts. I fully expected that I'd like the Poly, but would want to try somewhere else for 2009. Nope, I'm hooked

This is the view from the concierge lounge..we got upgraded and I was so excited.I did use the zoom on my camera, but even so, the view was incredible!

 

[jackemail]

Also just back from Poly last night--this place will ALWAYS be my absolute favorite. As usual, everything was perfect---mousekeeping, entertainment, food, wonderful cast members. Poly is the best.