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

[shyjade]

Seewhatimesdone
Interesting what you wrote about AKL. I'd never thought of it that way I absolutely love AKL but I can see your point. I LOVE strolling around the grounds of the Polynesian At AKL you're either out by the pool, out on Arusha Rock or, well, roaming the halls

Roaming the AKL halls...that's all we felt like we did when we stayed there. We were so far away from "civilization" and we hated that. After a long day in the parks, DD8 was sometimes too tired for us to go down to the pool or Mara (we were VERY far away from both) so some nights we didn't even eat dinner, and only swam once, on our first night. Ironically, we liked the AKL pool better than the Poly, but we like everything else about the Poly better.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I see you just fine. . .hope you enjoy your trip to the Polynesian and your next visit to AKL. Others love the latter, it just isn't our cup of tea. . . I felt as if I was the one who was caged rather than the animals. . .I like wide open spaces with room to roam.

Sorry That's me being needy. Anyways I had never thought about feeling caged. I can definately see your point now that I think about it.

Seewhatimesdone
I see from your signature that you are doing a Pop/Poly split in 2009. That sounds fun. I trust you are saving the best for last

Instead of staying at a moderate I decided to do a value this time so that I could stay at the Poly Ever since I saw South Pacific as a kid and then the Poly from the monorail i've always wanted to stay there.

Do you guys have any suggestions for first timers? I don't know which rooms are better although i'm sure they're all good.

 

[Tess]

Seewhatimesdone
I see from your signature that you are doing a Pop/Poly split in 2009. That sounds fun. I trust you are saving the best for last

Tess
Interesting what you wrote about AKL. I'd never thought of it that way I absolutely love AKL but I can see your point. I LOVE strolling around the grounds of the Polynesian At AKL you're either out by the pool, out on Arusha Rock or, well, roaming the halls

Yep, and it's even worse if you can't be outside at either due to lightning and/or heavy downpours.

I love the more open resorts (of course the Polynesian being our favorite) where I can stroll and roam outside rather than in a small circle. Even if it is a storm outside, you can get to another place easily for a change of scenery. I also didn't care for the smells at AKL--too much cinnamon, cardamon or something. . .just wasn't a fan I guess.

 

[BreezysMom]

I am almost at the one month countdown. The trip has been paid off for a while and today we went to get Disney gift cards for souviners.

I have stress moments here and there about what longhouse they are going to put us but then I talk myslef back into the " I don't care" mode, but I revert quickly. They should come up with a pill for this?? I know I am not the only one that worries about these things.

I am seriously keeping me requests to myself, that is how crazed I am! It is a true illness, Poly-longhouse-location-itis. Maybe there is a support group.

 

[shyjade]

I also didn't care for the smells at AKL--too much cinnamon, cardamon or something. . .just wasn't a fan I guess.

Me too! Everyone on th AKL thread RAVED about the incredible smell but when we got there, I found it rather repulsive, and certainly not enjoyable. Combine all that with being checked into a DIRTY room and nothing but problems with the staff on getting it fixed (we were later moved to a different, far away room after the nighttime housekeeping manager came and saw the condition and quickly agreed we never should've been put in that room, which had been standing vacant for a few weeks and was never "touched up" - the towel animal actually had a thick layer of grey dust on it, and so did several of the dead bugs lying on the bed stand, desk, etc.! )

Let's just say, we'll never go back to the AKL...

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

That's too bad that you guys have had bad experiences. I loved AKL! Maybe I didn't see the whole picture...

 

[johnsonet]

Do you guys have any suggestions for first timers? I don't know which rooms are better although i'm sure they're all good.

I would say anywhere at the Polynesian is going to be very nice. The standard rooms are all the same once inside.
I have stayed in 4 or 5 different Garden View rooms and 2 different club level rooms. Every experience was fantastic. The only time I've made a particular request was when I was paying rack rate for Lagoon View club level and wanted to be sure I had either a patio (1st floor) or balcony (3d floor).
Twice we have been assigned garden view rooms in Raratonga and this is a really great location. It is right beside the Great Ceremonial House, and therefore the monorail, the shops and the restaurants. It is also very close to the parking lot (if you're going to have a car), the laundry room and the Kids' Club. It's a great location.
I've also been in Tahiti bldg. and loved it. It's a larger longhouse and newer, with slightly bigger room/bathroom/hallway.
A LOT of people request Samoa. It's between the two pools and pretty close to the beach.
I've also been in Rapa Nui. All my experiences have been good!

I would recommend breakfast at Kona Cafe for sure.
Walk over to the GF along the walkway that connects the two resorts.
Watch Wishes from the beach or the boat dock at the Polynesian, or your balcony if possible!
Walk the grounds of the resort in the evening! It's so gorgeous with the music and the tiki torches
Take advantage of the walkway between the Ticket and Transportation Center and the Poly when going to and from Epcot.

Have a great time

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I would say anywhere at the Polynesian is going to be very nice. The standard rooms are all the same once inside.
I have stayed in 4 or 5 different Garden View rooms and 2 different club level rooms. Every experience was fantastic. The only time I've made a particular request was when I was paying rack rate for Lagoon View club level and wanted to be sure I had either a patio (1st floor) or balcony (3d floor).
Twice we have been assigned garden view rooms in Raratonga and this is a really great location. It is right beside the Great Ceremonial House, and therefore the monorail, the shops and the restaurants. It is also very close to the parking lot (if you're going to have a car), the laundry room and the Kids' Club. It's a great location.
I've also been in Tahiti bldg. and loved it. It's a larger longhouse and newer, with slightly bigger room/bathroom/hallway.
A LOT of people request Samoa. It's between the two pools and pretty close to the beach.
I've also been in Rapa Nui. All my experiences have been good!

I would recommend breakfast at Kona Cafe for sure.
Walk over to the GF along the walkway that connects the two resorts.
Watch Wishes from the beach or the boat dock at the Polynesian, or your balcony if possible!
Walk the grounds of the resort in the evening! It's so gorgeous with the music and the tiki torches
Take advantage of the walkway between the Ticket and Transportation Center and the Poly when going to and from Epcot.

Have a great time

Wow, thanks for the great suggestions! I really want to have Tonga Toast delivered to the room I heard Ohana has great dinner too so I might try that. I didn't know you could walk to GF so that's awesome! I definately will watch the fireworks from the beach or the pool. I can't wait

 

[johnsonet]

Yep, and it's even worse if you can't be outside at either due to lightning and/or heavy downpours.

I love the more open resorts (of course the Polynesian being our favorite) where I can stroll and roam outside rather than in a small circle. Even if it is a storm outside, you can get to another place easily for a change of scenery. I also didn't care for the smells at AKL--too much cinnamon, cardamon or something. . .just wasn't a fan I guess.

OMG! I absolutely LOVE the smoky, spicy smells at AKL! It's one of my favorite things, along with the music...

Yes. It really depends on the individual person. I like to walk around while at the Poly for sure but I don't mind sitting on my balcony watching animals in the rain either. Or sitting around drinking wine... or lying around reading...you get the idea But sounds as though you really prefer open spaces. You know what you like The Polynesian is amazing. I love it. I just love AKL too

I am almost at the one month countdown. The trip has been paid off for a while and today we went to get Disney gift cards for souviners.

I have stress moments here and there about what longhouse they are going to put us but then I talk myslef back into the " I don't care" mode, but I revert quickly. They should come up with a pill for this?? I know I am not the only one that worries about these things.

I am seriously keeping me requests to myself, that is how crazed I am! It is a true illness, Poly-longhouse-location-itis. Maybe there is a support group.

I know that feeling exactly. I used to stress about this b/c I was afraid I'd be very disappointed if I didn't get put in the building I requested or if my view wasn't what I wanted. Now, I find that IN GENERAL, it's better for me to make no requests because what they give me might be better than what I can even ask for (as in, an upgrade, which I got at GF last May. I got a theme park view but had booked a garden view. I'd made no requests). Plus, if you really are not happy with your room, do not even call for your luggage. Just go back to the front desk and ask them if there is a room available closer to the pool, for example, or closer to the GCH... they will accomodate you if they possibly can (especially if you are nice about it and patient. In the past, I've told them that I'm willing to wait for a room in the area I want, for example)

 

[johnsonet]

I didn't know you could walk to GF so that's awesome!

Yes, you can take the path from the marina area, past Luau Cove, along the beach of Seven Seas Lagoon, past the Wedding Pavilion, past the GF Spa and then over to the resort. It's a nice stroll.
Here are some pics from July:

This was taken from outside the GF Spa, which you will pass on your way from the Poly to the GF.

From our balcony looking over to the GF and Wedding Pavilion

Hawaii Building from the dock

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Oh my gosh those pictures are so beautiful! I'm going to die of happiness when I get there

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Thanks for all the new pictures, everybody!!!

I hope that those of you who are leaving soon have a great time!

Count me in as another "Old Person" who remembers swimming in 7 Seas Lagoon...I remember jumping off the swimming platforms, and wanting to swim over to the Castle! I don't remember the movies on the beach though.

 

[sandym718]

The 2009 magic your way packages includes one arcade for 30 minutes of play per room. I just looked it up on the disney website under the descriptions of the packages.

Thanks for the reminder on this - I had forgotten! I think this will come in handy for us. Last trip, both kids were still nappers (my kids are real sleepers, DS gave it up one week before Kindergarten started, DD is still going strong and needing it). It was so lovely to come back to the Poly each afternoon for a swim, then naps. DH and I sat outside on the patio reading, taking turns taking walks, etc.

In May, we're going to try to get DS to relax and rest for a little bit, sleep if needed, or maybe look at a book, etc. But, if DD is napping for 2+ hours, we'll need to occupy him out of the room some of the time I'm thinking. I was figuring the pool (he LOVES that slide), walks around the Poly, maybe a monorail ride, but the arcade will be another good option.

 

[habg1]

Thanks for the pics. Gettin me in the mood for our trip to the Poly in acouple weeks!

 

[safetymom]

The new hours of operation for lost and found are:

Sunday Monday - Closed

Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 am until 4:30 pm

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I also didn't care for the smells at AKL--too much cinnamon, cardamon or something. . .just wasn't a fan I guess.

I guess to each their own because I LOVED that smell! Then again I love spicy food so I'm in heaven there. Never had that 'caged in' feeling at the AKL at all. Then again we visited during Christmas so it had a 'warm and welcoming vibe to it when it was cold outside. The animals also liked to get closer to the lodge then too.

But back to the Poly. I love that smell of the GCH...and the wood when they fire up the wood at 'Ohana to start grilling the meat.

Come on December! This wait is killing me.

 

[autumnpalm]

Aghhhh my dad today asked if I could try my best to book us a room with a balcony, with some sort of water view. And I have a garden view booked.

I'm thinking a bit closer to our trip, I'll call and request a room with a balcony. I know that he would LOVE a balcony and him and my mom are celebrating an anniversary this trip, so I have my fingers crossed for them! I'm sure as long as he has some sort of balcony at the Poly he'll be happy.

Mmmmmmmm I just can't wait for my first bite of Tonga Toast!!!

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Don't they have a Luau show or something? Is it worth it?

 

[jackdis]

We went. Did not think it was THAT great. Wouldn't do it again. Just ok.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Mmmmmmmm I just can't wait for my first bite of Tonga Toast!!!

Mmmmm, Tonga Toast....Best....Sugar Rush....Evah!!! Bring an insulin shot...or down a few cups of 100% Kona Coffee to counteract the sugar rush.

Don't they have a Luau show or something? Is it worth it?

Sadly, no, I didn't think it was worth it. The first half was very 'hokey' (although the lady who plays Aunti Winnie is hysterical! ). The second half was MUCH better with the dances from the various islands. The food was forgettable--I really wish they had the same stuff available at the Luau that they have at Kona Cafe.

On the upside, we went during Christmas so we got to see the dancers in their Christmas luau outfits and the kids got to go on stage with 'Hawaiian Santa'.