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

[dairyqueenmom]

If I can't be in Disney, the next best this is to be reading my disboards drinking Kona coffee from the Poly. We had breakfast there in Sept. I love the resort!!! One day we might stay there.

 

[shyjade]

Okay you Poly experts. I was toying with the idea of ordering from Garden Grocer. Just some breakfast stuff, fresh fruit like apples and bananas, bottled water and then some beer.

When we were last there I packed a suitcase with snacks and water and so forth (not beer), but now with the extra bag fees I won't be doing that. I had originally planned on doing the Costco water delivery.

So my question is, have any of you done this? Is it worth the cost? DH is not big on the idea but he really enjoyed buying a few beers in the snack shop and sitting on the beach watching the fireworks. I thought this would be a suitable alternative.

One month from today

We will be receiving our Garden Grocer order at the Poly TOMORROW, so I'd be glad to report back on our experience when we return from Disney next week.

I toyed with the idea too, and couldn't decide between Garden Grocer and WeGoShop.com. I ended up going with GG because it seemed more automated. I didn't want to have to think about sizes, stores, etc. - with GG you just click on the items you want and add to your shopping cart. I also like the fact that the groceries will be delivered to the Poly tomorrow morning, hours before our flight arrives. It's just one less thing to deal with when we arrive - the groceries should magically aprpear in our room, along with our luggage. I didn't want to have to worry about meeting up with anyone to get our groceries delivered.

There is a $40 minimum (alcohol does not count towards that minimum) plus a $12 delivery charge (plus whatever tip you want to leave).

I should note that I ordered a few alcohol items, and was never asked to fax over proof of age, which I thought was odd (based on the reports I read from other DISers).

 

[shyjade]

in 24 HOURS I'll be leaving for the airport and by tomorrow afternoon, I'll be back at the Poly!!!

Is there anything you'd like me to look for or find out about or photograph while I'm there? If so, let me know and I'll do my best when I return. I'm still toying with doing live reports...will have the laptop but not sure I want to pay for internet service just for the DIS, especially since I know the vacation will go too quick anyway!

 

[momatater]

Thank you momatater You just made my day.
Additionally, I have been to the "allears" site before, but I never noticed Anita's Answers. She's amazing!

You're welcome!

I'm glad you found Anita....she is great!

 

[blessedby3]

We booked the Poly for a March trip with the special 4/3. We have never stayed at the Poly and I am trying to read through this thread, but it is LONG. I am trying to figure out where to request a room. We have a GV room booked. I think I read somewhere that there are rooms at this resort that are larger than others. We will have 6 in our room (me, dh, dd18, ds13, dd10 and dd1) with a pack and play so I wanted one of the larger ones if possible. Also would love something besides a parking lot view if possible. Anyone have any suggestions as to what to request and exactly how are the larger rooms different from the others? When was the last time this resort was renovated? Trying to gather as much info. as possible about the Poly--thanks

 

[DiznEeyore]

We just switched from CBR to Poly for 7 nights in January!! I'm so psyched. Can't wait to read this thread. It has always been my dream to stay at the Poly and my boyfriend and I are very excited to finally be staying here. We're actually paying $30.00 less to stay at the Poly than we were at the CBR with the new package deal.

Wow, what an amazing deal!! I hope you guys have a great time!

in 24 HOURS I'll be leaving for the airport and by tomorrow afternoon, I'll be back at the Poly!!!

Is there anything you'd like me to look for or find out about or photograph while I'm there? If so, let me know and I'll do my best when I return. I'm still toying with doing live reports...will have the laptop but not sure I want to pay for internet service just for the DIS, especially since I know the vacation will go too quick anyway!

Have a WONDERFUL trip!! Looking forward to photos when you get back!

 

[DiznEeyore]

We booked the Poly for a March trip with the special 4/3. We have never stayed at the Poly and I am trying to read through this thread, but it is LONG. I am trying to figure out where to request a room. We have a GV room booked. I think I read somewhere that there are rooms at this resort that are larger than others. We will have 6 in our room (me, dh, dd18, ds13, dd10 and dd1) with a pack and play so I wanted one of the larger ones if possible. Also would love something besides a parking lot view if possible. Anyone have any suggestions as to what to request and exactly how are the larger rooms different from the others? When was the last time this resort was renovated? Trying to gather as much info. as possible about the Poly--thanks

Have you visited Tikiman's unofficial Poly site yet? There's a TON of great info there, including maps and lots of photos, as well as advice on the pros and cons of each longhouse. http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/

This particular page will show room photos and describe the differences in the rooms: http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/_Rooms.html

The 3 longhouses with larger rooms (476 sq. feet vs. 415) are Tokelau, Tahiti and Rapa Nui. The only one of those 3 that *might* give you something of a parking lot view is Rapa Nui. Even that has a lot of foliage, though, so you wouldn't see a lot of "cement".

We've had garden views in Tahiti and Rapa Nui. Both were beautiful. Those longhouses are the furthest from the GCH, but are closest to the TTC and make it easy to jump on the monorail there.

All the rooms were last refurbished in late 2005 or early 2006.

HTH a little!!

 

[SeaSpray]

We are booked May 1-9 as a backup for our Dec trip. We had to cancel 2 trips last year as my DS was in the ICU for 26 days and out of school for 6 months. We booked it *just in case* someone is sick, etc in 6 weeks. We did have the AAA discount, but our TA changed it to the 4/7 offer and got us TPV.

I hope that everyone in your family stays healthy and can go in December! But I definitely understand wanting to have a backup, just in case.

 

[SeaSpray]

I was told the only things bookable past March 2009 are CRT and CM (there may be a couple more that I cant remember, though. I think it was V&A, but I could be wrong). Otherwise, they are still waiting for the new system to start working...

Thanks! I haven't been keeping up with the latest info regarding the restaurants. I'll have to take a look at the Restaurants Board. We haven't done Chef Mickeys in years, so maybe I'll book that.

We just switched from CBR to Poly for 7 nights in January!! I'm so psyched. Can't wait to read this thread. It has always been my dream to stay at the Poly and my boyfriend and I are very excited to finally be staying here. We're actually paying $30.00 less to stay at the Poly than we were at the CBR with the new package deal.

Congrats! CBR is a great resort, but the Polynesian is better!

If I can't be in Disney, the next best this is to be reading my disboards drinking Kona coffee from the Poly. We had breakfast there in Sept. I love the resort!!! One day we might stay there.

I love their Kona Coffee too!! Right now I'm sipping sugar-free French Vanilla coffee. Not quite the same. LOL

in 24 HOURS I'll be leaving for the airport and by tomorrow afternoon, I'll be back at the Poly!!!

Is there anything you'd like me to look for or find out about or photograph while I'm there? If so, let me know and I'll do my best when I return. I'm still toying with doing live reports...will have the laptop but not sure I want to pay for internet service just for the DIS, especially since I know the vacation will go too quick anyway!

Woo hoo!! You'll be there before you know it! Can you please check out the ceramic coffee mugs in Bou-tiki?? I have the small brown one, but I'm really hoping that they come out with a large, colorful mug! They used to have them, and I had one, but someone in my family accidently broke it This small plain brown mug just doesn't cut it for me.

 

[BCV23]

I was told the only things bookable past March 2009 are CRT and CM (there may be a couple more that I cant remember, though. I think it was V&A, but I could be wrong). Otherwise, they are still waiting for the new system to start working...

Yes, V&A can also still be booked at 180.

Aloha to the three DIS families arriving tomorrow!

 

[ConcKahuna]

in 24 HOURS I'll be leaving for the airport and by tomorrow afternoon, I'll be back at the Poly!!!

Is there anything you'd like me to look for or find out about or photograph while I'm there? If so, let me know and I'll do my best when I return. I'm still toying with doing live reports...will have the laptop but not sure I want to pay for internet service just for the DIS, especially since I know the vacation will go too quick anyway!

Hope you have a great time, and hopefully you'll have a great room

Woo hoo!! You'll be there before you know it! Can you please check out the ceramic coffee mugs in Bou-tiki?? I have the small brown one, but I'm really hoping that they come out with a large, colorful mug! They used to have them, and I had one, but someone in my family accidently broke it This small plain brown mug just doesn't cut it for me.

Still only the brown ones

Although they do have a new purple plastic travel mug that's pretty snazzy!

 

[PolyAddict]

Can anyone tell me if the Sushi bar is on the dining plan and is it a counter service credit?

Thanks

 

[shyjade]

Woo hoo!! You'll be there before you know it! Can you please check out the ceramic coffee mugs in Bou-tiki?? I have the small brown one, but I'm really hoping that they come out with a large, colorful mug! They used to have them, and I had one, but someone in my family accidently broke it This small plain brown mug just doesn't cut it for me.

Will do Terry! I'm assuming it's a Poly mug you're looking for? I'll see what I can find...

 

[SeaSpray]

Will do Terry! I'm assuming it's a Poly mug you're looking for? I'll see what I can find...

I collect ceramic coffee mugs from the resorts that I stay at. I have large, colorful mugs from every resort except the Polynesian because my old large one broke, and the new ones are SMALL and BROWN with just a yellow/cream colored Polynesian logo on it. Small and plain. WHY?? LOL This resort deserves a beautiful ceramic coffee mug like all of the other resorts have!! Right now I'm using my Animal Kingdom Lodge mug, and it's not very colorful but it's large and has beautiful "art work" of the resort and animals on it, plus the words "Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge" written in metallic gold along the bottom. It's very nice!

I've been so disappointed in the Polynesian Resort logo merchandise for years now. (I realize there are more important things in life to worry about! LOL But since we are on the subject, I thought I'd give my opinion. )

 

[shyjade]

I collect ceramic coffee mugs from the resorts that I stay at. I have large, colorful mugs from every resort except the Polynesian because my old large one broke, and the new ones are SMALL and BROWN with just a yellow/cream colored Polynesian logo on it. Small and plain. WHY?? LOL This resort deserves a beautiful ceramic coffee mug like all of the other resorts have!! Right now I'm using my Animal Kingdom Lodge mug, and it's not very colorful but it's large and has beautiful "art work" of the resort and animals on it, plus the words "Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge" written in metallic gold along the bottom. It's very nice!

I've been so disappointed in the Polynesian Resort logo merchandise for years now. (I realize there are more important things in life to worry about! LOL But since we are on the subject, I thought I'd give my opinion. )

Hey, your opinion matters! I'll let you know what I find...when are you going back again to the Poly?

 

[Shell54]

In Sept. the mugs were the little brown unattractive ones. I collect mugs too and I was really disappointed in the ones in the Poly gift shop. I ended up buying a few really cute WDW mugs but I would have loved a cool Poly mug. I agree with Seaspray the other resort gift shops we visited had cool resort mugs.
It's a little thing..but all I came home with for my kitchen that was resort specific from the Poly was a fridge magnet.

Have a great time all you guys who are leaving so soon

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

In Sept. the mugs were the little brown unattractive ones.

Hey! I like those 'kitschy' brown mugs. But yeah, they could definitely have something with more flair. I'd love one with a Tiki on it.

 

[SeaSpray]

Hey, your opinion matters! I'll let you know what I find...when are you going back again to the Poly?

Thanks! Our next trip is May 2009.

In Sept. the mugs were the little brown unattractive ones. I collect mugs too and I was really disappointed in the ones in the Poly gift shop. I ended up buying a few really cute WDW mugs but I would have loved a cool Poly mug. I agree with Seaspray the other resort gift shops we visited had cool resort mugs.
It's a little thing..but all I came home with for my kitchen that was resort specific from the Poly was a fridge magnet.

Have a great time all you guys who are leaving so soon

I don't know what it is with the Polynesian logo items! Even their embroidered clothing leave a lot to be desired; last I saw, they were all blue and white, colors which I don't see a connection to the Polynesian theme with! I do have the white tank top with the blue Polynesian logo embroidered on it....

Hey! I like those 'kitschy' brown mugs. But yeah, they could definitely have something with more flair. I'd love one with a Tiki on it.

I did buy one of those mugs! LOL And I use it sometimes in the morning before I go to work because they're so small they're good for a quick cup of coffee! But I love the large, oversized mugs that the other resorts have. Those mugs even have a paragraph on the bottoms of the mug that tell all about the resort! Like I said, I just think that the Polynesian deserves as least the same type and quality merchandise that the other resorts have.

P.S. I'd probably like the brown mug a little better if it were larger!

 

[BCV23]

I broke my large Polynesian mug too.

When we had breakfast at Kona in October I didn't even see the small ceramic ones. Just the travel size ones which were also brown. The new one Conch reported on wasn't there yet either or I missed it.

Lots of times, the resort wear is very similar. A few years ago, the hoodies were white. The Polynesian had red lettering and the one at the GF was identical but with navy letters. The recent navy hoodies were identical for those two resorts except for the logo. But in Oct., the GF had a new style in black. Maybe the Polynesian will be getting those as well.

My favorite resort mug is the AKL one. The stores are also carrying a new set of mugs (well, new since we were at WDW in May) that I love. I bought all four. They're rather large but don't look like it. They are Disney scenes and just so pretty. The one I'm drinking from right now is of Peter Pan flying over the London rooftops with Wendy, Michael, John and Tinkerbell in it. Love them.

 

[SeaSpray]

I broke my large Polynesian mug too.

When we had breakfast at Kona in October I didn't even see the small ceramic ones. Just the travel size ones which were also brown. The new one Conch reported on wasn't there yet either or I missed it.

Lots of times, the resort wear is very similar. A few years ago, the hoodies were white. The Polynesian had red lettering and the one at the GF was identical but with navy letters. The recent navy hoodies were identical for those two resorts except for the logo. But in Oct., the GF had a new style in black. Maybe the Polynesian will be getting those as well.

My favorite resort mug is the AKL one. The stores are also carrying a new set of mugs (well, new since we were at WDW in May) that I love. I bought all four. They're rather large but don't look like it. They are Disney scenes and just so pretty. The one I'm drinking from right now is of Peter Pan flying over the London rooftops with Wendy, Michael, John and Tinkerbell in it. Love them.

Want to hear something funny/sad?? LOL When DH broke my large Polynesian mug, it didn't break apart into pieces, but there are several crackle-lines running through the mug so I definitely can't use it to drink from anymore. The funny/sad part is that I refuse to throw it out! LOL So it sits in my cabinet, top shelf! I just can't bring myself to get rid of it. lol Maybe I should use it on my desk as a pencil holder or something!

We also have the brown travel mug; it's ok I guess since it's a decent size and at least says "Polynesian Resort" on it. lol

The new set of mugs sound nice! Which stores are selling them; all of the regular Disney merchandise stores around the parks and resorts?? I definitely need a new coffee mug to bring to work!