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

[triplefigs]

We will be there Saturday for 3 nights before moving to the GF. Can't wait!

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

I never understood the point of this perk. What's the difference between me calling the Club Level CM to make my ADRs, etc, and calling the Dining CM to do the same thing? Do Club level people get preference over the rest of us peons when making ADRs or something?

I was just reading back and wanted to add that we were told that they do all use the same computer system and Club Level doesn't have any special pull.

However, if you call yourself and can't get a reservation then the only other option you have is to call again closer to your dates and see if anything has opened up. If you put your request in to the Club Level CM they will show that request on your ressie and will periodically check for cancellations for you. In 2004 we decided we would like to do one of the Epcot fireworks cruises. Unfortunately, we didn't decide to do this until about 30 days before our trip and nothing was available. The Club Level CM did tell us they would periodically check for us. When we checked in we were thrilled to find out that someone had cancelled (while we were driving down there - that's why they didn't notify us before check-in) and they had reserved it for us!!!!

 

[bertegirl]

Can anyone tell me anything about the pack n play at the Poly? Do I need to bring a sheet for it? Also do they have high chairs available at all. Our son will be turning 1 during our trip and since we are traveling with 2 under 4, I am trying to bring the least amount of things possible. Thanks!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Bad news in Tikiman's latest Poly email re: cutbacks at the resort:

Tikiman's Unofficial Polynesian Resort News

News

Well the recession is hitting Disney with layoffs company wide and cutbacks on amenities. The Polynesian will be reducing some of the entertainment you see around the resort. Hopefully they will not all be let go but find other things to do until things pick up. I know many of us enjoy Kaleo playing guitar in the Tambu Lounge and Kuulei and Aunti Kaui doing Hawaiian crafts in the lobby. I hope they are not affected by this.



As of December 14th the Tambu Lounge will no longer have a musician and as of December 13th the Polynesian will have its last tourch lighting ceremony at the main entrance to the Great Ceremonial House.



Lets hope things pick up and these things come back.

What a bummer! I was really looking forward to my son getting to see the torch lighting ceremony in 2 weeks. Dh and I have seen it (and fortunately have photos), but ds never got to.

The worst thing about this is it seems whenever Disney "cuts back temporarily", the temporary turns into permanent. Less bang for our buck.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Bad news in Tikiman's latest Poly email re: cutbacks at the resort:

I just read about this and I'm really dissapointed about it. The torch lighting ceremony was one of those cultural touches I love about the Poly. And no musician at Tambu Lounge? :::shakes head::: That just seems so wrong. And my family loves these two things on Christmas Day at the Poly...

The worst thing about this is it seems whenever Disney "cuts back temporarily", the temporary turns into permanent. Less bang for our buck.

Yeah. That makes it hurt even more.

 

[mmmears]

This is so sad. We're going in April for our first stay at the Poly and these "little touches" are part of what made us switch over to the Poly. We were really looking forward to all the little things that make the Poly such a special place to so many of you. And I feel sorry for all the CMs who are losing their jobs in this tough economy.

 

[Mocharilla]

I hate the "temporary" changes.

We never saw a torch lighting ceremony.

 

[triplefigs]

Will they have the torch lighting ceremony on the 13th? That is the day we arrive.

 

[jackemail]

Major bummer---loved Kaleo's music, and always managed to find time to watch the torch-lighting ceremony at least once per trip.

 

[DiznEeyore]

This is so sad. We're going in April for our first stay at the Poly and these "little touches" are part of what made us switch over to the Poly. We were really looking forward to all the little things that make the Poly such a special place to so many of you. And I feel sorry for all the CMs who are losing their jobs in this tough economy.

I'm sorry you're going to miss them! You're so right ... it is all those little things that add to the special feeling at the Poly. And if all these things disappear, it's going to feel so "generic" at WDW in a lot of ways. To me, those things are a big part of the magic of Disney.

And it's got to be so hard for the CMs; not only on the ones who lose their jobs, but also in a way for the ones left behind. Their co-workers are gone (and they're probably wondering if they'll be next!), they have to pick up any slack, and deal with unhappy guests who are missing the things that have been taken away. A sad situation all around.

 

[Luvamouse]

Bad news in Tikiman's latest Poly email re: cutbacks at the resort:

This makes me feel sad for the CMs whose jobs are being lost. To have performed for so many guests in a job you would not expect to lose (at least I'd think not if it were me...) . My girls never saw the torch lighting ceremony on our last trip, but I thought perhaps next time. Then again, if they are cutting it for Christmas time, they most probably won't have it for Spring Break either. Sad... yet a sign of the times. If we hadn't been able to get such a good deal with the 4/3, I'd feel able to complain, but I will say it does seem like a sad reality.

 

[summersalt]

Since I booked the cheapest room available, I expect that my view will not be very nice. That's ok. I don't plan to spend much time in it anyway. I am wondering about how long the walk would be to the Great Ceremonial House and the Volcano pool from the longhouse that's farthest away. I imagine that's where my room will be since I've booked this package. It's the only way I'll ever get to stay at the Poly.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Hi All,

Just back from a week long stay at the Poly, first week of December. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask.

Some of the highlights: The sushi from the new Kona Sushi Bar is absolutely fabulous! If you are a fan of sushi/sashimi, then you must try this place out!

The Poly is currently showcasing a wonderful collection of various gingerbread houses & creations on the second floor level. They rotate the gingerbread displays throughout the week. We especially enjoyed the gingerbread tiki bar, airplane hanger with rotating props on the planes, a large church-like structure, and the replica Polynesian island complete with volcano & Mickey on the beach.

We had a fully HA (roll in shower), Lagoon View room reserved--which is the first floor room in Tahiti that is located second from the end. Even though this is listed as a LV, we had an unobstructed view of the castle and fireworks. We needed to rent a reclining chair for my disabled Father to sleep in, and this was situated next to the sliding glass doors at the patio end of the room-- where he was able to see the 'iced' castle, and enjoy watching the ferry boats and fireworks all from the comfort of his recliner. The only thing we could not see from the room was the EWP ('Sunset Point' blocked our view for that, so we had to go outside and over closer to Hawaii & the pool in order to watch that). The bathroom and roll in shower in the HA room were both HUGE, and we all found it very convenient to use. The room itself was sufficiently large that we were all comfortable and never felt even the least bit crowded (even though we were a party of 5--4 adults and 1 teen boy--traveling with an ECV, a wheelchair, and the rented recliner all in one room).

We also ate at Kona three times this trip. It was wonderful as always. Food was fantastic, and the service was excellent. I enjoyed the new fruit plate for breakfast one morning--it included the most delicious banana bread! All of the dining CMs we encountered this trip, across the WDW property, really seemed to go above and beyond in accomidating our family's special needs and insuring that we had a most enjoyable experience.

Below is a photo of the view looking towards the beach and across the lagoon towards Space Mtn & the CR, from immediately outside of our room. The castle isn't visible in this shot, but is just to the left... and we had an unobstructed view of Cinderella Castle from either inside of our room or on the patio. Tahiti has always been my favorite longhouse. One simply can't beat the close proximity to the TTC, and the perk of having a lawn & beach--as opposed to a walkway--in front of the first floor patio rooms (it was so private & quiet, that we never closed our curtains the entire week). And it really is not that long of a walk from anywhere on Poly property, Tahiti included, to the centrally located GCH.

Mahalo to all of the Poly CMs for yet another enjoyable & very memorable visit.

 

[momatater]

Great review! I'm so glad you had a great time. And thanks for the wonderful pictures!!!

I'm pretty upset this week, we had to cancel our Dec. trip to the Poly and would be checking in on Thursday. We rescheduled a trip for DH and I for Jan., but we are staying at AKL. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited, but sad all at the same time.

I hope everyone who will be going for the holidays has a wonderful time!!! Please, please, please come back with lots of pics and reviews!!!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Thanks for all the Pics, Matt's Mom!!! I love Tahiti...even in garden view, it's so quiet and still close to the beach. And you can't beat the quick walk over to TTC.

 

[autumnpalm]

Ahhh!!! 9 more days, I am SO SO excited.

I'm planning on requesting nightly turndown service upon check in, does anyone have any experience with this? I thought it might be a nice touch.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This past August when my family and I went to visit the Polynesian in the Boutiki store I remember they sold some luggage tags with Lilo & Stitch, which also said Disney's Polynesian Resort. Anyway this Saturday when my family and I visit the Polynesian we decided that we want to purchase them, so I was wondering are these still being sold?

 

[FreFam5]

I've debated asking this one on the restaurant board, but figured the Poly board was a better choice.

When I looked at the updated menu for CC on Allears, I noticed it has a Chicken Stir-Fry. Is this the dish that used to be Stir Fry Noodles (on our menu from November 2007)? Or is it different? My DD was obsessed with those for dinner and I know she will be ready for them in April. So I checked just to see if there were any good changes at CC and had a mini-panic attack. Can anyone answer this $25,000 question? Thanks! And to all of you heading to WDW soon-- have a most wonderful trip and fantastic Christmas mornings there

The Noodles we want... TIA!

Yes - those are the noodles - I know this because I practically lived on them when we were there in October - they are delish!!!!!

 

[sandym718]

Darn about the torch lighting!! We missed that last time and were hoping to catch it this time. So sorry for any CM's losing their jobs. this economy just stinks!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Since I booked the cheapest room available, I expect that my view will not be very nice. That's ok. I don't plan to spend much time in it anyway. I am wondering about how long the walk would be to the Great Ceremonial House and the Volcano pool from the longhouse that's farthest away. I imagine that's where my room will be since I've booked this package. It's the only way I'll ever get to stay at the Poly.

Don't worry -- there are really very few bad views at the Poly!! Most of the garden views are lush and gorgeous. If you do end up in Tahiti or Rapa Nui (the further longhouses from the GCH -- maybe a 5 min. walk if that), you'll have the benefit of being very close to the TTC, which is nice. Plus, the rooms in those buildings (along with Tokelau) are the largest at the resort (476 sq. feet) and the second and third floors all have balconies. And if you have a car, there's a small lot right outside Rapa Nui, which is great.

We have stayed in MK view, LVC and garden and have no problem with garden view. In fact, we're spending 3 nights in a GV room in 2 weeks!

Enjoy your trip -- I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised with your view!