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

[SeaSpray]

I'm so excited! We leave in 55 hours!! Woohoo!! I'm trying to get my packing done and it just dawned on me that maybe I don't need to take as much as I had planned.

What toiletries does the Poly have? I'm sure there is at least shampoo and conditioner . . . is it decent stuff? I have long, very thick hair so I have to have decent product or else my hair is completely unmanageable!

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your anniversary, and don't forget to ask for some Anniversary pins when you check in!

Secondly, you can expect to find shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, facial soap (small round bar of soap), and bath soap (a larger round bar of soap). These items are the H2O brand, and their "Aquatics" line of products.

I like the quality of the toiletries and feel that they do a great job of cleaning, and conditioning my hair. My hair isn't extremely long, but it's past my shoulders. I don't pack toiletries any more. Also, you can leave a note for the housekeeper asking for extra conditioner (and everything else, for that matter), and they will leave extra for you.

Here's a picture of what the toiletries look like:

 

[DisneyToddlers]

WooHoo!!!! Only 1 day left for me!!!!!! First trip EVER to WDW for our family-only DH has been to the World before (But I think, I mean I know that I know way more about it all than he does from reading the DIS boards-Shhhhh, don't tell him!!!). Poly here we come! I'll have my LGMH's! Thanks to everyone for all the great info and I'll be sure to post my review when I get back!

 

[momatater]

Stephanie, thanks again for the updated reports. We are there the 15th-22nd with the first 4 nights GV at the poly and then 3 at the dolphin. Hey, how crowded is the resort and did you hear about any upgrades or problems with room requests?

Thanks,
Jim

Hi Jim! Well, I have to tell you, crowds picked up a bit here yesterday. Saw a lot of check ins. It seemed the pool was quite a bit more crowded last night than it has been since we arrived. As for upgrades and requests, we were given our only request 3rd floor (for the balcony), and I don't have a clue about upgrades. (we're staying in the hawaii building LV, can't get much better than this!)

Are there filters in the rooms for the coffee pots? What about sugar? I plan on bringing my own creamer for sure because, as dh says, I'm a "creamer snob!" But, I'd rather not have to drag along sugar and filters if I don't have to! Thanks!

The coffee they provide here comes in the little pouches. They have a little bag that has original coffee mate creamer (3), sugar (2), and splenda (2), 2 little sir sticks and a napkin.

I'm so excited! We leave in 55 hours!! Woohoo!! I'm trying to get my packing done and it just dawned on me that maybe I don't need to take as much as I had planned.

What toiletries does the Poly have? I'm sure there is at least shampoo and conditioner . . . is it decent stuff? I have long, very thick hair so I have to have decent product or else my hair is completely unmanageable!

WOOHOO! I hope to see you here!! Look for my LGMH and say hello if you see me!!! Have a great time!!

I agree with Seaspray, the toiletries here are wonderful. I have natural curly crazy hair down here in FL and I'm using it and it's really is great stuff!!

WooHoo!!!! Only 1 day left for me!!!!!! First trip EVER to WDW for our family-only DH has been to the World before (But I think, I mean I know that I know way more about it all than he does from reading the DIS boards-Shhhhh, don't tell him!!!). Poly here we come! I'll have my LGMH's! Thanks to everyone for all the great info and I'll be sure to post my review when I get back!

I hope you have a great trip!! I hope to see you soon!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MinnieMom]

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your anniversary, and don't forget to ask for some Anniversary pins when you check in!

Secondly, you can expect to find shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, facial soap (small round bar of soap), and bath soap (a larger round bar of soap). These items are the H2O brand, and their "Aquatics" line of products.

I like the quality of the toiletries and feel that they do a great job of cleaning, and conditioning my hair. My hair isn't extremely long, but it's past my shoulders. I don't pack toiletries any more. Also, you can leave a note for the housekeeper asking for extra conditioner (and everything else, for that matter), and they will leave extra for you.

Here's a picture of what the toiletries look like:
QUOTE]

Thanks so much SeaSpray!! I'll have to see if I can convince DH to wear the anniversary pin . . . wish me luck!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Elin, I hope you have so much fun at the Poly! Last night (I actually had a night off ) we were reading The Magic Tree House Hawaii book. The kids stopped and asked when we could go to the Poly at WDW? I said maybe someday... I'm going to die trying to keep this Dec trip a surprise. They are going to love the TPV room!

Denise - I didn't know you had a surprise trip in the planning too!

You will love the Poly TPV - we had one in Tuvalu and loved it. I know
lots of people prefer Tahiti but we liked the Tuvalu one better - closer to the GCH and the volcano pool. We had the last room on the left hand side (facing the lagoon) and had an awesome view of the castle. We stayed at the Poly in July (split stay with BC) and had a great garden view room - 3rd floor Samoa with a wonderful view of the volcano pool, the boat dock and the EWP.

Our surprise trip is just 38 days away and the kids have NO IDEA! We're doing MNSSHP for the 1st time. Sadly - no availability with AP rate at YC, BC, Poly or GF so we're staying at the Boardwalk for the 1st time. Kids are signed up for the Haunted Pirate Cruise. Isn't the secret just killing you!

 

[PNO4TE]

WooHoo!!!! Only 1 day left for me!!!!!! First trip EVER to WDW for our family-only DH has been to the World before (But I think, I mean I know that I know way more about it all than he does from reading the DIS boards-Shhhhh, don't tell him!!!). Poly here we come! I'll have my LGMH's! Thanks to everyone for all the great info and I'll be sure to post my review when I get back!

I hope your first family WDW trip is full of magic!

 

[Kteacher]

Thanks for all the pictures and live reports Seaspray- I love your pictures!!!!We're staying in Hawaii in less than a month The only thing I'm afraid of is the fact that I've been spoiled by the MK view from the CR. Your pictures are definitely helping

 

[Picabo]

WooHoo!!!! Only 1 day left for me!!!!!! First trip EVER to WDW for our family-only DH has been to the World before (But I think, I mean I know that I know way more about it all than he does from reading the DIS boards-Shhhhh, don't tell him!!!). Poly here we come! I'll have my LGMH's! Thanks to everyone for all the great info and I'll be sure to post my review when I get back!

OMG you're so lucky! Have a WONDERFUL time at the Poly (and Disney!) and can't wait to hear all about it when you return! Take TONS of pix for us!

HEY if anyone there now (Stephanie??) or going SOON (hint hint) wants to take a few pix of gift store items, I'd be thrilled! I'm interested in what types of clothes they have there at Poly!

Melanie

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Okay I have a question! I have in mind the longhouse and even the location in the building that I would like for our honeymoon next year. I'm not expecting an upgrade but there is always a slight chance. In your experience, can the amount of requests that you put in effect your chances of getting an upgrade? For those of you who've been upgraded, did you have in any requests? I want to put in a request but I don't want that to ruin my chance of getting an upgrade. Like will they think, "Well if she wants to be in this building we're not going to upgrade her."

 

[Picabo]

GREAT Question, Nikki! I'd love to know the answer as well. From what I can TELL, when people DO get upgraded, it's always to a more preferred room, KWIM?

 

[Boo Bear]

WOW, there will be LOTS of us there in Dec 09! I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one planning SO far ahead! (DH thinks I've lost it!! )

By the way, I beleive your siggy said that you've stayed that CR a few times? Curious to know why you've switching over to Poly? Just to try something new? I'm very tempted by CR but I'm not a huge fan of the pool there...at least by seeing online pix. Otherwise, it looks nice!

There is nothing wrong with CR, we loved our stay but we wanted to try something new. We had a Garden Wing Garden View room and we were on the water! It was a really long walk to get to our room though and I had a broken foot. The view was worth it though. I'm more excited about the Poly than I was for the CR because I love the tropical theme. It just looks so beautiful and seems so fun... I CAN'T WAIT!

 

[shyjade]

Okay I have a question! I have in mind the longhouse and even the location in the building that I would like for our honeymoon next year. I'm not expecting an upgrade but there is always a slight chance. In your experience, can the amount of requests that you put in effect your chances of getting an upgrade? For those of you who've been upgraded, did you have in any requests? I want to put in a request but I don't want that to ruin my chance of getting an upgrade. Like will they think, "Well if she wants to be in this building we're not going to upgrade her."

That's exactly a big reason why I don't request certain buildings, because I don't want it to hamper any possible chances for an upgrade. But that being said, it's yet to work in my favor, but I was VERY happy with our view last year when left to the "tiki gods".

 

[sydangel68]

Hi there, we are still here enjoying all that the Poly has to offer. We dined at O'hana this morning, it was ok, but we much prefer Kona Cafe for breakfast. DS enjoyed the characters, but I think we have now done enough character meals and we can now relax and enjoy better food.

For the record we've done this trip: Chef Mickey, Garden Grill, O'hana, Storytellers (Disneyland Resort), Goofy's Kitchen (DLR), Hollywood & Vine and Liberty Tree Tavern... more than enough characters I think.

We are dining tonight at Grand Floridian Cafe, I have read som good reviews lately so am looking forward to this.

The hotel has definitely gotten busier over the last 2 days, seems to be alot of people arriving. We've met alot of families from Brazil, I am wondering if there was some sort of special deal.

I will try to get some pics of the resort merchandise, they have a quite a bit of Hawaiian themed clothes. The other thing I noticed is that they have a fairly good range of size 3x for men and women, which I haven't seen elsewhere.

This morning after breakfast we did the Portrait Session, it was great fun and I can't wait to see the pictures. Our photographer Gino took over 70 shots of us. He took us to some great places around the resort, so they will be fantastic memories for us.

Has anyone else done this? I will share the pics when I get them.

Off to have a swim now, we are having a down day today and just hanging at the hotel, we are just too tired and it's so hot.

Take care
Angela

 

[PNO4TE]

Angela - Sounds like your trip is going very well! I can't wait to see your Resort Photos!

 

[::DisneyLove::]

Hi there, we are still here enjoying all that the Poly has to offer. We dined at O'hana this morning, it was ok, but we much prefer Kona Cafe for breakfast. DS enjoyed the characters, but I think we have now done enough character meals and we can now relax and enjoy better food.

For the record we've done this trip: Chef Mickey, Garden Grill, O'hana, Storytellers (Disneyland Resort), Goofy's Kitchen (DLR), Hollywood & Vine and Liberty Tree Tavern... more than enough characters I think.

We are dining tonight at Grand Floridian Cafe, I have read som good reviews lately so am looking forward to this.

The hotel has definitely gotten busier over the last 2 days, seems to be alot of people arriving. We've met alot of families from Brazil, I am wondering if there was some sort of special deal.

I will try to get some pics of the resort merchandise, they have a quite a bit of Hawaiian themed clothes. The other thing I noticed is that they have a fairly good range of size 3x for men and women, which I haven't seen elsewhere.

This morning after breakfast we did the Portrait Session, it was great fun and I can't wait to see the pictures. Our photographer Gino took over 70 shots of us. He took us to some great places around the resort, so they will be fantastic memories for us.

Has anyone else done this? I will share the pics when I get them.

Off to have a swim now, we are having a down day today and just hanging at the hotel, we are just too tired and it's so hot.

Take care
Angela

Sounds like you're having alot of fun!!!

 

[Me&3]

Angela thanks for the update sounds like your having a great time . Enjoy your dinner tonight. Can't wait to see your pics. DH and I did the photo shoot for our honeymoon almost 11 yrs ago. It is alot of fun .

 

[Picabo]

ANGELA - took me a few minutes (finally read your siggy) to understand how you were doing Character meals at WDW and Disney Land! haha WOW, you've come a LONG way for Mickey! Thanks for posting your live trip report! I really, really enjoy reading it! Sounds like you're having a great time! Enjoy the Grand Floridian tonight!

 

[Me&3]

Hi again! I have a few extra mins right now so I'm gonna try and fit in as much as I can.

As I mentioned earlier, last night we went on the Breathless Illuminations Cruise. We met at the Yacht Club Marina and took off from there. We had a wonderful driver, thanks again Heather Leigh! She really opened up the throttle a bit and gave us really fun ride. She wanted to do some figure 8's in from of HS, but there were too many boats, but she did do some fast circles and got my DH and youngest DS sitting in the back a little wet! We then proceeded on to the viewing area under the bridge and we had the BEST seat in the house! We felt like royalty because everyone around was waving to us. Maybe they thought we were famous or something! My kids loved it. After the show and we docked, we decided instead of cutting back through Epcot, we would just take the bus from the Yacht Club to DTD, then the bus to the Poly. I knew better, but the kids didn't want to walk, so we gave it a whirl. It took over an hour to get back to the Poly. Next time, I'll spend the money on a cab! (or drive, since we have a car, but we didn't drive to Epcot not realizing how tired we'd be afterwards) Live and learn!!

We went to TL today. Got there a few minutes before rope drop and it was pretty quiet. Found a GREAT spot under a large umbrella and settled in. This was a perfect place to relax in the shade, over by Crush'n gusher. Very quiet on that beach. Went and did some slides and the lazy river and finally returned to our stuff to relax a bit around 12 noon. This is when things got interesting.....when we returned, there was a British family of 5 that had moved in under our umbrella. First let me say this...being that they were British didn't and wouldn't have phased me in the least, but they were the one that pulled the Americans are rude card on me, as you will soon see, so that's the ONLY reason I mentioned it.
So, as we approach our stuff, my DH and DS's decided to go on Crush 'n gusher and I decided to sit. To make a long story short, when you look around the beach, there are literally at least a hundred or more empty chairs, but they have decided they wanted my spot and moved my stuff back away from the center of the umbrella and kind of "took over" our spot. I smiled as I came up and they didn't even so much as look at me, that is until I pulled my lounge chair back up under towards the middle. The continued to carry on about their business, but I was a little upset that they thought it was ok just to move me out of their way. I DO NOT do well with that kind of rudeness at all!!! Now, when I approached, if they would have something to me like, I hope you don't mind if we share or whatever, ok great. But NO, not even a smile.

Ok, so I sit and stew on this for about 10 mins and finally I just had to say something. I very politely said "I'm sorry, but I find this a little awkward that I returned to my spot and found you all have taken over" Well, you would have thought I said something to cause WWIII! They immediately got defensive (my guess is because they knew they were wrong) and ganged up on me. One of them asked me "where do you suppose we sit?" What?? Look around, 100 or more so empty chairs!!! PICK ONE!!!! No, I didn't say it exactly like that, but close!! Well, by the time it was all said and done, they did move and I became dubbed the rudest American ever! (which according to them, all Americans are rude anyway!) I wished them a wonderful day as they were leaving and moved my stuff back where it belonged!! Now, if the beach was crowded and there was no where else to sit or go, or if they had taken a moment to say hello or something when I first returned, this could have and would have been avoided. Oh well, glad that's over with.

So, tonight it's off to WCC for dinner. This is our first time, so I'm eager to check it out. Then, Spectro if I get my way, we'll see.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. I'll try and report later tonight, if not, tomorrow!!

As Tigger would say...TTFN!

Hi sorry to hear about TL. All I have to say is you go girl holding your own ground . If AMERICANS are so rude why do they keep coming back ? The airport isn't to far for them to go back home . I hope you took pics on Breathless I want to do that so bad with our boys. Can't wait to hear more .

 

[momatater]

Hi again Everyone!!!

Hello to all the DISers and CMs that I met here and are stopping by to read my live report!

I read Angela's report....HI Angela, Sounds like you're having a wonderful time!

Well, I met my first DISer, a local gal last night on the monorail! Then, today we were leaving early this morning for breakfast at Tusker House and we met Mary Beth, her DH Joe and DD Megan! Hi guys!! We chatted with them for a long time waiting for the bus and then again on the way back on the bus just a little bit ago! I also ran into 3 or 4 other DISers at AK. One group had on matching Mickey head t-shirts from the Creative DISigns board, so I knew immediately where they came from. I am no means shy and have been saying hello to any DISer I see and it's been fun.

Ok, onto other business. Last night we went to WCC for dinner. Our waitress, Tumbleweed was great! She straighten out a small problem between 2 of my boys and then kept them in line the rest of the night. The boys all filled up on refillable milk shakes and didn't eat too much. The food there was excellent! We had a ton of fun while there. We had driven over there and when we came back to drop off the car, we were pretty tired from TL and I knew we had to get up early early for TH breakfast, so we decided to hang out here and just take a swim and get to bed early. I stayed up and watched the fireworks from bed as all my guys slept! (BTW, I messed up looking at the schedule and Spectro is tomorrow night, not last night so I didn't miss out! )

Today, up early and off to TH for an 805 breakfast. We were the first ones in the park and first ones checked in and served. Also were seated at the first table that the characters go to so that was wonderful. We were out of there and waiting for the Safari at 845 and also were the first to ride that. My boys thought that was COOL!

We pretty much did everything we wanted at AK with minimal wait. EE wait time said 40 mins but it was more like 20. Oh, big time news for me....I actually rode Kali River Rapids today for the first time without getting the wave of water over my head. It was still close to me, but it got 4 others for a change!!! WOO HOO!!!

Now we're getting ready to hit the pool for a while, then maybe going to MK. It's night EMH, so we might go out about 8ish or so for that. Not sure yet, we will just play it by ear, like we always do.

I will try and get some pics of the gift shop for you Melanie. I still haven't forgotten about looking at the pastry prices but I never seem to be around that area when they are open.

Thanks to all the support about me sticking up for myself at TL yesterday. I'm actually surprised I said anything, I don't like confrontations, but this time I couldn't stand it!

Thanks everyone for continuing to read!! More to come soon!!

 

[ConcKahuna]

Well, I met my first DISer,

2nd