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

[momatater]

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!

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.

Glad to hear you both had great trips! Looking forward to hearing more and hopefully pics!!!

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!

I love the view from the lounge!!!! Congrats on the upgrade! Thanks for the pic.

 

[shyjade]

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

Thanks!

Glad you had a great time!!

 

[Me&3]

Glad everyone that just returned had a great time . Hope there are pics to see and some good TR ? For anyone leaving soon have a great stay bring back lots of pics

 

[Shell54]

luvthemouse71 great photo! Wasn't the lounge great..I miss everything about the Poly! What room were you in in Hawaii? Maybe we saw each other on the elevator or lounge? I think our vacation dates were the same but you stayed longer.
momatater Yes, we are so excited to take our son in June. He still thinks we're staying at the GF..but after our heavenly stay at the Poly we changed our ressie I know what you mean about withdrawal..when will it ever end..I'm still in my first week

Everyone just returned thanks for the trip reports! How about a few pics?

 

[BCV23]

I was just thinking this morning that we should have some people returning home soon. Glad to hear everyone had such great trips.

Shell54, happy planning for your son's trip.

 

[Marc A.]

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

Loved your report and so glad you had a great time. We also have two young ones about the same age as yours and will be staying at the Poly in 36 days for 11 nights!!! Had a few questions for you, if you don't mind...

How did you make your room request? Fax?? Did you ask for a specific room?? When you asked for an upgrade and they said they didnt have any b/c of the length of your stay, do you feel if you were staying less days you would have received one?
Was the volcano pool ever too loud for naps?? Did you rent strollers or have your own?
Thanks alot

Marc

 

[DisneyToddlers]

Loved your report and so glad you had a great time. We also have two young ones about the same age as yours and will be staying at the Poly in 36 days for 11 nights!!! Had a few questions for you, if you don't mind...

How did you make your room request? Fax?? Did you ask for a specific room?? When you asked for an upgrade and they said they didnt have any b/c of the length of your stay, do you feel if you were staying less days you would have received one?
Was the volcano pool ever too loud for naps?? Did you rent strollers or have your own?
Thanks alot

Marc

Marc-You are all going to LOVE it!!!!!

We made our room request on the phone through the reservation line, although I didn't make the request until a few weeks before the trip. I asked for Samoa longhouse, 3rd floor (for a balcony) and facing volcano pool. I think that maybe because I was so specific, and they accommodated me, they were maybe less willing to upgrade. I wasn't really too convinced that it had to do with my 10 night stay, as I was checking in so early (around 12pm) and plenty of other people have had upgrades on long stays. I was truly happy with the room, though. It was exactly what I wanted!
The Volcano pool was never too loud for naps. We did not hear noise from the pool area. I wonder if the first floor would be different? We brought our own double stroller. I actually purchased a new Maclarren twin triumph for the trip, as I only had a Graco duoglider (I think that's the name!). It was cheaper to purchase this stroller than to pay for the double rental. Now I have it for future trips, and to use at home! Plus, it would have been sooooo difficult to carry the kids and all our stuff to and from the stroller rental at the parks. This way we had it at the resort, to and from the monorail/bus, etc. It was helpful to cart all the stuff you need with the little ones. You can wheel the stroller right on the monorail, but have to fold it up for the buses. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask! Talking about the trip is the closest I can be to the Poly/WDW for a long time!!!

Patty

 

[DisneyToddlers]

Momatater-We'll be back from Sept. 21st-30th 2009 (hopefully-that is if DH still agrees!!!!!!)

 

[team disney]

We got back last night... boo hoo!
I will post a trip report and some pictures once I get my thoughts together.
I did not catch any of the other diser's... but I can tell you the weather was perfect... the crowd levels were not bad at all, and the Poly is just beautiful!
I was told at check in that the Poly was at 98% capacity... The very nice CM at check in though helped me to secure my requested Longhouse Tokeleau (was originally going to be placed in rapa Nui without balcaony)! We had room 3918 which had waterviews... I was thrilled!

Of course I booked a bouce back for next year too!

I will post my experiences tomorrow!

 

[Me&3]

We got back last night... boo hoo!
I will post a trip report and some pictures once I get my thoughts together.
I did not catch any of the other diser's... but I can tell you the weather was perfect... the crowd levels were not bad at all, and the Poly is just beautiful!
I was told at check in that the Poly was at 98% capacity... The very nice CM at check in though helped me to secure my requested Longhouse Tokeleau (was originally going to be placed in rapa Nui without balcaony)! We had room 3918 which had waterviews... I was thrilled!

Of course I booked a bouce back for next year too!

I will post my experiences tomorrow!

BACK can't wait to see and hear about your trip

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Sounds like all of you that just got back had a great time! Thanks for posting your trip reports...It's great to live Vicariuosly through all of you, since it will probably be almost a year and a half before I get back.

 

[FreFam5]

Sounds like those of you that just got back had a wonderful time!!! You are making the next 13 days seem like a lifetime for me!!! LOL I cannot wait to go and hope that I have half as great a time as all of you have seemed to have.

 

[NHDisneyKid]

Hi All - My family, Me, DH, DS, my DMom and DDad are heading to the Poly 3 weeks from tomorrow, 10/24-10/29, and it's just starting to hit me. I found this thread today with TONS of great info, but the 35 pages or so are overwhelming me! I do want to try to read the whole thing, but probably shouldn't at work

Anyway, is there any burning advice anyone feels they need to impart on me? The five of us are staying in the same room, my son is 2 yrs old and will use the daybed. Are there certain rooms in certain buildings that would be better for us (more spacious, different layout)? I'm all of a sudden feeling very CLUELESS, and am used to being so prepared

Help?!

 

[autumnpalm]

We're headed to the Poly!!

I honestly thought we would never be able to stay at the Poly... we've only ever stayed at values and moderates, so this is a big deal for us. However, luckily the codes released for this December have helped a ton and we've had a good year, so we booked a deluxe for the first time ever!

Originally we booked the Contemporary because it was cheaper, but after doing readings and seeing the construction and being placed in the garden wing, I just felt uneasy about things.

I phoned a bunch of times asking about switching resorts, but kept getting the same answer. No availability. Today I checked online, and was able to book a garden view room at the Poly for only $500.00 more than at the Contemporary for a garden wing room!! I'm thrilled, because the Poly has always been on the list of resorts we've been dying to try.

I am just SO excited now. I can't wait. We love O'Hana, we love Kona, we love Tonga Toast, the pool area, the ambiance... it really is going to be a dream come true.

 

[eyenjeff]

We're headed to the Poly!!

I honestly thought we would never be able to stay at the Poly... we've only ever stayed at values and moderates, so this is a big deal for us. However, luckily the codes released for this December have helped a ton and we've had a good year, so we booked a deluxe for the first time ever!

Originally we booked the Contemporary because it was cheaper, but after doing readings and seeing the construction and being placed in the garden wing, I just felt uneasy about things.

I phoned a bunch of times asking about switching resorts, but kept getting the same answer. No availability. Today I checked online, and was able to book a garden view room at the Poly for only $500.00 more than at the Contemporary for a garden wing room!! I'm thrilled, because the Poly has always been on the list of resorts we've been dying to try.

I am just SO excited now. I can't wait. We love O'Hana, we love Kona, we love Tonga Toast, the pool area, the ambiance... it really is going to be a dream come true.

CONGRATULATIONS!! We are going to the POLY for the first time in DEC too. It has always been my husband's dream to stay at the Poly like he did when he was a kid. We are both going to live out our dreams!

 

[autumnpalm]

Thank you, eyenjeff.

I hope you have a magical trip!!

 

[luvthemouse71]

luvthemouse71 great photo! Wasn't the lounge great..I miss everything about the Poly! What room were you in in Hawaii? Maybe we saw each other on the elevator or lounge? I think our vacation dates were the same but you stayed longer.
momatater Yes, we are so excited to take our son in June. He still thinks we're staying at the GF..but after our heavenly stay at the Poly we changed our ressie I know what you mean about withdrawal..when will it ever end..I'm still in my first week

Everyone just returned thanks for the trip reports! How about a few pics?

We were in 3519 from 9/20 to 9/27. I think we may have seen each other because I saw one of your pics and you look familiar. I'm spoiled now..I'll be booking 2009 this weekend and am seriously considering springing for concierge. I'll have a little less than a year to pay it off and I think I can swing it if I'm smart with my money and I take some extra overtime.

I got a kick out of the turndown service...it would be so nice if I had that at home!

 

[cmesq61]

Finally a few minutes to post...
So glad we went with the Poly for our first trip. It's just lovely. We were in Tahiti, 2nd floor, had the two end (connecting) rooms on the garden side. I was concerned at first as there is a door to the outside right there but it was very quiet.

For other first timers trying to make room requests: The convenience to the TTC cannot be underestimated. We were literally a 5 minute walk. When you are coming back exhausted that is a great perk. The rooms are slightly bigger because the building is a bit newer. Cons: It is far from the GCH. So when I was tired, it was a chore to go refill the mugs. Luckily, I have teens and what a great job for them! But for those of you with little ones, something closer to the "action" might be better.

Mousekeeping: Good: I really have no complaints. The rooms were clean on arrival and cleaned everyday. Fresh towels, toiletries replaced (I used their products), room was done everyday when we returned from the parks. Towel animals everyday. I tipped daily with an envelope in both rooms. Not so good: The coffee pot was dirty when we arrived, dried up and crusty. We didn't use it. The bathroom fan didn't work, which I remember someone else posting about. It wasn't too bad for us as we were only 2 to a room and so I could let it unsteam before I did my hair. All of the CMs couldn't have been nicer, helpful, friendly, etc.

Just a fabulous trip. I'm sure I'm leaving a ton out. Feel free to ask questions.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Hi All - My family, Me, DH, DS, my DMom and DDad are heading to the Poly 3 weeks from tomorrow, 10/24-10/29, and it's just starting to hit me. I found this thread today with TONS of great info, but the 35 pages or so are overwhelming me! I do want to try to read the whole thing, but probably shouldn't at work

Anyway, is there any burning advice anyone feels they need to impart on me? The five of us are staying in the same room, my son is 2 yrs old and will use the daybed. Are there certain rooms in certain buildings that would be better for us (more spacious, different layout)? I'm all of a sudden feeling very CLUELESS, and am used to being so prepared

Help?!

First of all, Gratz to both you and autumnpalm!!

A great resource for all info Polynesian is Steve "The Tikiman"'s website. It's http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/ . Enjoy your trips!!

 

[shyjade]

I got my ME documents in the mail yesterday...38 days till we're at the Poly...I can't wait!!

I'm always like a little kid at Christmastime when I start getting our Disney documents in the mail. That means it's not too early to start packing!