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