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

[MsStinkerBelle]

Questions:
How often are requests granted at the Poly?

CMs will usually try their best to grant any location requests but please keep in mind these are only requests, not 'guarantees'. One year I wanted a lagoon view room in Tahiti on the first floor. The CM tried to get that for me but the whole longhouse was booked (this was Dec). Another year I wanted first floor Samoa facing the volcano pool and that request was granted. I've requested first floor Fiji for December but if I don't get it that's fine.

How bad are the parking lot views? Are you just looking at the parking lot or is there plenty of vegitation to help block the parking lot?

Thanks...

Honestly, the landscaping is so good that even if you have a view of the parking lot, it's framed by all the vegitation.

 

[shyjade]

Questions:
How often are requests granted at the Poly?

How bad are the parking lot views? Are you just looking at the parking lot or is there plenty of vegitation to help block the parking lot?

Thanks...

I would have to say requests are granted somewhat often (they do try to accomodate guests as much as possible) but certainly not "always" because that would be impossible to do.

As for the parking lot views, I think the Poly has the BEST parking lot views on property! There is so much lush foilage that the views are not all "pavement" but a lot of tropics with a hint of parking lot. And those views are actually somewhat rare...most of the garden view rooms are awesome views!

 

[BCV23]

Popping in to add that Tess is right of course. You can see the monorail from the parking lot side of Rapa Nui. However, it's further off at that point than the view from Aotearoa or Raratonga.

 

[SeaSpray]

Haven't had time to upload any pictures yet, but all I can say is we had a fabulous time!!!!!!!!!!! We were in a 1st floor LV room (#1507). All the staff we encountered in the Hawaii building were wonderful-we even received a thank you note from housekeeping for the tips we left for her . I knew I would definitely be staying there again for Columbus Day weekend '09, but decided to book a birthday trip in June for me and my DD16 -kind of a big birthday for me .

YAY!! I'm so glad that you loved the Polynesian!!!

Questions:
How often are requests granted at the Poly?

How bad are the parking lot views? Are you just looking at the parking lot or is there plenty of vegitation to help block the parking lot?

Thanks...

I agree with everyone else; the "parking lot views" at the Polynesian aren't too bad, maybe only a handful of the rooms have a true "parking lot" view, while the rest are garden views with just a bit of parking lot in the background.

 

[portocall]

that is a relief! Thanks for the replies. My boys have their hearts set on seeing the monorail so I am thinking about requesting Rarotonga or Aroteroa. I am hoping to get it, but won't be dissapointed if we don't. I know it is not a guarantee and I have been telling the boys that we will be able to see the monorail when we ride it I am getting so excited now that I am sure we will stay there and have already saved enough for 2 nights. By the time we can book I should be able to pay it off... what a relief

 

[SeaSpray]

that is a relief! Thanks for the replies. My boys have their hearts set on seeing the monorail so I am thinking about requesting Rarotonga or Aroteroa. I am hoping to get it, but won't be dissapointed if we don't. I know it is not a guarantee and I have been telling the boys that we will be able to see the monorail when we ride it I am getting so excited now that I am sure we will stay there and have already saved enough for 2 nights. By the time we can book I should be able to pay it off... what a relief

You can see the monorail going around the line from many areas of the resort; from the volcano pool, the beach, etc. There's nothing like being at the Polynesian and always having those visual reminders that you're also at Disney World!!!! (Of course, seeing the castle straight ahead in line with the pool doesn't hurt either. LOL) I bet that your sons will plenty of monorail-viewing opportunity!

 

[brendalee59]

Hi Seaspray, I have been reading this thread for almost two years waiting for it to get close enough to our trip to post.(well, not THIS one, but the Poly resort thread ) Anyway, We had a lagoon view booked and were waitlisted for club level/lagoon view. Our waitlist came through this week I asked our DU agent to please ask for a 3rd floor balcony room,which she did. Though she told me to remind them at check in as requests sometimes get dropped between DCL and the resorts. My question is, if we don't get our request, how bad are the 1st and 2nd floor rooms? I understand the 2nd floor just has windows that open? will we be able to see the castle if we get a 1st floor room? Guess I want to know how disapointed we will be if we don't get our 3rd floor request.
Thank in advance for your answers

 

[Tess]

Hi Seaspray, I have been reading this thread for almost two years waiting for it to get close enough to our trip to post.(well, not THIS one, but the Poly resort thread ) Anyway, We had a lagoon view booked and were waitlisted for club level/lagoon view. Our waitlist came through this week I asked our DU agent to please ask for a 3rd floor balcony room,which she did. Though she told me to remind them at check in as requests sometimes get dropped between DCL and the resorts. My question is, if we don't get our request, how bad are the 1st and 2nd floor rooms? I understand the 2nd floor just has windows that open? will we be able to see the castle if we get a 1st floor room? Guess I want to know how disapointed we will be if we don't get our 3rd floor request.
Thank in advance for your answers

Since Terry isn't up as early as I am today , I thought I'd lend my perspective.

Second floor rooms do have sliders that open, but no balcony. There is a barrier rail and you will have a decent view from there. First floor views are, for my money, just as lovely as third. You should check out the Poly Pics thread--http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1591953--there are a good many photos showing both views from third and first.

I like both first and third floors. First floor provides easier room access when coming back from the parks, pool, or a stroll. Third floor can be less hectic, but I have to admit noise has never been an issue for us in Hawaii. I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't think you can go wrong with a LVC room regardless of the floor on which it is located.

Have a great vacation--sounds lovely.

 

[momatater]

Since Terry isn't up as early as I am today , I thought I'd lend my perspective.

Second floor rooms do have sliders that open, but no balcony. There is a barrier rail and you will have a decent view from there. First floor views are, for my money, just as lovely as third. You should check out the Poly Pics thread--http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1591953--there are a good many photos showing both views from third and first.

I like both first and third floors. First floor provides easier room access when coming back from the parks, pool, or a stroll. Third floor can be less hectic, but I have to admit noise has never been an issue for us in Hawaii. I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't think you can go wrong with a LVC room regardless of the floor on which it is located.

Have a great vacation--sounds lovely.

I totally agree!

I was disappointed when we first were given a 2nd floor room a couple of yrs ago, but when we got to the room, it turned out to be fine. One of the best things we liked about it is that it was close to the lounge, so the kids could just go down there and get drinks by themselves. IMO, I think there are pros and cons to all the rooms.

 

[twinnybelles]

See ya tommorrow

 

[PNO4TE]

Have fun, twinnybelles!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

See ya tommorrow

Have a MAGICAL time!

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi Seaspray, I have been reading this thread for almost two years waiting for it to get close enough to our trip to post.(well, not THIS one, but the Poly resort thread ) Anyway, We had a lagoon view booked and were waitlisted for club level/lagoon view. Our waitlist came through this week I asked our DU agent to please ask for a 3rd floor balcony room,which she did. Though she told me to remind them at check in as requests sometimes get dropped between DCL and the resorts. My question is, if we don't get our request, how bad are the 1st and 2nd floor rooms? I understand the 2nd floor just has windows that open? will we be able to see the castle if we get a 1st floor room? Guess I want to know how disapointed we will be if we don't get our 3rd floor request.
Thank in advance for your answers

I agree with Tess that you'd have just as awesome a view from the first and second floors, that you'd have from the third floor. Other than the fact that the second floor doesn't have a patio or a balcony, from the pictures I've seen, the views are almost identical.

I used to think that the third floor would be the best, but I've since come to realize that since the Polynesian is raised, and you can see the same amount of the castle from the beach as you can see from the third floor, the room height doesn't really matter afterall.

I have to be honest and say that I'd prefer either the third or first floors, over the second floor, only because we definitely enjoy sitting outside each morning and evening, gazing out across the lagoon, but I wouldn't be upset or let it ruin my enjoyment of the resort, if I ended up on the second floor.

I agree with your travel agent; definitely mention your room request when you begin your check-in process. And have a wonderful time!! (I love DCL too!! )

Since Terry isn't up as early as I am today , I thought I'd lend my perspective.

Second floor rooms do have sliders that open, but no balcony. There is a barrier rail and you will have a decent view from there. First floor views are, for my money, just as lovely as third. You should check out the Poly Pics thread--http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1591953--there are a good many photos showing both views from third and first.

I like both first and third floors. First floor provides easier room access when coming back from the parks, pool, or a stroll. Third floor can be less hectic, but I have to admit noise has never been an issue for us in Hawaii. I guess what I'm trying to say is I don't think you can go wrong with a LVC room regardless of the floor on which it is located.

Have a great vacation--sounds lovely.

I concur!

I totally agree!

I was disappointed when we first were given a 2nd floor room a couple of yrs ago, but when we got to the room, it turned out to be fine. One of the best things we liked about it is that it was close to the lounge, so the kids could just go down there and get drinks by themselves. IMO, I think there are pros and cons to all the rooms.

I agree; pros and cons to each location, but most of us (like you!) tend to concentrate on the pros, and not the cons!

See ya tommorrow

Have a great trip!!

 

[Dimmsdale]

We'll be at the Poly in late Oct and I wanted to find out about using the pool before check in. We purchased the package through AAA, not CL level package

I believe we can check in prior but we still need to wait till 3 PM for the room. Is there a locker room where we can change an rent/get towels?

Thanks

 

[JRDMAN]

We'll be at the Poly in late Oct and I wanted to find out about using the pool before check in. We purchased the package through AAA, not CL level package

I believe we can check in prior but we still need to wait till 3 PM for the room. Is there a locker room where we can change an rent/get towels?

Thanks

When you check in, they will provide a place for you to change and/or freshen up. Just ask the CM when you check in.
Towels are provided free of charge at the pool. Just pick up as many as you need and drop them in a used towel bin when you're finished.
There is also a chance that your room will be ready early.
I usually book club level. But be assured that EVERYONE is treated equally at Poly with the same benefits of staying there available to all their guests. The only thing different in club level is a lounge that features snacks through out the day and a separate check in desk.
Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[JRDMAN]

When you find time, please give us a trip report. You seem to be new to the Poly and I love hearing first impressions from the newbees. It's difficult for me to be objective based on past experiences there and my love for Poly. So, I especially appreciate view points from first timers.

 

[brendalee59]

Tess, Momatator,and Seaspray. You have put my mind at ease I'm just gonna sit back, relax and read all about the Poly for the next 60 days till it's our turn
Tess, thanks for the link to the pictures. I had seen it before, but lost track of it awhile back. Thank you to all of you that keep this thread going with tips, pictures,and answers to the endless questions of Poly newbies. You guys are great

 

[SeaSpray]

Tess, Momatator,and Seaspray. You have put my mind at ease I'm just gonna sit back, relax and read all about the Poly for the next 60 days till it's our turn
Tess, thanks for the link to the pictures. I had seen it before, but lost track of it awhile back. Thank you to all of you that keep this thread going with tips, pictures,and answers to the endless questions of Poly newbies. You guys are great

It's my pleasure. Answering questions and just reading everyone's posts here in general makes me happy, and is therapeutic at times, when I need a break from real world issues.

 

[Tess]

When you check in, they will provide a place for you to change and/or freshen up. Just ask the CM when you check in.
Towels are provided free of charge at the pool. Just pick up as many as you need and drop them in a used towel bin when you're finished.
There is also a chance that your room will be ready early.
I usually book club level. But be assured that EVERYONE is treated equally at Poly with the same benefits of staying there available to all their guests. The only thing different in club level is a lounge that features snacks through out the day and a separate check in desk.
Have a wonderful vacation!

The only thing I would add is that you should pack your bags so that you are able to access your swimsuits with ease. As JRDMAN said, there are changing rooms by both pools so if you have your gear you are all set, store the balance of your baggage and enjoy.

You can check in early, wait by the pool for your room assignment and start enjoying the atmosphere. You may get lucky and have a room ready when you check in. The 3:00 p.m. rule is not written in stone--you could end up checking in and receiving your room right away or you may have to wait. . .luck of the draw.

Best wishes and enjoy your vacation!

 

[LuvMySoldier07]

Just booked my first trip to the Poly for July! I am having second thoughts about not booking Club level though. I thought it was too much money so decided to book the deluxe dining plan instead of using the lounge for a meal everyday. Did I make the right choice? Should I change to club level? Is it worth the extra money?