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

[MUFFYCAT]

We arrive on Wedenday also for our fist stay at the Poly!
Ds and I share a birthday on Thursday. He wanted to do MVMCP so we will do Chef Mickeys first then go over to MK after that.

Have a wonderful trip!!

You too! I'm sure you're going to love it it! Be warned you may not want to stay anywhere else afterwards.

With the great weather make sure you take time to walk arounds the grounds. It's so peaceful and relaxing.

Happy Birthday to both of you!

 

[Missus Toad]

OMG, I just booked for the first week of May! We were just there in August, but the 4+3 deal was irresistible! Haven't told DH just yet... Anyway, just had to share with someone!

 

[BreezysMom]

We arrive on Wedenday also for our fist stay at the Poly!
Ds and I share a birthday on Thursday. He wanted to do MVMCP so we will do Chef Mickeys first then go over to MK after that.

Have a wonderful trip!!

Hi Poly friends. We will be there until the 15th. Cleaned and did laundry then errands all day. Not packed yet...

What is my problem. I just can't seem to start doing it. Tomorrow it will HAVE to be done.

I hope to see you all in Paradise!

 

[Tbella]

I have learned so much from this thread and want to thank everyone who has provided this wealth of information. We leave next Saturday and there are still a few things I'm not sure about:
Are there coffee makers in the room? and if there are, are filters and coffee provided or do I have to bring my own?
Also, when would one use the TTC over the Poly buses, monorail, and boat launch.

 

[grannyminnie]

I have a question about the Poly lobby...we've stayed once, eaten in all the restaurants, and visited recently. It was crazy crowded around 5:30 pm on...is this normal there? It looked like a big line going into Ohana but could have been a combination of that and other people milling around. Do those of you who stay there frequently notice large crowds in the evening?

 

[Luvamouse]

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!

 

[mmmears]

Wow, I really didn't know this about concierge. Granted I'm pretty much a control freak and like to make my own ADRs, it would be nice to have someone make them for me in this manner. Yet another point for considering a CL stay in the future.

Yeah, I'm pretty much a control freak, too. In all our CL stays, I've never let them make the ADRs for me until this trip. It's especially nice since we're going in April and the dining system is down until no-one knows when. I'd be panicking every day and calling to see if it was working if I didn't have faith in the IPO people I've spoken with (and of course, I've double-checked what they have done so far ). And with the time change, it's heavenly not to have to wake up at 3:57 am and start hitting the redial button.

 

[mmmears]

luvamouse,

Oh boy! Do those noodle look yummy! I dont know if they are still on the menu but if they are we'll be right there in April eating them!

 

[WickedWench]

The difference is that I can call the IPO office today, tomorrow, whenever I want to and let them know which ADRs I want. Then, at the 180 day mark, THEY make the ADR for me. This means I dont have to wake up at 4am to call and get just what I want. They'll put it in their system and book it as soon as it's open.

When they've made them all, they print the list out for you.

If you wait until everything is booked, then, no, they cant really help you with that.

I have heard that they do have some preferential booking windows at the resort you're staying at, however.

To me, this has been really nice, but the real perk is having the lounge with the food & drinks available all day.

Ah, I can understand that. I never eat at any of those high-demand places, so I didn't even consider that.

 

[mmmears]

Ah, I can understand that. I never eat at any of those high-demand places, so I didn't even consider that.

Yeah, I wish I knew about this back when I had to call every day (no 180+10) for our reservations. I got so use to waking up at 3:57 that I couldn't stop.

 

[Caitsmama]

As for the lobby crowds question, i would venture to say it was probably due to Ohana's.
We just got back from the BC and it's the same way with the crowds to get into Cape May Cafe.
As i have also seen it can get crowded at the GF for 1900 Park Fare.
I would say that probably any hotel that has a big spot like that to eat, is what is causing the dinner rush crowd. And not to worry.


Also, glad to hear that punch was still there in May! LOL

 

[BCV23]

The downstairs lobby also gets busy before and after the luau.

 

[Tess]

I have learned so much from this thread and want to thank everyone who has provided this wealth of information. We leave next Saturday and there are still a few things I'm not sure about:
Are there coffee makers in the room? and if there are, are filters and coffee provided or do I have to bring my own?
Also, when would one use the TTC over the Poly buses, monorail, and boat launch.

There are the teeny tiny coffeemakers in room with the typical butler style packet of coffee, cream, sugar and stir stick. The coffee is the "pod" type and has its own filter. While it isn't the nastiest stuff in the world, you may want to bring your own if you are particular about your coffee. You would need the tiny little filters for these machines.

The TTC is great to catch the monorail to EPCOT. This allows you access to the EPCOT monorail without the need to ride the loop and change trains. The TTC is also a good option sometimes when you are returning from a park, e.g., DHS and a TTC bus comes along before the resort bus. Other than that, we really prefer to utilize the buses from the resort or the boat/monorail to MK.

I have a question about the Poly lobby...we've stayed once, eaten in all the restaurants, and visited recently. It was crazy crowded around 5:30 pm on...is this normal there? It looked like a big line going into Ohana but could have been a combination of that and other people milling around. Do those of you who stay there frequently notice large crowds in the evening?

The GCH does get fairly hopping first thing in the morning and at night primarily due to 'Ohana. The masses tend to gather on the second floor around 'Ohana and Tambu Lounge. If you avoid that corner, you needn't worry and probably won't be bothered if shopping, etc. You might have trouble getting a spot to lounge around on the second floor, but there's always the first floor areas if you want to people watch.

Have a great Saturday!

 

[Tbella]

There are the teeny tiny coffeemakers in room with the typical butler style packet of coffee, cream, sugar and stir stick. The coffee is the "pod" type and has its own filter. While it isn't the nastiest stuff in the world, you may want to bring your own if you are particular about your coffee. You would need the tiny little filters for these machines.

The TTC is great to catch the monorail to EPCOT. This allows you access to the EPCOT monorail without the need to ride the loop and change trains. The TTC is also a good option sometimes when you are returning from a park, e.g., DHS and a TTC bus comes along before the resort bus. Other than that, we really prefer to utilize the buses from the resort or the boat/monorail to MK.

Thank you for our help!
Does the TTC have buses to the parks and other Disney Resorts?

 

[BCV23]

Thank you for our help!
Does the TTC have buses to the parks and other Disney Resorts?

There are buses at the TTC to DAK and DHS.

No buses to resorts there other than the one to SOG which I imagine is a private bus. For years there was a bus to WL/FW which was great for going to the Hoop but it no longer runs.

One other advantage of transportation at the Polynesian is the large ferry. Especially if you're in one of the newer longhouses, that can be a very fast way to get back to your room midday. The crossing itself is only 5 minutes and it is usually not crowded at all at that time. Convenient with strollers and wheelchairs.

 

[Tbella]

There are buses at the TTC to DAK and DHS.

No buses to resorts there other than the one to SOG which I imagine is a private bus. For years there was a bus to WL/FW which was great for going to the Hoop but it no longer runs.

One other advantage of transportation at the Polynesian is the large ferry. Especially if you're in one of the newer longhouses, that can be a very fast way to get back to your room midday. The crossing itself is only 5 minutes and it is usually not crowded at all at that time. Convenient with strollers and wheelchairs.

Thank you again. I just checked the Disney Reservations site again and it seems that more rooms opened up for a week from now so I am hoping that it won't be crowded at the Poly (more of a chance getting my requested longhouse) or the parks.

 

[BreezysMom]

Well, I finally got us all packed. Even though I swore I would stick to one bag a piece, I added a fourth becasue my suitcase was a little on the heavy side. The second checked bad fee is only $25 and the overweight is $100 per way. DH would literally kill me dead in the airport.

So I went online to "check in" and actually paid for the fourth bag already. It was painless. What do I do on return when we check our bags at the Poly for the flight home???

Also, a little off topic from the Poly, but can I bring some snacks on the plane? We are flying United?

Thanks everyone. I will check in when we get back! We leave for the airport at 7am!!!!

 

[mmmears]

BreezysMom,

Lucky you with only one day to go! Have a great time!

Our last flight on United was last April. We were allowed to bring food on the plane, but drinks had to be purchased after we went through security. (They didn't mess with any of the food, though, just the water.)

 

[BCV23]

BreezysMom, mmmears answered about the snacks. This is still true no matter on which airline you fly in the US. Some TSA agents are pickier than others and may not let you take on yogurt, applesauce, etc. as well.

As for checking in at the Polynesian, I've read on the transportation forum that United has some sort of agreement with WDW by which the extra bag fee is being waived for those checking in at WDW. My DH is a frequent flyer so we don't pay for the extra bags anyway so no personal experience with that.

Have a wonderful time at the Polynesian!

 

[John's Mom]

My DH and I will be arriving at the Poly on Tuesday morning. This will be our first stay there.

I just wanted to thank the regulars on this thread for all the great information that is posted here.

I will have my LGMH on my pocketbook. Please say "Hi" if you see me!