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

[MsStinkerBelle]

We are doing our first split stay this July. Do you just call the front desk to move your luggage to the next resort? Is there a fee for this service? Does it take long?
Thanks.

I did a split stay from Pop to the Poly. You just call Bell Services (luggage service if at a value) and let them know you need your bags transferred. They will ask you what resort you are transferring to and how many bags you will be transferring. You don't have to be in your room when they pick up the bags. We weren't in our room (we were on our way to the Poly) when they picked up our bags at Pop and transferred them.

There isn't a fee for this service but the bell services employees accept (and some will let you know in a not-so-graicious way that they expect a tip) but I usually tip when I get my bags at the resort I transfer to.

The time to get your luggage depends but it takes a few hours. If you have your bags picked up in the morning, it isn't unreasonable to get your bags at your new resort by the late afternoon. Just call Bell Services and let them know you are having bags transferred to that resort.

Hope that helps!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

We're doing a split stay between the Poly & the GF in 3 weeks!!!!

Wow, I'm sooo envious! One day I hope to stay at the GF...

Hi there, Singinglizzie also gave you some great suggestions. I just wanted to add that I am bit puzzled about why you want to go to the MK on Sunday? According to the Unofficial Guide this is the second busieset day at the MK!

This is VERY true. Most folks arrive on a Sunday from out of town and hit the MK on Monday. It is for this very reason I avoid the MK on Mondays. Now usually the MK has its evening Extra Magic Hours on Sunday evening--this is much more pleasant than Monday morning at the MK.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Here are a few pics of the arcade (Moana Mickey's) at the Polynesian. It is located right next to Captain Cooks which is very convenient for gamers of all ages to get soft drink refills in those refillable mugs or grab a snack. The arcade is open 24 hours but after a certain time (I think it's 11pm), you will need your KTTW card for access. The card reader is to the right of the entrance doors.

View when you first walk into the arcade.

Arcade card pricing. The arcade is 'cashless' so you need to purchase an arcade card using your KTTW card, a credit/debit card or cash. Please note that for cash no change is provided.

More games. Notice the few 'throwback' games like Galaga, Centipede and Space Invaders. Those never get old.

And more games! There are also some of those money-sucking 'claw' games with the prizes in the bottom.

They've installed a second air hockey game so that's great as it is very popular. I really prefer this arcade to the uber-arcades at Pop and the Contemporary. While it has less games, it is quieter.

 

[leighe]

Is there a playground at the Poly? I seem to remember one when I was little but wasn't sure.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Sorry for the delay but would you believe I'm *still* unpacking? Here is a review of our stay in the concierge (Hawaii) longhouse in room 2522.

On 12/28/08 we checked into the Polynesian. DD and I had been staying at Pop the previous five nights so on check-out day we got up real early, got the bags to be transferred ready and put next to the door, then took our carry-on bags to the bus for the MK. We took the monorail from the MK to our second 'home' the Polynesian. Funny thing was we weren't the only ones doing this.

Got to the front desk for check-in and immediately my DD9 asks if she can go watch the tv in the Keki Corner area of the GCH. Since my daughter is on the Autistic Spectrum (PDD), it is a big deal that she told me this before she went over there. This was fine because I had a good view of where she was as I checked in.

A lovely CM checked me in very quickly as there was *no* line. I'm serious. Absolutely no line. I tell him I am very excited to be back 'home' and hopefully our room is ready. He punches in some information from me and then asks if I've stayed at the Poly before. I tell him that yes, I have. Then he proceeds to inform me that DD and I will be guests on the concierge level.

Yeah, you heard that right, concierge level! I thought upgrades were an urban legend or something. LOL! I stop short of worshipping the CM for this awesome upgrade. He got our keys ready, made sure the DDP was attached to each card, then gave us directions to where the Hawaii building was. I almost started crying when I told DD that Mickey was so glad we'd come back to the Poly that he had a special room for us.

Now usually if you are a concierge guest you check in at that desk in front of the GCH. Since we were upgraded, the CM just let the concierge CMs know we were on our way. The sliding doors at the Hawaii building slid open and a cast member I'd come know later from the DIS as ConchKahuna welcomed our 'Ohana. I know I looked really dazed and confused. He gave DD a plastic pail and shovel with crayons and a coloring book in it, then gave me a welcome sheet of paper all printed with our family name on it and gave us a quick overview of the amenities available to concierge guests. I have to say, the ground floor where you walk into Hawaii has a gorgeous view of the castle on the water.

Exterior shot of the concierge check-in area and lower and upper lounge levels.

Our room was much closer to the opposite stairwell on the 2nd floor than the lounge but this was fine with us. We got to our room which smelled clean and fresh and couldn't wait to flop down on the beds. LOL!!! I used the concierge desk to ask about a last minute lunch reservation at Kona. Barbie (who was absolutely wonderful) got us in! We had a wonderful lunch at Kona and dragged our full selves back to our room for a nap.

I called down to Bell Services around 2pm or so after DD and I had had some time to rest. Four of our five bags had made it and the CM delivering them (he was from Tahiti) brought them up and promptly had someone from the luggage room call me and inform me that our fifth bag had just arrived from Pop. Wonderul service all around!

The lounge had wonderful food and even when the food wasn't available, there was a cooler stocked with Diet Coke (yay!), Coke and Sprite, plus a coffee machine that made lattes, cappucinos and hot chocolate. While the evening service with the different dishes was great, I preferred the dessert service in the evening. I absolutely loved having a few desserts along with a Stinkerbelle Latte (Cafe Latte with Grand Mariner) or a few Heineken beers. The morning service came close to stealing my heart with the cheese danish and coffee. The staff in general in the lounge were awesome and one CM gladly brought me a bottle of soy milk for my daughter's cereal when I asked.

Also, I can see why families love the concierge lounge. It is a great retreat during and especially at the end of the day. The kids can watch TV, see the electrical water parade and of course, the fireworks. While we were there we got to see Wishes, Holiday Wishes, and the sickest fireworks display of them all, the 'Fantasy in the Sky' fireworks. We watched them on the 30th. We'd planned to watch them on the 31st but we wound out falling asleep in our room. I spent a lot of quiet evenings in the lounge with DD asleep in her pajamas and blanket while I worked on my laptop (sorry, crazy workaholic aspiring CEO mom here, LOL!). While there isn't food service after 10 pm, you are welcome to stay in the lounge and relax. The CM there told me a lot of people come in that late to work on their laptops and just enjoy the lounge.

The Hawaii building itself is situated very well. While not as close to the TTC as some of the other longhouses, it is practically a straight shot to the bus stop and the Neverland Club. Also, when you get off of the boat from the MK/GF, you literally get off, go left at the pool and there's the Hawaii building! Loved it! It took us about 5 minutes to walk to the TTC and about 1 minute to get to the GCH because were walking so slow.

Some folks wanted to know if I'd requested anything special. The answer to that is yes: just a garden view room in Fiji. Now the upgrade from what I'm understanding had to do with the garden view category room 'I'd booked being 'overbooked'. So what folks may consider 'luck' in geting this upgrade mainly had to do with preparedness (my booking a garden view room in the first place) and opportunity (the GV being overbooked and an equivalent room on the concierge level being available for the time I had my reservation for at the Poly).

So to close this review, here are some photos. I'll give my overall impression of concierge at the end.

The view from our room. Our 2nd floor room didn't have a balcony but we didn't care. We had a lovely view of the quiet pool and got to see several surrey bikes riding around on the path.

Single sink with view of the toilet.

The H20 + 'swag' in the bathroom. We also got a toothbrush, mouthwash and solar relief gel in addition to the shower gel, lotion, shampoo and conditioner.

Closet with 2 robes and safe open (my 15"4 laptop inside for reference)

The flat screen TV/DVD set up. We connected our Wii to the TV. The power strip is concealed by my laptop set up on the desk.

Beds turned down. Mousekeeping came around about 7pm or so to do this.

DD totally knackered after a long day at the parks.

Concierge Lounge. DD had a great time coming here in her pajamas at night to see the fireworks.

The beach outside the Hawaii building. It's so hard to say 'Aloha Oe' to the Poly...


So is concierge level 'worth it'? Like anything having to do with this question, worth is relative. The Poly is worth it to us as we spend 50% of our time enjoying the resort because we've done Disney World so many times. Having the continental breakfast is a big plus. Having the lounge and its location is an even bigger plus. Having a key-protected building is a major plus and the most important in my mind. And the more I vacation at Disney, the more I prefer serene accomodations and more personal services at my disposal.

Would I pay for concierge? Not during value season. My reasoning is this. That week between Christmas and New Years was an absolute ZOO at the Magic Kingdom. The park shut down to letting anyone in around 11am each day. There were just seas of people in the park and frankly after being jostled around during peak season, it is beyond relaxing to be able to go back to a hotel room where you get some extra pampering. DD9 loved being able to hang out in the lounge and watch the action on the lagoon--as did a lot of other kids. The pricing is crazy but frankly concierge is worth it more during peak seasons.

Overall, I give the concierge level a 'thumbs up'. To quote Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice. If you have the means I highly recommend it. " We're doing concierge level again but this time in Disneyland next Christmas.

Hope everyone enjoyed the review!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

thanks for the review!

 

[luvthemouse71]

MsStinkerbelle, wasn't it great to be upgraded? This happened to us in September of 2008, and I was grinning like a fool for days afterward. I booked the same category of room as you so I think it was luck and overbooking of garden views, like you said.

I loved concierge so much that I booked Club Level for 2009. Almost had an MI when I saw the total, but it's doable. I've signed up for more overtime!!

 

[BCV23]

Is there a playground at the Poly? I seem to remember one when I was little but wasn't sure.

No longer except for the water jet area.

But your memory is correct. Over the years I remember three different playgrounds at the Polynesian...almost always deserted. I think most kids were busy enough with the pools, beaches and of course the parks.

MsStinkerbelle, loved your review. When did you check out? We checked in the afternoon of 1/1 although we were not in Hawaii. I have a question for you. I've noticed folks on their laptops in the lounge. Is there WiFi in there?

And I loved the picture of your DD fast asleep...so sweet.

 

[Brooklyn]

Then he proceeds to inform me that DD and I will be guests on the concierge level.

We're doing concierge level again but this time in Disneyland next Christmas.

So happy for you and your DD! We staying in CL Poly in 2007 and loved it! We have it booked this June again. My DD has ASD too. Do you use a GAC card your DD at the parks? We do at DL but have not had experience using one at WDW.

Oh fun about CL at DL! We live right near DL and go there a few times a month. Which hotel are you staying at when at DL?

I have a question for you. I've noticed folks on their laptops in the lounge. Is there WiFi in there?

Would love to know the answer to this too!

THANKS!

 

[ScrapperBelle]

I'm so excited! DH and I will be staying in a lagoon view room this Sept. for our anniversary. The last time I actually stayed at the POLY was in the 70's and DH never has (YC is his fave...but I'm hoping to persuade him differently).

Thanks to all of you for the reviews, information and beautiful pictures. I've got a lot of time to pass until September!

 

[risingsunmom]

Planning our first trip for May. Can't wait to see the Poly. I'm getting seriously addicted to the disboards. For those of you who have stayed there before... What is your favorite pizza delivery place, or do you order from room service?

 

[Brooklyn]

Planning our first trip for May. Can't wait to see the Poly. I'm getting seriously addicted to the disboards. For those of you who have stayed there before... What is your favorite pizza delivery place, or do you order from room service?

I nver thought to order from an outside company...I am interested to hear what others have done...

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

thanks for the review!

You're very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

MsStinkerbelle, wasn't it great to be upgraded? This happened to us in September of 2008, and I was grinning like a fool for days afterward.

It was a dream come true for real. I don't think it sank in for about four or five days.

I loved concierge so much that I booked Club Level for 2009. Almost had an MI when I saw the total, but it's doable. I've signed up for more overtime!!

It is sooo easy to get hooked on concierge, isn't it? I've wound up cutting two days off of our Disneyland trip simply so we can stay concierge. Since we used to live in Southern California it wasn't such a big deal to us as there isn't a whole lot else we want to see.

MsStinkerbelle, loved your review. When did you check out? We checked in the afternoon of 1/1 although we were not in Hawaii. I have a question for you. I've noticed folks on their laptops in the lounge. Is there WiFi in there?

Glad you liked it! We checked out on 1/3--a Saturday. And no, no WiFi in the concierge lounge. I had my wireless broadband card so I could get internet. But on that subject, I had a seriously strong 3G signal in the lounge. It was about 2x stronger than in my room down the hall. They should really make WiFi available at the Poly.

And I loved the picture of your DD fast asleep...so sweet.

Thanks so much. She'd fallen asleep right after we got back from the MK and it just screamed that I take a picture. Just when I think the trips to Disney aren't worth it, that photo puts it all in perspective. Now to get a Poly picture frame for it.

So happy for you and your DD! We staying in CL Poly in 2007 and loved it! We have it booked this June again. My DD has ASD too. Do you use a GAC card your DD at the parks? We do at DL but have not had experience using one at WDW.

Thanks! Yep, I use a GAC card with my DD at the parks. It was a godsend during the time we were there. Well, that and the proximity of the Poly to the MK. I'm glad to know they've got the same thing at DL.

Oh fun about CL at DL! We live right near DL and go there a few times a month. Which hotel are you staying at when at DL?

I'm still trying to decide between the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian. I've never stayed at the Grand Californian but I've gone to conventions at the Disneyland Hotel. I'd love some insight!

 

[ang38]

We did 4 resorts in May and the transfer of luggage was a breeze at all of them We called down to bell services when we were all packed. They came w/i 10 minutes all 4 times. They gave us tags to put on our luggage and placed them on a dolly. That was where they stayed until they were placed in the next room. Anything that was fragile was hung from the top instead of being put on the bottom with all the others. We tipped the bellman and then left. When we arrived at the next resort, as soon as we were checked in the room itself, we called down to bell services to get our luggage and it was delivered again w/i 10 minutes. We checked all the pieces, tipped the bellman and that was that. We had great bellman every time. They were all talkative and interesting. We never waited for our luggage. Most of the rooms were ready for us before we even arrived at the next hotel The CR was ready at 11 am, the YC at 10am. They told us that they try to have the rooms ready for guests coming from other Disney resorts so there's no homeless time. While there is no fee for this service we felt it was appropriate to tip both at pick up and at delivery. These men worked hard and we felt it was the best thing for us to do. You can do what you feel you want to. They never made us feel as if we had to tip...no hands extended...and they all seemed surprised when we handed them the money. Have a great time!

We are doing our first split stay this July. Do you just call the front desk to move your luggage to the next resort? Is there a fee for this service? Does it take long?
Thanks.

 

[Brooklyn]

I'm still trying to decide between the Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian. I've never stayed at the Grand Californian but I've gone to conventions at the Disneyland Hotel. I'd love some insight!

We have stayed at all 3. DL hotel is our favorite followed by Paradise Pier and then Grand Calfornian. I was just not impressed by it. There is nothing special about the rooms and it is SOOOOOO over priced.

Having the entrance to DCA in the hotel is nice but we tend to get to the parks before DCA ever opens which means we are walking to DL anyway in the morning. Having the monorail near DL hotel makes it so nice to be able to take it if you want or walk through DTD to the entrance.

DCA usually does not open till 10 and we are usually up and ready to go way before then. So the entrance to the hotel does not benefit us all that much. That park also closes early, again not being able to utilize the entrance bc we usually go back to DL once DCA closes.

 

[Jaci]

Brooklyn,
I know this is OT, but I have to tell you that your little Pirates are just too cute!
Your sig photo bars are great. What did you use to make them?

Jaci

 

[Brooklyn]

Brooklyn,
I know this is OT, but I have to tell you that your little Pirates are just too cute!
Your sig photo bars are great. What did you use to make them?

Jaci

Thank you! I use photoshop to make them. I love to do graphic design stuff. I also like to do special requests. If anyone out there would like one just pm me. I am happy to do it!

 

[Bella O]

I would also never hesitate to do a split stay at all - it was such a breeze - no luggage issues at all. We chose to visit a park that would be a 2/3 of a day visit - but I bet the room would have been ready earlier - just didn't want to chance it. It was great to be near Epcot part of the time, and near MK part of the time - the best

 

[esmerelda51]

Really stupid questions---What newspaper do you get delivered to your room ( I hope it is not US Today) and are the lights over the beds bright enough to read by.( I always read myself to sleep)

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Really stupid questions---What newspaper do you get delivered to your room ( I hope it is not US Today)

Not stupid questions. And yes, unfortunately the paper delivered to your room is USelessA Today. I would say getting the Orlando Sentinel would have been worse but at least they have a pretty good Business section.

and are the lights over the beds bright enough to read by.( I always read myself to sleep)

Yes, they are bright enough to read by. There is a dimmer switch below each light to adjust the illumination to what you are comfortable with.

Hope that helps!