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

[CoachBagFanatic]

Hey Everyone, This will be a surprise for our DS13 in June 2010 We have never stayed at the Poly before as it really isn't our cup of tea and was wondering how the CL LV rooms are? Should we request a certain floor for the view? Also, how does the CL compare to say the GF RPC and the YC. We were originally going to stay at the CR MKCL and now he says that he wants to stay at the Poly. Now this was news to us as he always said he wanted to stay at CR but the older he gets his tastes are changing. There will only be me, DH and DS13 and we will be on the regular dining plan. TIA

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I am going to disney for the first time 3/2-3/9 and we just upgraded from CBR to Poly!! We are so excited to be on the monorail with our 4 and 2 yo!!
We have a standard garden view room.

My first question is what longhouse should I ask for?

My first thought is to be on the 1st floor and have a patio. Anyone else had one and liked it? I think my 4 yo could play a little on it when my 2 yo was napping if needed or in the evenings Dh and I could have a glass of wine.

We would also like to be by the volcano pool but I am worried about too much noise at the Samoa. Will there be lots of noise?
what about the Tokelou?

Yes, the patio rooms would be great if you want to sit outside and have a little extra room for the 4 yr old to play while the little one is napping. Great for drinking wine in the evening too If you are worried about noise from the volcano pool area but want to stay in Somoa you could request the quiet pool side. We stayed in Tokelau and LOVED it. Very convenient and very quiet. The newer longhouses Tokelau, Rapa Nui, and Tahiti have the bigger rooms and we loved having the extra floor space for the girls to spread out and play for their down time. These rooms also have an extra armchair which came in handy.

 

[sharlon]

Yes, the patio rooms would be great if you want to sit outside and have a little extra room for the 4 yr old to play while the little one is napping. Great for drinking wine in the evening too If you are worried about noise from the volcano pool area but want to stay in Somoa you could request the quiet pool side. We stayed in Tokelau and LOVED it. Very convenient and very quiet. The newer longhouses Tokelau, Rapa Nui, and Tahiti have the bigger rooms and we loved having the extra floor space for the girls to spread out and play for their down time. These rooms also have an extra armchair which came in handy.

I'm not who you quoted, but thanks! I normally don't request a room, but am thinking of requesting a first floor room so while DS3 is going to sleep at night, DH can take the DDs swimming, and I can relax on the patio. Now to figure out which building......

 

[BCV23]

Hey Everyone, This will be a surprise for our DS13 in June 2010 We have never stayed at the Poly before as it really isn't our cup of tea and was wondering how the CL LV rooms are? Should we request a certain floor for the view? Also, how does the CL compare to say the GF RPC and the YC. We were originally going to stay at the CR MKCL and now he says that he wants to stay at the Poly. Now this was news to us as he always said he wanted to stay at CR but the older he gets his tastes are changing. There will only be me, DH and DS13 and we will be on the regular dining plan. TIA

The view from any floor is amazing in club level lagoon view rooms. Third floor has balconies, second just sliding doors with a railing but the lounge is right down the hall, and first floor has patios.

Hawaii is different than RPC but just as special. In fact, one time we were booked LVCL and were "walked" to RPC due to a construction problem at the Polynesian. We love the GF too but were sorely disappointed. I don't think any views in WDW match that of Hawaii's lagoon views.

SeaSpray has some lovely pictures of Hawaii in the first pages of the FAQ.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

The view from any floor is amazing in club level lagoon view rooms. Third floor has balconies, second just sliding doors with a railing but the lounge is right down the hall, and first floor has patios.

Hawaii is different than RPC but just as special. In fact, one time we were booked LVCL and were "walked" to RPC due to a construction problem at the Polynesian. We love the GF too but were sorely disappointed. I don't think any views in WDW match that of Hawaii's lagoon views.

SeaSpray has some lovely pictures of Hawaii in the first pages of the FAQ.

BCV23 you're a dream. Thanks so much for the info and for heading me in the right direction with SeaSpray's absolutely fabulous pictures. I have already marked down the room numbers. I know that we are not guaranteed that room number but it can't hurt to note it on the ressie. Anywhere in that close proximity would be fine. Even though the Poly is not high on my list as wanting to stay there, just to make our DS happy, will be all that I'll need. He loved the pictures. After looking at the pictures, who knows I might have a second favorite after we stay there. Thanks again.

 

[BCV23]

Aren't SeaSprays pictures amazing? Some other Polynesian fans have also posted great photos....johnsonet comes to mind. I also really appreciate the way she's organized the FAQ. It's easy to find what you want to see!

One word of warning about RPC vis a vis Hawaii. The lounge in Hawaii gets crowded at times. But the vast majority of guests are friendly and polite. There's normally a nice feeling of 'Ohana.

 

[*Wendy*]

Thanks to all of you who responded to my questions!! I totally appreciate the help!

It depends on the longhouse (building) you're in.

Which longhouse has double sinks? My 2yo is a sink hog!!! 2 would be really nice to have.

Yes, the patio rooms would be great if you want to sit outside and have a little extra room for the 4 yr old to play while the little one is napping. Great for drinking wine in the evening too If you are worried about noise from the volcano pool area but want to stay in Somoa you could request the quiet pool side. We stayed in Tokelau and LOVED it. Very convenient and very quiet. The newer longhouses Tokelau, Rapa Nui, and Tahiti have the bigger rooms and we loved having the extra floor space for the girls to spread out and play for their down time. These rooms also have an extra armchair which came in handy.

I am so torn on which longhouse.. the samoa or the Tokelau. Closer to the pool and maybe some noise...or newer and larger room farther away!!! I can't make up my mind!!!! Tokelau on the quit pool side might be nice How far really is the volcano pool?

I'm not who you quoted, but thanks! I normally don't request a room, but am thinking of requesting a first floor room so while DS3 is going to sleep at night, DH can take the DDs swimming, and I can relax on the patio. Now to figure out which building......

Have you made a decision yet? I can't decide!!!!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

*Wendy* The distance from Tokelau to the Volcano pool is....maybe half a football field? I am not good with REAL measurements just my own weird estimations. I would say it takes 2 minutes to walk there. The distance is not an issue. If noise is an issue, just pick the quiet pool side of Samoa or either side of Tokelau. They don't get as much foot traffic going past as the Volcano side of Somoa. There are other great longhouses too. Tokelau is a great location, bigger rooms, and every room has a balcony or patio with all inside views of the Poly. I also prefer not to be on the other side of the marina because it would make a longer walk to the pool and TTC.

 

[sharlon]

Have you made a decision yet? I can't decide!!!!

I have no idea!
We are garden view and definitely don't want to be right next to the pool. That's all I know at this point.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Just wanted to say hey! We will have our first Poly stay on June 20. I've noticed a few tickers with similiar dates, so hope to see some of you there.

I normally don't request rooms at WDW. Just don't worry about it. That said, I have 3 kids (12, 10, and 3), and am thinking it would be nice to have a ground floor room with a patio, so that while DS3 is going to sleep, the rest of us could hang out on the patio or even DH and DDs could go for a walk or swim. I know I could do this with a balcony, but I like the idea of sitting there and if DH wants a diet coke he doesn't have to go through the room to run get a refill of his mug.

With 3 kids, I would definitely go for one of the newer longhouses Tokelau, Tahiti, or Rapa Nui. The rooms are bigger which will be good for all the extra stuff that comes along with a 3 year old and it will have that extra floor space to spread out on the floor and play without everyone having to trip over the 3 year old to move around in the room. You know what I mean? Also, with the newer longhouses, you are guaranteed a patio or balcony.

 

[*Wendy*]

*Wendy* The distance from Tokelau to the Volcano pool is....maybe half a football field? I am not good with REAL measurements just my own weird estimations. I would say it takes 2 minutes to walk there. The distance is not an issue. If noise is an issue, just pick the quiet pool side of Samoa or either side of Tokelau. They don't get as much foot traffic going past as the Volcano side of Somoa. There are other great longhouses too. Tokelau is a great location, bigger rooms, and every room has a balcony or patio with all inside views of the Poly. I also prefer not to be on the other side of the marina because it would make a longer walk to the pool and TTC.

Thanks for the info!! I think we are going to go with the Tokelau... unless they want to upgrade us to the Hawaii!!!! lol

 

[sandym718]

I am going to disney for the first time 3/2-3/9 and we just upgraded from CBR to Poly!! We are so excited to be on the monorail with our 4 and 2 yo!!
We have a standard garden view room.

My first question is what longhouse should I ask for?

My first thought is to be on the 1st floor and have a patio. Anyone else had one and liked it? I think my 4 yo could play a little on it when my 2 yo was napping if needed or in the evenings Dh and I could have a glass of wine.

We would also like to be by the volcano pool but I am worried about too much noise at the Samoa. Will there be lots of noise?
what about the Tokelou?

This is exactly what we did in 2007 and will do in 2009. Back in 2007 we had a 2 yo and 4 yo, both still napped. The patio was SO wonderful. The kids napped, we sat outside either in the shade (on the patio) or in the sun (pulled the chairs out into the grass) and read and relaxed. DH and I could take turns going for a walk, getting a snack at CC's, etc, etc. We've requested this again. DS will be almost 7 and obviously no longer naps, so I think it will be even more important. We plan to do some homework during those nap times, but also we can take him to the pool, go for walks, etc, he can play in the grass. The patio, which opened onto a lawn area, really made it seem like we had "more room" too which was nice. DH often went outside with the kids while I was getting ready, cleaning up etc. We got last time and specifically requested this time - 1st Floor, Tokelau, East side.

 

[*Wendy*]

This is exactly what we did in 2007 and will do in 2009. Back in 2007 we had a 2 yo and 4 yo, both still napped. The patio was SO wonderful. The kids napped, we sat outside either in the shade (on the patio) or in the sun (pulled the chairs out into the grass) and read and relaxed. DH and I could take turns going for a walk, getting a snack at CC's, etc, etc. We've requested this again. DS will be almost 7 and obviously no longer naps, so I think it will be even more important. We plan to do some homework during those nap times, but also we can take him to the pool, go for walks, etc, he can play in the grass. The patio, which opened onto a lawn area, really made it seem like we had "more room" too which was nice. DH often went outside with the kids while I was getting ready, cleaning up etc. We got last time and specifically requested this time - 1st Floor, Tokelau, East side.

Thanks for the info. may I ask which side is the east side? Facing the quiet pool ?

 

[Tess]

Thanks for the info. may I ask which side is the east side? Facing the quiet pool ?

The east side of Tokelau would be facing a garden/vegetation area and Tahiti. The east side of Samoa would face the quiet pool.

For those that care, unless you are a very light sleeper, noise from the pools should not be an issue. In all the years we have stayed at the Polynesian, pool noise has never been a problem--now rude guests banging around in the halls and rooms, that's another story.

Also, someone above asked about double sinks--Tahiti has double sinks in most rooms--and I can't speak to the other longhouses since I've never stayed in them. Tahiti is also a very nice, quiet location that is very convenient to the TTC as well as the resort itself.

For those who are new to the Polynesian, I usually recommend Tokelau. It is centrally located and a quiet area of the resort. Samoa is another longhouse that is frequently requested by guests.

Honestly, there are many good things about most every longhouse. The Polynesian is not a sprawling resort like CBR or CSR and it really doesn't take much time to get from one end of it to the other.

For those suffering the which longhouse do I choose dilemma, I hope you enjoy your stays! The Polynesian is our favorite. . .

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Aren't SeaSprays pictures amazing? Some other Polynesian fans have also posted great photos....johnsonet comes to mind. I also really appreciate the way she's organized the FAQ. It's easy to find what you want to see!

One word of warning about RPC vis a vis Hawaii. The lounge in Hawaii gets crowded at times. But the vast majority of guests are friendly and polite. There's normally a nice feeling of 'Ohana.

Thanks for your help and great tips. I think SeaSprays picture are beyond amazing. I come from an Irish Italian family so crowded to us it not really a big deal when it comes to food. Ok, Now to search for Johnsonet's pictures. I think I am starting to get kind of excited about staying at the Poly.

 

[BCV23]

CoachBagFanatic, the pictures are toward the front of the FAQ too. Other's have posted great pictures too...I just remember johnsonet's in particular.

Have you visited Tikiman's site. Just google and you'll find it....tons of info on the Polynesian.

Tess, good to see you!

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Ali & JC's mom has some amazing pictures also!

 

[Belle72]

Hi- We are thinking of requesting Samoa, Volcano pool side, 1st floor. We have two children 6 and 2. We like the proximity to the pool and the view and were encouraged by pp who said pool noise is not a big issue. Do most of you agree- what about foot traffic? We would be back for naps for DS2 but wanted DD6 to swim or play at the beach. Or should we play it safe with Tokelau?

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi- We are thinking of requesting Samoa, Volcano pool side, 1st floor. We have two children 6 and 2. We like the proximity to the pool and the view and were encouraged by pp who said pool noise is not a big issue. Do most of you agree- what about foot traffic? We would be back for naps for DS2 but wanted DD6 to swim or play at the beach. Or should we play it safe with Tokelau?

What I loved most about Tokelau was its proximity to the TTC. I didn't mind walking 2 minutes to the Volcano pool, or to Captain Cook's for a cup of tea, even in the rain.

But coming home from Epcot late with 3 tired kids, walking back from the TTC-- boy, those extra steps we didn't have to take made a huge difference!

 

[BCV23]

Hi- We are thinking of requesting Samoa, Volcano pool side, 1st floor. We have two children 6 and 2. We like the proximity to the pool and the view and were encouraged by pp who said pool noise is not a big issue. Do most of you agree- what about foot traffic? We would be back for naps for DS2 but wanted DD6 to swim or play at the beach. Or should we play it safe with Tokelau?

Just wanted to warn you that there are not many rooms that fit that description. It's not a particularly large longhouse....there might be 15 rooms or so that would satisfy your request. Since the Polynesian stays pretty full, the odds that one of those rooms is open the day you check in really aren't very high. And a CM once told me that Samoa is the most requested longhouse. We have been lucky enough to end up with 1st floor Samoa facing the pool a number of times but actually never requested it.

Tokelau would be a safer request. But as others have posted, it's not that large of a resort. Any room is no more than a minute or two to a beach.

We ask for first floor and leave it to the Tiki gods when we don't need an accessible room.