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

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Belle72--I don't think noise would be a factor when your sliders are closed. I think it is more of an issue when you are spending time on your patio. The foot traffic going by would be a little distracting if you are reading and for me, a little less private...Not that I expect privacy at a Disney resort but I don't want to feel like I am on display if you know what I mean. I prefer my room view and balcony(I prefer not to have a patio) be more quiet and low key to destress from the parks craziness and my youngest DD is PDD-NOS and NEEDS the down time. If we were right on the Volcano pool or busy walkway, she would stay too stimulated which leads to meltdowns

It really depends on how your family vacations. Many love the idea of having the Volcano pool just outside their room for convenience and people watching. It's their preference. That's the beauty of the Poly. It has so many wonderful views that are unique and each is special. I don't think any view or location is bad, just different.

 

[sharlon]

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.

Thank you so much! I think we will go with a first floor request for Tokelau or Tahiti. We can't wait to visit Poly!

 

[sandym718]

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

As Tess, said, the east side is the side Opposite the quiet pool. The first floor patios open up to a grassy area with some trees and then there's a walkway (a quiet one and it's pretty far from the patios, there's a lot of grass) and then there's the end of Tahiti. When you step out onto the grass and look left, you can see the lagoon and Space Mountain. We found it to be very quiet and pleasant, had some duck visitors, which the kids loved, and convenient to everything, including the TTC.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

And a CM once told me that Samoa is the most requested longhouse.

The CM that checked me in when I visited with the Terror Squad told me this also. With respect to the Samoa, volcano pool view, there are only about nine (9) rooms that fit this description from what she told me.

I prefer my room view and balcony(I prefer not to have a patio) be more quiet and low key to destress from the parks craziness and my youngest DD is PDD-NOS and NEEDS the down time. If we were right on the Volcano pool or busy walkway, she would stay too stimulated which leads to meltdowns

I so know what you mean by this. For our first visit to WDW, DD was about 5 and just diagnosed with PDD. I specifically asked for a lagoon view room that was quiet so she wouldn't be overstimulated. Now that she's used to the parks and all, I picked Samoa for one trip because she speficially wanted to be near the volcano pool. I had her cousins and godsister with us on that trip so they kept her busy.

It really depends on how your family vacations. Many love the idea of having the Volcano pool just outside their room for convenience and people watching. It's their preference. That's the beauty of the Poly. It has so many wonderful views that are unique and each is special. I don't think any view or location is bad, just different.

Agreed! After three stays at the Poly in three different longhouses, I haven't had a bad location yet. And even while strolling the grounds I didn't think that was so...even passing by Rapa Nui!

 

[*Wendy*]

As Tess, said, the east side is the side Opposite the quiet pool. The first floor patios open up to a grassy area with some trees and then there's a walkway (a quiet one and it's pretty far from the patios, there's a lot of grass) and then there's the end of Tahiti. When you step out onto the grass and look left, you can see the lagoon and Space Mountain. We found it to be very quiet and pleasant, had some duck visitors, which the kids loved, and convenient to everything, including the TTC.

Thank you for responding. that sounds wonderful!

 

[BabyFu18]

For people who have been at the Poly during the summer, have you found the pools (the volcano pool and the smaller pool) to be overly crowded during the days and evenings?

I love spending time at the pool, but am worried about it being over crowded and the volcano pool seeming kind of small.

 

[Aliceacc]

I was there last August.

"Crowded", yes. But I was always able to spot my kids, and to snag a chair, even if it meant a regular chair from the Barefoot Bar.

 

[SINYMom]

I know I read that a laptop will fit in the room safe but, what size laptop are we talking about? I have a 17" laptop and am wondering if that will fit? Also, how much much room is left once you have the laptop in the safe?

Also, I read that you can plug your laptop into the phone line rather than pay the $9.95 per day rate. Does anyone know what the local access phone number is or, where I can find it?

 

[DisneyLily]

Hello all.
I am in love with the Polynesian and we stay there each and everytime we go to Disney. I am so glad to have found this thread!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I just want to say that I am now 5 months and 2 days from checking into the Poly for the first time since 1994. I read this thread often adn have posted before and gotten great advice but most of all, reading it just makes me even more excited! Don't know why, I just felt like posting my countdown today! I've been counting down for a year now so I feel like it's getting so close!!

BTW, We reserved GV and I requested Tokelau with a balcony. Can't wait!!

 

[Picabo]

Can anyone tell me if there is a playground at the Poly or...if not...perhaps at the Contemporary or Grand Floridian?

Also...wondering who's been in early December? Wondering if there is ANY hope of it being warm enough to use the pool!!

THANKS!

 

[WendyisDarling]

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

I think I read somewhere you can request unobsturcted view. JMHO, but at the very least for the extra money you are paying I would ask for 1st or 3rd floor. This is just US, but our last visit we had a 2nd floor room and it was very disappointing. Not everyone could comfortably look out the sliding door plus there was a tree that made the angle even more difficult. It was nothing like getting to go on the balcony or patio and watch EWP or Wishes. Actually, we usually ended up in the lounge. But, it was nice to have the lounge so close . The ideal situation would be unobstructed 1st or 3rd floor, again JMHO. You can always ask

 

[mmmears]

Can anyone tell me if there is a playground at the Poly or...if not...perhaps at the Contemporary or Grand Floridian?

Also...wondering who's been in early December? Wondering if there is ANY hope of it being warm enough to use the pool!!

THANKS!

We've been to WDW between xmas and NY and we were able to swim at SAB at the YC, plus spend a half-day at Typhoon Lagoon. The hotel pool was heated and warmer than the one at TL. We just checked the forecasts and planned accordingly.

I think it's pretty hit-and-miss that time of year. Our days were warmish, but we were chilled standing around watching the fireworks at night (and we were wearing coats and mittens!).

I dont know about the playground. The beach at the Poly is a nice place to play, though.

 

[Sea Turtles]

I know I read that a laptop will fit in the room safe but, what size laptop are we talking about? I have a 17" laptop and am wondering if that will fit? Also, how much much room is left once you have the laptop in the safe?
Also, I read that you can plug your laptop into the phone line rather than pay the $9.95 per day rate. Does anyone know what the local access phone number is or, where I can find it?

My 17" laptop fit, no prob. This didn't leave much room width-wise, maybe an inch. From the top of laptop to top of safe, I'd say about 5" of space left.

The only access # I can vouch for is AOL, 407-587-0028. This worked, albeit slow, without a prob.

 

[Tess]

Can anyone tell me if there is a playground at the Poly or...if not...perhaps at the Contemporary or Grand Floridian?

Also...wondering who's been in early December? Wondering if there is ANY hope of it being warm enough to use the pool!!

THANKS!

There is no playground at the Polynesian. It was removed years ago when the volcano pool was renovated. There is no playground at GF either. If I remember correctly, the Contemporary had a playground, but I believe it was demolished when the wing was removed for the new DVC Tower. Sorry. . .

 

[BCV23]

I just read somewhere that the playground and tennis courts at the CR will be opened again when construction is finished.

There is a small water jet area by the pool.

When our children were small, they seldom played on the equipment more than a few minutes in a week's stay. The pools and beaches were the big draw...not to mention the parks. I bet yours will be busy enough that you won't find a need for a playground. Have fun!

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

I think I read somewhere you can request unobsturcted view. JMHO, but at the very least for the extra money you are paying I would ask for 1st or 3rd floor. This is just US, but our last visit we had a 2nd floor room and it was very disappointing. Not everyone could comfortably look out the sliding door plus there was a tree that made the angle even more difficult. It was nothing like getting to go on the balcony or patio and watch EWP or Wishes. Actually, we usually ended up in the lounge. But, it was nice to have the lounge so close . The ideal situation would be unobstructed 1st or 3rd floor, again JMHO. You can always ask

Thanks Wendy for the great info. That would make us all very disappointed if the view was not good. The view is one of our biggest things for picking a resort. I don't sleep very well so I am up through the night and just sitting on the balcony for some alone time with a view is like to me.

 

[JPN4265]

We were thinking of staying at the Poly for the first time until we heard that the suites are the only rooms that offer king size beds. Is this true? If so, this would make the Poly the only deluxe resort to do this....

 

[Tess]

If anyone is interested, AP rates are out from April 19 through June 2009. Looks as if the January to June promo is a better deal, but the AP rate gives a 22.5% discount. I checked and there was even availability at the concierge level.

Hope it helps someone!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

For people who have been at the Poly during the summer, have you found the pools (the volcano pool and the smaller pool) to be overly crowded during the days and evenings?

I've seen the volcano pool crowded in the late mornings/late afternoons. The early morning and late evening the pool isn't so crowded. Even with a lot of folks, we swam then and in the evenings and still had a great time. No problem getting a lounge chair.