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

[sandym718]

The Torch Lighting Ceremony is back and is performed Tuesday - Saturday at sunset (approx 6pm).
In early December we missed it because sunset was a bit earlier (5:30pm).

Cool! Our arrival day is going to be spent just hanging at the Poly, we should arrive around lunch time, unpacking, swimming, etc. Dinner at Kona at 6:20, so hopefully we can catch the ceremony right away that first night!! We missed it last trip.

 

[photomama]

nothing to say but

5 more days....

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

In May 2007 the Poly introduced the Spring Global Wamsutta collection for their linens and towels.

Ah, I had a slight brain fart. It was in 2007 but when we stayed there in August 2007 the linen upgrades hadn't happened in our longhouse yet (Samoa).

Speaking of linens, did you see the Disney Resort bedding at JCPenney? They even have one inspired by our beloved Polynesian!.....
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X3.aspx?DeptID=59474&CatID=67438&cmCatLevel=3&CmCatId=59474

No, I hadn't seen this! Thanks so much for the link. I'm trying to theme my bedroom after the Polynesian and this helps a lot...especially with it being on sale.

 

[Sea Turtles]

This is my first stay at Poly.. How long to get the GF? I assume you just jump on the monorail?
Thanks.

You could hoof it too. Very nice walk... 5-10 minutes

 

[Mrs.Prince]

What do most of you guys do when you first arrive? Cause we are driving from TN...a 10 hour drive according to mapquest...and the last thing everyone will want to do is hop on a bus to DTD.

 

[sandym718]

Last trip we drove straight through (19 hours), arriving about 7:30 PM and stayed off-site. So we checked in at the Poly in the AM and went straight to the MK.

This time, b/c of the 4/3 deal, we'll be going right to the Poly. I talked DH into taking an extra day off work so we'll be staying offsite somewhere (hopefully) in northern FL, and we're hoping to arrive by lunchtime at the Poly. NO park that day, just swimming, relaxing, unpacking. To sleep early so we can do RD at the MK in the AM!! I have an ADR for Kona for dinner. We're not going anywhere that first day!

 

[Flossbolna]

What do most of you guys do when you first arrive? Cause we are driving from TN...a 10 hour drive according to mapquest...and the last thing everyone will want to do is hop on a bus to DTD.

We arrived on a late flight and the first thing we did after dropping our bags in our room was to buy a refillable mug, fill it with hot chocolate and then head outside to the beach. We were just in time for the water pageant!

If you arrive during the day I would suggest to just hang out at the pool and relax there from those ten hours inside a car!!

 

[mmmears]

But we can use the Grand Floridan Right if we choose?

It's my understanding that you can use the health club at the GF (and the hot tub in there), but not their hot tubs by the pools. Just making sure I'm understanding your question. The health club is kind of between the Poly and the GF near the wedding pavillion, so you wouldn't want to take the monorail there, just walk.

 

[LJD2143]

It's my understanding that you can use the health club at the GF (and the hot tub in there), but not their hot tubs by the pools. Just making sure I'm understanding your question. The health club is kind of between the Poly and the GF near the wedding pavillion, so you wouldn't want to take the monorail there, just walk.

That's what I thought too...

 

[johnsonet]

It's my understanding that you can use the health club at the GF (and the hot tub in there), but not their hot tubs by the pools. Just making sure I'm understanding your question. The health club is kind of between the Poly and the GF near the wedding pavillion, so you wouldn't want to take the monorail there, just walk.

Yes. You're right. You can't use the GF pools or their outdoor hot tub if you're staying at the Poly

 

[stanmills34]

checking in saturday can't wait it's getting cold here in indiana again...Leaving friday afterschool driving straight thru should arrive around 7 a.m.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

What do most of you guys do when you first arrive? Cause we are driving from TN...a 10 hour drive according to mapquest...and the last thing everyone will want to do is hop on a bus to DTD.

We usually head to Captain Cooks after putting our luggage in our room or dropping it off with Bell Services. We grab something to eat then go hang out at the pool or in the hammocks. Just soaking up the atmosphere of the resort is a relaxing way for us to start our vacation at the Poly.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

What do most of you guys do when you first arrive? Cause we are driving from TN...a 10 hour drive according to mapquest...and the last thing everyone will want to do is hop on a bus to DTD.

We usually have a drink and a snack at the lounge, say hello to Chef Dick then we're off to MK.

 

[MorKat]

checking in saturday can't wait it's getting cold here in indiana again...Leaving friday afterschool driving straight thru should arrive around 7 a.m.

Looks like there could be a crowd of us early Saturday arrivers.

We leave mid-day Friday from Texas - 20 hour ride to Olando and going straight through.

 

[Happy Camper 222]

Safe travels to all leaving soon. Have great vacations.

I was wondering if Captain Cooks has Tonga Toast?? And are the Dole Whips the same as at Aloha Isle?

Thank you,

Happy Camper

 

[Tess]

Safe travels to all leaving soon. Have great vacations.

I was wondering if Captain Cooks has Tonga Toast?? And are the Dole Whips the same as at Aloha Isle?

Thank you,

Happy Camper

Yes on both counts!

 

[Happy Camper 222]

Yes on both counts!

Thank you for that information. I have never tried the Tonga Toast and we aren't ones for making breakfast reservations so if we can get Tonga Toast on our own schedule I would love to be able to try it.

And I have gone a few trips without Dole Whips. I am way over due.

Happy Camper

 

[k&a&c'smom]

HappyCamper - I thought I'd mention that DD got Tonga Toast from Captain Cook's in January, and we thought it was much drier than that served at Kona. Since this was our only experience with the takeout version, I don't know if that is the norm, or an anomaly.

Hopefully, some of the Poly regulars can give an opinion?

 

[LJD2143]

HappyCamper - I thought I'd mention that DD got Tonga Toast from Captain Cook's in January, and we thought it was much drier than that served at Kona. Since this was our only experience with the takeout version, I don't know if that is the norm, or an anomaly.

Hopefully, some of the Poly regulars can give an opinion?

I agree - my last order of Tonga Toast from Captn Cooks in December was definitley overdone. However, I can't compare to Kona because there is no way I would order anything but the Macadamia Nut Pancakes from there!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

LJD2143 - LOL! Those mac nut pancakes are darn good, one of us always orders them, and then has to share!