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

[johnsonet]

Johnsonet,

Thank you for sharing your great photos with us! Did you get to eat at Kona or Ohana this trip? If so, how was the food? Thanks

Thanks! Yes, we ate at Kona 4 times! It was very good. I LOVE breakfast there, especially early before it gets crowded. Kona is very busy - and quite a casual vibe for the price. I like it and my SIL and loves it, as do our girls. But for the raves it gets, I often wonder if "newbies" are going to be disappointed. The food is good and some of the servers are really good but it's busy and loud and pretty pricey. Dinner for my daughter and me our first night was $77 and that was before tip and with Tables in Wonderland 20% off. Of course, using TIW means they add 18% tip but I leave more like 20%+...I only had one glass of wine but I did have sushi as an appetizer, DD had the Prime Rib and we both had desserts I'm not knocking it at all but just trying to set a reasonable expectation. I LOVE their sushi California Luau Roll (crab, avocado and fresh pineapple) and Shrimp Tempura Roll (with fresh mango) were SO yummy!
We haven't been to 'Ohana in years but it seems to be VERY popular It does look fun!

I think the mere(sp?) fact that you are asking that question actually answers your question....

We were going to try and save money by staying at CSR but all I could think about was the Poly. Then the 4/3 deal came out and I tried to get to Poly but it was not available so I booked WL. I checked everyday until Walla! Poly GVCL was open. I snagged it even though I only wanted GV. A few weeks later, GV opened up and I booked that. Since booking Poly GV, I have been absolutely content and stopped asking the question......

I know that feeling! I've booked resorts "just to have something" and tried to convince myself that all is well but worried and checked for my #1 pick each day... I know I've booked the right place when I no longer worry and just look forward to the trip!

 

[johnsonet]

Hi all, first time poster, loving this board!!!

We are taking our kids (DS almost 5, DD 3.5) to their first Disney experience 4/19-4/26. For us adults, it's our first trip to the Poly and our first return to the World since December 2001.

We went ahead and splurged for a MK view, and I know the reservationist put us in for Tuvalu. One thing I know for sure we want is either a patio or balcony - love my kids dearly, but it will be nice to have a small escape space for DH and I!

Would people recommend a balcony or patio? Would the MK view be much different do you think? If we were to do a patio in Tuvalu, MK view, should we be worried about the kids falling in the lagoon??

Thanks, and thanks too for all the great info on this board!!

I think MsStinkerbelle will be able to answer this You will have a patio if you're first floor but not sure of how much vegetation there is there??

 

[momatater]

johnsonet: Great pics! Thanks for sharing! I'm also glad you had such a great time....Sept can't get here fast enough for us!

 

[DeborahB]

johnsonet Love your pics! I agree w/ Ms. Stinkerbelle, my favorite one is the volcano pool with the MK, MK launch, Seven Seas Lagoon. It almost looks like an infinity pool...well, a little bit! It's a great view for sure!


Tess Not too much longer for you! Have you begun packing yet? I hope you have a wonderful trip this year!

 

[johnsonet]

Picabo - I know you were asking about pool toys. Here's what was available last week:

Nemo bucket w/ shovel ~ $5.95 (these were the only buckets I saw)

Pool Action Pack $12.97 (jet streamers, dive balls, magnet dive gloves)

Nemo inflatable beach ball, Nemo inflatable swim ring, Nemo inflatable swim bands ~ ALL $3.50 each

Nemo Bath Buddies ~ $12.00

Jet streamers ~ $4.95

 

[johnsonet]

DeborahB and momatater: Thank you

Here are some more pics:

Tempura Shrimp Roll at Kona (from the Kona Island Sushi Bar menu)

Sorry this is so dark but...Inside the GCH, Kona Cafe on 2d floor, BouTIKI on the 1st

Another afternoon Volcano pool pic, w/ Castle in background

Kona Island Coffe Bar 6:30am-noon / Sushi Bar 5-10pm

 

[PolyTigger]

With all this information you could be the next tikiman, great job.......

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

Hi again, another question - I've read that there was at one point a Wyland art gallery on site at the Polynesian, and that it also sold James Coleman works (Disney scenes, nature scenes). Does anyone know if that's still around? I checked the Wyland site, it's still listed, but I tried to email them and their link doesn't work. Thanks again!

 

[mmmears]

Johnsonet,

Thanks for the additional photos! I can't wait to go!!! I've never seen a photo of the Kona Island Coffee Bar before -- it's bigger than I thought it would be.

Did you have a chance to try the sushi at the coffee bar/sushi bar? I'm wondering how good it is, since it might be a good complement to the CL apps for a dinner.

 

[LJD2143]

Did you have a chance to try the sushi at the coffee bar/sushi bar? I'm wondering how good it is, since it might be a good complement to the CL apps for a dinner.

I had the Kona Crab Cake Roll during our last stay in December - it was FANTASTIC! Comparable to the rolls served with Yoshie's Deluxe Sushi Platter at CG!

 

[Tess]

Tess Not too much longer for you! Have you begun packing yet? I hope you have a wonderful trip this year!

48 days and counting!

No packing yet--in fact, I haven't even pulled the summer stuff from the winter storage boxes yet. I have been shopping for some new shorts/shirts, but haven't been too successful yet.

Packing will probably have to wait until just before we fly--too much spring stuff going on to get to it very early. We need warm weather!

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

Last question for awhile - I promise.

Does the Neverland Club ever take 3 year olds who are potty trained, or only 4 and up? Their info says 4+, but I've found some blogs where it looks like people dropped off 3 year olds. Thanks!

 

[johnsonet]

With all this information you could be the next tikiman, great job.......

What a nice compliment.

Hi again, another question - I've read that there was at one point a Wyland art gallery on site at the Polynesian, and that it also sold James Coleman works (Disney scenes, nature scenes). Does anyone know if that's still around? I checked the Wyland site, it's still listed, but I tried to email them and their link doesn't work. Thanks again!

Yes. That store is still there.

Johnsonet,

Thanks for the additional photos! I can't wait to go!!! I've never seen a photo of the Kona Island Coffee Bar before -- it's bigger than I thought it would be.

Did you have a chance to try the sushi at the coffee bar/sushi bar? I'm wondering how good it is, since it might be a good complement to the CL apps for a dinner.

The sushi is prepared there at the sushi bar (maybe in the back too but I saw mine come from the sushi bar) You're given a Kona Island Sushi Bar menu along with the regular Kona Cafe menu at dinnertime Yes! I think it would be a great complement to the lounge offerings. They also sell sushi in CCs!

Last question for awhile - I promise.

Does the Neverland Club ever take 3 year olds who are potty trained, or only 4 and up? Their info says 4+, but I've found some blogs where it looks like people dropped off 3 year olds. Thanks!

No they do not take 3-year-olds. I have read repeatedly that the 4 year old age minimum is for legal/insurance reasons. If someone dropped off their 3-year-old then I'm afraid they must've "fibbed" about their child's age. Certainly wouldn't surprise me For younger children, you can use an in-room service such as Kids Nite Out.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Does anyone know the Volcano Pool hours for May? Especially night time.

The pool is usually open with lifeguards on duty from around 9am until about early dusk (7 - 8pm or so). With that said, resort guests are welcome to enjoy the pool outside of those hours--its just that no lifeguards are on duty. We like to swim in the late evening because there aren't as many people and it's very quiet. You won't be told to leave unless you're having a wild party at the pool or something. Hope that helps!

Would people recommend a balcony or patio? Would the MK view be much different do you think? If we were to do a patio in Tuvalu, MK view, should we be worried about the kids falling in the lagoon??

Much thanks to johnsonet for tagging me as the 'Tuvalu Chick'.

In the Tuvalu building, with small children I'd recommend a patio. The MK view wouldn't be much different, just be advised that Beachcomber Island is in view as well as it blocks the bottom 1/3rd of Cinderella's Castle. Not a big deal as it really adds to the 'mystique' of the Polynesian.

No worries about the kids falling in the lagoon. When my DD was 6 we stayed in a patio room in Tuvalu. While there isn't a beach, the edge of the patio is roped off to prevent such a thing. Here's a pic:

Tuvalu is a wonderful longhouse to be in. Plus you'd get to hear some of the music from the Luau. Don't worry, it's not loud but it is very romantic.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Last question for awhile - I promise.

Does the Neverland Club ever take 3 year olds who are potty trained, or only 4 and up? Their info says 4+, but I've found some blogs where it looks like people dropped off 3 year olds. Thanks!

I can confirm what johnsonet said. Unless someone 'fibbed' about their child's age, the Neverland Club does not take children under the age of 4 whether potty trained or not. Even when you make a reservation for the Neverland Club, the CM reviews this policy with you.

Kids Nite Out is an excellent alternative. I've seen those folks at the Poly quite a lot. People seem quite happy with their service.

 

[TinkTatoo]

You've posted some lovely photo's

......

Tempura Shrimp Roll at Kona (from the Kona Island Sushi Bar menu)....

So, was the Sushi good

 

[Sea Turtles]

Well, I am just back from the Polynesian and I swear I think it was our best trip ever.
Anyway, I'll post pics soon.

Welcome back!
Loving the pics, thanks very much for sharing

 

[kaffinito]

Last question from me (for a while! )

Were the pools warm or cold? I've read some complaints that the pools at the Poly were very cold. Thanks!


P.S.
Oh, and thanks for the pics of the Kona Island Coffee Bar - I really thought it would be a little hut or something!

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

I love this thread! We just paid off the rest of our vacation this week! I'm so excited.

Johnsonet~ Thanks for the pictures of the pool toys. I might have to get some of those for the kids when we go down.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here are some more pics:

Tempura Shrimp Roll at Kona (from the Kona Island Sushi Bar menu)

That's what I had there in December and it was very good.