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

[mmmears]

We usually leave at 5 a.m. too, this time we leave at noon...but a day early! Picking my DD's up at school and heading to VA for the night. My Dh works nights, so the early morning trips don't appeal to him. We do love the drive and seeing the rest of the US, so it will be neat to not night drive this time

Have safe, wonderful trips down. If I can convince myself I'm not looking for Jack Skellington and Ariel, I'll be good!!

Have a safe drive. I wish we could drive -- but we don't have an extra week of vacation for that. I hate flying and dread that part of the trip. Hopefully, it will all go smoothly and we'll get to Orlando when we should and then have a fun trip. I keep checking the forecasts for Orlando -- looks like it's really warming up down there.

 

[sandym718]

We usually leave at 5 a.m. too, this time we leave at noon...but a day early! Picking my DD's up at school and heading to VA for the night. My Dh works nights, so the early morning trips don't appeal to him. We do love the drive and seeing the rest of the US, so it will be neat to not night drive this time

Have safe, wonderful trips down. If I can convince myself I'm not looking for Jack Skellington and Ariel, I'll be good!!

Another not-driving-at-night this time!! Last trip we left at midnight, drove straight through and arrived at our off-site hotel (for just the 1st night) at 7 PM. Not too bad, but not great. Leaving was awful. We left at noon, planning to stop for the night, but DH kept driving. We got home at 6 AM - kids awake, we felt awful.

So...this time, I talked DH into taking an extra day off work. We'll leave Th AM (4/30) about 6 AM and drive as long as we can. I'm hoping for the Savannah area around 7-8 PM. Then we should only have 4-5 hours on Friday morning so we can be at the Poly around lunch and enjoy the wonderful resort the rest of the day!! Coming home we'll leave at noon or so again, but we're DEFINITELY stopping for the night.

I'm happy to be doing just daylight driving and happy that we shouldn't arrive exhausted!

 

[kaffinito]

We usually leave at 5 a.m. too, this time we leave at noon...but a day early! Picking my DD's up at school and heading to VA for the night. My Dh works nights, so the early morning trips don't appeal to him. We do love the drive and seeing the rest of the US, so it will be neat to not night drive this time

Have safe, wonderful trips down. If I can convince myself I'm not looking for Jack Skellington and Ariel, I'll be good!!

The kids get to see the sights but I have to concentrate on the road. I figured we'd have to leave early to miss the traffic at Cincinnati and Atlanta. We should be right on schedule to pull into Macon at 5 or 6 that first night. That's if we manage to leave at 4 am - with my kids I'll be lucky to leave here at 6 or 7 am Have a great drive down!

Have a safe drive. I wish we could drive -- but we don't have an extra week of vacation for that. I hate flying and dread that part of the trip. Hopefully, it will all go smoothly and we'll get to Orlando when we should and then have a fun trip. I keep checking the forecasts for Orlando -- looks like it's really warming up down there.

Hope you have a really smooth flight down! It does look like it will be warm at WDW - then I can swim a lot at the Poly!

 

[two*little*birds]

Has anyone rented a car while staying at Poly? If we can get a good rate, I'm thinking we might.

You can park for free at the resorts rights? What about the parks (AK, Epcot and DTD) though?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Pugsly]

Need your opinions ...

DS and I are staying at the Poly for the first time end of May/beginning of June. We are celebrating his 21st b-day!

The thing is ... he thinks we're staying at CBR!

I am trying to figure a creative way to surprise him (providing I can keep him from actually reading the ME tag for his luggage).

Have long thought I would wait until the bus arrived at the Poly and I stood up to exit. But am prepared for him discovering the surprise when we get in line for ME.

Any ideas?

 

[BreezysMom]

Need your opinions ...

DS and I are staying at the Poly for the first time end of May/beginning of June. We are celebrating his 21st b-day!

The thing is ... he thinks we're staying at CBR!

I am trying to figure a creative way to surprise him (providing I can keep him from actually reading the ME tag for his luggage).

Have long thought I would wait until the bus arrived at the Poly and I stood up to exit. But am prepared for him discovering the surprise when we get in line for ME.

Any ideas?

I think that when you get in line for ME that he will undobtedly discover since the ME bus goes to CR, WL, GF and POLY (not in that order). I think that will be a great place to tell him though!

 

[papaof3]

And even better than this new version (Pina Colava), is the original--a Lava Flow. While it is not on the menu board, the bartenders should remember it--unless they are newbies--and I really haven't seen a noob at the Barefoot Bar for a few years.

It's basically the same: 1/2 Pina Colada and 1/2 Strawberry Daiquiri rather than the raspberry--we prefer it, but to each his own. I may actually try the raspberry version this year.

Enjoy it--I know we will be in 41 days or so. . .

Thanks for the help with that folks. Now I can sleep well tonight knowing how I will make it through those long hot summer days in the world.

The 1/2 pina and half daiguiri I have had before seomplace else except they called it a Miami Vice.

I'll try both and give my review in a post trip report.

 

[WOODY13]

Has anyone rented a car while staying at Poly? If we can get a good rate, I'm thinking we might.

You can park for free at the resorts rights? What about the parks (AK, Epcot and DTD) though?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

We always rent a car when staying at The Poly. Even though the transportation is great for MK and Epcot we still use it for DTD,DHS and AK. We also use it to go to Publix and or Walmart for beer, water, ect. Parking is free at the parks, hotels, and DTD when you are staying on property.

 

[two*little*birds]

We always rent a car when staying at The Poly. Even though the transportation is great for MK and Epcot we still use it for DTD,DHS and AK. We also use it to go to Publix and or Walmart for beer, water, ect. Parking is free at the parks, hotels, and DTD when you are staying on property.

Perfect, thanks for the quick reply!

 

[kandcmch]

Hello my New Poly friends! Just wanted to pop in and say hello. Been working trying to keep myself busy and from going crazy even though I think I am already there.

 

[Aliceacc]

i wanna go now!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mmmears]

Hello my New Poly friends! Just wanted to pop in and say hello. Been working trying to keep myself busy and from going crazy even though I think I am already there.

Hi! I'm so ready to be done with chores & stuff and just go! Wish DD's Spring Break started earlier so we could be there now, but she's not off until next Wednesday. I'm SO ready for a vacation!

 

[zima-cheryl]

Has anyone rented a car while staying at Poly? If we can get a good rate, I'm thinking we might.

You can park for free at the resorts rights? What about the parks (AK, Epcot and DTD) though?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

We rented a car last trip & you can find some good deals if you work for them.

Try these web sites:
http://www.rentalcodes.com/
http://www.carrentals.com/

And keep checking back, I kept working ours up until about 3 weeks before we left & got it down to about $100 for a 5 day weekend. I was pleased w/the price considering we picked up in Tampa & returned to Orlando.

 

[BCV23]

To go from the airport to the Poly-
I took the ME on 3/20 to the Poly, and the bus lines are signed with the route they serve. The Wilderness Lodge, the Contemporary, the Polynesian, and the Floridian (in that order) are all on one bus. It took us about 60-75 minutes to get to the Poly. They had a nice video to watch.

On the return to the airport-
I just took the ME on Saturday and it stopped at the Grand Floridian after the Poly. I had been assigned a 1:15 bus for my 4pm flight. I was actually ready earlier but was not allowed to get on the 12:45 bus because they already preassign space on the bus. It took us 50 minutes to get to the airport.

I've taken ME to the Polynesian twice when my DH was coming in later in the trip and getting the car then as well as one trip when we thought it easiest for our DD and me to take the ME while DH and DS2 picked up the car. Anyway , from our experiences at the Polynesian and once at the GF the routes vary. Once we stopped at POFQ and POR before maybe the CR and Polynesian. Another time, it was the resorts you listed as I recall. Still a different grouping for our third trip. On the Transportation forum, reports are that the routes vary according to need. But perhaps they have dedicated routes now. I haven't read that though.

We timed it as a 5 minute walk, but truthfully we left the Hawaii building from the "back door" and cut through Tokelau to get on the walkway to the TTC. And that was with my slowpoke 5 year old!

That's the route we take to the TTC too.

And even better than this new version (Pina Colava), is the original--a Lava Flow. While it is not on the menu board, the bartenders should remember it--unless they are newbies--and I really haven't seen a noob at the Barefoot Bar for a few years.

It's basically the same: 1/2 Pina Colada and 1/2 Strawberry Daiquiri rather than the raspberry--we prefer it, but to each his own. I may actually try the raspberry version this year.

Enjoy it--I know we will be in 41 days or so. . .

Tess, you are getting so close....less than six weeks.

Need your opinions ...

DS and I are staying at the Poly for the first time end of May/beginning of June. We are celebrating his 21st b-day!

The thing is ... he thinks we're staying at CBR!

I am trying to figure a creative way to surprise him (providing I can keep him from actually reading the ME tag for his luggage).

Have long thought I would wait until the bus arrived at the Poly and I stood up to exit. But am prepared for him discovering the surprise when we get in line for ME.

Any ideas?

What about making some kind of folder for him to read on the plane...make an itinerary or print out pictures of the Polynesian. It would be less hectic than doing it at the ME line and give him some time to enjoy the anticipation. I agree with BreezysMom that you probably won't be on the same bus as CBR as its location is so different.

 

[johnsonet]

But I have seen hoppers including people on the monorail in swimming suits on the way to the Polynesian for a swim. I've had young CMs in stores ask me about our resort...when I say the Polynesian, they'll rave about the beach or pool and how they were just there last week.

But I'm glad they haven't roped the pool off like SAB. My family has always had room to swim and there is always plenty of room on the three beaches. Keeping the pool open visually adds to the magic IMO.

I will say one Easter week was the only time the crowds at the pools really annoyed me. Even the "quiet" pool was crowded.

ITA BCV23 Although you probably just scared mmmears to death

It's so funny that we were there at the same time, I wish we had run into each other!

I didn't know that! It would've been nice to get to chat.

We found lots of Webkins there that we can't typically find in our local stores. My son had been wishing for a Fantail Goldfish and we found it at the Animal Kingdom. Go figure!

Cute. DD was so excited to get the hedgehog

And even better than this new version (Pina Colava), is the original--a Lava Flow. While it is not on the menu board, the bartenders should remember it--unless they are newbies--and I really haven't seen a noob at the Barefoot Bar for a few years.

It's basically the same: 1/2 Pina Colada and 1/2 Strawberry Daiquiri rather than the raspberry--we prefer it, but to each his own. I may actually try the raspberry version this year.

Enjoy it--I know we will be in 41 days or so. . .

OK, I just put the Lava Flow on my Disney Word Document I think Tim might be impressed when I order one

Need your opinions ...

DS and I are staying at the Poly for the first time end of May/beginning of June. We are celebrating his 21st b-day!

The thing is ... he thinks we're staying at CBR!

I am trying to figure a creative way to surprise him (providing I can keep him from actually reading the ME tag for his luggage).

Have long thought I would wait until the bus arrived at the Poly and I stood up to exit. But am prepared for him discovering the surprise when we get in line for ME.

Any ideas?

Tell him you're sending the luggage ahead to CBR but that you need to run by Poly for some Kona coffee
Good luck.

Hello my New Poly friends! Just wanted to pop in and say hello. Been working trying to keep myself busy and from going crazy even though I think I am already there.

i wanna go now!!!!!!!!!!

Me too, which is unfortunate, since I have only been home a week

Hi! I'm so ready to be done with chores & stuff and just go! Wish DD's Spring Break started earlier so we could be there now, but she's not off until next Wednesday. I'm SO ready for a vacation!

I hope you'll be able to RELAX a bit, mmmears. Once you get there, you'll have to force yourself to kick back and just E-N-J-O-Y! You've done such a careful job with your planning

 

[maiapapaya]

:
Tell him you're sending the luggage ahead to CBR but that you need to run by Poly for some Kona coffee
Good luck.

I was going to suggest you tell him you are going to Poly for a special lunch/dinner to kick of his birthday trip. Johnsonet has a good idea telling your DS that you've sent the luggage ahead to CBR. Good luck!

 

[kandcmch]

Hi! I'm so ready to be done with chores & stuff and just go! Wish DD's Spring Break started earlier so we could be there now, but she's not off until next Wednesday. I'm SO ready for a vacation!

I have to agree with you. I have been so busy at work I can't see straight. I am so ready to LEAVE! LOL I hope that I will get a chance to meet some of you while we visit.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Have a great time and please let us all know how you like it there!

Thanks!
We've been home just 24 hours and miss the Poly already!

What a wonderful trip - we were in Samoa #3613 and LOVED it!
Samoa is an awesome location.

Our room had a balcony overlooking the quiet pool. Walking out of our room
a few steps to the outside stairs towards the Seven Seas lagoon the view of the beach and Grand Floridian was stunning! I walked the outside stairs every time simply for the breathtaking view!

*Rooms are gorgeous, very clean, tropical, serene and peaceful
*Loved the mousekeeping, bed & linens, the H2O amenities

It was quiet most of the time but we did ask for a box fan for our room after the first morning to cut out the early morning noise of guests in the hallway across from us. Never had a problem after that.

Our room was in between both pools and very close to the GCH. The walk to the TTC the walk was fine but we took the monorail for the MK and our car for most other things.

The Kona Island in the morning for coffee and pastry was an unbelievable way to start the day! Yesterday morning I took my coffee and sticky bun with me to the MK and it was to sit on a bench by the boat dock and have that treat while the crowds rushed by.

We ate at the Kona twice, for breakfast and for dinner. Loved both meals - DH had the Tonga Toast, I had the Macadamia Nut pancakes; for dinner I had the Macadamia Nut crusted Mahi Mahi (can you tell I love them) and DH had the Coconut Almond Chicken. Have to mention the shrimp curry soup as it was the best thing of all that we had at Kona. Only meal we had that was better was at The Wave.


We have only raves for the Poly.
It was a dream vacation, can't wait to go back.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

What exactly is a "pinacolava"? Same as a pinacolada? Please someone, I've got an important question here and I only have 121 days to find the answer before going

OMG, OMG, OMG....it is the BEST drink ever on a warm sunny beach looking over the lagoon at Cinderella's castle. It's like a frozen pina colada with a swirl--very important it's a swirl and not mixed in-- of yummy rasberry puree. The drink isn't too icy or too creamy. It's juuuuust right. And because its a swirl and not mixed in, you get just the right amount of rasberry without it being too berryish and overpouring the pineapple and coconut taste.

Can you tell I like it???????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Does anyone know if the sushi bar has seaweed salad?