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

[kaffinito]

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!

Me too! the thing is, I'm usually blasé about my trips just before we go - but not this one! I've been dreaming about the Poly every night and am so anxious to get going. It's pitiful, really....

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!

The lunch at Poly is a great way to do it and it should work if he's a typical guy and not a be-by like my youngest. You should be able to pull a fast one and then spring the Poly on him! Good luck!

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

ME TOO!

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

Thank you for the glowing report! Looking forward to pictures - please?

 

[kaffinito]

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.

I'll be looking for you guys! I'll be sporting a white baseball hat with a big LGMH on it. Come up and say "hi" even if I'm yelling at the kids!

 

[dfarner]

For some people it is This is an industry-wide problem and many high-end resorts deal with it by having VERY strict time limits and patrolling - placing items "staged" to look as though someone is using the chair in storage. I read an article about this subject a year or so ago and it's a frustrating problem that is difficult to deal with.
My problem at Poly a couple of weeks ago was not towels on unused chairs (which has been a problem for me at a lot of resorts over the years) but that every chair was filled with a real, live person! And there are definitely pool-hoppers at the Poly. For those of you on your way, as much as I'd hate to have to do it, I'd just tell a lifeguard or the CMs in the Hawaii Bldg, for those of you staying club level, or even someone at the front desk the very FIRST time you are unable to find a chair - if it should come to that. They will be forced to deal with it (I saw a security guard walking around the Volcano pool in the afternoons and I would've maybe asked him) I hate having to complain but it's just not right for paying guests to not be able to enjoy the resort's pools... And chair-savers are just beyond selfish

Belle72 Thank you for your review and it was great to hear from someone who loves another Deluxe resort and another resort area so much but also loves the Poly! You summed it up perfectly when you said, "It is just a very relaxing place to stay." It's awesome, isn't it? And I can totally understand about the difference b/w walking around WS in the evenings vs. arriving at a packed and roped-off MK at night We like to do the parks in the a.m. and relax in the afternoon/evenings but when we stay at the Epcot resorts - we go to Epcot at night too!





[/QUOTE]

We're staying CL in July and we spend a TON of time at the pool. Do you think the CM would really do something? I don't know if I would complain, but my DH probably would. How do you know who the pool hoppers are?

 

[Pugsly]

Since I don't know how to quote multiple people, I'll just say THANKS Breezysmom, BCV23, johnsonet, and maiapapaya! All great ideas.

 

[Pugsly]

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.

Love shrimp. Love curry. Planning a lunch at Kona. May just have to try the soup - thanks for the tip.

So glad to hear you enjoyed The Wave - we're eating there too and can't wait!

Thanks for the glowing review and mini-resort-report.

 

[kaffinito]

Ok. Last two questions.

I read here somewhere, or maybe on allears that non CL guests could get turn down service if they asked for it. Is this true? Disneyworld.com doesn't list it as one of the things you can request, so I was wondering if you could still ask for it.

Next and I hope final question. It's about robes. I also read on Disneyworld.com that you can get robes at CL. Are they the same robes that you get at AKL? Or are they more like the robes at the spa? If they are like the robes at AKL, where can I buy one at the Poly?

(The robes at AKL were also in the gift shop there. They're light and yet very soft. I hate heavy plush robes, and these were a very good quality cotton-like material.)

Thanks for putting up with me!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Ok. Last two questions.

I read here somewhere, or maybe on allears that non CL guests could get turn down service if they asked for it. Is this true? Disneyworld.com doesn't list it as one of the things you can request, so I was wondering if you could still ask for it.

Next and I hope final question. It's about robes. I also read on Disneyworld.com that you can get robes at CL. Are they the same robes that you get at AKL? Or are they more like the robes at the spa? If they are like the robes at AKL, where can I buy one at the Poly?

(The robes at AKL were also in the gift shop there. They're light and yet very soft. I hate heavy plush robes, and these were a very good quality cotton-like material.)

Thanks for putting up with me!

Yes none Club Level guests can request turn down service, just remember it might not happen since it's a request.

As for robes in the Club Level rooms, when my family and I stayed Club Level at the Polynesian in December 2007 I don't remember seeing any. However they have them if you stay Club Level at the Contemporary.

 

[Kathy Z]

Yeah, I have finally read through this entire thread. Thank you, thank you for all the helpful information. We will be there 6 weeks from today!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Awesome! Have a great time!!!!!

 

[mmmears]

Wow -- I didn't have computer access tonight and I've missed so much here on the Poly thread!

ITA BCV23 Although you probably just scared mmmears to death

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

Oh, Johnsonet, you know me too well! We'll just deal with the pool thing. SAB at the YC was a nightmare last time, so bad that we're not staying there this trip. The fence doesn't help, and made it hard for us to get to the pool. It'll be ok for us, one way or the other. We're not big loungers anyway.

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.

kandcmch, we'll be at the pool most afternoons. Hopefully we'll all see each other. I'll be there with my DH and my DD (who's turning 12 on this trip!).

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

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

DearDaisyinDurham, thanks so much for posting a review. I'm so glad you & your family had a fantastic vacation. I hope we have as great a time at the Poly as you did!

I'll be looking for you guys! I'll be sporting a white baseball hat with a big LGMH on it. Come up and say "hi" even if I'm yelling at the kids!

kaffinito, I'll keep an eye out for your hat with the LGMH on it!

Ok. Last two questions.

I read here somewhere, or maybe on allears that non CL guests could get turn down service if they asked for it. Is this true? Disneyworld.com doesn't list it as one of the things you can request, so I was wondering if you could still ask for it.

When we haven't stayed CL, I've always called Housekeeping from the room phone and requested turndown. I know they say they wont guarantee it, but we've never had any problems with them not doing the turn-downs. Definitely ask for it if you want it!

 

[juliebee]

Next and I hope final question. It's about robes. I also read on Disneyworld.com that you can get robes at CL. Are they the same robes that you get at AKL? Or are they more like the robes at the spa? If they are like the robes at AKL, where can I buy one at the Poly?

(The robes at AKL were also in the gift shop there. They're light and yet very soft. I hate heavy plush robes, and these were a very good quality cotton-like material.)

Thanks for putting up with me!

There are robes in the CL rooms at the Poly, 2 hanging in the closet nearest the door. I haven't stayed at the AKL, so I can't compare, however at the Poly they are a lightweight waffle weave and were decent. The tag said Disney Resort Collection. Honestly, it didn't look as nice as THIS ONE to me, but maybe I'm wrong. The one I linked to looks real nice, but not $100 nice. LOL

 

[funntheson]

We were having trouble deciding what kind of vacation to take this Summer, so I started playing around with airfares from Los Angeles to Orlando. The fares were more reasonable than I thought they would be. So, I sent my wife an email about the airfare, somewhat jokingly asking if she would like to go back to DW this Summer (we were there last year). To my surprise, she thought it was a great idea.

Within 12 hours, I have booked the air and 5 nights at the Swan, followed 5 nights at the Polynesian. We told our 2 DS's (16 & 10) and they are both excited to be returning.

I hope I didn't bore anyone with this short story, I just thought that it was cool enough to share.

 

[Tess]

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

Yep, Tim will definitely remember the good old Lava Flow. . . In fact, when they revamped the menu at the Barefoot Bar, we mentioned to Tim that our favorite was no longer available. Tim said that it wasn't a problem, he too was not happy when it was removed since it was a staple at the Polynesian for many years. Since the menu change, Tim has made it for us as have others during our stays.

 

[kaffinito]

Yes none Club Level guests can request turn down service, just remember it might not happen since it's a request.

As for robes in the Club Level rooms, when my family and I stayed Club Level at the Polynesian in December 2007 I don't remember seeing any. However they have them if you stay Club Level at the Contemporary.

Thank you! I thought I would ask for one night just to give the boys a little extra something. I won't be upset though if it doesn't happen.

When we haven't stayed CL, I've always called Housekeeping from the room phone and requested turndown. I know they say they wont guarantee it, but we've never had any problems with them not doing the turn-downs. Definitely ask for it if you want it!

Thanks!

There are robes in the CL rooms at the Poly, 2 hanging in the closet nearest the door. I haven't stayed at the AKL, so I can't compare, however at the Poly they are a lightweight waffle weave and were decent. The tag said Disney Resort Collection. Honestly, it didn't look as nice as THIS ONE to me, but maybe I'm wrong. The one I linked to looks real nice, but not $100 nice. LOL

That's the robe I'm talking about! I saw one at AKL and just loved it. I'm hoping they have them at Poly or maybe I'll check out the robes at the GF's gift shop. Thanks!

 

[maiapapaya]

I don't get why the pool-hopping is supposedly so hard to monitor. Why don't the resorts just distribute colour-coded wristbands to resort guests upon check-in. That way the CM's would immediately know if you belong at that resort's pool (or if you're DVC). Doesn't seem that complicated to me.

 

[NJBILL]

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.

How far is the Wal-mart & Publix from the Poly?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you! I thought I would ask for one night just to give the boys a little extra something. I won't be upset though if it doesn't happen.

You're welcome and good luck requesting it.

 

[BCV23]

Yeah, I have finally read through this entire thread. Thank you, thank you for all the helpful information. We will be there 6 weeks from today!

How exciting!

I'm impressed that you read the whole thing!

Wow -- I didn't have computer access tonight and I've missed so much here on the Poly thread!



Oh, Johnsonet, you know me too well! We'll just deal with the pool thing. SAB at the YC was a nightmare last time, so bad that we're not staying there this trip. The fence doesn't help, and made it hard for us to get to the pool. It'll be ok for us, one way or the other. We're not big loungers anyway.

mmmears, I didn't mean to scare you. It sounds like you'll do just fine though.

We were having trouble deciding what kind of vacation to take this Summer, so I started playing around with airfares from Los Angeles to Orlando. The fares were more reasonable than I thought they would be. So, I sent my wife an email about the airfare, somewhat jokingly asking if she would like to go back to DW this Summer (we were there last year). To my surprise, she thought it was a great idea.

Within 12 hours, I have booked the air and 5 nights at the Swan, followed 5 nights at the Polynesian. We told our 2 DS's (16 & 10) and they are both excited to be returning.

I hope I didn't bore anyone with this short story, I just thought that it was cool enough to share.

That was quick planning! Congrats and thanks for sharing.

That's the robe I'm talking about! I saw one at AKL and just loved it. I'm hoping they have them at Poly or maybe I'll check out the robes at the GF's gift shop. Thanks!

As juliebee said, the robes in the concierge rooms are a light weight cotton weave. The same as in AKL club and all GF rooms best I recall.

I don't remember Boutiki selling that style shown in the link to the Resort Collection...anyone else?

How far is the Wal-mart & Publix from the Poly?

I think the easiest shopping from the Polynesian is the WinnDixie on S Apopka Vineland Rd. There is a Walgreen's and an ABC store nearby. You can avoid all the mess around DTD by skirting North. There are two Publix down on 192 but that's a bit of a hike from the Polynesian.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

How far is the Wal-mart & Publix from the Poly?

The closest Walmart would their Supercenter location at 3250 Vineland Road Kissimmee, FL.

The closest Publix would their location at Regency Village Shopping Center, 8145 Vineland Ave Orlando, FL and it's behind the Premium Outlets and it's located very close to Downtown Disney.

 

[KSBelle]

The robes at AKL CL were heavenly.
You can also buy a similar robe at DHS TOT with the TOT logo.