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

[BreezysMom]

I have been to the Poly twice now and have not caught the torch lighting yet! As a matter of fact, while we were there they had a last torch lighting because they discontinued it. But there was a huge uprising and they brought it back.

We have to be sure and see it on our next trip.

 

[momatater]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input on my resort dilemma! I agree I have to put my foot down and insist on the Poly for at least half the trip! We stay CL and I won't give up the Hawaii building LV for no one, not even my babies!! I guess they will have to pick the other resort, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the GF, but we shall see.

I also want to wish everyone who has upcoming trip a wonderful time. I can't wait for new reveiws and pics!!

I hang out here on the Poly thread a lot, just don't post that much. It's just me, sit back and enjoy the conversation, new info and pics! Thanks to all for that.

Oh, I will weigh in about the torch lighting ceramony...we all enjoyed it last time we were there. It's definately worth the time to see.

 

[giuliano1987]

Excelente informacion, muchas gracias, estabamos buscando donde pasar unas buenas vacaciones...

 

[BreezysMom]

The Luau side:

From Marina Side:

 

[mmmears]

From those gorgeous photos of the room views (Thanks, BreezysMom!), I wouldn't know what side to ask for! I think that they are both beautiful -- and that is an amazing garden view!

 

[Kathy Z]

One other tidbit about the torch lighting ceremony. It is done Tuesday - Saturday (none on Sunday or Monday.)

 

[Tess]

BCV or Johnsonet--have either of you heard from Terry? I noticed a few pages back it was discussed because we are nearing the 250 point--doubt we make it much longer at the rate we're going. I don't want to step on anyone's toes and she may want to continue the thread in a new space.

Just thought I would check because I thought it was one of you who mentioned it earlier. . .

 

[Pugsly]

I can't believe we are within the parameters for the online check-in too!! I guess there is a little piece of me...hoping...if I don't do the online, maybe there will be a Magical Upgrade? Then again...checking in Easter Saturday...in the afternoon...

Can someone please give me the "skinny" on online check-in? How does it work? And how many days out can you do this?

And do you really think you're less likely to get an upgrade if you check-in online?

 

[kaffinito]

I read this as "paid in full for Poly TV" and was like "there's a poly TV channel?Is that on satellite?" Oh my... I need some caffeine apparently...

Oh and is December here yet? No? Didn't think so....sigh.

Excelente informacion, muchas gracias, estabamos buscando donde pasar unas buenas vacaciones...

Bienvenido to the DIS! (Hope I said that correctly! )

 

[leighe]

Just have to post and say we're leaving for our trip in 4 hours!!! I'm so excited!!

 

[kaffinito]

Just have to post and say we're leaving for our trip in 4 hours!!! I'm so excited!!

Happy trip!

 

[momatater]

Just have to post and say we're leaving for our trip in 4 hours!!! I'm so excited!!

Lucky, Lucky you!!!! Have a great time!!!

 

[NJBILL]

Just have to post and say we're leaving for our trip in 4 hours!!! I'm so excited!!

HAve a great time..Enjoy

 

[BCV23]

Excelente informacion, muchas gracias, estabamos buscando donde pasar unas buenas vacaciones...

Welcome to the DIS!

BCV or Johnsonet--have either of you heard from Terry? I noticed a few pages back it was discussed because we are nearing the 250 point--doubt we make it much longer at the rate we're going. I don't want to step on anyone's toes and she may want to continue the thread in a new space.

Just thought I would check because I thought it was one of you who mentioned it earlier. . .

I haven't heard from her in sometime. I hope all is well.

Can someone please give me the "skinny" on online check-in? How does it work? And how many days out can you do this?

And do you really think you're less likely to get an upgrade if you check-in online?

At 10 days out, you can do it by going to your reservation online.

This is just a guess but I would think you're as likely to get an upgrade using online as not. Maybe more so as you would think they want to encourage online checkin.

Just have to post and say we're leaving for our trip in 4 hours!!! I'm so excited!!

Have an excellent trip and Aloha!!!!

kaffinito, I love your tags!!!

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

The Luau side:

From Marina Side:

All I can say is WOW! It look like you can't lose.

We just watched the torch lighting on YouTube. Very impressive.

 

[two*little*birds]

Like someone said, be inside the Great Ceremonial Hall near the front doors about 5:45pm and soon you'll see a lady that will announce that the torch lighting ceremony would happen soon. She will introduce the torch lighter guy, and he'll blow his shell, then you'll all move outside. Go all the way to the roadside so he will be facing you. It is just a 5 minute thing, but very cool. And you'll see why these guys have no chest/armpit hair... I swear it gets all burnt off!

Thank you for sharing those Julie... I never did find the other photos that Kathy Z mentioned. Looks very cool though, I think we'll all get a kick out of that!

 

[taylor3297]

We are already planning our next trip which will be December 2010. I know I am starting a bit early. Anyway, on our last trip we stayed at the Poly, had a magic kingdom view (which we requested and paid for), no balcony since we were on the second floor, and we weren't too far from the GCH. Here is my dilemma, hubby doesn't want to prebook the MK view and wants to book the garden view to save some money. I had a hard time convincing him to stay at the Poly again due to the extra money. Will we be as satisfied with a garden view? According to the description, we could have a view of the garden, pool, monorail, and/or parking lot. I have heard of some people gettting a free upgrade. What are our chances? We tend to book through AAA but might book through MEI since our neighbor works for MEI.

Thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, we can book our room reservation at the end of July.

 

[NJBILL]

We are already planning our next trip which will be December 2010. I know I am starting a bit early. .

It's never to "early" to startplanning a vacation... I booked my Aug 2010 cruise over 6 months ago.. I usually start planning the next vaction as soon As I finish the last one...

 

[funntheson]

Okay just a wondering??? How likely is it at the Poly to get your room request filled??? I just don't want to be disappointed. We paid for Magic Kingdom view so we requested top floor Tahita building. Please give me your feed back. Thanks

We got our 3rd floor Tahiti request honored last summer. We are trying again this summer. Good luck.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Will we be as satisfied with a garden view? According to the description, we could have a view of the garden, pool, monorail, and/or parking lot. I have heard of some people gettting a free upgrade. What are our chances? We tend to book through AAA but might book through MEI since our neighbor works for MEI.

Thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, we can book our room reservation at the end of July.

IMO the Poly is one of the best resorts to book GV. The GV can be amazing.
You can request a longhouse that has no chance of a parking lot view. I'd say your chances of getting a parking lot view are low, your chances of getting a view of lush landscaping is high. Happy planning!