The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[Tess]

Tess, I hope your family has a wonderful vacation this year! I remember feeling so badly for you last summer. That first college transition is a heartbreaker.

I appreciate your thoughts. . .it was rough until about February or so. When he made Dean's List the 1st sem and had so many new friends, was happy, healthy, and thriving; we heaved a collective sigh and life has been good ever since. I can't believe he is already through his first year and approaching round 2. I'm hoping the next year with our daughter will not be as traumatic for us since we've BTDT.

Our vacation this year will have a whole different vibe. Yeah, life is not the same as when our kids were little, but that's --they still like to vacation with us and sometimes want to spend so much time with us that we are wishing for a little freedom. We will just relax, wallow in the experience, and make new memories with our older children.

Thanks again, we plan to make the most of it this year!

 

[LadyGracey]

Hi all! I posted once before and said I would reply once I got back! We loved the Poly and had a great experience. We stayed in Rapa Nui 2116 (garden view) and had some towel animals when we arrived. Cast members were very friiendly and said "aloha" just about everywhere we went! Our mousekeepers were excellent and we didn't have any issues with cleanliness like some people have mentioned on other threads. I also went down to the beach late one night with a Dole Whip from Capt. Cook's, and watched the castle change colors-it was all very relaxing and I hope I can go back there again someday! The atmosphere was terrific and at times I really felt like I was in Hawaii or the South Seas--I didn't feel like it was "dated" or "70s" in any way.

We also did the character breakfast at 'Ohana and enjoyed the food a lot--the eggs were very different but not runny (it seems like they put milk or something in them) and we even got seconds on the biscuits and sausage (my friends who came with me are from the South, and they know good biscuits!!!) Wish we could have gone to dinner too--it's one of my favorites.

We didn't get leis when we checked in (I heard they did that??) but I went to Boutiki and bought a really cool one that I wore instead, and a ponytail holder with silk flowers.

Overall, it was a terrific stay! Questions, anyone?

 

[marlower]

It really depends on how late is "late"? I'm not sure when your vacation is scheduled and therefore I don't know the hours of operation at MGM for the time frame. You should be aware that the concierge desks close at 10:00 p.m. That means you will have to check in at the Great Ceremonial House rather than the concierge building. What you would be missing is the expedited and more personal check-in experience IF you do not arrive before the concierge desks close.

Perhaps it would be better to take a break from MGM in the afternoon, head up to the Polynesian, check-in and orient yourself to the facility, and return to MGM later in the day. . .just a thought.

Thanks for that advice. Didn't realize that concierge closes at 10pm, we probably won't make it back to the Poly until after that time so I have arranged our MGM to take a break around 1pm and head to the Poly for check in. Thanks again!

 

[Tess]

marlower. . .you are most welcome! Sounds like a plan--it will also give you a chance to let the concierge desk staff meet you as well!

 

[marlower]

marlower. . .you are most welcome! Sounds like a plan--it will also give you a chance to let the concierge desk staff meet you as well!

I am so looking forward to staying at the Poly so I will do what it takes to have the best experience, especially since I am paying so much for the concierge level too!

By the way, love the photo!

 

[aplejax76]

Hi. Long time lurker on this thread but never posted.

I am sooooooo excited that we only have to wait 23 days till we stay at the Poly!!!!!!

This is a dream come true. I remember when Dh and I were first married we would try and figure out how we could afford to go to Disney. I remember thinking if I could just stay at a value for a day or two. Money was always tight. We could not even afford that.

Now years later..... with a couple of trips under our belts, we are staying at the the place I have dreamed of.

I feel sooooo blessed. 10 days at the POLY!!!!!!!!!

 

[missdramaqueen]

Hello!
Has anyone has experiance with activites at the poly. I heard there was something surronding lei making but was not sure...scavanger hunt???
past experiances, advice, tips
thanks
missdramaqueen

 

[missdramaqueen]

Another Question
Hello disers!

My family will be celebrating my brother's 5th birthday in Disney World. It is our first time doing a birthday in Disney and since my brother loved the Poly. when we went there last trip for Lilo and Stich character breakfast we have decided to stay there for a change. Should we order a cake from poly. or as suggested on another thread (thanks a lot) nudge the host at a restraunt about a b-day when we're going in for the slice of cake with candles or tell ahead and maybe get a full cake.
Suggestions, Experiances always apprieciated!
Thanks
missdramaqueen

 

[Missus Toad]

Our vacation this year will have a whole different vibe. Yeah, life is not the same as when our kids were little, but that's --they still like to vacation with us and sometimes want to spend so much time with us that we are wishing for a little freedom. We will just relax, wallow in the experience, and make new memories with our older children.

If your kids are anything like me, you'll be vacationing with little ones again before you know it. Just ask my mom and dad!

 

[ADP]

Hello!
Has anyone has experiance with activites at the poly. I heard there was something surronding lei making but was not sure...scavanger hunt???
past experiances, advice, tips
thanks
missdramaqueen

There is leigh and towel animal making in the lobby most days. Mousekeeping staff are usually sitting by the little ones TV area making towel animals. The material for the leighs are there as well. My DD7 helped make the towel animals with the Mousekeeping Staff. She got to take home a towel animal duck. The ones that they make there are used to distribute to the rooms when they are cleaning the next day.

There are also Hula lessons in the main lobby on select days of the week. Make sure to ask the front desk staff for an activities sheet when you check in.

Have a great trip!

 

[Tess]

If your kids are anything like me, you'll be vacationing with little ones again before you know it. Just ask my mom and dad!

Not too soon I hope--I'm still adjusting to the college experience!

We would welcome those type of trips as well. Knowing our children, however, it would not surprise me if they still expected us to pay! Hmmm, I'm thinking Not!

Thanks for the pleasant thought!

marlower--

Glad you enjoy the pic. It has become a tradition for us to take one as we're leaving for home. . .kind of lightens the otherwise somber mood!

 

[KathyRN137]

Wow!! I need to catch my breath!

Just called to book a room for the WDW Marathon Weekend (Jan. 11-13) and the Contemporary was totally booked except for Club Level!!

earseek: Too much $$$ for us.)

DH will be bummed b/c he has always wanted to stay on the monorail,at the CR, but I am psyched b/c our next choice was Garden View at the Poly!!

I just went ahead and made the ressie b/c I was afraid that If I waited too long, there would be nothing left there, either! Now I'm reeling and need to gobble up as much Poly info as I can!

I browsed Tikiman's site and I'll be subbing here so... just wanted to say Hello to all the Poly fans out there!

Kathy

(I still can't believe it!!)

 

[FloraFauna]

We just got back last week from our first stay at the Polynesian. We loved it. I have never been so relaxed on a Disney vacation. I have so many great memories from this trip like the tiki-lighting ceremony, the gentleman singing by the lounge at night, the way the hotel smelled, etc. I even enjoyed at Captain Cook's. The luau was great too!

Anyone who has a trip to the Polynesian soon, have a great time!

 

[DeborahB]

Just booked a spontaneous trip, staying at the Polynesian August 9-13!
Could not pass up the great AP rate and using a companion fare from Delta made it happen. My only problem is the short duration. We usually stay 8-10 days on any WDW vacation. But I'm thrilled anyway. Just my DH and I and we'll be celebrating my birthday!
Normally I'm a way in advance planner and it feels so different to throw everything together quickly and have such a short countdown. Have any of you done this before?
I haven't been to WDW for a long time due to some serious medical problems.
(cancer Dx). I've been through a lot and I'm stable right now. I feel like I'm "going home".
I wanted to share with you all as I knew everyone here would understand.

Aloha!

 

[nittanyliongirl02]

Subscribing....hoping for a room (and a code) in January. Want all the facts I could get!

 

[Panlow]

We're going for the first time in Nov & requested either a balcony or patio. I'll be happy as long as we have some outdoor space. I didn't request any specific longhouse either. I'm curious how yours will turn out! Please do post when you get back!!

Hello everyone Just returned from a wonderful stay at the Poly, June 11-15th. I've seen the question on specific lorequests all over this post, so I thought I would share our experience. I read through this entire post before we left and worried over longhouses and room views and requests... We booked garden view and decided to leave everything else to the Tiki Gods - No specific requests of any kind.

We checked in around 1pm on the 11th, and were upgraded to Concierge. It felt like we had just won a prize We stayed in room 3528 with a view of the quiet pool. I will share that the upgrade was just the beginning of a great stay. Contrary to some reports, we had an excellent experience. The CM's were attentive and smiling, we were greeted with "Aloha" at every turn. Our room which was clean and crisp when we arrived, was made up relatively promptly each day, and we received towel animals in our room on two nights.

The grounds were clean, The beach raked each morning and the pool area, though a little crowded, accomodated everyone nicely.

Ohana's for dinner was incredible. Captain Cooks isn't the best designed restaurant, but the food is good and once you figure it out, it works just fine. The offerings in concierge were a super nice bonus, and saved us the cost of a couple of breakfasts and a lunch we had planned. Concierge filled in any gaps in the DDP quite nicely

The transportation was dependable and not including the bus back from the AKL to the TTC not very crowded (we took at taxi to the AKL in the morning, much nicer than the bus ride and worth the $ IMO).

Overall our stay at the Poly really contributed to a truly memorable Disney experience

 

[scoutsmom99]

Hi all I just booked the Polynesian for an 8 night stay in September in a garden view room and I'm so excited I was wondering about special treats and if the Polynesian offers any. When we have stayed at AKL in the past we were able to order specialty items from room service that weren't on the room service menu like truffles or chocolate dipped strawberries. Does anyone have photos or a price list of anything similar for the Polynesian? I have seen the chocolate postcard, which is lovely are those available for purchase via room service? Thanks

 

[bubblefactory]

Does anyone have photos or a price list of anything similar for the Polynesian?

There is a photo of Polynesian strawberries (and lots more poly pics in general) in this gallery here

 

[PolyAddict]

There is a photo of Polynesian strawberries (and lots more poly pics in general) in this gallery here

Great photo, If you don't mind was that around $50? I got a quote of $3 per strawberry the other day plus 18% gratuity and $3 service charge, so I would image those to come to around that $?

Thanks

 

[bubblefactory]

Great photo, If you don't mind was that around $50? I got a quote of $3 per strawberry the other day plus 18% gratuity and $3 service charge, so I would image those to come to around that $?

Thanks

I'm sorry but I don't actually know - they were a checkin gift from a friend