The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[Chazman]

Lucky you at the Poly now. Can you tell what kind of hair dryer is in your room? If it's high powered like most of us have at home then I'm not bringing mine. Thanks

Looking at the hairdryer right now and it's a Sunbeam 1500
DW has very thick hair and seems to work for her; she says it just takes a few more minutes than hers at home; one less thing to pack

Mahalo

 

[Tikitoi]

Talked with the Poly today, Told them the whole story, about the accidentally stolen blow dryer and they didn't tell me not to worry about it when I offered to return it, so I'm assuming they want the dryer back!! They were super nice about it, and even laughed when I told them, how it happened. Thanks for the information!

LOL!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Earlier tonight I was talking with my Dad about our upcoming stay at the Polynesian in December and he mentioned to me about how it might be harder to find the Hawaii Longhouse at night. Obviously during the day it would be a lot easier, anyway I was just wondering at night time how hard is it to find the Longhouses assuming you know where you're going?

It isn't really hard at all. We were in Samoa and it only took about one day before we'd come 'home' from the MK and knew to follow the little brook, go to the right of the volcano pool and there was Samoa longhouse. Hawaii was 'facing' the entrance to Samoa so we knew if we saw the Hawaii longhouse our longhouse was right behind us.

It isn't hard to find Hawaii at all at night once you're used to it.

 

[kaysmommie]

Looking at the hairdryer right now and it's a Sunbeam 1500
DW has very thick hair and seems to work for her; she says it just takes a few more minutes than hers at home; one less thing to pack

Mahalo

Thanks.

 

[SnwflkCts]

Hey Chazman ... tell me about the coffee filter packs you are using ... the Maxwell house kind. What size or what does it say on the container??? That sounds like a WONDERFUL idea. (OK - see you answered this already! 4-6 cup filter size!) ** Thanks Chazman ** hope you are having a great time!

Thank goodness I take my coffee black so I don't have to worry about the creamer/sugar thing. But to the person who was asking. My DH would buy milk at the little "food" type store next to the regular souvenier type store on the 2nd floor. If you come in from the monorail, it is on your right. He drinks milk in the morning so each day, he would pick up one for the next day. Plenty for several coffees! (whoops ... I saw later Chazman already told where to get milk ... I SWORE I read all the posts up til mine! )

About the person afraid they would get lost. I am directionally impaired and yet I could find my way to Hawaii with no problem. If for some reason you would, just walk to the beach and look for the builidng with the BIG WINDOW looking out towards the castle ... and you will have found it. (But even I didn't have to do that so I don't think there will be ANY problem). The surroundings are very well lit with lovely titi type lights. DH and I walked all around the resort with no problem at night.

I wish I was there now but my vacation will be here someday!

 

[frdeb1999]

Wow...what a long thread!! All I can say is We Love The Poly!!! Stayed 3 straight years concierge and don't know if we'll ever change!! Staff and resort wonderful! Rooms are beautiful, pool fantastic and just a gorgeous setting all around. Deffinately well worth the money!!

 

[SnwflkCts]

frdeb1999 - adopt me please!!! I can't afford concierge every time but I did love it when DH and I were there for 21st anniversary! I love the Poly too.

Our first trip I tried to book GF and they were full so by a stroke of luck ... we got the Poly and it was wonderful. God moves in mysterious ways to put me in a resort I wasn't sure I would like!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[WeCantWait]

Thanks so much Chazman, I went out and bought the filter packs today.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The Hawaii building is very easy to locate at night. People do sometimes get turned around at night, but usually it is when they are trying to navigate from GCH to Tahiti. Hawaii is a fairly simple walk from GCH, the bus stop or the boat launch. I don't think you will have a problem once you've acclimated yourself to the surroundings. The learning curve for that isn't too tough.

It isn't really hard at all. We were in Samoa and it only took about one day before we'd come 'home' from the MK and knew to follow the little brook, go to the right of the volcano pool and there was Samoa longhouse. Hawaii was 'facing' the entrance to Samoa so we knew if we saw the Hawaii longhouse our longhouse was right behind us.

It isn't hard to find Hawaii at all at night once you're used to it.

About the person afraid they would get lost. I am directionally impaired and yet I could find my way to Hawaii with no problem. If for some reason you would, just walk to the beach and look for the builidng with the BIG WINDOW looking out towards the castle ... and you will have found it. (But even I didn't have to do that so I don't think there will be ANY problem). The surroundings are very well lit with lovely titi type lights. DH and I walked all around the resort with no problem at night.

I wish I was there now but my vacation will be here someday!

Thank you all for that information.

 

[BCV23]

You can also buy individual servings of milk at Captain Cooks.

Someone asked about buying coffee. Although we've never done it, I've read that the Kona Coffee stand sells bags of coffee. Not sure if it is only whole beans though?

 

[BCV23]

My DS is dying to stay at the Poly during our trip next June. We are a party of seven, and I'm trying to find out if there is anyone that has had a larger party staying at the Poly? From what I can gather on the website, we'll have to get two rooms or stay CL?

Yes, as Caitsmama said, you'll need two rooms or a large suite. Concierge rooms aren't any larger than the other orginal longhouse rooms. All rooms at the Polynesian sleep 5 plus one under three in a crib.

 

[Luvamouse]

I have to smile when I read the posts about the lack of good coffee in-room at the Poly. We stay at The Common Man Inn (love it! Campy in style but supremely comfy and full of amenities) in NH every Columbus Day weekend, and the coffee packets in the rooms...Kona coffee! You can imagine my surprise that it wasn't the same here. Granted, it is more expensive, but for the room price??

 

[Luvamouse]

Now a question totally unrelated to my above coffee post ...

Is there any way to get any vegetarian option from Captain Cooks? I see salads, noodles, etc. that would be fine without the meat (my mom is vegetarian), but since I see it is now the touch screen ordering, I want to check with those of you who have been there (and may have had a special request at Captain Cook's) before we arrive.

Thanks!

Heidi

 

[DiznEeyore]

I was reading the last few pages and noticed there were a couple questions about the Neverland Club. I don't think they were answered ...

While I have no recent experience, I can tell you how things were 2 years ago. There were video games, movies, coloring projects, Legos, etc. to occupy the kiddos. Dinner was a small buffet and the kids were able to choose whatever they liked.

HTH a little ... ds started staying at the NLC when he was 5 and went there almost every trip 'til he was 12. It was one of his favorite things to do at WDW and he still laughingly says he misses the place ... go figure!

 

[Chazman]

Thanks so much Chazman, I went out and bought the filter packs today.

He mea iki ! (Your welcome !)

Hope u and yours have THE magical trip !

 

[Chazman]

You can also buy individual servings of milk at Captain Cooks.

Someone asked about buying coffee. Although we've never done it, I've read that the Kona Coffee stand sells bags of coffee. Not sure if it is only whole beans though?

They do sell Kona at the coffee stand, whole or ground for $40 a pound They also sell Kona Blend, whole or ground for $20 a pound

 

[Tink rules]

Can't you grab some milk and sugar from Cap't Cooks and keep them in the room???

 

[BCV23]

There is sugar, sugar substitute and powdered creamer packets in the room.

 

[SnwflkCts]

I am anxious to hear about the fairly newly reopened Captain Cooks too (LuvaMouse was hoping for some info also!). It was definately not a touch screen last time I was there! Can you order just a little different than the menu has it -- say noodles without the meat? ... or butter ... or something?

Also ... anyone ever walk over to the GF and use their Counter Service? It seemed like it had some interesting choices. We are pretty good walkers and just wondered if you could meander along the "beach" (lagoon) and make it into GF?

Wow .... I am getting excited and I have five months to go!!! (gotta dance a little!)

 

[DiznEeyore]

I am anxious to hear about the fairly newly reopened Captain Cooks too (LuvaMouse was hoping for some info also!). It was definately not a touch screen last time I was there! Can you order just a little different than the menu has it -- say noodles without the meat? ... or butter ... or something?

Yes, you can definitely "customize" your order. You place the order on the touch screen, then you get in line at the cash register. You then have to give your order slip to the cashier. This is when you make the customizations to the order. This is also what makes ZERO sense to me. If you essentially have to "order twice" -- at the kiosk *and* the register, then what the heck is the point of the kiosk?!?

Anyway, you pay, and then get a pager that will buzz when your order is ready. You go to the "pick up" area by the kitchen to get your food. Not exactly efficient, but we ate there *a lot* and you get used to it.

Also ... anyone ever walk over to the GF and use their Counter Service? It seemed like it had some interesting choices. We are pretty good walkers and just wondered if you could meander along the "beach" (lagoon) and make it into GF?

Yes, you can walk to the GF if you want to. There is a path between the two resorts. If you go to (IIRC) mousesteps.com, there is a photo tour of the walkway posted under the Polynesian photos.

HTH!!