The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[SnwflkCts]

Thanks for all the info "DiznEeyore!" I know this isn't the restaurant thread but what did you like best at Captain Cooks. Since we have planned table service mostly for lunch ... we may be eating at Captain Cooks a couple of times more than usual if we are back at the resort swimming in the evening. I see according to the menus, it has changed so just curious. They still have snacks and stuff too, right ... not that I need them but just remembering!

 

[Luvamouse]

Thanks DiznEeyore, it is hard to find up to date info on the food boards some times. I thought it was easier to ask the Poly people I am glad to find that there are "real people" there, but I do wonder why we do both...anyhoo, it should be fun knowing we can customize by talking to a person and not relying on the screens alone.

Thanks SnwflkCts for echoing my interest--you got the answers for us both.

Heidi

 

[nemoid]

Actually we just returned last week, and you do ask for changes to your meal from the touch screen. I believe after you make your selection it has a choice to modify your order, when you touch that, you can remove what you do not want. The check out workers only take your money, or ask if you wish to use the dining plan, and give you the buzzer to pick up your order. A couple of times my buzzer was going off as she handed it to me because my food was already up by the time I got through the line and paid!
Our favorite was the Tonga Toast for breakfast! I had heard so much about it I ordered it the first day, and after that, the whole family was hooked!

 

[kileybeth]

We're baaccck! What a great resort! And it really did feel like home with knowing so much about all the fun things available to us and how it all worked before we even arrived. A huge thank you to everyone here who answered so many questions before we went.

And yes, upgrades do happen for normal and unsuspecting people!

We checked in around 11am and were upgraded to Hawaii concierge I was thrilled and worried all at once! My DH said just go with it (even though it meant not getting into one of the newer 4 foot longer rooms we had requested) and boy am I glad I did! Since this will probably be our only chance at a deluxe for a long time to come (family of 5 and an infant soon to turn 3yrs. old, making us family of 6). My DH asked at least 5 times while we were there was I sure they had no rooms to accomadate 6? I know he was more than a little impressed. He has even said once we are home what a good "deal" it all was for what we paid (rack rate, free DDP) This is huge for him to say such a thing as he is a value kind of guy all the way unless the company is paying! He did not even balk at all those "tips" I was laying out for bell services to haul our luggage to store on check out day, to ME, etc. I think the magic hit him for sure. Now if I could get him to quit being that commando park touring person!

Any questions, please ask. We loved it all. Most of all , the convenience of location. Pool, food, shopping, room, mousekeeping, concierge staff, etc.

Made those 7 nights and 8 days (9/18-25)fly by tho. Sad to be home so soon.

Even a few small dreams besides the upgrades thrown in as well.

 

[shorebird]

Thanks forthe great info on this thread.

Will be spliting a stay here & the CR in 7 more sleeps !!

 

[SnwflkCts]

I'm so glad you had a great time "kileybeth" -- WOW, what a magical upgrade.

Did you find the pool cold or is it really so hot outside that you didn't want the water that warm! (The water always seems a tad too cold for me!).

Hope you post your OTHER dreams at the Theme Park Thread ...

 

[kaysmommie]

Kileybeth, congrats on your upgrade. Sounds like you had a great stay!

 

[Susiesnowflake]

Has the Polynesian refillable mug stye changed since last Dec? I'm hoping not. I prefer the old Mickey and Minnie Poly mug to the YOMD logo one that they were selling at other resorts.

 

[kileybeth]

quiet pool seemed a tad cold late one evening but then again, it was raining a little bit???

volcano pool was warm each time we used it. a little too warm to be refreshing to be honest. It was about 3:30pm when we were in.

YOAMD mugs are all that are available at Captain Cooks.

 

[mousescrapper]

Thanks KTMB that makes me feel better about spending so much money when the younger ones really won't appreicate it. The trip will be fun and the point is spending time as a family but wanted it enjoyable. Us older ones will have a time of our life. (6 adults, 3 kids) How did you get from the airport to Poly. I think they have a bus provided or something but what about car seats. They will be 5, and 2. We're planning Sept. 2008. Good weather then??? Thanks everyone. I'll drive everyone nuts with all my questions in the next 1 1/2 years but the planning and anticipation is so much fun.

Hi desktop! Weeding my way thru this giant thread and gaining so much insight. Wanted you to know your not alone in that "way out planning stuff", we're going June 08 and I'm just as crazy...JK To answer your carseat question I don't think anyone answered for you. There are NO seatbelts on the ME or once your on property if your planning on using Disney transportation. In 05 our then youngest was 2 1/2, we used the carseat on the plane and then it just took up space in our room. I know it sounds a little freaky, but we managed. On the ME she was mesmorized by the tv screen in the seat in front of her, so she never moved an inch. Then on the buses and monorail going from park to resort, your so packed in, she couldn't have moved (monorial stayed in stroller). Did you know they now have these seat-belt attachments for children ages 2 and up approved by the FAA. just go on any airline website and you'll find the link. Buy the attachments and leave the bulky carseats behind, as you won't need them once your there.

Check out my PTR and would love to read yours if you have or plan to do one.

Just excited to say we are heading back to the Poly in June. It is by far my favorite resort - having stayed there in 2002. In 2006 we stayed at the Beach Club (which is lovely) and came over to the Poly to eat at the Kona Cafe (LOVE IT!!) and I was so bummed not to be staying there.

They relaxing atmosphere and lush landscaping can't be beat.

MickeyMaz.....your name cracks me up, because my husbands name is Maz. OK...not his official given name, but a shortening of his last name he has been known by for years.

Hi tongatoast! Just saw you wnet 1 yr before our planned trip, would love to know what your thoughts on the Poly and at the parks at that time of the year was like for you. We're going 5-12 of June 08. If you did a TR please pm me the link.

Thanks

 

[adelphisand]

Ok... Hello all...I can't get over how much information is in 168 pages for the Poly! It's taken me a few hours to scan thru it all...

Anywho....Any help you guys could give would be great. Hubby and I are going in Dec and are mildy concerned about the crowds... We've been reassured that it shouldn't be too bad considering that schools are still in session and we're traveling to and from during the week. We've made all of the ADRs already and paid for the tickets for the parade...

We'll be staying Concierage (Sp?) level and really want to make use of it without killing our time in the parks. Any suggestions? Anything to avoid? Anything that is a "must"? Really just want to make our anniversary special considering its the first vacation we've taken in 2 years.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kaysmommie]

Leaving today after DD gets home from school. We are checking into Poly tommorow though since we are driving half way today. We are very excited and I will let you know everything is at the Poly when I get back. Hopefully it will be wonderful like last year.

 

[Tink rules]

Ok... Hello all...I can't get over how much information is in 168 pages for the Poly! It's taken me a few hours to scan thru it all...

Anywho....Any help you guys could give would be great. Hubby and I are going in Dec and are mildy concerned about the crowds... We've been reassured that it shouldn't be too bad considering that schools are still in session and we're traveling to and from during the week. We've made all of the ADRs already and paid for the tickets for the parade...

We'll be staying Concierage (Sp?) level and really want to make use of it without killing our time in the parks. Any suggestions? Anything to avoid? Anything that is a "must"? Really just want to make our anniversary special considering its the first vacation we've taken in 2 years.

Thanks in advance!

When are you going?

If it is the first week, then The Pop Warner Football tournament is going on - but they will not be anywhere near the poly except for transportation but they mostly go to the parks on busses...

The Xmas parade is taped the first weekend - expect crowds for that.

EMH's on Sat. at the MK were crowded in 2005 - I think alot of the locals come for the decorations.

Also the resorts with the big decorations - GF, WL, AKL, etc. have alot of people in the lobbies looking at the decorations. The Poly has a lower key of decorations - check out the gingerbread house on the second floor... so at least at the resort you should be fine.

I'm hoping to go the second week this year - just to see the decorations and such - going back in April to really do the parks, cruise, etc. so I'm just going to wander with a few ADR's and enjoy it all.

Good luck...

 

[Caitsmama]

Leaving today after DD gets home from school. We are checking into Poly tommorow though since we are driving half way today. We are very excited and I will let you know everything is at the Poly when I get back. Hopefully it will be wonderful like last year.

Have a great safe trip!!

 

[Caitsmama]

We'll be staying Concierage (Sp?) level and really want to make use of it without killing our time in the parks. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

First off - WELCOME TO THE DIS!!!

We stay concierge every year.. (first this year at the poly though) and we LOVE it for Breakfast.. (can you say never ending coffee!!) And we love it for snacks to take to the park with us.. Then we love it for the hot appz. in the p.m. (that has been known to be our dinner!) and then did i mention i love it for the desserts and cordials? LOL
Heck, i guess we just love it all!!! It is wonderful! LOL

 

[Carrie772]

Hey! What's up with Tikiman's website? Tried to get my daily fix and can't get on!

 

[Tink rules]

When I tried it said it was busy... so maybe it's the server?

 

[Brave teacher]

You know I have been reading this thread for a while. I look forward to this stay at the Poly with each post I read. The last time I stayed there I was 3, so it has been a while. Hopefully, I can make the time go by faster here. Thanks!

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Hi, I wondered if somebody could answer my question .....

At Captain Cooks are you able to get snacks like brownies, cookies, donuts etc or do I have to buy them from Samoa Snacks?

 

[mickeywho?]

Hi, I wondered if somebody could answer my question .....

At Captain Cooks are you able to get snacks like brownies, cookies, donuts etc or do I have to buy them from Samoa Snacks?

They have a great selection of pastries and other fresh snacks as well as packaged snacks like chips. HTH!