I'm thrilled to find this thread but I have to say I'm almost overwhelmed by how much information there is and how knowledgeable and experienced most of you are. I'm still trying to figure out all the akronyms! Are you willing to help out a total neophyte?
My husband and I are making our first trip in 10 years to DW December 3-8 with our 4 year old little girl. We are staying at The Poly the first three nights and then transferring to AKL for the last 2 nights. I'd love ANY and ALL recommendations and any input to the following questions:
** Our reservation is for a Garden View Room - are we able to request a particular room? If so, any particular recommendations?
** Are upgrades ever available? We should arrive at the resort at 11:30am.
** Any idea why the hotels are so fully booked the first week of December? We made these reservations a month ago and barely were able to get a room. I thought things would be farily quiet after Thanksgiving but before the Christmas rush.
I really would welcome ANY advice so that we can be prepared and truly make this a magical and perfect trip for our little princess!!
Thanks!
and Welcome to the Polynesian FAQ! Try not to let yourself become too overwhelmed that you fail to enjoy the experience of staying at our favorite resort! I'll take a stab at answering some of your questions, but be aware, it is only my opinion and everyone will likely have another as well. None of us know what will truly be best for you and your family.
Our reservation is for a Garden View Room - are we able to request a particular room? If so, any particular recommendations?
You are able to "request" anything you would like, but the odds of having your request granted gets slimmer when your "request" becomes too precise. You would be better off requesting a specific longhouse or area of the resort rather than a specific room. For example, if you would like to be closer to the two pools and yet still close to the Great Ceremonial House (GCH), you would request either the Samoa or Nuie longhouses (there are others that are also close, but these are my examples).
Personally, and I know it is also a favorite with many who have stayed at the Polynesian, I would choose Tokelau because it is fairly central within the resort, i.e., near the bus stop, quiet pool, beach, on the way to TTC, yet still near the Great Ceremonial House which houses Captain Cook's, 'Ohana, and Kona Cafe as well as the gift shops, check-in, and the all important monorail station. Trust me, there are benefits to just about all of the longhouses and I wouldn't stress over it.
Are upgrades ever available? We should arrive at the resort at 11:30am.
Many people have posted that they have been blessed with upgrades. It would appear that your week will be fairly busy and you may or may not be the lucky recipient of an upgrade. It is really up to the Tiki Gods (otherwise known as the room assignor or check-in CM) whether or not that particular blessing will be bestowed upon you. Chances are, if the resort is exceptionally full, the upgrades will be fewer--then again, one cannot predict what may happen for you.
There is also the possibility that you could arrange a "paid" upgrade. You can certainly inquire upon check-in about availability and the cost associated with such an upgrade. Sometimes that upgrade rate is discounted. Again, it sounds as if your time frame is already pretty busy and they may not have availability to offer.
Any idea why the hotels are so fully booked the first week of December? We made these reservations a month ago and barely were able to get a room. I thought things would be farily quiet after Thanksgiving but before the Christmas rush.
Not really, but I know it has been a very busy "Year of a Million Dreams" at Disney. We were there in July and it was exceptionally busy at the Resort and in the parks. It would seem that tourism is up in general and exceedingly so at WDW.
Advice
As I said, try not to get too wrapped up in getting the right building, room, etc.--you're already staying at one of the best resorts on property.
Take time to enjoy it!
Don't sweat the little things and if you find the room or service not up to standards, be sure to politely share that information with the powers that be--no one on the boards can effectuate a change in a resort. The management can, but can only do so IF they are made aware.
Make the most of the magic!
That's what it's all about anyway! Feel free to ask questions, as I mentioned, we're all pretty full of opinions!
My raise and my bonus are going to Disney for Christmas at the Poly.
First off, the monorail and the bus stops at the Polynesian before continuing on to the GF. Second, you can walk to the TTC to get to EPCOT. Third, Kona Coffee!!!! 
