The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[MUFFYCAT]

What is the name of the grocery store on the second level?

I'm debating on wether to buy my toothpaste and deodorant there.

 

[BCV23]

What is the name of the grocery store on the second level?

I'm debating on wether to buy my toothpaste and deodorant there.

The current name is Samoa Snacks.

 

[SnwflkCts]

Sorry, I meant CS to stand for customer service...that is what I am concerned about. I have read some negative comments in Disney
Unofficial guides and on the boards.

I've been reading the Disney Dining Plan Board for too long!!! Ha Ha -- at least you know all about the "Counter Service" at Poly now!!!

But onto Customer Service - I really haven't read the bad stuff I guess. We had very courteous service when we checked in and the bellman who took our bags to the room and the bellman who took them back to the car were just great. (In fact I thought went out of their way cause the one piled my bags on the golf cart and said, "let's go find your husband" who was in the lot parking the car!). Mousekeeping was fine --

We are not really high maintenance guests so didn't have much other interaction with the CMs there at the Poly but did have a wonderful time.

I hope you have a great time too --

 

[123SA]

what's the best way to get to Epcot--bus or monorail?

 

[SnwflkCts]

We walked to the TTC and caught the monorail to Epcot. I think that would have to be the quickest way.

You pass the bus stop on the way to the TTC, but the bus surely takes longer.

 

[Catrin]

HI Everyone,
We just got back from our FOUR night stay at the Poly. WOW.. we loved it there.

A few comments:
1. The BEDS!! OMG.. were these the MOST comfortable HOTEL Beds EVER! Once I hit the pillow, I did not want to leave!
2. Our Room - we stayed in Room 1414 in Tuvalu (Tikiman, I saw your pics today and said, Hey, that was OUR ROOM!). We liked our location - but it was a walk to the monorail and pool. (why cant they have a canoe to the other side of the marina ) It was quiet and very peaceful there! If we chose a lagoon view again, we would not be disappointed in this location. If we chose a Garden View, we would NOT CHOOSE this location - for the GV rooms looked at Fiji.
3. Room Cleaning Service was excellent - fresh towels and clean room daily - just as expected.
4. USA Today outside of room - nice bonus.
5. Captain Cooks - boy did I miss having this close by! Even for just four days, I would have bought the refillable mug if available. I did not realize how much I would miss this feature, until it was not available. It was just not convienient at all.
6. Gift Shops - I am a HUGE shopper - but I dont buy much. I LOVE to Window shop and browse, and found the selections at the Poly very small compared to other resorts I have visited such as POR and the Comtemporary. My DH could not even find a simple "Polynesian Resort" Tshirt! - they only had tank tops and sweatshirts with the hotel logo.
7. Resort Staff - a lot of comments lately on the CM staff at the Poly. Besides one person at check out, who kept making mistakes, we found the staff not only helpful, but very pleasant - from the gift shop staff, to the check in staff to the luggage assistance our last day.

We don't know if the Poly would ever be in the budget for a weeklong stay, but if we could do it, we would love to bring the kids here for a week. We loved being on the Monorail line - and loved feeling so special at Disney.

 

[Catrin]

We walked to the TTC and caught the monorail to Epcot. I think that would have to be the quickest way.

You pass the bus stop on the way to the TTC, but the bus surely takes longer.

If I recall correctly, the BUS is NOT available from the Poly to Epcot. The Monorail is the only method of transportation.

We took the monorail both times - although the walk from the TTC to Tuvalu was quite long, the grounds at the Poly are so pleasant that the time went by quickly.
Catrin

 

[pbnjrockette]

This will be our first visit to WDW in over 15 years, 1st time just as "grown-ups" and 1st time in the park. Hubby wanted to be near the monorail so I chose the Polynesian. Sounds like the Grand Floridian is the most beautifully decorated for Christmas but wasn't available this time...

questions---Does it take long to get to GF or the Contemporary on the monorail?

Do we need to make reservations to eat at the resort (not interested in Luau or character meal).

Which building would you recommend for non-smoking, non-pool loving adults?

thanks!!

 

[Catrin]

It only took 2 minutes to get to the GF via monorail from the Poly. The CR was about 5 - 8 minutes depending on how the stop at MK goes.

You will need to make reservations at Kona or Ohana.

As far as a building, I am sure the Tikiman site will give you the best advice!
Catrin

 

[Tikiman]

HI Everyone,
We just got back from our FOUR night stay at the Poly. WOW.. we loved it there.

A few comments:
1. The BEDS!! OMG.. were these the MOST comfortable HOTEL Beds EVER! Once I hit the pillow, I did not want to leave!
2. Our Room - we stayed in Room 1414 in Tuvalu (Tikiman, I saw your pics today and said, Hey, that was OUR ROOM!). We liked our location - but it was a walk to the monorail and pool. (why cant they have a canoe to the other side of the marina ) It was quiet and very peaceful there! If we chose a lagoon view again, we would not be disappointed in this location. If we chose a Garden View, we would NOT CHOOSE this location - for the GV rooms looked at Fiji.
3. Room Cleaning Service was excellent - fresh towels and clean room daily - just as expected.
4. USA Today outside of room - nice bonus.
5. Captain Cooks - boy did I miss having this close by! Even for just four days, I would have bought the refillable mug if available. I did not realize how much I would miss this feature, until it was not available. It was just not convienient at all.
6. Gift Shops - I am a HUGE shopper - but I dont buy much. I LOVE to Window shop and browse, and found the selections at the Poly very small compared to other resorts I have visited such as POR and the Comtemporary. My DH could not even find a simple "Polynesian Resort" Tshirt! - they only had tank tops and sweatshirts with the hotel logo.
7. Resort Staff - a lot of comments lately on the CM staff at the Poly. Besides one person at check out, who kept making mistakes, we found the staff not only helpful, but very pleasant - from the gift shop staff, to the check in staff to the luggage assistance our last day.

We don't know if the Poly would ever be in the budget for a weeklong stay, but if we could do it, we would love to bring the kids here for a week. We loved being on the Monorail line - and loved feeling so special at Disney.

Welcome back.

I totally agree with you. I NEVER react to a bed. Even staying in the Heavenly bed many times I though it was ok but did not even comment about it. When I first tried the new bed at the Polynesian (not even knowing at that time they changed the beds) I was totally amazed at how good it felt. The funny part is some have reported not liking it. I guess there are many different opinions out there but I can’t imagine people not thinking that is a comfortable bed.

I also agree with Tuvalu’s location. Nice view but I am not a fan of being on the other side of the marina. I got tired of walking around the marina to go to the boat launch or the pool. I wanted to just jump across the marina. Not that it is that bad but I would rather be on the other side in one of those longhouses.

Thanks for the report.

Aloha

Steve

 

[Tikiman]

Catrin is right. The bus does not go to Epcot. Only the monorail. The bus goes to Blizzard Beach, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. It will also take you to Downtown Disney after 4:00 p.m.

As for a building request I would suggest trying to get Tokelau in December. Great location and views for a garden view.

 

[PolyAddict]

Catrin is right. The bus does not go to Epcot. Only the monorail. The bus goes to Blizzard Beach, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. It will also take you to Downtown Disney after 4:00 p.m.

As for a building request I would suggest trying to get Tokelau in December. Great location and views for a garden view.

Tikiman,

The bus to DTD only runs after 4pm? Just curious because usually we do go later in the day, but this trip I am taking DD to BBB for like 10:30 am. Will I have to drive?

Thanks

 

[Tikiman]

Tikiman,

The bus to DTD only runs after 4pm? Just curious because usually we do go later in the day, but this trip I am taking DD to BBB for like 10:30 am. Will I have to drive?

Thanks

I am sure someone else will know but I believe you can get a bus to DTD from the front of the MK. You use to be able to get a bus at the TTC for DTD but for some reason I am thinking something changed with that.

 

[princessjv]

For our January trip, we are planning on adding POLY for a few extra days. I have read through this board and I am at a loss of where to request. I know I would like to be closer to the monorail and food area. I do not care about a view of the castle. Help... any suggestions great appreciated.

 

[MickeyMaz]

See if this link helps you pick a building near the monorail.

http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/polyarial23.jpg

Maz

 

[MommyPoppins]

I am sure someone else will know but I believe you can get a bus to DTD from the front of the MK. You use to be able to get a bus at the TTC for DTD but for some reason I am thinking something changed with that.

In May we took a bus to DTD before 4. It was around lunch time.

 

[shelleyr25]

Stayed from 8/31-9/5...Samoa first floor facing the quiet pool. Any questions that perhaps I can answer??

 

[BCV23]

There are no buses from the entrance of MK to DTD....or from any park to DTD for that matter.

You have to take a bus from a resort to get there these days. Pretty certain there is no bus from the TTC to DTD either.

 

[Tikiman]

In May we took a bus to DTD before 4. It was around lunch time.

You are right. In the old Island Palm Press it use to say the DTD bus was after 4:00 but the latest IPP has it listed all the time from the bus stop so you can get it there any time.

Aloha

Steve

 

[BCV23]

Stayed from 8/31-9/5...Samoa first floor facing the quiet pool. Any questions that perhaps I can answer??

Tell us about the temporary Captain Cook's at the Tangaroa Snack Isle please. And is everything still completely underwraps at the new CC. I would imagine so but it is fun to ask.