The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[giggles918]

My DH and I just got back from a 10 day trip to Disney World. We began our stay at the Polynesian, thought it was beautiful, rooms were big, and the atmosphere was nice. On our last night we were returning from the Luau, and found a woman face down in the grass close to our building. (I can't remember the name of the building, but it was the furthest from the Ceremonial House next to the parking lot and was just renovated, so it was poorly lit) After checking the situation, (she was still breathing) I ran for security while DH stayed with her (he's a firefighter and EMT certified) until help arrived. The security officer hadn't a clue as to what to do first, and kept telling my DH and myself to stay away from her. My husband freaked on him, and said to get help immediately. The lady finally came to, and told us that she walking and was attacked by a man. To make a long story short, nothing was taken that we know of, but the person who assaulted her threatened her with her life and threw a drinking glass at her head. She had a rare heart condition and was scared to death. The ambulance came exactly 38 minutes after the security guard came upon the scene, and it took the police a little over an hour. While waiting to give a statement, an EMT came over from another ambulance to talk with us, and being as I am, I wanted to know what was considered to be an emergency since they were in no hurry to get to a scene where there was an attack and a wounded person, who came out of unconsciousness, with a heart condition. His response was "There was not a gun involved, so it's not an emergency." Can you believe that? I can assure you that I did tell the police as well as a manager about his comment. After speaking with the security guard, whom I nicknamed Dewey, he told me that he has been there for 15 years and that nothing like this has ever happened before. Well, I have news for him, a year ago this passed October, almost the same thing happened, but in the parking lot. It was in the newspaper. So, please be very careful when staying at the Polynesian, especially at night, don't walk alone, or let your children wander by themselves. With the poor lighting, and lack of security, anything can happen. I am sure Disney authorities will never let this get out, but I being on the Disboard, thought you all should know and be very careful.

 

[bauermj]

My DH and I just got back from a 10 day trip to Disney World. We began our stay at the Polynesian, thought it was beautiful, rooms were big, and the atmosphere was nice. On our last night we were returning from the Luau, and found a woman face down in the grass close to our building. (I can't remember the name of the building, but it was the furthest from the Ceremonial House next to the parking lot and was just renovated, so it was poorly lit) After checking the situation, (she was still breathing) I ran for security while DH stayed with her (he's a firefighter and EMT certified) until help arrived. The security officer hadn't a clue as to what to do first, and kept telling my DH and myself to stay away from her. My husband freaked on him, and said to get help immediately. The lady finally came to, and told us that she walking and was attacked by a man. To make a long story short, nothing was taken that we know of, but the person who assaulted her threatened her with her life and threw a drinking glass at her head. She had a rare heart condition and was scared to death. The ambulance came exactly 38 minutes after the security guard came upon the scene, and it took the police a little over an hour. While waiting to give a statement, an EMT came over from another ambulance to talk with us, and being as I am, I wanted to know what was considered to be an emergency since they were in no hurry to get to a scene where there was an attack and a wounded person, who came out of unconsciousness, with a heart condition. His response was "There was not a gun involved, so it's not an emergency." Can you believe that? I can assure you that I did tell the police as well as a manager about his comment. After speaking with the security guard, whom I nicknamed Dewey, he told me that he has been there for 15 years and that nothing like this has ever happened before. Well, I have news for him, a year ago this passed October, almost the same thing happened, but in the parking lot. It was in the newspaper. So, please be very careful when staying at the Polynesian, especially at night, don't walk alone, or let your children wander by themselves. With the poor lighting, and lack of security, anything can happen. I am sure Disney authorities will never let this get out, but I being on the Disboard, thought you all should know and be very careful.

Wow. Im supposed to be staying at POLY in Feb and this is alarming.

 

[First timer]

My DH and I just got back from a 10 day trip to Disney World. We began our stay at the Polynesian, thought it was beautiful, rooms were big, and the atmosphere was nice. On our last night we were returning from the Luau, and found a woman face down in the grass close to our building. (I can't remember the name of the building, but it was the furthest from the Ceremonial House next to the parking lot and was just renovated, so it was poorly lit) After checking the situation, (she was still breathing) I ran for security while DH stayed with her (he's a firefighter and EMT certified) until help arrived. The security officer hadn't a clue as to what to do first, and kept telling my DH and myself to stay away from her. My husband freaked on him, and said to get help immediately. The lady finally came to, and told us that she walking and was attacked by a man. To make a long story short, nothing was taken that we know of, but the person who assaulted her threatened her with her life and threw a drinking glass at her head. She had a rare heart condition and was scared to death. The ambulance came exactly 38 minutes after the security guard came upon the scene, and it took the police a little over an hour. While waiting to give a statement, an EMT came over from another ambulance to talk with us, and being as I am, I wanted to know what was considered to be an emergency since they were in no hurry to get to a scene where there was an attack and a wounded person, who came out of unconsciousness, with a heart condition. His response was "There was not a gun involved, so it's not an emergency." Can you believe that? I can assure you that I did tell the police as well as a manager about his comment. After speaking with the security guard, whom I nicknamed Dewey, he told me that he has been there for 15 years and that nothing like this has ever happened before. Well, I have news for him, a year ago this passed October, almost the same thing happened, but in the parking lot. It was in the newspaper. So, please be very careful when staying at the Polynesian, especially at night, don't walk alone, or let your children wander by themselves. With the poor lighting, and lack of security, anything can happen. I am sure Disney authorities will never let this get out, but I being on the Disboard, thought you all should know and be very careful.

!!!! That is so scary!!!! When I was there I was parading through the dark at 12AM with my DD15 and our laundry!! We walked from the laundry facilities to the Hawaii bldg TWICE!! I guess I stupidly just assumed it would be safe!

 

[kjccr]

It is terrible that this happened and even worse is the way it was handled by security and EMT. But I guess this is good reminder that even though Disney is the land of magical moments and pixie dust, we cannot stop using our common sense. Just because we are on vacation, doesnt mean bad things dont happen. I will certainly try to be more aware of my surroundings and use better judgment where ever I am!

 

[steffali]

ughhhh! I have stayed at the POLY before and never had any problems at night.This is terrible. I guess next month we will have to keep a sharp eye on our surrondings.

 

[s&k'smom]

WOW is all I can say after that. Thanks for the warning.

Tikiman I know where to find you and I'll see you there. You are terrific.

 

[Nancyg56]

Tikiman, I am so sorry that I will not be seeing any more of your informative posts here. I have enjoyed them and then was even more excited about our trip. I do know where to find you and hope that you continue your email updates. I am always happy when I see them in my inbox.

Aloha,
Nancy

 

[SnwflkCts]

Hmmmm -- only 4 posts and it has to be some DIRE mention about an ALARMING incident at the Poly. I don't quite believe it -- SORRY -- sounds like a TROLL to me. You will come to note that all DIRE messages about horrible things are all posted by those with like 2 posts. GIGGLES??? Come on ............... (They can't even remember what long house it was near??? They've ALL been renovated).


I am sad to see Tikiman is not going to be on the DIS Boards anymore. Now THAT is a dire incident.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

My DH and I just got back from a 10 day trip to Disney World. We began our stay at the Polynesian, thought it was beautiful, rooms were big, and the atmosphere was nice. On our last night we were returning from the Luau, and found a woman face down in the grass close to our building. (I can't remember the name of the building, but it was the furthest from the Ceremonial House next to the parking lot and was just renovated, so it was poorly lit) After checking the situation, (she was still breathing) I ran for security while DH stayed with her (he's a firefighter and EMT certified) until help arrived. The security officer hadn't a clue as to what to do first, and kept telling my DH and myself to stay away from her. My husband freaked on him, and said to get help immediately. The lady finally came to, and told us that she walking and was attacked by a man. To make a long story short, nothing was taken that we know of, but the person who assaulted her threatened her with her life and threw a drinking glass at her head. She had a rare heart condition and was scared to death. The ambulance came exactly 38 minutes after the security guard came upon the scene, and it took the police a little over an hour. While waiting to give a statement, an EMT came over from another ambulance to talk with us, and being as I am, I wanted to know what was considered to be an emergency since they were in no hurry to get to a scene where there was an attack and a wounded person, who came out of unconsciousness, with a heart condition. His response was "There was not a gun involved, so it's not an emergency." Can you believe that? I can assure you that I did tell the police as well as a manager about his comment. After speaking with the security guard, whom I nicknamed Dewey, he told me that he has been there for 15 years and that nothing like this has ever happened before. Well, I have news for him, a year ago this passed October, almost the same thing happened, but in the parking lot. It was in the newspaper. So, please be very careful when staying at the Polynesian, especially at night, don't walk alone, or let your children wander by themselves. With the poor lighting, and lack of security, anything can happen. I am sure Disney authorities will never let this get out, but I being on the Disboard, thought you all should know and be very careful.

Am I the only one who smells a troll here ?

There are quite a few inconsistencies here and with a post count of "4" ??

If the husband was supposedly "EMT certified" he would have know what to do and wouldnt have "freaked on him"

sorry but I am calling like I see em.

 

[giggles918]

Okay, I am new to this board, heard about it about two months before I left again for the World, found very informative information within the boards, and thought I would just let you know a very sad and scary situation we had. So sorry that you do not believe me. I have looked up my papers (that were still packed, since I just came home last night) and stayed in room 1108 at the Rapa Nui. I don't know what difference that should make, but hopefully that will help those of you who don't believe me. For those of you who have been there recently, you would know that this was one of the last buildings to be renovated and just opened back up with in the past couple of weeks. As for only four postings, I don't know what differnece that would make either, I would think that people would be grateful to know that there are things that happen even in Disney and to be careful. I have nothing to gain or lose from this posting, just wanted to let you all know that something bad had occurred and to be careful for yourself and family or friends. That's all. And yes, my husband did get irritated with the security guard, you would too, if someone is supposed to be knowledgable and has access to ambulance personel and police, but does nothing while you watch a person freak out and bleed after being attacked. Just because my husband is certified doesn't mean he is fully equipped to handle all situations, there was blood involved. He could only do so much. And I as I told you before, I shouldn't have to justify what happened, you can believe me or not. The whole point is to be careful.

 

[BCV23]

A very scary situation. You're right to warn everyone. Bad things can happen even in the middle of paradise. The Polynesian newsletter as well as all the other resort newsletters I've seen do include safety warnings.

The response time is the part that is most worrisome to me. Comments from the other EMT or the fact that the security guard was so upset (which is probably because it is such a very rare occurence) don't seem as important to me. But a victim unconscious on the ground for any reason should bring a rapid response. That it didn't is not the fault of the security guard.

BTW, Rapa Nui was rehabbed a year plus ago. Tahiti was recently finished. They are very close to each other and which longhouse was involved is not really germaine.

Don't be afraid to post again. I think most of us were lurkers before we started posting.

One other thing that does seem weird is that the woman said she was threatened with her life but had a glass thrown at her. Those things seem so contrary. I wonder if she had her story straight. Perhaps she was doing one of those monorail drinkathons!

 

[taters]

My DH and I just got back from a 10 day trip to Disney World. We began our stay at the Polynesian, thought it was beautiful, rooms were big, and the atmosphere was nice. On our last night we were returning from the Luau, and found a woman face down in the grass close to our building. (I can't remember the name of the building, but it was the furthest from the Ceremonial House next to the parking lot and was just renovated, so it was poorly lit) After checking the situation, (she was still breathing) I ran for security while DH stayed with her (he's a firefighter and EMT certified) until help arrived. The security officer hadn't a clue as to what to do first, and kept telling my DH and myself to stay away from her. My husband freaked on him, and said to get help immediately. The lady finally came to, and told us that she walking and was attacked by a man. To make a long story short, nothing was taken that we know of, but the person who assaulted her threatened her with her life and threw a drinking glass at her head. She had a rare heart condition and was scared to death. The ambulance came exactly 38 minutes after the security guard came upon the scene, and it took the police a little over an hour. While waiting to give a statement, an EMT came over from another ambulance to talk with us, and being as I am, I wanted to know what was considered to be an emergency since they were in no hurry to get to a scene where there was an attack and a wounded person, who came out of unconsciousness, with a heart condition. His response was "There was not a gun involved, so it's not an emergency." Can you believe that? I can assure you that I did tell the police as well as a manager about his comment. After speaking with the security guard, whom I nicknamed Dewey, he told me that he has been there for 15 years and that nothing like this has ever happened before. Well, I have news for him, a year ago this passed October, almost the same thing happened, but in the parking lot. It was in the newspaper. So, please be very careful when staying at the Polynesian, especially at night, don't walk alone, or let your children wander by themselves. With the poor lighting, and lack of security, anything can happen. I am sure Disney authorities will never let this get out, but I being on the Disboard, thought you all should know and be very careful.

WOW!!! That is very scary!! We were there at the same time & were frequently walking "home" late! Hope everyone is OK!

Perhaps she was doing one of those monorail drinkathons!

I hope you are right & she was just a little fuzzy on the details!

 

[giggles918]

The story she told the police didn't make much sense to us either, we think it could have been someone she knew or met. We will never hear the out come of the story, but whatever it may be, just wanted to warn others of what did happen, and to be careful.

As for the rehabs, they are still rehabing the outside of the furthest buildings including the one we were in. They were just finishing up on the torches, and the landscape. It looks beautiful for those of you who are traveling there soon. I have to say it is one of my favorite resorts in Disney. Please don't think that I was bashing Disney or the hotels. This was our fifth time this year, with a return trip in January for the Pirates and Princess Party. We have been DVC members for a few years, and love to stay at a new resort before we stay in our villas. I personally never have had an experience like the one that we had while visiting, and never thought I would, because we are in Disney. I always thought it to be safe at all times, etc. So that is why I posted our situation, for people like myself who believe nothing like this could ever happen.

Thank you to those of you who listened to our situation without negative comments, and didn't call me a "troll" whatever that means. (I told you I am new to this board) and I hope nothing like this ever happens to any one of you. Have a great Holiday.

 

[michellev]

Do any of you Poly experts have advice as to which longhouse would be best with kids? We have a 4 yr old, 2 yr old and 4 month old. I've read all the stuff on Tikiman's site and was thinking Samoa since it's close to the volcano pool. I'm not sure how easy it is to get in there though, we're checking in Jan 1 so it's sure to be busy. We were thinking ground floor so that we could sit outside while the kids nap or are asleep at night. That way one of us could easily go for a swim as well. I believe the quiet pool is closed during that time. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I can't wait to get to the Poly!

 

[disneyfan67]

Do any of you Poly experts have advice as to which longhouse would be best with kids? We have a 4 yr old, 2 yr old and 4 month old. I've read all the stuff on Tikiman's site and was thinking Samoa since it's close to the volcano pool. I'm not sure how easy it is to get in there though, we're checking in Jan 1 so it's sure to be busy. We were thinking ground floor so that we could sit outside while the kids nap or are asleep at night. That way one of us could easily go for a swim as well. I believe the quiet pool is closed during that time. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I can't wait to get to the Poly!

When I first went to Poly in 02 my two boys had just turned 5 and we found Rarotonga to be the best bet. Ask for a room closest to the exit of the longhouse that is closest to the entrance of the GCH. My family had rooms 1828 and 1827 and it seemed it was only steps from the GCH which houses everything you need, food, transportation, etc. If you have a stroller you can use the elevator that is right near the entrance that you will be coming in from and it takes you to the second floor where the monorail platform is. Of all the longhouse's I've stayed at, Rarotonga seems to be the best for families or people who have walking disabilities.


Some people don't like the ground floor due to the ability of people to see you if the drapes are open, privacy concerns, etc. Myself, I like being able to have an extra exit if there's a problem and it makes the room bigger by being able to sit out on the patio at night or early in the morning. It's a great way to wind down at night with a drink or to wake up with a cup of coffee and read the paper in the morning.

As for the pool, the quiet pool is never closed and is great for a quiet midnight swim. The volcano pool life guards leave at 10 pm, but I think you can still use the pool. I would ask the front desk to be sure because rules always change. It might be too chilly to swim at night when you're there but the pools are always heated. It all depends up to you and what you think is cold and what you're willing to put up with.

Have a great time and enjoy your stay. As far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong staying at the Poly anytime of the year.

 

[michellev]

Thanks, I hadn't thought of the importance of being close to the GCH. I read somewhere that the quiet pool was closed for refurb during my stay, I cannot remember where I read that now. :lol:

ETA: I just checked on here and it says the Quiet Pool closed for a couple of days in Dec., so I'm guessing it IS open during my stay.

 

[MickeyMaz]

Do any of you Poly experts have advice as to which longhouse would be best with kids? We have a 4 yr old, 2 yr old and 4 month old. I've read all the stuff on Tikiman's site and was thinking Samoa since it's close to the volcano pool. I'm not sure how easy it is to get in there though, we're checking in Jan 1 so it's sure to be busy. We were thinking ground floor so that we could sit outside while the kids nap or are asleep at night. That way one of us could easily go for a swim as well. I believe the quiet pool is closed during that time. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I can't wait to get to the Poly!

Samoa and Niue have easy access to either pool. We just got back and had stayed in Niue. The Quiet pool was open as late as the Volcano pool. If your 4 year old is used to the water, he/she might like the volcano pool slide. There were younger kids going down with life vests on. They do the initial dunk at the end and then pop up. Also, very vigilant life guard.

Maz

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Okay, I am new to this board, heard about it about two months before I left again for the World, found very informative information within the boards, and thought I would just let you know a very sad and scary situation we had. So sorry that you do not believe me. I have looked up my papers (that were still packed, since I just came home last night) and stayed in room 1108 at the Rapa Nui. I don't know what difference that should make, but hopefully that will help those of you who don't believe me. For those of you who have been there recently, you would know that this was one of the last buildings to be renovated and just opened back up with in the past couple of weeks. As for only four postings, I don't know what differnece that would make either, I would think that people would be grateful to know that there are things that happen even in Disney and to be careful. I have nothing to gain or lose from this posting, just wanted to let you all know that something bad had occurred and to be careful for yourself and family or friends. That's all. And yes, my husband did get irritated with the security guard, you would too, if someone is supposed to be knowledgable and has access to ambulance personel and police, but does nothing while you watch a person freak out and bleed after being attacked. Just because my husband is certified doesn't mean he is fully equipped to handle all situations, there was blood involved. He could only do so much. And I as I told you before, I shouldn't have to justify what happened, you can believe me or not. The whole point is to be careful.

An "EMT" that has a problem when "there was blood involved" ???
Blood is a daily occurence for an EMT.

Just for the sake of clarity.... The WDW resorts and parks are all protected by the Reedy creek emergency services, they provide ALS (advanced life support = paramedics) when a medical emergency arises. Their response time is several minutes typically. They are a full time professional 24/7/365 operation. I have encountered them on a couple of occasions and they are consumate professionals.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

An "EMT" that has a problem when "there was blood involved" ???
Blood is a daily occurence for an EMT.

Just for the sake of clarity.... The WDW resorts and parks are all protected by the Reedy creek emergency services, they provide ALS (advanced life support = paramedics) when a medical emergency arises. Their response time is several minutes typically. They are a full time professional 24/7/365 operation. I have encountered them on a couple of occasions and they are consumate professionals.

I know they were when I had them in my room at POR, then DL.

DD16, who was two at the time, fell off the bed and cracked the back of her head on the nightstand. That in turn, made her head rear forward and she hit her eye on the rail of the bed in front of her.

She hit it hard enough to knock herself unconscious. The EMT's arrived incredibly fast and were very proficient.

DD walked around looking like Popeye or the rest of the trip, but other than that, she was fine, thank goodness.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Do any of you Poly experts have advice as to which longhouse would be best with kids? We have a 4 yr old, 2 yr old and 4 month old. I've read all the stuff on Tikiman's site and was thinking Samoa since it's close to the volcano pool. I'm not sure how easy it is to get in there though, we're checking in Jan 1 so it's sure to be busy. We were thinking ground floor so that we could sit outside while the kids nap or are asleep at night. That way one of us could easily go for a swim as well. I believe the quiet pool is closed during that time. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I can't wait to get to the Poly!

I would actually suggest Tokelau, Quiet pool side on the end closest to GCH. The rooms are bigger (because its one of the "newer" longhouses) and you will need lots of space for all of the baby gear and such, you are guaranteed either a balcony or patio, it has automatic sliding doors at entry (great for strollers), and its probably a little quieter not being next to the volcano pool. Its also very centrally located...not far from anything and I have read it has great garden views that sometimes afford a peek at the castle/lagoon off to the side

Good luck with your decision