firkat said:
Thanks, First Timer! I really appreciate your response. Do you have a trip report yet, because I would love to hear about your trip? We are also staying GVC, but were thinking of requesting 1st floor so we would have the patio. Our thought was that when DS18months is awake one of us could let him toddle about outside while the rest were getting ready. Also, when he naps each day or goes to bed, we could sit outside and still one of us could access the lounge for beverages without having to go in and out of the hotel door.
My concern is that if the location you describe, by the sliding glass doors, is the only reasonable spot for the crib . . . will we still be able to come in and out of the sliders with the crib right there?
Thanks again for responding!
You are quite welcome Firkat. Yes you will definitely have room to go back and forth. There was a little round table in the corner as well that can easily be moved. But you should have no problem going in and out of the sliding doors.
We liked the third floor for the balcony and privacy. We did not have much of a view as we had a huge tree in the way but that was fine. We could see a little of the walk way and only used the balcony to sip our coffee and prepare for the day. I can understand why you would rather be on the first floor though.
Well this would be my first trip - so I will try my best and be brief as well.
We opted for the magic express and it worked out great. We did not have to wait on line perhaps because we had an early flight we arrived by 8:30AM to the airport and zipped through everything. I think we were on the bus by 8:45AM. Everyone was very nice and friendly. When we arrived at the Polynesian I was so impressed. It was just like all the pictures I have seen on this site as well as Tikiman's site. However, even though I planned and planned and read everything (to the point that my husband thought I was obsessed) We bypassed the baggage kiosk and went straight in to the GCH and ended up lugging our luggage all the way to the Hawaii bldg. When I stopped by the bell desk at the GCH the bell check (clerk?) told me that they were extremely busy right now and that we would have to haul our own luggage - even though I told him we were staying in the concierge bldg. I was so happy to be at the poly that I decided not to push the issue. Did not want to be accused of being a pushy New Yorker!
So we arrived at the Hawaii bldg. and Barbie checked us in. She was so funny and very very attentive. Our room was not ready so we left the luggage and strolled around, checked out the lounge (which is really great).
We had lunch at Kona's cafe. Checked out all the stores, relaxed in the lounge and killed time until we could check in to our room. It was finally ready by 3PM. The room was large, clean and comfortable. The family had a rest while I unpacked. That first night we decided to go to MGM. All was well up until this point. People were like animals. Four buses passed and took only two to three people at a time. As a result the line grew longer and longer. We waited almost and hour before we were able to squish ourselves on one. Believe me I take public transportation into the City everyday and the last thing I wanted to deal with on my magical vacation was a packed bus with irate bus drivers and hulligans breaking into the back doors of the bus. Also, the people waiting on the end of the line would rush to the front stepping on any one in their way (including small children) to make that particular bus. Needless to say because I was on vcation and believe in teaching my children manners I was calm and cool and eventually my husband got us on bus number 4! MGM was great though (crowded) but great. My DD5 passed out while waiting for the return bus and I carried her while on line and all the way back to the Hawaii bldg. DH took over from there. I vowed that that would not happen again. We decided we would cab it to MGM in the furture. We also asked concierge for a stroller and used it the entire stay! It was great to have your own stroller in and out of the parks. No one took it I guess because it clearly states the Polynesian across the hood and is green in color.
The room was cleaned very well each and ever day. Turn down service (which I never really gave much thought to) was wonderful as well. Over all it was a great stay and my family and I would not dream of staying anywhere else. We would also do concierge as the attention and convenience can not be beat!
My DH was very sick on the third day (perhaps the heat) and I needed water for him. I stopped by the lounge and spoke to one of the people that are available in the lounge and she sweetly gave me two bottles of water, and a bottle of perrier, lime and a package of crackers. She told me it was quite common to become ill with the hot weather, humidity and travellers from all over the world. She recommended that he eat light and rest in bed for the day. She did not have to do this but that is the point - Concierge is fabulous! If not for Tikiman's recommedndation I would have paid for a view of the MK and never seen a single fireworks show (wishes) as we spent everynight in the parks watching either wishes or illuminations! So it was well worth it. One thing I will say is that I was appalled by the behavior of some of the guests. They were demanding, rude and arrogant to the concierge staff. Because you pay a little extra for concierge service certainly does not entitle one to be nasty.
The snacks and appetizers, fruit, juices, cookies, etc. were delicious. We mostly made it for the afternoon snacks as we were always running around but it was great for the kids to go to the lounge (DD15 and DD 5) and have a quick snack in between trips to the park.
I guess for the rest of the report I will have to post to another thread. The dining, parks, etc.
I loved it all though and was so sad to leave. I am already planning a return trip though! I guess I will have to change from First timer to Two Timer!!
Have a great trip Firkat - I will gladly answer any other questions you have - if I can!
Just a quick question for 'ya out of curiousity. With the exception of tax and tip, is the cost of tonga toast from room service the same as in the restaurant or Captain Cook's?
and to go with just the two of you is extra special too.
. We've been tossing around ideas, i.e., Jamaica, England, Mexico, or possibly a cruise (not Disney though 
). Then again, we may just take a break from vacationing altogether and hang around our pool. . .although that possibility doesn't float my boat. 
