We returned this past week-end from an 8 night stay at the Poly. At first I was very disappointed in our room in Fiji (3311---end room) as I had requested Tokelau. The advance check-in gal was rather rude and abrupt when we checked in (around 3 pm---there were no lines). When I asked about Tokelau she said "well your room is already assigned, we can't change it". We found Fiji to be rather old looking and the hallways rundown. The elevator had a really disgusting smell. BUT....after just a day or two at the Poly, I began to fall in love with the simple elegance of the place and the convenience. (Figured we were staying at a "Deluxe" not for the fancy accomodations but for location, location, location!). Our end room was very quiet (overlooking the marina) and the room was quite comfortable if not exactly deluxe caliber. The elevator smell (sort of like a dirty diaper?) never really went away.
The convenience of the GCH with Capt. Cook's, Kona, the shops and the monorail was terrific. Had to run back to our room several times for forgotten items and the closeness was great. Our very best meal was an evening at O'hana's with the fireworks occuring just as the scrumptious dessert arrived! Several evenings we walked the beach and watched the boat parade and saw the fireworks from MK and
MVMCP. (last night 12/7 was rather chilly!)
The third night of our stay (as we were growing fonder of the Polynesian) we asked if there were any rooms available for the 7th (there weren't when we booked and our last night was to be at Pop Century). Again we encountered a rather rude, abrupt CM who said "we are overbooked as it is, no chance!" (this was after he looked up our ressie--we were a
AAA code...have to wonder if that made a difference.) Two nights later we decided to ask again and this time a very pleasant gal said "I'll check" and came back with the extra night available. (Strange how they need to go in a back room, behind a hidden door, to find the availability.)
We did find the breakfasts at Capt. Cook's rather unpalatable---neither the eggs or the Mickey waffle had much taste. The breakfasts at Kona's were much nicer---although pricey (eggs cooked better and the blueberry pancakes-delish!). We were on the go so much we never ate lunch or dinner in either place (and after the first week-end the evenings were so cold I never got my Dole Whip....will just have to go back!).
Overall I would rate the Polynesian with a B+....great location with monorail ease, okay room but not high quality---maybe 3 stars ( have stayed at nice Holiday inns that were better). Food= Capt Cook-C, Kona-B+, Ohana-A.
We really had a great time this trip ---don't know when I'll ever be able to convince hubby to go again. But if I do, I would save my pennies to stay at a monorail resort again!
I like being near a pool. I won't swim if the weather is cool, but I know DH will and so will my older child. We are Canadian, after all. 
.
I don't understand. Please enlighten me.
As it is now, we have to choose between atmosphere and good service -- not a happy choice to have to make when you're spending upwards of $400/night!!
I'm still on the fence. I really don't know if I would return or not. But then the entire park was not that exciting anymore. The people were rude (money can't buy class), the food was bad and over priced. The Christmas spirit just was not their this time. Glad to be home. 
