The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Question for anyone using DDP while at Poly...

Are there any grocery items at any shop at the Poly? We usually buy milk/bread/cereal - breakfast items to keep in our room and are able to use our snack credits to do so. WL and OKW had them in their shops on our last trips but I can't remember what shops were in the Poly.
TIA!

Samoa Snacks, upstairs in the GCH has grocery items on a small scale. You can also get cereal and breakfast items like milk and juice at Captain Cooks.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

We switched from POFQ to splurging for the POLY. My sons are 10 and 7 and my daughter is 5. I was thinking the same thing about Somoa. It would be nice to be close to the pool, but I know we will go to Epcot for a couple of days so the TTC would be closer. Plus with 5, the extra room would be nice. I am just so excited!! It is our first fsmily trip there and I have always wanted to stay there since '82 when I visited for a cheerleading competition. It is truly a dream. My husband is a firefighter and has been working alot of overtime for it. We will be arriving later on the 26th and out on the 4th. What about you?

I just wanted to say hello to a fellow FF's wife!

We recently stayed in Samoa, and were in room 3617, facing the quiet pool. I loved the location. The volcano pool was just on the other side, and I don't remember any noise whatsoever.

 

[Tess]

Hi Tess,

I see you have your annual trip coming up. Are you doing your usual stay in concierge? I remember your thoughts last year and I had a lot of the same issues, but I can't seem to give up concierge. We haven't been to the Polynesian since August of 2004. We've done the GF for our MK resort on our last two visits, so I really miss the Polynesian.

Have a great time on your trip! Fill us in when you get back.

Mirlow,

We are indeed headed back--July is a new experience for us though. We typically vacation in June. It just didn't work out for us this year with a late end to high school, graduation parties, a family wedding, etc. We hope to be back on track for June next year though.

We will be back in concierge despite our ambivalence after our last visit. After reflecting on the whole experience, we realized that despite our concerns--it just isn't a vacation for us without the added service. We had originally planned on arrival night at WL, but when the YC offered the greater discounts for July, we jumped ship. We've never stayed at WL, but there's always next time. YC is a repeat so at least we know what to expect.

Our family is so looking forward to this trip and my husband and I are in a better frame of mind this year--no graduation/college stress. That will hit us again next year! I will definitely post my feelings after our annual trek!

 

[mickeywho?]

Samoa Snacks, upstairs in the GCH has grocery items on a small scale. You can also get cereal and breakfast items like milk and juice at Captain Cooks.

Thanks - that helps with planning!

 

[Pennykay]

We will be back in concierge despite our ambivalence after our last visit. QUOTE]

Could you share what issues you may have had? I am seriously re-thinking my concierge reservation, so any info. you may have would help in my decision. Thank you!!

 

[mirlow]

We will be back in concierge despite our ambivalence after our last visit. After reflecting on the whole experience, we realized that despite our concerns--it just isn't a vacation for us without the added service. We had originally planned on arrival night at WL, but when the YC offered the greater discounts for July, we jumped ship. We've never stayed at WL, but there's always next time. YC is a repeat so at least we know what to expect.

Our family is so looking forward to this trip and my husband and I are in a better frame of mind this year--no graduation/college stress. That will hit us again next year! I will definitely post my feelings after our annual trek!

It sounds like it will be a much better time for a vacation.

Are all of you going? Time goes by fast. My kids were just 5 & 2 when we first stayed at the Polynesian. Now I have three and my oldest is 12. The trips are a bit different then back then. I still do enjoy the convenience of the Hawaii longhouse.

Are you just staying at the YC for the first night and then doing a week at the Polynesian?

 

[Tess]

It sounds like it will be a much better time for a vacation.

Are all of you going? Time goes by fast. My kids were just 5 & 2 when we first stayed at the Polynesian. Now I have three and my oldest is 12. The trips are a bit different then back then. I still do enjoy the convenience of the Hawaii longhouse.

Are you just staying at the YC for the first night and then doing a week at the Polynesian?

Yep, both kids are joining us--they still love to go to WDW and enjoy vacationing with us--what's not to love, we pay for it! I know what you mean, our son's first year of college flew by. Our daughter graduates high school next year and we're college searching again.

I'm with ya' on the convenience of the longhouse and the folks in the lounge are like old friends. We've been staying at Polynesian since our kids were just a bit older than yours when they first stayed. We stayed at GF first and I loved it, but the family really wanted to try the Polynesian for the next trip and we've been there ever since (with brief visits to many of the other resorts)--if I remember correctly, it was around 1994 when that addiction began.

We are staying the first night only at YC. We stayed here before at the end of a rather long vacation. We enjoyed it, but not as much as the Polynesian. Still, it's fun to visit the other resorts as well. Our flight gets in late in the afternoon and we knew we would be hitting EPCOT for the evening. It just made sense to stay at YC at the reduced rate and move over to the Polynesian the next night. It is so much nicer to walk out of EPCOT at the end of the evening than to fight the monorail traffic.

Could you share what issues you may have had? I am seriously re-thinking my concierge reservation, so any info. you may have would help in my decision. Thank you!!

Pennykay:


The issues we were discussing had more to do with our family's feelings rather than anything negative on the part of the staff or the resort. We had just gone through a rather stressful period (graduation, preparing for college, etc.) and were feeling a "let down" when we visited. We went on our vacation after a whirlwind month and it just wasn't the same for us. We realized that it really had nothing to do with externals, but our own internal feelings related to our son's graduating and moving on with his life---difficult to explain, but our kids grew up at the Polynesian and we visited yearly. Our family was changing and the Polynesian was never going to be the same for us again.

Concierge service is great and with few exceptions, the staff is wonderful. If you are rethinking your res in concierge because you worry about the service, I wouldn't give it another thought. If, however, you are of the mind that it simply is not worth it to you monetarily--I understand completely. While it is an expensive vacation, it is very difficult to step away from concierge once you've taken the plunge. I don't envy you making your decision, but I'm sure you'll do the right thing for your family.

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

there are a lot of threads about special treats and such that you can get delivered to your room at GF (strawberries, chocolate Mickeys etc.) but no one ever seems to mention anything like that at the Poly. Does anyone have any information on this or know the correct number to call at the Polynesian to ask about this? I know that WDW florist will deliver some items but I was looking for special treats from the Poly itself.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Traveliz]

there are a lot of threads about special treats and such that you can get delivered to your room at GF (strawberries, chocolate Mickeys etc.) but no one ever seems to mention anything like that at the Poly. Does anyone have any information on this or know the correct number to call at the Polynesian to ask about this? I know that WDW florist will deliver some items but I was looking for special treats from the Poly itself.

Thanks in advance.

They have the strawberries and chocolate Mickey's at the Poly too - its probably the same service - there is a card/menu in the room and you can order the special services when you arrive.

Liz

 

[Disneyfamily2005]

can anyone give me info on these hotels to help us decide which one, we've narrowed it down to these three, which has best ground transport to wdw and main parks,pool,and views of wdw,shows or anything else I cant think of

 

[SeaSpray]

Mirlow,

We are indeed headed back--July is a new experience for us though. We typically vacation in June. It just didn't work out for us this year with a late end to high school, graduation parties, a family wedding, etc. We hope to be back on track for June next year though.

We will be back in concierge despite our ambivalence after our last visit. After reflecting on the whole experience, we realized that despite our concerns--it just isn't a vacation for us without the added service. We had originally planned on arrival night at WL, but when the YC offered the greater discounts for July, we jumped ship. We've never stayed at WL, but there's always next time. YC is a repeat so at least we know what to expect.

Our family is so looking forward to this trip and my husband and I are in a better frame of mind this year--no graduation/college stress. That will hit us again next year! I will definitely post my feelings after our annual trek!

Hey Tess, I hope you have a great time this year Just last night I booked us in a lagoon concierge room for the end of July. Sorry to be missing you by a couple of weeks. Can't wait to read your review when you get back

 

[mickeywho?]

We originally booked a GV room for our 1st night (Aug 25th) as a "room-only". The rest of our week we have the free dining with our GV room - so I called today (AP discount now!) and changed our 1st night to GV - Concierge with balance of week the same as our original booking.
What building will we be in for GVC and do you think we can stay in the same building for the balance of our stay? Not sure how the club rooms at Poly are separated and I was hoping to move rooms with minimal interuptions.

 

[mma800]

Hi All!
Just got back from Poly concierge less than 2 days ago, and I must say I won't choose that one again. I can see why some DISers love it and feel at home there, it just isn't for me.

Background: we usually stay at GF concierge (my dh and 2 dd's) I go crazy planning out what we can do and see while we are there, as kids are still very little. I must say that I fell in love with GF on my 1st trip, and even more when I broke my elbow last year and ther bent over backwards to help us enjoy our stay. My oldest is autistic, so convenience is key for us.

This year, I booked the trip 2 weeks in advance. It was MY 3 kids (6,5,and 3) and I with my best friend and her 16mo. We needed Deluxe to all fit in 1 room. I was able to get 5 nites at Poly garden view. I wish I either stuck with that or tried to switch to GF. Over 2 weeks I was able to upgrade nites 2-5 to Poly concierge. I made all the ADRs and event reservations myself, even though I emailed poly concierge, I never heard from them. We arrived at Poly early (like 10am) and checked in at main registration. At that point I was able to upgrade to Poly concierge for the entire stay (why I couldn't 16 hours earlier is still a mystery to me) We missed the opportunity to use the check in feature of concierge service, but no biggie.
The room was not ready for us until almost 4:45, the CM told me the people before us "wouldn't leave". We hung out at the pool (with all of our carry-ons) and they said they would call us on my cell. They didn't, and the room was ready when I went back to check again. No prob, but that made us late for dinner at Jiko, with 4 kids under 6 who were tired and hungry.

We had room 1504, and it was nice. Crowded with our gang, but had a fantastic MK view and patio. Being on the monorail was wonderful and having the pools close, but not too close was great as well.
Lounge was fine, although never enough kids seats. Food offering was great for us, but my friend's kid wouldn't eat anything there , so she ended up ordering room service for him. When my kids saw the Mickey Pancakes, I had to order for them as well (so much for the cost benefit of eating bfast in the lounge). Chef Dick was great, and the lounge was always clean and staff friendly.
Mousekeeping was a big problem. Never got any of those special touches like towel creatures or chocolates. We left the room by 9:45 or 10 every day, and when we got back to put the little boys for a nap (1:30ish) the room wasn't done the first day, so on days 2-5 I requested they do it each time we left, but it never happened. Each day, they came to service the room when the kids were asleep, and then returned for turndown service when they were still asleep (4ish)--so we never really got any real room cleaning. With 2 kids in diapers it started getting yucky. There was sand from our beautiful beach on the carpet, overflowing trash constantly, etc. I am the type who needs to make the bed and tidy before walking out the door, so it drove me nuts. Timing was the problem, again not their fault with all the rooms to clean, but to show up after 1pm for cleaning, and before 5 for turndown at a deluxe resort in a concierge building was a bit annoying.

The concierge CMs were pleasant and helpful mostly, but I really only needed them for 2 dining reservations.

We ended up using taxis rather than buses to get from Poly to places not on the monorail. It was hard to get them to call us a cab. The front staff NEVER opened a cab door for us (not a princess, but we WERE juggling 4 kids) But I still tipped EVERYONE...from the beginning to the end of the trip.

My kids loved the Neverland Club (more than at GFs, although they are one yr older now) They adored the pool. It was a bit hard for me to watch my 3 kids simultaneuosly, but the guard staff were nice.

We heard complaints at Kona (Fathers Day bfast) that "not one waitstaff smiled at them the whole meal". But we had a nice server, and that group was lingering over bfast when the place was trying to switch to lunch (we were first seated for lunch).

It was crowded and HOT in the parks. We ended up only going to MK and AK the kids. Thank goodness we didn't buy length of stay passes! Never been in June before, but we went in August and it was less crowded. Never saw the Year of a Million Dream Team. I don't think I would choose June again, but it was a last minute trip. It never rained once in 6 days.

All in all -a great trip. My kids had fun. My pal and I had loads of laughs, and it IS WDW afterall. Just wanted to give my 2 cents on Poly concierge. After walking around the property, I only saw a few 1st floor rooms that I would say were a bad spot. If I stay there again, it would be 3rd floor, most any building.

But GF is my happy place. Just my own thing I guess.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hey we are going on a spontaneous trip due to DH's annual pass and airline credits we have to celebrate my DS's 5th birthday...

We've never stayed at the Polynesian before but since our primary focus will be the Magic Kingdom, a water park and lots of pool time we thought the Poly might be a great place to try out...

This is a relatively short trip (5 days, 4 nights) and I really want to make it special for my little guy...you don't turn 5 every day and his DS is really a classic overachieving, "perfect" first child and I feel he usually gets draggged along for the ride so I want this to really be special for him...

For all of you Poly veterans-is there anything special I should know about?
(ie at the AKL they have kid's activities-do they do that here?) I definately want to order him a birthday cake and am trying to decide if I should order it from the Poly bakery???

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated (as I go back and attempt to read this entire thread...

Patricia

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I am not a Poly expert in fact this will be our first trip to the Poly. But we are celebrating DD4's 5th bday during our vacation. So far I have an ADR for CRT w/an apptmnt at BBB prior to. I'm thinking of ordering a bday cake to be delivered to our room. Theres a cake thread sticky over under the Restaurants forum - thats very informative. As far as the resort itself - we were going to call & see if some balloons and signed card from character could be put in our room while we're at MK. Not sure if its free but we'll do it anyway.

Hopefully someone else will have some more ideas!

 

[disneyfan67]

All I know that come this July 28th, I'll be checking into a GVC room around 3pm or so, I can't wait. It's been a long time since my last visit to the Poly back in April 05 and we were supposed to go last year during free dining, but life had other plans for my family and me. When I had to call the CRO to cancel and get my deposit back, I was heartbroken and so was my family.

My original intent was to go in May 07 for just a long weekend, but last November I saw the sign up for tiki fest and it was like a sign from above. We put a deposit down before thanksgiving and decided to move up my hip replacement surgery to that January. I wanted to be walking in WDW without a cane and pain free for once. I had my surgery in late January and there was a few times in February while doing my rehab, I didn't think I was going to be able to go on our annual the pilgrimage to the Poly, but things started looking up. I feel great and have been losing weight, but sadly not enough ,IMO, but I'm getting there.


There's just so much to celebrate on this trip, we just don't know where to start. My twin boys turn 10 when we arrive on Saturday and my wife and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary together in the middle of the week. Put my successful hip replacement in there and we have the makings of a party.

I can't wait to meet Steve and everyone else at tiki fest and I want make sure I get to meet all of the fellow DIS'ers who will be attending at that time as well. I've been a member for only 3 years, lurked for a couple more before that, but have had some great experiences with a lot of you. I have a feeling good times will be had by all. See ya real soon, as Mickey would say.

 

[TinkTatoo]

......I can't wait to meet Steve and everyone else at tiki fest and I want make sure I get to meet all of the fellow DIS'ers who will be attending at that time as well. I've been a member for only 3 years, lurked for a couple more before that, but have had some great experiences with a lot of you. I have a feeling good times will be had by all. See ya real soon, as Mickey would say.

We'll be there checking in on 29th July in a garden view concierge room for ******** we're only staying two nights as it's a side trip from the private villa we're staying in but I can't wait

Edited to add - we're going to Tiki Fest - I don't see the need to ****** out the word

 

[Tess]

Hey Tess, I hope you have a great time this year Just last night I booked us in a lagoon concierge room for the end of July. Sorry to be missing you by a couple of weeks. Can't wait to read your review when you get back

I'm guessing you're headed to the 'fest. . .the timing was just wrong for us this year--too many school obligations for our soon to be senior! Too bad our paths won't cross this time, but there's always next time. Enjoy your visit and your upcoming cruises! I'll report back after our stay in 19 days!

 

[BCV23]

can anyone give me info on these hotels to help us decide which one, we've narrowed it down to these three, which has best ground transport to wdw and main parks,pool,and views of wdw,shows or anything else I cant think of

All three are inside WDW but as for transport to the parks, the Polynesian is the best IMO...actually the best of all WDW resorts. You must take the bus to AK or MGM from all three resorts. AK is bus only to all parks. WL is bus to all with the addition of a boat option to MK. From the Polynesian you can get to the MK via monorail or small boat or walk to the TTC and take the large ferry. Also walk to the TTC and take the monorail to Epcot.

We love the pools at the Polynesian. It is also fun to be able to take the monorail to dine and shop at the GF and Contemporary.

Tess, I hope your family has a wonderful vacation this year! I remember feeling so badly for you last summer. That first college transition is a heartbreaker.

Have fun at the Fest everyone. We avoid WDW in the summer usually but boy that sounds like fun!

 

[ADP]

All I know that come this July 28th, I'll be checking into a GVC room around 3pm or so, I can't wait. It's been a long time since my last visit to the Poly back in April 05 and we were supposed to go last year during free dining, but life had other plans for my family and me. When I had to call the CRO to cancel and get my deposit back, I was heartbroken and so was my family.

My original intent was to go in May 07 for just a long weekend, but last November I saw the sign up for tiki fest and it was like a sign from above. We put a deposit down before thanksgiving and decided to move up my hip replacement surgery to that January. I wanted to be walking in WDW without a cane and pain free for once. I had my surgery in late January and there was a few times in February while doing my rehab, I didn't think I was going to be able to go on our annual the pilgrimage to the Poly, but things started looking up. I feel great and have been losing weight, but sadly not enough ,IMO, but I'm getting there.


There's just so much to celebrate on this trip, we just don't know where to start. My twin boys turn 10 when we arrive on Saturday and my wife and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary together in the middle of the week. Put my successful hip replacement in there and we have the makings of a party.

I can't wait to meet Steve and everyone else at tiki fest and I want make sure I get to meet all of the fellow DIS'ers who will be attending at that time as well. I've been a member for only 3 years, lurked for a couple more before that, but have had some great experiences with a lot of you. I have a feeling good times will be had by all. See ya real soon, as Mickey would say.

We are checking in to GVC on the 27th. I'm so glad to hear your hip replacement rehab is going very well. It sounds like you have a lot to celebrate. Congrats!

We are looking forward to meeting all of you at Tike Fest!