The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[*Fantasia*]

Good morning Polynesian Lovers!! My morning Hula Dance!!
Anyways... so my choice is Rarotonga and Samoa to be in a good location and good view right? All I requested when I booked the room was to be close to the main bldg and to be on the 3rd floor since they have balonies.

Mahalo!!

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Good Morning Fantasia.........I edited one of my posts on the second page to include all the Polynesian information.

Your trip is getting closer!

 

[3lilmcs]

Thanks for starting this thread--We leave June 4th for our first ever trip to WDW for 8 days at Poly GVC! I've been reading these boards for months biting my nails b/c I keep wondering if it will be all we are hoping--My oldest DS will turn 10 while we are there and my DD will turn 4 while we are there--The concierge staff has been really helpful with all the PS's (Cindy's castle, etc.) and they seem really helpful via email. I'm excited and hoping for the best. I've never even been to WDW so I'm a bit unsure as to what to expect but this board and thread have been so helpful.

I booked an AP rate room--I've been reading that those are usually the least desirable rooms. Is that what you have all heard? That makes me sort of worried--

Thanks again for all the info.!!!

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Thanks for starting this thread--We leave June 4th for our first ever trip to WDW for 8 days at Poly GVC! I've been reading these boards for months biting my nails b/c I keep wondering if it will be all we are hoping--My oldest DS will turn 10 while we are there and my DD will turn 4 while we are there--The concierge staff has been really helpful with all the PS's (Cindy's castle, etc.) and they seem really helpful via email. I'm excited and hoping for the best. I've never even been to WDW so I'm a bit unsure as to what to expect but this board and thread have been so helpful.

I booked an AP rate room--I've been reading that those are usually the least desirable rooms. Is that what you have all heard? That makes me sort of worried--

Thanks again for all the info.!!! [/QUOTE

A sprinkle of pixie dust for your trip

Maybe when you return you could post a first hand report on the concierge here for us to read? Have a great time and a safe trip.

 

[rmontgo892]

Thanks for starting this thread--We leave June 4th for our first ever trip to WDW for 8 days at Poly GVC! I've been reading these boards for months biting my nails b/c I keep wondering if it will be all we are hoping--My oldest DS will turn 10 while we are there and my DD will turn 4 while we are there--The concierge staff has been really helpful with all the PS's (Cindy's castle, etc.) and they seem really helpful via email. I'm excited and hoping for the best. I've never even been to WDW so I'm a bit unsure as to what to expect but this board and thread have been so helpful.

I booked an AP rate room--I've been reading that those are usually the least desirable rooms. Is that what you have all heard? That makes me sort of worried--

Thanks again for all the info.!!!

Welcome to the DIS!!

Listen, it's your first trip to WDW and your staying at the Poly/Concierge! You have nothing to worry about!

We have 30 + trips under our belt to WDW and a rare few resorts we haven't stayed in. Our first on site resort was the Polynesian in a regular room, rack rate, no balcony and a view of the monorail. We loved it!

In my opinion, you need to look at the AP rate as a savings and anything extra is gravy. There is no such thing that AP rate rooms are the least desirable! No way! You booked a garden view so that's exactly what you will get. If you "expect" an upgrade to lagoon view etc then yea, you may be disappointed.

Your so ahead of the game getting assistance w/ Advanced Reservations-Dining...whatever they are calling them now ! Having the help of the concierge staff to assist you can really help!

If you head to WDW and expect early check in, upgraded view, towel animals, no lines etc then, yes again, you may be disappointed.

If you head to the Poly/WDW with hopes of a magical vacation and look forward to staying at a beautiful resort with a discounted rate...then your gonna have a blast!!!

Everyone is hopeful of having a wonderful WDW vacation! I personally find the joy in watching other excited families having a blast in WDW! When little ones are so excited to be on the monorail and are talking a mile a minute about their exciting day...it makes me smile! That's the magic in my book!

I am telling you...just soaking up the atmosphere of the Poly by wandering around...it's incredible. My now 9 yr old son has loved the Poly since he was 4/5! It's one of his favorites!

Have a magical vacation and aloha!!

 

[Traveliz]

Thanks for starting this thread--We leave June 4th for our first ever trip to WDW for 8 days at Poly GVC! I've been reading these boards for months biting my nails b/c I keep wondering if it will be all we are hoping--My oldest DS will turn 10 while we are there and my DD will turn 4 while we are there--The concierge staff has been really helpful with all the PS's (Cindy's castle, etc.) and they seem really helpful via email. I'm excited and hoping for the best. I've never even been to WDW so I'm a bit unsure as to what to expect but this board and thread have been so helpful.

I booked an AP rate room--I've been reading that those are usually the least desirable rooms. Is that what you have all heard? That makes me sort of worried--

Thanks again for all the info.!!!

Wondering where you read that???? I have only stayed at the Poly LVC and GVC on AP rates and if these are the least desirable rooms -- bring em on! I have been extremely pleased with every room I have ever stayed at at the Poly - with the exception of one (view wise it looks straight into a Palm) but that was remedied.

Liz

 

[3lilmcs]

Hi-

I read some posts w/in the last few weeks on some other threads (on this and other boards) where people posted that upon check-in, they were told the room they were assigned was b/c they were using an AP rate. I really have no idea what that means exactly either--I just wondered if anyone else might know.

I probably shouldn't scour these threads for all firsthand Poly experiences b/cthey are so subjective. I really appreciate all your input though, and I think it is going to a lovely vacation. BTW, I'm not really looking for any upgrades or perfection, just a clean room and some smiling faces to greet us.

 

[skiwee1]

Hi-

I read some posts w/in the last few weeks on some other threads (on this and other boards) where people posted that upon check-in, they were told the room they were assigned was b/c they were using an AP rate. I really have no idea what that means exactly either--I just wondered if anyone else might know.

I probably shouldn't scour these threads for all firsthand Poly experiences b/cthey are so subjective. I really appreciate all your input though, and I think it is going to a lovely vacation. BTW, I'm not really looking for any upgrades or perfection, just a clean room and some smiling faces to greet us.

I've stayed at the Poly mostly on AP rates and always get the building I request right down to the floor and view. Samoa 3rd floor GV is the best GV you can get at the Poly because it is also lagoon view. I didn't have any problem getting that on an AP rate. I really don't think those folks understood what the CM was saying.

 

[rmontgo892]

Hi-

I read some posts w/in the last few weeks on some other threads (on this and other boards) where people posted that upon check-in, they were told the room they were assigned was b/c they were using an AP rate. I really have no idea what that means exactly either--I just wondered if anyone else might know.

I probably shouldn't scour these threads for all firsthand Poly experiences b/cthey are so subjective. I really appreciate all your input though, and I think it is going to a lovely vacation. BTW, I'm not really looking for any upgrades or perfection, just a clean room and some smiling faces to greet us.

At the price your paying...I don't think perfection is too much. It's not the motel 6! I like to share my experience of our thrill with rack rate/no view/no balcony at the Poly for some levity. We loved it regardless!

I only mention the upgraded views etc cause some (human nature) think if they read others getting it then it will happen for them. Not everyone can get that "view" and some feel it can at the very least disappoint them. Some read where posters say I ALWAYS get towel animals or I ALWAYS get an upgraded view hence the disappointment for others. People always get so excited with their requests and forget that they are just that...requests. I wasn't trying to be off putting I just always bring that point up since I have been on the internet for years and have seen people come back let down.

When we stayed GVC at the Poly we never even asked for an upgrade to lagoon view and got what we paid for. At other resorts there have been times we received an "upgraded" view from asking to not asking. It all depends. I certainly don't think a CM ever has a prob with a guest asking if there is any chance for a "lagoon view." It won't be the first or last time they have heard it.

I really never heard or expereinced an AP room being less desirable. Now, if you have an AP rate for a "standard room/view then yes, it's not gonna be the same as a higher $$$ room/view. Say WL...you can get your foot in the door there for like $130 AP rate give or take for a standard room.

I wonder if that thread you read had to do with people making requests and getting the discounted ap rate and that was the CMs explanation to the guest on why they received the room they did???

Have you ever heard of mousesavers.com???

Have a magical vacation and Aloha!!!

 

[rmontgo892]

Pain in the butt here...what about adding your tips for over riding the air conditioning here???

 

[MINNIEBOWSER]

I am hoping someone can help me with this. I am going in Oct. and I have a LV. My concern is that I will get a palm tree for a view. What happens in this case? I have only stayed there once before in Aotearao in a LV and it was a beautiful view of the castle. I was in heaven! I hate to complain to CM's, but I am nervous about this. Can anyone offer me any advice if this were to happen. Would they get mad if I asked to change the room location (if another is available). Please dont get me wrong, I love the palm trees, and everything else about the Polynesian. I am extremely excited about even staying there, so I hope this does not sound like too stupid of a problem.

 

[skiwee1]

If you are unhappy with the room you get then go back down to the front desk and ask for another. If there isn't one available right away tell them you are willing to move as soon as one opens up. The best you can do is request a certain building. Choosing an exact room sets you up for disappointment.

 

[Frances999]

I am hoping someone can help me with this. I am going in Oct. and I have a LV. My concern is that I will get a palm tree for a view. What happens in this case? I have only stayed there once before in Aotearao in a LV and it was a beautiful view of the castle. I was in heaven! I hate to complain to CM's, but I am nervous about this. Can anyone offer me any advice if this were to happen. Would they get mad if I asked to change the room location (if another is available). Please dont get me wrong, I love the palm trees, and everything else about the Polynesian. I am extremely excited about even staying there, so I hope this does not sound like too stupid of a problem.

Don't feel worried about asking for a different room - it's your vacation! They shouldn't feel at all mad if you ask. Have a magical trip!

(PS - request Tahiti!)

 

[Tess]

Thanks for starting this thread--We leave June 4th for our first ever trip to WDW for 8 days at Poly GVC! I've been reading these boards for months biting my nails b/c I keep wondering if it will be all we are hoping--My oldest DS will turn 10 while we are there and my DD will turn 4 while we are there--The concierge staff has been really helpful with all the PS's (Cindy's castle, etc.) and they seem really helpful via email. I'm excited and hoping for the best. I've never even been to WDW so I'm a bit unsure as to what to expect but this board and thread have been so helpful.

I booked an AP rate room--I've been reading that those are usually the least desirable rooms. Is that what you have all heard? That makes me sort of worried--

Thanks again for all the info.!!!

There is no "undesirable" room in concierge! I don't know what your desire is, e.g., close to the lounge, far from the lounge, balcony, patio, neither, etc.--I would just avoid a room right next to the elevator. These can often be noisy AND at the first floor level, there is a service area adjacent to the patio. The view isn't much either. We, personally, like 3rd floor about midway down the hall.

Thanks skiwee for taking a stab at a Polynesian FAQ--there are many of us on this board who are of a like mind when it comes to this terrific resort! I'm still catching up on the pages, but we will be back on 6/10-22/05 in concierge and I will certainly give a report.

I see a good many of you are visiting when we are--if you see us (and you'll recognize us since our photo is a part of the signature), say Aloha!

 

[Traveliz]

There is no "undesirable" room in concierge! I don't know what your desire is, e.g., close to the lounge, far from the lounge, balcony, patio, neither, etc.--I would just avoid a room right next to the elevator. These can often be noisy AND at the first floor level, there is a service area adjacent to the patio. The view isn't much either. We, personally, like 3rd floor about midway down the hall.

Thanks skiwee for taking a stab at a Polynesian FAQ--there are many of us on this board who are of a like mind when it comes to this terrific resort! I'm still catching up on the pages, but we will be back on 6/10-22/05 in concierge and I will certainly give a report.

I see a good many of you are visiting when we are--if you see us (and you'll recognize us since our photo is a part of the signature), say Aloha!

We will be there 6-12 -19th in concierge too!! And actually looking at your photo I thought your family looked familiar - wonder if we have seen you there before! I know a whole group of people traveling to concierge there - its going to be busy! And fun!

Liz

 

[Tikiman]

Good job on the FAQ everyone. Keep it up!!!

Just my 2 cents. I agree with Tess about the rooms on the garden view side of Hawaii near the elevators and housekeeping storage (rooms X534) because there can be some noise and they look into the corner of Samoa but also there are a few 3rd floor rooms on the garden side that look right at some palm trees tops. Other than that I would be happy to be in most of the rooms in Hawaii on either side.

Aloha

Steve

 

[MNmom]

Does anyone know if Concierge contacts me or should I contact them???

Our 90 day mark is next thurs. and we really wanted the concierge to secure our ARs. I was surprised that I haven't heard from them yet. How do I call them or do I send an email.

We are very excited for this trip and can't wait to get to the Polynesian.

Nice to see Tikiman back too!!! Your site is fantastic and I can't wait for it to get back up.

 

[3lilmcs]

Thanks for all the advice everyone--I think I wouldn't mind the palm tree blocking view as much as the noise from the elevators. Trying to get 3 kids aged 10-3 asleep in the same room every night will be a miracle in itself w/o having to worry about elevator noise issues. Hearing all the good opinions about the Poly makes me even more excited to get there--Thanks again for the tips and I'll post a trip report when we get back!

 

[Tikiman]

Aloha Mnmom,

Email me at steves5150@yahoo.com and I will send you a copy of their electronic Itinerary to fill out and email to them with whatever requests you have.

 

[3lilmcs]

Tikiman-I must tell you that the only reason I did know to contact concierge (and how) for all my PS's, etc. was due to your website--I found all the info. on your sight unbelievably helpful. Thanks!