This Poly Cousin Just Ret'd Hours Ago

[disneyfanatic60]

We just returned from a split trip at Poly/LV concierge and AKL. We loved Poly (we did Poly/GV in Sept.) We had a patio room and to just take a few steps to a hammock or swing on the beach to just chill or to watch the Elec. Water Pagent or firework--was just awesome! We had a great view of the lagoon and castle, etc. We watched several weddings take place (about 5) on the peak (if that's what you call it) overlooking the lagoon.

We arrived at 10:30 and our room had just become ready. The pkgs. I sent for my kids and the Pal Mickey I ordered hadn't quite made it in prior to our arrival but the kids loved it regardless. We hopped over to WL for lunch at Whispering Canyon and it was great (been there before). My kids are teenagers (19/15) and would not do the "hokey pokey" and were quickly pointed out as the "Hokey Pokey Party Poopers!" They loved it! We had dinner at Ohana's (first time) and it was great. We had a table right by the window so we enjoyed the view as we ate. We saw coconut races, hoola-hoop contests, etc. It was really a good time. My daughter found it funny each time they "called her cousin."

The weather was a little hot. I personally like it that way but my kids don't. The crowds were very manageable. There was no wait on most rides up to 15 minutes on some (exc. Sat. nite). We rode some rides over and over again. We found if a ride posted a 25 minute wait, we'd do another ride and come back and most instances it was a 15 min. or less wait at that point. Funny, sometimes just 15-20 minutes and a ride cleared out.

Poly was just great. I cannot say enough good things about it. We did find our room was made up/turned down a little late. It was really no problem. We just wandered out on to a hammock and chilled for a while.

We moved over to AKL for a few days. If I split a stay again, I'd do it only if I had a rental car. Waiting for the luggage to arrive was somewhat bothersome. Thank goodness I anticipated some delays and took our swim gear to the parks that morning with us. Our luggage did not make it up to our room until almost 5:00 that evening.

We did AKL last May and we really loved this resort. After this trip, I'd hate to say I probably won't return there again. We've stayed at several resorts and each one several times and always enjoyed our return visits. This one was the exception.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know. I'd be glad to help in any way I can.

P.S. Isn't it funny how fast you go into Disney withdrawls!!! I'm ready to return and it's only been 5 hours!!!!

 

[momo2qts]

I was wondering why you didn't like the AKL this time around? We were at the Poly last year and thought we would try the AKL this time around. We LOVED the Poly, but the kids (ages 5 & 7) want to go to the "animal hotel". Just curious. Thanks for your input.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Can't wait for our return to the poly 70 somedays and counting? How is the construction going? Any problems not mentioned? Glad you had a great trip!

 

[skiwee1]

Tried to delete a wrong post! Sorry!

 

[disneyfanatic60]

We really cannot say enough good things about Poly. We had no problems at all. Everyone was very helpful and wonderful to chat with. No renovations have been started as of this past week. You must try Ohana's for dinner (or character breakfast). We tried it for the first time and it was great. Ask for a seat by the window's in the main dining room. We had a blast!!! Cannot wait until we can go back!

As far as AKL--I loved it last May. I was really looking forward to the view (we upgraded from std. to savannah) this trip. Our problems started right at check in. We transferred from Poly to AKL. I asked the cast mate if there was any availabilities in concierge (I mentioned we had just come from Poly/Conc. and loved it) and how much was the upgrade? First, up to this point, he barely said two words and was very standoffish! He sort of starred at me like I was wasting his time. He then gave me this ridiculous price (I already had a rough price quoted before we left). It was outrageous. I think he was hoping we would not make a change and create more work for him!

Our luggage was transferred (we did not have a rental car). We were told at Poly it would arrive between 1-3:00. We called at check in just after 2:00 and was abrubtly told "NO" when asked if the luggage had arrived. Thank goodness I took our bathing suits, etc. to the parks with us so we changed and went to the pool. Upon our return after 4:30, I called again and was told our "luggage was sitting there!" Since we were a "transfer" and not a new check in and since I already called once, I was surprised that no one even left a message that our luggage had arrived or for that matter, brought it up to our room.

Let's just say--this wasn't a good first impression on this trip! Everyone has a bad day but don't reflect that on to the guests. I could have understood some of this if they were busy, but the place was very quiet and check in was desserted. Then we will move to housekeeping. Our room was still not made up at almost 4:00. Just when we were returning from the parks or pool to change for the evening. In fact, we were in the room at the time and the housekeeper said "I can do it now or you can go without the room being made up for that day!"

We upgraded to the savannah view and honestly were more happy with our standard pool view. We saw more animals there on our last trip and we had a room on the Zebra trail facing Arusha Rock. I realize it was very hot and the animals were non-existant during the day. But even in the morning (7:00-8:00), we only saw two or maybe three animals tops. The most we saw at one time was around 6:00 but then it rained and they all scattered for the rest of the evening. I guess this is just hit or miss!

Transportation--we knew we had long bus trips to the parks, etc. based on our last trip. However, we never, ever waited for a bus more than 5 minutes. We sometimes found ourselves waiting 20 minutes or more this trip and many times found ourselves standing. It's a long ride back to the resort standing! Just felt like it sometimes took almost an hour to get somewhere. Vacation time is too short to spend on buses. If I stayed there again, I'd have to have my own car to get around.

As I said, I loved it last year and had no doubt we would be equally impressed if not more so upgrading to a savannah view. We still had a great trip. These sort of things don't stand in the way but they are small annoyances we shouldn't have to deal with for the most part. I probably won't consider a return trip to AKL. Each resort I've been at we've done return trips to the same resort and never experienced problems. We just fell in love even more.

P.S. I should mention I just rec'd. an email from a friend who lives in town by me. She stayed at AKL last November and experienced pretty much the exact same problems. She split a trip with WL/AKL and we were both surprised that we had the same experience/problems. Neither of us felt we would return there for another stay.

 

[skiwee1]

There is some construction going on at the front of the Poly. If you get a room in Rarontonga facing the monorail you might have a not so great view. We were there two weeks ago and got our requested room in Rarotonga on the 3rd floor. Our room ended up on the end nearest the GCH. From our balcony it was not that wonderful a view as you could see the workers digging, hearing bulldozers, and it was just a mess. It could get very noisy but luckily we were not in our room all that much and didn't let it bother us. They are putting in a long needed bus stop right outside Rarontonga so you won't have to wait in between two roads anymore. I learned that the Rarotonga is going down for rehab in January in case anyone needs that info. I also love the Poly and am going back in October! I can't wait!

 

[Hnymoon@Dixie]

Thanks for the great post!
We are loking to return to WDW but cannot decide where to stay. We have been leaning toward the poly, but enjoyed WL soo much its going to be a tough decision! We have heard & read ALOT of negative comments about the Ak's staff. They were on our list to try but now they are off! Thanks again disneyfanatic60!

 

[BCV23]

Glad to hear your trip to the Polynesian was magical. Sorry to hear about your experience at AKL.

35 days until we go back to the Polynesian!