ALOHA! The Poly FAQ: Fall 2010 Edition

[housetomouse]

A couple of questions please!

1. I know you can't swim in the water at the Poly. Can you let your kids use it at all, for building in the sand or sticking toes in?

2. I think I'm wrong about this one, but I thought I read that you can get a Dole Whip somewhere at the Poly. Or is this only in the MK? (and where in the MK if that's the case?)

Thanks!

 

[pigletto]

Snow day here today as well. It's mostly sleet and ice. Everyone has been sick this week. All of it combined has made me VERY ready for this vacation And after tonight it will be only 3 weeks to go!

I need to start a packing list. Our trips have always been in the dead heat of August/September so I am a little perplexed as to what I should be planning for weather wise. More pants than shorts? Sweaters? Jackets?
I'm sure I will figure it out, but if in any seasoned February travellers have advice I'll take it

 

[dizneechic]

1. I know you can't swim in the water at the Poly. Can you let your kids use it at all, for building in the sand or sticking toes in?

Mine did without any ill effects. They basically hung at the edge and occasionally scooped some water with buckets to help build their castles. My oldest DS also decided to be a goof and walked backwards down the beach with his sneakers on into the water (by mistake ) and his feet or shoes didn't turn green so as long as your rinsing off after I would say its fine.

2. I think I'm wrong about this one, but I thought I read that you can get a Dole Whip somewhere at the Poly. Or is this only in the MK? (and where in the MK if that's the case?)Thanks!

You can get a dole whip at captain cooks, they have a self dispensing machine (vanilla, pineapple, swirl) and you just pay and they give you a cup. You can put as much or as little as you like in there. In the MK hook left at the hub to Adventureland and as soon as you go over the bridge on the right you'll see Aloha Isle. There you can get dole whips, dole whip floats (w/ pineapple juice), or whips with orange instead of pineapple (not quite as yummy).

I need to start a packing list. Our trips have always been in the dead heat of August/September so I am a little perplexed as to what I should be planning for weather wise. More pants than shorts? Sweaters? Jackets?
I'm sure I will figure it out, but if in any seasoned February travellers have advice I'll take it

In the past year we've been in both Jan and Feb. I'm typically chilly anyhow, but we are BIG believers in layers. We only bothered to bring pants (jeans and some lightweight ones), and a combination of long and short sleeved shirts. If it was chilly we'd toss a long sleeve tee on under our short sleeved one, and if it warmed up we'd just take off the tshirt underneath. Sweat jackets or a lightweight jacket were also a must have, the mornings and evenings are a bit chilly, during the day we tended to ditch them. Last Feb when we went it was very cold (30's-40's) so we wore our winter coats from home most of the trip, but that is the exception, not the norm. This Jan the sweat jackets and jeans were perfect and we even had 1 80 degree day (well hit 80 for an hour or so ) so jeans and pairing down the layers was perfect for that day.

Of course people have all sorts of different tolerances. We saw lots of people in shorts and sandals when it was 45-50 (with goosebumps on their poor legs), but in the afternoons when it warmed up they were probably fine. I'm always a tad chilly so dress on the warmer side and pair down as needed.

 

[housetomouse]

Mine did without any ill effects. They basically hung at the edge and occasionally scooped some water with buckets to help build their castles. My oldest DS also decided to be a goof and walked backwards down the beach with his sneakers on into the water (by mistake ) and his feet or shoes didn't turn green so as long as your rinsing off after I would say its fine.


You can get a dole whip at captain cooks, they have a self dispensing machine (vanilla, pineapple, swirl) and you just pay and they give you a cup. You can put as much or as little as you like in there. In the MK hook left at the hub to Adventureland and as soon as you go over the bridge on the right you'll see Aloha Isle. There you can get dole whips, dole whip floats (w/ pineapple juice), or whips with orange instead of pineapple (not quite as yummy).

Great, thank you!!

 

[maiapapaya]

A couple of questions please!

1. I know you can't swim in the water at the Poly. Can you let your kids use it at all, for building in the sand or sticking toes in?

Thanks!

There's nothing to stop you, but obviously there is a reason why they say no swimming. I've heard that it's due to bacteria in the water (WDW is built on a swamp after all). The water is actually somewhat nasty looking. Personally I wouldn't. There's nothing wrong with playing on the beach, but I wouldn't let my kids go in the lagoon.

 

[BreezysMom]

Gee..... where would I rather be????

or.....

Stay safe everyone

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Will the Grad nites be a "problem" with noise at the Poly or in the parks? I only ask because I need to plan around DD's autistic needs and noises are her worst nightmares. We'll be there for 8 nights, including both Grad nites week-ends.

1000 thanks

Poussière de fée!

We have a DD in the spectrum and have never had an issue. We have been at both CR and Poly during grad nites and it is no biggie. There is some late fireworks but if you are in your room with the doors closed, you will most likely sleep right thru. Grad nites are closed to all except grads during the event so you will only have grads running around the parks during the day in smaller groups. They are annoying--standing in line texting each other instead of talking--but otherwise harmless

A couple of questions please!

1. I know you can't swim in the water at the Poly. Can you let your kids use it at all, for building in the sand or sticking toes in?


Thanks!

I let my DDs play in the sand and get buckets of water to build sandcastles and such. They are not allowed to walk in far. I tell them they cannot let the water touch their knees and I don't let them sit in the water. The issue is a water bourne organism that can be found in the warm waters edge in stagnant waters throughout Florida/far southern areas. We are always there in late April/early may and the waters are actually still cool so I haven't been superconcerned. The trouble happens when it is warm/hot and the organism must enter your body thru mucous membranes or open cuts/sores. I *think* it can live in the water's edge over 80 degrees. You can google and find the specifics. This board has a lot of opinions on this subject and I am expressing my personal views. I also feel if it was THAT big of a problem, Disney would plant foliage around the waters to create a buffer preventing guests from entering at all...kinda like they do at CSR which has a smaller lake with some dangerous creatures of the biting kind

 

[dizneechic]

Gee..... where would I rather be????

or.....

Stay safe everyone

No kidding!

My deck that we shovel after every storm has it up over the window sills (again!)

 

[bluejasmine]

Good grief! We never get snow like that here in SC...Last Feb we had snow that actually stuck and it was my teens first time seeing and playing in it..

 

[bluejasmine]

Hello all Poly experts! I have switched my reservations from the Cont. to the Poly. I originally used the 40% code for the Cont. but the more I thought about it I changed to the Poly.

I LOVE the Cont. and have wanted to stay there since I was a little kid. This will be my FIRST stay at the poly.... This is also the first time my 3 children have stayed on site (with the exception of Music site 12 years ago or so) and first time they have been been in 10 years..

this is the first time that PH (4) then will go to Disney. PT (13) and PA (16) will be old enough to trot around alone. This is also the first time KT (DH) will go to Disney. AND HE IS A HUMBUG!!! Poor man, he does not see what the big deal is and thinks Disney is a product of American consumerism (don't bash him, I love him) he just doesn't know... YET.

Sooo. since I changed to the Poly, I have been a little questioning and nervous and I am hoping you can help.

I heard that everything is done through the computers now, so requesting a room is just that because they are automated to choose the rooms now. I can only afford the Garden room, and would love to be one something other than the first floor and WOULD love to be able to get into the rooms that have baloconys (I know only a certain longhouses have them) but ... well.... If I do not get those rooms, are there any bad views?

We also know that they are probably not going to have a bunch of empty rooms when we will be there (dec 17-23)

Also, the walk to everything.. is it a haul? With a tired 4 year old, am I going to regret not having the convienence of the compact resort like the Cont. Is it a long walk anywhere? realistically?

I have also heard that the rooms are leave something to be desired by users here on Disboards. I LOVE the colors... I love the 'darker' aspect... my family finds that comforting and warm... but otherwise.. is there anything that should be of concern?

We really want PH4 to go to the Neverland club while we go out to eat. PT13 and PA16 want to go out as well. I was thinking about Ohana... I dont really want to do the Luau.

I like the pool, but depending on the weather, I am betting on being able to really use it, but we'll see;")

Please convince me that I have made the best choice or I will drive myself mad over the next 10 months!!!!!!!!

I say you made the right choice. Poly is hands down one of the most relaxing resorts IVe stayed at in WDW. Between the tropical decor and plants, hawaiin music always playing and the amazing service its spectacular!

OF course the Monorail just adds to the conveinence!

I too was worried last yr about the conditions of the rooms but while we were there last Sept I personally saw them carrying furniture out to be refinished and pulling up carpet and repainting. We stayed in the Hawaii LH and nothing in our room (GV) was shabby in the least.

You can request a balcony, it wont be guaranteed but I would call and add the request ASAP. I requested balcony last yr and got it. Its normally my only request.

Ohana is a great family dinner! Its one of our faves and a tradition to do on each of our trips, plus with it being at the Poly its even better!

I didnt think the walking was too bad.. Maybe 5 min at the most? To get to EP you can walk to TTC (5 min) and take express monrail to EP or you can get on the express monorail at the GCH and change trains at the TTC.

My kids are teens so I dont know about the neverland club but I hear only good things about it..

 

[BreezysMom]

No kidding!

My deck that we shovel after every storm has it up over the window sills (again!)

HOLY COW!!!!

Thanks goodness we have our Poly memories and impending visits

 

[maiapapaya]

Here's our backyard this afternoon. That's our 70 lb golden retriever on top of that heap of snow!

I could really use some Poly right about now!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Aloha everyone!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still around and that a new FAQ thread will arrive shortly. I'll have it up soon, before we hit our 250 page limit here. (I'm hoping for tomorrow night, if I don't keep getting sidetracked).

Thanks Rob!!

Will the Grad nites be a "problem" with noise at the Poly or in the parks? I only ask because I need to plan around DD's autistic needs and noises are her worst nightmares. We'll be there for 8 nights, including both Grad nites week-ends.

1000 thanks

Poussière de fée!

Grad nites at the Poly won't be a problem. I was staying at the poly during the same time as Grad nites in 2008 and Hayden Panattierre (sp?) was staying there as well! She was one of the hosts with Katy Perry that year. But even her score of people didn't make any more noise than what is already at the Poly. And just avoid the grad nites at those certain parks if you are concerned.

Hello all Poly experts! I have switched my reservations from the Cont. to the Poly. I originally used the 40% code for the Cont. but the more I thought about it I changed to the Poly.

I LOVE the Cont. and have wanted to stay there since I was a little kid. This will be my FIRST stay at the poly.... This is also the first time my 3 children have stayed on site (with the exception of Music site 12 years ago or so) and first time they have been been in 10 years..

this is the first time that PH (4) then will go to Disney. PT (13) and PA (16) will be old enough to trot around alone. This is also the first time KT (DH) will go to Disney. AND HE IS A HUMBUG!!! Poor man, he does not see what the big deal is and thinks Disney is a product of American consumerism (don't bash him, I love him) he just doesn't know... YET.

Sooo. since I changed to the Poly, I have been a little questioning and nervous and I am hoping you can help.

I heard that everything is done through the computers now, so requesting a room is just that because they are automated to choose the rooms now. I can only afford the Garden room, and would love to be one something other than the first floor and WOULD love to be able to get into the rooms that have baloconys (I know only a certain longhouses have them) but ... well.... If I do not get those rooms, are there any bad views?

We also know that they are probably not going to have a bunch of empty rooms when we will be there (dec 17-23)

Also, the walk to everything.. is it a haul? With a tired 4 year old, am I going to regret not having the convienence of the compact resort like the Cont. Is it a long walk anywhere? realistically?

I have also heard that the rooms are leave something to be desired by users here on Disboards. I LOVE the colors... I love the 'darker' aspect... my family finds that comforting and warm... but otherwise.. is there anything that should be of concern?

We really want PH4 to go to the Neverland club while we go out to eat. PT13 and PA16 want to go out as well. I was thinking about Ohana... I dont really want to do the Luau.

I like the pool, but depending on the weather, I am betting on being able to really use it, but we'll see;")

Please convince me that I have made the best choice or I will drive myself mad over the next 10 months!!!!!!!!

You've made a GREAT choice! I would recommend asking for a room in Tokelau - all garden views are great in that building (no parking lot views). All rooms have a patio or balcony. The building itself is right next to the quiet pool and centered in between the great ceremonial house and the TTC so it is a short walk to GCH and the main pool and a 5 minute walk to take the monorail to Epcot from the TTC. It is also right next to the Neverland club (I highly recommend it! You can see my reviews of it in the last couple of pages) and it is very close to the bus stop.

Of course, everyone has their favorite buildings, but this is my favorite!

I recommend Ohana's and I have never been to the luau but I've heard both good and not so good. I don't think you will miss out on the experience of the resort if you don't go.

As for the decoration in the rooms, I like it! The darkness is great for naptime and sleeping in (but I'm pretty sure all disney hotel rooms have the darkening curtains) and just make sure to turn on the lights when you need them So no, the rooms aren't painted in bright white and perhaps those that stay at BC find the contrast 'dark' but it is not. If you are concerned, bring a nightlight for the evenings - we did that with our kids for a long time.

Everyone on this thread is so awesome - they will answer any questions you have!

 

[SydandPaige'sMom]

Gee..... where would I rather be????

or.....

Stay safe everyone

No kidding!

My deck that we shovel after every storm has it up over the window sills (again!)

HOLY COW!!!!

Thanks goodness we have our Poly memories and impending visits

Here's our backyard this afternoon. That's our 70 lb golden retriever on top of that heap of snow!

I could really use some Poly right about now!

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR lol I haven't even stepped foot outside today and don't intend to!

I don't think our snow is that bad, but it is still coming down.

*thinking warm thoughts*

I am so ready for winter to be over!

 

[lindsroc]

No kidding!

My deck that we shovel after every storm has it up over the window sills (again!)

Where in Ma are you? We are right outside the city, my house is on the water.... we got mostly rain today which is nice because it is clearing out a lot of the snow. I will have to post a pic of the backyard, uuuugh. Last week when it was -24, the ocean was actually frozen.

 

[housetomouse]

I let my DDs play in the sand and get buckets of water to build sandcastles and such. They are not allowed to walk in far. I tell them they cannot let the water touch their knees and I don't let them sit in the water. The issue is a water bourne organism that can be found in the warm waters edge in stagnant waters throughout Florida/far southern areas. We are always there in late April/early may and the waters are actually still cool so I haven't been superconcerned. The trouble happens when it is warm/hot and the organism must enter your body thru mucous membranes or open cuts/sores. I *think* it can live in the water's edge over 80 degrees. You can google and find the specifics. This board has a lot of opinions on this subject and I am expressing my personal views. I also feel if it was THAT big of a problem, Disney would plant foliage around the waters to create a buffer preventing guests from entering at all...kinda like they do at CSR which has a smaller lake with some dangerous creatures of the biting kind

Thanks for the info!

 

[housetomouse]

There's nothing to stop you, but obviously there is a reason why they say no swimming. I've heard that it's due to bacteria in the water (WDW is built on a swamp after all). The water is actually somewhat nasty looking. Personally I wouldn't. There's nothing wrong with playing on the beach, but I wouldn't let my kids go in the lagoon.

Thanks. I've never seen the water up close, it might not even be tempting if it looks nasty.

 

[maiapapaya]

Thanks. I've never seen the water up close, it might not even be tempting if it looks nasty.

I haven't paid much attention to what it looks like right along the shore, but from the dock the water looked pretty murky.

 

[carlnix30]

A couple of questions please!

1. I know you can't swim in the water at the Poly. Can you let your kids use it at all, for building in the sand or sticking toes in?

2. I think I'm wrong about this one, but I thought I read that you can get a Dole Whip somewhere at the Poly. Or is this only in the MK? (and where in the MK if that's the case?)

Thanks!

I get up early in the morning at the poly so that I can have the resort to myself.. Sometimes I find that I am sharing it with alli the alligator.. The sand is fine and alligators won't seek out humans. The other thing is there is bacteria in the lake.. Sometimes. Why would you risk the health of your little ones so that they can play in the water of the beach when there is a pool less than 100 yards away. I hope I am not offending anyone.. But there is a sign that says "no swimming".. Lots of rules are broken at Disney.. Why break that one.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Information I copied from an Orlando Sentinel article from 2007 on the amoeba that can live in southern lakes. It is not just Florida and infections are extremely rare. Common sense is the key.

---------
The Naegleria fowleria amoeba is a parasite that lives in bodies of fresh water when temperatures rise above 82 degrees.

Sentinel Staff Writer Robyn Shelton September 5, 2007 Health officials are warning residents to be extremely cautious in freshwater lakes and other bodies of water, following the second death of a child this summer from a rare amoebic illness.

Richard "Chino" Almeida, 10, of Kissimmee died from amoebic encephalitis, his family said today.


The disease is a rare brain infection caused by an amoeba that can be found in freshwater sources in Central Florida.
The organisms flourish when water temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above.

People can be exposed to the amoebas if they get water forced into the nose, and the tiny creatures make their way into the brain.


[SIZE=+1]AVOIDING CONTACT [/SIZE]

- Don't swim to the bottom, where the amoebas are more prevalent.
- Don't get water up your nose, which is how the amoebas enter the brain.
- Avoid diving, rough-housing and any activities that are likely to force water up the nose.
- Wear nose clips.
- Stay close to the surface of the water, and swim in the deep part of a lake. Amoebas are typically found in shallow water.
- Stay out of water declared unsafe by the Health Department.
- Avoid stagnant, polluted water.

Using nose clips and avoiding certain activities can reduce the danger. But the unusual spate of cases in Orange County this summer is alarming to health officials and families.

------
Sherin said people need to regard all freshwater sources with the same degree of caution. Parents need to ensure that their children are not engaging in risky activities, such as diving, swimming to the bottom, water skiing or other recreational sports that tend to force water up the nose.

"This is a rare infection but everyone in Central Florida [who swims] in lakes needs to be aware of the danger and take the proper precautions," Sherin said.