The *ALL NEW* Polynesian Resort FAQ thread - *APRIL 2009*

[lissiesmum]

Originally Posted by mmmears

Hi. My DD is always cold and had one of those North Face fleece (thin one) sweaters with her all the time. Once or twice it was chilly at night -- nothing that a light jacket wouldn't fix. But we were moving around alot -- if you are going to sit for an hour or two to watch the parade & fireworks, I would definitely bring a jacket. It was pleasantly warm, but not hot or humid while we were there. Perfect for us, since we run around alot and the heat and humidity really slow us down.

Weird thing -- when we left home it was 60 degrees and rainy. It's supposed to be 90 today! Really unusual for us, especially since it's warmer than Florida!

thanks! I will definitely pack a sweatshirt for both of us and some long pants. Glad I asked! I will have the same weirdness for weather here. The day before and the day I leave it will be in the 70's - 80's...not normal for NH in April!

Originally Posted by Kathy Z

Thanks taylor3297 & lissiesmom for the information about Pop Werner Football at WDW. That is what I was hoping but it is good to have it confirmed.

Carlix30, taylor3297 is correct - UG stand for Unofficial Guide.

you're welcome! I fretted about it forever and never ended up going, but it didn't sound like it would affect crowds at all. Have fun!

Originally Posted by jmamom

HI everyone, I have a question for those of you who have been to MNSSHP, I hope someone can help! I know the tickets go on sale May 1st, but the park hours for September won't be posted until June. Do I need to buy the tickets right away, or can I wait until June when I can plan my whole week? I'm thinking they won't sell out right away, especially for September. What do you think? Thanks!!!!

I booked my MNSSHP tickets about three weeks before I left, and I was there for the first party in September. I don't think they sell out, except maybe close to/on Halloween. You will have plenty of time to plan your week...my biggest stress was, will it rain the night of the party? It did rain at first, but then cleared and we were still able to enjoy the rest of the night. You will absolutely love it, I wish I could go back again. We bought the soundtrack and listen to it every day while wer'e driving. You'll be singing Boo to you for weeks after you leave!

Originally Posted by CAJUNWDWFAN

If you want to find us. We will be the newlywed couple with honeymoon buttons on. I use a blue Jansport backpack with a green mickey ear attached to the backpack. Look for us!

I will look out for you guys. What a great place to honeymoon...congratulations We have a brown stroller and I'll try to attach a LGMH to it if I can find one. Enjoy your wedding, and hope to catch up with you soon!

Originally Posted by juliebee

Although it wasn't in the 80s when we were there, I will say that that wind at night was rather chilly if you were hanging out on the Poly beach. I'd recommend something warm to wear if the wind kicks up while you are there. We were unprepared and had to all buy hoodies at WDW.

Thanks, Juliebee! My DD is never cold, but lately I'm cold all the time. I've had a cold that never ends since February, got rid of it for a week, and now have a new one so I will definitely need something to keep me warm at night!

Originally Posted by kaffinito

Hi to you too! Better get packing! We ended up in Tokelau, and it was a good place for us. I highly recommend Samoa for you, since it's very close to the monorail, Captain Cooks, both pools, the boat dock, etc. They are definitely rebuilding the outside stairs at Fiji now. The workmen I spoke with said it would be at least a month before completion (But will probably be done before then )


For O'hana I would try the front desk concierge first, then if that doesn't work just show up in the AM and ask at the check in desk for Ohana. Even when the front desk said I couldn't get in, I did a "walk up" there and was seated in ten minutes for dinner. There were folks doing walk ups for Crystal Place (20 minutes to an hour and a half wait depending on party size) and we did several meals as walk ups at Kona Cafe. More for you later - I took pics with you in mind.







Yeah for you! Pretty soon you'll be there enjoying the lovey Poly!

I'm glad you liked Tokelau. I'm just going to wait until I get there, tell them what I'm looking for and see what I get (and hope to get a decent view or location). I'm looking forward to those pictures, thanks for thinking of us . Thanks for the tips on 'Ohana. DD is dying to eat with Lilo and Stitch so I'll ask concierge first, then try walk up. The only day we could do it is our departure day, and I already have a ressie for Kona that I could cancel, so I'll cross my fingers and hope for the best

PS...my countdown clock conked out and disappeared? what the heck???

[taylor3297]

Originally Posted by dfarner

Hello! We booked the Poly (club level) right at the end of the 4/3 promotion and I have enjoyed reading this thread everyday since. The thread itself has gotten me so excited for our trip in July. Here's where I need some advice from everyone that has stayed at the Poly (I have not). We are booked for 7 nights with 8 day park hopper tickets. We are going to go down to Orlando a few days early and stay near SeaWorld and do that park a couple of days. Then the plan is to move over to the Poly on 7/8. I hate split stays, but 9 nights at the Poly isn't in the budget (1,000 for the additional 2 nights-I had my DH call last night just to be sure). Well, yesterday I was reading some of the Swan/Dolphin threads and decided to get a quote for the 9 nights. With the current $99-for-the-second-room special and my teacher discount we can get 2 rooms for 9 nights for the price of 7 (1 room) at the Poly. Now I am seriously torn between the two. Has anyone stayed at both resorts and could give me some advice? We will be going to all 4 parks, but probably MK the most. Help please .

If you stay at the Swan and Dolphin there is something/benefit you miss out on (which I can't remember what it is right this minute) because even though it is on Disney Property, it isn't a Disney owned hotel. Someone on here who will remember what I can't at this moment.

[BreezysMom]

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

[Sphyrna]

Originally Posted by BreezysMom

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

[Sphyrna]

Originally Posted by taylor3297

If you stay at the Swan and Dolphin there is something/benefit you miss out on (which I can't remember what it is right this minute) because even though it is on Disney Property, it isn't a Disney owned hotel. Someone on here who will remember what I can't at this moment.

From what I remember from listening to the podcast, you can't use Magical Express with the Swan & Dolphin. Also, you can't have purchases bought in the park sent to your resort. I believe those were the 2 main things.

[maiapapaya]

Originally Posted by BreezysMom

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

This sounds sooo much like my DH!
At the beginning he was all "Whatever. Just tell me when and where." Now he's insisting that we upgrade to MK view so he can watch the fireworks every night from his balcony.

[Pugsly]

Originally Posted by BreezysMom

Teehee....

I had to come on here and tell you all. DH always has this attitude, like you book it, plan it, just let me know when the $$ is due. Not that I am complaining...

So now for the second time I caught him browsing the net, the first time checking out tiki's site and then just now he was on the DIS.

I knew something was up because he was asking me questions about stuff like bouncebacks and park hours. He has never cared before. He loves Disney but I was the offical planner. His research consisted of the park maps located in the lobby upon arrival.

Then today a box came from Eddie Bauer so I called him at work to tell him and his response "Oh, that is my new backpack for Disney".

He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

Thanks for ending my day with a laugh!

[NJBILL]

Originally Posted by PiperMickey

Sorry to go off topic but...
Have you taken the auto-train before? I am just curious of your experience and how you pass the time. I have looked into it occasionally but could never get my head wrapped around sitting in those seats for 20 hours (even if you can get up and walk around).

Thanks

Not bad at all. We have made the trip by train 5 times since my kids were small..You leave at 4pm and arrive around 8:20. You get a free dinner and continental breakfast. There are electrical outlets at each seat so kids play their video games or watch movies,as well as look out the window and see different states..My kids still enjoy it and they are 12,12, and 14 now. It takes a little planning,and some patience, but between eating,sleeping,walking around,the time moves pretty quickly.

[mmmears]

Originally Posted by BreezysMom

Teehee....He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

I love this! There's something great about a guy who loves Disney, even if he's still in the closet!

[mmmears]

Originally Posted by Sphyrna

From what I remember from listening to the podcast, you can't use Magical Express with the Swan & Dolphin. Also, you can't have purchases bought in the park sent to your resort. I believe those were the 2 main things.

I think you also can't be on the dining plan (no biggie to me, but a big deal to some people).

Also, I'm not sure that you can charge stuff to your room from the parks (that would be a big deal to me).

S/D is in a great location, though, so for me that would make up for a lot!

[jmamom]

I booked my MNSSHP tickets about three weeks before I left, and I was there for the first party in September. I don't think they sell out, except maybe close to/on Halloween. You will have plenty of time to plan your week...my biggest stress was, will it rain the night of the party? It did rain at first, but then cleared and we were still able to enjoy the rest of the night. You will absolutely love it, I wish I could go back again. We bought the soundtrack and listen to it every day while wer'e driving. You'll be singing Boo to you for weeks after you leave!


Thank you so much! Have a great trip!!!

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Originally Posted by mmouse37

It's is good luck to have your honeymoon at the Poly....we did!!! 30 years ago and are checking back in Saturday to celebrate our 30th anniversary!!!

MJ

That's wonderful! Happy Anniversary. Actually is so funny, me and my fiance are getting married Friday the 24. My parents were also married on April 24th! So we will celebrate Anniversaries together! They will make 38 years together!

[LJD2143]

Originally Posted by dfarner

Hello! We booked the Poly (club level) right at the end of the 4/3 promotion and I have enjoyed reading this thread everyday since. The thread itself has gotten me so excited for our trip in July. Here's where I need some advice from everyone that has stayed at the Poly (I have not). We are booked for 7 nights with 8 day park hopper tickets. We are going to go down to Orlando a few days early and stay near SeaWorld and do that park a couple of days. Then the plan is to move over to the Poly on 7/8. I hate split stays, but 9 nights at the Poly isn't in the budget (1,000 for the additional 2 nights-I had my DH call last night just to be sure). Well, yesterday I was reading some of the Swan/Dolphin threads and decided to get a quote for the 9 nights. With the current $99-for-the-second-room special and my teacher discount we can get 2 rooms for 9 nights for the price of 7 (1 room) at the Poly. Now I am seriously torn between the two. Has anyone stayed at both resorts and could give me some advice? We will be going to all 4 parks, but probably MK the most. Help please .

No, no, no - Don't give up the Poly Club Level!!!

Although the Swan & Dolphin sound like wonderful hotels, IMO they just don't compare to the Poly: Theme, location, room views, transportation options, restaurants, pools, monorail access, and proximity to MK.

I am also not a fan of split stays - but in this instance, I definitely vote for keeping 7 nights at the Poly, with the 2 additional nights at the Swan or Dolphin.

Good Luck!

[tarak]

Originally Posted by BreezysMom

Teehee....He is a total closet Disney planner. He just has not come out to me yet.

If you are reading this "Hi honey, welcome to the DIS"

The only thing my husband has decreed is that we should stay at the Poly. Which is the way I like it.

[mmouse37]

Originally Posted by LJD2143

No, no, no - Don't give up the Poly Club Level!!!

Although the Swan & Dolphin sound like wonderful hotels, IMO they just don't compare to the Poly: Theme, location, room views, transportation options, restaurants, pools, monorail access, and proximity to MK.

I am also not a fan of split stays - but in this instance, I definitely vote for keeping 7 nights at the Poly, with the 2 additional nights at the Swan or Dolphin.

Good Luck!

I have to agree.....I have stayed at both the Swan and the Dolphin and even though they are nice hotels...they don't compare, at least to me, with the ambience and feel of the Poly....we have stayed at the Poly several times and just love it.

MJ