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

[Tinkerbellie16]

Originally Posted by summersalt

If the parks are '9's, how crowded is the resort? Predictions are mostly 9's for our week but I'm not really stressing. I figure if the crowds are unbearable I'll run back to the Poly for refuge!

Check out the touring plans site at (I hope this is ok to post this link):
http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14

They have the unofficial crowd levels, a GREAT crowd blog, definitions of the numbers (what '9' means), and some salve to sooth your soul ("it's the touring plan that counts more than the crowd levels"). So everyone that is leaving during these 9 & 10 crowd levels - who cares!!! You'll be soaking it up at the Poly which can't get 'more' crowded than it's max occupants (well, you know what I mean!) and you have EMH to take advantage of and you are PREPARED with all these great tips from everyone on the disboards!!!

Enjoy! Have fun! Can't wait to see your Aloha! posts before you go...and when you return

[MsStinkerBelle]

Originally Posted by Tess

No, there is no access in the lounge.

However, if you do have a broadband (wireless) card, the 3G reception in the lounge is amazing!

Originally Posted by mmmears

To my fellow Poly DISers going this week: check out on the Theme Park Boards -- there's a thread about how it's so crowded that they had to close the MK today due to capacity! Guess I'll be seeing you all around the pool!

This is *very* common during peak times. I've heard today it will be a Stage 3 shutdown (no day guests). I know during Christmas/New Years it wasn't uncommon for the MK to close to any more people coming in at around 11:30am! I'd suggest getting to the parks as early as you can, staying until around noon then going back later in the evening. The CL lounge is wonderful to use while the parks are packed like sardines.

Originally Posted by mmmears

Does anyone know what they serve before 6:30am? Like the grab-n-go things like yogurt or sandwiches?

Usually the refrigerator case has yogurt, milk and other breakfast goodies. Plus the bakery case has items readily-available.

Originally Posted by sm04

I seriously regretted opening that crowd thread. I had to close it and walk away. It totally stressed me out.

Try not to let it stress you out too much. As someone who has done WDW regularly at peak times (Easter and Christmas), just concentrate on what is most important to you to get done and go from there. Remember, the Poly's location is your friend and island of sanity from the chaos of the parks.

[MsStinkerBelle]

Originally Posted by johnsonet

k&a&c'smom - you've never been "snarky"!! What I was trying to say was, "I WAS WRONG!"

Turns out I was wrong as well. I could have sworn the valet parking fee had gone up.

What I 'm sure did go up was the hourly rate at the Neverland Club. It was $11.25/hr when I dropped DD off during our December visit.

[kaffinito]

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

[KSBelle]

mmmears-kandcmch-kaffinito-ALOHA!!!
May the Tiki Gods Bless you with Great Weather and Low Crowds!!!
Can't wait for the trip reports!!

[mmmears]

Originally Posted by kaffinito

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

That sounds awesome! Then they'll really be surprised when you go up to the check-in counter! How fun! I don't know how you've been able to keep your secret for so long, but I think it'll be worth it when you see their faces.

Originally Posted by MsStinkerBelle

However, if you do have a broadband (wireless) card, the 3G reception in the lounge is amazing!



This is *very* common during peak times. I've heard today it will be a Stage 3 shutdown (no guests). I know during Christmas/New Years it wasn't common for the MK to close to any more people coming in at around 11:30am! I'd suggest getting to the parks as early as you can, staying until around noon then going back later in the evening. The CL lounge is wonderful to use while the parks are packed like sardines.



Usually the refrigerator case has yogurt, milk and other breakfast goodies. Plus the bakery case has items readily-available.

Thanks for the 3G info for the lounge -- I guess I can check my email on my phone that way, but I wont be able to check in here.

We're planning our days just like you've suggested -- morning & evening touring in the parks, the rest of the time at the Poly. Hopefully it will all work out just fine.

Thanks for the info on the yogurt -- if we have that & fruit then we'll be fine.

[johnsonet]

Originally Posted by kaffinito

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

kaffinito - I would say just self-park. It's been very convenient for me in the past. This way you have your keys and you know where you're parked. I like the idea of telling them once you're in the lobby
Which building have you requested? I can't remember... anyway, if you end up on the TTC side of the GCH (Tokelau, Raratonga, Niue, Hawaii, Samoa, Rapa Nui, Tahiti), returning to your car for your luggage will be easy. Or will you have a ton of luggage and need help from a bellman?
If you're going to need a bellman, and want to surprise the children once you're in the lobby, I would say self-park... walk in and check in and then retn to your car and proceed to valet and let them take it from there...Hope this helps but I'm afraid it won't

[sandym718]

Just want to confirm that one of the the little stores (can't remember their names!) and/or Captain Cook's sells 1/2 gallons (or so, but not individual sized, I mean) of milk?

We're driving down and bringing lots of snacks, bottled water and breakfast items for the room, but I don't want to worry about keeping the milk cold for 1 1/2-2 days while we drive down/wait for the room to be ready. Thanks!

[MsStinkerBelle]

Originally Posted by kaffinito

How does this sound for the surprise.

Pulling up to the resort to do valet parking still saying (to the boys) that we have an ADR, and then spring the surprise on them at the Poly lobby?

Then my truck will be in valet, so then we should just wait until the room is ready and then get the truck and luggage back from valet. Does this sound doable or is it too complicated?

I think this is great! Makes me wish I was there to experience the surprise.

Originally Posted by sandym718

Just want to confirm that one of the the little stores (can't remember their names!) and/or Captain Cook's sells 1/2 gallons (or so, but not individual sized, I mean) of milk?

1/2 gallons of milk are available in Samoa Snacks (2nd floor of the GCH) and at Captain Cooks. I took a few photos in Captain Cooks last August, and in one of the shots you can see the refrigerator case that has the milk: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...postcount=3774 . Hope that helps!

[sandym718]

Originally Posted by MsStinkerBelle

1/2 gallons of milk are available in Samoa Snacks (2nd floor of the GCH) and at Captain Cooks. I took a few photos in Captain Cooks last August, and in one of the shots you can see the refrigerator case that has the milk: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...postcount=3774 . Hope that helps!

Thank you!!

[Tinkerbellie16]

I was wondering if anyone was at the Poly right now and if so, is it really crowded or is it manageable? With the park reports, I'm wondering how many people are taking advantage of the resorts - especially our favorite Polynesian getaway!!

[mmmears]

Originally Posted by KSBelle

mmmears-kandcmch-kaffinito-ALOHA!!!
May the Tiki Gods Bless you with Great Weather and Low Crowds!!!
Can't wait for the trip reports!!

Thank you for the kind thoughts!

Originally Posted by Tinkerbellie16

I was wondering if anyone was at the Poly right now and if so, is it really crowded or is it manageable? With the park reports, I'm wondering how many people are taking advantage of the resorts - especially our favorite Polynesian getaway!!

I'll be there next week, and I'll report back if I can. We're used to free internet on our travels, so we may not be hooking up to Disney's $10 internet line.

[kandcmch]

Originally Posted by KSBelle

mmmears-kandcmch-kaffinito-ALOHA!!!
May the Tiki Gods Bless you with Great Weather and Low Crowds!!!
Can't wait for the trip reports!!

Thank you!!! So much I hope the crowds will go down some.

[dfarner]

Has anyone been or are you going to the luau? If so, what are you dressing your children in? I've seen those grass skirts everywhere and I'd love to dress my girls in them for the luau. What do you all think?

[kaffinito]

Originally Posted by KSBelle

mmmears-kandcmch-kaffinito-ALOHA!!!
May the Tiki Gods Bless you with Great Weather and Low Crowds!!!
Can't wait for the trip reports!!

Thank you! We 'll need it given the crowd levels! I appreciate the well wishes!

Originally Posted by mmmears

That sounds awesome! Then they'll really be surprised when you go up to the check-in counter! How fun! I don't know how you've been able to keep your secret for so long, but I think it'll be worth it when you see their faces.

It's been tough since I'm jumping out of my skin with excitement! I'm looking forward to surprising them and staying at the Poly! See you there soon!

Originally Posted by johnsonet

kaffinito - I would say just self-park. It's been very convenient for me in the past. This way you have your keys and you know where you're parked. I like the idea of telling them once you're in the lobby
Which building have you requested? I can't remember... anyway, if you end up on the TTC side of the GCH (Tokelau, Raratonga, Niue, Hawaii, Samoa, Rapa Nui, Tahiti), returning to your car for your luggage will be easy. Or will you have a ton of luggage and need help from a bellman?
If you're going to need a bellman, and want to surprise the children once you're in the lobby, I would say self-park... walk in and check in and then retn to your car and proceed to valet and let them take it from there...Hope this helps but I'm afraid it won't

That sounds like a good plan. I was wondering if I should valet or not, but since I never have yet (I'm too cheap ) that might tip them off! So self parking it is. It will be a good surprise for them

I'm going to post every other day or so from the Poly. I have to be online anyway to "talk" to DH, so might as well do a little DIS.

Aloha and thanks to everyone for all of the tips and advice!