The *NEW* Polynesian Resort FAQ thread - *2008*

[SeaSpray]

ALOHA!

And Welcome to the
New 2008 Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

​

You will find general resort information here in the first post, and I will continuously place links to different posts with pictures and comments about the various longhouses, restaurants, etc.


So, sit back, relax, envision a tropical ambience, pretend your bottle of spring water is a Lapu-Lapu and enjoy this thread!!

**********************************

Soak up the sun at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Resort! The Polynesian celebrates the tranquil spirit and picturesque splendor of the South Seas islands, and is conveniently located in the Magic Kingdom area. The Magic Kingdom park is just a short, pleasant boat ride away...

The main building of the Polynesian Resort is the Great Ceremonial House. It's a 2-story building which contains check-in; lobby concierge (available to all guests of the resort); Trader Jack's merchandise shop containing gifts, toys, and a pin-trading cart; Bou-Tiki which offers resort logo merchandise, gifts, tropical clothing, swimwear, jewelry, and accessories; Samoa Snacks which offers sundries, film, newspapers, magazines, stamps, liquors, wine, beer, and snacks; The Kona Cafe restaurant, 'Ohana restaurant, the Tambu Lounge, the Kona Coffee bar, and Captain Cook's quick-service counter cafe'. Children's activities are frequently held inside the GCH as well.

The centerpiece of the Great Ceremonial House is a waterfall that reaches over 2 stories high:

Guest rooms are located within various "longhouses", each named after a different island in the South Pacific: Tonga (contains only suites), Aotearoa, Fiji, Tuvalu, Rarotonga, Niue, Samoa, Hawaii (contains only concierge/club level rooms), Tokelau, Rapa Nui, and Tahiti. Scroll down for DIS-reader reviews of each longhouse.

Room Features:

Rooms are available with two queen-size beds (available with sofa bed); king-size beds available in suites
Disabled accessible rooms available
Irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers in each room
In-room coffee makers and refrigerators available at no charge
Pak-n-Play Cribs available upon request
In-room safes
Disney Channel and ESPN
Newspaper delivery
High-speed Internet access (additional fee applies)


All guests rooms (except suites) have 2 queen beds plus a day bed and were recently refurbished, and look like this:

Magic Kingdom-view rooms (separate booking category) offer a spectacular view of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom, right from your room:

The feature pool is called the Nanea Volcano pool and was completed in 2001. It's a "zero-depth entry" pool which means that you can walk right in without any steps or ladder. It features a grotto slide and a children's water play area. Life jackets are provided to resort guests for no charge.

The Nanea Volcano Pool offers one of the best experiences on all Disney property; the ability to swim while watching the fireworks over the castle, every night....

This thread is a work-in-progress! I'll be continuously adding to it, and I hope that all of you who love the Polynesian Resort, and those of you who are considering a stay at this tropical Disney paradise, will contribute to this thread!!!

Restaurant Information:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22944560&postcount=9

Kona Cafe posts:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22943739&postcount=2
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22943831&postcount=4
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22949346&postcount=31

Kona Island:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24012527&postcount=708

'Ohana - Character breakfast:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24581060&postcount=1211

'Ohana - dinner:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24581389&postcount=1215

Captain Cook's (pictures and pic of menu board)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27109484&postcount=3774
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27212560&postcount=3922

ROOM SERVICE MENUS -
BREAKFAST:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26879456&postcount=3441

LUNCH:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27122713&postcount=3803


Concierge/Club Level posts:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22950450&postcount=36
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22950938&postcount=37

Current menu for concierge evening food offerings:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24477595&postcount=1152

Daily Activites, Guest Services, and other Resort Information posts:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22943991&postcount=7
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22944174&postcount=8
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22945499&postcount=13
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22959580&postcount=45

Mikala Canoe Club (Marina - boat rental info):
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27102991&postcount=3771

Transportation Information:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22945056&postcount=12

Pool, Beach, and various Outdoor pics:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22996336&postcount=87
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22996718&postcount=89

Guest Rooms:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23095968&postcount=132

Internet connectivity at the Polynesian:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24432026&postcount=1117

Laundry and Dry Cleaning Price List:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25419573&postcount=1753

"But is the Polynesian REALLY WORTH IT????"
Click here to read what your fellow DISers have to say about this subject!
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24480581&postcount=1160
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24488408&postcount=1168
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24488531&postcount=1169
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23813770&postcount=561

How hot and crowded is the Polynesian in the summer???
Some DISers share their summer-time experiences:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24095596&postcount=794
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24097808&postcount=802
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24099820&postcount=810


Map of the Polynesian:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24176459&postcount=915

Follow the adventures of DISer "huntconn" as he posts LIVE from the Polynesian! July 2008
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26107907&postcount=2314
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26113342&postcount=2323
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26123118&postcount=2328
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26128724&postcount=2335
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26130438&postcount=2342
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26159068&postcount=2380
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26173384&postcount=2401
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26191570&postcount=2415
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26191669&postcount=2416
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26191931&postcount=2417
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26201778&postcount=2422
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26208604&postcount=2436

Read what other DISers have to say about the location/longhouse they stayed in!

Longhouse Reviews Index:

Accessible Room in the Hawaii building
http://www.brownfamilyvacations.com/html/PolynAccessRm.htm

Hawaii (Club Level/Concierge Level)
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23234159&postcount=196
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23240503&postcount=200
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23255633&postcount=217

Samoa
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23242816&postcount=204
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23255712&postcount=218
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23278599&postcount=244
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23255809&postcount=9
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24631795&postcount=1250

Fiji
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23242866&postcount=205
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23254141&postcount=216
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23254141&postcount=216
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23254639&postcount=7
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23284998&postcount=251
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24242963&postcount=977
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24207263&postcount=946
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24156280&postcount=880
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24032969&postcount=740
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23756399&postcount=514

Rarotonga
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23242940&postcount=206
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23256036&postcount=220
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23283927&postcount=16
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24149379&postcount=876

Rapa Nui
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23255909&postcount=219
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27342907&postcount=4044
This post shows a "parking lot" & monorail view:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27349332&postcount=4051
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27349422&postcount=4053

Tuvalu
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23265627&postcount=234

Tokelau
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23240117&postcount=4
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23257229&postcount=11
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24329388&postcount=1059
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23732796&postcount=497

Tahiti
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23255523&postcount=8
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23277415&postcount=13
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23280737&postcount=14
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24548683&postcount=1190
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24244363&postcount=979
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23982143&postcount=662
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23973792&postcount=657

Tonga
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23686254&postcount=469
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=23704605&postcount=481


Aotearoa

Niue


Please note: All information contained in my posts are either from my own first-hand experience from my several stays at the Polynesian; are my own pictures; and/or is information taken directly from the Official WDW website, and from the "Island Palm Press" newletter (the resort's newsletter that is given to every guest at check-in). And a BIG "MAHALO!" to those who have posted pics and reviews that I've linked to, in the above index. I try to give out correct, accurate information to the best of my knowledge, as does everyone else here on the DIS. I hope you enjoy this thread, but please keep in mind that personal tastes, opinions, and experiences can and do vary. Mahalo!

 

[SeaSpray]

The Kona Cafe is my family's all-around FAVORITE restaurant at Walt Disney World.

We've enjoyed many wonderful meals here, but mainly breakfast and dinner. Please allow me to share with you our favorite menu items...

Let's start with breakfast!

The Kona Cafe is famous for it's Tonga Toast which is basically thick-cut sour dough bread into which fresh banana slices have been stuffed. Then it's light fried and coated with cinnamon and sugar. I never add maple syrup to Tonga Toast, I think it's perfect just the way it is. Tonga Toast is my husband's favorite breakfast. Here are some pictures.. Enjoy!

The INSIDE of Tonga Toast:

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for doing this so I thought that I would subscribe to this thread.

 

[SeaSpray]

My personal favorite item on the breakfast menu is the Pineapple-Macadamia Nut Pancakes. They are excellent! Light and flurry with small bits of macadamia nuts inside, topped with not-too-sweet pineapple, with macadamia-nut butter! HEAVEN ON A PLATE!

And I highly recommend the 100% Kona coffee press pot!

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for doing this so I thought that I would subscribe to this thread.

You're welcome! I really hope everyone will enjoy this thread!

 

[nixieh]

Fantastic job Seaspray - thanks so much.

 

[SeaSpray]

This information has been taken directly from the "Island Palm Press"; the Polynesian's official newsletter.

Disney's Polynesian Resort - telephone number: 407-824-2000

Check-in: Check-in is after 3:00pm. For early travelers, every effort will be made to get you settled in as soon as possible.

Check-out: Check-out time is before 11am. Express check-out is available to guests using their VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, DinersClub, and JCB cards. Please inquire at the Front Desk or dial "Front Desk".

ATM: ATM machines are available in the main lobby of the resort.

First Aid: For all emergencies, Dial 911. In-room medical care services are also available. Dial "Front Desk" for assistance. For your safety, special containers are provided, upon request by Housekeeping, for disposal of hypodermic needles and razor blades. Please Dial "Housekeeping" to request a Sharps container. No charge.

Housekeeping: For special services including bed rails, extra pillows and blankets, baby cribs, extra hangers, towels, specific cleaning time requests, or any sundry items you may require, Dial "Housekeeping/Maintenance" on your inroom phone.

 

[SeaSpray]

Moana Mickey's Fun Hut: A family game room and arcade featuring the latest in arcade entertainment. Open 24 hours daily. Resort ID Card required for entrance between 5pm and 7am.

Electrical Water Pageant: See this dazzling, lighted, musical procession nightly on Seven Seas Lagoon at 9pm. (May be cancelled due to inclement weather).

Jogging: A 1.5 mile jogging trail is offered at WDW resort. Maps are available at the Lobby Concierge Desk on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Neverland Club: Offers supervised Peter Pan-themed dinner buffet for children ages 4 to 12. Activities include free arcade games, Disney Classic Movies, and arts & crafts. Hours of operation are 4pm to 12 midnight. Dinner is served between 6pm and 8pm. Touch "Dining Options" on your inroom phone for reservations.

Health Club & Spa: As a guest of Disney's Polynesian Resort, use of the Grand Floridian Health Club is at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. Massage & Spa services are also available by appointment (for additional charge). Dial "Message/Health Club" on your inroom phone.

Boat and Fishing Excursions at Mikala Canoe Club: Visit the Marina to experience a fun-filled aquatic environment! Enjoy the Sea Raycer, the SunTracker pontoon boat, surrey bike rentals, and cruises on the Seven Seas Lagoon.

For more information, dial "Recreation" on your inroom phone.

Swimming: Enjoy the two heated pools at the Polynesian resort. The Nanea Volcano pool is located on the beach, while the "Quiet" pool is located behind the Samoa and Hawaii longhouses. Coast Guard approved life jackets are provided. Pools are for the exclusive use of Disney's Polynesian Resort guests. Diaper-age children are required to wear swim diapers or rubber pants when using any pool at WDW resort. Swim Diapers are available in the merchandise shops.

Children's Water Play Area:

 

[SeaSpray]

Kona Cafe:
Breakfast: 7:30am - 11:15am
Lunch: 12 noon - 2:45pm
Dinner: 5pm - 9:45pm

Serving the "perfect cup", this family restaurant features American cuisine with subtle Asian flavors. Breakfast features the famous Tonga Toast. For lunch try the pot stickers and Pan Asian pasta. Dinner features crab cake appetizers, fresh fish selections, and prime rib. (SeaSpray wants to add that the Teriyaki beef served with pineapple/mango salsa is her favorite dinner at the Kona Cafe! ).
In addition, you can enjoy the fabulous desserts that are featured in the on-stage dessert bar. Kona Cafe is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House. ADRs strongly recommended, especially for dinner. Dial "Dining Options" on your inroom phone.

'Ohana:
Character Breakfast: 7:30am - 10:45am
Dinner (no characters): 5pm - 9:45pm

Mickey and Friends Character Breakfast:
Wake up to a family-style breakfast hosted by MICKEY MOUSE and his Disney character friends. Dial "Dining Options" on your inroom phone.

Dinner:
'Ohana means family in the Hawaiian language, and everything is served family-style in an all-you-care-to-eat setting. The centerpiece of 'Ohana is an 18-foot semi-circular fire pit where you can watch your food being grilled.

The family-style dinner features appetizers, vegetables, salads, and freshly grilled meats served on skewers.

Children's options available.

Tambu Lounge (located adjacent to 'Ohana):
Be a castaway at this cool tropical bar with a true island "hang loose" attitude featuring wild libation combinations.
1pm - 12 midnight
Appetizers are available from 5pm - 10pm.

From the Tambu Lounge:

Barefoot Pool Bar:
Open from noon to dusk, weather permitting.

Pina-coLAVAs from the Barefoot bar:

Captain Cook's:
A 24 hour walk-up counter cafe on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Features egg sandwiches, bakery bar, hamburgers, pizza, cold sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Grill closes at 11pm

Private Dining:
Refer to the Room Service menu in your room. Available from 6:30am to 12 midnight. Dial "Dining Options".

 

[John's Mom]

Aloha Terry,

What a terrific idea! Thanks so much for taking the time to create such a wonderful thread. It's because of your Poly Trip Report that my DH and I are staying at the Poly this December for the first time.

Mahalo,
Kathy

 

[madysmom]

Thank you SeaSray for this wonderful thread!

It has always been my dream to stay at the Polynesian, and we will be staying next July for four nights. I am so excited! We reserved the standard room rate, but I have not made any special requests yet.

Which longhouse do you recommend?

We have two small children, ages 6 and 3 so we may enjoy being near the pool, or perhaps near the monorail (I like the benefit of being able to monorail back to the resort for a midday nap)...? Not sure, what would be best? Thanks for your help.

 

[SeaSpray]

The Polynesian Resort is one of only 3 resorts that are on the monorail. The one thing that makes the Polynesian "better" than the other 2 in regards to transportation is the fact that it's right next to the TTC (Ticket & Transportation Center), via a short walkway, which offers the monorail to Epcot, in addition of course to the monorail to the Magic Kingdom!

The Polynesian also offers a boat launch to the Magic Kingdom, which it shares with the Grand Floridian Resort:

 

[SeaSpray]

Airline check-in:
On your day of departure, you can check your luggage and receive your airline boarding pass right here at the Polynesian Resort's Airline Check-In Desk, located in the lobby.

If you are departing on a domestic flight from Orlando International Airport on participating carriers, you can check-in no less than 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight time (flight delays do not extend the check-in time). For more details, please visit the Resort Airline Check-In Desk.

Disney's Magical Express:
If you are utilizing this service and would like assistance transporting your luggage to the motor coach departure location, please contact Bell Services.

Groceries:
A selection of grocery items is available at the Samoa Snacks located on the second floor and at Captain Cook's on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Ice:
Ice machines are located on every floor of each longhouse.

Internet Service:
High speed internet access is available in every guest room. Consult the information sheet in your room for details.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning:
Laundry bags and laundry lists are located in the closet. For same-day service, laundry will be picked up from your room. Dial "Housekeeping/Maintenance" on your inroom phone by 9am for pick-up. It will be returned after 7pm.
Coin-operated washers and dryers are located next to the Neverland Club. Vending machines offer laundry detergent.

Lost and Found:
For assistance, stop by the Lobby Concierge Desk located in the lobby, or call "Housekeeping/Maintenance" on your inroom phone.

Luggage Assistance:
Luggage assistance is available through Bell Services. Dial "Luggage/Valet Service" on your inroom phone. Gratuity not included.

Mail/Stamps:
Mail drop-off, express mail service and shipping is available at the Front Desk. Stamps are available at News From Polynesian. Dial Front Desk for information.

Privacy:
If you do not wish to be disturbed while in your room, please place the "Privacy Please" sign outside your door and bolt the special lock to exclude all keys.

Taxi Service:
Dial 407-422-2222

Valet Parking:
For assistance with your vehicle, dial "Luggage/Valet Service" on your inroom phone. Please have your valet receipt available. Gratuity not included.

Valuables:
Key-operated wall safes are located in every guest room. Safekeeping boxes are also available at the Front Desk.

Facsimile (FAX):
For your convenience, facsimile services are available at the Lobby Concierge desk. Service charges for incoming and outgoing facsimiles will be applied. For incoming facsimiles, Disney's Polynesian Resort facsimile number is 407-824-3174.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

Subscribing. Thanks for starting this thread, SeaSpray!

 

[SeaSpray]

Thank you SeaSray for this wonderful thread!

It has always been my dream to stay at the Polynesian, and we will be staying next July for four nights. I am so excited! We reserved the standard room rate, but I have not made any special requests yet.

Which longhouse do you recommend?

We have two small children, ages 6 and 3 so we may enjoy being near the pool, or perhaps near the monorail (I like the benefit of being able to monorail back to the resort for a midday nap)...? Not sure, what would be best? Thanks for your help.

I've only ever stayed in the Hawaii building, but on our last trip my DH and I walked around the entire resort and I noticed that there were a lot of other buildings that I'd be VERY happy to stay in! I do have some walking/health issues, so while I was checking out the other longhouses, I kept that in mind... With having young children like you do, I'd probably want to be near the pool and monorail too! Personally I'd choose the Samoa building because it's "right there" in the heart of the resort. In fact, here's a picture of Samoa, to the left in the background of this picture:

Samoa would also be convenient to the marina/boat launch to the Magic Kingdom.

Niue is also close to the Great Ceremonial House (where the monorail is) and to the pool.

Rarotonga would also be close to the bus stops because it's right in the front of the resort, between the GCH and the bus stops. Not sure of the views from there though, if that would be a concern. (On one side you'd definitely have garden views, but the side that faces the monorail could have either monorail views or parking lot views since it faces that direction).


Here's a picture of the map of the resort that I took. I think you can make out the names of the different longhouses, so you can see where they are each located in relation to the pools and Great Ceremonial House:

 

[Disney Ron]

Terry thanks so much from a fellow New Englander!

We are staying at the Poly for the first time in 18 days and this thread you started has really made us excited.

I've always wanted to stay at the Poly and can't wait to get there.

Once again thanks!!!

 

[AtTheBeach]

Thanks for the info! Going there for honeymoon in August. Can't wait!!

 

[dwcrosby1]

Thanks for the information. I will be checking this thread daily. My family's first trip to Disney is in April and we will be staying at the Poly. I am so excited.

 

[Kteacher]

Thanks for doing this. I'm staying here next Oct.

 

[Laura Bell]

We'll be staying at the Poly for the first time December 7-18 and all this information is really helpful....also it gets me more and more psyched about our trip. Can't wait.

Laura