The Official Polynesian Resort FAQ thread!

[MsStinkerBelle]

Okay, total newb with questions:

1) how much time does it take to get to the different parks (using WDW transportation) from the Poly?

I don't know the exact numbers but I know it takes us at least 10 minutes to the MK, 20 minutes to EPCOT, and about 30 to 40 mins the other parks assuming we catch the bus at the right time.

2) how difficult would it be to get from the Poly to Beach Club (I hear there's a Kitchen Sink dessert that my kids will go NUTS for) and then to DTD...and how much travel time should I allow?

Not difficult but just a bit time-consuming as it is with buses. Take the monorail to the MK and then take the bus to the BC.

and 3) Where do you get an arcade card and how do they work? (Also, anyone have info on what the Poly arcade is like? DS14 is dying to know...)

Arcade cards are available at the arcade. I forget what wall it's against at Moana Mickeys but it isn't hard to spot. Basically you purchase an arcade card using a credit card, KTTWC (this is what my DN13 used), or cash. It operates on a point system. The more points you buy for games, the more 'bonus' points you get.

The Poly arcade is nice and has a great assortment of games. Your usual FPS (First Person Shooter), racing games (Mario Kart), DDR, Skill Crane, and air hockey. I will say that it's nice in a crunch but your DS14 might want to check out the arcade at the CR which I think is MUCH nicer with more games.

Plus, you need to use your KTTWC to get access to the arcade after a certain time of day (I think 8pm but don't quote me).

Hope this helps!

 

[GothTink]

You are a godsend, thank you!!

 

[Tess]

You could also simply monorail to EPCOT then walk through to BC or head over to BC on a day you are visiting EPCOT or MGM. You can take the boat (or walk) from MGM (now Hollywood Studios I guess ) to BC also. Just another option or two.

 

[GothTink]

Thanks, Tess!

 

[SUZI]

1. My kids LOVE playing on the beach while I lay in a lounge chair and read! The Polynesian provided my children with buckets and pails.
QUOTE]

Thanks Cara! Were the buckets/pails only provided at the Club Level? I realize that this is such a small little question compared to the big picture. However, I have young children and this is what they will enjoy. (I suppose it wouldn't be difficult to bring one in the suitcase. Thanks again!

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm so psyched!!!!

We just got a PIN code. Turns out we'll SAVE $450 by switching from the Contemporary to the Poly.

I'm about to become a regular here!!!

 

[soccer-mom29e]

Where did you find a PIN for the Poly?

 

[Aliceacc]

It was one of those 40% off postcards that I've heard people mention. I NEVER win anything, so I'm stunned that I got it.

It was 40% off a moderate room, with other special offers attached to it. I called AAA, and that's what it boiled down to for us.

It was a big, tri-fold postcard that arrived today.

 

[mousescrapper]

Usually I find June/July to be really busy pool-wise just because there are more people at the Polynesian/Disney during that time. It seems there are more folks in the pool around lunch time because a lot of families take a break around then. It wasn't 'people soup' in the pool but it was quite busy. We usually go to the pool either late in the afternoon when most people are back at the parks or late in the evening after we return from the parks. It just works out better for us.

During the time that you're going, I'd just suggest getting to the pool before lunchtime. Also, early mornings work great as the lifeguards are just coming on duty. Don't forget--there's also a quiet pool that is usually less busy than the volcano pool.

Hope that helps!

Thanks MsStinkerBelle....I take your advice as solid! You are all over this thread. (it's good ) Thanks for mentioning too that your DD has PDD and some sensory issues. My DS 8 has ADHD, sensory issues, and Aspergers. Choosing the Poly for this trip, was heavily influenced by his needs and traveling with a toddler. My youngest DD will be 18 mo at time of travel.

As far as the pool, we're thinking of going to the pool on Fri (our 2nd day) late afternoon, on Sun in the evening like the dinner hour..., again on Mon in the morning to early afternoon, Tue is our rest day, so many times and then whenever it fits in! How's that sound? Also can you use those little floaty boats for a baby/toddler?

Thanks for mentioning the arcade stuff. My DS really wants to go there, it's on the top of his list!

Question: How do you use the marina boats? Particularily the little mouseboats. My DD 8 (twin to DS) would get a kick out of those. Is it worth it? Do you need to reserve first thing? Do they supply the lifevests? Thanks for any info.

1. My kids LOVE playing on the beach while I lay in a lounge chair and read! The Polynesian provided my children with buckets and pails.
QUOTE]

Thanks Cara! Were the buckets/pails only provided at the Club Level? I realize that this is such a small little question compared to the big picture. However, I have young children and this is what they will enjoy. (I suppose it wouldn't be difficult to bring one in the suitcase. Thanks again!

I'd be happy to hear an answer on that question. My younger DD 5 enjoys playing in the sand. As of right now I'm not planning on packing a sand bucket, if they don't provide...do they sell in any gift shops for cheap? Maybe buy there and then pass on to another child upon departure. Thanks!

Couple other questions to throw out there:

Read on another post about DVD players on the concierge level, are they in the regular rooms too?

Would anyone recommend or think this may work? On the Friday of our stay, we have our 3 older children reserved spots at the Neverland Club (approx time 5:30-8:30 pm) Which leaves DH, DMother, my 18 mo DD and I. Now my DM has her own room/ressie on a pkg including the $15 voucher for PH at DTD. As do we. So as not to put these to waste. We're thinking of going there to eat while the kids are at the NC. I'm thinking we wouldn't have enough time to go, wait for a table (no ADR's for that night, checked already), eat and get back with using the buses. So thinking we'd pay for a taxi. We'll have a carseat for DD (from the plane).

Could that work?

Thanks for any thoughts or comments.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I've seen the window and door decoration threads popping up occasionally. Do people tend to decorate at the Poly? If so, does anyone have pics? Thanks!!

 

[soccer-mom29e]

Can anyone tell me if there is a Hair Wrapping station at the Polynesian. I thought I saw a picture somewhere, but can't find it now. If there is, can anyone tell me what they offer and how much they charge for the services.

 

[Poppinsme]

I've seen the window and door decoration threads popping up occasionally. Do people tend to decorate at the Poly? If so, does anyone have pics? Thanks!!

We decorated! There from 11-26 to 12-04-07 and really put cool Xmas things on our door. I had MVMCP poster up(small), DIS board decoration, our 32nd wedding Anni. poster(small again) , and Mickey and Minnie kissing drawings. Everybody seemed to really enjoy our door. And we stayed LVC. I made them easy to remove and didn't leave any marks. On our glass doors out to our patio we didn't have anything BUT you could see all of our balloons and flowers that I got. I lost all of my 300 pics which included room and door.
So I say decorate if you want. Have fun!!

 

[dreamtorealty]

Hey Dream, We doing the Land/Sea too....Poly 17-21, Wonder 21-24.......

Wow thats awesome our trips almost coincide.. Have a magical time!

I'm still undecided which Longhouse to request. We have gardenview and have chosen Samoa but not sure now that the Volcano pool might be closed (although, wondering if it will be pool weather there anyway..lol).

Any suggestions and/or tips appreciated, not packed yet but gathering

So exciting!!!

 

[SeaSpray]

Can anyone tell me if there is a Hair Wrapping station at the Polynesian. I thought I saw a picture somewhere, but can't find it now. If there is, can anyone tell me what they offer and how much they charge for the services.

There is a hair-wrapping station right beside the pool bar, in a small "hut", near the marina. I don't know the prices, sorry.

 

[kileybeth]

buckets and shovels are provided at club level but they are also available very reasonably priced ($2-3)in the gift shop right at the POLY. no need to pack them. also noodles ($4)for pool avail. for purchase most of time.

bathing suits, towels, clothes, raincoats, shoes, sunglasses. . heck , why bother packing at all?!! MY DD12 thot she should just have all new stuff once we got there anyway!

 

[lpoeppelman]

After reading these posts, I found out the Volcano Pool is closing. When is it opening back up?

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

We decorated! There from 11-26 to 12-04-07 and really put cool Xmas things on our door. I had MVMCP poster up(small), DIS board decoration, our 32nd wedding Anni. poster(small again) , and Mickey and Minnie kissing drawings. Everybody seemed to really enjoy our door. And we stayed LVC. I made them easy to remove and didn't leave any marks. On our glass doors out to our patio we didn't have anything BUT you could see all of our balloons and flowers that I got. I lost all of my 300 pics which included room and door.
So I say decorate if you want. Have fun!!

Good to know! Sorry about your pictures.

 

[BCV23]

mousescrapper, the Polynesian has several types of boats for rent. The driver has to have a license.

They're first come first served. In our experience, it's not usually a problem renting one. Life jackets are provided and required.

Renting boats is tons of fun at the Polynesian. Enjoy!

 

[Aliceacc]

After reading these posts, I found out the Volcano Pool is closing. When is it opening back up?

WHAT?? WHEN??

 

[kaysmommie]

Can anyone tell me if there is a Hair Wrapping station at the Polynesian. I thought I saw a picture somewhere, but can't find it now. If there is, can anyone tell me what they offer and how much they charge for the services.

My DD gets a hair wrap at Poly every trip. We do it in the first day since it's right by the pool. It costs $2 per inch of hair plus the beads for the bottom. They have lots of choices of beads or charms. It usually costs us $30 + tip for my DD's mid back length hair. If you get the wrap placed behind the ear it will be a few inches less and seems to last longer too. DD's lasted 10 weeks when she had the one behind the ear. This year she got the hair wrap on the side near the crown of her head and it lasted 6 weeks. We had the same hair wrap girl both times and she does a great job!