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

[WDWBetsy]

Any one back recently that has pictures of the cribs and/or pack n plays - do I understand there are some cribs but most get pack n plays?

We just returned yesterday and were given a metal crib. My 2-year-old did fine in it, although we did line the sides with hand towels the 2nd night since she kept waking the first night when she touched the cold bars. My DH did see a wooden crib in the hallway, and I believe they do have pack n plays too. When we were able to check into our room on 8/30, our crib was waiting for us in the hallway and had a Disney print fitted sheet already on it. My DD was almost too long for it when fully stretched out, but it worked out fine. She's a tall 35".

We also requested a highchair through housekeeping and were very happy with the wooden one seen in the pic. My DD loved playing at the table while in the highchair! Hope this helps and may you have a great trip!

 

[Picabo]

I didn't know there was a WS entrance from the Poly actually?? We always came in through the main entrance. You want to allow time to go through the bag check and ticket station and then from the main entrance, it is at least a 15 min. walk or a 10 min. run directly to Norway. I don't suggest running as that's what we did to ourselves and I was quite winded after that.

Thanks for all the helpful info! Well, there is a World Showcase enterance but I'm not sure who is allowed to enter from there and what transportation is available to that enterance. I beleive it's near the Beach Club - walking distance. But I could be wrong. I juts know there is some enterance at the WS but, again, not sure who's allowed to use it!

 

[lillykat]

We just returned yesterday and were given a metal crib. My 2-year-old did fine in it, although we did line the sides with hand towels the 2nd night since she kept waking the first night when she touched the cold bars. My DH did see a wooden crib in the hallway, and I believe they do have pack n plays too. When we were able to check into our room on 8/30, our crib was waiting for us in the hallway and had a Disney print fitted sheet already on it. My DD was almost too long for it when fully stretched out, but it worked out fine. She's a tall 35".

We also requested a highchair through housekeeping and were very happy with the wooden one seen in the pic. My DD loved playing at the table while in the highchair! Hope this helps and may you have a great trip!

You are the best!!! That is exactly what I want for DD - so now I now what to ask for - she really doesn't like pack n plays but will do fine in one of those cribs! I had no idea I could get a high chair for the room so I will definitely ask for one it will make it much easier to fee her breakfast in the room or snacks!

Etd to add - what kind of sheet should I bring if I want to bring my own? They aren't full size crib sheets right?

 

[AuroraBeauty]

We would like to check the kids in for their dinner (we're on the DxDP so they only need to worry about the tip which we've been practicing calculating w/ them) and then go on to our dinner.

We're on DxDP too and at the bottom of the check which has the dollar amount is the amount for an 18% tip and a 20% tip, so if either of those are good for you then you can just let the kids know to use one of those numbers.

The CM will give them the bill and then ask how they are going to pay (unless they ask for the KTTW card ahead of time, we've had some ask and put it in the sugar holder). The kids would give them ONE KTTW card and then put in $0 for the tip and just tell the server they'll leave cash if they're leaving cash. If they have a gift card or a Disney Rewards Card or some other type of credit-card-ish type form of payment then they write in the tip and give the CM that card too.

The CM will help them, especially if you drop them off and let the MGR or lead know they are by themself. Don't just tell the hostess, ask for a manager. It won't be a problem.

Have Fun and Happy Trip!

 

[WDWBetsy]

You are the best!!! That is exactly what I want for DD - so now I now what to ask for - she really doesn't like pack n plays but will do fine in one of those cribs! I had no idea I could get a high chair for the room so I will definitely ask for one it will make it much easier to fee her breakfast in the room or snacks!

Etd to add - what kind of sheet should I bring if I want to bring my own? They aren't full size crib sheets right?

It's not a full size - I think a portable crib size would work. I checked the one they supplied out and it was fine for us - my DD loved pointing out the characters. The high chair was so nice to have! I just called housekeeping and they checked to see if they had one available. Someone delivered it in a few minutes. So glad I could help you - if you have any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them!

 

[cmesq61]

Thanks AuroraBeauty! Excellent advice. I so cannot wait!

 

[Kira G.]

Thanks for all the helpful info! Well, there is a World Showcase enterance but I'm not sure who is allowed to enter from there and what transportation is available to that enterance. I beleive it's near the Beach Club - walking distance. But I could be wrong. I juts know there is some enterance at the WS but, again, not sure who's allowed to use it!

There is an entrance into World Showcase - it is actually called the "International Gateway" and gives direct access into Epcot for people staying in the Epcot resorts (i.e. Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, and Swan & Dolphin). Anyone can use it, but it really wouldn't give you any advantage for a ADR at Akershus since Norway is clear across the lake from the International Gateway.

The monorail access to Epcot is the best! Just walk to the TTC from the Poly (we were in Rapa Nui which made it really easy, but walking will save you time no matter where you are staying). They come about every 10 minutes and are a cool and comfortable ride. From the monorail it will still be 10-15 minutes to Norway if you walk at a brisk pace. Epcot is HUGE!

I think catching the Epcot monorail at the TTC is the best place to ask to ride in the front of the monorail also! Everyone gets off there, and it is a nice, long ride with a tour of Epcot.

Have a wonderful trip. I wish I was there now!

 

[polyforme]

Hi everyone!!
Just got back from an 8 night stay in Hawaii longhouse and our trip couldn't of been better! It was our first time at Poly ( have stayed at GF, BC and POR ). The view was amazing. With three kids it was so nice to watch the water parade and fireworks from our room. The cm were so friendly and really went out of there way to please us. We asked Amber at concierge if they sold the cd that they play throughout the resort. She said they didn't but spent all day on the internet and e-mailing people to find out for me who it was. She showed up that night at our room with a list of musicians!! It also turns out they do sell hawaiin music in the gift shop but it is not the same as what is played at the resort. We bought it anyways and our dd loves to dance the hula at home. The pool was a little crowded for us but we usually only spend up to 1 1/2 hrs a day or at a time there so that was not a major concern. Also loved all the activities daily like the hula lessons, torch lighting ceremony, painting of tiki masks etc. No problems with transportation. In fact we had reservations for Boma breakfast at 8:30 so we took the monorail to MK and as we were waiting for a bus to AKL a van pulled up and offered us a ride. He was the manager of transportation and said he has a cm stationed by the buses and if there is only one family waiting then he sends a van. What service! The were trying to revamp the bus system he told us on the ride and send the buses where they are needed the most. Obviously not too many people would be going to the AKL from the MK at 8:30 in the morning. Sorry to go on and on but it really was a wonderful stay. We only had one bad experience and that was at Jiko. Needless to say that used to be our favorite rest.
We were also able to do bounceback offer and made our ressie for next August, free dining.
Hope all of you going soon have a wonderful and magical time!!!

 

[momatater]

Hi everyone!!
Just got back from an 8 night stay in Hawaii longhouse and our trip couldn't of been better! It was our first time at Poly ( have stayed at GF, BC and POR ). The view was amazing. With three kids it was so nice to watch the water parade and fireworks from our room. The cm were so friendly and really went out of there way to please us. We asked Amber at concierge if they sold the cd that they play throughout the resort. She said they didn't but spent all day on the internet and e-mailing people to find out for me who it was. She showed up that night at our room with a list of musicians!! It also turns out they do sell hawaiin music in the gift shop but it is not the same as what is played at the resort. We bought it anyways and our dd loves to dance the hula at home. The pool was a little crowded for us but we usually only spend up to 1 1/2 hrs a day or at a time there so that was not a major concern. Also loved all the activities daily like the hula lessons, torch lighting ceremony, painting of tiki masks etc. No problems with transportation. In fact we had reservations for Boma breakfast at 8:30 so we took the monorail to MK and as we were waiting for a bus to AKL a van pulled up and offered us a ride. He was the manager of transportation and said he has a cm stationed by the buses and if there is only one family waiting then he sends a van. What service! The were trying to revamp the bus system he told us on the ride and send the buses where they are needed the most. Obviously not too many people would be going to the AKL from the MK at 8:30 in the morning. Sorry to go on and on but it really was a wonderful stay. We only had one bad experience and that was at Jiko. Needless to say that used to be our favorite rest.
We were also able to do bounceback offer and made our ressie for next August, free dining.
Hope all of you going soon have a wonderful and magical time!!!

Thanks for posting!! I'm glad you had a great trip! I'm so excited, I will be in the checking into the Hawaii building in 3 short days!!

 

[polyforme]

Thanks for posting!! I'm glad you had a great trip! I'm so excited, I will be in the checking into the Hawaii building in 3 short days!!

Oh I am so jealous! Will this be your first stay at Poly or in Hawaii??
Chef Dick was so nice and an amazing cook!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi everyone!!
Just got back from an 8 night stay in Hawaii longhouse and our trip couldn't of been better! It was our first time at Poly ( have stayed at GF, BC and POR ). The view was amazing. With three kids it was so nice to watch the water parade and fireworks from our room. The cm were so friendly and really went out of there way to please us. We asked Amber at concierge if they sold the cd that they play throughout the resort. She said they didn't but spent all day on the internet and e-mailing people to find out for me who it was. She showed up that night at our room with a list of musicians!! It also turns out they do sell hawaiin music in the gift shop but it is not the same as what is played at the resort. We bought it anyways and our dd loves to dance the hula at home. The pool was a little crowded for us but we usually only spend up to 1 1/2 hrs a day or at a time there so that was not a major concern. Also loved all the activities daily like the hula lessons, torch lighting ceremony, painting of tiki masks etc. No problems with transportation. In fact we had reservations for Boma breakfast at 8:30 so we took the monorail to MK and as we were waiting for a bus to AKL a van pulled up and offered us a ride. He was the manager of transportation and said he has a cm stationed by the buses and if there is only one family waiting then he sends a van. What service! The were trying to revamp the bus system he told us on the ride and send the buses where they are needed the most. Obviously not too many people would be going to the AKL from the MK at 8:30 in the morning. Sorry to go on and on but it really was a wonderful stay. We only had one bad experience and that was at Jiko. Needless to say that used to be our favorite rest.
We were also able to do bounceback offer and made our ressie for next August, free dining.
Hope all of you going soon have a wonderful and magical time!!!

Thanks for posting your review and it's great that everything went well.

 

[Angel16]

I just love this thread. It brings back so many wonderful memories. We look forward to one day returning. For now, I will live through all your trip reports and pictures.

 

[Twinkler]

I have a couple of questions:

Is there a fridge in every room?

Can we call ahead and find out what room we will be in?

 

[Cinders Mum]

I have a couple of questions:

Is there a fridge in every room?

Can we call ahead and find out what room we will be in?

Yes there are fridges in every room.

Rooming is so fluid until you check in, they may have a room planned for you, but any number of issues could come up where that would not be possible .... so best to make your requests ahead of time, and then see what you get at check in, if it is not suitable, work with the check in staff to see if there is a more suitable alternative room available for you.

 

[momatater]

Oh I am so jealous! Will this be your first stay at Poly or in Hawaii??
Chef Dick was so nice and an amazing cook!

No, not my first trip to either!! Love Chef Dick and everything about the Poly!

 

[tinkerrn]

Which buildings would be suitable for a 77 y.o who doesn't need a wheel chair but uses a walker at times? Thinking that we would need to be close to the main buildings, not really caring about the view just the location. Do they have elevators in the buildings?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Which buildings would be suitable for a 77 y.o who doesn't need a wheel chair but uses a walker at times? Thinking that we would need to be close to the main buildings, not really caring about the view just the location. Do they have elevators in the buildings?

If you want to stay as close as possible to the Great Ceremonial House I would request Rarotonga since it's right next to it and yes the Longhouses have elevators.

 

[shyjade]

Does anyone know what kind of creamer (for coffee) is available at Captain Cooks, and if I can grab some to take back to the room?

I am bringing coffee along to make in our room (mom can't function without it and I refuse to touch that Nescafe crap ever again) but we both like creamer & Splenda in it. Can I grab a handful of each for our rooms at Captain Cooks or should I bring it in our suitcase?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Does anyone know what kind of creamer (for coffee) is available at Captain Cooks, and if I can grab some to take back to the room?

I am bringing coffee along to make in our room (mom can't function without it and I refuse to touch that Nescafe crap ever again) but we both like creamer & Splenda in it. Can I grab a handful of each for our rooms at Captain Cooks or should I bring it in our suitcase?

I know they have Splenda however I can't remember what kind of creamer they have.

 

[BCV23]

Which buildings would be suitable for a 77 y.o who doesn't need a wheel chair but uses a walker at times? Thinking that we would need to be close to the main buildings, not really caring about the view just the location. Do they have elevators in the buildings?

I agree with CR Fan that Raratonga would be a great choice as would Niue which is a small building just a few feet away from Raratonga. It's such a small building that all rooms are probably closer to the GCH than about half of Raratonga's...if that makes sense. However, Niue does not have an elevator to the 2nd floor. Instead there is a second floor bridge from Raratonga.

I would make sure to mention why you're requesting Raratonga or Niue.