Aloha! ***Welcome to the NEW Poly FAQ***

[BreezysMom]

ALOHA!
Welcome to the Polynesian FAQ
Spring 2010 edition​

When you first arrive at the Polynesian you will be wisked away into a tropical wonderland of wateralls and tropical foilage in the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House.

The GCH is where the check in desk is located as well as the lobby concierge desk. It is also home to the wonderful shopping at Boutiki, Trader Jacks and Samoa Sancks.

On the first floor is Captain Cooks, which offers 24 hour Counter service. On the second floor the always popular 'Ohana and Kona Grill are located for a fabulous table service dining experience!

​

Guest rooms are located within 11 "Longhouses", each named after an Island in the South Pacific. They are Tonga (contains only suites), Aotearoa, Fiji, Tuvalu, Rarotonga, Niue, Samoa, Hawaii (contains only concierge/club level rooms), Tokelau, Rapa Nui, and Tahiti.

There are three available categories for standard rooms. They are garden view (GV), Theme Park View (TPV), and Lagoon View (LV).

A theme park view will feature a view of Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park and the Seven Seas Lagoon. These views are reported to be the most magical on Disney property!

A lagoon view offers a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

A Garden view features a view of parking area, garden, pool, marina or monorail. Don't let the parking lot in the description scare you! The Poly has such lush and beautiful foilage that there is really no bad view!

The Polynesian also offers Club Level Rooms. The majority of the rooms are located in the Hawaii Longhouse and have three categories of views. Garden View, Lagoon View and Theme Park View. More information on the Poly Club Level can be found a few pages down.

All guest rooms feature Room Feature:
Two queen-size beds (king-size beds available in suites located in Tonga)
Day Bed
Small table
Chair
Ceiling fan
Bathroom
High Speed Internet access (for an additional fee)
Cable TV, includes Disney programming
In-room safe
Voice mail
Hairdryer
Iron and ironing board
I-Home Alarm clock
Coffeemaker
Refrigerator
Microwave (on request)
Pack 'n Play Playard (on request)
Bed boards (on request)
Bed rails (on request)
All rooms are non-smoking
Disabled accessible rooms are available

Please note that the information in this thread is based on my experiences and that of the other participants of this thread. As many people have differing opinions and views, this thread is for information purposes only.

 

[BreezysMom]

Shopping​

The GCH also has houses some of the best resort shopping on property. On the second floor of the GCH is Trader Jacks, a shop containing merchandise, gifts, toys and other Disney themed items. There is also a pin-trading cart. Next to Trader Jack’s is Samoa Snacks. Here you will find sundries, film, snacks, beverages, wine, beer and newspapers and magazines.

On the first floor you will Find BouTiki which is a wonderful shop which contains Polynesian Logo merchandise, tropical inspired clothing and accessories, gifts, swimwear and jewelry. A visit to BouTiki is a must as it has a wonderful selection of fabulous merchandise! Sampling of Merchandise from October 2009

All shops are open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. *Hours are subject change without notice

Also on the first floor is Wyland Galleries. The store is filled with art inspired by the Hawaiian Islands by the Artist Wyland. The shop has wonderful sea inspired pictures and sculptures.

Dining​

The Polynesian houses some of the most popular dining locations in Disney World. There are two table service locations inside the GCH.

Kona Café, located on the second floor and is most famous for their breakfast offerings of Tonga toast and Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes! They also serve lunch and dinner and are also famous for their delicious deserts! Their menu can be found here

Breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Lunch 12:00 Noon to 2:45 p.m
Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

The second of the table service restaraunts is ‘Ohana, also located on the second floor of the GCH. ‘Ohana has a wonderful character breakfast featuring Mickey, Goofy, Lilo and Stitch. Breakfast is served family style and is made of up more of an American style fare with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, fried potatos with onions and scallions. They also serve and assortment of warm breakfast bread and seasonal fruit. Information about breakfast can be found here

Character Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

‘Ohana dinner is also served family style which features appetizers, fresh grilled meats, salads and desserts. During dinner they have coconut races, hula lessons and of course the tranquil sounds of Hawaiian music can be heard throughout the restaurant. There are no characters at dinner, but it is still a fun experience nonetheless!

Here is some information on the dinner menu at ‘Ohana, but I must warn that we have heard conflicting reports of appetizers and side dish offerings over the last year.Dinner menu here

Dinner is served 5:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.



Captain Cook’s is the Polynesian's 24 hour walk up eatery on the first floor of the GCH. The menu features egg sandwiches, bakery bar, hamburger, pizzas, hot/cold sandwiches, salads and snacks. This is where you can purchase and refill your refillable mugs and also where you can find the ever popular Dolewhip! The grill is open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Captain Cooks Pictures of Menu board

Coffee Bar Kona Café by Day/Sushi Bar by night
Yes, that is correct! On the second floor of the GCH is the Kona Café Coffee bar which has the most highly raved coffee at WDW. It is located near the Monorail entrance so give yourself a little extra travel time and you can stop for a great cup of coffee. They also have cookies and muffins for to enjoy. In 2008 they started to transform location to a The Kona Island Sushi Bar from 5pm to 10pm. Frankly, I am not a sushi fan and have not really read many reviews so if you are a sushi lover, check it out. For you coffee lovers, you can no longer grab yourself a cup of coffee in the evening unless you are having a meal at Kona Café.


Tambu Lounge is adjacent to ‘Ohana, the Tambu lounge is a tropical bar with a true island "hang loose" attitude featuring wild libation combinations! This is also where you can find the famous Lapu Lapu!

At last report, the Tambu Lounge has had live entertainment on various evenings. There is nothing better than enjoying a cocktail in the Poly lobby listening to some Hawaiian tunes!

The Tambu Lounge is open 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight. Appetizers are served until 10:00 p.m.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is an all-you-can-eat family style luau that features hula dancing and fire dancers. The meal consists of authentic Polynesian foods such as bbq pork ribs, roast chicken, fresh pineapple, salad and Polynesian-style rice and vegetables. They also serve a wonderful Chocolate Mousse Dessert! There is unlimited beer, wine for the adults and soft drinks included in the per person dinner show price. You can make advance ADRs for the Spirit of Aloha with Disney Dining or check with the lobby concierge if there is any seating available.

The show runs Tuesday through Saturday at 5pm and 8:15 and uses 2 Table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan.

Private Dining
Enjoy dining in the privacy of your own room. Refer to the Private Dining menu for offerings and hours of operation. Dial "Dining Options" on your in room phone.

 

[BreezysMom]

The Polynesian's tropical atmosphere and lush scenery make you feel like you have traveled to the South Seas with the added bonus of being in the center of Walt Disney World.

One of the wonderful pleasures is the Nanea Volcano Pool which features a grotto slide and children's water play area. There is also a quiet pool. There is nothing more magical that enjoying a swim is the Volcano pool and enjoying the magical view of The Magic Kingdom's Wishes fireworks!

Adjacent to the Nanea Pool is a wonderful white sand beach. While mom and dad relax the kids can play in the pool or in the sand all while enjoying the beautiful view of the castle!
In addition to beach chairs they have a precious few hammocks to take a mid day siesta in

They also offer campfire and movies on the beach! You will receive a schedule upon check in plus they have a sign at the pool with the list of movies shown

In addition to swimming, the Polynesian offers a marina with fun filled aquatic environment. You can rent a Sea Raycer or Pontoon boat. They also have Surrey Bike rentals for exploring the grounds of the Polynesian.

Recently guests have reported that they now offer a Nintendo Wii cart by the pool area during certain times of the day as well.

Hair Wraps
Located by the pool. They are there from 12 noon to about 5pm daily. They take cash only and the charge is $2.00 per inch PLUS the cost of beads which range from $.50 to $4.00. You can pick up to 4 colors. A typical hair wrap will cost you about $20-$35 depending on the length of hair.

 

[BreezysMom]

The Polynesian Resort is one of only 3 resorts that is 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 Magic Kingdom!

The resort Monorail is located on the second floor of the GCH and makes stops at the Grand Floridian, the Magic Kingdom, the Contemorary Resort and then the TTC before returning to the Poly.

You can also walk to the TTC to catch the express Monorail to Epcot.

Buses to the theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney can be found at the bus stop located near the Neverland Club.

There is also a motor launch that will transport you to the Magic Kingdom after making a stop of the Grand Floridian. The boat ride over to the MK is a relaxing, beautifully scenic way to start or finish your day

 

[BreezysMom]

Club Level Concierge, knows as The King Kamehameha Club at the Polynesian is a way to add some extra magic to your Polynesian Experience!

The Hawaii Longhouse houses standard Club Level rooms with two categories. Garden view, which has wonderful views of the gardens and quiet pool. Lagoon View, which faces Seven Seas Lagoon and has some fabulous views of the Magic Kingdom. Note that the rooms are classified as Lagoon View, because not all the rooms have a unobstructed view of the MK. Some rooms have Palm Trees or other foilage blocking their view.

The Hawaii and Tonga buildings are secured and entry will only be possible with a concierge room key.

In Hawaii, the first floor rooms offer a patio and the third floor rooms have balconies while the second floor has sliding glass doors but a railing rather than a blacony. The Hawaii location is loved by many due to it's location. It is right on the beach, next to the volcano pool and a short walk to the GCH. Lagoon View room rates are higer than Club Level Garden View Rooms.

The Tonga Longhouse houses suites and also has garden view and lagoon view categories. These rooms are larger 2 and 3 bedroom suites that accomodate larger parties.

Club Level services include pre-arrival personal vacation planning by the Initineray planning office (IPO). The IPO will make your advance dining reservations, assist in purchasing tickets and other advance planning details. Shortly after making your reservation you will be contacted by a member ofthe IPO office to start planning your stay. Sometimes you may need to contact them first due to computer interface issues within Disney.

Concierge guests can call 407-824-2466.
To Fax the Planning Office use 407-824-3162
Their e-mail is Polynesian.Itinerary.Planning@disneyworld.com (DO NOT E-MAIL THIS ADDRESS IF YOU ARE NOT STAYING IN THE CONCIERGE LEVEL ROOM!

The Planning Office is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day, Eastern time (excluding holidays).



While staying at the Club Level you will have personalized front desk and guest services. Your room will have robes, phone in the bath area, DVD players and nightly turndown service. Jogging strollers are also available to Club Level guests (first come first serve).

Club Level guests many also are able to experience the Wildlife Discovery Excursion at Disney's Animal Kingdom which is available at 10am & 1pm daily for $50 a person. Part of the proceeds go to the Walt Disney World Wildlife Conservation fund. You can have your IPO planner assist you in making these reservations.

Club Level guests have access to the lounge which offers a variety of food and beverage served throughout the day. These afferings are as follows~

Kakahiaka (morning service) 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. offering muffins and pastries, tropical fruit, cereal, milk, orange juice, pineapple guava juice, ice tea, coffee drinks and hot chocolate from the new coffee machine, glass bottles of water, and toasters are available. Yogurt available as well as other items by request. Just ask at the counter.

Auinala (afternoon service) 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. offering fruit juice, bottled water, soda, ice tea, cookies, tropical fruit, gummy worms and m&m's for the kids.

Ahiahi (evening service) 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. offering different themes each day.

Aumoe (late evening service) 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. offering wine and cheese as well as cordials and desserts.

BEER is also available by request.

Recipie for Ku'ulei Special HERE!

New Menu as of 10/5/2009 Thanks to Tess

For more Club level information, The DIS Concierge/Club Level Information - Part II (Sept 2009) can be found here

The wonderful view from the lounge!​

 

[BreezysMom]

This is where you can find links for reviews of longhouse locations, dining, club level and other Polynesian experiences and the most frequently asked questions about the Poly



Longhouses

(Club Level/Concierge Level)
Club Level Review Thanks to SeaSpray!
Sept 2009 CL review Thanks to TinkerBell 325
Late August 2009 stay review Thanks to SuAnne
Pics of the lounge Food pics! More food pics! View from room 3512 CL LV October 2009 Trip pics thanks to loprella
Room 3524 Garden View room
Ku'ulei Special Recipie The famous punch served in the CL lounge!

Accessible Room in the Hawaii buildingThanks to Seaspray

Room 3604 Thanks to Sersee05
Third floor Samoa3602 Part II Thanks to J.C.&Ali'sMom

Third floor room review and pics
3318 View Pic Thanks to rcsilverspring!
Dec 2009 TR with link to pics-Third floor Thanks to eroller!

Rarotonga, room 1817 post with pics Thanks to woodleygrrl!
Review from room 2821 Thanks to Zippa D Doodah!

Review and pics Thanks to Ladybugmom

Oct 2009 Trip Thanks to Maiapapaya
Third floor TPV Part II Thanks to Lissiesmum!
Room 1405 LV Views Thanks to MsStinkerBelle
TPV Rooms 3409, 3410, 3411 View pics Thanks to Dawgdad!

April 2009 room pics and view pics Thanks to CAJUNWDWFAN
Sept 2009 room picsRoom #3021 Tahiti TPV thanks to GraceLuvsWDW!

Room 3226 Room View pics Thanks to ppony

Other Reviews and picture posts

Review and Pics of Torch Lighting Ceremony Thanks to CleveRocks
Resort pics from Sept 2009 Thanks to Ronald Duck
Resort Pics from Sept 2009 stay Thanks to Ronald Duck
More resort pics from Sept 2009 Thanks to Ronald Duck
Sept 09 Various pics #2 #3 Fireworks and Luau pics Thanks to Vicki C

October 2009 Various Poly Pics thanks to loprella #1 #2 #3
Oct 2009 thanks to Capt Barbosa some more...
May 209 Pics Thanks to Ladybugmom!
May 2009 Pics More fabulous pictures and more... Thanks to Mom2mek
Great TR with dining review from CL stay in Nov 2009 Thanks to MickeyNicki!

The Poly Laundry room
Oct 2009 Resort Merchandise Pictures




FAQ's
Do all the rooms at the Polynesian get turndown service or just Club Level?

Turndown service is standard in Club Level rooms and is done daily. You can request turndown service in standard rooms. Just call housekeeping and request the service to be done.

Which Longhouses have two sinks in the bathroom?

Tahiti
Rapa Nui (except for Handicap accessible rooms)
The above Longhouses also have balconies on the second and Third floor as well.

Does the Polynesian have a hot tub?

Sadly, no there is no hot tub at the Poly

Is there a playground at the Polynesian?

There is no playground at the Poly. There is a water play area next to the Volcano pool.

Do all the guest rooms have iHomes?

Yes every guest room has an iHome alarm clock.

 

[BreezysMom]

During a downpour!​

Marina​

Figi Longhouse​

 

[BreezysMom]

The Polynesian during the holidays!

Personally, I think they Poly may get a bad rap for not being as fabulous as the GF or WL but I really enjoyed the holiday ambiance of the Poly.

 

[BreezysMom]

OK friends! It is a very rough start!

I apologize that it does not even compare to SeaSprays wonderful thread! Which by the way can be found here : SeaSprays Poly FAQ

I call out to anyone that wants to share some of their pics to send them to me or post a section about their longhouse location and/or pictures and we will add a link on the longhouse section (coming soon!) Or any other review from the Poly! Just let me know!

For all you Poly lovers there is a great Poly website created by a fellow Poly lover . Due to DIS rules, we can not post it here but if you would like the link, just PM me and I will send it to you.

And yes it is Steve's Tiki site, but I hesitate telling people to do a "Google" search since there is an imitation site with a virus in it. You can also ask for the real site address to be PM'd to you here on the thread and I am sure someone will be able to share it with you.

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

Woo Hoo, I was just about to ask if after 5 pages does the Temporary one become the official one . Thanks for all your work.


3 weeks from today I will be checking into the Polynesian.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Thanks so much, BreezysMom! It will be a fabulous thread!!

 

[tabithakp]

awesome this is great!!!

 

[LowesChevy]

I will definetely have some information to share after our trip. We are staying October 3-12th! Can't wait. We have stayed here many times, but there is always something new to discover

 

[kazzy3]

Thanks for starting this thread. I just paid my balance last night. 44 days to go! I am sooooo excited!

 

[loperella]

Yay!

Thank-you Breezy for getting this started. Hopefully I'll have something to add when I get back from my 1st WDW AND Poly stay---not too much longer now!!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Subscribing.

 

[BCV23]

Aloha, everyone!

Breezysmom, what a wonderful new home you've created for us. Great job!

Tess, hi back at you. Have a wonderful trip for F&W.

How about a round of Lapu Lapus and Mai Tais for everyone. Or if you're reading this in the morning, Tonga Toast and Kona coffee?

 

[BarleyJack]

Couple of thank yous going out...one to Breezy of course and another to everyone else on the Poly Threads! We are leaving tomorrow morning for our first ever stay at the Poly and could not be more excited. Without all of you sharing your knowledge we would have been lost!! So thanks again, talk to you soon!

 

[BCV23]

Couple of thank yous going out...one to Breezy of course and another to everyone else on the Poly Threads! We are leaving tomorrow morning for our first ever stay at the Poly and could not be more excited. Without all of you sharing your knowledge we would have been lost!! So thanks again, talk to you soon!

Have a perfectly magical first stay at the Polynesian!!!

 

[sersee05]

it looks great!!! Headed dow n 11/1 YES!! I had a question from the last one...I visited tikiman's site..It was incredible and very informative!! Thanks for posting the link!! Has anyone ever used Magical Vacations and got the "Tiki plan"?