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Quick trip back to the Poly - Day 1 of 3
We had a quick trip (3 nights) to the Poly as part of a college tour (10 days including going to California). It was myself and DD (19) and DS (17). Hubby sat out this trip due to his bad back.
We had not been to the Poly since 2013, my DS and I had been to the Beach Club in 2014 and we enjoyed the hotel. Although we always travel to Disney in November and knew this would be a different trip, I was looking forward to seeing the Polynesian.
We had a 6:00 a.m. flight on Jet Blue (love this airline). Landed safely at MCO around 9:15 and after a wave of our magic bands walked onto Magical Express.
We had done online check in but I did not sign up to just get a room text and bypass the desk. I love the interaction at check in. We walked into the lobby and I liked seeing the Castle, the Poly “smell” was not quite as strong but we noticed that at night it was stronger. The kids missed the waterfall.
My magic band did not seem to register at the desk, but after a few back and forths I was checked in. Room was not ready but they did tell me I was away from the quiet pool construction. We left our bags with Bell services and off to Captain Cooks for some breakfast. The kids enjoyed the waffles and Tonga toast. We started to be seated outside but they were doing some construction in the area so we moved inside.
Off to MK! I had done room only (with discount) and bought 2 day hopper through Disney separately. They looked like they were linked to my Magic Bands but I brought the tickets anyways. Our Magic bands did not work at the gate so used the tickets. The women suggested that I go to guest relations at some point. I thought maybe I did not activate them (magic bands) but pretty sure I had. Not a huge deal.
We went on our favorites, CoP, People Mover, then made our way over to Pooh (the first ride the kids ever went on at Disney). When we came out of the ride I had a voicemail from a live Disney person saying she noticed we had trouble getting into the parks. She let us know she fixed it and would not have to do anything else. Now that is customer service!
Ran through a quick downpour and on to Philarmagic. Headed to our first FP on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (no issues with the bands) which my DD had never been on. She enjoyed it. A ride on Small World and headed over to BoG for lunch.
We had to wait in a quick line on the bridge but since we pre-ordered we were quickly escorted in to get a table.
We love everything about this lunch, the food, (turkey sandwiches), the atmosphere (we ate in the main dining room) and the cast members were very nice.
On a side note I noticed some teenage girls jump at the doors where you see the snow falling. They unlocked the doors (locks were on the top so they had to jump up). They opened the doors and went to look inside. I don’t know what they were looking for but I thought it was inappropriate. It seem to the trend of the week of guest actions making me scratch my head.
We head out to our FP for TMR, we then decide we want to go back to room (just got a text with room number) and give up our Splash FP knowing we will be back in a couple of days.
We received the room number but had no idea what Longhouse we were in (we did not have a map) so stopped at the front desk and they let us know we were in Fiji top floor. We had a nice room of the Marina and our bags were in our room. We could hear the music from the Trader Sams patio which I really enjoy. I could literally sit on the balcony the whole trip and listen to that music and watch the sights.
Kids decided to nap and I went to hang by the pool. The new area looked nice however I did not like the fence around the pool especially near the beach. I felt very disconnected from the view and the beach area. Also the trees on the island seem to block the view of the castle more and more each time we go back.
New pool chairs were much more comfortable then the previous ones.
My DS magic band did not work for room, went to desk and they fixed it. Said it was deactivated, not sure why it worked in parks? We had no further issues however.
Head back to the room and we go off to the Studios for EMH. We had FP in a couple of days for ToT , TSM and Star Tours. Our goal tonight was to get on RoR and GMR. We were able to do this pretty easily and enjoyed the new end of the GMR. We also got on ToT which is great as usual. I don’t know how I feel about the pre-recorded voice on GMR.
Overall thoughts – Magical Express is still great. I love not having to drive. Parks were clean, and crowds were manageable. So many rude guests, at times I think there are language barriers but flash photography, not going to the end of the row and standing up on rides before told to, cutting in line were all things I had witness which I don’t typically see.
The Poly is still #1 in my book due to location and atmosphere. Of course I probably wouldn't stay without a discount!
Tomorrow – Uber, and Downtown Disney
DisneyBarb
Poly 2016
Poly 2015
Beach Club 2014
offsite- - Disneyland 2013
Poly 2013
Poly 2012
Poly 2010
Poly 2009
Poly 2007
Poly 2005
Contemporary 2004
WL 2003
Poly 2003
CB 1990
Poly 1988
off site 1983, 1980, 1978, 1971
Go Pats!
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Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!
Rude people sure can put a damper on the fun! You're a great person just taking it all in stride!
Haunted Mansion Girl
1990 & 1992 Off Site
2002 & 2003 Fort Wilderness
2004 Disney Wonder & Fort Wilderness
2005, 2008, 2011 & 2013 Riverside
2006 & 2008 Pop
2009 Disneyland
2011, 2013 & 2014 Coronado Springs
2012 CB Pirate Room
2015 POR
2016 June & Oct Off Site
2017 Sept Coronado!
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Sounds like a good trip so far in general.
Originally Posted by DisneyBarb
So many rude guests, at times I think there are language barriers but flash photography, not going to the end of the row and standing up on rides before told to, cutting in line were all things I had witness which I don’t typically see.
We've seen this "rude factor" also increasing in our less frequent trips. Unfortunate trend.
A lot of people complain about the way cast members treat them lately. I think that when you have to deal with a higher and apparently increasing proportion of "rude guests" day after day after day after day.... you start to get worn down. Disney's cast members are people... and no matter how well hired and how well trained...... there are limits.
It is amazing that they do as well as they do.
best,
.................john
DVC Member 2016 AKL
After: October 2019 F+W Fest <Jambo>
Next: March 2019 Flower and Garden Fest <Jambo>
Last: August 2018 <Kidani>
October 2017 F+W Fest <Kidani>
Also: 1988, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016
Disneyland - 1972
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I'm eager to get back to see Trader Sam's. Fiji is one of my favorite Poly locations, on the marina side. Sounds about perfect.
Sherri
Next: Aulani Celebration 10/2018 (50th)
Past Stays: Contemporary, GF, Poly, BC, POP, POR, Dolphin, AKL Kidani, BLT
1990 August Honeymoon- GF
Delighted Disney Return Guest since 1981, DVC (BLT) since 2014
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Except for your magic bands issues, you had a really nice start to your trip!! The Poly is such a nice place to stay though I'm not sure how I will feel about the new look of the lobby!
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
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Prerecorded voice on GMR? Are there no more live actors here either??
"One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation, right at the start of everything thats new, one little spark lights up for you!"
ºoº
Mom to our little Prince Everett and Princess Adelaide
August 2020 Caribbean Beach!
Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.
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Originally Posted by Dulcee
Prerecorded voice on GMR? Are there no more live actors here either??
I understand they have switched to pre-records for portions of this ride but there is still some part that is played by the cast members on board.
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
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Great start to the trip. Old POLY, newer POLY, just miss staying at the POLY! U r right, pricewise we would need some discounting to be there now. Manage to pass thru several times each trip though just to soak in the atmosphere, etc. And the job of the castmember has to be trying to say the least. The heat, your array of rude customers, the cast member/guest ratio during busier times (which are most times nowadays!) tuff, tuff job. And I am sure some cast members can have bad days and get a little 'snippy' with the guests but I have to say on our 12+ trips to WDW with the DS' the rude, inattentive or impolite cast member encountered has been by far the exception.
March 99 - POFQ
Feb 04 - WL
Feb 05 - POLY
Nov 05 - CB
Oct 06 - POLY
Nov 07 - POLY/BC
Nov 08 - BC
Mar 10 - WL
Nov 10 - POR-Riverside
Apr 12 - POR-Riverside
Mar 13 - POR
Jan 14 - WL
Nov 14 - POR-Riverside
Mar 16 - POLY
Aug 17 - POLY
Aug 18 - BC
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What a wonderful first day at Disney! I am glad that all of the problems with your Magic Bands were ironed out without too many problems and that you were able to visit both the MK and DHS. Lunch at BoG sounds so wonderful . . . I can't wait to try it!
We too have had more encounters with rude guests than CMs - it is a shame when you cross their paths but I have come to believe its inevitable. Some folks will never understand how lucky they are to be at the happiest place on earth!
Hoping each day is as good as today was. Looking forward to your Day 2!
Carol (aka KylesMom)
INTERCOT Staff: Mousellaneous & Trip Reports
Last Trip: ICOT 15
Happy A/P Holder 2002 - 2011
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Thanks for sharing. Sounds like it was a great first day
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Originally Posted by WiltonJohn
A lot of people complain about the way cast members treat them lately. I think that when you have to deal with a higher and apparently increasing proportion of "rude guests" day after day after day after day.... you start to get worn down. Disney's cast members are people... and no matter how well hired and how well trained...... there are limits.
We noticed this on our last trip as well. Maybe I'm old, maybe it's this generation, but it seems like more folks are overtly obnoxious just because they know it's Disney and they know they can get away with it. That certainly wasn't Walt's intent. Sure the price has gone up since 1971, but I think WDW tries to give you a great value and people in turn should respect the property!
Beth & David
09/82 Treehouse Villas, 06/86 BVP, 10/95 CBR, 10/99 DI, 08/03 PORS, 10/05 POP, 11/06 AKL, 09/09 POLY, 10/10 Wonder, 05/11 Dream/PORS, 08/13 POLY, 11/13 GF, 04/15 POLY, 11/15 BLT, 11/16 Aulani, 03/17 BLT, 08/18 BLT, 07/19 AKL, 06/21 BLT
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Originally Posted by DisneyBarb
My magic band did not seem to register at the desk, but after a few back and forths I was checked in.
Off to MK...our Magic bands did not work at the gate so used the tickets. The women suggested that I go to guest relations at some point. I thought maybe I did not activate them (magic bands) but pretty sure I had. Not a huge deal.
My DS magic band did not work for room, went to desk and they fixed it. Said it was deactivated, not sure why it worked in parks? We had no further issues however.
Glad to hear you had an overall good visit, but I'm thinking you MB issues were related to pre-existing bands from your last trip? We had similar issues this past Spring. Hence the new opt out option, but Disney should figure this out quick. We're headed back this fall but I seem to have misplaced my band so we need to order new, but I'm hoping we don't get tripped up with the same issues again. It wasted several hours on our part and Disney's, but they were nice enough to "correct it" for us.
Beth & David
09/82 Treehouse Villas, 06/86 BVP, 10/95 CBR, 10/99 DI, 08/03 PORS, 10/05 POP, 11/06 AKL, 09/09 POLY, 10/10 Wonder, 05/11 Dream/PORS, 08/13 POLY, 11/13 GF, 04/15 POLY, 11/15 BLT, 11/16 Aulani, 03/17 BLT, 08/18 BLT, 07/19 AKL, 06/21 BLT
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