Just back from a long Columbus Day weekend Poly CL trip. Had a great time as always! Couple of random notes/thoughts on the trip:
Room
Had a LV reservation...requested first floor, close to the lounge end of the building. Was in Room 1515, so first floor but at the end of the building away from the lounge. At first I asked to be changed which they couldn’t do the first night but could if I moved the next day. I initially agreed but once I got in the room and thought through the logistics of moving, I waived it off. We ended up loving the room... great view with a line of sight to the castle in between some trees/bungalows. Loved sitting on the patio while the kids played on the beach. With my kids loving to play on the beach more these days, I think I may be more of a LV convert going forward. Just so nice to sit there with a great view and the lovely Poly soundtrack playing.
We did get some very heavy rain a couple of times and this room was sort of at a low spot that collected water on the patio just a bit. But no big deal really. It drained quickly.
Room maybe had a bit more wear/tear than some others, but nothing complaint worthy.
Fireworks Sound
I have been unimpressed by the volume of the fireworks at the Poly beach for at least a few years. At times it has been inconsistent or so low that you really needed to be close to a speaker. At the moment, they have the volume cranked up in front of Hawaii BIG TIME. Like almost blowing the speaker/causing distortion. Plus they play the great intro music that starts in the parks 5 minutes before the show and the full exit song. A++
We walked out to the water’s edge the first night (towards the pool) and could hear just fine. Watched from our patio a second night and the volume was blaring. So glad they seem to have addressed this issue for the better.
In-Room Amenities
CL giveth, CL taketh away. No chocolate arrival gift (although did have the standard “welcome” note). No daily bottle of water in room. Only basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion), no foot scrub, sun lotion, some of the other fancy lotions, etc. Also very stingy with the daily refills!
Turn-Down Service
Had it nightly, no complaints. Except they come too early for my tastes (5-6ish). Also stingy with the chocolates. Some nights just one per bed, some nights two. Not that we really need any more, just an observation.
Electrical Water Pageant
I had read some of the floats were damaged in Irma. Not sure if that is true, but they are running a shortened version of EWP right now. It’s basically just one set of floats and it doesn’t move as it goes by Poly. I’m not sure exactly which segment wasn’t there? Just FYI if you’re a big EWP fan.
CL Food/Beverages
These continue to impress me this year, especially evening apps. Poly will never win the best CL food award, but it is better than it has been in prior years. Just wish they would rotate something else for the kiddos besides cut up uncrustables.
The convenience of beer/wine availability during the day at Poly really cannot be beat.
As has been reported by others, Blue Moon is gone. Bud Light is back, much to my delight (bring on the criticism!). They have also added a Kona “Hanalei Island IPA” which has elements of passion fruit, orange, and guava. Had never had it but it was absolutely delicious.
CL CMs
Personally I think Poly CL is benefitting from a corp group of generally very good CMs right now. Many familiar names/faces from prior trips that make the trip more enjoyable.
Texting Service
Maybe just me but I continue to use this somewhat frequently and very much appreciate it as an amenity. Glad Disney seems like they are going to keep it around (famous last words).
Minnie Van Service
Used this on Saturday to go to/from Poly/DHS. REALLY great service, worked perfectly. Regular uber is cheaper but for those like me that need car seats, it is a very welcome amenity. Plus they pick up/drop off from the bus stops which are closer than the uber/taxi drop offs/pick ups for most of the parks. I waited <5 minutes each way for a Minnie Van to arrive. I did try to take one home from Epcot Friday but the wait was 14 minutes, so we just did the monorail instead.
Oasis Pool Bar/Grill
So my Disney opinions usually slant positive, but I’m bringing the hammer down on Poly for this. I have always enjoyed the Oasis Pool Bar/Grill since it opened. I have found the service quick, food fresh and tasty... overall just a very pleasant place to have lunch with reasonably healthy options.
They recently closed the walk-up ordering window (CM said they did it a month ago). Now you have to sit down at the bar or tables to be served. Only one bartender, one server. Took forever to be served and there was only ONE other table occupied. They have done something to their salads.... the preparation has changed. The chicken is pre-cooked out of the bag - not freshly made. Cheap lettuce. Drowning in dressing. We ate there again on another day and I tried a different salad - same result.
Hopefully a fluke with the kitchen on my particular days, but I was pretty bummed out by my experience this time around.
Columbus Day Thoughts
Really liked Thursday/Friday. Pool crowds were low, park crowds manageable. Saturday/Sunday were very stout crowd wise!! The Lava Pool became people soup later in the day... which isn’t all that unusual but can take away some of the fun a bit.
I didn’t take many pics this time as I was pretty focused on the fam... but I have some I’ll try to post later today.
Happy to answer any questions!
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