We just got back. Overall a great trip - we'll definitely be visiting the Polynesian again. A few minor criticisms - the check in / check out queues were awful. We luckily didn't have to use the check in queue but I got quite nervous we were going to miss our bus just to check out. They really need an express checkout process in the app or something like most hotels (or to publicize it? is there one? I couldn't find anything on it). Also the lava pool bartender was oddly rude to me. She was perfectly nice to my husband. It seemed very un disney. We were also in R
arotonga which we were happy with - in 1829, a patio room, although it was a tiny bit too close to the smoking area, we would have to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter the building from the main lobby as the smoking area between the two buildings seems to be heavily used.
Other than that - we had a great time. My husband loved that we could watch the monorail from our room (he is a big nerd about the monorail) and the room seemed very private with all the foliage outside. We caught most of the extra magic hours but didn't rush and got on every ride we wanted (even slinky dog dash, which my poor 3 year old hated, he enjoyed mine train the day before though) except for Haunted Mansion, but that was only because at that point I decided I was exhausted and wanted to go soak my feet in the hot tub.
I think we need a different strategy for food next time as well. We had heard such good things about O'hana, and while it was fine, it didn't live up to expectations. I think we'd skip it next time, although maybe the room service Polynesian feast would suit us better. We liked the oasis pool bar for a quick bite, and I enjoyed Kona cafe's breakfast. Sanaa was fantastic, as was the prime time diner, we would definitely do both again. I think we've figured out we're not really quick service people while on vacation either. I wish there was an option for breakfast before 7 other than Captain cooks. I ended up eating the kids egg white scramble every morning!
My kids though, absolutely adored the lava pool, and my husband and I loved trader sams. I'm pleased because I didn't think my husband would want to go back and now he's talking about another trip in the next few years.
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