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Adults and children are given colorful leis at check-in. Private in-room babysitting or parent's helpers can be arranged by contacting Kid's Nite Out, Disney World's preferred childcare provider at 407/828-0920; www.kidsniteout.com. We used this service one evening on a previous visit and were happy to have a former teacher who my children still remember because she told them stories of mischief made by two chipmunk brothers.
The Polynesian does not have a spa or fitness center, however, guests of the resort are allowed access to Grand Floridian's spa and health club, which is located in its own building part way between the two resorts along the walking path. Here you'll find treadmills and bikes with a view of the lake, weight equipment, workout balls, etc. plus an elegant spa offering a wide selection of treatments, some tailored to teens.
Like all Disney resorts, children are treated like VIPs. It is not unusual for staff at the vacation desk to hand out Disney stickers to children passing by. Room towels are folded in three circles, the shape of Mickey, and place on a bed, and in room TVs offer a plenty of programming geared to kids.
Getting There
Introduced in 2005, guests of 23 Disney owned-and-operated hotels (including the Polynesian) can use the complimentary Disney's Magical Express service and check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport, and take Disney's comfortable motor coaches to their resort, where your bags will "magically" appear in your room upon check-in. The service must be booked in advance and is not available with all airlines. Check with a Disney agent when you make your reservation. If your airline is not a program participant, you can claim your bags and take a Disney motor coach to your resort, gratis.
For those driving and/or renting a car the resort is approximately 26 miles from Orlando International Airport.
The Art of Smart Timing
Disney's Value season, January to mid-February, late July to October 1st, and post Thanksgiving through mid-December, is where you'll find not only the best pricing, but also the smaller crowds and shorter waits for rides. Conversely, weekends between mid-February to the end of March, as well as Easter week, President's week, and all of late December through New Year's, is the busiest.
For Mom and Dad
Best relaxation for parents: Wake early and sip coffee by the pool while you listen to the waterfalls burbling in the background and the sound of soft ukele island music. Stroll the lakeside path that connects the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian Hotel (and take a peak in Disney's Wedding Pavilion along the way). If you can swing a dinner alone, Victoria & Albert's, located in the Grand Floridian, is central Florida's only AAA five-diamond restaurant. Soft harp music, the elegant intimate setting, a gourmet menu that is customized daily, and a long-stemmed rose for each lady, makes this one of the most romantic too.
Caveats
If you love lounging in a beautiful lobby, this one won't make your eyes pop, or your jaw drop, like say the massive Animal Kingdom lodge lobby (offering animal sightings) or the bright and airy nautical atmosphere of the Yacht Club resort. While the Polynesian's Great Ceremonial House is home to a mini-tropical rainforest (plus all the necessities: gift shop, new arcade, and restaurants) all the dark brown in the lobby, along with the clouded ceiling glass, and limited amount of seating, make for a less inviting place to relax than some of Disney's other resorts.
Getting around the resort -- when it rains you have to duck between longhouses to get to the Great Ceremonial House.
Signs of the Seventies -- even though the resort underwent a massive renovation between 2004-2006, the elevators, as well as some of the interior trim and doors, still look a bit dated.
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