Amy Bradley -- June 2000 -- Walt Disney World (PR)
- Date of Visit: June 20-26, 1999
- Plane (Limo to/from WDW)
- Stayed at: Polynesian Resort, Tonga Longhouse, Standard Room
- Ages:
- Infant (16 months)
- 2 children (9 and 10 y/o)
- 2 adults: 30-something
- 2 "seniors": 1 50-something & 1 60-something
- WDW Experience: Infrequent -- but desperately trying for FREQUENT!!
- Travelers:
- Grandma/Grandpa
- Mom & Dad Ross
- Tim, Andrew, Barrett Ross (ages 1, 10 & 11)
This was the 2nd time our families stayed at the Polynesian at WDW. We
deliberately returned here because our 1st stay (as a group in 1994) was
so enjoyable. We were novices then and didn't even realize how special
it was to watch the Electrical Light parade from the Poly's beach each
night. Because the boys / my grandsons (ages 5 & 6) were so young,
it was just a "magical time" for all of us and we spent a lot
of time at the Magic Kingdom watching all the parades and getting autographs.
We asked for "adjoining rooms" and since mine was "lagoon
view" and theirs was "garden view" our rooms were across
the hall from each other.
However, by our 2nd trip (in June 1999), the boys were older and big
enough to go on "big kids" rides - even do E-night! We stayed
at the Polynesian because it was on the monorail system and we wanted
to enjoy the same "magic" as we did on our first trip. However,
we had gotten smarter by this time and asked for "connecting rooms."
And, since a new grandson had been born since the previous trip, we asked
for a crib in grandma's room and opted for the Grand Plan so we could
get in-room babysitting included in the package. Our accommodations were
just PERFECT!
This time grandpa went along and the trip was as magical as ever! It
was also our first time on the Grand Plan, and we will never ask for anything
less! The itinerary pre-planning by the Concierge staff was fabulous,
even though we did much of our own advance-planning prior to their "60-day
in advance" involvement. They were able book us same day golf games,
babysitting and changes to our dining choices while on-site. In addition,
since we asked for connecting rooms, they surprisingly upgraded both our
rooms to the longhouse which housed the Concierge services. (Neither of
us had specifically requested "concierge" though it is available
to Grand Plan participants if there is space.)
The in-room babysitter was fabulous and after one night, we requested,
and got, the same sitter EVERY night. The older boys loved getting snacks
(and bottled water) at the concierge lounge whenever they came back from
the parks. The lounge was also a good place for the youngest grandson
(16 mos old) to "explore" with supervision: bigger than the
rooms but not as crowded as the pool and beach areas. There was even a
special corner for little ones!
We are looking forward to our NEXT trip to WDW/Poly in June 2001. And
yes, we will have another new grandchild to entertain and introduce to
the WDW magic. (Different family, thank goodness!) We are taking no chances
on getting an "upgrade" this time - we're all requesting Concierge
service (3 rooms). And, of course, grandma and grandpa will stay on the
Grand Plan since we have favorite restaurants and dinner shows to attend.
Besides, we love the golf lessons and massage that come with it. We might
even try parasailing this time!
Amy Bradley
logcabin@paonia.com
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