Photo from the Orlando Sentinel
True Aloha spirit
So for a long time I have been wanting to have part of my web site dedicated to the great Cast Members who have been there and made a difference. My main problem with creating such a page is I know I have not met all the Cast Members who really make the Polynesian a special place so I would feel like I am leaving them out. Also, the ones I do know and would want to put on that page I don’t feel I can write well enough to do justice to what they bring to the resort.
There are so many Cast Members that I have met that go out of their way to give some magic to the guests of the Polynesian and even more important are those who bring a true Aloha Spirit from the Islands they came from to the resort. As I have spoke of before they are the true heart of the resort and as the past General Manager told me (Clyde Min) It is that attitude that makes the Polynesian a great resort.
If the attitude of the management starts to look at the bottom line and overlooks the people who work there then they will lose what makes that resort great. People like Ku’ulei, Sefa, Lipoa and many others bring the Aloha Spirit to the resort every day. There is one person that was brought over from the Islands to not only bring her talent, beauty and warmth to Disneyland but to the Polynesian since day 1 and that is Auntie Kau’i. Many others that may not be from the islands but still spread the spirit make the Polynesian unique to any other resort at Disney World.
If they keep letting go of people like Kaleo and others who are gone after Disney tightened its belt then they will eventually just be a tropical shell of what it once was. Many of these people take the time to meet the guests so lets take some time when we are there to get to know them. I know there is much more I would like to know and I will listen to all they want to share with me.
Just like the smells, sites and sounds of the Polynesian that make us feel like we are home there are people there that do that. Just like if you have ever been in the concierge lounge you would know it would never be the same if Chef Dick were not there or if Auntie and Ku’ulei were not 
teaching hula or greet you, things just would not be the same. I know we all have different Cast Members who we remember and make us smile when we see them again. How many of you who have seen Sefa at the resort knew that he is the guy in the Island Plam Press, that you get at check in, throwing the flaming baton around? I know a few of the guys are happy if they just make it to the Tambu Lounge and see Walt.
Here are some great articles that will let you know a little more about Auntie Kau’i’s background. Maybe the next time you will understand more about what she brings to the resort.
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/02/il/FP705020313.html
Check out this link to see Ku’ulei in the Disney Sing-a-long video (that my kid loves) and also you will see some of the Tikis on the stage that are carved up by Mai Tiki who does the Tikis for Tikifest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-eSTAeoNjQ
Some of these ambassadors of aloha that I have mentioned also bring the Polynesian culture to Orlando with activities that they do outside of the resort. Just something to keep in mind when you see them at the Polynesian. You may never have known the contributions they have had over the years to the resort and community.
Is my room ready?
Disney now uses Mobile Room Ready Notification Service. This allows you to arrive prior to your check-in time to simplify your resort arrival by alerting you through your cell/mobile phone when your room is available.
During the check-in process, Guests provide a cell/mobile telephone number and request a return notification preference. When the room is ready, a text message or automated call will be sent to the Guest’s cell/mobile phone number with the room number.
Budget cuts
So what does everyone think of the new cabanas on the beach? Oh you didn’t notice them? Maybe that is because the nice cabanas (a Polynesian version of the ones at the Grand Floridian) that were going to be finished by April never went in. They were another casualty of cutbacks. The statement from the resort is have been postponed indefinitely. Hopefully we will see them in the future.
Well the Polynesian may not have a place in the shade for you to rent but the water parks will now.
Disney Water Park Guests have a great new way to relax and cool off at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Parks. Starting June 1, 2009, Guests may rent one of four premium spaces within each Water Park .
Premium spaces include the personalized services of an attendant, private lockers, all-day drink mugs, cooler with bottled water, comfortable lounge furniture, tables, and rental towels. The attendant will offer hints and tricks to make the most of the Guest’s visit as well as assist with food and drink orders for the party. Food and drink items are an additional cost, except for the included all-day drink mugs and bottled water.
Signage near the park entrances directs Guests to each merchandise location for pricing and availability. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Guests may inquire about the “Polar Patios” at the Shade Shack merchandise location. At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Guests may inquire about the “Beachcomber Shacks” at the High ‘N Dry merchandise location.
Premium spaces accommodate up to 6 Guests each and cost $250 plus tax for the full day (plus park admission). Advance reservations are currently not available, but are expected to be offered through 407-WDW-PLAY in late summer
